May 2018 News

 May/June 2018
Dates to Remember

May 4th  
May tuition due  (4 weeks)
May 10th
P.A.B. Meeting 6:30 p.m.
May 28th 
No School (Memorial Day)
June 7th
End of the Year School Picnic
June 13th
Last Day of 2017-18
School Year
June 18th
1st Day of Summer Camp

25th GALA Celebration a HUGE Success!

What an evening to remember…great food, music-provided by CMP parent Cory Swadley and his band The Lower 5th, and, best of all, the auction/bids that earned money for the parking lot. There was an amazing Tribute Video that brought tears and laughs to many eyes.  It touched the heart of all present, and we would like to share it with all of you. We are still working on getting it up, but are planning on making it available on the CMP website to view! Watch the Countryside Families Facebook page for an update.

The event raised $2000.00+, and was enjoyed by many.

Thank you to all who helped out, attended, donated, and shared to the tribute page.

SPECIAL THANKS to:  Lucy McLellan, our MC for the evening, and Video Master Jen Reagles & Erin Vincent – co-chairs and creators of this wonderful event.

A special new logo, celebrating CMP’s 25th year was designed and presented to Patty and Debby by Hallie Zillman.  CMP plans to have t-shirts created and for sale soon.  Stay tuned for more info!

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End of the Year School Picnic

June 7th at 5:30 p.m.

Bring the family and a picnic dinner to celebrate
the end of the year on the backyard playground.
(No rain date)

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Want to still give or donate time before the end of the
school year?  You still can!

*  K-cups for teachers (any flavor!)
*  Rotatill the gardens
*  Adopt a planter- there are 5 total.  Any great annual
is appreciated, the bigger, the brighter, the better!
*  Ask your child’s classroom teachers if they are in need
of anything…

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Study Confirms Putting Kids To Bed Earlier Is Better For Mom’s Mental Health

KATE DESMOND ·MAY 2, 2017

When I was pregnant with my first child, a friend’s dad told me “congratulations, you’ll never sleep again.” I laughed, and naively thought that my kid would be different.

Two kids later and sleep ranks up there with potty training as one of the toughest aspects of parenting. Nobody seems to get enough, and the struggle is daily.

Early To Bed Is Best For Everyone Involved
But a study confirms why all those bedtime battles are indeed worth it. When kids go to bed early, they are healthier and mom is happier.

This may seem like common sense, but science has confirmed its truth with the Growing Up in Australia study, during which researchers tracked thousands of families beginning in 2004. Every two years, these families took part in a series of interviews that allowed researchers to check in on the state of their physical and mental health.

Analyzing the sleep and lifestyle data they collected, researchers found that children with early bedtimes—those asleep by 8:30 p.m.—had “better health-related quality of life.” And their moms had improved mental health, too.

Jon Quach, the lead author of the study, spoke to Today about the findings. “So mums and dads, getting kids to bed early is not just great for them. It’s good for you, too,” he said.

Makes sense to me. There’s nothing quite as sweet as the silence that falls on my house shortly after 8 p.m. That evening quiet time is a gift. A space in the day to recharge, relax and watch “The Bachelor” in peace.

Having kids is a mental and physical feat. When you add the mental load of jobs, marriage, home maintenance and some semblance of self-care to the list, it’s no wonder parents have some excess stress and fatigue in their lives.

Kids Who Go To Bed Earlier Tend To Sleep Longer
In addition to happy mommies, there are some real benefits to children as well. A U.S. poll featured on the National Institutes of Health website suggests that children who go to bed earlier also sleep longer.

And kids need a lot of sleep. Just look at this chart from the National Sleep Foundation, which shows the recommended number of hours of sleep kids should get each night: (link to original article and charts)

https://www.simplemost.com/new-study-says-putting-kids-to-bed-earlier-is-better-for-moms-sanity/

What Can We Do To Get Our Kids To Bed Earlier?
First of all, researchers say we need to limit before-bed screen time. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the blue light emitted from screens can delay the release of sleep-inducing melatonin, increase alertness and reset the body’s internal clock to a later schedule. Yikes!

