news - [nooz, nyooz] - 1382, plural of new (n.) "new thing," from new (adj.), q.v.; after Fr. nouvelles, used in Bible translations to render M.L. nova (neut. pl.) "news," lit. "new things." Sometimes still regarded as plural, 17c.-19c. Meaning "tidings" is 1423. - noun - 1. a report of a recent event; intelligence; information. 2. the presentation of a report on recent or new events in a newspaper or other periodical or on radio or television. 3. such reports taken collectively; information reported. 4. a person, thing, or event considered as a choice subject for journalistic treatment; newsworthy material.

Kym's Notes

August 6, 2010

Dear Families,

    We welcome you to a new school year! Our staff will soon return for two weeks of professional development as well as the preparation of the school environment for your children. We are so excited to see everyone again! We have just been informed this evening that both our elementary and middle school programs received grades of **A** for the 2009-2010 school year. The middle school met 100% of AYP and the elementary program met 97% of AYP. Congratulations to all of our students and faculty for a job well done! Onward and upward!

    Over the summer, our campus sponsored an 8-day training residency for Montessori educators, our own summer camp for the youngest students, as well as the Venice Symphony’s summer music camp where almost 100 students attended. All were very successful. In addition, we continued making improvements to our school’s computer network, buildings, and grounds.

    Due to enrollment fluctuations, we opened one class at the middle school level and closed one at the lower elementary level. This year, the house on Edmondson Rd. will be used for offices, professional development, the after school program, and as an all-purpose room for specials and events. Lucy and Joanna comprise the new team in LE 2. Stephanie Welch and Kristin Calandra have moved to LE 15. Grace Wormwood and Kristin Wilson join our upper elementary department and have moved next door to LE 13. This year Gail Jacquelin, while remaining on our staff, will help Children First solidify their early childhood program. Tammy Balser will be joined by Kristin Comeau who has spent much of the summer attending an AMS accredited Montessori early childhood training in Orlando along with Ms. Joanna and Ms. Pam.

   At the middle school level, Mary Zigman has recently been offered a unique position in Abu Dubai, UAE, as a program/education consultant. The program is responsible for modernizing the Emirati education system using a more child-centered approach. We are sad to lose Mary and wish her the best of luck in her new venture. She promises she will keep in touch. Lisa Currie will join Dr. Nicole Brackman in LE 19. Nancy Clarke will take the lead in LE 6 and will be joined by a talented new educator, Edward Janusz. Edward is not new to teaching, but is certified in language arts and has worked with both middle and high school students. He is also a professional musician. Kathy Nixon will be joined by Kim Michiels, who comes to us from New Gate School. Kim has worked in Montessori environments at the elementary level for over 20 years. We welcome both Kim and Edward to our staff.

    More information about teams can be noted on our school’s Website in the faculty/staff section. Placement notifications will be sent out early next week. Give us a call if you do not receive one by the beginning of next week.

    The placement letter will provide detailed information about parent conferences and orientations for new and returning families. We will have three informative parent orientation open houses scheduled before school for new elementary families (PK-4th) and all middle school families (grades 5-8). Early childhood and Sarasota campus families will participate in individual conferences. An open house will be held for all IVMS programs on the last Tuesday of August.

South Campus and Early Childhood Programs:
Individual scheduled conferences - more information to follow

North Campus and Early Childhood Programs:
Individual scheduled conferences - more information to follow

    Bus schedules will be advertised as soon as we know them. New Sarasota stops for this year are Fruitville Rd & I-75 and Clark Rd. & I-75. The North Port bus remains the same as last year. We no longer connect to Pine View or Laurel/Nokomis. Please call our office with any questions.

Welcome back!

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