Chicken Soup From The Junior High

The True Meaning of Sports

2012-01-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

Many would be believe that the only thing that matters in sports is winning. Actually, winning is the least important thing. Do not get upset, there is more to the story.

Let us consider this small example of a sporting event I love. I love March Madness! Let's say that 64 teams are invited to the tournamet. Well, if winning was the only thing that was important then we could say that only one team is a winner and 63 teams are losers. This is far from the case. First of all, if the other teams did not show up to the tournament, who would play? Secondly, we must also applaud all the hard work each team displayed throughout the season to be invited to the tournament. (Plus, all the hard work all the other teams demonstrated who were not invited to the tournament.) And lastly, we can not afford to overlook the personal satisfaction that each of the men and women achieve by improving each game, learning to work together as a team and learning life lessons. They learn about committment, displine, dedication, perserverance and desire just to mentiontion a few. These lessons are far more important than the game itself.

So, is it the winning that matters? I would say no. Winning is only the decoration on the cake. Preparing the cake is what is important. (Although, we do love the icing!)

Submitted by: Michael Poole- Junior High Teacher and Athletic Director at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

A Year in Review- Books!

2012-01-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

January is traditionally a month when we review the previous year, remembering highlights and favorite things. In many fields, awards are given to the “best of the best.” The field of children’s literature is no exception: two of the most famous awards in children’s literature are announced in January. The Caldecott Medal is given to the illustrator of the “most distinguished” picture book, and the Newbery Medal is awarded to the author of the book with the “most distinguished” writing. Both of these medals are awarded by the American Library Association. Both medals have a first-place award, as well as a second-place honor award. Most years, several books share the honor award; with the wealth of children’s literature available today, it’s not hard to imagine how difficult it would be to narrow the list of award winners! Requirements for both awards include that the author or illustrator be a U.S. citizen or resident. Also, the book must have been published during the year previous to the award.

The Caldecott Medal was first awarded to an illustrator in 1938. The award is named for 19^th-century English children’s book illustrator Randolph Caldecott, a beloved illustrator and early advocate of children’s literature. Caldecott Award winners from the past include such favorites as Make Way for Ducklings (1942), Madeline’s Rescue (1954), Where the Wild Things Are (1964), and Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears (1976). More recent winners include Snowflake Bentley (1999), The Hello, Goodbye Window (2006), The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2008), and The House in the Night (2009). All of these titles are a treat for the eyes, and provide an easy way to introduce young children to fabulous art. The stories in these books also happen to be ones you don’t want your child to miss. The Invention of Hugo Cabret (recently made into a movie) is a rare exception—it’s a book for older readers, but the art work is integral to the story.

The Newbery Medal was first awarded to a children’s writer in 1922. This award is named for 19th-century English children’s publisher and bookseller John Newbery. Like Randolph Caldecott, John Newbery was one of the earliest supporters of children’s literature. Still-popular Newbery award favorites from earlier days include The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle (1923), Rabbit Hill (1945), King of the Wind (1949), and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (1968). More recent Newbery winners include Shiloh (1992), Holes (1999), The Tale of Despereaux (2004), and When You Reach Me (2010). These are stories that bring inspiration and enjoyment to generation after generation of young readers. These are stories by writers who are passionate about the art of literature and passionate about having a positive influence on the lives of their young readers.

Watch for official announcements of the 2012 Caldecott and Newbery Award winners on Monday, January 23, 2012.

Submitted by: Lin Brooks- Librarian at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

One for the Books

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Once again the Book Fair Blizzard blew into TMA’s Library for a three-day stay. It turned out to be a blizzard of books and activity. Students and parents alike stocked up on reading materials and gifts for the holidays. The profits from this fair and the spring fair are used to keep our library supplied with a fine selection of books from picture books to fiction, and nonfiction to biographies.

During the run of our December and May Book Fairs, a program by Scholastic Books is also in progress. It is called One for Books. Students, parents, faculty and staff can donate loose change, or any amount they wish, into a well-marked jar on the circulation desk. All proceeds collected are used to buy books for the Montessori Preschool Classroom at the South Bend Center for the Homeless. TMA’s Library gets credit for selling these books which adds to its profits. Scholastic Books, through a matching donation, gives books to national non-profit organizations dedicated to helping families in need. These organizations have included the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. and the National Center for Family Literacy. This is a win, win, win situation for everyone!

Shown below are just some of the books that have been given to the TMA Preschool Classroom at SBCH over the years. Your support of our book fairs and this program are greatly appreciated.

Submitted by: Linda Meyer- Librarian at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

Australian Blokes Visit TMA

2011-12-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

Last week, the Oakhill Basketball Team from Sydney, Australia came to visit and play local basketball teams on their tour of the United States. The Australian basketball coaches saw Mr. Poole's name on a club basketball circuit and contacted him. They visited TMA to learn more about American school life and to play their basketball games in the TMA gymnasium.

On Tuesday, December 6th, the whole team, including the coaches, came to TMA and introduced themselved. We had the opportunity to learn about life in Australia and about their school history.

