October 26, 2026

 

Thank you to the Zaft family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week and to parent volunteer, Kathleen Brieske, for picking up the pizza this week!

 

Safety Week: This week is Safety Week; we will be going over the different safety drills with the students and practicing different drills. We will be doing an off-site evacuation drill this Friday, October 30^th.

Please sign the following permission slip to have your student participate in the drill, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckbDpjzqPVRwjk6pZGztuv8VphW7H-yQaaCkZffZZcOrcSFw/viewform?usp=publish-editor.

 

Great Lives Project: Students should have chosen who they will be researching for their Great Lives Project by today.

The next thing due is the Project Proposal and Notecards. I will be going over the requirements in class and giving a lesson on how to do the notecards this week. The Project Proposal is due Friday, November 13^th and the Notecards are due Friday, November 20^th.

Please support your student by helping them find books on their person, a trip to the local library is always great.

 

Reminder: With Halloween this weekend, a reminder that students are not allowed to have candy at school. They also should not be wearing any costume to school. A headband or other decorative item is fine, but masks and full costumes are not allowed.

 

Lost and Found: This week will be lost and found viewing. All lost and found items will be put out in the carline area, anything not claimed by the end of the week will be donated.

 

Scholastic Book Fair: The Book Fair will be next week! Monday, November 2^nd-Friday November 6^th!

Please make sure to go through the front office and get a visitor badge if you will be attending the book fair

 

You can visit our Book Fair homepage to shop online, set up your student’s eWallet, or donate to Share the Fair using the link below:

👉 https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/villamontessori

 

The Scholastic Book Fair needs volunteers! The story starts with you! Sign Up Here to Volunteer  

The schedule for the fair is: 

• Monday: 8 am - 6 pm
• Tuesday - Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
• Friday: 8 am - 4 pm

 

 

 

October 19, 2026

I hope everyone had a nice and enjoyable Fall Break!

 

Picture Day: Picture Day will be tomorrow Tuesday, October 20^th. Our class time is at 8:40 am, please make sure your student arrives on time and ready so not to miss our class picture time.

 

Hasta La Muerte: This Tuesday, October 20^th we will also be viewing a livestream of the production Hasta La Muerte through ASU Gammage. Hasta La Muerte is a performance that celebrates Life and Death, in the spirit of the Indigenous/Mexican practice, known as Day of the Dead. It is a multi-dimensional theatrical and musical performance.

 

Great Lives Fair: This year we will be doing the Great Lives Fair, students choose a person who has made a positive and lasting impression on the world and do a report on that person. Students are expected to complete a biography, a tri-fold board, 3D project and presentation. Instructions and rubrics are included in the Great Lives packet which has been given to students today. Please review the packet with your student and go over the due dates. The fair will be happening the week of January 25^th, 2027.

The first thing due is the Signature Page with your student’s choice, it is due next Monday, October 26^th.

 

This Friday, October 23^rd is a Half-Day for Staff Professional Development. Everyone will be out at 11:30 am, there will be NO CIRCLE.

 

 

Trunk or Treat: Don't miss this festive FREE family event! Our annual Trunk or Treat is this Saturday, October 24th. We have designated age-based time slots so children of all ages can safely enjoy the fun. Costumes are encouraged!!

Elementary 2 and Middle School times are 6pm-6:45 pm

 

 

October 5, 2026

 

A big shout out and THANK YOU to parent volunteers for helping last week. First, to Sophia Zaft, for coming in and doing a Peace Education activity with the students about perspective. Second, to parent volunteer, Tanya Whiteford, and grandparent volunteer, Jeff Schaefer, for coming in Friday and helping the class start our garden!

 

Thank you to the Washington family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this Friday and to parent volunteer, Kathleen Brieske, for picking up the pizza this week!

 

Vision and Hearing Screenings: 5^th grade students and those who get special services will be doing Vision and Hearing screenings tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6^th. If your child wears glasses, please make sure they bring them and wear them to school tomorrow.

 

Field Trip: This Thursday, October 8^th will be our class field trip to SMOCA, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. We will be having lunch at the museum please make sure your student brings a packed lunch.

 

Pajama Day: This Friday, October 9th will be our first Pajama Day. On Pajama Days students are allowed to wear their pajamas to school and bring in one blanket and/or pillow. They also are allowed to bring in any school appropriate games, books, or movies. Movies should be age and school appropriate and rated G or PG. Students need to have all of their weekly work completed to participate in Pajama Day activities.

