Rheel News at IMS

Dear Families,

We are off to a fantastic start this school year! It's been wonderful to see the excitement and enthusiasm as students settle into their new routines and embrace the joy of learning. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in fostering a positive and nurturing environment for our children. We look forward to a year filled with growth, discovery, and success!
In Peace

Alicia Rheel

It’s Time to Explore…

September marks the beginning of a new journey for our Montessori students as they delve into their environment with curiosity and excitement. Whether they are new to the classroom or returning, the changes that come with growth over the summer give them fresh perspectives on their surroundings. Children are naturally inclined to grow and explore, and their minds are buzzing with excitement as they encounter thoughtfully prepared classrooms and learning spaces around our campus.

In the Montessori environment, the teacher—often referred to as the Montessori guide—plays a vital role in sparking this sense of wonder. With careful consideration, they arrange materials on the shelves, each with a specific purpose and countless indirect goals in mind. These materials are not just tools for learning; they are gateways to discovery, inviting students to ask questions, observe, and connect with the world around them.

As your student embarks on this journey of discovery, they are laying the foundation for lifelong learning. The experiences they gain through exploration and observation help them develop a deeper understanding of their environment and their place within it.

We Welcome You to Discover Your Student’s Classroom!

Your student’s teacher is excited to share this journey with you and will be hosting an evening for you to explore your student’s classroom. This will be an opportunity for you to see firsthand the carefully crafted environment that fosters your student’s growth and discovery. We look forward to seeing you there! Whether it is your first year with the teacher or your third, you are encouraged to come and hear about the happenings within a day at school!

Each session is specific to that level - please attend on the appropriate night. All sessions will start at 5:30 in Corrigan's Cottage with a brief presentation from administration.

Drop off

1. Single file line in the interior lane. If traffic is backed up, please go down the gravel driveway.
2. Encourage your children to get out independently. Have bookbags, lunchboxes, and water bottles ready to go. Please do not get out of your car.
3. Tardy is 8:15. You will need to park and walk your child in to sign them into school.

Pick up

1. Two lanes - interior and exterior. Please pull all the way up to the car in front of you.
2. Don't be afraid of the inner lane! You may actually get through car line a little quicker! 😆
3. If your child is a second call, please pull up passed the crosswalk and remain in your vehicle. Staff will make sure your child gets to your car.
4. Please staff off your cellphones, car line moves at unexpected moments - distractions will cause delays.

Pointers and Reminders:

• All undergarments and private bodyparts(this includes stomach and bellybuttons) need to be covered at all times. This includes wearing muscle tanks or tank tops with large arm holes. This applies to all students! Shorts must be visible - shirt should not be covering the length of the shorts.
• Appropriate shoes needs to be worn for PE days! Please do not send your child in flip flops or crocs on their PE days - they will not be allowed to participate.

As a Montessori charter school, fundraising and grant writing are vital to ensuring we can provide the best learning environment for our students. While we understand that times can be tough throughout the year, we only ask for contributions that families feel comfortable giving. We strive to improve our buildings, classrooms, and expand opportunities for our children, but state funding for public education often falls short of what is needed.

We continue to seek innovative ways to meet our school's needs, and your support—whether big or small—truly makes a difference. While we understand that we ask for help often, we want to emphasize that every request is made with the best interests of our students in mind. Our goal is always to enhance their educational experience and create a thriving learning environment.

Thank you for being part of our community and for continuing to help us grow!

This month's opportunities to support our school:

1) The FSA Alternative Fundraiser - more information below - they are working hard to support our staff and our classrooms! We encourage families to share this with others and get those donations going!

2) Change for Change - this is meant as a time to clean out the cup holders, couches, and junk drawers for that spare change that has been laying around - last year we raised $800!