ssmcs back to school fy16

SSMCS WELCOMES YOU TO THE
2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
Message from Administration
Dear Parents and Students,
1841 Whitney Mesa Drive, Ste 100
Henderson, NV 89014
Phone: 702.522.6220
Fax: 702.522.6218
Website: www.SilverSandsMCS.org
Dates to Remember
2015
8/20
8/24
9/3
9/7
9/12-14
9/15
9/25
10/23
10/30
11/5 & 6
11/11
11/14
11/23-25
11/26-27
12/12
12/18
Orientation 4:30-6 p.m.
First Day of School
Kindergarten Parents-Coffee & Kleenex
Parent/Classroom Meeting
Labor Day (No School)
Camping trip to Zion Nat’l Park
Picture Day
PTO Meeting/Montessori Meet-up
End of First Grading Period (44 days)
Nevada Day Observed (No School)
Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School)
Veterans Day (No School)
Fall Festival
Family Days (No School)
Thanksgiving & Family Day (No School)
Winter Festival (tentative)
Half Day Attendance (Early Dismissal)
Winter Break Begins – End of Day
No School December 21 –January 1
“Whoever touches the life of the
child touches the most sensitive point
of a whole, which has roots in the
most distant past and climbs toward
the infinite future.”
-Dr. Maria Montessori
We hope everyone has had a restful summer and ready to start another great year at
Silver Sands. We are working hard to get the school ready for your children and excited to
see all the students back to school on August 24th. To our new families, and incoming
Kindergarten students, “Welcome to our learning community!”
We are very proud to introduce our new faculty members for 2015-16 school year. Please
help us welcome Ms. Tiffany (Kindergarten) and Ms. Mary Jo (Lower Elementary), Mr. Scott
(Upper Elementary) Ms. Marlea (Lower Elementary Support Teacher), and Ms. Mara
(Upper Elementary Support Teacher), Ms. Sabrina who is returning to Silver Sands
Montessori (Upper Elementary Support Teacher), Ms. Lisa (Music) and Mr. Shawn (Art).!
We have included bios on all of our teachers in this newsletter so you will know a little bit
about them before you meet them at Orientation.
We thank you for choosing Silver Sands Montessori. We look forward to working with you to
provide another great year of learning for your children.! Please feel free to contact any of
us by email, phone or in person.!
Sincerely,
Ms. Denise, Principal
Ms. Marlo, Head of School/ Director of Finance
Ms. Danette, Director of Operations
Ms. Mary, Special Services Administrator
Orientation on Thursday, August 20
We hope you will join us on Thursday, August 20th at 4:30 p.m. for your first opportunity to
meet the staff and families that have made the commitment to be a part of this school
community.
Please check in at the front office to sign in and to pickup your orientation packet. The
teachers will be holding orientation meetings in their classrooms on Thursday. Please bring
your supplies to your assigned classroom, this will help make the first day of school a much
easier transition into the classroom.
If unable to attend the meetings during those times, we encourage you to come by on
Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. -11 a.m. or on Saturday during at the breakfast social
to drop off your supplies and to pick up your child’s orientation packet which will include the
tote bag, handbook, required school forms and other important information. Please call the
school at 702-522-6220 if you have any questions.
Breakfast Social on Saturday, August 22
Please join us on Saturday, August 22 between 9-11 a.m. for a continental breakfast social. This will be a wonderful opportunity to socialize and meet with
staff and families that are in our school community. We will be auctioning some school bags that have been decorated by staff. The cost for the continental
breakfast is $5/adult. Children are free. We are asking that you RSVP on our facebook events page so that we can get a a count of families or you can
also let us know on Thursday if you will be attending.
Thank you and we do hope to see you at our first SSMCS social.
Lunches
Students will eat lunch in their classroom. All students will need to bring a lunch from home. Milk is available at the school for 60 cents.
Please send a well-balanced, nutritional lunch (with ice pack if needed) each day. We encourage you to use reusable containers,
utensils, and napkins as much as possible. Please send a second cloth napkin in your child’s lunchbox every day to serve as a
placemat.
