One Measure of Achievement in 2018
“Academically prepared” is one of the attributes in TMA’s Portrait of a Graduate. One of the ways we measure the academic achievement of our elementary students is by administering the Stanford 10, a national norm-referenced achievement test. While the test does not measure a student’s progress through the Montessori curriculum, it does assess academic outcomes relative to a national norm reference group of same-age children, in public, private, and parochial schools, who also took the test.
In this country, standardized testing is a “practical life” skill that becomes increasingly important as students continue their educational journey, beyond TMA, toward college. As a result, we administer a standardized test annually to help prepare students for a transition to more traditional educational systems. We do not teach to the test. Every year the grade-level results are shared with the TMA community. The report from last spring’s testing is now available. An electronic copy of the report can be downloaded here; paper copies are available at the Community Board in the front office. Any questions? Please contact me!
At the Annual Meeting, one of our parents made a wonderful observation as he looked at the grade level scores not just by individual grade level, but by rhe 3-year cycle: 1st-3rd in Lower Elementary and 4th-6th in Upper Elementary. He observed that the data supported the benefit of the 3-year multi-age grouping in elementary. Check it out and let me know if you arrive at the same conclusion.
-- Pam
Parent/Teacher Conferences and Individual Portraits
October 8, 2018, No Class or Extended Day
It's almost time to meet your child's teacher to review progress and discuss goal setting. Be sure to sign up on Bloomz for your personal meeting with the teacher to go over very important information about your child.
Additionally, Monte B will be here between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm for individual portrait sessions, which provides a perfect opportunity for your child to pose for great photos with you nearby. Please arrive early, before your scheduled conference time, to have the photos taken. After pictures, drop off your child on the other side of the multipurpose room for childcare during your scheduled conference time, which is provided free of charge between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm for the Early Childhood and Elementary programs. No care is available for the Infant or Toddler programs; please feel free to bring your child to your conference with you.
Please note: No childcare will be provided for conferences scheduled for other days and/or times unless you make prior arrangements with David.
Individual Portraits
October 9, 2018
If you were not able to have your child's picture taken on Parent/Teacher Conference Day, your child will have his/her picture taken during class on Tuesday, October 9.
Infant/Toddler PDO: Toilet Learning
Wednesday, October 17, 5:00-6:00 pm
Traditional toilet training can be very stressful for both the child and parent. It usually focuses on training a child using rewards and punishments. The Montessori approach to toilet learning puts the control of the process in the child's hands by focusing on the natural development of the child. This workshop will cover basic Montessori philosophy and a step-by-step guide for helping your child learn to use the toilet. Parents of toddlers, as well as, infants are encouraged to come. Toilet awareness starts at birth. Free childcare is provided; please RSVP to Ashley.
Upcoming Early Childhood Family Trip
Friday, November 2, 2018
Save the date! The Annual Early Childhood Family Trip will be on November 2. While the teachers are still finalizing plans for the trip, we wanted you to be aware that no Early Childhood classes will be held on this day.
Backyard Bash
Saturday, November 3, 2:00-5:00 pm
The Backyard Bash is a TMA community event that invites everyone to have a great time. This year's Bash will be a free event on Saturday, November 3, from 2-5 pm. We will have lots of fun backyard games as well as an inflatable obstacle course, petting zoo, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to make people plates for a small fee. We will also have food and snacks. It will be a great community event!
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. We have 3 levels of support this year, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. All levels provide:
The Gold and Silver levels sponsor an activity or a food/entertainment booth. Contact Lisa to become a sponsor!
If you would like to be involved in the planning of the Backyard Bash, there is a private Facebook group to share information. Just click on the link, then click Join, and you will be automatically accepted. The committee needs as many helpers as they can get!
-- Lisa Rebstock
Amazon Smile
Did you know you can donate to TMA with every purchase you make on Amazon? When you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Just log into your account and search for AmazonSmile, or go directly to smile.amazon.com. We are listed as The Montessori Academy of Arlington, Inc. What an easy way to give back to TMA!
Download Upcoming Events Directly to your Calendar
|
Make Your Purchases Count: