Dear IVMS Families,

    Thank you for coming out this Thursday for our Parent Night. It was a tremendous turnout at every level. The younger students taught their parents Montessori lessons and the upper elementary had a very successful science fair. The middle school held an open house where we welcomed back a very special guest.

    Becky Morris, the founding principal for Island Village Middle School, has just recently returned from her tour of duty in Africa. Becky will return as the middle school principal next year. We will organize an official reception for her in the beginning of May. We are overjoyed to have Becky return to the staff of IVMS. She has been with me since the first year of our school and I grew to depend on her leadership and technology skills greatly. Becky will not return to a classroom position, but will work with Dr. Czaja who will continue in his position as our mentor as we continue developing the contract plan.

    Dr. Czaja who will retain his position as our mentor as we continue developing the contract plan. Dr. Czaja will also maintain his role as a guidance counselor.

    Montessori Live was recently featured in the Public School Montessorian newspaper as an innovative new type of training program for Montessori educators. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Argosy University and Knowledge Delivery Systems as we improve the delivery of Montessori professional development via distance learning.

    Elaine Palmore will continue her role as the elementary school principal. Her scope next year will be K-5th grade. Elaine Padron will continue her role as the principal of our Sarasota campuses. Rene Arthur continues in her role as director of our Early Childhood program. I have been meeting with faculty and staff regarding placements for next year. I am happy to say we have a high percentage of returning folks. Due to budget cuts, we will need to make some changes to some placements, but it looks like we will be able to keep everyone on board.

    Our buildings are moving along. We are scheduled to pull out the "village" after school is out for students. In fact, will will take the last few days having the students help with packing and light moving. We will ask for your help as well. It is very exciting to think about a new middle school and lower elementary building. We will have a separate art room with a kiln for Ms. Angeline and a new music room for Mr. Peter. Mr. Peter will have a few sound proof rooms built in for small ensemble playing, which will add a great deal of flexibility to his program. We hope to have plans and drawings available for viewing within the next few weeks. The portables have served us well, but we are happy to say goodbye to them as well!

    I would like to congratulate the staff and students of learning environment 19 for raising over $5,000 for a local charity. This is a tremendous achievement that involved staff, students, and parents.
Congratulations to all!!

    Thanks to Ms. Jo for organizing the science fair this year too. It was quite a success!

    We have been speaking to transportation about busing to North Port. I was hoping to have a better answer by now, but the budget concerns have delayed any decision-making. I do know that the response has been very positive about providing busing into the North Port area. I will keep you up to date when it is official.

    I will continue in my role as Executive Director next year and will focus on developing our new training program. In order to assure a continuation of qualified faculty for our school, this effort is a must. Not only will it help Island Village maintain a quality staff, but other Montessori schools around the nation as well. IVMS is an example of what the charter school movement is all about: innovation and contributing to improving the status quo.

    Your children have had a great year at IVMS. We look forward to serving you next year in a beautiful new campus. You will receive reassignment packets in the next few weeks. You must return the reassignment form every year in order to assure your child a spot with us. The sooner we get your form back, the better we can plan. It is hard to believe the school year is almost over.

    Our last school activity will be held on May 22nd and 23rd. Arts days are a tradition at IVMS. We end the year with a celebration of creativity. 8th grade graduation will be held on Friday the 23rd at 2:15. Parents are welcome to attend. Graduation will be held at the church building adjoining our campus.

    We are enrolling students for summer camps now. Rene Arthur is in charge of the early childhood camp. You can reach her at 484-4997.

     Elaine Palmore is overseeing the elementary camp. You may reach her at 484-4999. There will be no summer program at the Sarasota campus this year.

Kym Elder
Executive Director
Island Village Montessori Schools
www.islandvillage.org
Montessori Live Teacher Training Center
www.montessorilive.net