Good lunches can be simple. A sandwich, an apple, and milk or water is a very well balanced lunch. Good lunch choices may include:
chicken, turkey or cheese sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, leftovers from dinner in a thermos, string cheese, whole wheat crackers,
vegetables, cottage cheese, yogurt, celery with peanut butter, rice cakes, nuts, fresh fruit, and milk or water.
Please do not send the following items in the lunch: sodas, candy, high sugar beverages or other treats with excessive amounts of refined sugar,
salts, and fat. Research indicates that consumption of high sugar items results in poor concentration, difficulty in retention, and overactive or
overtired children. Please help us encourage good, wholesome eating habits that last a lifetime.
Dress Code
The following is an excerpt from our student handbook which will be
provided at the Parent/Student Orientation. Specific prohibitions and
limitations include (but are not limited to) the following:
Tops/Skirts/Dresses/Pants/Shorts
• Tops must cover the upper and middle torso at all times
• Skirts must cover the lower torso with no skin showing
between top and skirt
• Skirts/shorts and dresses must be at least mid-thigh in
length; no mini-skirts/shorts; no spandex shorts
• No exposed undergarments
• No halter, tank or tube tops; no transparent, half, or muscle
shirts
• No exposed shoulders
• No pajamas, lounge wear, or bath robes
• No sagging pants or shorts
• No cut-offs
Head Coverings
• No head coverings or sunglasses worn in the building during school
hours (exceptions are made for religious or medical reasons)
Footwear
• Proper footwear at all times (no flip-flops, closed toe shoes are
encouraged)
• No house slippers
Language/Illustrations on Clothing
• No obscene, vulgar, profane, or derogatory language or
illustrations on clothing or anything that promotes alcohol, drugs,
tobacco, gang membership, or violence
Field trip clothing
As a matter of safety and for ease of identification of
students, staff, and teachers, those persons attending a
school-sponsored field trip will wear a Silver Sands
Montessori t-shirt. One SSMCS t-shirt will be provided to
each student upon completion of enrollment. Additional tshirts are sold at SSMCS.
Bags
Due to space and safety concerns, we ask that only SSMCS tote bags
are brought to school. Please bring this bag to school on a daily
basis and be sure to label the tote bag with your child’s name. Work
or items utilized for school activities must fit within the tote bag. One
tote bag will be provided to each student upon completion of
enrollment, replacement tote bags are available for purchase at the
front desk throughout the year. Please, NO backpacks.
TV and Movie Characters
In addition to our school dress code, we ask that students do not
wear or bring any items to school with cartoon, TV, or movie
characters. This includes: clothing, shoes, lunch boxes, and hats. We
also ask that your child does not wear “light up” shoes. Characters
and/or lights can be distracting.
Meet our Fabulous Teachers
KINDERGARTEN
• MS. AMY - My name is Amy Tanner and I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and worked in
the marketing/advertising field for 15+ years. My involvement with my school-age son ignited my passion for education and confirmed
my decision to go back to school to get my Montessori certification and K-8 Nevada Teaching License. I was one of the "opening day"
teachers back in 2009 and have worked at SSMCS over the years as a support teacher and substitute. After taking a two-year absence
to work for the Clark County School District as a kindergarten and second grade teacher, I rejoined the team as one of the
kindergarten lead teachers last year. I am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan (and married to a Cubs fan!).
• MS. TIFFANY - My name is Tiffany Thompson and I’m so excited to be here. I moved to Las Vegas from San Diego, Ca in 2001. I got my
Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education at University Nevada Las Vegas. I’ve been teaching in Las Vegas for 10 years. I have an
18 year old son going into college this year who is also in a rock band. I like to travel to other countries to explore and enjoy different
cultures. I can’t wait to meet the students and begin our journey together…Oh The
Places You’ll Go!
