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Author: Alejandro Malespin

Earth Day Assembly

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog, Community News.

The weather was perfect for our whole school to assemble on the field to celebrate Earth Day.

Katie (teacher in Magnolias) and Wren and Alice (students from Uinta) led us in singing the Garden Song. Katie played guitar and was accompanied by Alice on strings and Wren on keyboard. The had only one opportunity beforehand to rehearse together but it was a polished performance nevertheless.

Donda (teacher of OC and GO) read us a beautiful book by April Pulley Sayre called Thank you Earth- A Love Letter to Our Earth.

And then the moment we had all been waiting for arrived- the butterfly release. Brandi (school director) and Jenn (teacher in Stars) brought the butterfly enclosures into the middle of the grass and gently opened the tops. Infants through 6th grade watched and waited as the butterflies warmed up in the sun. Oohs were heard as some of the butterflies experimentally flapped their wings. Finally they flew.

Around the world people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope and life. Our hope is that we learn to have a greater appreciation for all the earth provides and that we revisit our responsibility to preserve and use her gifts in a respectful manner.

Strategic Planning Spotlight- Facilities

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog.

The Facilities Sub-Committee has identified three primary goals:

  1. updating HVAC ventilation throughout FMSL;
  2. extensive building renovations to add classroom space to accommodate the large community interest in Montessori education for our youngest friends; and
  3. renovating existing toileting spaces.

These goals are each important for the health, safety, and development of our students, staff, and administration, and bring unique challenges and considerations. Fortunately, the nature of these projects is such that each could be pursued individually and potentially simultaneously, depending on cost and impact to operation of the school. The Facilities Sub-Committee sought bids from multiple HVAC companies, and contracted to receive an engineering assessment from a local engineering firm that was tasked to evaluate the scope of potential work, cost, and potential timeline for each project. Through this engineering assessment, due to be completed in the next few weeks, the Facilities Sub-Committee hopes to receive clarity about what projects are feasible on a short- and long-term basis, and what could be done together. Once this assessment is complete, it will be reviewed by the larger Strategic Planning Committee.

If you are passionate about any of these issues and would like to participate on a subcommittee, or provide feedback, please contact strategicplanning@mcsslc.com.

Carson Woodard – Summer Residency Program

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Announcements, Blog.

Hello,

Many of you already know who I am, but for those of you who don’t, my name is Carson Woodard. I teach outdoor classroom, G.O., extended day, and assist in all three elementary classrooms. I am currently getting my Montessori upper elementary certification, and will attend a summer residency program in park City this July. I will be selling a small collection of my poetry and three large framed poems and will accept any additional donations in hopes to raise enough funds to cover my expenses. If you’d like to contribute, these items will be available during the Montessori Market this coming Thursday and Friday, April 21 & 22.

I have also attached a small sample of one of my poems below for you to read.

Sincerely,

Carson Woodard

Soulhopper

I am here to speak about the grave details of my desire.
For if I do not expel them they are bound to
Flee at this thought’s retire.

I must find my soul.
I am unsure if a soul I have.
I am uncertain if it is a substance I can grasp.
Walking through the thick grass of my backyard,
I trudged through the freezing forests of my lost soul.
My heart yearns from above this jungle
For my nature’s disenthrallment.
And frosts upon this lawn make the bells of my sensitive skin ring,
Alarming the flustered flowers to be weary
That their beauty might meet its final spring.
As the sun arose from the mount olympus cove,
Only the shadow of a goldfinch perching on the fence showed.
But the warmth of its song unthawed this lawn.
That’s when I found it out in the open,
Hiding beneath the daylight,
Glowing radiantly upon my sight.
My soul I have found.
At last!
I ran inside with it cupped in my hands,
Towards the jar where I have kept a grasshopper alive
All winter long.
I opened up the jar and set it inside,
And I wondered who would win in a fight.
I am a child, what can I say?
I want one thing until I’ve found it
Then I aspire to play.
I waited and waited throughout the entire day.
Finally, when the sun’s colorful ship
Had sunk behind the western mountain,
I looked once more before I gave myself
To the land of dreams.
My soul glowingly gleamed inside and out of the grasshopper.
At last, I felt whole!
And that’s when my love for bugs
Became my very own soul.

Best Wishes and Farewell

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog.

The time has come for Mr. Lian and Ramira to say goodbye to FMSL and move on to new things.

Mr. Lian

Mr. Lian and his family will be moving to Bowling Green, Kentucky at the end of this school year. He, his wife, Naemeh, and children-Kham (6th grade), Dotawi (4th grade), David (2nd grade) and baby Jo will be greatly missed.

