the RIVER CURRENTthe RIVER CURRENT

Message from our Executive Director

Parent UNIVERSITY

CoMMUN I T YConversations

2013 SEPTEMBER ISSUE A MoNTHLY PUBLICATIoN FRoM RIVER MoNTESSoRI CHARTER SCHooL

Dear River Montessori Families,We are in full swing! The children are work-ing so beautifully in the classroom — I am captivated by their enthusiasm and depth of concentration every time I am in the class-room. When last I solicited an impromptu and informal poll about favorite work in the classroom, the children covered the gamut with “science, math, grammar, journaling, running the mile, drawing, history, anatomy, checkerboard (more math!), chemistry, art, snack, cooking, research, year-long project (sixth years), geography, and community meetings”. Sounds to me like our children have a good grasp of things: we address whole development in a Montessori school.

Social, emotional, and physical develop-ment are required for intellectual (cognitive) work. Our children feel comfortable enough to observe, attempt something new, take a risk, and decline an invitation for a lesson. This allows for some big work when they are ready, their minds and spirits are open to their choice and this deepens the lessons and experience for the child, whether it be a social interaction, negotiation, or disagree-ment, an emotional reaction that takes them by surprise, or an academic activity that might be too hard and requires a renewed commitment to trying again.

In adults, we celebrate the end results of such an education. We revere colleagues, friends, or family who can handle adversity

Dedicated time to talk with River’s Montessori-ans about supporting our children in their growth and learning! Meet new friends, ask questions, give and share perspective, and get a little support in the process.

For more details see page three.

with grace and determination, leadership with aplomb, and disagreements with respect and peace. We admire those who have a calm way, an assured self-awareness, the knack for knowing when to speak and when to be silent. Those who have accomplished much but yet are fully present and enjoy their lives. Sometimes we forget that these traits devel-op in childhood.

The elementary plane is a beautiful win-dow into the very beginnings of great social awareness, understanding and caring for oth-ers, and the art of diplomacy. It is a founda-tion for the enviable development of a sense of time, organization, and accomplishment— a true balance of work and play. And let’s not forget the joy. Does anyone smile or laugh like an elementary child? The sense of hu-mor is so endearing to watch develop— from the nonsensical to the inappropriate, they cover it all to figure it out. The elementary years are when we learn who we are, why we are here, and what we can do. When com-bined these growing strengths develop the necessary skills for negotiating the world and whatever one will encounter in life…whether it is in middle school, adolescence, or mid-life.

Here’s to the very big work that these little people do every day. May we all stand in awe and support them in their work!

Peace, peace, Kelly

ONE HOUR.EVERY MONTH.

2 “...a new stage of development, one that’s loud, messy and rude.”

Um, no thanks?

3 Fantastic lineup for Parent University via Community Conversations...

When should kids get cell phones!?

5 Picture Day is September 25!

(Black-tie Optional)

7 You look an awful lot like a

Board Member.

Yes, you!

Between the ages of six to twelve years, children are in a period of development where they are trying to become more in-dependent of their family and close circle of friends. They are trying to ‘’break out into society’’ and make themselves into social beings. The child of this age has a strong desire ‘’to go somewhere,’’ whereas younger children are happy to be home and in fact might resist trips out of the house. The older child wants to dress differently than younger children. The older child, in fact, is striving to push parents away as he or she develops independence within a group.

We shouldn’t be too quick to label a child discourteous or dirty. These behaviors manifest themselves as independence grows, and can turn into rebellion if not allowed in some aspect of the child’s life. Children may want to change their names, style of dress, hairstyles and favorite colors.

At age six, one of my daughters went from shoulder-length hair with a penchant for lavender party dresses and black patent leather shoes, to red and blue rugby shirts, corduroy pants and an over-the-ear haircut. She also changed her name to Luke, in honor of Luke Skywalker. It was hard to miss that she was not five any more.

During this six- to twelve-year-old period of childhood, there are extremely powerful forces at work within the child. It is a pe-riod of robust good health. The colds and ear infections of the previous six years are infrequent. Growth is steady, and good health gives strength to the mind.

The intellect of the child is most receptive to learning at this age. The ability to reason appears, and the use of imagination begins. A developing sense of morality emerges in the child, along with an awareness of good and evil. The child is also drawn to the enormous or the oddball. At this age chil-dren love exploring the Guinness Book of World Records. Hero worship is also part of this age child’s activities.

As you notice these changes in your six- and seven-year-old, don’t panic. Your child is taking his or her first steps into a new world of independence, great intellectual growth and development of a sense of right and wrong.