We would like to thank all of the families of TMA who hoded the Australian team and Mr. Poole for organizing the visit!

Benefiting Others

2011-12-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

MISHAWAKA — The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes recently held its seventh annual Wrapping Up for the Holidays.

The school wrapped presents and packed boxes of food for three families (11 children and three adults) that the Montessori adopted through Salvation Army. Each family’s pantry was stocked with enough food for the duration of Christmas break. Each child received hat and gloves, an outfit and socks, and three presents to open.

Courtesy of: The South Bend Tribune December 11, 2011 Edition

Photograph Courtesy of: Ed Bosworth of Bozworthy Images

The Junior High Does it Again!

2011-12-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

We received a wonderful letter from the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. Please enjoy the below thank you letter:

December 2, 2011

Dear TMA Community,

On behalf of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, our heartfelt thanks to you for your generous support of our organization through your recent food drive. The Montessori Academy at Edison lakes collected 222 pounds non-perishables or the equivalent of 171 meals for those in need in the communities we serve- thank you! In addition, we enjoyed having the middle school students tour the Food Bank and sort the efforts of their drive. We are grateful for your support!

Hunger in our community is closer than you think. Just over 18% of the population in Northern Indiana is food insecure, which means that they do not always know where they will find their next meal. With your support, we are able to fulfill our mission to work in partnership with the community to feed the hungry, increase awareness of the effects of hunger and lead programs designed to alleviate hunger.

We welcome the opportunity to work with you again.

Together, we will nourish our community
Very Best,

Marijo C. Martinec
Director of the Community Impact
Food Bank of Northern Indiana

Poetry from the Junior High

2011-12-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Winter

The wind is blowing,

The snow is falling,

We will go out and play,

Then come in and wish it was winter every day

Submitted by: Gabriela- Junior High student from The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

Poetry from the Junior High

2011-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

Fall

All the leaves are gold and red,

Soon they will fall on my head,

I will brush them of onto the ground,

and make a tiny mound

Submitted by Gabriela- Junior High student from The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

Grandparent’s Day!

2011-11-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 22^nd, many grandparents and other “special friends” came to TMA and celebrated Grandparent’s Day with their grandchildren. Each level of the school: Junior High, Upper and Lower Elementary, and Early Childhood sang different songs and recited a couple of poems. After the assembly, grandparents came and visited their grandchildren’s classrooms to eat, drink, and look over their grandchild’s work.

In addition, the Junior High personalized their own picture frames for their grandparents as an act of appreciation. Each frame had a picture of the 2011-2012 Junior High class. Other TMA classes also made their own gifts to present to their grandparents. It was a great way to show our grandparents how important they are in our lives.

Submitted by: The Junior High Class at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

Junior High Sports Report

2011-11-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Junior High’s boys’ basketball team had their first two practices on November 9^th and 10^th.

We are looking forward to a loud and enthusiastic gym for our first home game on November 21st.

The girl’s Junior High volleyball team season ended on Monday the 14^th. We played 5 games and 1 tournament, with 3 wins total. We have 1 more game against Covenant Christian.

Tuesday’s (10/27) Junior High soccer party was a blast! We had it at Hannah and Friends. We played Frisbee golf and football. The Junior High soccer team would like to thank Coach Romanetz for a spectacular season!

Contributed by the Junior High Class

A Community of Caring

2011-11-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is an edited version of an email sent to the junior high teachers a while ago but the message holds true today. We are more than just a school, we are a community that helps each other out whenever needed.

The other day when my daughter (in lower elementary) forgot her lunch I showed up at noon, realizing too late that I'd forgotten to deliver her lunch box. (She told me at drop off that she'd left it at home.) Needless to say, I was feeling just awful that I'd forgotten and was racing in to feed what I'd imagined would be a starving and very emotional child. But when I got there another parent, who was subbing in the classroom, greeted me so warmly and was quick to reassure me that everything was all right.

My daughter's class was out at recess and she was eating with the junior high. I headed for the cafeteria to check on her, fully expecting a very upset girl; she was missing recess and eating with all the older kids that seemed to intimidate her. However, I found her peacefully eating with three of the junior high girls who were so kindly including her in their lunchtime socializing. She was happily eating a McDonald's lunch that another parent had picked up for her.

At the next table over sat the two junior high teachers-overseeing the whole thing and just as calm and welcoming as can be. My daughter then told me matter of factly how several other staff members had also offered to run out and pick up a lunch for her. What could have been a very isolating and upsetting situation turned out to be a wonderful lesson about our school community; not only for my daughter but for me as well. It's not easy to be on the receiving end of needing help, and I know this situation might seem minor in the big picture. But that was the most powerful example and reminder fo me of how special our little community is!

What a gift to know your child is being looked out for and protected when you aren't there. I just wanted you to know how grateful I am for each of you.

Submitted by: Judy Hill- Junior High Teacher at The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes

Montessori Madness!

2011-10-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcgN0lEh5IA

Enjoy this amazing Montessori video.