Mr. Lian has worked at FMSL since 2008. In his long years of service to our school he carried out his responsibilities in a timely and careful manner while still managing to be available to the “beck and call” of all. In his work and interactions with students, staff and parents he was so very gracious and patient. We knew that we did not need to worry as the school’s building and grounds were in his very capable hands.

Our students and staff acknowledge Mr. Lian for his hard work and gentle manner; his kindness and dedication; his creativity and innovation; and the wonderful example he set for us all. Messages can be sent to lianvial@mcsslc.com

Ramira

Over the years Ramira’s roles and responsibilities shifted but in everything she did her stellar work ethic was very evident. While in recent years Ramira reduced her hours to part-time and for the past 2 years worked remotely, her contributions remained invaluable. Ramira has left a lasting impression on our school and staff. She will be greatly missed.

Our community acknowledges Ramira for her inclusive manner; her persistence to bring accreditation to completion; the beautiful paintings and photographs she could create; and the wonderful example of follow through she presented to us all.

Please read her own words of farewell to the community here. Messages can be sent to ramiraalamilla@mcsslc.com

It was an honour to work with Mr. Lian and Ramira and a privilege to be involved in their children’s growth and development. We are very grateful for their many contributions to FMSL. They will be fondly remembered. Please join the community to express our gratitude to them and wish them well in the future.

Introducing Wynde Klauer

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog.

We are delighted to introduce you to Wynde Klauer who joined our Student Support team last year as a reading specialist.

Wynde brings a wealth of experience and training to our community. She has a Masters in Education and a Reading Endorsement from Westminster College. She spent 8 years working in an early childhood Montessori classroom and 24 years teaching 1st grade for the SLC school district. Most recently, since her retirement, she has been a much sought after substitute at FMSL.

Wynde will focus on working with lower elementary students through December 2022. She will collaborate closely with the elementary teachers to provide supplemental reading instruction to students in their classrooms that would benefit from this targeted practice. In January 2023, she will turn her attention to 3rd years in the early childhood program.

Wynde’s own words, “I am excited to help students gain more skills, confidence, and pleasure with their own reading experience.” 

Updates to COVID Safety Measures, 4/11/22

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog.

The CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool designed to help guide a community’s decision on what preventative steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital bed usage, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Maps, charts, and data provided by CDC, updates every Thursday by 8 pm ET. Salt Lake County is currently showing as low (4/5/22).

We remain optimistic about the improving trend of COVID-19. Positive cases and exposures in our school community have greatly declined. We will continue to monitor the presence of COVID within our school community and be prepared to take action when needed.

In light of the current community levels, the following updates to our safety measures are being made:

Masks

  • While community levels are in the low to medium range, we will move to masking being *optional for students and staff.
  • All staff and students +2 years of age should always have a mask available to wear in their cubby/locker at school. In addition, parents are asked to help their child ensure they have a clean, spare mask packed daily in their backpack.
  • Note, should a classroom or school wide outbreak occur we will return to masking being required for an appropriate duration.
  • It is important to us that our community remains “mask-friendly”, those who still wish to wear masks are encouraged to do so.
  • * The 5 day isolation and quarantine protocols require 5 additional days of masking following the return to school. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 are expected to wear a mask per guidelines. 

Cohorts

For the remainder of the year we shall generally keep our classrooms separate from one another. Should an event or presentation require classes to gather together, masks may be required depending on the nature of the activity.

Field Trips/In School presentations

Masks are not required while on school transportation or while riding with parent chaperones. Depending on the destination’s venue or activity, masks may be required.

Drop Off

Drop-off outside the building has been a great success. We have seen an increase in the children’s confidence and independence and the transition into the school day has gone smoothly. Thus we have decided to continue this for the remainder of the current school year.

COVID Testing

When COVID symptoms occur it remains important that students not come to stay home and seek testing. The UDOH sponsored school testing program has resumed its supply of test kits to schools. These now include at home kits. While supplies last, we will be able to provide parents with an at-home test if they need one when their student is sent home from school with COVID symptoms.

These updates go into effect April 11th.​

In the weeks following April 11 we shall evaluate how these modifications impact our community. In addition, we will be examining the suitability of providing parents access to enter the school for pick-up and drop-off outside of school day arrival and dismissal times.

While many of us will be able to relax the safety precautions we have been taking since the start of the pandemic, we know others in our community do not have that option. The elderly, people who are immunocompromised, and those with disabilities are still at high risk for serious COVID-19 illness. We encourage all members of our community to keep their safety in mind.

Parent Volunteer Hours for 2021-2022

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Announcements, Blog, Get Involved (P.S.A).

Normally, this would be the time we would ask everyone to ensure that their Parent Volunteer Hours are logged in FACTS so that we can honor your service work. Due to the pandemic, we understand if you have not fulfilled all 10 hours. We do ask that you account for what time you have spent working in the classrooms or with the school. Please be sure to include any time serving on committees.