There is so much of the world and life for the six- to twelve-year-old to learn, expe-rience and understand. Impatience can be read as rudeness. At the next stage of development, during ages twelve to fifteen, we’ll have an opportunity to reintroduce the grace and courtesy of social skills to a more receptive audience.

Enjoy the missing teeth, the new hairdos and the different clothes because these changes let you know that your child is navigating the path to adulthood.

“...A NEW STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, ONE THAT’s LOUD, MESSY AND RUDE.”

MoNTESSoRI

MattersMaren Schmidt, M. Ed. 13 May 2006

2

‘’Ever since Jill started first grade, she’s become louder, messier, and not as kind as she was in kindergarten. I think her first-grade classroom must be the reason she is the way she is,’’ Jill’s mother Paula said.

Susan, a former kindergarten and first-grade teacher, smiled. ‘’Paula, I hear this every year.What’s happening with Jill is that she has entered a new stage of development, one that’s loud, messy and rude. Jill sounds like a six-year-old, a perfect six-year-old.’’

Yes, something different and mysterious begins to happen to our sweet and well-mannered five-year-olds. They turn six, lose teeth, get taller, and their hair loses its curl and becomes coarser and straighter. And their brains change.

As physical changes occur in our children, we also see behavioral changes. Children — who a few months before were content to eat what was served, wear the clothes in their closet, and enjoy the activities available — become less accommodat-ing. We begin to hear the phrases, ‘’that’s boring,’’ ‘’that’s babyish,’’ ‘’that’s not fair’’ and ‘’that’s yucky.’’ Then there is the question, ‘’Why do I have to?’’

FRoM KIDS TALK NEwSLETTER: Connecting Adults to Children in Powerful ways

Beware of the Age of Rudeness

Community Conversation Meetings are a dedicated time to talk with River’s Montessorians about supporting children in their growth and learning! Come meet new friends, ask questions, give and share perspective, and get a little support in the process. Each meeting is hosted by our administrator and/or a guide and includes a loose topic for inspiration and time for agenda-free questions and discussion.

Community Conversation Meetings are held just before the Foundation meeting.

october 17 why does Montessori work? Research says it all!

November 21 Children & Media: when is the

right time to get a cell-phone?

December 19 Montessori and the Future of

Education. A Nueropsychologist’s Approach to what Children Need

January 16 Life After RMCS: An Alumni Panel

February 20 Vulnerability Creates Success.

March 20 Book Review: Montessori Madness: A Parent to Parent Argument for

Montessori by Trevor Eissler

April 17 Bring on the Learning Revolution!

May 15 The Happiness Advantage

Next Session:

September 19, 2013, 6– 7 p.m.

Practice in Peace: Social Scenarios in the Montessori Elementary

THE SILENT

JourneyHosted by RMCS &

YoUR River Guides

Montessori

SAID

PARENT UNIVERSITYwe All Learn New Things at River

PARENT U

NIV

ERSIT

Y

Dates

& T

opics

FRIDAY, November 1

&SATURDAY, November 2

The Montessori Journey is a two-

session experiential introduction

into the life of an elementary

student in the Montessori Elemen-

tary classroom. Friday, November 1

from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday,

November 2 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

For more information

7 0 7 . 7 7 8 . 6 4 1 4

3

“The liberty of the child should have as its limit the collective interest.It is well to cultivate a friendly feeling to-wards error, to treat it as a companion insep-arable from our lives, as something having a purpose which it truly has.”

Calling all new families… Wishing you could have a sneak peek at what’s ahead? Want to ask about how you really can trust this whole Montessori thing? Mentor Fami-lies are here! Some of our seasoned fami-lies have kindly offered their names and numbers for those of you who might like to ask a quick question or have a good chat about understanding Montessori, elemen-tary development, and/or River Montessori Charter School.

our River Community:Mentor Families

Patio Umbrellas • Patio Furniture • Picnic TablesTree Stumps • Area Rugs

Carpet Samples • Roomba

Vacuum • Power Drill

Dishwasher

wish List

I’m a student in the Tuolumne classroom, and I want to share more about our Guide Jean Hicks. Jean grew up in Alma, Michigan in the center of the state. She has three kids Tom, Christian and Cara and she loves them very much. Before becoming a teacher she was a librarian, a baker, and a candy shop worker. Jean has been a teacher for 30 years. She wanted to be a teacher since 3rd grade. Her favorite part of teaching is building a classroom community where children learn to work to play and create together. Jean loves to travel and the favorite place she’s been is Israel. She likes California because of the weather and the people and the food.