Please fill out the following form allowing your student to watch a G or PG movie, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSde4lsCW8X9HWNBetGd17u7RMKriNRgjdYZUkGW4E_57ymDTQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

 

Homework: Students will continue to do 20 minutes a night of IXL and 20 minutes of reading a night. Remember students need to reach a Smart Score of 80 on each assigned concept. If a student is struggling with a concept for over 20 minutes they may move on and ask for help at school.

Over Fall Break students just need to do one 20-minute session of IXL and 20 minutes of reading.

We will not be doing spelling practice or tests this week, we will continue spelling after Fall break.

 

Next week is Fall Break, October 12^th-16^th. School resumes on Monday, October 19^th.

 

 

 

September 29, 2025

 

Thank you to the Brieske/Dockery family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this Friday and to parent volunteer, Michael Book, for picking up the pizza this week!

 

Class Visit: SMOCA, The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art will be visiting our class this Thursday, to do an activity with the students and prepare them for our visit to the museum next week. Next week we will have a field trip to SMOCA on Thursday, October 8^th.

 

Trunk or Treat: Villa’s Annual Trunk or Treat will be happening Saturday October 24^th!

There are still openings for cars as well as other volunteer opportunities. Sign-up by clicking the following link, ALL CLASSES: Trunk or Treat Sign Up 2026

We are asking for candy and non-candy donations. Candy and non-candy treats can be dropped off at the Admin Office during normal business hours, M-F, 7 am- 6 pm. We appreciate your donations!!

 

 

Whole Class Lessons Given in September

•       History: Timeline of Writing, Building Blocks of Civilization
•       Science: Organization of the Human Body
•       Geography: Types of Maps, Fundamental Needs of Humans
•      Novel Study: Wonder
•      Writing: The Writing Process, Editing, Myth Writing, Fact vs. Opinion, Opinion Writing

 

September 21, 2026

 

IXL Homework: Students are starting their nightly IXL homework tonight.

 

Each week, your child will be assigned skills to practice on IXL.

The goal is for students to reach a SmartScore of at least 80 on each assigned concept.

 

How Does My Child Find Their Homework?

 

Go to https://www.ixl.com/signin/villamontessori

Login with your student's information. 

Once logged in make sure students are in the ‘My IXL’ tab on the far left. 

Then click the ‘From Your Teacher’ tab.

Click the assigned skills to begin practice.

Students will be assigned new lessons weekly and will need to work on the assigned lessons nightly for at least 20 minutes.

If students complete all of their “From Your Teacher’ skills, they should then work on the ‘Recommendations’ skills.

 

The 20-Minute Rule

 

We do NOT want homework to become frustrating or overwhelming!

If your child is having difficulty reaching a SmartScore of 80 on a concept and has been actively working on that concept for 20 minutes, please have them STOP.

It is okay if they did not reach an 80! This lets me know that your child may need some additional support with that skill, and we can work on it together at school.

 

 

What If My Child Gets Stuck?

IXL has some great built-in resources to help students when they are having difficulty.

Students can select:

“Learn with an Example” – IXL will walk them through an example of the skill.

“Watch a Video” – Students can watch a short lesson explaining the concept.

Please encourage your child to use these resources when needed!

 

 Show Your Work!

Students should use a notebook or scrap paper to work out their math problems.

Please have your child bring their notebook or work paper to school each morning. This allows me to see their thinking and better understand where they may need additional help.

 

Parents, Your Job Just Got a Little Easier!

The great news is that you do NOT need to correct your child's math homework!

IXL will provide immediate feedback and let your child know whether their answers are correct.

Your most important job is simply to provide support and encouragement as your child completes their daily math practice.

Please remember, progress and understanding are more important than frustration. If your child has truly worked on a concept for 20 minutes and is struggling to reach an 80 SmartScore, have them stop and bring their work (notebook or scrap work paper) to school so I can help.

 

Please email me at [email protected], with any questions about the new homework program.

 

Students will also continue to read 20 minutes a night and fill out their reading log.

 

 

Goal Setting Conferences: We are continuing Goal Setting Conferences this week. This Friday, September 25^th is another Half-Day school will be out at 11:30 am, there will be Circle.

Conferences will be held inside the classroom if before school or after school or in the front/back of the classroom during the morning times. During the conference students will be going over their goals they have set for themselves for this school year.

 

 

Class Garden: Next week, we will be having some parent volunteers come in and start our class garden!

We are still in need of some soil for the garden. We need about 8-40lb bags. I will be going to the nursery over the weekend to get some soil and seeds, if you would like to donate some money for the garden, you can Venmo me at @Stefanie-Lehmann-2, Stefanie Lehmann | @Stefanie-Lehmann-2, last 4 digits of my number are 8979.

