Weekly Update to Families
30-August-2024
Message from the Principal
Goodwater families,
We hope this message finds you well. As we head into our long Labor day weekend, we want to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for your child's success. Every day in the classroom is a valuable opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and develop important skills.
Why Attendance Matters:
- Academic Success: Regular attendance helps your child stay on track with their studies and avoid falling behind.
- Social Development: Being in class every day allows your child to build relationships with their peers and participate in group activities.
- Building Routine: Consistent attendance helps your child establish a routine and develop a strong work ethic.
How You Can Help:
- Ensure Regular Attendance: Aim for your child to attend school every day. If your child is ill or has a valid reason for missing school, please notify the school as soon as possible.
- Plan Appointments Wisely: Try to schedule medical and other appointments outside of school hours or during breaks.
- Communicate with Us: If you anticipate any long-term absences or have concerns about attendance, please reach out to the school so we can work together to support your child's needs.
Absence Reporting:
Please call the school office at (512) 931-3560 or email us at attendance@goodwatermontessori.org if your child will be absent. Providing this information promptly helps us keep track of your child's attendance and ensures they get the support they need.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a supportive and productive learning environment. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Enjoy your long Labor Day weekend!
Mrs. Beverly
Reminder: No School on Monday
Breakfast Menu - September 2nd - 20th
Lunch Menu - September 2nd - 20th
Medicines
Please do not send students with prescription or over-the-counter medicines. All medicine must be checked in at the front office by a guardian. This includes vitamins and supplements. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Pre K Pick Up
Pre-K parents,
Please do not park in fire lanes when picking up your child. Please stay in your vehicle until you are in front of the building by the columns. Now, when the parents/caregivers come at 11:45 to pick up their child(ren) they will proceed to the right lane and come to the orange cone at the far end of the front of the building facing north. As they proceed we will read their car tag # and put the number into our Curbsmart system. Each student that comes to the atrium will have a name tag and cart tag # on a lanyard so staff can bring the child(ren) to the parents/caregiver’s vehicle. If the student is still wearing their lanyard please notify staff. We appreciate the feedback from parents/caregivers on how we can improve processes.Please reach out if you have additional questions.
Note from Dr. Bruce
Dear Goodwater Montessori Families,
Hope this note finds you and your families well.
We have now completed three weeks of school. The communities spent the first two weeks establishing processes, procedures, and communities guidelines for behavior. The students have had their first fire drill. This week the communities have taken their first MAP (Measures Academic Progress). We compare this BOY (Beginning of Year) with the BOY from last year to compare where the student is now to then. We also look at the EOY (End of Year), Spring 2024 to see if a student has any possible area of lost learning. These scores will be provided to parents as soon as all students complete this assessment.
This week students the Guides have started using our new curriculum Amplify (English Language Arts/Reading), and Eureka (Math) in K-5 as well as Montessori methodolgy for all grades. SustainEd (our consultant for academic improvement was at school on Thursday. This team is working with administration and guides to assist in the implementation and evaluation of the implementation strategies, as well as providing assistance in delivery of Montessori methodology. The team observed communities with our administration in several communities and reviewed observations to develop strategies for improvement.
On Thursday Ms Beverly, Ms. Kristi, and Ms. Melissa held a Montessori Philosophy workshop for our Grade 3-5 parents/caregivers in the atrium of the school. Ms. Melissa shared with parents additional information relating to the concepts of Montessori. Our next workshop series will be devoted to Montessori material and how it is used in the communities.
We did change the pick up for our PreK3 students after we learned there was an issue with vehicles blocking traffic. Now, when the parents/caregivers come at 11:45 to pick up their child(ren) they will proceed to the right lane and come to the orange cone at the far end of the front of the building facing north. As they proceed we will read their car tag # and put the number into our Curbsmart system. Each student that comes to the atrium will have a name tag and cart tag # on a lanyard so staff can bring the child(ren) to the parents/caregiver’s vehicle. If the student is still wearing their lanyard please notify staff. We appreciate the feedback from parents/caregivers on how we can improve processes.
Labor Day is this weekend. Please mark your calendars there is No School on Monday, September 1.