BY LUCY LoNDoNPetaluma Junior High

Lets face it, Junior High is a scary thing. There are so many different kinds of people there it feels like you are in New York City! Although I know a lot of kids there, I feel like I can be an individual and not have to share my life or thoughts with someone else. The teachers there treat each and every person like and individual adult. We get loads of homework already, but it’s not so bad. At lunch and break a lot of the River kids eat lunch together. It’s nice to know people who are adapting to the new system the way you are. Although it is so big and scary, we are all adapting well and it is starting to feel like home. (Or school!)

ALUMNISpotlight the

Children'sHoUSEArticles, Interviews, Poetry, Creative Writing & Special Interests

“Second grade math is different because of the hard times and two divisions.”

overheard& PRICELESS

Jean – our wonderful GuideBY ZACHARY, Tuolumne

4 MIA, San Lorenzo

the Children'sHoUSEArticles, Interviews, Poetry, Creative Writing & Special Interests

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

- Angela Schwindt

Picture day will take place Wednesday, September 25 — one day for both Upper and Lower Elementary. Portrait proofs will be posted online for purchase and a password protected web link will be provided when proofs are ready.

If you would like to receive a paper proof please sign up in the front office. No paper-work needs to be handed in prior to picture day.

what to wear for Picture Day:

Avoid shirts with logos, writing or busy patterns, dress your child in clothes that complement hair, skin tone and eye color. We recommend solid color and simple pat-terned shirts or dresses. Be sure to come to school with hair combed. The most impor-tant part of course, are the brilliant smiles.

Photos will be taken outdoors in a natural setting (weather permitting) with a multiple shades of green as the background.

Picture Day

09.25CAPTURE THE SCHooL YEARPicture Day is September 25

5

Join the fun in River Crew as we host some of the best play dates in Petaluma! In the Montessori spirit, children are given their choice of activities within a peaceful, joyful, and inspiring environment. At any given time you’ll find an individual child or a small group of friends playing games, cooking, playing outside, conducting science experiments, building structures and engineering, or simply enjoying a good read. REGULAR HoURS:

7:00a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Monday - Friday 3:15p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday 12:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday

FALL BREAK: Fall Break River Crew to explore Famous Inventors with special guest speaker, Local Inventor, Susan Ross who inventor of the board game Quirkle.

THANKSGIVING BREAK: Join the River Crew Rock Hounds as we go on mineral and rock quests and learn about gems and crystals over the Thanksgiving Break.

RowING wITH RIVER CREwFall Break and Thanksgiving

If you have questions please contact elizabethbaird@yahoo.com

Regular maintenance at school can

be time-consuming and expensive.

Thanks to volunteers we are able to

keep these costs down and put those

dollars toward the classrooms and

staffing. We are looking for 2013-

14 volunteers to tidy, clean, and

organize spaces at school. People who

have loved these jobs in past years

have been Type A, Control Happy,

Neat Freaks (Can you say that in a

Montessori school’s newsletter?).

Feel free to come join us on the first

Friday afternoon of the month or a

day of your own choosing. Lather.

Rinse. Repeat.

Remember if you are

volunteering

on campus ,

your children may

enjoy River Crew for free!

September is the California Department of

Education’s School Attendance Awareness

Month. The CDE asks that schools and

parents make attendance and punctuality

a priority this year and offer the following

information for families:

Some absences are unavoidable... children

will get sick and need to stay home

occasionally. The important thing is to get

your children to school as often as possible.

Sporadic absences, not just those on

consecutive days of school, matter. Before

you know it – just one or two days a month

can add up to nearly 10 percent of the school

year. If too many absences occur, it is still a

problem whether they are excused or

unexcused because they represent too

much lost learning time in the classroom.

Studies show many children who miss too

many days in kindergarten and first grade

can struggle academically in later years.

They often have trouble mastering reading

by the end of third grade.

Too many absent students can affect

the whole classroom, creating churn and

slowing down instruction [lessons].

SHIPShapeHousekeeping, Reminders, Community Work Days

We have had a parent volunteer to ticket speeders in the

driveway BUT we think perhaps a reminder to go s l o w l y

when on campus should be sufficient! Thanks for taking extra good care

for our children’s safety!

CALLING ALL

Neat Freaks!Attendance Awareness MonthFRoM THE CALIFoRNIA DEPARTMENT oF EDUCATIoN

Arrival, Dismissal & Traffic

The classrooms of San

Lorenzo + San Joaquin

are sponsoring the first

Community work Day

of the school year.

