Children's House Montessori School

~IMPORTANT~
CURRENT INFORMATION, DATES, EVENTS, CHANGES AND/OR NEWS
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6/6/13

•THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013, 10:00-12:00: GRADUATION CEREMONIES / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Please join us at 10:00 am, on Thursday, June 13th, for our Graduation Ceremonies and Last Day of School celebration!

•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!

Our ceremony continues:
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Early Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from the Upper Elementary 9-12 Class

A BBQ hot dog lunch, for all the children, will follow the ceremony.

For Elementary children, our school day and school year end at this time. If you cannot attend, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.

All Toddler and Primary children must have a parent or guardian accompany them for the day's festivities. Toddler children, scheduled this day, are welcome to come at 9:00 a.m., as usual, however, at 10:00 a.m. their teachers will be going outside to join the rest of the school.

Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year.

Volunteer hot dog grillers would be most welcome!

We WILL have morning extended care, as usual.

•MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2013: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS

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5/13/13

•SPRING PORTRAITS: PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS - ON TUESDAY, MAY 14, JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS, ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND ALL SIBLINGS OF ELEMENTARY STUDENTS.

ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS AND THE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS. HE WILL ALSO PHOTOGRAPH ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS AND ALL KINDERGARTNERS (who do not have an elementary sibling).
We will not distribute envelopes. All children will be photographed and you will have the option to purchase online at J.A Photography. Class photos are NOT taken at this time.

•WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013: PARENT EDUCATION #8- "How Montessori Education Develops the Creative Child", 7:00 -8:30 p.m.

•WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 THRU MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013: STATE TESTING FOR LEVELS 4-6

•THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013, 2:00 P.M.: BABY SHOWER FOR JILL
Our Jill had twin baby boys, Matix Kade and Kai Edric, were born April 3, 2013! Jill would love to have her students, past and present, and their moms or dads, help her celebrate this special event in her life.
Join us... May 16, 2013, 2:00 at Children’s House. Please help us shower her new baby boys with sweet and simple gifts.
Also, please let us know if you would like to bring an appetizer, drink or dessert to the party. We will provide the cake!

•TUESDAY, MAY 21 THRU FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013: STATE TESTING FOR LEVELS 2 & 3

•MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013: MEMORIAL DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

COMING IN JUNE...

•MONDAY, JUNE 3 - FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013: SIXTH ANNUAL YOUNG AUTHORS FAIR & YOUNG AUTHORS FAIR RECEPTION TUESDAY, JUNE 4

•WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013: UPPER ELEMENTARY SPANISH CULTURE FAIR

•WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013: PARENT EDUCATION #9- "The Montessori Elementary Years: Developing the Entitled Learner", 7:00 -8:30 p.m.

•FRIDAY, JUNE 7 THRU SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013: ELEMENTARY CAMPOUT

•THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL AND GRADUATION CEREMONIES

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•FRIDAY, MAY 10, 6:00 P.M.: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE, “THE LITTLE MERMAID” AT UNITY CHURCH IN SLO

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4/17/2013

•WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013: PARENT EDUCATION NIGHT #7, "Comparing Montessori Education with the Traditional Classroom", 7:00 -8:30 p.m.

•FRIDAY, APRIL 19: ENROLLMENT FORMS AND DEPOSITS DUE FOR 2013/2014 SCHOOL YEAR AND SUMMER 2013

•MONDAY, APRIL 22: PLAY PRACTICE FOR “THE LITTLE MERMAID” BEGINS

•FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013: ANNUAL CHMS ELEMENTARY MUSIC RECITAL, 1:15-3:00 p.m.

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3/27/2013

•THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013: CULTURE FAIR
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR TEACHER FOR ARRIVAL TIME.

•FRIDAY, MARCH 29 - FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013: SCHOOL RESUMES

•ENROLLMENT FORMS FOR 2013/2014
COMING SOON!

•WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013: PARENT EDUCATION NIGHT #7, "Comparing Montessori Education with the Traditional Classroom", 7:00 -8:30 p.m.

•FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013: ANNUAL CHMS MUSIC RECITAL, 1:15-3:00 p.m.

DATE CHANGES:
•FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2013: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE, "THE LITTLE MERMAID", 6:00 p.m., UNITY CHURCH IN SAN LUIS OBISPO (PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS A NEW DATE AND TIME)

•TUESDAY, MAY 14 & WEDNESDAY, MAY 15: SPRING PORTRAITS (PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS A NEW DATE)

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3/14/2013

•FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013: SPRING CLEANING - TEACHER FAMILY WORK DAY!
As designated on the School Calendar, Friday, March 15 is a Staff Work Day. IF you are available, however, we invite you to join us with your children to fix up the school and build an even greater sense of community with your children and their classmates and teachers. We will be celebrating by working in our playground, garden, chicken coop and classrooms! School is NOT in session on this day, however, the staff will be here working and we invite you and your children to join us. See flyer for details.

Sign up sheet is on the front desk, please RSVP.

•TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: OPEN HOUSE
This is probably the best evening of the school year! Our Open House at Children’s House is an evening that belongs to your children. They are your guides as they show you all the materials and activities they have learned to use at school. It is also an opportunity for you to chat with other parents, the teachers and visit other classrooms. The school will be open from 5:30 to 7:30. You are welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you’d like. Please don’t miss this wonderful event!

•MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013: KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP, APEX FOR KIDS, CAL POLY

•THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013: CULTURE FAIR
We are looking forward to our Culture Fair and hope you will all be here to celebrate the excitement of the many cultures of the world with your children!

All Toddler and Primary children must have a parent with them at the fair!

You have the option of bringing your child to his or her class at the usual time, 9:00 am and returning by 10:15 to join them for the festivities or you may come to school a little later with your child and enjoy the fair. We will offer our usual morning extended care at 8:00 am.

The fair will open with singing by students from the primary, kindergarten and elementary classrooms.
The singing will be followed by our traditional flag parade, and then elementary students will share games, crafts and food from the country or culture they have been researching. You can “visit” these countries with your children and learn something about them. As you visit each country booth, help your child get stamps for their passports!

Our patio will be set up for our "World Foods" potluck! We ask that you please bring a cultural dish to share.

School will close at 1:00

•FRIDAY, MARCH 29 - APRIL 5, 2013: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013: SCHOOL RESUMES

COMING UP...

•THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO HEARST CASTLE

•WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013: PARENT EDUCATION NIGHT, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
"Comparing the Montessori Education with the Traditional Classroom"

•MONDAY, APRIL 22-MAY 26, 2013: 6TH ANNUAL YOUNG AUTHORS FAIR
Sixth Annual Young Authors Fair & "Meet the Authors" Book Viewing & Reception! Early and Upper Elementary student's picture books will be on display for the 6th Annual Young Authors Fair in the school coffee shop from Monday, April 22, thru Friday, April 26 . During the week, the authors will be reading their books to small groups of younger children in other classrooms.

We will be hosting families, staff, and visiting classrooms at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, in the coffee shop for a “Meet the Authors” Book Viewing and Reception. Let us know if you would like to provide any snacks or refreshments for this event.

These picture books are truly literary and artistic masterpieces and we hope everyone can visit, meet the authors, and read some great books.

Both Early and Upper Elementary students will be visiting the Atascadero Library on {date to be announced}. The books will then be on display for several weeks in the Children’s Section of the library the following week. Please do not allow your child to take his or her book home until after the Atascadero Library showing.

•FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013: ANNUAL CHMS ELEMENTARY MUSIC RECITAL, 1:15 p.m.
Student nonmusical performances (skits) will either be saved for Camp-out Performances or rescheduled for a school Dramatic Arts recital at a later date.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGES
•FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 10TH, 6:00 P.M.: END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE. This is a new date and time. We hope this works better for all.

•TUESDAY, MAY 14 AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 15: SPRING PORTRAITS: PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS...
Details coming soon

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1/31/2013

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm “INTRINSIC MOTIVATION AND ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENT”
We invite you to join us at the fourth in a series of eight, Parent Education evenings.

“The prize and punishments are incentives toward unnatural or forced effort, and, therefore we certainly cannot speak of the natural development of the child in connection with them.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori

Join us for an exciting discussion on how to foster your child’s natural motivation toward learning and being a contributing member of the family. We will also discuss how, without grades and tests, we assess your child’s progress at school.

Please sign your name on your child’s classroom door if you are able to attend. Child care will not be provided. We hope to see you here!

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 17th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013
PLEASE return your PINK, ITEM DESCRIPTION FORM or better yet, email your description! We need donations! If you have not yet emailed or returned a description, Auction Committee members will be calling you in the next week or two. You can let them know what you'll be donating, but please also put it in writing for our bid book and silent auction sheets.
! We need donations!

Also, please note: the reservation form in your auction packet was incorrect... we WILL provide reserved seating as we have always done at Castoro. If you have already returned your reservation form, please let us know if you have seating preferences. If you have not returned your BLUE DINNER RESERVATION FORM, please do so ASAP. The cost goes up to $95.00 after Feb. 8, 2013. You can indicate on the form if you would like to reserve a full table or if you have seating preferences.

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1/25/2013

•MONDAY, JANUARY 28 - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not yet signed up, please do so. A sign-up sheet is posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Feb. 1. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/28 - 1/31) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date. School resumes Monday, February 4, 2013.

