February 2015 Academy News

February 2015
ACADEMY NEWS
Dear Families,
February already. Love is in the air! And so is the smog. Oh well, here is what’s happening at Elizabeth
Academy during the month of hearts, frills and flowers…
Continuing Enrollment began in earnest last week with the opportunity for currently enrolled parents to
turn in their re-enrollment forms and fees for next year. These will hold a space for your child before we offer
any vacancies to new parents with Open Enrollment, which begins Monday, February 23rd. We sent out a
letter explaining the need for a tuition increase next year and information regarding fundraising plans to ensure
revenue for the long-term sustainability of the school. We want to stress that we value each child and family and
the many ways that our long-term families have contributed to Elizabeth Academy. We will still offer tuition
assistance to our current families who need it. If you have any concerns or questions about tuition or therapy
services and your personal situation, please contact Lisa Carling, Jennifer Spikner and/or Gail Williamsen. Lizzie
Dalton and Mandy Fuhriman can address specific questions about Carson Smith and special needs services. They
will be giving recommendations to parents about whether they feel their child would need a specific private
therapy. They can also guide you in the Carson Smith application process. For parents interested in our Middle
School program, there will be an evening of discussion on Thursday, February 19th at 6:00 pm. We will be
outlining our plans for the Middle School program next year.
Teacher Workday comes a little earlier than usual this month on Friday, February 13th. There will be
no school that day, nor on the following Monday, February 16th for President’s Day. The next day…
Our Parent Tea will take place Tuesday, February 17th at 9:00 am. Then Parent Teacher
Conferences will be held all day Thursday and Friday, February 19th and 20th. There will be no school for
students this day. You will be receiving a link to SignUp Genius via email by the end of this week. Click on the
link to sign up or stop by the front desk and we can sign you up. If you have any questions, contact
[email protected].
We would like to remind you that books from our library are now available for home checkout. If you
would like your child to be able to take books home from our library, please fill out the attached permission
contract on the back of the letter from our librarian, Virginia Whiting and return it to the media center.
Finally, here is an update on our response to your request for more safety in the school parking lot. We
now have a crossing guard for pedestrians who are walking in front of the drop-off/pick-up traffic at the entrance
of the school. The first day on the job, our valiant volunteer (EC1 teacher Chelsi Harris) had several close calls
with jumpy drivers and endured many disrespectful remarks as she tried to escort pedestrians safely with a stop
sign through the cross walk. We know this is a new process so that might have been the reason for the chaos on
the first day of implementation. But going forward, we ask that you please be respectful and follow the crossing
guard’s directives at the entrance, as this not only allows for everyone’s safety but also facilitates a smoother,
faster (5-car at a time in the drop-off/pick-up zone) process.
Have a fabulous February as cupid’s arrow flies…
Truly Yours,
Elizabeth Academy Staff
PARENT to PARENT NEWS
The voice of the Elizabeth Academy Parent Organization
Our HEARTS are FULL of GRATITUDE for all the teachers and administration that planned and
participated in the Parent Education Evening. Many parents have commented on how much they enjoyed the evening.
The presentations on Montessori Math were so educational. We encourage you to attend these Parent Education
evenings that will enlighten you on how our children are learning.
STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! THINK! One of the very first topics that the EAPO brought to the administration
was in regards to re-examining the pick-up/drop-off situation. Together with parent volunteers, administration and
teachers there has been some great action. We appreciate the new crossing guard. Parental feedback is that it has
increased the safety and flow for everyone involved. Let’s continue to do our part as well.
Parent Tea Meeting Updates: January’s Parent Tea meeting was so insightful. It was nice to have more of
our fathers able to participate as well as some new faces join us. We discussed how teachers are working hard to
inform us about our children through Montessori Compass. If you need any help utilizing this tool, please ask your
child’s teacher. We also reviewed possible and upcoming fundraising activities. The next Parent Tea meeting will
be held Tuesday, February 17th at 9:00 a.m. in the Life Skills room. If you have an item that you would like to add
to the agenda, please email your suggestion to [email protected].
The Elementary Market is looking for the following supplies: empty cans, extra scrap material, paper,
and duct tape (color or patterns). If you have any of these items please have your child take them to the Elementary
Market Supply Box by the front desk. The market has been having great success and we thank all that have
participated. The Elementary Market will be open this Friday, February 6th from 1:30 – 2:00 pm.
The EAPO Silent Auction committee is starting to prepare for this exciting event! We need your help in
making it a success. If you would like to donate an item or service for the silent auction, please contact one of the
committee members: Steph Dyet (Chair), Amanda Maughan, Loren Anderson, Laura Netto and Kathrine Zavodni.
We appreciate your support!
PARENT BOX Reminder! If you have any suggestions that you would like to share, please email them to
[email protected]. We want to hear your voice. It makes all the difference!
Best Regards,
Ardice Lorscheider & Brian O’Mara
EAPO Co-Leaders