Please join them on

Saturday, September 14

from 8:30 - 12:00 noon.

CoMMUNITY

work Day

6

Families should avoid extended vacations

that require your children to miss school.

Try to line up vacations with the school’s

schedule. The same goes for doctor’s

appointments.

For younger children, you can set a regular

bedtime and morning routine. Make sure

they get 9 to 11 hours of sleep. You can lay

out clothes and pack backpacks the night

before. For older children, you can help

them develop homework and bedtime

routines that allow for 8½ to 9½ hours of

sleep. Make sure that when the lights go

out, so do the cell phones, video games

and computers.

Above all, set an example for your child.

Show him or her that attendance matters

to you and that you won’t allow an

absence unless someone is truly sick. And

avoid asking older students to help with

daycare and household errands.

SHIPShapeHousekeeping, Reminders, Community Work Days

Welcome back to the 2013-2014 school year! I hope everyone had a great summer break and are settling into the school routine again. I would like to invite all of you to attend our monthly school board meetings. In case you haven’t met the great people on the board, let me introduce them to you: Beth Laurence, Ginny Hautau, Milagros Ott, Norman Lorenz, Julie Peters-en and me, Julie Parnow.

I invite you to consider joining our board which is made up of parents and com-munity members. There will be elections in late September for one parent board member. If you are considering running for the position, you would be required to attend the next school board meeting on Tuesday, September 10 (at 6:30 pm at RMCS) and submit your name, a brief bio (1 to 3 paragraphs, which will be included on the ballot as information for parents), and information about your skills and qualifications to our Secretary, Beth at blaurence@rivermontessoricharter.org by Monday, September 23. The voting will take place September 25 – October 15

1. Attend regular meetings of the

Charter School board, which are

each approximately three hours in

duration. The board is scheduled to

meet 12 times per year. Be accessi-

ble for personal contact in between

board meetings.

2. Provide leadership to a board

committee. Each board director

is expected to serve as an active,

ongoing member of at least one

committee.

3. Participate in the fund-raising

activities of the school.

(including on student conference days), and the newly elected member will be notified on October 16. The parent member -elect must plan to attend the Tuesday, October 22 board meeting at 6:30 pm. Please see below the RMCS Board Director Job Description.

Also, if you know someone (who does not have a child that attends the school) who would be a good candidate to fill the open community member position on the board, please give me a call at (707) 478-7716 or email at jparnow@rivermontessoricharter.org. We are particularly in need of people with financial, legal, civic, and educational expertise.

I’m honored to serve River,

Julie Parnow, RMCS President

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Julie has a B.S. in Business Administration/ Finance; served 10 years on the Petaluma Educational Foundation Board, the last three as president; has been a financial advisor for 10 years; currently works for State Compensation Insurance Fund as a claims adjuster.

4. Prepare prior to regular board

meetings, by reading and studying

materials sent in advance regarding

key actions the board is expected to

take at the next meeting.

5. Participate in the annual board

development and planning retreat

usually held in January of each year.

6. In general, utilize any pertinent

personal and professional skills,

relationships and knowledge for the

advancement of the Charter School.

2013 •2014

BoD

Meeting Dates

BoD

RMCS Board of Directors Is this YoUR time to serve?

Board Job DescriptionTHREE-YEAR PARENT TERM

PRESIDENT & INTERIM TREASURER

Julie Parnow, Community

SECRETARY

Beth Laurence, Parent

MEMBER

Norman Lorenz, M.Ed., Community

MEMBER

Julie Peterson, Community

MEMBER

Ginny Hautau, Parent

MEMBER

Milagros Ott, Parent

CoMMUNITY MEMBER

Know a good fit?

NEXT MEETING: wednesday, September 10, 2013 at 6:30pm

Meetings are typically held on the

2nd Wednesday of each month,

but please check the RMCS web

site for any changes or additions.

october 22

November 12

December 10

January 16

February 11

March 4

April 8

May 13

June 17 7

Target’s popular school giving program –

Give with Target - is back for a second year

and the Foundation wants to see River

come out on top! Beginning August 14,

guests can visit Target’s Facebook page and

access the Give with Target app to vote for

River once per week. Once a school has

received 25 votes (which we already have!),

Target will donate $1 per vote, which will be

paid out in Target gift cards. Like last year,

the Foundation will give River’s Target gift

cards our amazing Guides!

The Foundation’s goal for the Target

promotion is for River to earn over 300

votes! Please enlist all of your Facebook

friends to help us hit this mark and provide

a gift for our Guides!