To be safe, they recommend a digital curfew that would limit the use of TV, tablets, phones and computers one to two hours before bedtime.

The National Sleep Foundation also recommends a consistent bedtime routine. In our house, this includes a soothing bath and a good book. But whatever you choose to incorporate into your bedtime routine, know that a regular routine can set you and your child up for success. And this can start as early as infancy, so the sooner you can establish a routine, the better!

Other helpful hints for a good night’s sleep include ensuring your kids get plenty of exercise during the day, avoiding caffeine and keeping their rooms dark.

April 2018 News

 

 Upcoming Dates

April 6
Tuition Due
April 21
7pm CMP’s 25th
Anniversary Gala
May 10
PAB Meeting

GALA
Don’t delay, get your tickets today to enjoy and celebrate CMP!  Great food and music.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/countryside-montessori-preschools-25th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-42759134723?aff=ebdsorderfblightbox
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Camp Countryside & 2018-19 School Year
If you haven’t already turned in your camp, and school year fees, please do so right away to ensure your child’s spot. CMP is filling up for both of these times and we don’t want you to miss out.
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Safety Reminder
A reminder to continue to be mindful and careful in parking lots. No cell phones please, and hold all children’s hands at all times.
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SPRING Time….
Looking for volunteers to assist with our gardens and planters!  If you are interested let a teacher know please. We are always taking donations of flowers and vegetable plants/seeds.
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The Peaceful Classroom
Parents and observers often ask how do the children in the classroom function so peacefully? There are actually many reasons. They are all based on the foundation of respect. The environment is intentionally set up for success. The teachers are educated and embedded with the value of respect for the child and family. The materials are aligned with the individual needs of the child. Clear expectations of kindness and listening create excellent relationships and an atmosphere for learning.

One simple tool we use daily in our classrooms which has become the foundation for the emotional literacy and conflict resolution skills which CMP’s students practice confidently is the “Peace Object”. Each classroom has their own, which may be a peace rose, the peace turtle or even a peace table. This object is used whenever there is a problem or simply to give each a turn to speak. The holder of the peace object speaks from the heart and is given respectful attention by an individual or the rest of the group. When the conflict is resolved, the object is carefully returned to its special place. Even the youngest children will get the peace object and work out differences with or without an adult’s help. At some point the need for the object fades as the children become more able to speak respectfully and listen to each other.

March 2018 News

Upcoming Dates

March/April
Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 24-April 1
Spring Break (no school)
April 21
CMP 25th Gala!
(Do you have your tickets?)
May 4
May tuition due
May 10
PAB Meeting 6:30 pm

 

WINTER ADVISORY-If Madison Public Schools Close, CMP does too.  Please check local radio and television stations for listings.  We do NOT list our name, rather follow MMSD’s decision. IF Madison Schools close, Countryside is closed too.

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The plan is in action-Buy tickets now!

Celebrate 25 years of Countryside Montessori! Music, dinner, drinks, a silent auction and of course great company! 

Saturday, April 21st
7pm
North Street Cabaret

Ticket information online!

Please consider donating an item
to the silent auction! Do you have a special talent or interest to share?! Do you know a local business that might be willing to donate a good or service? Look for item donation forms in each coat room!

Committee co-chairs: can be reached at celebratecmp25@gmail.com

Jen Reagles (aka Lilah’s Mom)    

Erin Vincent (aka Caitlin’s Mom)

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What happens at Countryside inside your child’s classroom….Montessori classroom work cycle

As Montessori teachers at CMP, we try to share with you what your child does at school.  Each child is on an individual learning path and does multiple lessons per day. Your child is learning so much sensorially, through many hands on materials, living and learning in the moment. Specific lessons are given to each child during the Montessori work period based on what they need to learn at the time of their developmental growth.

What exactly is the Montessori work period, also known as the work cycle and why is it so important?