Our attendance these first three weeks has been outstanding. We are currently at 95%. Just a reminder that both enrollment and attendance are the key factors of how we are financed by the state. Each time a student is absent we lose $60. If you have multiple students in your family, it is important that if other siblings are not exhibiting symptoms those students should come to school.
I do want to remind everyone that on our website we do have a donation page. I am enclosing that link below.
Public Charter Schools in Texas receive approximately $1,000 less funding per student that ISD, We do not have a tax base as ISDs have. We appreciate all of the donations we receive. If you, or a relative, or a family friend we would appreciate any support.
Please be safe this Labor Day weekend and enjoy your families.
Kindest Regards
Dr. Bruce
Substitutes Needed...
We need your help! We are in need of substitute teachers for the 24-25 school year. Please go to our website and complete an application to be a guest guide.
We appreciate your help!
Maria Montessori's Birthday
As we approach August 31, we have the opportunity to celebrate the birth of an extraordinary woman whose influence on education continues to resonate worldwide—Maria Montessori. Born in 1870, Montessori was a pioneer who not only challenged the conventions of her time but also laid the foundation for a revolutionary approach to education that has endured for over a century.
On her birthday, we honor not just the woman, but the philosophy she championed—one that respects the individuality of each child and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or simply someone who values innovative approaches to education, August 31 is a day to reflect on how Montessori’s principles can continue to inspire and guide us.
News from the PTO
GOODWATER PTO BOARD POSITIONS OPEN
With some recent changes, the PTO is looking for a fresh reset 2024-2025 school year.
If you are interested in joining the PTO and/or serving on the board, we would love to have you. Please fill out this form and we will contact you directly.
https://forms.gle/3cDuvnohnADip3XaA
STAFF SNACK CART
We are still accepting donations for the staff snack cart to restock our teacher's lounge.
If you are able to contribute in any way, we would be so grateful! Use this link to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EA8A72AA1F8C16-50885697-goodwater
PTO MEMBER MEETING
WHAT? Goodwater PTO Member Meeting (1st Member Meeting of the year)
WHEN? Wednesday,September 18th @ 6pm
WHERE? @ Goodwater Montessori School
This Meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend to get more information regarding the PTO and how you can help contribute to making our students, staff, and families have the best possible experience at Goodwater .... anyone is welcome to join. Hope to see you there.
Our New Executive Assistant in School Programs - Kindra Mitchell-Dorsey
We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Kindra Mitchell-Dorsey to Goodwater Montessori as our new Executive Assistant in School Programs. With an impressive academic background, Mrs. Mitchell-Dorsey holds a PhD in Family Studies and a Masters in Counseling Psychology, along with being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her expertise will undoubtedly enhance our school programs.
On a personal note, Mrs. Mitchell-Dorsey’s son is currently a kindergartener at Goodwater, marking their first experience with our community. Outside of work, she enjoys college basketball, video games, foosball, and cherishing time with her family. We are excited to have her join our team and bring her unique talents and perspectives to our school.
We are so happy to have Kindra as a part of our team!
Donations to Goodwater Montessori
Setting up a one-time or recurring online donation is the best way to support Goodwater Montessori. Charter schools in Texas receive significantly less funding than public schools. For more information on these topics, see how we are funded and the different giving options available for families to support our school.
Click on the link below if you would like to make a donation:
Upcoming Events
- Monday, September 2nd, 2024
- No school
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024
Grandparents Breakfast PK-1st 8:00 am - 8:30 am 'Kicking off the Year with Grandparents'
Wednesday, September 4th, 2024- Grandparents Day 2nd-3rd 8:00 am - 8:30 am 'Kicking off the Year with Grandparents'
Thursday, September 5th,2024
- Grandparents day 4th-5th 8:00 am - 8:30 am 'Kicking off the Year with Grandparents'
Saturday, September 7th, 2024- Operation Orchard Clean-Up 7:00 am - 11:00 am
Friday, September 27, 2024
- End of 6 weeks
Contact Info
Goodwater Montessori Charter School
Principal: Mrs. Beverly Al-TabatabaieWebsite: www.goodwatermontessori.org
Location: 710 Stadium Dr, Georgetown, TX, USA
Phone: (512) 931-3560