 

 

 

September 14, 2026

 

Goal Setting Conferences: We will start Goal Setting Conferences this week. This Friday, September 18^th is another Half-Day, school will be out at 11:30 am, there will be Circle.

 

Conferences will be held inside the classroom if before school or after school. If during the morning school time they will be in the front/back of the classroom. During the conference students will be going over their goals they have set for themselves for this school year.

If you have not done so already, please sign-up for a time to meet by clicking the following link, Stefanie's class: Stefanie's Goal Setting Conferences 2026-2027

 

 

Seesaw: This year we will be using the Seesaw app in the class to share pictures of students and their work with their families. Only parents will be able to see the pictures that their child are in, and it is not a public platform.

 To sign-up, please click the following link, https://app.seesaw.me/s/540-859-790

 Once signed-up we will be sending pictures of your student in the class throughout the year.

 

 

Homework: Students should be finishing their Review homework packet this week, with Lesson 20 due this Friday. They should continue to read at least 20 minutes a night and fill out their Reading Log, as well.

 

Starting next Monday, September 21^st students will be using IXL to do their homework. A letter with their login and password is being sent home today for you to help your student login and be ready to start next Monday night.

 

This week I have assigned math facts practice for the students to get familiar with the program. Please have your student practice at home before Monday.

 

To get your child started on your home computer, please follow these easy steps:

1.       Go to https://www.ixl.com/signin/villamontessori 

2.      Enter your child's username and password and click "Sign in"
   Usernames and passwords are being sent home today. You may also use the provided launch card by scanning the QR code.

3.       Once logged in make sure students are in the ‘My IXL’ tab on the far left. Then click the ‘From Your Teacher’

Click the assigned skills to begin practice. Students will be assigned new lessons weekly, starting the night of Monday, September 21^st.

 

Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or troubleshooting.

 

 

 

September 8, 2026

I hope everyone had a nice three-day weekend!

 

Enrichment classes start this week.

 

This Friday, September 11^th will be a Half-Day for Staff Professional Development there will be no Circle and everyone will get out at 11:30 am.

 

Goal Setting Conferences: Goal Setting Conferences start next week. If you have don’t so already please sign up for a time to meet clicking the following link, Stefanie's class: Stefanie's Goal Setting Conferences 2026-2027. If none of the available times work for you, please email at [email protected] to schedule another date and time.

 

 

August 31, 2026

Pizza Friday: Pizza Friday starts this Friday, September 4^th! Please make sure you have your payment in before Friday.

THANK YOU to the Harper Family for bringing in Pizza Friday snack this week and to parent volunteer, Erika Sigl, for picking up the pizza!

 

Homework: Students should continue to do one math lesson and read 20 minutes a night for homework. They should also be practicing their High Frequency Spelling words as well. Each student will get their updated list in their take home folders, students who completed all 1200 words are no longer tested.

 

Peace Education: Thank you to parent volunteer, Sophia Zaft, for coming in and doing our first peace education lesson of the school year. Students discussed community and what it means to contribute to a community with gratitude and care. They also participated in a craft that involved reflecting on what they are grateful for.

 

Three-Day Weekend, No School next Monday, September 7^th for Labor Day.

Math Lessons Day 11 & 12 will be due on Tuesday, September 8^th.

 

 

 

August 24, 2026

 

Homework: Students should continue to do one math lesson and read 20 minutes a night for homework.

Students also got their High Frequency Spelling words in their folders today. Students should practice the words at home each week, tests will be taken on Friday mornings. Students who have completed all 1200 words are no longer tested.

Pizza Friday: Pizza Friday forms and payment are due this Friday, August 28^th. The first Pizza Friday will be next Friday, September 4^th! We will be getting our pizza from Barros this year.

 

Lost and Found: The last week of every month we will do a Lost and Found viewing in the carline area. All things left in Lost and Found at the end of the day on Friday, August 28^th will be donated. Please make sure to check and have your student check the Lost and Found for any items this week.

 

Goal Setting Conferences: Click the following link to sign-up for a Goal Setting Conference, Stefanie's class: Stefanie's Goal Setting Conferences 2026-2027. Conferences are student led and include student, teacher and parent. Students will be going over their goals they set for the school year. If none of the available times work for you please email me at [email protected].

 

 

Monday, August 17, 2026

 

Homework: Students received review math packets on Friday. They should be working on their Rev-Up math packet nightly, doing one lesson each night. They should also be reading 20 minutes a night and fill out the reading log. If the QR code for the answer key does not work, you can also go to the homework answer keys link tab and find them there.

