May 2013 - Athena Montessori Academy

“There is in every child a painstaking teacher.” – Maria Montessori
OWLFEST 2013
Happy Birthday to...
...our friends born in May:
Jayson (5/2), Ella (5/4), Phoebe (5/7), May
May (5/7), Ms. Carla (5/7), Ryder (5/8), Kole
(5/12), Colette (5/12), Ms. Jenny (5/14),
Aniello (5/17), Mr. Trece (5/17), Naomi (5/18),
Carley (5/22), Noah (5/28), Hudson (5/30),
and Milo T. (5/31).
Farewell... We’re sending Rachel off with love
to pursue her career in photography. Her last
day is May 31st. Check out her website
(www.rachelbradyphoto.com) and come by
the office to wish her well on her next
endeavor!
Congratulations to our
Graduates!
Primary
1
Cassia
Chase
Collin
Eliza
Ethan C.
Malena
Ollie
Osby
Quinn
Ryder
Scarlett
Simone
Sophia H.
Primary
2
Alex
Emma
Gabbie
Ingrid
Kole
Michael
Miette
Sam
Sunny
Tru
Vivien
Zinnia
Primary
3
Carley
Emery
Gray
Kian
Liam
Lucy
Milo T.
Nevita
Yvonne
Primary
4
Gavin
Harper
Maggie
Max
Sumner
Vincent
TOTs 1
Amelia
Aurelia
Daxton
Isaac G.
Kaius
Lakshmi
Luke
May 2013
Max
Murphy
Olivia
Toby
Tristan
TOTs 2
Cash
Dani
Devlin
Ethan
Hudson
May May
Noah
Phoebe
Quinten
Siri
Winston
Zoe
Owl Fest June 1st, 4 to 7 PM
Join us for an end-of-the-year picnic and lawn party! Bring a
picnic dinner, umbrellas, blankets, chairs, bug spray, and
whatever you need to lounge on the Athena lawn. We'll bring
the live music, balloon twisters, activities for the kids, cash
bar, children’s drinks, and frozen sweets. Admission is $15
per family at the door.
2013 - 2014 School Calendar
We have published next year’s school calendar! Click here to
view it on our website.
SUMMER CAMP ENROLLMENT:
We have a few spots left in Athena’s summer
camp “Fun in the Sun” for four to six-year-old
boys. Please contact Ellen at 494-6237 or
[email protected] for details!
Tru, Amadeo, and Evie at the Primary 2
Phoenix field trip to the exotic zoo!
A Message from Lisl
Dear Athena Community,
As I sit here loving on my sweet daughter, Joie Lynn, who is now five weeks old, I am able to reflect from a distance on
our Athena community and this past year. My own year has been full of change for me and my family--getting married,
creating a home together, and bringing a little human being into the world. This year Athena has also experienced some
changes, including moving teachers into new roles to expand their professional development,!welcoming new teachers
into our community, and saying goodbye to some of our staff.
At the end of each school year, we also say goodbye to some of our families as their children graduate to new schools;
while we feel sad to no longer see them every day at Athena, we are also joyful for their new adventures! We truly hope
that our graduating families will continue to be a part of our community by joining us at Cultural Fest and Owl Fest and
leaving their own legacy permanently on the pathway. !Each year we honor our graduates with a Gates of Life ceremony
which symbolizes and ritualizes the transition of their last footsteps in their Athena classroom communities as they walk
through the gates to the start of their new journeys. "An end is yet another beginning. !Rejoice all ye who walk
through these gates." !
During my time of reflection, I have also been considering the year to come. At the end of each year, we also prepare to
welcome new families to Athena. As we continue to grow in this way, we want to preserve the feeling of a tight
community. !One of our biggest goals this year is to focus on COMMUNITY--how to continue to create and nurture a
feeling of closeness, connectedness and support amongst our families at Athena. We have many new ideas in mind to
achieve this goal and also welcome any of your ideas and suggestions towards this end. !
Now that I am a new mom, family and community have new meaning to me.!I am now, more than ever, honored and
inspired to be a part of this incredible community we have collectively created at Athena. !Thank you all for your part in it. !
Farewell to an amazing 2012-2013 school year full of love, learning and laughter, and welcome new growth and
inspiration in the coming year!
Huge hugs and gratitude,
Lisl and Joie
Mini Maker Faire - May 5th
Austin Fire Department Visit
The Austin Fire Department is sending one of their
fire trucks to give a demonstration and talk about
safety during our fire drill on Friday, May 3rd!
The Austin Mini Maker Faire is happening May 5 at Palmer
Events Center. Athena Alum Max Pippin will be performing
as Choo Choo Express at 1 pm. The whole event is first
class and mind-expanding for young ones. Last year’s event
involved a real R2D2, robots, woodworking, and more. A
full, exciting, and inspiring day for all.
https://www.facebook.com/austinmakerfaire?fref=ts
A Message from Ms. Laura
Dear Families,
Last week we sat down with our children to examine the progress of our caterpillars who were in the process of
preparing for their big change! Most had completed forming their new homes in which they would complete their
metamorphosis and we spoke of the big work these little guys were doing in preparation for the next stage in their lives.
Suddenly, one of our own little friends cried out, “No, no, mine’s not ready! He’s still a worm. He’s not ready to be a
butterfly!” I understood immediately where this little person was coming from as I’ve been dealing with my own feelings
of resistance to change. The truth is, no matter how old you are; change can be difficult to face and the reality is change
is inevitable in our lives and in our community. What’s crazy is that even though we know that change is both a
necessary and constant part of life, we still dig in our heels and cry out, “No, no, I’m not ready!”
