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Friday, September 08, 2006
Calendar
9/12 Ginkgo Parent Night
9/13 Live Oak Parent Night
9/14 Jacaranda Parent Night
9/14 Camellia Parent Night
9/27 – 9/29 School pictures – Schedule to be announced
10/9 Indigenous People’s Day – School closed, no childcare
10/10 All school assembly – Bird Show 10 am
10/14 Family Fun Day, Book Fair 10 - 2
TUFF TUMBLERS
Tuff Tumblers is a noncompetitive gymnastic and recreation program that offers classes once a week at GLM. It provides your child with a safe and healthy environment, improving his or her large and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, and self-confidence. The fee is $48.00 for a 6-week session, class times will be 3:00, 3:45, and 4:30pm. Registration forms have been distributed to parent pockets/cubbies, and more are in the school offices. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and children are scheduled together by age and ability. The earlier you get your registration form in the more likely we can honor a request for specific day and time. Please be aware that you will be charged for after care while your child attends Tuff Tumblers.
FAMILY FUN DAY & SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Saturday, October 14th, is a special day at GLM. This is the day that the campus is transformed into a circus/carnival, and we hold the Scholastic book fair. There will be games, face painting, circus performers, food, activities and books! Mark your calendar and bring the whole family! Don’t miss this fun event (from 10 am – 2 pm). Volunteers will be recruited to help with set-up, booths, food prep and clean-up. Watch for sign-ups lists.
SOUND OF THE WEEK Each Wednesday your child is encouraged, with your help, to find an object at home (preferably not a toy) that begins with the sound of the week. Put it in a labeled bag to share with your child’s class. With the confusion of school just starting some classes missed Sound of the Week. We will start again with “A”, as in Animal and Acrobat next Wednesday.
HEALTHY LUNCHES
At GLM we encourage the children to eat “Green Light” foods (fruits, veggies, whole wheat grains, etc), and avoid “Red Light” foods (ones high in fats and sugars). “Yellow Light” foods are ones that are OK sometimes, or for special occasions (birthday cake),
Some parents have asked for suggestions for lunch box contents:
- Leftovers from dinner – a small piece of chicken, a square of lasagna, chilled veggies with a light dressing, rice with diced roasted peppers and olives in a vinaigrette
- Whole wheat muffin pizza
- Whole wheat pita with shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber, hummus
- Whole wheat tortilla with a slice of turkey, cheese and lettuce - rolled up
- Home made soup in a thermos
- Lettuce leaves to scoop up tabouleh with tomatoes and onions
- Celery stuffed with cheese
If you have any special lunch treats to share with other GLM families, please let us know!
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Parents are needed to help with Take a Break on Fridays. Call the office or add your name to the sign-up sheets posted around campus.
A parent is also needed to run the Box Tops for Education fundraiser. This is a simple, easy job with very flexible hours. Box Tops are found on various products, clipped out, and sent in to General Mills twice a year. In turn, General Mills then sends the school a check (10 cents for each coupon sent in). Free money! Please contact Joanna Pugliese in the office if interested, or email joanna@grandlakemontessori.com.
All volunteer hours will be applied to your Parent Participation Hours.
NANNY SEEKING WORK
Both my children will be attending school full time this year and I am trying to help my nanny (Tita) of 3-1/2 years find full time work. She has been an absolutely devoted and gentle caregiver to both my children and is experienced with infants, toddlers and older children. Tita has 6+ years experience with childcare and is looking for about $14 -$18 an hour depending on the number of children. She is looking for a 40 hour week but is flexible with times and dates. She is a playful, creative companion who is always safety conscious. She will take your child(ren) on walks in the neighborhood and to the park. Tita does not drive yet (she is in the process of obtaining her license) so your home must be walking distance from public transportation. She will receive her CPR certificate from The Red Cross this month and will be taking refresher childcare classes at Bananas this week. Tita speaks Spanish and conversational English. Other references can be provided upon request and you can call me with any questions you might have. Please contact Diane Garcia Spiegel at diane_spiegel@pacbell.net if interested.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CLASS NEWS
REDWOOD (ELEMENTARY)
The Redwood class has had a great start this year. It is nice to have the new children oriented during the summer so there are no surprises for them when they arrive on the first day in the fall.
We had our first Spanish lesson with Ms. Velasquez today! The children are learning all of the countries in which Spanish is the native language (there are 21), and they have begun making labels of the Spanish word for everyday items in our classroom. They also learned the song “Colombia Tierra Querida”, or “Colombia Loved Land”.
The first years have had the first 4 of the 5 Great Montessori lessons. This lesson focuses on the age of the Earth. They are really enjoying the Timeline of Life, which is a depiction of the age of creation.
The third years are studying the life cycle of plants. They have been busy sketching the perennials, biennials, and annuals around the school. They have also decided that they would like to do an experiment with a carrot plant (we actually eat them before they have fully matured) by allowing it to complete its growing cycle throughout 2 years.
The fourth years are studying the differences between dry and succulent fruits. We have been studying both edible and inedible dry fruits. The children were surprised to hear that both green beans and okra are immature dry fruits.
The fifth years have begun studying bryophytes, which are non-vascular plants. Bryophytes are the oldest plants and they are considered incomplete because they do not possess stomata or true stems. The children have been excited to learn about the various types of mosses, which are one of the three types of bryophytes.
We also had our first library trip of the school year on Friday. The 4th years were thrilled to locate books about myths and legends while the 5th years were focusing on poetry books.
JACARANDA
Welcome to all our new families! We are so looking forward to seeing you all on September 14th at our Back to School Night.
The children have been getting to know the routine of our class, as well as each other. We have been singing many welcome songs including:
This is my school,
My place to work and play.
My friend and I are living out each day.
Washing a table, polishing a cup,
Every day I’m growing up.
This is my school,
My place to work and play.
Welcome also to Awa Dia, a new teacher in Jacaranda, who will be working in our class on Fridays. She is covering for Ms. Leck while she is out preparing for a series of Montessori adult classes she is teaching in the fall.
The children have been enjoying their first cultural lessons on living and nonliving things, as well as learning about the land and water on our earth.
Happy birthday to Je’den who turned 4 last week!
JUNIPER
The children have had a busy first few days getting to know each other and diving right in to the work and activities available to them. So far, we've focused on the parts of a tree, the types of trees on campus (persimmon, apple, bottle brush, juniper, pine, lemon, and strawberry), and what trees do for us. They also received a spontaneous lesson on the difference between living and non-living from Mr. Keating when he was cleaning Jacaranda's guinea pig cage.
Throughout this school year, Ms. Yang will spend every Tuesday speaking only Mandarin to the children and focusing on lessons and presentations relating directly to Mandarin. The children have shown an amazing (but not surprising) ability to absorb this second language. After a few repetitions, children quickly pick-up on the meaning of words Ms. Yang uses and even ask what certain English words would be in Mandarin. In future newsletters, look for a word or two in Mandarin that you can use with your children!
During Thursday's morning circle, a question by Kevin Talley about the fire alarm on the wall prompted a lengthy discussion about classroom safety. We discussed smoke alarms, fire alarms and exit signs, as well as what to do in case of a fire. This led into a discussion of earthquake safety, with the older children demonstrating how to get under a table and protect yourself in the event of an earthquake.
LIVE OAK
Welcome back! We’ve had an exciting beginning this year and everyone is enjoying the classroom. Please mark your calendars for next Wednesday (9/13) from 6:30-8:00. We are having our Parent Night and of course we want everyone to attend. GLM is providing childcare and we will be prompt and purposeful with lots of useful information for you and the opportunity to meet our community of awesome parents.