A Montessori work cycle is an uninterrupted block of time. During this time children are able to explore the prepared environment and engage with materials of their own choosing. The time is meant to give them opportunities to enjoy the work they love, while also cultivating basic life, social and academic skills. CMP teachers honor this time and utilize it to give lessons or presentations to your child.

Children move around the classroom selecting work (educational material). Montessori teachers track and guide a child if not going to a certain area and may need it to grow. The child may work on a table or the floor, with a special rug laid out beneath them. After selecting a work from the shelves, they bring it carefully to the workspace of their choosing, and use the material as they have previously been taught. Children know they are responsible for putting the materials back neatly and selecting their next work independently. Children are welcome to work on their own and may engage in what is called parallel play. Or invite friends to join them in a group work.

The work cycle gives children a chance to develop autonomy, make choices, and find genuine joy in their work. This sets the stage for their future. Meaning how to be a critical thinker, how to make a friend and that school is a positive place grow and learn.

Join us for the 25th Anniversary Gala!

Please join friends, neighbors, classmates and teachers past and present to celebrate 25 years of Countryside Montessori Preschool! This memorable event will include dinner, drinks, music by “the Lower 5th” (featuring a current CMP parent), a silent auction and a celebration of north Madison’s oldest Montessori Preschool – a unique and wonderful place for children to learn and grow.

Tickets are limited so grab your friends and buy tickets early!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/countryside-montessori-preschools-25th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-42759134723?aff=ebdsorderfblightbox

*This event is for adults only

 

January 2018 News

Upcoming Dates
Jan. 11th
PAB Mtg. 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 15th
MLK Jr. Day ~ No School
Jan. 25th
100th Day of School Celebration
Feb. 2nd
February tuition Due (4 weeks)
Feb. 3rd
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser and Sledding
Feb. 14th
Class Valentine Celebration

TAX ID-  #39-17-534172

If you do need a year end receipt, please email Debby.
Receipts are generally sent 3-7 days from request.

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CAMP Countryside

Our Camp sign up will begin at the end of this month/beginning of February. Please note that spaces are limited, and we encourage families to sign up as soon as possible. There are 3 sessions available for the summer, and an activity fee for each one.  Please submit the activity fee for each session when turning in registration.  First enrollment is given to current enrolled children, then opens to past students.

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Did You Know…

Montessori is an amazing education philosophy that began over 100 years ago, and is credited for so much advancement and nurturing of the minds of many leaders and inventors. Did you know your preschooler is learning Geography?  Not only do we teach that we are a community member in our classroom, but in the larger world as well.  That is a responsibility of taking peace forward – teaching children to respect the world and truly “own” it through information and care.  We start at concepts such as land, air, and water, landmarks, bags full of small cherished items from lands near and far (always taking donations for that, by the way…:)), and Maps – a treasure our older students beam with pride as they are challenged and complete the beautiful work of map making.

For more about these lessons, and others, we as a CMP Staff, want to offer you one more way into your child’s classroom life.  We will be displaying a lesson in the coatrooms that you can see and look at in awe, at what these small, but mighty minds are doing each day.  See your child’s classroom teacher with questions on what is put out.  As always, keep in mind – “Process… before product…”  “Each child is an individual”, and learns at different paces and choices.  Each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

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Letters of Intent

As CMP begins its 25th year of caring for and educating children…! Letters of Intent for the 2018-19 school year will begin in the next few weeks. We expect this school year to be full once again, and with a wait list beginning. Please see your child’s teacher or email Debby with any questions or concerns. We honor and appreciate your choice and want to assist you in continuing to make the best choices possible for your child.

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THANK YOU

A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to each and everyone of you!  The thoughtfulness, and generosity bestowed on each of us this past holiday season, and quite frankly, so many ways each week, is amazing, and we so appreciate your acknowledgements, cards, and gifts that you shared.
We love teaching and care for your children and serving each of you!
With Love,  CMP Teachers

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Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser and Sledding

Join other Countryside families on Saturday, February 3rd, at 8:30am, at Lakeview Lutheran Church, 4001 Mandrake Rd. (just up the street!) for a pancake breakfast fundraiser, followed by sledding, if there’s snow!  More details will be forthcoming.  Look for sign-ups for food donations by the sign-in sheet on each floor, starting soon.  Since this is a fundraiser, all food that is not donated will need to be purchased from the ticket sales, so please donate, as you are able.  Laura Jasiczek, is heading this up and could use a few volunteers to help out with breakfast prep and clean-up after. Please contact her at ldjasiczek@gmail.com, if you can help out.

