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
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