We have been exploring the parts of a tree, and have named all the trees on our playground. We will continue with leaf and bark rubbings of the trees.
The children have been learning their grace and courtesies and are a pleasure to greet in the mornings. We received a package of nature and gardening books for the class from Ms. Cheney’s father. The children helped make a thank you card for him on Wednesday.
Ms. Dia has begun French lessons with the children. Many of them already know how to say “Good morning, my name is….” (Bonjour, j’applelle.), and we are counting from one to five and signing some songs.
We have begun yoga in the morning and the afternoon. Ms. Hyer’s mother came to visit our class and was very touched by how much the children care for each other.
We ask parents to bring in a few plastic grocery bags for changes of clothes and egg shells for a new work that helps to nourish our plants (please rinse them out before bringing them to school). Thank you!
GINKGO
The new school year is upon us! This week, the children have been adjusting to the new environment, getting to know new friends, and learning how to do new things. This week, the children have received some grace and courtesy lessons. The children learned how to introduce themselves to another person through role-playing. First, the teacher will act out in front of a small group of children how to introduce yourself to other person, then the children will repeat what the teacher did by taking turns.
We have begun group suggestions on living and nonliving things. Living things are fish, animals and plants. When we began to talk about nonliving things the children started to point at everything in the classroom, chairs, tables, etc.
We have also geography lessons. The children are beginning to discover the difference between land and water. We will continue this work; children will receive individual lessons throughout the year on geography.
Thank you for helping your children bring so many different Sound of the Week Items. The children who didn’t bring items did a wonderful job trying to come up with words that begin with “A”. For children who are beginning to identify sounds in words bringing items helps them to discover, on a sensorial level, things that begin with that sound. Remember, Sound of the Week is every Wednesday. We will re-start next week with “A”, as some classes missed the Sound of the Week kick-off.
I would also like to remind parents that Tuesday, September 12, is our Parent’s Night. We look forward to seeing you then. Childcare is free is you call the office and reserve a spot.
MAGNOLIA
Welcome back everyone. It has been a very smooth start to the school year. The children are adjusting well and are enjoying their time in the classroom. It was great to see all of you at the Back to School Night; we know what a big sacrifice it is to come back to school during a busy week. Thanks for your attendance.
We have begun our cultural lessons including land and water forms, as well as parts of the tree. We will incorporate music and literature into these lessons as well. The children will begin learning the “Magnolia Tree” in Spanish. We have also set up our culture table to display all of the artifacts the children have brought in and there is already some tree moss on it. We would love to get a variety of bark and leaf samples for the table.
MULBERRY
The first week of school has been a week of adjustments and I am pleased to say very few tears. The children have been enjoying the outdoors. They have been busy watering the strawberry plants and flowers. We also have a lot of bubble lovers so we have blowing and chasing bubbles around the yard. Playing in the sand box and at the water table have also enticed some of the children. Ms. Kebede has introduced the children to "Ring Around the Rosie". They are especially fond of the “and we all fall down!” part!
Reminder to parents to apply sunscreen in the morning and we will reapply throughout the day.
Song of the week:
(a child's name) is here and welcome.
________________is here and welcome.
_____________is here and welcome. We're all here.
CAMELLIA
Welcome back. We hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day. We’re going into our 2nd week of school and everyone is so busy with the work, inside and outside. Inside everyone is busy doing pouring water, spooning, and the baby washing. One child spent the whole morning washing the baby! Many of the children enjoy quiet time in the book corner. Outside we also have pouring, spooning and baby washing, in addition to riding the rockers and sweeping. The thing they love the most is the new balance beam that was made for our class. All the children get a kick out of walking back and forth on it. It’s great for gross motor skills.
Reminders: Camellia’s Parent Night is Thursday, Sept. 14 (6 – 7:30 pm), in the Pinewood classroom. Childcare is provided at no charge with an RSVP to the office. No drop-ins. If you have any questions feel free to contact Mr. Tien.
Please make sure you check your Parent Pocket for important information and communications and your child’s cubby for artwork often.
Licensing requires parents to sign in and out on the clipboard. Please ensure that you do this.
Thank you.
9/12 Ginkgo Parent Night
9/13 Live Oak Parent Night
9/14 Jacaranda Parent Night
9/14 Camellia Parent Night
9/27 – 9/29 School pictures – Schedule to be announced
10/9 Indigenous People’s Day – School closed, no childcare
10/10 All school assembly – Bird Show 10 am
10/14 Family Fun Day, Book Fair 10 - 2
TUFF TUMBLERS
Tuff Tumblers is a noncompetitive gymnastic and recreation program that offers classes once a week at GLM. It provides your child with a safe and healthy environment, improving his or her large and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, and self-confidence. The fee is $48.00 for a 6-week session, class times will be 3:00, 3:45, and 4:30pm. Registration forms have been distributed to parent pockets/cubbies, and more are in the school offices. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and children are scheduled together by age and ability. The earlier you get your registration form in the more likely we can honor a request for specific day and time. Please be aware that you will be charged for after care while your child attends Tuff Tumblers.
FAMILY FUN DAY & SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Saturday, October 14th, is a special day at GLM. This is the day that the campus is transformed into a circus/carnival, and we hold the Scholastic book fair. There will be games, face painting, circus performers, food, activities and books! Mark your calendar and bring the whole family! Don’t miss this fun event (from 10 am – 2 pm). Volunteers will be recruited to help with set-up, booths, food prep and clean-up. Watch for sign-ups lists.
SOUND OF THE WEEK Each Wednesday your child is encouraged, with your help, to find an object at home (preferably not a toy) that begins with the sound of the week. Put it in a labeled bag to share with your child’s class. With the confusion of school just starting some classes missed Sound of the Week. We will start again with “A”, as in Animal and Acrobat next Wednesday.
HEALTHY LUNCHES
At GLM we encourage the children to eat “Green Light” foods (fruits, veggies, whole wheat grains, etc), and avoid “Red Light” foods (ones high in fats and sugars). “Yellow Light” foods are ones that are OK sometimes, or for special occasions (birthday cake),
Some parents have asked for suggestions for lunch box contents:
- Leftovers from dinner – a small piece of chicken, a square of lasagna, chilled veggies with a light dressing, rice with diced roasted peppers and olives in a vinaigrette
- Whole wheat muffin pizza
- Whole wheat pita with shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber, hummus
- Whole wheat tortilla with a slice of turkey, cheese and lettuce - rolled up
- Home made soup in a thermos
- Lettuce leaves to scoop up tabouleh with tomatoes and onions
- Celery stuffed with cheese
If you have any special lunch treats to share with other GLM families, please let us know!
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Parents are needed to help with Take a Break on Fridays. Call the office or add your name to the sign-up sheets posted around campus.
A parent is also needed to run the Box Tops for Education fundraiser. This is a simple, easy job with very flexible hours. Box Tops are found on various products, clipped out, and sent in to General Mills twice a year. In turn, General Mills then sends the school a check (10 cents for each coupon sent in). Free money! Please contact Joanna Pugliese in the office if interested, or email joanna@grandlakemontessori.com.
All volunteer hours will be applied to your Parent Participation Hours.
