The 2014-2015 Calendar is up! Please check the Parent Forms page for a PDF copy!

News and Announcements

What Children Teach Us About Peace
John Hunter, a keynote speaker at the AMS 2014 Annual Conference and creator of the World Peace Game, shares his thoughts about peace education and how Maria Montessori’s ideals of the prepared environment and following the child can lead to new discoveries for students and educators alike. Peace education is a vital component of the Montessori curriculum. The teaching of peace and global citizenship can transform a child's life and lead them to a more fulfilling world view. Learn more about Montessori education at amshq.org/Montessori

What Children Teach Us About Peace from American Montessori Society on Vimeo.
We Still Need Your Help!! The Pre-Primary Teachers are Headed to the Montessori Congress in Chicago July 30th!
Unlike the sensorial, math, geography, cultural, and even practical life areas in the classroom, whose beautiful materials in and of themselves call to the children to come engage with them, the language area must come alive through the teachers’ invitational, motivational “tricks of her trade.” The consultant whet our appetites to learn more about just how to do this. And fortunately, a summer Montessori Congress held in Chicago is featuring this same consultant who will be giving a two day language workshop that promises to do just that. We need your help to get there!
Villa Alum Take Home Medals at HOSA State Bio-tech Competition
It is not unusual that Villa graduate’s move on to become successful contributors in High School, College, and the World. As a school community, we love sharing in the joy of student achievements no matter if they are still attending Villa or not. So, it is with great pride that we announce the profound achievement of Tristan Neal and Matthew Pandelakis, who both took home medals in Biotechnology in the State Bio-tech competition through HOSA. Congratulations to Tristan, who won Gold, and Matthew, who took home the Bronze.
The Mad Science Group Visits First Graders

The Mad Science Group Visits First Graders First graders had a visit from mad scientist Dr. Chaos. During AIMS testing week, all of the elementary children participated in state testing except the first graders. Instead, they had a series of fun activities throughout the testing days including a science presentation from The Mad Science Group. Dr. Chaos was the presenter, and her program had a bug theme, which was very engaging for the students.
Upper Elementary Art Show

Upper Elementary Art Show Upper Elementary students showed off their art projects and art history research during their Art Show on April 24th, 2014. There were so many beautiful pieces to enjoy— it was a great community event!
Essay on Cosmic Education at the Elementary Level
In the spirit of the Parent Education Series, Elementary II teacher Willa Flynn wrote a wonderful essay on Cosmic Education, and it’s role in school for the Elementary level.
Elementary Students JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
Throughout the month of March, Elementary students have been gathering donations and working on their jumping skills through the Jump for Heart program to benefit the American Heart Association. During P.E. time, students have been practicing jump-roping techniques, including single and group jump, double-dutch, long jump, and also classic games such as “Miss Mary Mack” and “Ice Cream Soda”.
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Parent Pointers

Have you Filled a Bucket Today?
There is a new buzz word on the Early Childhood Campus these days and as parents, I think it is important to know it and tap into its power!

The word is BUCKET-FILLER… and the question that is posed on a daily basis is: HAVE YOU FILLED A BUCKET TODAY?

This new lingo sprang up from Carol McCloud’s book; Have you Filled a Bucket Today? In her book she explains that everyone in the whole world walks around carrying an invisible bucket. Each person’s bucket has only one purpose. Its purpose is to hold YOUR GOOD THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT YOURSELF. We all feel very happy and good when our bucket is full. We all feel very sad and lonely when our bucket is empty.
PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Most of us did not have the opportunity to attend a Montessori school in our formative years. As a result, much of what goes on in a Montessori classroom is unfamiliar, and perhaps, hard for us to understand. The Montessori materials are so unique, and the Montessori Method is so amazing that we wanted to share some of it with you via a PARENT EDUCATION SERIES offered by our Elementary I and II teachers.
New Focus on Teaching Self- Regulation Skills
What is Self-Regulation?
Self regulation is pretty synonymous with self-control but with some added depth and breadth. It includes self-efficacy, responsibility & accountability, moderating behavior, maintaining balance both within and without, responding appropriately, being proactive vs. reactive, and a combination of self-confidence and empowerment.. In a nutshell, self-regulation is learning to regulate one’s own physical, emotional, and cognitive processes in healthy, pro-active ways in order to be successful across several domains of life. It is critical for both success and happiness.
The Power of Empathy
What is the best way to ease someone’s pain and suffering? How can you really be there for another person? In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to get in touch with our own fragilities.
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