A Year in Review- Books!

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.

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 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

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

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

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!

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

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

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