LOWER ELEMENTARY
• MS. ESTHER - My name is Esther Quinn and this will be my second year teaching in the
State of Nevada, having taught previously in California. I am a certified Montessori
Elementary teacher as well as a Licensed Teacher in the state of Nevada. I am
married and have a son that graduated college and was just married in May of this
year! I love teaching and even more seeing my students learn and sparkle with
excitement while they learn. The Montessori philosophy provides an excellent learning
environment for our students. We have many Montessori materials that your child will be
using and exploring during our school year that will help them with their understanding of the concepts taught. My goal is to teach
each child to grow intellectually and emotionally in a very respectful, safe and fun way. I encourage my students to respect each other
and to help each other as a family. I want to welcome our new and returning families! I am very excited to be part of this wonderful
school and have such great families and students! I am looking forward to meeting our new students and parents and to see our
wonderful returning students and families!
• MS. MARY JO - Hello! My name is Mary Jo Gill and it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I am joining the Silver Sands team this
school year as a teacher! I am a highly qualified (by way of testing) licensed elementary school teacher with seven years of prior
classroom experience. I have two Master of Science degrees; one from UNLV and the other from the University of the Sciences in
Philadelphia. I have a background in mental health and am currently a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I fell in love with
Montessori watching my daughter during her kindergarten year here at Silver Sands. I am very research motivated and outcome
driven when it comes to education; and the Montessori methodologies provide an excellent and unsurpassed modality to help our
children reach their full potentials. I am very passionate about being an educator and take great pride in providing what is necessary
for each individual student in my classroom to soar. I look forward to meeting my students and parents so we may work hand in hand
to achieve new heights and have both a rewarding and productive school year.
• MR. JOHNNY - My name is Jonathan Valencia, also known as Mr. Johnny. I have been with the Silver Sands MCS family for 6 years now.
Prior to moving to Nevada, I worked in a Title I school in the downtown Los Angeles area for 6 years. As a child, I aspired to enforce
the law or to teach. I always wanted to make a difference and what better way to make a difference than through education. With that
said, lets enjoy this new school year with lots of learning and fun.
• MR. RINALDO - My name is Rinaldo Sarazen (Mr. Rinaldo). I obtained my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the
University of Nova Southeastern. I've taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade in CCSD and also at other charter schools here in Las Vegas.
After my first year of teaching I decided to go back to school and enrolled at UNLV where I graduated with a Masters in Special
Education. I've lived in Las Vegas almost all of my life and couldn't imagine living any where else. I have a daughter who
is 23 years old and her name is Tiffany. She is disabled, she is legally blind and moves around mainly in a wheelchair. She
is the light of my life and is why I went back to school for my Special Education Masters. I like to garden and have been
trying my hand at making mosaics. I look forward to meeting all of my students and foresee all of us learning from each
other and having a great year. I am excited to say that I have completed my Montessori certification and I look forward to
a great year.
Meet our Fabulous Teachers
UPPER ELEMENTARY
• MS. PAM - My name is Ms. P (Ms. Pam) and this will be my 13th year as a teacher and my 7th year teaching Upper El at Silver Sands.!
I!graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a M.Ed degree in Elementary Education and!have received my Montessori
teaching certificate from the North American Montessori Center.!My main goal as an educator is to support and challenge each and
every student in order to foster their intellectual, social, and emotional growth. !I believe!that life is a continual learning process and it
is my goal to spark that lifelong passion in all of my students. !I have two sons that attend Silver Sands and value that they are part of
this amazing school climate which has become a second family for us!!In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, traveling, and spending
time with my friends & family.!I am looking forward to the new adventures that this year will bring for our new and returning students!!
• MR. SCOTT - My name is Scott Newman and I am excited to come onboard with SSMCS in the upper elementary department. I have
previously taught 5th grade as well as participated in various youth and children-focused local programs. I am passionate about
community and fostering a love for learning.! I am married with five children; four of them will be attending SSMCS.! I believe this will be a
great year for the school, the upper elementary, and my family!
MIDDLE SCHOOL
• MR. CHRIS - My name is Chris Greenwell and I'd like to start by telling everyone in our Silver Sands family welcome back to another
exciting and fun filled year. I will admit that I missed all of you and I'm excited to get started. To those of you I haven’t met with yet I am
sure that we will have a great year. For those of you that don't know me, here's a brief Bio. I am from Louisville, Kentucky, and I
received my Bachelors from the University of Kentucky in Computer Graphic Design. After working in the field for a few years, I found
my calling in teaching, and moved to Phoenix, Arizona where I achieved a Master’s in Education. I taught in Arizona for 8 years before
moving to Nevada and joining the Silver Sands family. This will be my 3rd year at Silver Sands and I can’t wait to get started.