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
PLEASE READ INFORMATION ABOVE
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 17th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013
PLEASE return your PINK, ITEM DESCRIPTION FORM or better yet, email your description! We need donations! If you have not yet emailed or returned a description, Auction Committee members will be calling you in the next week or two. You can let them know what you'll be donating, but please also put it in writing for our bid book and silent auction sheets.
! We need donations!

Also, please note: the reservation form in your auction packet was incorrect... we WILL provide reserved seating as we have always done at Castoro. If you have already returned your reservation form, please let us know if you have seating preferences. If you have not returned your BLUE DINNER RESERVATION FORM, please do so ASAP. The cost goes up to $95.00 after Feb. 8, 2013. You can indicate on the form if you would like to reserve a full table or if you have seating preferences.

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11/27/12

•WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2012, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm “WHAT IS COSMIC EDUCATION?”
We invite you to join us at the third in a series of nine, Parent Education evenings.

“Let us give the child a vision of the whole Universe...” ~Maria Montessori

Montessori observed children’s eagerness to understand themselves, their world and their place in it. Her “Cosmic Educaton” is the child's exploration, orientation, organization and discovery of the connections between the task of the universe, its natural resources, and humankind. These interconnections are revealed in the parallel studies of History, Geography, Zoology, Botany and more.

Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m. for a revealing look at the Montessori Cosmic Curriculum lessons and materials that help your children find their place in the Universe.

Please sign your name on your child’s classroom door if you are able to attend.
Child care will not be provided.

We hope to see you here!

•MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012, JOG-A-THON DONATIONS DUE
Please make checks payable to North County Women’s Shelter or N.C.W.S.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 - MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012 - "TOYS FOR TOTS"
THE "TOYS FOR TOTS" DONATION BOX is here! Our annual toy drive has always been a huge success, thanks to all of you! We hope that amazing generosity will continue again, this year! Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check to Toys for Tots. The collection box will be in the foyer until Monday, December 10, 2012. Thank You!

•MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 - KINDERGARTEN & UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO LOAVES & FISHES
Loaves & Fishes is a non-profit organization feeding families in Atascadero and many of the surrounding communities, every week. Holiday time is an especially busy time for them, so each year our Kindergarten & Upper Elementary students help out by taking this little trip to Loaves & Fishes to sort food. Students and drivers will leave school at 9:15 am and return by 11:30 am. Be sure you have signed the permission form on your child's classroom door.

•THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012...

•WINTER BREAK - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012 - MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013
School is closed during this time. Enjoy! Students will resume classes on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. Staff will return on Monday, January 7, 2013.

•SAVE THE DATE! CHILDREN'S HOUSE 17th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER, CASTORO CELLARS, TEMPLETON - FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013
This is one night you do not want to miss! You will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby, after winter break, with all the details. We will also have everything available on the Auction page of our website at that time.

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11/19/12

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2012 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the lower elementary classroom. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door, coming soon. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 - MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012 - "TOYS FOR TOTS"
THE "TOYS FOR TOTS" DONATION BOX is here! Our annual toy drive has always been a huge success, thanks to all of you! We hope that amazing generosity will continue again, this year! Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check to Toys for Tots. The collection box will be in the foyer until Monday, December 10, 2012. Thank You!

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11/6/12

•CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY FOR YOUR FAMILY ROSTER, THIS WEEK!
It will be in your cubby by Thursday. Send us an email if you would also like a PDF version.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 - MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012 - "TOYS FOR TOTS"
THE "TOYS FOR TOTS" DONATION BOX is here! Our annual toy drive has always been a huge success, thanks to all of you! We hope that amazing generosity will continue again, this year! Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check to Toys for Tots. The collection box will be in the foyer until Monday, December 10, 2012. Thank You!

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm “MONTESSORI EDUCATION-HOW AND WHY DOES IT WORK?” AND A PLAY, “THE LIFE OF MARIA MONTESSORI”
We invite you to join us at the second in a series of nine, Parent Education evenings.

Sensitive Periods - Prepared Environment - Control of Error - Didactic Materials - Normalization - Planes of Development - Cosmic Education - Three Period Lesson - Isolation of Difficulty - Grace and Courtesy - Peace Education

Join as as, together, we explore these Montessori terms, concepts and principles. This evening also includes a special appearance from our Elementary Students, who will present a short, informative and delightful play, “The Life of Maria Montessori”.

Please sign your name on your child’s classroom door if you are able to attend. We hope to see you here!

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2012: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Veteran's Day.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012: JOG-A-THON, 10:30 - 11:30 am
This year the entire school (except toddlers) will participate in our 3rd annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center. Parents, please watch for more information and a Sponsor sign-up sheet, in your parent cubby and/or via email. Last year we raised over $3800.00. Visit our blog for more info from last year!

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012: WORLD BEAT RHYTHMS INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE CLINIC, 12:30 pm
Ed Roscetti and Maria Martinez will perform using drumset and a selection of traditional hand drums, covering a variety of traditional and hybrid World Beat styles. This will give the attendees a better understanding of technique, time feel, rhythmic phrasing, song form, improvisation and leading an ensemble. This interaction offers an excellent opportunity for professionals, educators, hobbyists and, students of all ages to come together and explore communication through the language of the drum in a supportive and inspiring environment.

WBR is a unique celebration of rhythm, energy, and the joy of ensemble music. For more info visit their website http://roscettimusic.com/education.html.

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2012 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the lower elementary classroom. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door, coming soon. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:00 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. The children look forward to performing a dance, songs and poetry with you. We will begin at 9:15, in the Primary classroom. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this short, but very sweet, recital.

Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as, quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, baked goods, fruits, etc. Please have everything ready to serve. Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and enter the Primary classroom through the back playground door. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.

•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15 to 11:00am).

•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:00 am.

•School will close at 11:00 am, immediately following our potluck.

•For parents of children in ALL classes, if your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time. Children in Primary, Kindergarten, Early Elementary and Upper Elementary are planning a special dance with their buddies. Parents, please see the sign-up sheet on your child's classroom door. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT WE KNOW IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON WEDNESDAY!

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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10/25/12

Dear Parents,

We recognize that Halloween (Wednesday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Choosing a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Sale at Children's House, may be another. ;) Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carves a pumpkin and bakes the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.

At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin carving may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to men and women in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates and will also take a walk around to the other classrooms and tell the children who they are.

With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and early elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.

Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

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10/12/12

•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU RECEIVED A LETTER AND A GREEN FORM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY! PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models.

•EQUAL EXCHANGE FUNDRAISER STARTED MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 AND GOES THRU FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
The money from this fundraiser goes directly toward funding our Music and P.E. programs. You received a catalog and instructions in your parent cubby, last week. We ask that you circulate your catalog to as many people as possible and help sell the products.

We are excited about this fundraiser! Equal Exchange offers an array of Fair Trade items; organic coffees, cocoas, chocolates, artisan crafted jewelry, tree-free gift wrap and more! Children's House earns 40% from each sale. Please return your order forms to the box above the Toddler / Kindergarten Parent Cubbies. If you have any questions regarding this fundraiser, please see the letter attached to your catalog, or contact Dana.

•WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 and THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS!
John Alden from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years.

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House. On Wednesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday toddlers, the Monday thru Friday toddlers, all preschool children and all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class. He will also be shooting ALL class photos and the “all school” photo on Wednesday. Parents of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday toddler children, please bring your child to school on Wednesday for the class photo and the “all school” photo at 11:30 am. This time is approximate and you may or may not need to wait for a bit.

On Thursday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/ Thursday/ Friday toddlers, all kindergarten and all elementary students.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Please return your completed photo envelope with payment, to the basket above the primary/elementary parent cubbies by Monday Oct. 22nd.

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out in a week or two and will be distributed to all families. Please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Toddler or Primary sign-in sheets, by the front door of the Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms, or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to make any necessary changes. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you do not wish to include your email on our roster, please let us know.

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9/12/12
School has begun and there is so much to do!

FIRST AND FOREMOST!
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY EVERY DAY!
Please look inside the main school building, on either entryway bulletin board, for the list of Parent Cubbies. Your name is listed under your child’s class and your “Box” number is next to your name.
Please get in the routine of checking your cubby daily...
**Returning parents:
You probably have a NEW NUMBER this year, so please check the list!

AND SECOND, ALSO VERY IMPORTANT...
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSROOMS:
TODDLER, PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL) OR KINDERGARTEN, DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR CHILD IN WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND AND SIGN HIM OR HER OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE.

ALSO...
"DRINKS FOR LUNCH"
In past years, we have noticed so much waste at lunch time with packaged juice containers. The “throw away packaging”, we feel, does not help your child learn the necessity of recycling and the amount of juice that literally goes down the drain is costing parents money. We offer juice or milk for your children for less than 30¢ per day, if you pay for the entire year. Please complete a “Drinks for Lunch: Order Form” and return with payment to the basket on the front desk. Make check payable to Children's House. Please note, our “drinks for lunch” program, is completely optional!

