Family Newsletter, Saturday, April 20, 2024
Dear Goodwater Families
I hope this note finds you and your family well.
It is hard to believe that we started taking the STAAR this week. Thank all of you for encouraging your children to do their best on these assessments we will be doing in April and early May. Ms. Roberta, our School Improvement Coordinator will be hosting the Coffee with Dr. Bruce on April 22, 2204, from 12:00-1:00 pm. Please join Ms. Roberta so she can provide feedback and answer any questions related to the STAAR. She will be providing helpful hints so parents can help prepare their children for the STAAR assessments.
I have been out several days this week and would like to thank the staff and administration team for taking on extra responsibility to provide the best possible environment for our students. Everyone has been gracious and I appreciate it very much.
As we continue to move closer to the end of the school year please remind your students that we need their cooperation and support at school. Spring is sometimes a challenge for students and with your assistance I know we can all finish our school year strong. If you need any assistance please feel free to contact me.
Just a reminder that we have our monthly board meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 6:30 pm at the Georgetown Public Library.
Have a great weekend with your family.
Kindest Regards
Dr. Bruce
Earth Day: April 22
Montessori-inspired activities for Earth Day that focus on nature, sustainability, and environmental awareness:
- Nature Walk and Exploration: Take a nature walk with children and encourage them to observe and collect items like leaves, rocks, or flowers. Discuss the importance of preserving nature and how each item contributes to the ecosystem.
- Planting Seeds: Teach children about the life cycle of plants by planting seeds in small pots or a garden. Discuss the role of plants in producing oxygen and purifying the air.
- Recycling Sorting Game: Set up a recycling sorting game where children sort different items into categories like paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Discuss why recycling is important for conserving resources.
- Composting: If possible, set up a composting bin and involve children in composting kitchen scraps like fruit peels and vegetable trimmings. Talk about how composting reduces waste and helps nourish the soil.
- Water Conservation Experiment: Conduct a simple experiment to demonstrate water conservation, such as filling two containers—one with a small hole at the bottom and one without—and observing how water usage differs.
- Earth-themed Art: Encourage children to create Earth-themed art using recycled materials like cardboard, paper, and old magazines. Discuss the importance of reusing materials to reduce waste.
- Animal Habitat Study: Choose a local animal species and study its habitat, diet, and importance in the ecosystem. Create a small model or diorama depicting the animal’s habitat.
- Storytelling and Discussion: Read books or stories related to nature, conservation, and Earth Day themes. Have discussions with children about the stories and their messages about caring for the environment.
- Community Clean-up Project: Organize a community clean-up project where children can participate in picking up litter in a local park or neighborhood. Talk about the impact of littering on the environment and the importance of keeping public spaces clean.
- DIY Bird Feeders: Make bird feeders using recycled materials like plastic bottles or milk cartons. Hang them outside and observe birds visiting the feeders, discussing the role of birds in nature.
These activities align with Montessori principles by promoting hands-on learning, exploration of the natural world, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Returning Registration Information
The returning student registration packets were emailed out to the primary parent/guardian email address that we have on file for your student(s) on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at approximately 2:30 pm. The email comes from Harris Solutions/HROS and says On Behalf Of Goodwater Montessori School (please check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox). If you answered Yes on the intent to return form or emailed me directly that your student will be returning, you will receive the email for your student. If you replied no or did not reply to any correspondence with our office regarding your child returning next year, your student’s spot was not saved and you did not receive the returning student registration packet. Completing the forms within 3 days will secure your child’s spot for the next school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at registrar@goodwatermontessori.org. I hope your family has a great weekend! ~ KIM
Yearbook
📣 Attention Goodwater families! 📣
Today is the last day to purchase a yearbook! Limited sales will be offered May 20-24th. Kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade graduates may purchase half-sheet celebration pages to honor their accomplishments.
Two Step Inn Parking
Welcome to the TWO STEP INN Festival Parking at Goodwater Montessori School! As neighbors to Georgetown High School, just a skip down on Stadium Drive, we’ve got your parking needs covered. Join us on April 20th and April 21st for convenient and safe parking, all for one flat rate. Shuttles will be on standby to whisk you away to the festivities. Have any questions? Reach out to us at fundraiser@goodwatermontessori.org. Experience hassle-free parking at TWO STEP INN Festival – reserve your spot now!
April 26-28, 2024
We hope to see you at the Red Poppy Parade on April 27th! Volunteers are busy creating a super fun float! Do you and your family want to walk behind the float? Email Committee Chair: Danielle Stearman at Danielle.stearman@gmail.com
Goodwater PTO News
Join us in celebrating our incredible teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, from May 6th to May 10th, 2024! Show your support and gratitude by signing up to participate in our special activities designed to honor our dedicated staff. Together, let’s shower them with love and appreciation for all they do!
Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a difference in our school community by joining the Goodwater PTO board! If you’re interested in becoming a part of our team, fill out the form to express your interest, and the nominations committee will reach out to you during the first week of May. Your involvement is vital in shaping the future of our school!
Upcoming Assessment Dates
| Assessment Schedule | ||
| Grades | Date(s) | Subject |
| Pk4 | April 2-30 | CIRCLE EOY |
| 5 & 8 | April 23 | STAAR Science |
| 5 & 8 | April 24 | STAAR Science make-ups |
| 8 | April 25 | STAAR Social Studies |
| 5 & 8 | April 26 | Science & Soc St make-ups |
| 3 – 8 | May 2 | STAAR Math |
| 3 – 8 | May 3 | Math make-ups |
| K – 8 | May 7 – 17 | MAP EOY |
| K | May 1 – 22 | TXKEA |
| 1 & 2 | May 14 – 22 | TPRI |
STAAR Resources for Families:
What families should know about STAAR: https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/staar-2023-parent-one-pager-english.pdf
For STAAR information, practice/released tests, Family Portal: https://www.texasassessment.gov/families.html
Assessed curriculum and blueprints: https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/testing/staar/staar-resources
Assessed curriculum and blueprints:
Upcoming Important Dates
| Earth Day! | April 22nd |
| Coffee with Dr. Bruce & Ms. Roberta | April 26th, 10am |
| STAAR Science 5th & 8th grades | April 23rd |
| Board Meeting @ Georgetown Public Library | April 23rd, 6:30 pm |
| STAAR Science Make-ups 5th & 8th | April 24th |
| STAAR Social Studies 8th Grade | April 25th |
| STAAR Science/Social Studies Make-ups | April 26th |
| Poppy Parade | April 26th, 10 am |
| STAAR Math Grades 3 – 8 | May 2nd |
| STAAR Math Make-ups Grades 3 – 8 | May 3rd |
Have a wonderful weekend!
~GMS