Happy Fall!!  

We are so happy to let you know our sweet little classroom is now complete! All enrolled students attend each day and we are almost full - just 2 spots left!   There is a term in the Montessori lexicon called 'Normalization.'  Some of you are familiar with it, but for those of you who are new to our community, let us explain:

Normalization in the Montessori classroom refers to the focus, concentration, and independence of the children, by their own choice. It means they have acquired the internal freedom to initiate work, be independent, and adhere (by choice) to the rules of the environment. 

https://www.montessoriprintshop.com/normalization.html

Our classroom was somewhat 'normalized' at the end of last semester (a process which typically takes three years for a new classroom).  Those kiddos who understood the freedom within limits they were granted last semester are now setting the example for the new students and day by day show the new little sweethearts the ropes.   For those parents and donors who observed in October, we invite you to come back in December to see what a difference 8 weeks can make. 

Many Thanks!

At our most recent parent volunteer day and we got some great projects knocked off the list - thank you for helping to improve our school little by little!

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who attended and volunteered during our Grape Stomp fundraiser!!  We raised over $3,000 which will be used to improve our school.  The Stomp was a success because of all our amazing parent and community volunteers - kudos.  Here are some photos of the day for your viewing pleasure: 

https://texasinpixels.smugmug.com/Salado-Winery-Grape-Stomp-2019/

And, please note, our next Parent Volunteer Work Day was MOVED to Saturday, November 15 at noon. 

Interested in taking the lead as our Volunteer Work Day Coordinator? We'd happily welcome either a parent or someone from our community to take the role - let Alissa know if you've got the time & interest.  Thank you!

A personal note from Alissa: Salado Montessori is a non-profit school with tuition set as low as possible.  In order to operate a successful program, we rely on the support of you, our community.  Thank you for this.  I've recently finally settled upon a title for myself (after nearly three years of working on this labor of love!).  As one of the founders, full-time volunteer, and parent, I wear many hats over here but my favorite is getting to say thanks.  Our school has been built with the help of most of you, both financially and with your time and talent.  As the self-proclaimed Chief Gratitude Officer, it is an honor to build this school with you.   Many Thanks

Observations  

The art of observation is something we teach our kiddos here at Salado Montessori.  They are invited to watch as their friends are given lessons or do work.  This might also be known as mindfulness training or developing an awareness of others and your surroundings. 

Each semester our parents get to observe the classroom and they always report such fun insights.  We'd like to again extend the invitation to come observe in our classroom to each of you.  We welcome curious grandparents, our wonderful donors, supporters, volunteers, and anyone who is simply interested in just what goes on at a Montessori! 

As a reminder, one of the ways we generate funds is through shopping on Amazon.  AmazonSmile donates .5% to Salado Montessori Inc when you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4551078

Butterfly Garden

Our Butterfly Garden is LOVING the start of what I like to call 'the second Texas wet season.'  Take time to notice how alive Texas comes during the fall!  The garden, aka the Keep Texas Beautiful/Keep Salado Beautiful/Terra Living Native Demonstration Garden, is blooming with Fall Aster, Sage, Mexican Mint Marigold, and Antelope Horn Milkweed - a VERY important Monarch Butterfly host, and nearly wiped out.   

Our garden is also full of wonderful smells right now - please feel free to walk around it and let those sweet scents waft past your nose.  

As always, thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day!

~ Alissa &  The Salado Montessori Staff