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Winter Reminders!

-Thank you for sending your child ready to play outdoors each day.  We ask that you help your child practice getting dressed at home, as we do at school. RE: Independence feels great!

-Slippers make a great transition into the classroom, and boots are not allowed.

-As illness’ creep in, please keep your child home from school when sick and showing symptoms. A full 24 hours after the symptoms clear is what is requested.  We know this can be hard, but it is necessary in keeping all children and teachers healthy.

-Winter driving weather can be tricky.. please plan ahead and have a back up if necessary.  We want all to be safe.  A reminder to please arrive at least 5-10 minutes from your pick up time to provide time for a fast exit to avoid disruption with the next programming or school closing.

-If Madison Public Schools Close, CMP does too.  Please check local radio and television stations for listings.  We do NOT list our name, rather follow MMSD’s decision.

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Remember to buy your coffee from Rusty Dog

CMP Fairtrade Coffee Blend by Rusty Dog. Please go to rustydog.com and click on group orders – password “group” and order away. CMP receives $3.50 a bag, PLUS a portion is donated to the Humane Society, and a portion to Fair Trade, we call that a win=win=win! We have worked out with Tom, that orders can be delivered straight to CMP for pick up! Pick up will be every other Thursday at CMP!

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Seroogy’s Candy Bars

There are 6 varieties of Seroogy’s candy bars for sale at Countryside. If you’ve got a busy office, with lots of sweet tooths, consider “checking out” a variety box of candy bars and take them to your office to sell.  This chocolate is so good that, once people discover it, they will sell themselves!  Also, it will get your co-workers excited for our big, boxed candy Seroogy’s sale coming up!  See Debby for candy bar checkout.

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25th Anniversary Gala

Countryside will be celebrating 25 years in 2018!  Get ready to celebrate with us! Plans are still being made (let Patty or Debby know if you’re interested in helping out), but be ready for a night out this Spring.  All current families and alumni will be invited.

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Creative Ways to Say “No” To A Child

Kathryn Kvols

Saying “no” to your child can be difficult. Sometimes we end up feeling like a broken record that says “no” all the time. Sometimes our kids just wear us down. Yet saying “no” is a necessary ingredient to help children grow and to be able to say “no” to sex, drugs and other dubious things we want our children to refuse when we are not present. Here are 19 variations of saying “no” to add to your parenting repertoire.

For younger children:

  1. Give them an alternative. “Walls are not for coloring. Here is a piece of paper.”
  2.  Tell them what to do instead i.e., “Water needs to stay in the tub.”
  3. Use distraction.
  4. For a youngster who has something you don’t want her to have said, “That’s not a toy. However, this is a toy you can play with.”
  5. Sing, “no, no, no.”
  6. Say it in a funny way, i.e. “Never in a million trillion years!”

For older children:

  1.  “That’s not an option.”
  2. “I am unwilling….”
  3. “That’s not appropriate.”
  4. “I am not ready for you to do that yet.”
  5. Ask, “What do you think you would need to do before I would be willing to say yes to that?”
  6. Ask, “What do you think? Is this a good choice for you?” (If you choose to use this, make sure you are willing to abide by their answer.)
  7. Ask, “What are your other options?”
  8. “No, but I would be willing to…”
  9.  “I appreciate your asking, however…”
  10. “This is not negotiable.”
  11. “Yes, as soon as (task) is done….”
  12. “I’d love to, now’s not an option, let’s go put it on the calendar.”
  13. Do the unexpected!  