AND
HOT LUNCH "PIZZA DAY"
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
Each year, at Children’s House, we offer a Hot Lunch “Pizza Day” Program. Parents love having a day off from making lunches and the children enjoy this restaurant style novelty. Thanks to the Bryant family (Chubby Chandler), “Pizza Day” returns again, this year! It will be offered once a week, on Wednesdays, throughout the school year. It will consist of Chubby Chandler’s delicious and nutritious cheese pizza, a side organic vegetable, organic fruit and milk or juice. The Upper Elementary class will prepare and serve the lunch to all the children who would like to partake. WE MUST HEAR FROM EVERY FAMILY, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE. You will find a Hot Lunch form on our website or in your parent cubby by Friday. Please complete the form and return with payment by Tuesday, Sept. 18th. Make check payable to Chubby Chandler. We will begin the program on September 19th, so we would greatly appreciate your immediate response. Thanks.

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN

•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL CHILDREN, 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS)

•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF LOWER ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (LEVELS 1, 2 & 3)

•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF TODDLER CHILDREN

•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF UPPER ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (LEVELS 4, 5 & 6)

ALSO COMING UP IN OCTOBER:
•MONDAY, OCTOBER 8: EQUAL EXCHANGE FUNDRAISER BEGINS

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8/10/12

Dear Children’s House Families,
We hope you have been enjoying your time together this summer...soon it will be time to begin our 2012/2013 school year and we are looking forward to gathering together once again! We have included a school calendar with this email.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
•Visit our blog! We try to bring you events, updates, fun stuff, news from the school and individual classrooms. We also try to include Montessori articles and tidbits from around the world, as well as some of the latest news in education. Check in regularly. We also have Twitter and Facebook, so you can stay connected with us!

•We currently have one half-day opening for a three-year-old child, in our primary (preschool) classroom. This is a rare occurrence for this time of year! If you have a friend or family member who may be interested, please have them call or email the school.

EVENTS
•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
If your child will be here for the first time in September, their teachers will give them an individual 15 to 20 minute orientation on Friday, Sept. 9th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is a valuable time for them to be introduced to some of the activities in the classroom. Appointments are made on the half hour. If you have not already done so, email us with the half hour you prefer. We will email or call you back only if we must reschedule. If your child attended summer school, they do not need an orientation. We will be on hand both days (Friday and Saturday) to collect any remaining enrollment forms and answer any questions you may have.

•SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
ANNUAL FAMILY GATHERING/POTLUCK
Please join us as we kick off the new school year and gather together for our annual potluck (drinks and appetizers only) on Saturday, Sept. 8. This is an informal open house...come any time between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and bring an appetizer. This is a great opportunity for the children to get acquainted or reacquainted with school, their friends and teachers. It is also a valuable time for parents to see old friends, meet new families, set up carpools and chat with teachers! Hope to see you all here!

*If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM. If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. Please come!
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7:00 - 8:30 / KINDERGARTEN
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL)
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7:00 - 8:30 / EARLY ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 7:00 - 8:30 / TODDLER
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 7:00 - 8:30 UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)

•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND THE MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 10)

•MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 - 19, 2012 - EQUAL EXCHANGE FUNDRAISER

•SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 19, 2012 - UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP

Thank you so much for being a part of our Children’s House family, and for sharing your wonderful children with us. We look forward to a great year.

Korey and Staff
Children's House Montessori School
3025 Monterey Rd
Atascadero, CA 93422
805-466-5068
www.childrenshouse.cc
office@childrenshouse.cc

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6/6/12

•THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012, 10:00-12:00: GRADUATION CEREMONIES / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Please join us at 10:00 am, on Thursday, June 14th, for our Graduation Ceremonies and Last Day of School celebration!

To start things off:
•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!

Our ceremony continues:
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Early Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from the Upper Elementary 9-12 Class

A BBQ hot dog lunch, for all the children, will follow the ceremony.

For Elementary children, our school day and school year end at this time. If you cannot attend, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.

All Toddler and Primary children must have a parent or guardian accompany them for the day's festivities. Toddler children, scheduled this day, are welcome to come at 9:00 a.m., as usual, however, at 10:00 a.m. their teachers will be going outside to join the rest of the school.

Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year.

Volunteer hot dog grillers would be most welcome!

We WILL have morning extended care, as usual.

•MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2012: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS

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5/2/12

•SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE, "THE WIZARD OF OZ"
You are invited, along with family and friends, to our Year-End Performance as Children’s House Montessori School Proudly Presents...The Wizard of Oz

The Play: 2:00 - 3:30
Seating is limited! If you are bringing extra guests, please let us know.

The Potluck: 3:30 - to 4:30
Please bring the following item, according to your last name, plus something extra if you bring guests:
A-F: Main dish
G-H: Dessert
J-S: Large side dish
T-Z: Drinks
Please provide serving utensils for your item and don't forget to collect your things when you leave. The school will provide paper goods and eating utensils!

The Cleanup: 4:30 - 5:00
Cleanup crew is needed for dressing rooms, theater, kitchen and dining hall. Please sign up at the front desk at school.

•DVD ORDERS for WIZARD OF OZ:
We are again hiring a recording company to film the production so you can purchase these life-long keepsakes for your children. The school does not make any money on these; it is simply a service that we provide if you want a DVD of the performance. They filmed our performance last year and we were very happy with the results. You must pre-order the DVDs by the end of the performance on Saturday. It would be best, however, to return your completed form with payment, to the school by Friday afternoon. You can print out the DVD order form or grab one off the front desk at school. Please attach a check to the order form.

•COSTUMES:
If you have not brought in clothes we requested for your child's costume, please do so ASAP. Please refer to the email sent on 4/26 or ask your child's teacher.

•LIMITED SEATING:
Happily, this year, we will have almost 100% attendance from our Children's House families, however, this means we will not have room for extra guests at the theater. Please keep guests to a minimum. Thank you for your understanding. To maximize our capacity, we will have some seating on the floor for children and young adults. Please ask your children (siblings) to sit on the floor so there are chairs available for the "old folks". :)

•ARRIVAL TIMES & COSTUMES:
We will be sending out another email this week with arrival times and costume details for your child's classroom. We will also have the info posted on your child's classroom door.

We hope you can all attend this year-end performance and celebration. It is sure to be memorable!

4/19/12

•MONDAY, APRIL 23: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO RANCHO EL CHORRO
See details on classroom door and sign permission form.

•MONDAY, APRIL 23 THRU FRIDAY APRIL 27: 4TH ANNUAL YOUNG AUTHORS FAIR
Fourth Annual Young Authors Fair & "Meet the Authors" Book Viewing & Reception! Early and Upper Elementary student's picture books will be on display for the 4th Annual Young Authors Fair in the school coffee shop from Monday, April 23, thru Friday, April 27 . During the week, the authors will be reading their books to small groups of younger children in other classrooms.
•TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1:45 P.M.: YOUNG AUTHORS FAIR RECEPTION
We will be hosting families, staff, and visiting classrooms at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, in the coffee shop for a “Meet the Authors” Book Viewing and Reception. Please sign up on the Early Elementary classroom door if you would like to provide any snacks or refreshments for this event.

These picture books are truly literary and artistic masterpieces and we hope everyone can visit, meet the authors, and read some great books.

Both Early and Upper Elementary students will be visiting the Atascadero Library on {date to be announced}. The books will then be on display for several weeks in the Children’s Section of the library the following week. Please do not allow your child to take his or her book home until after the Atascadero Library showing.

•SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE, "THE WIZARD OF OZ"
You are invited, along with family and friends, to our Year-End Performance as Children’s House Montessori School Proudly Presents...The Wizard of Oz

The Play: 2:00 - 3:30
Seating is limited! If you are bringing extra guests, please let us know.

The Potluck: 3:30 - to 4:30
Please bring the following item, according to your last name, plus something extra if you bring guests:
A-F: Main dish
G-H: Dessert
J-S: Large side dish
T-Z: Drinks
Please provide serving utensils for your item and don't forget to collect your things when you leave. The school will provide paper goods and eating utensils!

The Cleanup: 4:30 - 5:00
Cleanup crew is needed for dressing rooms, theater, kitchen and dining hall. Please sign up at the front desk at school.

We hope you can all attend this year-end performance and celebration. It is sure to be memorable!

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4/4/12

•THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012: ENROLLMENT FORM AND DEPOSIT DUE FOR 2012/2013
If you are undecided or have any questions, please feel free to talk to Korey.

•FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012: CULTURE FAIR

•MONDAY, APRIL 9 - 13, 2012: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2012: SCHOOL RESUMES

•SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE, "WIZARD OF OZ"

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3/14/12

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3/12/2012

EVENTS
•TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: OPEN HOUSE
This is probably the best evening of the school year! Our Open House at Children’s House is an evening that belongs to your children. They are your guides as they show you all the materials and activities they have learned to use at school. It is also an opportunity for you to chat with other parents, the teachers and visit other classrooms. The school will be open from 5:30 to 7:30. You are welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you’d like. Please don’t miss this wonderful event!

•THURSDAY, MARCH 15- SCHOOL WILL CLOSE AT NOON
Staff members will attend the American Montessori Society 2012 Conference in San Francisco, California.
•FRIDAY, MARCH 16 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY
Staff members will attend the American Montessori Society 2012 Conference in San Francisco, California.

•FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012: SPRING CLEANING - TEACHER FAMILY WORK DAY!
As designated on the School Calendar, Friday, March 23 is a Staff Work Day. IF you are available, however, we invite you to join us with your children to fix up the school and build an even greater sense of community with your children and their classmates and teachers. We will be celebrating by working in our playground, garden, chicken coop and classrooms! School is NOT in session on this day, however, the staff will be here working and we invite you and your children to join us. Look for more information, coming soon.

•MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2012: KINDERGARTEN & ALL ELEMENTARY, FIELD TRIP - PETER & THE WOLF AT CAL POLY, PAC
Watch for sign-up on your child's classroom door.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGES
•NEW DATES FOR SPRING PORTRAITS: PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS - ON MONDAY, MARCH 26, JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH TODDLERS WHO ARE HERE ON MONDAY AND ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS AND ON TUESDAY, MARCH 27, HE WILL PHOTOGRAPH ALL OTHER TODDLERS AND ALL KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS.
We will not distribute envelopes. All children will be photographed and you will have the option to purchase online. You will receive more information in your parent cubby. John will also offer a family photo session on Monday, late afternoon/early evening for one or two families. Please let us know if you're interested.

COMING UP...
•FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012: CULTURE FAIR
School will close at 1:00
•MONDAY, APRIL 9 - 12, 2012: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2012: SCHOOL RESUMES

•REMINDER... THE DATE FOR OUR END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE WILL BE SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 16th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012
TAFT BARN, ATASCADERO
Information and forms are available on our Auction page.

•WE HAVE CHANGED THE DATE OF OUR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE TO MAY 5TH:
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have changed the date of our school performance from May 12th to May 5th this year. Instead of a morning performance we will have an afternoon matinee (3:00 p.m.) with an early dinner following the performance. This performance includes every child at the school so we hope you can all attend. I am so sorry if this inconveniences anyone.

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1/20/12

•MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012 - EARLY & UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP
"The Jungle Book" PAC, Cal Poly. Check with Bill, Nancy, Mari or Jamie for times and details. Be sure you have signed the permission form for your child.

•MONDAY, JANUARY 23 - 27, 2012 - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not signed up yet, please do so ASAP. A sign-up sheet is posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, January 27. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/23 - 1/26) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date. School resumes Monday, January 30, 2012.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
PLEASE READ INFORMATION ABOVE
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012 - EARLY ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP
Rancho El Chorro, San Luis Obispo. Check with Bill or Nancy for times and details. Be sure you have signed the permission form for your child.

•SAVE THE DATE! CHILDREN'S HOUSE 16th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012
This is one night you do not want to miss! You will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby soon, with all the details. We will also have everything available on the Auction page of our website at that time. Please note, this is a new date from the original school calendar. Also, we are working on an exciting new venue this year and hope to be able to share the info with you in your info packets.

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12/21/11

•KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS PRESENTED JOG-A-THON DONATION TO EL CAMINO H0MELESS ORGANIZATION
Read about it on our blog!

•THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011...

•WINTER BREAK - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2011 - MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012
School is closed during this time. Enjoy! Students will resume classes on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. Staff will return on Monday, January 9, 2012.

•SAVE THE DATE! CHILDREN'S HOUSE 16th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012
This is one night you do not want to miss! You will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby, after winter break, with all the details. We will also have everything available on the Auction page of our website at that time. Please note, this is a new date.

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12/16/11

•EARLY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS PRESENTED READ-A-THON MONEY TO FRIENDS OF THE ATASCADERO LIBRARY
Read about it on our blog!

•NOW THRU MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2011 - "TOYS FOR TOTS"
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE "TOYS FOR TOTS" DONATION BOX! Thanks again to all of you for making this such a huge success! Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check to Toys for Tots. The collection box will be in the foyer until Monday, December 12, 2011. Thank You

•MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2011 - KINDERGARTEN & UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO LOAVES & FISHES
Loaves & Fishes is a non-profit organization feeding families in Atascadero and many of the surrounding communities, every week. Holiday time is an especially busy time for them, so each year our Kindergarten & Upper Elementary students help out by taking this little trip to Loaves & Fishes to sort food. Students and drivers will leave school at 9:15 am and return by 11:30 am. Be sure you have signed the permission form on your child's classroom door.

•JOG-A-THON UPDATE
TOTAL AMOUNT COLLECTED IS NOW $3,663.58! Visit our website to see photos from the Jog-A-Thon, in our Photo Gallery.

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12/5/11

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE
•WE HAVE CHANGED THE DATE...FOR CHILDREN'S HOUSE 16th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER
The new date is Saturday, March 10, 2012, 5:00 p.m., Castoro Cellars, Templeton

Be sure to save the NEW date! This is one night you do NOT want to miss!

You will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby, after winter break, with all the details. We will also have everything available on the Auction page of our website at that time.

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11/21/11

•JOG-A-THON RESULTS AND PLEDGE DONATION INFO:
OUR KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS RAN A TOTAL OF 413 MILES (2730 LAPS)!
We are so proud and impressed by the passion, commitment, determination and stamina, of every child who participated in the Jog-A-Thon fundraiser for ECHO. A huge thank you to Bill Ziegler, Amber Kidd and all of you who came out to help and participate. It was a great event and a huge success again this year! We know all of the participants are now busy collecting the donations. Please write checks to ECHO and remember, your donation is tax deductible. Kindergarten and elementary parents, please see the “thank you receipt” to print and fill out for everyone on your pledge list. Please have your student fill this out with you. We will keep everyone posted on the total dollars raised as soon as all the pledge donations are in. THANK YOU!

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2011 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:00 am:

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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11/9/11

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1 - MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2011 - "TOYS FOR TOTS"
THE "TOYS FOR TOTS" DONATION BOX is here! Our annual toy drive has always been a huge success, thanks to all of you! We hope that amazing generosity will continue again, this year! Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check to Toys for Tots. The collection box will be in the foyer until Monday, December 12, 2011. Thank You!

•CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY FOR YOUR FAMILY ROSTER!
Send us an email if you would also like a PDF version.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2011: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Veteran's Day.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011: JOG-A-THON
Our Kindergarten and Elementary students will participate in our 2nd annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit E.C.H.O., the El Camino Homeless Organization. A representative from E.C.H.O. visited Children's House last Thursday. She explained to the children how the money raised will be used at the center. For Toddler and Primary families, if you would like to sponsor a student please let us know. You can see pictures from our last Jog-a-Thon, in the Photo gallery on our website.

Kindergarten and Elementary parents, please watch for more information and a Sponsor sign-up sheet, in your parent cubby and/or via email.

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2011 - EARLY ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the early elementary classroom, only. Early Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2011 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:00 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. The children look forward to performing a dance, songs and poetry with you. We will begin at 9:15, in the Primary classroom. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this short, but very sweet, recital.

Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as, quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, baked goods, fruits, etc. Please have everything ready to serve. Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and enter the Primary classroom through the back playground door. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.

•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15 to 11:00am).

•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:00 am.

•School will close at 11:00 am, immediately following our potluck.

•For parents of children in ALL classes, if your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time. Children in Primary, Kindergarten, Early Elementary and Upper Elementary are planning a special dance with their buddies. Parents, please see the sign-up sheet on your child's classroom door. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT WE KNOW IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE HERE TO PARTICIPATE ON WEDNESDAY!

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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10/28/11

Dear Parents,

We recognize that Halloween (Monday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carves a pumpkin and bakes the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.

At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin carving may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to men and women in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates and will also take a walk around to the other classrooms and tell the children who they are.

With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and early elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.

Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

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10/14/11

•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU RECEIVED A LETTER AND A LAVENDER FORM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY! PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP! We have only received forms from 22...out of 78 families!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models.

This year we are short on Auction Committee volunteers, fix-it job volunteers, and volunteers to help plant our raised beds with the children. We also have an ongoing need for someone to do a few minor repairs. You'll find the "PARENT PROJECTS" form on our website or you can pick one up in the foyer. If you can help in any way, please fill out a form and return it. It's never too late. If you would like to help out in some other way and do not see it on the list, please let us know. We welcome your ideas and your help, of any kind.

If you have already returned your form, thank you so much!

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out in a week or two and will be distributed to all families. Please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Toddler or Primary sign-in sheets, by the front door of the Early Elementary classroom, or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to cross out or add anything necessary. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you have not given us your email address, or it has changed, please write it on one of the roster copies. If you do not wish to include your email on our roster, please let us know.

•EQUAL EXCHANGE FUNDRAISER STARTED MONDAY AND GOES THRU FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
The money from this fundraiser goes directly toward funding our Music and P.E. programs. You received a catalog and instructions in your parent cubby, last week. We ask that you circulate your catalog to as many people as possible and help sell the products.

We are excited about this new fundraiser! Equal Exchange offers an array of Fair Trade items; organic coffees, cocoas, chocolates, artisan crafted jewelry, tree-free gift wrap and more! Children's House earns 40% from each sale. Please return your order forms to the box above the Toddler / Kindergarten Parent Cubbies. If you have any questions regarding this fundraiser, please see the letter attached to your catalog, or contact Dana.

•WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 IS PICTURE DAY!
John Alden from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years. Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Parents of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday toddler children, please see Jennifer about bringing your child in on Wednesday morning.

Check your parent cubby for your photo envelope. Please return envelopes (with payment) by Monday, October 24.

