May 2014 Newsletter
Spring is here at last! Fortunately, MMA families enjoyed many fun events to help us endure the long winter. In December, children took part in Pajama Day featuring cozy activities and special treats. 2013 wrapped with the annual Holiday Show featuring MMA’s many talented students, staff, and parents. Special thanks to Rekha Rajkumar for organizing this event as well as Miss Dawn, Miss Chelly, Mr. Ranier, Miss Meg, Miss Maria, and Tim Kelly, for lending their expertise and time to make for a wonderful show. MMA would also like to extend warm thanks to Marcela Rafea for photographing many of our school events throughout the year.
On February 19, primary student, Tyler, welcomed a new baby brother, Adrian Justin. Congratulations, Santoscoy Family!
March brought parent-child work days and spring conferences. Primary students had the opportunity to attend a Once Upon a Symphony performance of The Three Little Pigs. In April, MMA teamed up with River Forest United Methodist Church for an Easter celebration. The day included an egg hunt, egg-dyeing, crafts, a bake sale to benefit PADS, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Students also prepared bags of goodies to be distributed at PADS locations. April also kicked off spring sessions of ASP Soccer, Mixed Media Art, and Cooking classes. Last but not least, MMA underwent a rigorous certification process in hopes of achieving the highest level of AMI recognition. The school is currently awaiting word on the outcome.
Year End Family BBQ
Join fellow Mosaic families at The Champaneri Residence (126 S. Ridgeland Ave. Oak Park – Maisie and Rohan’s house) on Sunday, May 18, at 3 pm to celebrate the close of another great school year! Siblings are welcome so round up the family and come hungry and ready to play. Hot dogs, burgers, veggie dogs, and drinks for kids and grown-ups will be provided. Please bring along a nut-free potluck dish to share.
River Forest Memorial Day Parade
Come march with Mosaic Montessori Academy on Monday, May 26, at 10 am in River Forest’s annual Memorial Day Parade. Children should wear their Mosaic T-shirts and be prepared to walk, bike, scooter, or stroll. Immediately following the parade, convene back at MMA for a light lunch and refreshments. More details to follow.
Last Day for Students June 10
Please note that due to our exceptionally harsh winter and high number of school closings, the last day of school for students is Tuesday, June 10. This will be a celebratory Fun Day for primary and toddler students.
Summer School
MMA’s summer school session is set to commence on June 16. Please see Miss Maria or www.mosaicmontessori.org for details.
Toddler Tidbits
Since the last newsletter, the children have been baking almost weekly. Among the tasty treats they’ve worked to prepare (and indulge in!) are pumpkin muffins, white chocolate chip cookies, and banana muffins. Despite the warmer weather, the children continue to request making hot chocolate. It’s a hot item that is in high demand! Students also regularly enjoy peeling clementines, apple slicing, and egg work. Soon, potato peeling and slicing will be introduced, and the children will be baking french fries to add to our snack time goodies.
As the year has progressed, there have been several new little faces in the Toddler Community. In January, 4 children moved up into the Primary Environment. Soon after, more children joined the Toddler Community and we now have a total of 11toddlers. It has been a joyous time to see the older toddlers interacting with one another and willing to help the younger ones, as the ages currently range from 20 months to 3 years. Likewise, it has been so rewarding to watch the youngest children observing intently as the older toddlers work hard on multi-stepped works.
Finally, we’d like to welcome a new baby to the MMA community. Matty’s sister, Graham, was born on January 20th. Congratulations Pilotto Family!
In Loving Memory
Montessori Directress & Loving Parent
On January 18, 2014, it was with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to a treasured friend and dedicated teacher. As an AMI certified Montessori teacher, Mary Theus was an integral part of the Mosaic Montessori Academy community for many years. Mary took great pride in teaching children and firmly believed that early childhood education was the key to success in learning.
Mary suffered the effects of Lupus most of her adult life but her strength, compassion, humor, and faith were an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know her. Despite her physical absence, Mary’s contributions to our children’s lives will be seen and felt for many years to come.