NANNY SEEKING WORK
Both my children will be attending school full time this year and I am trying to help my nanny (Tita) of 3-1/2 years find full time work. She has been an absolutely devoted and gentle caregiver to both my children and is experienced with infants, toddlers and older children. Tita has 6+ years experience with childcare and is looking for about $14 -$18 an hour depending on the number of children. She is looking for a 40 hour week but is flexible with times and dates. She is a playful, creative companion who is always safety conscious. She will take your child(ren) on walks in the neighborhood and to the park. Tita does not drive yet (she is in the process of obtaining her license) so your home must be walking distance from public transportation. She will receive her CPR certificate from The Red Cross this month and will be taking refresher childcare classes at Bananas this week. Tita speaks Spanish and conversational English. Other references can be provided upon request and you can call me with any questions you might have. Please contact Diane Garcia Spiegel at diane_spiegel@pacbell.net if interested.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CLASS NEWS
REDWOOD (ELEMENTARY)
The Redwood class has had a great start this year. It is nice to have the new children oriented during the summer so there are no surprises for them when they arrive on the first day in the fall.
We had our first Spanish lesson with Ms. Velasquez today! The children are learning all of the countries in which Spanish is the native language (there are 21), and they have begun making labels of the Spanish word for everyday items in our classroom. They also learned the song “Colombia Tierra Querida”, or “Colombia Loved Land”.
The first years have had the first 4 of the 5 Great Montessori lessons. This lesson focuses on the age of the Earth. They are really enjoying the Timeline of Life, which is a depiction of the age of creation.
The third years are studying the life cycle of plants. They have been busy sketching the perennials, biennials, and annuals around the school. They have also decided that they would like to do an experiment with a carrot plant (we actually eat them before they have fully matured) by allowing it to complete its growing cycle throughout 2 years.
The fourth years are studying the differences between dry and succulent fruits. We have been studying both edible and inedible dry fruits. The children were surprised to hear that both green beans and okra are immature dry fruits.
The fifth years have begun studying bryophytes, which are non-vascular plants. Bryophytes are the oldest plants and they are considered incomplete because they do not possess stomata or true stems. The children have been excited to learn about the various types of mosses, which are one of the three types of bryophytes.
We also had our first library trip of the school year on Friday. The 4th years were thrilled to locate books about myths and legends while the 5th years were focusing on poetry books.
JACARANDA
Welcome to all our new families! We are so looking forward to seeing you all on September 14th at our Back to School Night.
The children have been getting to know the routine of our class, as well as each other. We have been singing many welcome songs including:
This is my school,
My place to work and play.
My friend and I are living out each day.
Washing a table, polishing a cup,
Every day I’m growing up.
This is my school,
My place to work and play.
Welcome also to Awa Dia, a new teacher in Jacaranda, who will be working in our class on Fridays. She is covering for Ms. Leck while she is out preparing for a series of Montessori adult classes she is teaching in the fall.
The children have been enjoying their first cultural lessons on living and nonliving things, as well as learning about the land and water on our earth.
Happy birthday to Je’den who turned 4 last week!
JUNIPER
The children have had a busy first few days getting to know each other and diving right in to the work and activities available to them. So far, we've focused on the parts of a tree, the types of trees on campus (persimmon, apple, bottle brush, juniper, pine, lemon, and strawberry), and what trees do for us. They also received a spontaneous lesson on the difference between living and non-living from Mr. Keating when he was cleaning Jacaranda's guinea pig cage.
Throughout this school year, Ms. Yang will spend every Tuesday speaking only Mandarin to the children and focusing on lessons and presentations relating directly to Mandarin. The children have shown an amazing (but not surprising) ability to absorb this second language. After a few repetitions, children quickly pick-up on the meaning of words Ms. Yang uses and even ask what certain English words would be in Mandarin. In future newsletters, look for a word or two in Mandarin that you can use with your children!
During Thursday's morning circle, a question by Kevin Talley about the fire alarm on the wall prompted a lengthy discussion about classroom safety. We discussed smoke alarms, fire alarms and exit signs, as well as what to do in case of a fire. This led into a discussion of earthquake safety, with the older children demonstrating how to get under a table and protect yourself in the event of an earthquake.
LIVE OAK
Welcome back! We’ve had an exciting beginning this year and everyone is enjoying the classroom. Please mark your calendars for next Wednesday (9/13) from 6:30-8:00. We are having our Parent Night and of course we want everyone to attend. GLM is providing childcare and we will be prompt and purposeful with lots of useful information for you and the opportunity to meet our community of awesome parents.
We have been exploring the parts of a tree, and have named all the trees on our playground. We will continue with leaf and bark rubbings of the trees.
The children have been learning their grace and courtesies and are a pleasure to greet in the mornings. We received a package of nature and gardening books for the class from Ms. Cheney’s father. The children helped make a thank you card for him on Wednesday.
Ms. Dia has begun French lessons with the children. Many of them already know how to say “Good morning, my name is….” (Bonjour, j’applelle.), and we are counting from one to five and signing some songs.
We have begun yoga in the morning and the afternoon. Ms. Hyer’s mother came to visit our class and was very touched by how much the children care for each other.
We ask parents to bring in a few plastic grocery bags for changes of clothes and egg shells for a new work that helps to nourish our plants (please rinse them out before bringing them to school). Thank you!
GINKGO
The new school year is upon us! This week, the children have been adjusting to the new environment, getting to know new friends, and learning how to do new things. This week, the children have received some grace and courtesy lessons. The children learned how to introduce themselves to another person through role-playing. First, the teacher will act out in front of a small group of children how to introduce yourself to other person, then the children will repeat what the teacher did by taking turns.
We have begun group suggestions on living and nonliving things. Living things are fish, animals and plants. When we began to talk about nonliving things the children started to point at everything in the classroom, chairs, tables, etc.
We have also geography lessons. The children are beginning to discover the difference between land and water. We will continue this work; children will receive individual lessons throughout the year on geography.
Thank you for helping your children bring so many different Sound of the Week Items. The children who didn’t bring items did a wonderful job trying to come up with words that begin with “A”. For children who are beginning to identify sounds in words bringing items helps them to discover, on a sensorial level, things that begin with that sound. Remember, Sound of the Week is every Wednesday. We will re-start next week with “A”, as some classes missed the Sound of the Week kick-off.
I would also like to remind parents that Tuesday, September 12, is our Parent’s Night. We look forward to seeing you then. Childcare is free is you call the office and reserve a spot.
MAGNOLIA
Welcome back everyone. It has been a very smooth start to the school year. The children are adjusting well and are enjoying their time in the classroom. It was great to see all of you at the Back to School Night; we know what a big sacrifice it is to come back to school during a busy week. Thanks for your attendance.
We have begun our cultural lessons including land and water forms, as well as parts of the tree. We will incorporate music and literature into these lessons as well. The children will begin learning the “Magnolia Tree” in Spanish. We have also set up our culture table to display all of the artifacts the children have brought in and there is already some tree moss on it. We would love to get a variety of bark and leaf samples for the table.
MULBERRY
The first week of school has been a week of adjustments and I am pleased to say very few tears. The children have been enjoying the outdoors. They have been busy watering the strawberry plants and flowers. We also have a lot of bubble lovers so we have blowing and chasing bubbles around the yard. Playing in the sand box and at the water table have also enticed some of the children. Ms. Kebede has introduced the children to "Ring Around the Rosie". They are especially fond of the “and we all fall down!” part!
Reminder to parents to apply sunscreen in the morning and we will reapply throughout the day.
Song of the week:
(a child's name) is here and welcome.
________________is here and welcome.
_____________is here and welcome. We're all here.
CAMELLIA
Welcome back. We hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day. We’re going into our 2nd week of school and everyone is so busy with the work, inside and outside. Inside everyone is busy doing pouring water, spooning, and the baby washing. One child spent the whole morning washing the baby! Many of the children enjoy quiet time in the book corner. Outside we also have pouring, spooning and baby washing, in addition to riding the rockers and sweeping. The thing they love the most is the new balance beam that was made for our class. All the children get a kick out of walking back and forth on it. It’s great for gross motor skills.