 

Students will need to turn in their math packet every morning to be checked off. Starting next week, if students do not complete their homework, they will go to Study Hall during recess to complete it. If you want to opt your student out of Study Hall, please email Christy Cantu at [email protected] stating your reason.

 

 

Specials: Specials start this week, please make sure your student wears or brings closed toed shoes on Mondays and Fridays, as well as a water bottle.

 

 

Enrichments: Students had the Enrichment Fair last Friday. You will be receiving an email with a link to sign-up for the classes. E2 Enrichment Registration opens this Wednesday, August 19^th at 7pm.

 

 

Spelling Practice: Students will start spelling practice in class in this week. They will either be using the Words Their Way program that helps with spelling rules, or Wordly Wise which is more vocabulary based. Students will not be tested on these programs.

 

Starting next week, students will be tested every Friday on the High Frequency Spelling words. Your student will get a list of words on Mondays (starting August 24^th) in their Communication Folder that they should practice for the week and then will be tested in class on Fridays. Once the students complete the 1200 High Frequency packet, they will no longer be tested on Fridays for spelling. We will begin testing next Friday, August 28^th.  If they do not have a list, they have tested out of the program and will not need to take a spelling test. Ways to help your student practice at home will also be in their communication folder.

 

 

 

 

August 10, 2026

Happy first day of school, we made it!

A couple of reminders:

•      Only students in the Circle program should be dropped-off before 7:45 am in the morning. Everyone else can be dropped-off between 7:45 am – 8:30 am. Pick-up is between 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
•     We want to encourage independence of the students, in the morning they should have their lunchbox and backpack ready and able to exit the car on their own. If you will be coming on campus you need to get a visitor badge through the main office, this applies to afterschool hours as well.
•     Please use grace and courtesy during carline drop-off and pick-up. The first couple weeks will be busier than usual. Please refrain from using your cell phone and only exit out of the designated areas (no one should be exiting or picking up off of Meadowbrook Ave.) Also be mindful of students walking and using extra caution for safety.

 

Communication Folder: Students were given communication folders today, which will be one of the main ways we will sending home important forms/notices. Please make sure to check the folder each night. Tonight they have their carline signs (if not already picked-up), Pizza Friday letter, and this year’s Field Trip form.  Both the Pizza Friday Letter and Field Trip Permission should be returned once filled out.

 

Parent Orientation: We will be having our Parent Orientation night this Thursday, August 13th at 6:30 pm in the classroom, Room 212. We ask that at least one parent attends the orientation, if you are unable to attend, we will send home your Parent Orientation packet in your student’s communication folder on Friday.

 

Homework: Summer Homework should be turned in this week, students will be getting their first homework packet which is review work this Friday, August 14^th.

Students will do a lesson per night. The first packet will be in the side pocket and is basic math fact and calculation review, students will then move to the Rev-Up packet. One lesson is due a night. There will also be a reading log included in the homework folder, students should read at least 20 minutes a night and log their reading nightly.

 

Sign-Ups: Take some time to look over the sign-ups for this year under the links tab. You can sign-up for Volunteer Positions, Pizza Friday Snack/Pick-Up, class laundry, Helping Hands/Amazon Wishlist, and our class leopard gecko food sign-up. We greatly appreciate all the help!

 

Novel Study: Our first novel study for the year will be the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. We have some class copies but if you would like your student to have their own you may purchase the book. We will start the novel study on Wednesday, August 19^th.

 

 

August 3, 2026

 

Hello and welcome everyone to a new school year! I wanted to send a couple of reminders before the first day of school next Monday, August 10^th.

 

If you need a copy of the supply list, back to school letter, drop-off procedures and/or school calendar you can find it under the Back to School 26-27 tab.

 

Students should bring a summer memento (picture/item/etc.) to share with the class on the first day of school.

 

Open House: We are having an Open House this Friday, August 7^th from 11am-12 pm in our room, room 212, for students and families to check out the classroom, say hello to the teachers, and drop off supplies. We hope to see you there!

 

Summer Homework: Students should be completing their summer homework and have it turned it by the first week of school. Students will be presenting their book reports the first week to the class. If you need an extra copy of the homework you can click on the Summer Homework tab and find copies, there.

 

Parent Orientation Night: We will be having a Parent Orientation night in the classroom, room 212, on Thursday, August 13^th from 6:30-7:30pm. We ask that at least one parent attend, if you are unable to attend, please let me know so we can get you the needed information.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

 

Looking forward to a great school year! -Ms. Stefanie