New Discoveries Montessori Academy

Update from the Superintendent

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September 28, 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian,

As we observe September come to a close I would like to offer an update on behalf of the New Discoveries Montessori Academy Make It Great Team.  We’ve been busy on behalf of the students and families we serve, and we are enthusiastic about our opportunities to partner with you going forward.

  • The following staff members are new to NDMA this year:
    • Anna Anderson, elementary I teacher/guide
    • Amara Falk, elementary I teacher/guide
    • Oriann Johnson, elementary II teacher/guide
    • Kathleen Baysinger, resource teaching partner
    • Karen Buxcel, food service director
    • Blake Condon, resource teaching partner
    • Teigen Hierlmaier, resource teaching partner
    • Jodi Olson, lunch clerk
    • Amber Larson, front desk clerk
    • Robert Cannon, principal
    • Rosine Hermodson-Olsen, math specialist
    • Joan Sax, data and instructional coach
  • In addition, the following individuals are providing consultative work for us this year:
    • Dr. Lora Dagel, continuous improvement specialist
    • Mary Jenatscheck, Regional Center of Excellence school liaison
    • Betsy Ziemer, Minnesota Department of Education technical assistance contact
  • On September 25th NDMA received Official Grant Award Notification of $379,455.00 ARRA School Improvement grant.
  • We completed benchmark assessment for all students in the past two weeks.
  • We continued to align our Montessori curriculum to the Minnesota State Academic Standards.
  • We began to articulate a clear curriculum scope and sequence to guide lesson planning and instruction.
  • We received preliminary training in practical use of Reading A to Z, a leveled reading curriculum that will provide rich guided reading experiences for all students.
  • We are preparing for the first of six Family Curriculum Nights, scheduled for Thursday, October 4th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  Stop by for lesson presentations, demonstrations of math activities you can do at home to support the learning that is happening at school, and take home some handouts offering helpful hints and practical resources for your use.
  • Four Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) have been meeting regularly to learn how to use the data we are collecting to help us provide instruction which is meaningful for your child.

 

There are many opportunities for you to be involved in the wonderful things happening at New Discoveries.  Please contact us at your convenience if you are interested in plugging in.  Thank you for the privilege of serving you and your family.

 

Sincerely,

 

David L. Conrad

Superintendent, Building Operations Manager,

Family and Community Liaison, & Culture for Learning Specialist

 

NDMA Update from the Director

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1000 Fifth Avenue SE, Hutchinson, Minnesota 55350
320.234-6362, office 320.234-6300, fax www.newdiscoveries.org
July 11, 2012
Dear Friends,

These are exciting times for New Discoveries! We are in the midst of a number of changes at this time, not the least of which is that we are actively engaged in writing a school improvement plan, and a school improvement grant application relative to our designation as a Priority School by the Minnesota Department of Education. We have a dedicated group of staff and parents who have volunteered countless hours to tackle this opportunity with gusto. You may keep up with the work of the committee by referring to the announcements tab on our web page. Please feel free to join us at future meetings at your convenience. The grant application is due July 30th, and the improvement plan is due September 1st. A big part of the work of the committee involves making sure we have a solid curriculum scope and sequence which align with Minnesota State Standards. At the same time, we are acknowledging the role data will play informing instruction.

We have a solid foundation for providing a powerful educational opportunity for children. Through serious reflection afforded through the needs assessment process we are coming to terms with both our strengths and our weaknesses as a public Montessori school. The work we are involved in today will not only support our commitment to provide a quality Montessori experience, but it will allow us to provide an exceptional opportunity for students to meet and exceed standards for which we are held accountable.

I would welcome your questions or comments at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Dave Conrad
Director

Welcome from the Director

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Welcome to New Discoveries Montessori Academy’s redesigned web site! While here, please make certain that you check out our first installment of NDTV. In it you will find a thorough and creative overview of Montessori education from 321Fastdraw.com. In the future, you will find our own productions, highlighting aspects of New Discoveries, as well as special events.

Dr. Maria Montessori provided an insightful and solid framework for learning when she opened the first Casa de Bambini in Rome, Italy more than 100 years ago. It is a privilege to be able to build on her legacy at our little school on the edge of the prairie, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. We have partnered with many individuals and entities to bring this opportunity to fruition, such as the American Montessori Society, The Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs, and The Audubon Center of the North Woods.

If you haven’t already visited us in our safe and attractive facility, please call to schedule an appointment, or stop in at your earliest convenience. We’d love to give you a tour, and to answer your questions.

In the mean-time, please enjoy a tour of our web site.

Dave Conrad
Director

Get In Touch with us

New Discoveries Montessori Academy
1000 5th Ave. SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350

320.234.6362
320.234.6300 Fax
[email protected]

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