Reminders: Camellia’s Parent Night is Thursday, Sept. 14 (6 – 7:30 pm), in the Pinewood classroom. Childcare is provided at no charge with an RSVP to the office. No drop-ins. If you have any questions feel free to contact Mr. Tien.
Please make sure you check your Parent Pocket for important information and communications and your child’s cubby for artwork often.
Licensing requires parents to sign in and out on the clipboard. Please ensure that you do this.
Thank you.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
SEPTEMBER 2006
WELCOME FROM THE GRAND LAKE MONTESSORI STAFF
We are looking forward to working and sharing with you, the parents. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care.
From all the GLM Staff
Welcome Notes from Helen Campbell
The staff has had an invigorating week of preparation and training with Sanford Jones, composer of children’s operas, and Montessori teacher trainer. One of his children’s songs describes the new start of school:
At the Beginning
At the beginning is a good place to be.
What will each day bring for you and me?
New life, new friends, new things to do.
At the beginning is a good place to be.
Over the summer staff rotated vacations and made plans for September. Regrettably, GLM said goodbye to two staff members who had a change of circumstances. Corrine Cebulski (Magnolia) became pregnant and chose to stop working. Jennifer Palmer (Ginkgo) must care for an elderly parent, quit her job, and may be moving away. GLM has hired some new staff members and we are all very pleased that they have joined us because they each bring new energies and talents. See the staff biographies. Claudia Velasquez joins the elementary as a Spanish teacher and assistant, and Aaron Brown joins the elementary as the aftercare teacher and coach. Maggie Cheney, recently moved from the East Coast, joins the Live Oak class as an assistant. Daisy Shaw, who worked at the Montessori teacher training center in Phoenix, moved to California and is co-teaching with Deserae Mc Clindon in Ginkgo. Anne Jeronimus will co-teach in Magnolia, and is enrolled in the Masters Program (with emphasis in Montessori) at St. Mary’s.
GLM substitutes are full time staff who are familiar to the children and staff. Our longtime substitute, Elaine Mezzio, will continue as a roving sub, and later in October, will open the clay studio with Faye Owens and Amanda Hyer. Victorina Santiago, from Magnolia, will travel during the mornings to speak Spanish as she did this summer. Awa Dia will also travel from Live Oak and substitute and speak French.
GLM is starting its 2nd year of a five year goal to have all staff Montessori trained. Each constellation of teachers at GLM creates a team and a shared outlook to care for and to teach your children. We anticipate discovering new friends, new life, and new things to do with families this coming year.
At the beginning is a good place to be!
“When will we teach our children in school what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the world there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed there has never been another child like you. And look at your body – what a wonder it is! Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move! You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you harm another who is, like you, a marvel?”
-Pablo Casals
Back-to-School Nights
We will begin hosting Back-to-School Nights in September. These nights are for parents only and will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teacher and get any questions you might have answered. This is the schedule:
Redwood: Friday, 9/1, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Ginkgo: Tuesday, 9/12, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Mulberry: Wednesday, 9/6, 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Live Oak: Wednesday, 9/13, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Magnolia: Wednesday, 9/6, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Jacaranda: Thursday, 9/14, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Juniper: Thursday, 9/7, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Camellia: Thursday, 9/14, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
(Camellia meets in Redwood class)
Refreshments will be served.
Because teachers want 100% attendance, GLM staff will offer free childcare for children by RSVP to the school office. NO drop-ins, please. Childcare will be provided by familiar teachers in the Brown Cottage.
ABOUT THE GLM STAFF
HELEN CAMPBELL – HEAD OF SCHOOL
Helen Campbell grew up in Southern California. She trained at the A.M.I. International Institute of Los Angeles and took elementary teacher training at the Montessori Education Center in San Leandro and again took Montessori elementary teacher training in Savannah, Georgia in a special public school program. She co-founded a Montessori school in San Diego and then accompanied her husband for a year of elementary Montessori training in Italy. She founded Grand Lake Montessori 29 years ago. She has 32 year’s experience teaching toddlers, preschool and elementary. Helen was selected to participate in an 18-month pilot program, “Every Director Counts”, funded by the Prop. 10 cigarette tax monies. GLM is one of 25 Early Childhood Centers in Alameda County developing shared leadership in the field of Early Childhood Education. She has 3 children who all went through Montessori schools. For recreation, she and her husband enjoy the Bay Area folk music and dance community and they attend contradance (an Americanized form of English Country Dance) workshops. Helen is looking forward to becoming a first-time grandma this November!
MARY AIMA – GUIDE (MULBERRY)
Mary grew up in St. Louis, Missouri with a brother and four sisters. She attended Florisant Valley College as a psychology major while working at the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf as a House Parent. Later, Mary traveled to Haiti and spent 3 1/2 years working in an orphanage as the Activity Director and House Mom. Mary has been teaching 18 years, 15 of them at GLM! She believes in creating an environment that embraces the whole child, allowing them to express themselves through exploring the classroom. Mary’s hobbies include sewing, cooking, collecting folk dolls. Her daughter, Samantha, is a graduate of GLM and presently attending Julia Morgan.
AARON BROWN – ELEMENTARY AFTERCARE
Aaron was born and raised in Livermore, California. As a youth Aaron played volleyball and participated in the Junior Olympics for 8 years. He graduated from California State University Long Beach with a BA in elementary education (K-5), and a minor in physical heath and well-being. While at CSULB he was a member of the men’s volleyball team, which in turn led to a brief career on the Pro Beach volleyball tour. Aaron has been a youth volleyball coach for 12 years. He recently moved back to the Bay Area with his wife, Jennifer. This is his first year at GLM. In his spare time he enjoys golf, camping, running and spending time with his wife.
MAGGIE CHENEY – CO-TEACHER (LIVE OAK)
Maggie received a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University where she studied Psychology with a focus on child development and education. Maggie grew up just outside Boston, MA. She has spent the past two years running an after-school program at a public school in Providence, RI where she worked with children with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. She has lived on organic vegetable farms her whole live and is excited to bring her knowledge of farming to the children. She spent last summer in Costa Rica working on farms, learning Spanish, and hiking. Maggie also enjoys rowing, art, dance, yoga, and everything outdoors. She is extremely excited to join the Grand Lake Montessori team for the first time this year!
AWA DIA – INTERN/ROVING SUBSTITUTE/FRENCH TEACHER
Awa was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa, coming to the U.S. 12 years ago to study journalism in Washington, D.C. She changed her major and obtained a B.A. in Business Administration. After moving to Oakland and getting married she tutored children in French while in college. Awa has been at GLM for 4 years, but has taught for 14. She believes that every teacher should give his/her best to the children. Besides spending time with her two children she enjoys cooking, reading and traveling, and speaks four languages!
JOYCE EDINGTON - CO-TEACHER (CAMELLIA)
Joyce studied early childhood education at Merritt College, and participated In a Round Table innovative teacher’s project at Mills College. For 13 years she operated a family day care in her home, and for another 12 years was the Program Director/Teacher in a preschool. She is the mother of 2 sons, the first of which has 2 energetic boys. She enjoys music, cooking, reading and sketching.
TANIA GILLIAM – ELEMENTARY GUIDE (REDWOOD)
Tania is a native Californian and grew up in Eureka. She received her degree in Multicultural Studies and Psychology. She has completed her Masters in Education with an emphasis on Montessori education, receiving it from St. Mary’s College. She has taught for 11 years and is in her 7th year with GLM. Tania is the mother of Nacalah and Jaquez, both GLM students. She loves to take on challenges and feels education should be adapted to fit each child’s individual learning styles. “Learning should never be a laborious process!”
