Rheel News from IMS

As we enter the final month of 2023, many may find themselves reflecting on the past year. Things that have gone well and things we have learned from. Here at Island Montessori, we have so much to be proud of! In the past year we have expanded with a new building, a new Science Olympiad team, a new sports team, new staff members, and so much more! Our Science Olympiad team qualified to attend the state level competition in their first year! We have raised close to $20,000 in fundraising for our school AND local businesses through our donation drives. We have welcomed new staff, new families and new chickens!

As I like to say, Island Montessori may be a small school but it is a mighty school! I am so proud of all we have accomplished and I look forward to seeing how we will grow in the year ahead!

May your winter break and the year ahead be peaceful and filled with health, love and laughter!

In Peace

Alicia Rheel

Montessori environments are designed with diversity and connection to the wider world in mind– culture is interwoven throughout the Montessori curriculum! From an early age, children are exposed to concepts and materials designed to illustrate that the world is both diverse and interconnected. Children seek to find connections as they learn more about the diversity around the globe. Throughout the year we work to foster ~

• Respect and Empathy: Cultivating cultural awareness helps children develop respect and empathy for people from different backgrounds. Students learn to appreciate the beauty and value of diversity.

• Global Citizenship: In an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential for students to develop a global perspective. Understanding different cultures is a stepping stone towards becoming responsible global citizens.

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Exposure to various cultural perspectives provides opportunities for cross-cultural learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The winter holidays are upon us and we embrace this time and see it as another opportunity to explore and celebrate the various ways people around the world come together during this special season. We hope to further enhance their understanding of the world and foster respect for cultural diversity. Some things you may see happening in your students’ classrooms over the next few months are:

• Inclusive Winter Holiday Calendar: A calendar that highlights various winter holidays celebrated by different cultures around the world. This calendar serves as a starting point for discussions and activities.

• Storytelling and Legends: Shared stories and legends associated with different winter holidays. Books read that explain the cultural significance of these celebrations.

• Crafts and Decorations: Students creating decorations related to various winter holidays. This allows them to explore different art forms and traditional craft techniques.

• Food Tasting: Exploring the culinary traditions of various cultures by organizing food tasting sessions. We love when parents can contribute dishes from their cultural backgrounds, allowing children to savor diverse flavors.

• Music and Dance: Music and dance incorporated from different cultures into winter holiday celebrations. Students may learn songs or dances associated with these holidays.

• Community Involvement: Gatherings in our school community celebrating and sharing about different winter holidays traditions with their peers.

We are so grateful for every opportunity to learn about different cultures and encourage you to share the origin of your family traditions with your child! They, in turn, will teach others and help widen their classmates' perspectives.

After school programs are up and running. We could not be more proud of our students hard work!

Science Olympiad, headed by Ms. Tara are working hard to prepare for Regionals in March. It is impressive commitment to be working intensely for so many months prior to the competition! From building machines and cars to studying for intensive tests, these students are showing their skills and love of all things science! See the list below of some items that are needed. If you are able to donate or purchase, please feel free to drop off at the school.

1. Plywood (ideally 1/2 or 1 inch sheet)

2. Balsa wood

3. Several 1 ¼“ Schedule 40 PVC flat end cap

4. Several 1” Schedule 40 PVC elbow

5. Several 1” Schedule 40 PVC Male Adapter

6. 1 ¾” Thumb ( Turn-key ) Hose Clamp

7. A bag of fossils

8. Wood glue (you can never have enough)

9. Electrical tape

10. Three 1” wood screws

11. Thin metal rods

Our Basketball teams have been working so hard in practice this season.The girls team is coached by Ms. Izzy and Ms. Allison and the boys team is coached by Mr. Lucas. They had their first games this week against ALA Coastal Academy. While they did not have a win, there was a lot learned by both teams. They should be proud of their hard work and determination. They stayed focused and never gave up. Thank you to the staff and families that came to watch! We were definitely the loudest of cheering sections!!!

We look forward to their next game on December 12th at St. Mark's Catholic School and hope to have a great turn out of supporters!

Noah Marshall partnered with our school to complete a project for his Eagle Scout. We are so grateful for his work to help beautify a reading and gardening area of our stduents. This project was partially funded by a grant from the Cape Fear Garden Club. We are grateful for their support as well.

Alumni from last school year visited campus to meet with our middle school students. They sat as a panel to discuss the transition to a new school and speciality programs that our students could apply for. This yearly opportunity is always a hit! We love seeing our former students and hearing how their new adventures are going. We also love to hear what our students are curious about for their upcoming transition to high school!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break this month and enjoyed time with friends and family! November classroom guidance lessons focused on self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Kinders and Lower Elementary learned how to name feelings and discussed the Zones of Regulation. They learned strategies to help us stay in or return to the green zone, which is the “sweet spot,” meaning we are calm, focused and ready to learn! Learning self-regulation strategies early on can help students feel more confident to face more difficult challenges. So in upper elementary and middle school, we focused on problem solving skills and working through conflict. They were given tasks that tested their critical thinking skills and encouraged them to think outside the box.

In addition to lessons in the spirit of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the students participated in sharing things they are grateful for and posting it on our “Gallery of Gratitude” displayed in the hallway. Students listed things such as their families, friends, pets, teachers and some other thoughtful things! Practicing gratitude activates serotonin and dopamine in our brains (aka, happy chemicals!). There are so many benefits to practicing gratitude, such as improving resilience and self-esteem, in addition to relieving stress and enhancing overall well-being. I encourage you to make this a regular part of your routines at home, not just in November!

Next month, we will discuss goal setting and growth mindset as we prepare to celebrate a new year!

Extend the lessons at home:

Read:

• The Color Monster by Anna Llenas (K-3)

• Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook (K-3)

• Don’t Squeal Unless it’s a Big Deal (K-3)

• The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Watch:

• Disney Pixar’s Inside Out

• Sesame Street: Me Want It (But Me Wait)(Lower)

• Zones of Regulation Song For Kids- BlackBerry Jam Kids Music(K)

Discuss:

• Try asking your student on a regular basis what “zone” they are in (K-3)

• Ask your student about the “Helium Hoop” or the “Human Knot” (Upper)

• Have your student try the string challenge with you (Middle)

• Gratitude Discussion Questions