Week of February 7th – 11th Summary

February 11, 2011

Important Upcoming Dates:

• On Saturday, February 12th the Sixth Graders and Middle School students will be hosting a babysitting fundraiser from 10 am to 1 pm. Potty trained Primary students up to third year Lower Elementary students are welcome. The fee is $25 per child. Please email the Middle School to reserve your child/ren’s spot! The Middle School students are raising funds for their field trip to Williamsburg, VA and the Sixth Years are raising funds for their trip to the Montessori Model United Nations in New York City. Donations are welcome!

• Opera Week starts Monday, February 14th. Please note that there will be no tennis, golf, fitness, piano or violin classes all week. After school clubs will take place on Monday and Tuesday, but will be canceled Wednesday and Thursday as opera students and staff will be at the Marriott practicing for the production.

• SPMA Campus Open House: Tuesday, February 15th at 6:30 pm. Tell your friends! Bring a friend! Call 785-2534 for more information or email Shannon Alford.

• Pre-ordered Heritage Organic Farm produce boxes can be picked up on the SPMA porch Tuesday, February 15th between Noon and 6 pm. Sign up now for the next delivery scheduled for March 1st.

• SPMA students will be performing the opera “Persephone” on Friday, February 18th. Tickets are on sale now!

• No School in Monday, February 21st in honor of President’s Day.

• More calendar events here.

Board of Trustees Note:

• The Development Committee invites you to Dine Out & Raise Funds for SPMA!

School Notes:

• We have a long list of Lost and Found items belonging to children and adults. Please check this list to see if any items are yours. Items not claimed will be donated to charity.

• SPMA would like to thank the grandparents of both current SPMA scholar Nadia Newton (Light Green) and alumna Taylor Hughes for the new set of bleachers which are now installed on the recreation surface next to the green space.

• The Art Department will turn to Environmental Sculpture on February 22nd and needs your help collecting materials! Please save your non-perishable, light weight, clean items (pre-destined for the garbage or recycling can) that can be used and attached using paper-mâché, duct tape, wire, or hot glue. Donations of duct tape, all-purpose flour, easily bendable chicken wire and bolts would also be appreciated. Collection bins will be located at the school entrance and on the porch of the Visual Sound studio. Thank you!

• Get your new SPMA logo car sticker from Head of School, Darcie Patrick!

• Watch WHHI/Lowcountry Child SPMA videos here. The new February 2011 episode features Darcie Patrick dispelling Montessori Myths!

• Bess is now offering a hot lunch for our students – grilled cheese sandwiches! Order forms for Bess’ lunch are due each Friday by 10 am for the following week. Lunches can be ordered for 1 to 5 days per week. Call Bess at 785-2377 with questions and for full menu options.

• SPMA Shutterfly photos of:

the Jazz Concert: There was a Jazz Concert for the students on Monday, February 7th. Performances were by music teacher Dean St. Hillaire, student Jordan Sugg and SPMA grandparent Tom Ventimiglia. The concert culminated the Visual Sound Studio study of Jackson Pollock, Charlie Parker and other jazz music, musicians and history.
a visit from the Humane Association: human and canine representatives from the local shelter visited with the Middle School students who, in turn, donated the dog bones collected by SPMA
the Rugby Club: a new co-ed, non-contact after school team
the Chinese New Year celebration: Chinese Teacher, Ting Peng, and Wellness Committee representative, Carla Golden, visited the classrooms with gifts to celebrate Chinese New Year
Preprimary Valentine Lunch: the Light Green and Light Purple Rooms shared a friendship Valentine lunch
Mount Moonshell Mythology Play: the Moonshell students produced and performed a short mythological play for the Mudpuppies

• Every Friday is Spirit Day! Go to ShopSPMA to click into Land’s End school uniform shop.

Opera Notes:

• Please contact Teresa Kunich,Opera Coordinator, if you are able to lend a helping hand as we head into Opera Week!

Ask Maria:

Q: Are all Montessori schools essentially the same, barring differences between locale and ages of children enrolled?

A: Montessori is not a protected or trademarked name, so the Montessori philosophy can be used in many different interpretations and settings. This makes the school’s accreditation hugely important. You can feel assured that Sea Pines Montessori Academy offers an Authentic Montessori education by being fully accredited by the International Montessori Council and being currently engaged in the process of securing accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

Do you have a Montessori Method question? Please email it to “Dr. Maria Montessori” and we’ll get it answered. Your question will be posted anonymously.

SPMA Booster Club Notes:

• Planning has begin for the inaugural SPMA Fishing Tournament to benefit the 2011-12 Scholarship Fund. Anyone interested in helping, please email the Booster Club.

• Box Tops, Harris Teeter (relink card with SPMA 2563-VIC PIN) Publix Partner Cards (if you need one email the Booster Club and we will send one home with student). Details here.

Class Notes:

Head of School <— *NEW*