NANCY HASKINS – BUSINESS MANAGER/DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Nancy is a Bay Area native, born in Berkeley and raised in Richmond. She has over 30 years of experience working in Business environments. She began working at GLM in 1984 and enrolled her youngest daughter as a toddler student. She lives in Piedmont with her husband Bill and loves to hike, cook, read, spend time with family and friends, and loves blues and jazz.
ERIN HENNIGAN – CO-TEACHER (JUNIPER)
Erin attended Ojai Montessori from kindergarten through the 6th grade. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from U.C. Santa Barbara in 2001, and is presently finishing the Montessori Early Childhood Education certificate program at St. Mary’s College. This is his second year at GLM. In his spare time Erin enjoys being in the outdoors: backpacking, fly fishing and snowboarding.
FRANCISCA HERNANDEZ – CO-TEACHER (MAGNOLIA)
Francisca was born in Mexico and grew up in the northern Sacramento valley. For 2 years she worked at Head Start. She is currently majoring in English Literature at C.S.U. of the East Bay. She is enjoying her recent move to the Bay Area. Francisca feels it is a privilege to work with young children.
PENNY HOLBROOK – ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
Penny is a familiar face to GLM families. She has spent 18 years working in the office and is one of the key people who help to keep our school running smoothly. Penny is a Bay Area native and has spent most of her adult life living in Berkeley. She graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in Anthropology. Penny has two children, Adam and Jennifer. Penny's great love is the English language and reading and writing.
AMANDA HYER – CO-TEACHER (LIVE OAK)
Amanda Hyer was born in Denver, Colorado. Her parents gave her the beautiful gift of Montessori education that continues to shape and support her life. She has been working with children in a variety of capacities for 15 years. She lives in San Francisco with her husband. She graduated with her A.M.I. diploma in Portland, Oregon while concurrently receiving a Master’s Degree in Education from Loyola College of Maryland in 2005. She is very excited to join the diverse, supportive family of GLM. She loves working with clay, photography, reading, being outdoors, bike rides and traveling.
ANNE JERONIMUS – CO-TEACHER (MAGNOLIA)
Anne graduated from San Francisco State with a BA in Psychology. She is currently attending St. Mary’s graduate program getting her Montessori credential. She has been a substitute teacher in Alameda County for many years and has worked at after school programs in the Bay Area. Anne enjoys running, hiking, tennis, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
ANDREW KEATING – CO-TEACHER (JACARANDA)
Andy was born in Sherman, Texas and came to California in 1993. He has been teaching for 5 years, all at GLM. To Andy, children are most successful when their own natural choices are valued and reinforced in the classroom and the home. His children, Clare and Grant, are GLM students. An interesting aside about Andy: he and his wife, both vegetarians, met as teenagers in a steakhouse in Denton, TX!
BIRTUKAN KEBEDE – CO-TEACHER (MULBERRY)
Birtukan is from Addis Abada, Ethiopia, where she was a Police Officer for 20 years. She has been living in the United States for the past 5 years, teaching for 2 years. She loves embroidery, sewing, knitting, and smiling. Birtukan especially loves being around the children; guiding them and helping them develop their many skills.
LETA KOERBER – GUIDE (JUNIPER)/EXTENDED DAY COORDINATOR, JUNIPER AND JACARANDA
Leta was born in Seattle, Washington. She started school intending to become a pediatric physician's assistant, but changed her mind and instead went on to receive an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and now has her Montessori Certificate. She has been at GLM for 16 years, and teaching for 26 years. She believes that teaching is like a triangle: the child at the head, parent(s) on one side, teacher on the other, together helping the child develop their skills in a supportive environment. She is the proud and busy mother of two daughters, Krystal and Marquesa. She enjoys singing, music, and traveling with her family.
VELDA LAU – CO-TEACHER (CAMELLIA)
Velda was born in Macao, China, and graduated from high school in Hong Kong. She moved to San Francisco where she operated a day care center in her home, and took Early Childhood classes at S.F. City College. She has been teaching for 6 years and likes helping children develop their self-help skills and sharing her culture with them.
SIDNEY LECK – GUIDE (JACARANDA)
Sidney was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Sociology. Later she completed her A.M.I. training in London. She has lived and taught in the United States for the past 13 years, over 10 of them here at GLM as a head teacher in one of our Primary classes. She believes in teaching mindfully, artfully, and creatively with the whole child in mind. She has traveled extensively and lived on other continents. Her other interests include hiking in nature with her dog, Florabelle, knitting, yoga and sailing.
MONICA MAC DONALD – GUIDE (LIVE OAK)
Monica grew up in Asia as a military dependent. She was a residential drug counselor before being introduced to Montessori in India. Monica trained at the AMI Training Center in St. Louis in 1987. Since then she has taught primary, assisted the elementary, created a toddler program and owned her own school. She has one adopted daughter who had the privilege of a Montessori education from age 1 to 12 and is now an A student at Berkeley High. Monica moved to the Bay Area to be part of GLM. For recreation she enjoys quilting, travel, dancing and music.
DESERAE MC CLINDON – GUIDE (GINKGO)
Deserae graduated from a future teacher’s program at Skyline High School, received units in Early Childhood Development and Human Development, and has been teaching for 6 years, 5 of them at GLM. June 2005 she finished her training at the Mountain View A.M.I. Teacher Training Center. She believes learning should be fun. “We should look at the child as a whole and teach in a way that works best for that individual child.” Deserae was born and raised in Oakland. She loves music and plays the piano.
ELAINE MEZZIO – ROVING SUBSTITUTE
After graduating from the University of Buffalo in 1967 Elaine joined the migration to San Francisco. Following a few years in Early Childhood education she joined her late husband in his artsy-craftsy candle company and spent 20 years creating millefiore art wax for the global market, as well as Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. She enrolled her daughter, Lia, in GLM in 1992, and Elaine joined the staff. Lia, a graduate of GLM’s elementary program, is now a student at UC Berkeley! We wish her luck.
GRACE MOLLEL – CO-TEACHER (MULBERRY)
Grace grew up in Arusha, Tanzania, in East Africa, with 4 brothers and 6 sisters! After high school she attending an accounting college, and worked as an accountant for a few years in Tanzania. She came to the U.S. in 1999 and worked as a nanny until joining GLM. When not at work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and music of all kinds.
MICAELA OLIVARES – GUIDE (MAGNOLIA)
Micaela is a native of California and grew up in Gilroy. She graduated with a B.A. in nursing from San Jose State University and received her American Montessori certificate in 1996. She has been teaching ever since, and has been part of the staff here for over 5 years. She now resides in Walnut Creek with her many adopted pets, including Chango, a 6-year old Chihuahua. In her free time Mica enjoys gardening (year round), reading, cooking, crocheting, and is a Pilates enthusiast.
FAYE OWENS – CO-TEACHER (GINKGO)/ART/EXTENDED DAY COORDINATOR, LAKE PARK
Faye grew up in Mississippi, but one visit to an aunt and uncle in California convinced her to move here for good. She began working at GLM shortly after she arrived and, nearly 16 years later, she is still with us. Faye has her certificate in Early Childhood education through U.C. Berkeley Extension. All in all she has taught for more 20 years. Faye teaches on an individual basis and believes in bringing creativity to all aspects of education. Faye loves to travel and eat in restaurants
JOANNA PUGLIESE - ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Joanna was born in Ohio and grew up in the Bay Area. She started at GLM over 5 years ago. She has worked many years as an administrative assistant in an eclectic assortment of work places. She does stained glass work, loves animals, collects antique furniture, and used to ride a motorcycle. Joanna shares her home with her daughter, 2 rescue dogs, and a Mozart-whistling cockatiel named Pickle.