Of course there are times when you should say, “no” and mean “no”. At those times it is helpful to make direct eye contact with the child and in a firm and neutral tone of voice, say the word “no,” ONCE. Some children do best with a brief reason why they are being told no. However, it is essential that this explanation is very short. Keep it short to avoid turning this into a lecture. Do not get into an argument. If you do, your child will learn that if he wears you down, you will give in.

February 2018 News

Upcoming Dates

Feb. 9th
Dad’s Night Out
Feb. 14th
Class Valentine Celebration
Feb. 23rd
No School- Teacher Inservice
Feb. 24th
Pancakes & Sledding
Mar. 2nd
March tuition due (5 weeks)
SAVE THE DATE
April 21st CMP 25th GALA!

Congratulations to CMP from the PAB
CMP has met the rules of eligibility and standards of quality for re-accreditation from the City of Madison.  That means that they are eligible to continue to serve children funded through the City child care assistance program, receive child care grants, and receive consultation and training from City staff. The accreditor had this to share about her visit, “Across the center the genuine strength  was observed in the quality of adult-child relationships. Staff strive to know each individual child as they identify their unique strengths, needs, and challenges. The adult-child relationships are genuine, warm, and caring. Children are happy, active, participants in their learning progress at their own pace.” Of course we already knew it, but it is good to hear such praise about our wonderful teachers at CMP. Go ahead, heap a little praise on them at drop off and pick up! They deserve it!

Your Kiddos are in Good Hands!
Also, CMP is in 100% complete state licensing compliance. For the Countryside staff this is always the goal. But reality and achieving every little standard is nearly impossible. Safe children and safe building. The liscensor left saying she loves the zen feeling.

CAMP Countryside
Don’t forget to put in your enrollment and activity fee, spots are filling quickly.  There are 3 sessions to choose from, you can choose, one, two, or all three!

Thanks!
A big shout out of thanks to all of you for helping make CMP a healthy safe place to learn for all! We really appreciate the way parents have been keeping children home when ill, and not feeling well, as well as keeping them home that extra 24 hours to ensure they are ready and healthy to return!

School Year 2018-19
Letters of Intent and the tuition rates were sent out via mailboxes last week for this fall.  We are anticipating to be full with a wait list, so please send in your completed form, $100 material fee and first week deposit.  First week deposit can be turned in now, or by 4/1/18.  If you have any questions, please be sure to ask, we are happy to help.

February is Literacy Month
Be sure to check out your local libraries for great books, and your class Scholastic for those books you want to purchase.  Did you know, that reading to your child 20 minutes a day or more will make them a better life long reader?  Don’t forget to read in front of them too, enjoying reading can be a fun family experience!

CMP Tax ID #
39-17-53172

Leadership Year
The last year at CMP is called the “Leadership Year.”

This is the time when the oldest students in the class polish their academic skills, build their confidence and enjoy being leaders in the school community. The curriculum is planned in 3-year cycles so the 3rd year brings together all of the foundations previously laid.

For instance, in Montessori early childhood the geography curriculum begins with sensorial experiences associated with each continent – the music, games, foods, dress, plants and animals of each continent. The 2nd year student has now learned about continents and other examples maybe plants or animals and some characteristics of each. The 3rd year student reads additional resources about the continents, animals, etc. writes and creates stories and shares new details with the class such as the varieties of poison arrow frogs in South America.

In addition the child in his Leadership Year learns to find answers to questions and to approach each new challenge with executive functioning skills that allow him to organize tasks and utilize past experiences to solve new problems and refine his/her reading and writing skills.

The typical 3rd year student at age 5 – 6 in early childhood has the opportunity to work through the math and language curriculum to a 2nd or 3rd grade level. These lessons are given using concrete learning materials unique to Montessori that give him the experience of working out relationships using real things in order to solidify his understanding. The child will not have this opportunity again outside of an early childhood Montessori classroom. Leadership Year is an opportunity for growth, independence and responsibility. Please speak to your child’s teacher if you have questions.

“The child can only develop fully by means of experience in his environment. We call such experience ‘work.’ Such Experience is not just play . . . it is work he must do in order to grow up.”

— Maria Montessori, MD