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9/15/11

•FIRST AND FOREMOST!
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY EVERY DAY!
Please look inside the main school building, on either entryway bulletin board, for the list of Parent Cubbies. Your name is listed under your child’s class and your “Box” number is next to your name. Please get in the routine of checking your cubby daily...
**Returning parents:
You may have a NEW NUMBER this year, so please check the list!

•AND SECOND, ALSO VERY IMPORTANT...
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSROOMS:
TODDLER, PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL) OR KINDERGARTEN, DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR CHILD IN WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND SIGN HIM OR HER OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE.

ALSO...
•"DRINKS FOR LUNCH"
In past years, we have noticed so much waste at lunch time with packaged juice containers. The “throw away packaging”, we feel, does not help your child learn the necessity of recycling and the amount of juice that literally goes down the drain is costing parents money. We offer juice or milk for your children for less than 30¢ per day, if you pay for the entire year. To sign up for less than a full year, the cost is 50¢ per day. Please complete a “Drinks for Lunch: Order Form” (on top of the Parent Cubbies) and return with payment to the basket on the front desk. Please note, our “drinks for lunch” program, is completely optional!

AND
•HOT LUNCH "PIZZA DAY"
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st
Each year, at Children’s House, we offer a Hot Lunch “Pizza Day” Program. Parents love having a day off from making lunches and the children enjoy this restaurant style novelty. Thanks to the Bryant family (Chubby Chandler’s), “Pizza Day” returns again, this year! It will be offered once a week, on Wednesdays, throughout the school year. It will consist of Chubby Chandler’s delicious and nutritious cheese pizza, a side vegetable, fruit and milk or juice. The Upper Elementary class will prepare and serve the lunch to all the children who would like to partake. WE MUST HEAR FROM EVERY FAMILY, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE. You will find a form for your child(ren) in your parent cubby. Please complete the form and return with payment by Monday, Sept. 19th. We will begin the program on September 21st, so we would greatly appreciate your immediate response. Thanks.

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN

•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL CHILDREN, 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS)

•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF EARLY ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (LEVELS 1, 2 & 3)

•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF TODDLER CHILDREN

•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF UPPER ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (LEVELS 4, 5 & 6)

ALSO COMING UP IN OCTOBER:
•OCTOBER 3 - 7: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO CATALINA
•MONDAY, OCTOBER 20: EQUAL EXCHANGE FUNDRAISER BEGINS
•WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 IS PICTURE DAY!

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8/19/11

ANNOUNCEMENTS
•We've had our website for many years, and now, we've added a blog! We'll bring you events, updates and news from the school and individual classrooms. We also hope to bring you Montessori articles and tidbits from around the world, as well as some of the latest news in education Check in regularly. We also have Twitter and Facebook, so you'll be able to connect with us even more!

•We currently have one half-day opening for a three-year-old child, in our primary (preschool) classroom. This is a rare occurrence for this time of year! If you have a friend or family member who may be interested, please have them call or email the school.

EVENTS
•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
If your child will be here for the first time in September, their teachers will give them an individual 15 to 20 minute orientation on Friday, Sept. 9th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is a valuable time for them to be introduced to some of the activities in the classroom. Appointments are made on the half hour. If you have not already done so, email us with the half hour you prefer. We will email or call you back only if we must reschedule. If your child attended summer school, they do not need an orientation. We will be on hand both days (Friday and Saturday) to collect any remaining enrollment forms and answer any questions you may have.

•SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
ANNUAL FAMILY GATHERING/POTLUCK
Please join us as we kick off the new school year and gather together for our annual potluck (drinks and appetizers only) on Saturday, Sept. 10. This is an informal open house...come any time between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and bring an appetizer. This is a great opportunity for the children to get acquainted or reacquainted with school, their friends and teachers. It is also a valuable time for parents to see old friends, meet new families, set up carpools and chat with teachers! Hope to see you all here!

*If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. Some of the forms you received in your enrollment packet can be returned at any time, however, WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM. If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. Please come!
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7:00 - 8:30 / KINDERGARTEN
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL)
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 7:00 - 8:30 / EARLY ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7:00 - 8:30 / TODDLER
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7:00 - 8:30 UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)

•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND THE MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 12)

=============================================
5/31/2011

•WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011 - 1:00 P.M.: 3RD ANNUAL CHMS ELEMENTARY TALENT PERFORMANCES EXTRAVAGANZA! Children may perform in 1 or 2 performances showcasing their amazing talents. Performance ideas include musical recitals with instruments (keyboards, guitars, violins, etc.), singing songs (solos, duets, groups, a capella, using CDs or tapes on Bill’s karaoke machine, or with guitar accompaniment by Bill or another musician), lip-synching or dance performances to recorded music, “short” skits, stand-up comedy routines, anything goes!!!!! Because of such a long talent roster, we will have to keep each performance to under 4 minutes if possible. Last year’s show was truly amazing. Don’t miss this year’s performances. Hope you can make it.

•WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011: Tuition packets are in your Parent Cubbies for the 2011/2012 school year as well as for Summer 2011. Fall tuition for June 2012 is due now. The balance for summer is due on MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011.

•FRIDAY, JUNE 3-SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011: ELEMENTARY CAMP OUT - Plaskett Creek
There will be no school on Friday for elementary students.

•TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011: EARLY ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO THE RAVINE

•FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2011, 10:00-12:00: GRADUATION CEREMONIES / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Please join us at 10:00 am, on Friday, June 10th, for our Graduation Ceremonies and Last Day of School celebration!

To start things off:
•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!

Our ceremony continues:
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Early Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from the Upper Elementary 9-12 Class

A BBQ hot dog lunch, for all the children, will follow the ceremony.

For Elementary children, our school day and school year end at this time. If you cannot attend, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.

All Toddler and Primary children must have a parent or guardian accompany them for the day's festivities. Toddler children, scheduled this day, are welcome to come at 9:00 a.m., as usual, however, at 10:00 a.m. their teachers will be going outside to join the rest of the school.

Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year.

Volunteer hot dog grillers would be most welcome!

We WILL have morning extended care, as usual.

•MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS

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5/3/2011

•MONDAY, MAY 9, 2011: ENROLLMENT FORM AND DEPOSITS DUE FOR SUMMER 2011

•WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2011: “RACE TO NOWHERE”, FREMONT THEATER, SAN LUIS OBISPO, 7:00 P.M.
The Montessori Children's School is proud to present the informative and educational film "Race To Nowhere". This screening will be May 11, 2011 at the Fremont Theater at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $10.00 online or $15.00 at the door. Please go to http://www.racetonowhere.com/epostcard/4952 for more information and to purchase tickets. The public is invited, please tell your friends and colleagues. This is a film that no parent or teacher should miss!

Dear Children's House Families,
It was great to see some of you at the first showing of "Race To Nowhere", last month. Since there are so many Montessori families in the county who missed this opportunity, the Montessori Children's School in San Luis Obispo is sponsoring a second screening. This will be next Wednesday, May 11, at The Fremont theater. I have attached the link to the website for the movie so you can read more about it. I highly recommend that every parent take this opportunity to view this important film. As a reminder, this film is intended for age 13 and up.
Korey

•SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE
Our annual end-of-the-year performance is less than two weeks away! Your children will be performing on a professional stage! The performance will take place at Unity Church in San Luis Obispo. We are confident that you will be entertained and completely impressed, as our Drama teacher, Erik Austin and your own children, this year, bring you “Aladdin” Every child in the school will be involved in the performance so you do not want to miss it!

•TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011: THE KAEDEN McCARTY FIELD DAY EVENT aka FIRST ANNUAL MONTESSORI GAMES DAY
The early elementary students will take a break from testing and join the upper elementary students, as well as Montessori students from Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. See your child’s teacher for more information.

•MONDAY, MAY 23 - 29, 2011: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP, WASHINGTON D.C.

•MONDAY, MAY 23 - FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2011: STATE TESTING
Parents of 2nd – 3rd year students, please mark your calendars to make sure your children will be present during this week. We administer the SAT 9 Achievement test as a lesson in test taking and as a tool for us to see how the children are performing compared to other children their own age. We try our best to create a supportive atmosphere where they can learn this necessary skill, without unnecessary stress.

•THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011: EARLY ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP, EAST-WEST RANCH TRAIL, CAMBRIA
Annual Day Hike with Coach Sam. We would like to hike the East-West Ranch Trail in Cambria and end up at Shamel Park near Moonstone Beach for a picnic lunch. We have invited the Morro Bay Montessori elementary students to join us on that hike. See Nancy or Bill for more information and to let them know if you can drive.

•MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011: MEMORIAL DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED

•WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011: 3RD ANNUAL CHMS ELEMENTARY TALENT PERFORMANCES EXTRAVAGANZA
Performances will begin at 1:00 p.m. Children may perform in 1 or 2 performances showcasing their amazing talents. Performance ideas include musical recitals with instruments (keyboards, guitars, violins, etc.), singing songs (solos, duets, groups, a capella, using CDs or tapes on Bill’s karaoke machine, or with guitar accompaniment by Bill or another musician), lip-synching or dance performances to recorded music, “short” skits, stand-up comedy routines, anything goes!!!!! Because of such a long talent roster, we will have to keep each performance to under 4 minutes if possible. Last year’s show was truly amazing. Don’t miss this year’s performances. Hope you can make it.

•FRIDAY, JUNE 3-SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011: ELEMENTARY CAMP OUT, PLASKETT CREEK

•TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011: EARLY ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO THE RAVINE

•FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2011: GRADUATION CEREMONIES / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

•MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS FOR PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN

•MONDAY, JULY 5, 2011: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS FOR TODDLER CHILDREN

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3/21/11

•TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2011, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: OPEN HOUSE
This is probably the best evening of the school year! Our Open House at Children’s House is an evening that belongs to your children. They are your guides as they show you all the materials and activities they have learned to use at school. It is also an opportunity for you to chat with other parents, the teachers and visit other classrooms. The school will be open from 5:30 to 7:30. You are welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you’d like. Please don’t miss this wonderful event!

•WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011: ENROLLMENT FORM AND DEPOSIT DUE FOR 2011/2012 SCHOOL YEAR
A yellow enrollment form and cover letter were placed in parent cubbies March 9. Please return your yellow form and deposit by Wednesday, March 23 to secure a space for your child. If your child will not be returning to Children's House, PLEASE return the form indicating where your child will attend school next year.

•STATE TESTING FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS (LEVELS 4, 5 & 6): APRIL 4-8, 2011
Parents of 4th – 6th year students, please mark your calendars to make sure your children will be present during this week. We administer the SAT 9 Achievement test as a lesson in test taking and as a tool for us to see how the children are performing compared to other children their own age. We try our best to create a supportive atmosphere where they can learn this necessary skill, without unnecessary stress. NOTE: State Testing for Early Elementary (Levels 2 & 3) will take place May 16-20, 2011.

•4TH ANNUAL YOUNG AUTHOR'S FAIR: APRIL 4-8, 2011 - AND RECEPTION TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011
Fourth Annual Young Authors Fair & "Meet the Authors" Book Viewing & Reception! Early and Upper Elementary student's picture books will be on display for the 4th Annual Young Authors Fair in the school coffee shop from Monday, April 4, thru Friday, April 8. During the week, the authors will be reading their books to small groups of younger children in other classrooms.

We will be hosting families, staff, and visiting classrooms at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, in the coffee shop for a “Meet the Authors” Book Viewing and Reception. Let us know if you would like to provide any snacks or refreshments for this event.

These picture books are truly literary and artistic masterpieces and we hope everyone can visit, meet the authors, and read some great books.

Both Early and Upper Elementary students will be visiting the Atascadero Library on {date to be announced}. The books will then be on display for several weeks in the Children’s Section of the library the following week. Please do not allow your child to take his or her book home until after the Atascadero Library showing.

•THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011: CULTURE FAIR, 10:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m.
For those of you who were here last year, you already know about our wonderful Culture Fair. On Thursday morning, April 14th, the Elementary students will set up booths of countries and cultures from around the world. The Fair will begin at 10:30 when all of the children, preschool – elementary, will perform a variety of cultural songs. This is followed by our classic parade of the flags. Then, for about 2 hours you and your children will be free to visit each booth and taste foods, partake in activities and learn about the customs from various parts of the world. Please plan to come…it is a wonderful experience for all. The Culture Fair ends at 1:00, at which time school will be closed for the day. We hope that you can all join us for the fair; Toddler and Preschool children must have an adult with them to help them visit each booth. If this is not possible, please talk to your child’s teacher. All children must be picked up by 1:00. Thank you so much.

•FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED
Following the Culture Fair, school will be closed until Monday, April 25. Enjoy your time with your children...

=============================================
3/10/11

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE
•FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011: ORGANIC PRODUCE BAG ORDERS DUE
This offer is back by popular demand! This is a fundraiser for the Upper Elementary Class field trips. It is also a wonderful opportunity for you to conveniently bring home fine organic fruits and vegetables for your family. Check your Parent Cubby for the order form. Return your form and payment to the collection box in the school foyer by tomorrow. Please see an upper elementary student or teacher for details. PRODUCE BAG DELIVERY BEGINS TUESDAY, MARCH 15.

•NEW DATE FOR SPRING PORTRAITS: WILL BE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2011
This date has changed from Friday, March 25. Envelopes will be in your parent cubbies soon.

EVENTS
•FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2011: "WINTER'S END"...SPRING CLEANING - TEACHER FAMILY WORK DAY!
As designated on the School Calendar, Friday March 18th is a Staff Work Day. IF you are available, however, we invite you to join us with your children to fix up the school and build an even greater sense of community with your children and their classmates and teachers. We will be celebrating by working in our playground, garden, chicken coop and classrooms! School is NOT in session on this day, however, the staff will be here working and we invite you and your children to join us. See the flyer for all the details.

•TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2011, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: OPEN HOUSE
This is probably the best evening of the school year! Our Open House at Children’s House is an evening that belongs to your children. They are your guides as they show you all the materials and activities they have learned to use at school. It is also an opportunity for you to chat with other parents, the teachers and visit other classrooms. The school will be open from 5:30 to 7:30. You are welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you’d like. Please don’t miss this wonderful event!

•STATE TESTING FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS (LEVELS 4, 5 & 6): APRIL 4-8, 2011
Parents of 4th – 6th year students, please mark your calendars to make sure your children will be present during this week. We administer the SAT 9 Achievement test as a lesson in test taking and as a tool for us to see how the children are performing compared to other children their own age. We try our best to create a supportive atmosphere where they can learn this necessary skill, without unnecessary stress.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGES
•NEW DATES FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL YOUNG AUTHOR'S FAIR: APRIL 4-8, 2011 - AND RECEPTION TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011
These dates have changed from March 14-17, 2011. See the Month-to-Month calendar for more information.

=============================================
2/1/11

=============================================
12/10/2010

•MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010 - LAST DAY TO BRING IN A TOY FOR OUR ANNUAL "TOYS FOR TOTS" DRIVE!
Please don't forget about the "TOYS FOR TOTS" DONATION BOX! Our annual toy drive has always been a huge success, thanks to all of you! It looks like this year is no exception, as the box is overflowing with toys! Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check to Toys for Tots. Thank You!

•JOG-A-THON UPDATE! OUR CHILDREN RAN A TOTAL OF 3,375 LAPS! THE TOTAL RAISED, SO FAR, IS $5,737.08!
If you have not already done so, please bring in your donations by Friday, Dec. 10. We'd like to get things wrapped up before the break.

•TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2010 - KINDERGARTEN & UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO LOAVES & FISHES
Loaves & Fishes is a non-profit organization feeding families in Atascadero and many of the surrounding communities, every week. Holiday time is an especially busy time for them, so each year our Kindergarten & Upper Elementary students help out by taking this little trip to Loaves & Fishes to sort food. Students and drivers will leave school at 9:20 am and return by 11:30 am.

•WINTER BREAK - MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2010 - MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011
School is closed during this time. Enjoy!
Students will resume classes on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Staff will return on Monday, January 3, 2011.

•SAVE THE DATE! CHILDREN'S HOUSE 15th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER
Saturday, February 26, 2011, 5:00 p.m., Castoro Cellars, Templeton
Watch for Auction packets in your parent cubby for all the details or see the Auction page. This is one night you do not want to miss!

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11/23/2010

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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11/5/10

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP
to Astrocamp.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8 - MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010 - "TOYS FOR TOTS"
THE "TOYS FOR TOTS" DONATION BOX will arrive on Monday, November 8! Our annual toy drive has always been a huge success, thanks to all of you! We hope that amazing generosity will continue again, this year! Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check to Toys for Tots. The collection box will be in the foyer until Monday, December 13, 2010. Thank You!

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for Veteran's Day.

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:00 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. The children look forward to performing songs, skits and poetry with you. We will begin at 9:15, in the Primary classroom. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this short, but very sweet, recital.

Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as, quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, baked goods, fruits, etc. Please have everything ready to serve. Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and enter the Primary classroom through the back playground door. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.

•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15 to 11:00am).

•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:00 am.

•School will close at 11:00 am, immediately following our potluck.

•For children in ALL classes, if your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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10/11/10

•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU RECEIVED A LETTER AND A GREEN FORM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY! PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP! We have only received forms from 24...out of 83 families!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models.

This year we are short on Auction Committee volunteers, weekend and holiday-animal and garden care volunteers, and volunteers to help plant our raised beds with the children. We also have an ongoing need for someone to do a few minor repairs. You'll find the "PARENT PROJECTS" form on our website or you can pick one up in the foyer. If you can help in any way, please fill out a form and return it. It's never too late. If you would like to help out in some other way and do not see it on the list, please let us know. We welcome your ideas and your help, of any kind.

If you have already returned your form, thank you so much!

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out in a week or two and will be distributed to all families. Please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Toddler or Primary sign-in sheets, by the front door of the Early Elementary classroom, or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to cross out or add anything necessary. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you have not given us your email address, or it has changed, please write it on one of the roster copies. If you do not wish to include your email on our roster, please let us know.

•WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6 - TODAY!: GENEVIEVE'S FUNDRAISER ENDS
The money from this fundraiser goes directly toward funding our Music and P.E. programs. You received a catalog and instructions in your parent cubby, this week. We ask that you circulate your catalog to as many people as possible and help sell the products. Your friends and family can also order online at www.genevieves.com. Use our account number 11678.