SHAHIDA SALEEM - CO-TEACHER (JACARANDA)
Shahida was born in Pakistan, where she attended Lahore College. In 1994 she received her B.A. in Economics and in 1996 her M.A. in Urdu (Lit.) from Government College in Pakistan. She has 4 brothers and speaks 4 different languages! She came to the U.S. in 1996 and took Child Development classes at the Association of Childhood Services in Oakland, with the aim to help children become better human beings. She loves reading and listening to music, and wearing clothing from her country.
VICTORINA SANTIAGO – CO-TEACHER (MAGNOLIA)/SPANISH TEACHER
Victorina comes from Jalisco, Mexico. She has been living here for 16 years, teaching for 3 years. She’s mom to 5 children, ages 24 through 31. She attended American College and obtained an Early Childhood Education Certificate. She likes reading, dancing and playing with children. She feels working at GLM has been a good experience for her, and hopes she is helping the children become good human beings and learning to be kind.
DAISY SHAH – CO-TEACHER (GINKGO)
Daisy was born in San Francisco and raised in Orange County. She grew up surrounded by children at her mother’s family daycare. Daisy began her Montessori career at her aunt’s school in Taiwan. She has her A.M.I. primary certificate and Master’s in Education. She is a proud auntie and Pug owner. Daisy has expressed her excitement and enthusiasm about the Ginkgo classroom.
DANNY TIEN – GUIDE (CAMELLIA)
Danny has been teaching for 11 years, over 6 with GLM. He was born in Beihai, China and came to the United States when he was 9. He first lived in San Francisco and then moved to Oakland in 1989. He is devoted to his family and wants to have a lot of children of his own. He loves to socialize and considers himself a work-a-holic. He especially enjoys the energy level of young children!
CLAUDIA VELASQUEZ - CO-TEACHER (REDWOOD)/SPANISH TEACHER
Claudia was born in Colombia, South America and moved to Oakland in 2005. She graduated from the Catholic University of Maizales with a Bachelor degree in speech therapy and a specialty in neuropsychology. She has worked with children for more than 10 years. Claudia believes in providing strong emotional tools in order to allow the child to develop appropriate skills for life. She enjoys making jewelry, reading and salsa dancing.
SU-WEN YANG – CO-TEACHER (JUNIPER)
Su-Wen was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to America in 1997. She attended Saint Mary’s College to complete her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori training in both primary and elementary levels, and has been teaching for 7 years. She hopes to one day write a children’s book. Her teaching philosophy is simply “Inspiration". An interesting thing about Su-Wen is she cannot eat watermelon!
SOUND OF THE WEEK Each Wednesday your child is encouraged, with your help, to find an object at home (preferably not a toy) that contains the sound of the week. Put it in a labeled bag to share with your child’s class. The sound for next week is “A”, as in Apple, Animal, and Anteater.
CALENDAR
9/4 LABOR DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED, NO CHILDCARE
9/27-9/29 SCHOOL PICTURES, SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED
E-mail addresses:
Helen Campbell – helen@grandlakemontessori.com
Nancy Haskins – nancy@grandlakemontessori.com
Penny Holbrook – penny@grandlakemontessori.com
Joanna Pugliese – joanna@grandlakemontessori.com
Jacaranda – jacarandateacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Juniper – juniperteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Redwood – redwoodteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Mulberry - mulberryteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Camellia - camelliateacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Magnolia - magnoliateacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Live Oak – liveoakteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Ginkgo - ginkgoteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
The GLM newsletter is posted on the school website every Friday afternoon. We are working with our IT person to set-up a system of e-mailing the newsletter directly to families with e-mail accounts. Please be sure to let the school know if your e-mail address changes (as well as home address, phone numbers, etc). For families without e-mail, there will be hard copies in the classes.
WELCOME FROM THE GRAND LAKE MONTESSORI STAFF
We are looking forward to working and sharing with you, the parents. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care.
From all the GLM Staff
Welcome Notes from Helen Campbell
The staff has had an invigorating week of preparation and training with Sanford Jones, composer of children’s operas, and Montessori teacher trainer. One of his children’s songs describes the new start of school:
At the Beginning
At the beginning is a good place to be.
What will each day bring for you and me?
New life, new friends, new things to do.
At the beginning is a good place to be.
Over the summer staff rotated vacations and made plans for September. Regrettably, GLM said goodbye to two staff members who had a change of circumstances. Corrine Cebulski (Magnolia) became pregnant and chose to stop working. Jennifer Palmer (Ginkgo) must care for an elderly parent, quit her job, and may be moving away. GLM has hired some new staff members and we are all very pleased that they have joined us because they each bring new energies and talents. See the staff biographies. Claudia Velasquez joins the elementary as a Spanish teacher and assistant, and Aaron Brown joins the elementary as the aftercare teacher and coach. Maggie Cheney, recently moved from the East Coast, joins the Live Oak class as an assistant. Daisy Shaw, who worked at the Montessori teacher training center in Phoenix, moved to California and is co-teaching with Deserae Mc Clindon in Ginkgo. Anne Jeronimus will co-teach in Magnolia, and is enrolled in the Masters Program (with emphasis in Montessori) at St. Mary’s.
GLM substitutes are full time staff who are familiar to the children and staff. Our longtime substitute, Elaine Mezzio, will continue as a roving sub, and later in October, will open the clay studio with Faye Owens and Amanda Hyer. Victorina Santiago, from Magnolia, will travel during the mornings to speak Spanish as she did this summer. Awa Dia will also travel from Live Oak and substitute and speak French.
GLM is starting its 2nd year of a five year goal to have all staff Montessori trained. Each constellation of teachers at GLM creates a team and a shared outlook to care for and to teach your children. We anticipate discovering new friends, new life, and new things to do with families this coming year.
At the beginning is a good place to be!
“When will we teach our children in school what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the world there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed there has never been another child like you. And look at your body – what a wonder it is! Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move! You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you harm another who is, like you, a marvel?”
-Pablo Casals
Back-to-School Nights
We will begin hosting Back-to-School Nights in September. These nights are for parents only and will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teacher and get any questions you might have answered. This is the schedule:
Redwood: Friday, 9/1, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Ginkgo: Tuesday, 9/12, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Mulberry: Wednesday, 9/6, 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Live Oak: Wednesday, 9/13, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Magnolia: Wednesday, 9/6, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Jacaranda: Thursday, 9/14, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Juniper: Thursday, 9/7, 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Camellia: Thursday, 9/14, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
(Camellia meets in Redwood class)
Refreshments will be served.
Because teachers want 100% attendance, GLM staff will offer free childcare for children by RSVP to the school office. NO drop-ins, please. Childcare will be provided by familiar teachers in the Brown Cottage.