Donate Instead of Volunteering

If you did not complete your 10 hours we would normally ask parents to make up the balance with a monetary donation of $25/hour to MEF or another nonprofit. Again, this is not being required this year but your pledge to MEF and organizations with similar values is most appreciated.

Montessori Educational Foundation (MEF) is the sister organization of FMSL. One of MEF’s functions is to raise funds for various projects. This year we were able to raise enough money to place HEPA filters in every class in the school. To donate to MEF please click the button below.

Give to MEF
Alternatively, here is a list of other great nonprofits we support:Adopt-A-Native-Elder​
Catholic Community Services
Children of Ethiopia Education Fund ​
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Salvation Army​
The Inn Between

Spring School-wide Survey

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog.

It is time to evaluate the school-wide Spring survey’s overall effectiveness and reestablish its function within our community. If you are interested in becoming involved in this project or have ideas that you feel would be helpful to the process please reach out to margaretmcdonald@mcsslc.com.

Historically, the Spring School-wide Survey has contained 6 sections. The pandemic necessitated modifications to some questions and others were eliminated as they were no longer relevant or deemed repetitive. However, in general, the questions in each section have been in place since the inception of the survey over 10 years ago. In its current format, the survey invites responses to 28 prompts and takes approximately 9 minutes to complete.

This year we want to consider the following

  1. Converting the survey to a Google form
  2. Determining which questions are most pertinent to contribute data for longitudinal study purposes
  3. The addition of sections or questions that will allow the community’s input on:
    1. Year specific events or issues
    2. Upcoming initiatives or planning
    3. School items of importance to our students

We want to ensure the length of time needed to complete the survey remains under 10 minutes and hope to increase the number of completed responses we receive.

Our goal is to have the survey ready to send to the community no later than May 19, 2022.

A Conversation – April 21 at 7pm

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog.

We are inviting our community to join us for conversation about supporting children in times of crisis, disaster or war.

We all share the goal of providing our children a safe and healthy environment in which to grow and develop. Let’s lean into our collective experience and knowledge to provide teachers, school leaders and parents with considerations for how to talk with children about a crisis.

Prior to the forum you are invited to watch this video of a similar conversation between Kathy Minardi, Magdalena Ponurska and Dr. Mari T. Fernandez on their thoughts/nuggets on the topic of becoming “First Responders” to children at this time of conflict in the Ukraine. It was designed and shared with us to use as a model to get our own community together for this crucial conversation. The video is approximately one hour long.

It is our wish that our joint efforts can have the greatest impact for the child.

Our gratitude to Cherie Mockli for facilitating our talk. The following link will go live for the meeting.

Use the button below to join the meeting on April 21 at 7-8pm. The button will remain offline until 1 hour before the event.

Join Meeting

Is there a Lack of Socialization in Montessori?

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Blog, Parent Education.

It is ironic that one of Montessori education’s biggest strengths (socialization) is often misconstrued as a weakness. This misperception starts from another Montessori strength – individualization. The argument starts from a true premise (the individualization of education) and ends with a false conclusion that children don’t get a chance to socialize.

There is some vague, hazy notion that children in a traditional classroom (who operate as a group) have greater opportunities for socialization. The reality is, “How much socialization do you get with the back of the head of the child in front of you?” (If a student does turn around to socialize he can count on the ever present, “Turn around in your seat.”

So how does Montessori’s individualism intersect with its socialization? In traditional circles there seems to be a fear that if students work together, one of them will do the work and the other will coast. Reality, (especially in Montessori) holds that children will demand performance from their peers. The classroom is noted for its peer performance and peer regulation. Even in preschool children will tell their classmates, “We don’t do that here.” Montessori promotes individual accomplishment but also provides for collaborative activity. Life is built on both.

Effective socialization is built on a solid foundation of respect. The emphasis on grace and courtesy is a foundational principle of Montessori education. In Spanish the phrase for good manners is “bien educado” (well educated). Without grace and courtesy the effectiveness of a Montessori education (and socialization) is compromised. The social component is tremendously significant in the whole development of your child. Socialization (and grace and courtesy) are intertwined throughout the day – from circle time, to snacks, to the playground or just working together in the classroom. Real socialization is about respecting others, treating others the way we want to be treated, learning to cooperate, learning to do our share, learning to contribute to our project.

Good manners is a concern for others and that is the basis for not only classroom socialization but effective lifetime success with people. Montessori children, even while achieving success independently, learn the lessons of sharing and helping others and contributing to the well being of their society. Could there be any more successful outcome of socialization?

By Edward Fidellow