• MS. LORI - My name is Lori Gustafson and I have been working as a science and math teacher for eight years, after receiving a
Master's degree in Education and Curriculum. Most of my experience has been in the middle school classroom. It is this age of student
I find a special connection with to help foster a love of science and care for the environment that sustains us all. My former career was
as a Recreation and Park Professional for mental health facilities, state parks and adventure based life skills programs. Las Vegas has
been my home for four years now, having grown up in the Chicago area and living in east Tennessee for 15 years. My daughter, Lillian,
just graduated from SIlver Sands and is headed to high school, while my twenty year old son, Jonah, works in school fundraising. I love
to read, run with my dog, and explore new areas and activities; I learned to frisbee golf this summer! I will provide a safe and nurturing
classroom environment as we have fun with our studies in science and math this year.
• MR. RICK - I have been teaching and coaching, in one capacity or another, since I enlisted in the USAF in 1980. In 2004, After
successful careers in aircraft maintenance and sales, I returned to school to complete my Bachelors in English Education and a
Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL focus. I have led a unique and interesting life, and my wife and I have been fortunate
enough to travel a great deal. We have lived and worked on three continents and have traveled to nearly thirty countries between us.
Those experiences have helped me to inspire my students to explore and to learn to love learning. I look forward to bringing that same
passion for education into your child’s classroom again this year.
SPECIALS
• MS. LISA - I’m Ms. Lisa and I’m excited to teach music at Silver Sands Montessori this year.! I am passionate about music and have
participated in and directed choirs and orchestras all over the United States.! Currently, I direct the Boulder City Red Mountain Choir,
maintain a private piano studio, and am very involved in the music at my church.! I am looking forward to sharing the joy of music and
adding the Silver Sands Community to my circle of friends!!!
• MR. SHAWN - Mr. Shawn is an NCAA athlete and performing artist with a BA in Studio Art and Communication Studies. He will be
updating his bio soon for you.
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
To ensure the safety of the children during drop off and pick up, please follow these procedures.
Kindergarten Parents: For the first week of school, please walk your kindergarten students to and from the class to ensure a comfortable transfer between
parents and teachers. Park on Whitney Mesa Dr., since no parking will be allowed in the parking lot during drop off and pickup times.
Please do not park in the covered parking spots, those are reserved for the staff at SSMCS. When dropping off your child in the morning,
please enter through the main doors to the office to access the classroom. When picking up your child, please go to the teacher’s classroom door on the
outside of the building. For the second week of school, please follow the same procedures as outlined for Elementary Parents.
Kindergarten Times
Drop off
8:00-8:15
Pick up Morning
11:15
Pick up Afternoon 2:45
Elementary & Middle School Times
Drop off All Grades
8:00-8:15
Pick up Lower El Gr.1-3
2:45
Pick up Upper El Gr. 4-5
3:00
Pickup Middle School
3:00
Elementary & Middle School Parents: We encourage parents to use the RED CURB drop-off area on the first day of school to help us get off to a smooth
start with limited confusion. However, if you feel strongly that you need to escort your child to his/her classroom, please park on Whitney Mesa Dr.,
since no parking will be allowed in the parking lot during drop off and pickup times. Please do not park in the covered parking spots,
those are reserved for the staff at SSMCS. Walk your child through the main door to the office and the staff will direct you. Please make the transfer
of your child to the teacher brief so the class can get started.
Red Curb Area:
Drop off: Follow the flow of traffic in the circle until you arrive at a CONE STATION. Place the name card provided by the office on the dash of your car so the
staff member at the cone station can see the names and greet the children. Do not allow your children to exit the car until you arrive at a cone station.
Pick Up: Place the name card on the dash of your car so the staff can see it easily. Wait in the circle of traffic until you get to a cone station. At that time,
a staff member will radio the teacher to release your child(ren). Children will not be released until staff members have matched them to a pick up vehicle.