ABOUT THE GLM STAFF
HELEN CAMPBELL – HEAD OF SCHOOL
Helen Campbell grew up in Southern California. She trained at the A.M.I. International Institute of Los Angeles and took elementary teacher training at the Montessori Education Center in San Leandro and again took Montessori elementary teacher training in Savannah, Georgia in a special public school program. She co-founded a Montessori school in San Diego and then accompanied her husband for a year of elementary Montessori training in Italy. She founded Grand Lake Montessori 29 years ago. She has 32 year’s experience teaching toddlers, preschool and elementary. Helen was selected to participate in an 18-month pilot program, “Every Director Counts”, funded by the Prop. 10 cigarette tax monies. GLM is one of 25 Early Childhood Centers in Alameda County developing shared leadership in the field of Early Childhood Education. She has 3 children who all went through Montessori schools. For recreation, she and her husband enjoy the Bay Area folk music and dance community and they attend contradance (an Americanized form of English Country Dance) workshops. Helen is looking forward to becoming a first-time grandma this November!
MARY AIMA – GUIDE (MULBERRY)
Mary grew up in St. Louis, Missouri with a brother and four sisters. She attended Florisant Valley College as a psychology major while working at the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf as a House Parent. Later, Mary traveled to Haiti and spent 3 1/2 years working in an orphanage as the Activity Director and House Mom. Mary has been teaching 18 years, 15 of them at GLM! She believes in creating an environment that embraces the whole child, allowing them to express themselves through exploring the classroom. Mary’s hobbies include sewing, cooking, collecting folk dolls. Her daughter, Samantha, is a graduate of GLM and presently attending Julia Morgan.
AARON BROWN – ELEMENTARY AFTERCARE
Aaron was born and raised in Livermore, California. As a youth Aaron played volleyball and participated in the Junior Olympics for 8 years. He graduated from California State University Long Beach with a BA in elementary education (K-5), and a minor in physical heath and well-being. While at CSULB he was a member of the men’s volleyball team, which in turn led to a brief career on the Pro Beach volleyball tour. Aaron has been a youth volleyball coach for 12 years. He recently moved back to the Bay Area with his wife, Jennifer. This is his first year at GLM. In his spare time he enjoys golf, camping, running and spending time with his wife.
MAGGIE CHENEY – CO-TEACHER (LIVE OAK)
Maggie received a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University where she studied Psychology with a focus on child development and education. Maggie grew up just outside Boston, MA. She has spent the past two years running an after-school program at a public school in Providence, RI where she worked with children with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. She has lived on organic vegetable farms her whole live and is excited to bring her knowledge of farming to the children. She spent last summer in Costa Rica working on farms, learning Spanish, and hiking. Maggie also enjoys rowing, art, dance, yoga, and everything outdoors. She is extremely excited to join the Grand Lake Montessori team for the first time this year!
AWA DIA – INTERN/ROVING SUBSTITUTE/FRENCH TEACHER
Awa was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa, coming to the U.S. 12 years ago to study journalism in Washington, D.C. She changed her major and obtained a B.A. in Business Administration. After moving to Oakland and getting married she tutored children in French while in college. Awa has been at GLM for 4 years, but has taught for 14. She believes that every teacher should give his/her best to the children. Besides spending time with her two children she enjoys cooking, reading and traveling, and speaks four languages!
JOYCE EDINGTON - CO-TEACHER (CAMELLIA)
Joyce studied early childhood education at Merritt College, and participated In a Round Table innovative teacher’s project at Mills College. For 13 years she operated a family day care in her home, and for another 12 years was the Program Director/Teacher in a preschool. She is the mother of 2 sons, the first of which has 2 energetic boys. She enjoys music, cooking, reading and sketching.
TANIA GILLIAM – ELEMENTARY GUIDE (REDWOOD)
Tania is a native Californian and grew up in Eureka. She received her degree in Multicultural Studies and Psychology. She has completed her Masters in Education with an emphasis on Montessori education, receiving it from St. Mary’s College. She has taught for 11 years and is in her 7th year with GLM. Tania is the mother of Nacalah and Jaquez, both GLM students. She loves to take on challenges and feels education should be adapted to fit each child’s individual learning styles. “Learning should never be a laborious process!”
NANCY HASKINS – BUSINESS MANAGER/DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Nancy is a Bay Area native, born in Berkeley and raised in Richmond. She has over 30 years of experience working in Business environments. She began working at GLM in 1984 and enrolled her youngest daughter as a toddler student. She lives in Piedmont with her husband Bill and loves to hike, cook, read, spend time with family and friends, and loves blues and jazz.
ERIN HENNIGAN – CO-TEACHER (JUNIPER)
Erin attended Ojai Montessori from kindergarten through the 6th grade. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from U.C. Santa Barbara in 2001, and is presently finishing the Montessori Early Childhood Education certificate program at St. Mary’s College. This is his second year at GLM. In his spare time Erin enjoys being in the outdoors: backpacking, fly fishing and snowboarding.
FRANCISCA HERNANDEZ – CO-TEACHER (MAGNOLIA)
Francisca was born in Mexico and grew up in the northern Sacramento valley. For 2 years she worked at Head Start. She is currently majoring in English Literature at C.S.U. of the East Bay. She is enjoying her recent move to the Bay Area. Francisca feels it is a privilege to work with young children.
PENNY HOLBROOK – ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
Penny is a familiar face to GLM families. She has spent 18 years working in the office and is one of the key people who help to keep our school running smoothly. Penny is a Bay Area native and has spent most of her adult life living in Berkeley. She graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in Anthropology. Penny has two children, Adam and Jennifer. Penny's great love is the English language and reading and writing.
AMANDA HYER – CO-TEACHER (LIVE OAK)
Amanda Hyer was born in Denver, Colorado. Her parents gave her the beautiful gift of Montessori education that continues to shape and support her life. She has been working with children in a variety of capacities for 15 years. She lives in San Francisco with her husband. She graduated with her A.M.I. diploma in Portland, Oregon while concurrently receiving a Master’s Degree in Education from Loyola College of Maryland in 2005. She is very excited to join the diverse, supportive family of GLM. She loves working with clay, photography, reading, being outdoors, bike rides and traveling.
ANNE JERONIMUS – CO-TEACHER (MAGNOLIA)
Anne graduated from San Francisco State with a BA in Psychology. She is currently attending St. Mary’s graduate program getting her Montessori credential. She has been a substitute teacher in Alameda County for many years and has worked at after school programs in the Bay Area. Anne enjoys running, hiking, tennis, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
ANDREW KEATING – CO-TEACHER (JACARANDA)
Andy was born in Sherman, Texas and came to California in 1993. He has been teaching for 5 years, all at GLM. To Andy, children are most successful when their own natural choices are valued and reinforced in the classroom and the home. His children, Clare and Grant, are GLM students. An interesting aside about Andy: he and his wife, both vegetarians, met as teenagers in a steakhouse in Denton, TX!
BIRTUKAN KEBEDE – CO-TEACHER (MULBERRY)
Birtukan is from Addis Abada, Ethiopia, where she was a Police Officer for 20 years. She has been living in the United States for the past 5 years, teaching for 2 years. She loves embroidery, sewing, knitting, and smiling. Birtukan especially loves being around the children; guiding them and helping them develop their many skills.
LETA KOERBER – GUIDE (JUNIPER)/EXTENDED DAY COORDINATOR, JUNIPER AND JACARANDA
Leta was born in Seattle, Washington. She started school intending to become a pediatric physician's assistant, but changed her mind and instead went on to receive an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and now has her Montessori Certificate. She has been at GLM for 16 years, and teaching for 26 years. She believes that teaching is like a triangle: the child at the head, parent(s) on one side, teacher on the other, together helping the child develop their skills in a supportive environment. She is the proud and busy mother of two daughters, Krystal and Marquesa. She enjoys singing, music, and traveling with her family.
VELDA LAU – CO-TEACHER (CAMELLIA)
Velda was born in Macao, China, and graduated from high school in Hong Kong. She moved to San Francisco where she operated a day care center in her home, and took Early Childhood classes at S.F. City College. She has been teaching for 6 years and likes helping children develop their self-help skills and sharing her culture with them.
