April 11, 2024
Soldotna Montessori Newsletter
Early Release Tomorrow
April 12 - @ 2:00 p.m.
School Assembly
April 19th Mrs. Baumer’s Class hosts the assembly.
THANK YOU to OUr Amazing SMCS Families
Recently we had a very challenging situation develop for our intermediate teachers in their effort to carry out their overnight field trips. During that challenge, it was so wonderful to note the many families who recognized the unfortunate situation and supplied the positive support and helpfulness that allows our school to function so well. It is amazing to see the generosity of positivity that pervades our school. The Montessori tenant of “Grace & Courtesy” was on full display and was a strong source of support and encouragement to our teachers who were very discouraged by a need to alter plans at the last minute. It is this sort of exceptionalism in our families that makes SMCS a wonderful school that we all appreciate and love. We support each other and build each other up. You certainly came through for our teachers! THANK YOU!
Key News & Info
SMCS Art Night - Wed. 4-23-24
Come & join us for our Student Art Night - put on by the SMCS PTO. It is an enjoyable night with student art displayed in a gallery style, complete with Hors d’Oeuvres served by our 6th grade students. In addition to the time together viewing art, the PTO also hosts a silent auction on themed baskets. The funds from the auction are used by the PTO to support school needs.
Most importantly, this is an opportunity for our families to come together and share in conversation and friendship. So please join us for this annual event.
APC Elections
In Keeping with the APC bylaws, we will be holding APC elections on April 15– 19 via an online election tool. We will send a link to our online polling area on Monday, April 15, and polling will open at 12:00 p.m. Every parent or guardian of enrolled students will be able to vote for their choice of candidates. Candidate bios are provided below. Although we only had one applicant for our two open seats, please participate in this vote, which would keep our election in accordance with our by-laws of carrying out a vote for our APC members.
Class Placement Requests
We are currently taking placement requests for next year. Class placement requests will be handled with an online form, and a link to the form is available at the school website or use the button below. The online form will be available for use by only our families with kindergarten or 3rd grade students. Completion of the form is optional, and we will make every effort to accommodate requests. If you have questions, please contact the school.
Celebrating Staff - Mrs. Cavazos
Mrs. Cavazos has been our school secretary since 2020. She joined us right at the time of our return to school, after Covid; with masking, mitigation, and distancing. What a challenging time to begin as a school secretary! As you know, Mrs. Cavazos has been an amazing addition to our school. She is a great welcoming presence for our families, and builds string connections with each of our students. Interestingly, Mrs. Cavazos is a math wiz; and when she was hired, her former supervisor, Dr. Phillipe Tissot from Texas A&M, indicated strongly that Mrs. Cavazos should make use of her math skills in education. Mrs. Cavazos lends her expertise from time-to-time with students, and also looks for opportunities to engage in class events and attend field trips. We are blessed to have Mrs. Cavazos share her kind, welcoming, and inviting presence as our secretary at SMCS!
Other Fun Information
Spring Season Reminders
Alaskan Evenings—We love the increasing daylight, but remember to help your student get enough rest to have a productive day at school. It is easy to lose track of time at this time of year, but a good night’s sleep is still important.
Sign In—We are a close-knit school community, and we are comfortable in our school; however, please do not forget to check in at the office when you visit. It is borough policy and helps us maintain a safe school environment.
Field Trips & Volunteers—Field trips are in full swing. If you are planning on volunteering, please do not wait to ensure you have a completed background check. If it is not done early enough, you may not be able to participate.
Field Trips & Siblings—Just a reminder that our school guidelines are that siblings are not able to attend school field trips when parents are volunteering or on a visit.
Mobile Book Visit
On Monday, we were able to host and welcome a really neat event for our primary and kindergarten students. An organization called Mrs. D’s Book Mobile set up a station in our office to provide books to our students. They read a story to each of our primary classes and our kindergarten class, then every student had a chance to peruse the book choices they brought in and select two books, “A book for each hand.” Mrs. D’s Book Mobile supplied 219 books to our students! What a great opportunity and event for our kids. Thank you to the primary team for arranging this for the students.
SOHI Jazz Band Performance
On Wednesday, our students were treated to a Jazz Band performance by students from SoHi. It was a brief performance just after school started, but a great way to start the day. It is always great to see the talent in our community. Hopefully it inspired more of our students to consider band as an activity they would enjoy in the future. Thank you to Mr. Dahl for organizing this opportunity, and thank you to the SOHI Jazz Band for sharing your talent with us!
State Testing Completed!
We have finished our state testing for 2023-24. Thank you families for ensuring your students were rested and prepared for the testing days. Also, thank you to families who were able to provide snacks for fuel to the students during these testing days. It was very helpful and well recieved by the students.
Events Calendar
Here are the upcoming happenings for Soldotna Montessori Charter School. Add these to your calendar so you do not miss an important event.
April Events
4/12 | Early Release Day (2:00) |
4/17 | NEW Kindergarteners Open House (5:30-6:30) |
4/18 | APC Meeting (5:30) |
4/19 | School Assembly Baumer's Class (9:00) |
4/23 | Art Night (5:30-6:30) |
4/29-5/3 | 6th Grade Middle School Prep Week |
4/30 | F/T - Primary Classes AK Maritime Refuge |
May Events
5/3 | School Assembly & Recognition Kindergarten (9:00) |
5/8 | F/T - Primary ADF&G Salmon Celebration |
5/8 | Band & Modern Band Concert (6:00) |
5/14 | F/T - Primary Nikiski Pool (8:45-3:30) |
5/16 | 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony (9:00) |
5/16 | School Picnic & Field Day Soldotna Creek Park (11:00-2:30) |
5/16 | Last Day Of School |
Do not tell them how to do it. Show them how to do it and do not say a word. If you tell them, they will watch your lips move. If you show them, they will want to do it themselves.
~ Maria Montessori
Soldotna Montessori Charter School
158 E Park Ave.,
Soldotna, AK 99669
907-260-9221
montinfo@kpbsd.k12.ak.us