
See Shaw Shine
Shaw Montessori Newsletter - November 3rd, 2024

In This Issue
- Principal Engdall
- Message From Superintendent Dr.Deborah Gonzalez
- Basketball Season Schedule and Playoffs
- Valentine Cookie Gram
- Middle School Dance
- Shaw Art
- Sibling Enrollment
- Elementary Garden
- PTA
- Shaw Calendar
- Meal Menus
- District Information
- School Hours & Contact Info
Principal Engdall
Greetings Shaw Montessori,
Below, you will find a letter from Superintendent Gonzales that outlines the proposed school closures for Phoenix Elementary School District #1. She addresses the reason/necessity for closures. Again, this is a very difficult decision for all of us and our governing board. We ask for your continued support through emails to the governing board members (https://www.phxschools.org/board) and showing up to speak at one of these meetings:
Public Hearings for Possible School Closures:
○ Tuesday, February 4th at 5:15 p.m. (Governing Board Room, 1817 N. 7th Street)
○ Thursday, February 13th at 5:15 p.m. (Heard, 2301 W. Thomas Rd.)
○ Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m. (Capitol, 330 N. 16th Ave.)
○ Tuesday, February 25th at 5:15 p.m. (Dunbar, 707 W. Grant St.)
These meeting are to gather public comment as we try to navigate difficult times for public education. I hope to see you there.
HERE IT COMES!!! Construction on our playground begins on Monday! The children are very excited as are we. Construction—if all goes to plan—will continue through 3/23. The children have been informed/trained on our new pathways to the open play spaces as well as being patient with the limited available area while we watch our new playground come to life. The model we have readopted for the month is very similar to the “covid playground plan” during which time we could not use the playground structures. The children will still have the field, the gaga pit and sports court. Flexibility will be key, but we are ready. Please let me know if you have questions.
Wishing you the best,
Principal Engdall
Message From Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gonzalez
Dear Phoenix #1 Families,
We are writing to inform you about an important proposal aimed at shaping a stronger future for the Phoenix Elementary School District. As we strive to ensure robust academic programming, create expanded opportunities for students, and better prepare our middle schoolers for high school, we are proposing a closure of two schools in the district (Heard and Dunbar).
Please review attached information letter below:
Basketball Season Schedule and Playoffs
Valentine Cookie Gram
Order forms are attached below. Please return before Wednesday, February 12th
Middle School Dance
Shaw Art
Hello from the art room!
We have the Mona Lisa hanging in the classroom so students are familiar with it and grades 1 through 6 created their own versions. Some were holiday themed, some “preppy” with Stanley mugs, some prehistoric with dinosaurs. Each student added their own unique spin. Upper Elementary moved on the oil pastel cakes and Lower Elementary created their own mini museums. Kinders have also been busy – drawing donuts, doing stencil plates and abstract ruler art.
~Thanks, Ms. Allison
Sibling Enrollment
Elementary Garden
Greetings!
We concluded our final week with brassicas. We sampled some new brassicas in the garden, including, tatsoi, broccoli and lacinato kale. The kids love lacinato kale (colloquially known as dinosaur kale for its dino-like texture). The students enjoy the texture and taste. It definitely has a prehistoric veneer. It is also loaded with nutrients. Our brassicas will continue to thrive through the spring season. Keep on the lookout for more guest appearances. We begin dill & pickling next week!
Our dad workday was spectacular! Lots of dads showed up on Saturday to excavate the primary garden and spread wood chips for the littles. This job has been on the docket for years. Thank you to the PTA for their expeditious order of the wood chips and thank you to the dads that came on a Saturday morning to beautify our wonderful campus. Our parent body is one-of-a-kind. Before and after photos coming soon.
CALLING ALL MASON JAR DONATIONS! We will begin a pickling block next week and will be needing mason jars w/ lids. If you have some that you are willing to donate, then we will happily accept them. You can leave them on the table outside the office.
Parent workday is three weeks away! Please sign up to help in the garden and beyond. Link is below: https://signup.com/group/1135044326099
We are always seeking coffee grounds, seeds, and aluminum cans. If you have anything that might benefit our garden program, please contact me via email. The front table outside of the office is our designated drop-off location for garden essentials. james.obrien-moench@phxschools.org
Enjoy your weekend!
Mr. Moench
Shaw PTA
Make Your Voice Heard – Support Our Schools!
Phoenix Elementary School District #1 is making tough decisions to protect students, staff, and the district’s future. One of their proposals is to close two schools at the end of this school year. The Board’s plan ensures long-term financial stability, retains all current staff, and strengthens educational opportunities for every child.
We need your support at public hearings to ensure these difficult decisions to protect our district's financial sustainability are supported. A strong opposition could overshadow the thoughtful planning behind these decisions – we can’t let that happen.
How You Can Help:
📢 Attend a public hearing and share your support.
📝 Sign up to speak – even a few words make a difference.
👥 Get involved – earn volunteer hours and help organize.
Our goal is to have four parents in person at each of the upcoming meetings.
Please sign up here so we can stay organized. https://signup.com/go/VEkbaxe
These decisions shape the future of our schools. Let’s stand together to ensure the best for our students!
👉 Sign up now to support our schools!
Volunteer Links:
Shaw Supper Night
Rubio's
540 W. McDowell Rd
PHX, AZ 85003
Thursday, February 20th
Shaw Calendar
Meal Menus
Clink link to view menus: linqconnect.com
District Info
PESD#1:
Shaw Montessori Website:
2024-2025 PESD#1 Calendar:
www.phxschools.org/2024-2025 calendar
PESD#1 Governing Board:
Previous Issues of See Shaw Shine:
School Hours & Contact Info
Contact Info:
Phone: 602-257-3914
Email:
Principal Susan.Engdall@phxschools.org
Office Manager Claire.Kooyahoema@phxschools.org
Website: phxschools.org/shaw
Location: 123 North 13th Street, Phoenix, AZ
Facebook: ShawMontessoriCommunityGroup
Shaw Montessori / PESD #1