SIDNEY LECK – GUIDE (JACARANDA)
Sidney was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Sociology. Later she completed her A.M.I. training in London. She has lived and taught in the United States for the past 13 years, over 10 of them here at GLM as a head teacher in one of our Primary classes. She believes in teaching mindfully, artfully, and creatively with the whole child in mind. She has traveled extensively and lived on other continents. Her other interests include hiking in nature with her dog, Florabelle, knitting, yoga and sailing.
MONICA MAC DONALD – GUIDE (LIVE OAK)
Monica grew up in Asia as a military dependent. She was a residential drug counselor before being introduced to Montessori in India. Monica trained at the AMI Training Center in St. Louis in 1987. Since then she has taught primary, assisted the elementary, created a toddler program and owned her own school. She has one adopted daughter who had the privilege of a Montessori education from age 1 to 12 and is now an A student at Berkeley High. Monica moved to the Bay Area to be part of GLM. For recreation she enjoys quilting, travel, dancing and music.
DESERAE MC CLINDON – GUIDE (GINKGO)
Deserae graduated from a future teacher’s program at Skyline High School, received units in Early Childhood Development and Human Development, and has been teaching for 6 years, 5 of them at GLM. June 2005 she finished her training at the Mountain View A.M.I. Teacher Training Center. She believes learning should be fun. “We should look at the child as a whole and teach in a way that works best for that individual child.” Deserae was born and raised in Oakland. She loves music and plays the piano.
ELAINE MEZZIO – ROVING SUBSTITUTE
After graduating from the University of Buffalo in 1967 Elaine joined the migration to San Francisco. Following a few years in Early Childhood education she joined her late husband in his artsy-craftsy candle company and spent 20 years creating millefiore art wax for the global market, as well as Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. She enrolled her daughter, Lia, in GLM in 1992, and Elaine joined the staff. Lia, a graduate of GLM’s elementary program, is now a student at UC Berkeley! We wish her luck.
GRACE MOLLEL – CO-TEACHER (MULBERRY)
Grace grew up in Arusha, Tanzania, in East Africa, with 4 brothers and 6 sisters! After high school she attending an accounting college, and worked as an accountant for a few years in Tanzania. She came to the U.S. in 1999 and worked as a nanny until joining GLM. When not at work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and music of all kinds.
MICAELA OLIVARES – GUIDE (MAGNOLIA)
Micaela is a native of California and grew up in Gilroy. She graduated with a B.A. in nursing from San Jose State University and received her American Montessori certificate in 1996. She has been teaching ever since, and has been part of the staff here for over 5 years. She now resides in Walnut Creek with her many adopted pets, including Chango, a 6-year old Chihuahua. In her free time Mica enjoys gardening (year round), reading, cooking, crocheting, and is a Pilates enthusiast.
FAYE OWENS – CO-TEACHER (GINKGO)/ART/EXTENDED DAY COORDINATOR, LAKE PARK
Faye grew up in Mississippi, but one visit to an aunt and uncle in California convinced her to move here for good. She began working at GLM shortly after she arrived and, nearly 16 years later, she is still with us. Faye has her certificate in Early Childhood education through U.C. Berkeley Extension. All in all she has taught for more 20 years. Faye teaches on an individual basis and believes in bringing creativity to all aspects of education. Faye loves to travel and eat in restaurants
JOANNA PUGLIESE - ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Joanna was born in Ohio and grew up in the Bay Area. She started at GLM over 5 years ago. She has worked many years as an administrative assistant in an eclectic assortment of work places. She does stained glass work, loves animals, collects antique furniture, and used to ride a motorcycle. Joanna shares her home with her daughter, 2 rescue dogs, and a Mozart-whistling cockatiel named Pickle.
SHAHIDA SALEEM - CO-TEACHER (JACARANDA)
Shahida was born in Pakistan, where she attended Lahore College. In 1994 she received her B.A. in Economics and in 1996 her M.A. in Urdu (Lit.) from Government College in Pakistan. She has 4 brothers and speaks 4 different languages! She came to the U.S. in 1996 and took Child Development classes at the Association of Childhood Services in Oakland, with the aim to help children become better human beings. She loves reading and listening to music, and wearing clothing from her country.
VICTORINA SANTIAGO – CO-TEACHER (MAGNOLIA)/SPANISH TEACHER
Victorina comes from Jalisco, Mexico. She has been living here for 16 years, teaching for 3 years. She’s mom to 5 children, ages 24 through 31. She attended American College and obtained an Early Childhood Education Certificate. She likes reading, dancing and playing with children. She feels working at GLM has been a good experience for her, and hopes she is helping the children become good human beings and learning to be kind.
DAISY SHAH – CO-TEACHER (GINKGO)
Daisy was born in San Francisco and raised in Orange County. She grew up surrounded by children at her mother’s family daycare. Daisy began her Montessori career at her aunt’s school in Taiwan. She has her A.M.I. primary certificate and Master’s in Education. She is a proud auntie and Pug owner. Daisy has expressed her excitement and enthusiasm about the Ginkgo classroom.
DANNY TIEN – GUIDE (CAMELLIA)
Danny has been teaching for 11 years, over 6 with GLM. He was born in Beihai, China and came to the United States when he was 9. He first lived in San Francisco and then moved to Oakland in 1989. He is devoted to his family and wants to have a lot of children of his own. He loves to socialize and considers himself a work-a-holic. He especially enjoys the energy level of young children!
CLAUDIA VELASQUEZ - CO-TEACHER (REDWOOD)/SPANISH TEACHER
Claudia was born in Colombia, South America and moved to Oakland in 2005. She graduated from the Catholic University of Maizales with a Bachelor degree in speech therapy and a specialty in neuropsychology. She has worked with children for more than 10 years. Claudia believes in providing strong emotional tools in order to allow the child to develop appropriate skills for life. She enjoys making jewelry, reading and salsa dancing.
SU-WEN YANG – CO-TEACHER (JUNIPER)
Su-Wen was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to America in 1997. She attended Saint Mary’s College to complete her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori training in both primary and elementary levels, and has been teaching for 7 years. She hopes to one day write a children’s book. Her teaching philosophy is simply “Inspiration". An interesting thing about Su-Wen is she cannot eat watermelon!
SOUND OF THE WEEK Each Wednesday your child is encouraged, with your help, to find an object at home (preferably not a toy) that contains the sound of the week. Put it in a labeled bag to share with your child’s class. The sound for next week is “A”, as in Apple, Animal, and Anteater.
CALENDAR
9/4 LABOR DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED, NO CHILDCARE
9/27-9/29 SCHOOL PICTURES, SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED
E-mail addresses:
Helen Campbell – helen@grandlakemontessori.com
Nancy Haskins – nancy@grandlakemontessori.com
Penny Holbrook – penny@grandlakemontessori.com
Joanna Pugliese – joanna@grandlakemontessori.com
Jacaranda – jacarandateacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Juniper – juniperteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Redwood – redwoodteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Mulberry - mulberryteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Camellia - camelliateacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Magnolia - magnoliateacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Live Oak – liveoakteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
Ginkgo - ginkgoteacher@grandlakemontessori.com
The GLM newsletter is posted on the school website every Friday afternoon. We are working with our IT person to set-up a system of e-mailing the newsletter directly to families with e-mail accounts. Please be sure to let the school know if your e-mail address changes (as well as home address, phone numbers, etc). For families without e-mail, there will be hard copies in the classes.
