Schoolhouse News January 2, 2022 |
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A MESSAGE FROM MR. MCMANUS
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My step-father, a career-long fourth grade teacher, had a tried and true approach to preparing all seven of his children to go back to school after a break. A few days before a break would end (or, in one apocryphal family story, on July 5th), he’d say “it’s time to get our routines back.” Bed times would be firmed up, chores would be reinforced, and daily planners would re-emerge. |
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We’d collectively fight this, of course, because we loved the extended play time and exploration that breaks always provided. As I look at my three and a half year old now, however, I am absolutely sure he was onto something! As an educator like my Dad, I have the ability to step back a bit over the break too, and I also now realize he was talking to himself as well! We may not need to take it as far as Dad did, but he knew that even for himself, getting back to school would be a period of re-entry.
The research on children is resounding about the benefits of recognizable routines. There are one thousand and one people – maybe beginning with our own parents – who have an opinion about what those routines should be. The most important thing is that they are shared and predictable. I like this short article from The American Academy of Pediatrics on this topic for its focus on 5-12 year olds, but I can tell you that structure and routine is just as useful for teens and beyond too!
But the main purpose of including this note on this edition of Schoolhouse News is not to tell you something you already know. My message to you is actually that we are all in this together. Montgomery teachers will work hard in the next days and weeks to affirm classroom routines and norms of behavior which help students to thrive. As tired as students will be after the first few days, they will also be grateful and excited to back. We will too! I hope your break was healthy and joyful and that family provided a respite from our busy world and lives. There is so much to look forward to in the lives of our children in the coming new year! |
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Register for OT Basketball
PreK-4th Grade Starts January 7
Our OT Sports program focuses on specific instructions with an emphasis on fun, character building, positive attitude, and good sportsmanship. Register now for winter basketball! |
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Monday, January 3 Classes Resume We look forward to welcoming our students back to campus on Monday, January 3! |
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January 10 — March 13 Tinkergarten at Montgomery 18 mos - 8 years old
We are excited to welcome Tinkergarten to Montgomery's campus! Tinkergarten is an outdoor learning program for children (with their caregivers), designed by education experts. Local Leader, Ashton Onisick will be holding a 9-week winter sessions on Montgomery's campus on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 AM, starting on January 10th. If you or someone you know would like to learn more or register for Tinkergarten at Montgomery, please click below.
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Remember to review and update your child’s mask as needed. Masks should be well fitting, at least double layered (triple if available), without any gaps, and fit below the chin and cover the nose. Masks are best replaced after about 30 washes or sooner if they appear worn. The CDC outlined five criteria: - They must fit snugly (but comfortably) against your face
- They must be secured with ties or ear loops
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They must include multiple layers of fabric
- They must allow for breathing without restriction
- They must be washable without damage or shape change
Proper fitting face masks
In guiding the proper way to wear a face mask or "cloth face covering," No single mask will work for all children. Pick a double layer mask that fits closely over the nose and mouth and down below the chin with adjustable ear loops and/or an adjustable nose piece. A snug fit is key to having a protective mask.
Experts agree that face masks do not replace or relieve the need to wash your hands and social distance. They do not alone prevent the spread of COVID-19. |
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ESF Summer Camp at Montgomery Register Now for Early Bird!
Just in case you haven't heard, Early Bird enrollment is NOW open for ESF Summer Camps at Montgomery School! Check out ESF’s amazing 2022 Camp Line-up by grade level where you are sure to find something for every age and interest. Early Bird is your best savings of the season and ends on January 7th, 2022. Don't wait - this is your chance to RESERVE your SPOT and SAVE BIG. |
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Annual Benefit Saturday, April 23
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! If you received any gifts or gift cards that you may not use, consider donating them to this year's Back to the 80’s-themed Benefit Auction! Click below to donate an item online or send this link to a person or business who wants to donate to our Benefit! If you need a Procurement Letter to present to a potential donor, visit our Benefit Webpage to download.
Donate an Item Now!
Thank You Sponsors! And we cannot make this annual event possible without all of our generous sponsors, so we would like to thank all of last year's Benefit Sponsors! Check out our new and unique sponsorship opportunities for this year’s Benefit here, or contact Katie Sillup or Kelly-Ayn McKay directly to inquire.
Become a Benefit Sponsor!
For more information on the Benefit, click here. #MONTYBENEFIT #BENEFIT2022 |
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Jan 3 2022 Classes Resume All day |
Jan 4 2022 Middle School Chapel - Mr. Rajarigam 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
Jan 7 2022 All School Chapel - Mr. Blair 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
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Montgomery School | 1141 Kimberton Road | Chester Springs, PA 19425
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