FoundationNEwS + VIEwSRiver Montessori Foundation : Founded by Families : Funded with Love

River Targets Facebook ContestVoTE EARLY. VoTE oFTEN. oKAY, wEEKLY.

Riverwearo N L I N E

8

HELP US REACH oUR GoAL oF

300 VotesFoR oUR GREAT RIVER GUIDES

As the parents’ organization for River Montessori Charter School, the Foundation is primarily responsible for River’s fundraising activities and is constantly working to create new fundraising events that will help us meet our donation goal to the school. We have a number of upcoming events that could benefit from the time and skills of River families. We’re looking for volunteers who help with all sorts of Foundation duties big and small, such as: writing donation request letters, helping create

donation baskets for the Spring Auction, identifying and soliciting Dine and Donate opportunities at local restaurants.

If you’d like to find out how you can

help, please email:

Matt Hautau mphautau@gmail.com or

Sarah Mart at sarahmart924@gmail.com.

we’d love to hear from you!

For the Love of RiverJoIN THE FoUNDATIoN

CoMING SooN:

River Wear will soon be available online through the RMF web site.

The Foundation Board gives

special thanks to all the hard-

working River volunteers who

donated their time and services

to the Back to School BBQ

including: Erik Ott & Milagros,

Nicky Ovitz, Nancy Beltstein,

Eden Belov, Dana Wade, Mark

Hall, Tammy & Jerome Cleeland,

Julie Compton, Sara Peraca,

Mike Mannion, Chris Carlson,

Javier Alverde & Matt Fagundes...

THANK YOU ALL!

S p e c i a l

T H A N K S

FoundationNEwS + VIEwSRiver Montessori Foundation : Founded by Families : Funded with Love

It was great seeing so many River families at the Back-to-School BBQ in August! Many thanks to all the hardworking Foundation volunteers who put together this important community-building event for River and for the River Guides for their valuable participation and attendance. The afternoon saw hundreds of River kids, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents enjoying a beautiful day together while munching on a BBQ lunch, picking up the newest Riverwear shirts, and raising almost $1000 at the Dessert Auction!

River's Back to School BBQ RECAPPING A GREAT AFTERNooN RMF

CALENDAR

Meeting Dates

RMFNEXT MEETING: Thursday, September 19, from 7-8pm

Meetings are typically held on the

3rd Thursday of each month, but

please check the RMF web site

for any changes or additions.

The Foundation has added a few new events to its September & October calendar. Look for more details on the Foundation website, River’s Facebook page and in the Foundation e-newslet-ters …

September 27Foundation Social

@ Lagunitas, Petaluma

october 15Dance, Dine and Donate

@ Redwood Café,Cotati

January 25Pancake Breakfast

@ Applebee’s, Petaluma

January TBDRock for River

@ Lagunitas, Petaluma

A great time had by all … can’t wait to see you again at our next event!

9

RIVERM o n t e s s o r iCHARTER SCHooL

SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day Holiday No School or River Crew

SEPTEMBER 3 Finance Meeting Rescheduled for october BoD Facilities Meeting 6:30 p.m. Pasta Tuesday

SEPTEMBER 5 Burrito Thursday

SEPTEMBER 9 Conference Sign-Ups Begin in Trib Hall Pizza Monday

SEPTEMBER 10 BoD Facilities Meeting 6:30 p.m. Pasta Tuesday

SEPTEMBER 12 Burrito Thursday

SEPTEMBER 14 San Lorenzo and San Joaquin sponsored work Day at 8:30 - 12:00 noon

SEPTEMBER 16 Pizza Monday

SEPTEMBER 17 Pasta Tuesday

SEPTEMBER 19 Community Conversation 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Foundation Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Burrito Thursday

SEPTEMBER 20 International Day of Peace Celebration

SEPTEMBER 23 Pizza Monday

SEPTEMBER 24 Pasta Tuesday

SEPTEMBER 26 Conferences No SCHooL, River Crew Available

SEPTEMBER 27 Conferences No SCHooL, River Crew Available

SEPTEMBER 30 Fall Break Begins - School Resumes octover 14

3880 Cypress Street

Petaluma, CA 94954

www.rivermontessoricharter.org

RIVER MoNTESSoRI CHARTER SCHooL

September Calendar

10

ADDRESS LABEL HERE

BRIAN HOLIDAY for

repairing cabinets! ERIK

OTT and Committee for

our great Family BBQ!

THE CHILDREN for a

lovely presentation of

kind words and written

affirmations for their

guides and assistants!

GRATITUDE

Many Thanks