We like this fundraiser because not only do they offer high quality paper, gifts, magazines and food items, but the school’s profit margin is at least 50%. Many thanks, again, to Krista Bobbitt (mom to Jess, Madeline and Matthew) and Rayna Bochum (mom to Tristan and Gabriel), for heading this fundraiser. Please return your order forms to the box above the Toddler / Kindergarten Parent Cubbies. If you have any questions regarding this fundraiser, please contact Krista or Rayna. If you would like to help them with some of the work, please let them know.

•MONDAY, OCTOBER 12- COLUMBUS DAY: CHILDREN'S HOUSE IS OPEN ALL DAY!
This will be a regular school day.

•WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 IS PICTURE DAY!
John Alden from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years. Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Parents of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday toddler children, please see Jennifer about bringing your child in on Wednesday morning.

Check your parent cubby for your photo envelope. Please return envelopes (with payment) by Tuesday, October 19.

•THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21- CHANGE IN SCHEDULE!
THIS WILL BE A REGULAR SCHOOL DAY FOR ALL STUDENTS, EXCEPT UPPER ELEMENTARY
(THIS WAS ORIGINALLY A HALF DAY ON THE SCHOOL CALENDAR, FOR ALL STUDENTS. IT WILL NOW BE A HALF DAY FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY ONLY. IT WILL BE A REGULAR/FULL DAY FOR ALL OTHER STUDENTS)
Staff members will attend the American Montessori Society 2010 Fall Conference in San Diego, California.

•FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22- SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY
Staff members will attend the American Montessori Society 2010 Fall Conference in San Diego, California.

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OLD NEWS
9/7/2010

School has begun and there is so much to do! There is information in this email, regarding every classroom and every child, so PLEASE READ. Thanks!

FIRST AND FOREMOST!
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY EVERY DAY!
Please look inside the main school building, on either entryway bulletin board, for the list of Parent Cubbies. Your name is listed under your child’s class and your “Box” number is next to your name. Please get in the routine of checking your cubby daily...
**Returning parents:
You may have a NEW NUMBER this year, so please check the list!

AND SECOND, ALSO VERY IMPORTANT...
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSROOMS:
TODDLER, PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL) OR KINDERGARTEN, DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR CHILD IN WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND AND SIGN HIM OR HER OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE.

ALSO...
"DRINKS FOR LUNCH"
In past years, we have noticed so much waste at lunch time with packaged juice containers. The “throw away packaging”, we feel, does not help your child learn the necessity of recycling and the amount of juice that literally goes down the drain is costing parents money. We offer juice or milk for your children for less than 30¢ per day, if you pay for the entire year. To sign up for less than a full year, the cost is 50¢ per day. Please complete a “Drinks for Lunch: Order Form” (on top of the Parent Cubbies) and return with payment to the basket on the front desk. Please note, our “drinks for lunch” program, is completely optional!

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN

•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL CHILDREN, 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS)

•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF EARLY ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (LEVELS 1, 2 & 3)

•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF TODDLER CHILDREN

•"HOT LUNCH/PIZZA DAY" begins WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. Forms were placed in your Parent Cubbies. Please return your form ON OR BEFORE Monday, Sept. 13. You must complete and return a form even if your child will not participate in the Hot Lunch program. (Hot Lunch program does not apply to Half Day Primary children or Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Toddler children.)

•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 7:00-8:30 pm, PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING FOR PARENTS OF UPPER ELEMENTARY CHILDREN (LEVELS 4, 5 & 6)

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: GENEVIEVE'S FUNDRAISER BEGINS
Catalog and information will be coming soon to your Parent Cubby. If you have any questions, contact Krista Bobbitt or Rayna Bochum. This fundraiser will continue thru FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1.

•FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.: AN EVENING FOR PARENTS AND STAFF
5:30-6:00: Upper Elementary Students Perform “The Life of Maria Montessori”
6:00-7:00: Potluck (Please bring a dish and/or wine to share)
7:00: Small Potatoes Concert

Small Potatoes, a husband and wife duo from Chicago, are two of Korey’s favorite performers ever. We are so very thrilled to have them play exclusively for our Children’s House Family. They will be performing a special children’s concert during the day for our students, but since they had the evening free, we asked them to play as a treat for you, our C.H. parents. We hope you can all attend...the evening will be a great way to connect with other parents and staff, as well as a delightful and entertaining night out!

**Please e-mail your RSVP so we know how many chairs to set up! Thank you!

ALSO COMING UP IN OCTOBER:
•WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 IS PICTURE DAY!
John will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Parents of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday toddler children, please see Jennifer about bringing your child in on Wednesday morning.

Check your parent cubby for your photo envelope. Please return envelopes (with payment) by Tuesday, October 19.

•THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21- SCHOOL WILL CLOSE AT NOON AND

•FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22- SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY
Staff members will attend the American Montessori Society 2010 Fall Conference in San Diego, California.

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8/24/2010

Dear Children’s House Families,
We hope you have been enjoying your time together this summer...soon it will be time to begin our 2010/2011 school year and we are looking forward to gathering together once again! Our 2010/2011 School Calendar was included with your Enrollment packets, however, we have already changed a few things. Please see the new calendar and print it out if you need a new copy. We will also have calendars available at school.

•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
If your child will be here for the first time in September, their teachers will give them an individual 15 to 20 minute orientation on Friday, Sept. 3rd, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is a valuable time for them to be introduced to some of the activities in the classroom. Appointments are made on the half hour. If you have not already done so, email us with the half hour you prefer. We will email or call you back only if we must reschedule. If your child attended summer school, they do not need an orientation. We will be on hand both days (Friday and Saturday) to collect any remaining enrollment forms and answer any questions you may have.

•SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
ANNUAL FAMILY GATHERING/POTLUCK
Please join us as we kick off the new school year and gather together for our annual potluck (drinks and appetizers only) on Saturday, Sept. 4. This is an informal open house...come any time between 4:00 and 6:00 pm and bring an appetizer. This is a great opportunity for the children to get acquainted or reacquainted with school, their friends and teachers. It is also a valuable time for parents to see old friends, meet new families, set up carpools and chat with teachers! Hope to see you all here!

•If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. Some of the forms you received in your enrollment packet can be returned at any time, however, WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM. If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.

•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. Please come!

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7:00 - 8:30 / KINDERGARTEN
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL)
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 7:00 - 8:30 / TODDLER
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 7:00 - 8:30 / EARLY ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 7:00 - 8:30 UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)

•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 7)

Thank you so much for being a part of our Children’s House family, and for sharing your wonderful children with us. We look forward to a great year.
Korey and Staff

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6/29/10

•MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS FOR ALL CLASSES. See the Summer page for more information.
•THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2010: LAST DAY OF SUMMER SESSION FOR TODDLER CHILDREN
•FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010: LAST DAY OF SUMMER SESSION FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN

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6/1/10

•TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010: Tuition packets are in your Parent Cubbies for the 2010/2011 school year as well as for Summer 2010. Fall tuition for June 2011 is due now. The balance for summer is due on MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010

•THURSDAY, JUNE 3-SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010: ELEMENTARY CAMP OUT - Lake Cachuma

•FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010: GRADUATION CEREMONIES / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Please join us at 10:00 am, on Friday, June 11th, for our Graduation Ceremonies and Last Day of School celebration!

To start things off:
•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!

Our ceremony continues:
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Early Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from the Upper Elementary 9-12 Class

A BBQ hot dog lunch, for all the children, will follow the ceremony.

For Primary and Elementary children, our school day and school year end at this time. If you cannot attend, please be here by 12:30 to pick up your child.

All Toddler children must have a parent or guardian accompany them for the day's festivities. Toddler children, scheduled this day, are welcome to come at 9:00 a.m., as usual, however, at 10:00 a.m. their teachers will be going outside to join the rest of the school.

Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year.

Volunteer hot dog grillers would be most welcome!

We WILL have morning extended care, as usual.

•MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE IS ON FACEBOOK!
Children'sHouse MontessoriSchool | Create Your Badge

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4/30/10
•SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE
Our annual end-of-the-year performance is only a week away! This year, since last year was so successful, your children will be performing on a professional stage! The performance will take place at Unity Church in San Luis Obispo. We are confident that you will be entertained and completely impressed, as our Drama teacher, Erik Austin and your own children, this year, bring you “Oliver!” Every child in the school will be involved in the performance so you do not want to miss it!

•MONDAY, MAY 17 - FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010: STATE TESTING

Parents of 2nd – 6th year students, please mark your calendars to make sure your children will be present during this week. We administer the SAT 9 Achievement test as a lesson in test taking and as a tool for us to see how the children are performing compared to other children their own age. We try our best to create a supportive atmosphere where they can learn this necessary skill, without unnecessary stress.

•MONDAY, MAY 31, 2010: MEMORIAL DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED

•THURSDAY, JUNE 3-SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010: ELEMENTARY CAMP OUT

•FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010: GRADUATION CEREMONIES / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

•MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE IS ON FACEBOOK!
Children'sHouse MontessoriSchool | Create Your Badge

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3/10/10

•OUR AUCTION WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED AND ATTENDED!

•WE STILL NEED MORE "COOKIE DAY" BAKERS!
For the months of March, April, May & June...
Please volunteer! The sign-up sheet is posted above the parent cubbies, in front of the primary class. Thank you!

•TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010: ENROLLMENT FORMS FOR 2010/2011 IN PARENT CUBBIES
Please watch for your 2010/2011 enrollment forms in your parent cubbies next week. Summer enrollment forms will be out in April. Although it always seems early, it is that time of year when we ask you to think about your plans for your child(ren)’s enrollment for next Fall. If you are uncertain about where you child should be, please be sure to ask for a conference. We can help you discuss your options and which ones would best suit your child. I also have many articles that have been written for Montessori parents around the world who are making decisions exactly like the ones you are making. And, of course, you are always welcome to talk to me.

There is important information in the enrollment cover letter. Please be sure to read it carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Please return the enrollment form and deposit by March 22.

•TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010: EARLY ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP: ARROYO GRANDE THEATER, "Miss Nelson is Missing"
Check with Bill or Nancy for times and details.

•FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010: ORGANIC PRODUCE BAG ORDERS DUE
This offer is back by popular demand! This is a fundraiser for the Upper Elementary Class field trips. It is also a wonderful opportunity for you to conveniently bring home fine organic fruits and vegetables for your family. Check your Parent Cubby next week for the order form. PRODUCE BAG DELIVERY BEGINS TUESDAY, MARCH 16

•TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: OPEN HOUSE
This is probably the best evening of the school year! Our Open House at Children’s House is an evening that belongs to your children. They are your guides as they show you all the materials and activities they have learned to use at school. It is also an opportunity for you to chat with other parents, the teachers and visit other classrooms. The school will be open from 5:30 to 7:30. You are welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you’d like. Please don’t miss this wonderful event!

•FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010: SPRING CLEANING - TEACHER FAMILY WORK DAY!
Friday, March 19 is the day before the Vernal Equinox. We will be celebrating by working in our playground, garden, chicken coop and classrooms! School is NOT in session on this day, however, the staff will be here working and we invite you and your children to join us. See the flyer for all the details.

•MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010: 2010/2011 ENROLLMENT FORMS DUE

•WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010: SPRING PORTRAITS AND CLASS PHOTOS
John Alden will be back again to photograph your child(ren)’s spring portrait. He will be photographing the children outside, for a very different look from the fall photos. Jon will also be taking class photos on this day. If you ordered pictures in the Fall, you have already paid for your class photo. We hope we will have 100% attendance for these great keepsakes. Please return your envelope by Thursday, March 18.

•TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010: PAW PRINTS!
Hedy and Ross, from Full Moon Pottery Studio, are returning this year to help make beautiful memories of your child's little hands. They come into our staff room with their clay all laid out and press in little fingers (or feet). The finished Paw Print makes a great gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day or a special birthday. Watch for an order form with prices, on the bulletin boards above the Toddler and Primary sign-in sheets. Full Moon kindly donates a portion of the proceeds to Children's House.

•THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010: CULTURE FAIR, 10:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m.
For those of you who were here last year, you already know about our wonderful Culture Fair. On Thursday morning, April 1st, the Elementary students will set up booths of countries and cultures from around the world. The Fair will begin at 10:30 when all of the children, preschool – elementary, will perform a variety of cultural songs. This is followed by our classic parade of the flags. Then, for about 2 hours you and your children will be free to visit each booth and taste foods, partake in activities and learn about the customs from various parts of the world. Please plan to come…it is a wonderful experience for all. The Culture Fair ends at 1:00, at which time school will be closed for the day. We hope that you can all join us for the fair; Toddler and Preschool children must have an adult with them to help them visit each booth. If this is not possible, please talk to your child’s teacher. All children must be picked up by 1:00. Thank you so much.

•FRIDAY, APRIL 2 - FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED
Following the Culture Fair, school will be closed until Monday, April 12. Enjoy your time with your children...

•MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO HEARST CASTLE

•TUESDAY, APRIL 13 thru FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010: 3rd ANNUAL YOUNG AUTHORS FAIR
Early and Upper Elementary student's picture books will be on display for the 3rd Annual Young Authors Fair in the school coffee shop from Tuesday, April 13 to Friday, April 16. During the week, the authors will be reading their books to small groups of younger children in other classrooms. These picture books are truly literary and artistic masterpieces and we hope everyone can visit, meet the authors, and read some great books. The books will then be on display for several weeks in the Children’s Section of the Atascadero Library the following week.

We will be hosting families, staff, and visiting classrooms at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13th in MOCHA, our coffee shop, for a “Meet the Authors” Book Viewing and Reception. Let us know if you would like to provide any snacks or refreshments for this event.

•SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2010: CHMS 3OTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY!
Please join us for a fun filled afternoon and evening as we celebrate 30 years of Children’s House! We will have entertainment by your children as well as talented student alumni. There will be art and classroom exhibits, t-shirt silk screening, folk dancing, hula hooping, a BBQ and a campfire sing-a-long! Be sure to spread the word to any alumni families who you know. This is a huge event and any help by our current families would be greatly appreciated. Let us know if you would like to be involved! Thank you!

•SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010: END-OF-YEAR PERFORMANCE
Although it is early, we want to make sure you mark your calendars for our annual end-of-the-year performance on the morning of May 8. This year, since last year was so successful, your children will be performing on a professional stage! The performance will take place at Unity Church in San Luis Obispo. We are confident that you will be entertained and completely impressed, as our Drama teacher, Erik Austin and your own children, this year, bring you “Oliver!” Every child in the school will be involved in the performance so you do not want to miss it!

•MONDAY, MAY 17 - FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010: STATE TESTING
Parents of 2nd – 6th year students, please mark your calendars to make sure your children will be present during this week. We administer the SAT 9 Achievement test as a lesson in test taking and as a tool for us to see how the children are performing compared to other children their own age. We try our best to create a supportive atmosphere where they can learn this necessary skill, without unnecessary stress.

•MONDAY, MAY 31, 2010: MEMORIAL DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED

•THURSDAY, JUNE 3-SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010: ELEMENTARY CAMP OUT

•FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010: GRADUATION CEREMONIES / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

•MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE IS ON FACEBOOK!
Children'sHouse MontessoriSchool | Create Your Badge

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2/8/10

•AUCTION ITEMS DUE NOW
If you have not already done so, please bring your items to the school, NOW. REMEMBER: Present your item or gift certificate in an attractive manner...basket, frame, ribbon, etc. If you have not yet given us a description of your item, please include that as well. Thank You!

•AUCTION DINNER PAYMENT DUE NOW!
If you reserved your dinners and have not yet paid, please make your payment now! $75.00 per person. Checks should be made payable to Children's House Fundraising.

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2010: HOT LUNCH PAYMENT DUE FOR 2ND SEMESTER!
If you received a Hot Lunch form in your parent cubby, please return it now, with payment. Make checks payable to Children's House. If your child will not participate in the Hot Lunch program for the 2nd semester, please return your form and mark "NO"

•TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 & 10, 2010: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for Lincoln's Birthday

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2010 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for President's Day

•SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010: 14TH ANNUAL CHILDREN'S HOUSE AUCTION!
5:00 p.m., Castoro Cellars, Templeton
Click here for map and directions to Castoro Cellars
IMPORTANT - THE AUCTION BEGINS AT 5:00 P.M., NOT 5:30 - PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF IT!

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE IS ON FACEBOOK!
Children'sHouse MontessoriSchool | Create Your Badge

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Page updated: 1/27/2010

•WE NEED "COOKIE DAY" BAKERS! Please check the sign up sheet on the bulletin board above the Primary/Elementary Parent Cubbies.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010 - UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP
"Spirit of Uganda" Cohan Center - Cal Poly Arts. Check with Mari for times and details.

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2010: AUCTION ITEMS DUE
Please bring your items to the school, beginning Friday, February 5. We ask that each donation be creatively packaged for an enthusiastic display.

•14th ANNUAL CHILDREN'S HOUSE AUCTION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010
Reserve your Auction Dinners NOW, $75.00! The price increases to $95.00, after Friday, January 29, 2010.
Please see your Auction Packet, for details or get all the info on our Auction web page.

•TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 & 10, 2010: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for Lincoln's Birthday

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2010 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for President's Day

•SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010: 14TH ANNUAL CHILDREN'S HOUSE AUCTION!
5:00 p.m., Castoro Cellars, Templeton
IMPORTANT - THE AUCTION BEGINS AT 5:00 P.M., NOT 5:30 - PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF IT!

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•MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2010 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED
for Martin Luther King Day

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, AUCTION DONATION DESCRIPTIONS DUE
Please see your Auction Packet (placed in your parent cubby before the Winter Break), for details or get all the info on our Auction web page.
14th ANNUAL CHILDREN'S HOUSE AUCTION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010
5:00 pm, at Castoro Cellars in Templeton. Please turn in your donation descriptions! Also, please reserve your Auction Dinners NOW! The price increases after Friday, January 29, 2010.

•MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010 - EARLY ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP
"Moscow Circus" Cohan Center - Cal Poly Arts. Check with Bill or Nancy for times and details.

•MONDAY, JANUARY 25 - 29, 2010 - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not signed up yet, please do so ASAP. A sign-up sheet is posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, January 29. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/25 - 1/28) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date. School resumes Monday, February 1, 2010. *IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.
•FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
for Parent Conferences - PLEASE READ INFORMATION ABOVE

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010 - UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP
"Spirit of Uganda" Cohan Center - Cal Poly Arts. Check with Mari for times and details.