One reason we fear the “C” word, change, is that it typically means our lives will be temporarily uprooted. We also tend
to get overwhelmed with mixed feelings of sadness and joy which often arise during periods of transition. At times we’re
confused about how to let go and move forward even when change is for the better. We began to doubt ourselves and
question, “Is this really what’s best?” I am certainly processing my own feelings as I prepare to say goodbye to a
beautiful chapter in my life as a TOTs guide at Athena. While a part of me feels sad to say goodbye to this role, I am also
very excited about my new administrative role at Athena and see wonderful prospects for our community. The transition
itself, however, feels “sticky” and I sometimes feel like a caterpillar trying to emerge from my own cocoon!
I continue to remind myself what I know to be true . . . for myself and for my children. It’s the transition itself in which real
growth occurs. Change is inevitable and by honoring the transition process, we honor the process of growth.! In other
words, by acknowledging all of our feelings, we provide a safe and beautiful space for significant and authentic growth to
occur. We also create space for beautiful new prospects in our lives. Through this process, I have also reminded myself
that while change is an inevitable part of our community, the other “C” words which remain constant here are children,
connection and community. For this reason, I am honored to continue my own journey of growth here at Athena
working alongside Lisl, Keyla and Ellen in the office with a focus on parent outreach, education and community building.
I appreciate that our core values remain solid regardless of any changes which might arise and I am grateful for the
wonderfully supportive parent community we already have in place at Athena. I am so excited about nurturing and
strengthening that community even more!
Above all, I am grateful to the children who continue to be our best teachers and the driving force in all we do. In the
classroom, we are preparing to release our butterflies into the garden. All, but one of the little guys, have emerged from
their cocoons. We agreed to give him time to emerge and are patiently waiting for the day we can celebrate and release
them all into the great big world. All of our children are now ready for this step as well. As one of them explained, “They
want to be in the sky!” A heartfelt thank you to all of you for your continued trust, support and involvement in making
Athena a safe place to grow and “fly.” We look forward to continuing our journey with you.
With much love and appreciation,
Ms. Laura
Coming Soon: your new brick in the Athena Pathway!
If you purchased an engraved brick for the Athena pathway before April 8th, then your brick will be placed in the
pathway before the end of the semester! If you would like to purchase a brick, follow the link to download the order form
from our website: http://athenamontessoriacademy.com/leave-your-imprint-on-the-athena-pathway/.
Athena’s 1st Annual Field Day!
EARTH’S TREASURES May 23rd
BY MINDS IN MOTION
We’re proud to offer Athena’s First Annual Field Day—Earth’s Treasures—on May 23rd!
You might be asking, “Why the theme of ‘Earth’s Treasures?’” Minds in Motion seeks to inspire the joy of movement in all
children---natural athletes as well as those who are developing their large motor skills. The theme gives all children a
connection, whether it be sports, geology, geography, the social experience or the excitement of owning a really cool new
rock.
ACTIVITIES: On the last day of Physical Education classes, each class group will be divided into small teams of Gem
Stones or Minerals. Examples of teams could be Carnelian, Sodalite, Amethyst and Pyrite. A guide will lead them through
a series of relay games with a focus on cooperation, team spirit and FUN!!! For Field Day, even the younger children will do
a modified version of the games.
DROP-OFF and PICK-UP: Please drop off/pick-up children as usual, keeping the normal routine.
HOW TO DRESS YOUR CHILD: Due to water activities, children need to wear fast-drying clothes. Also, they’ll need
sport sandals or old tennis shoes and a set of dry clothes for later. Don’t forget a good application of sunscreen, too!
WATERMELON DONATIONS: If you feel moved, sign up on the sheets on your classroom bulletin board to bring in a
watermelon between Monday, May 20 & Wednesday, May 22. We are looking for full-size seedless watermelons, 2 per
class.
For questions or more information, call 512.300.4696 or see www.mimel.net.
Sing, dance, create and play with Miss
Joan and friends this summer!
Little KIDSTAR Camp
for 3's and younger 4's.
Same exciting music, movement and art
activities without the final performance
component. Campers will participate with
a song on performance day; a wonderful
preparation for next year's camp.
!
July 29th - August 9th!
9am - 12:30pm !or !9am - 4:30pm
For more information visit
www.CreativeDanceAdventures.com/
programs/camps/
or contact Joan Wolfe @ 512-517-3214
or [email protected]
Babysitter List
Hope Ninja
T-shirts for Sale!
Hope Ninja Cancer Kicker tshirts in both child and adult
sizes are on sale for $5 in the
office! Come show your
support for Ms. Kim and get
your t-shirt before they are all
gone!
(Friends of Athena)
Meghan Feffer: 771-6764 or
[email protected]
Liz Hudson: 785-4897
Jess Williamson: (214) 535-5263
or [email protected]
(Athena Teachers)
Carla Ketter: 203-7234
Brittany Smith:
[email protected]
Holly Earnest: 407-760-9046
(texts are best)
Corazon Renteria: 363-9720
Important Dates
May 23
9:00 TRACK & FIELD DAY
3:30 - 5:30 Parent Workshop
for New TOTs Families
May 27
Memorial Day
SCHOOL CLOSED
June 1
4-7
OWL FEST at Athena!
June 5 Last Day of School
June 17 - July 26 Camp Athena,
Fun in the Sun!
Jump! Gymnastics will be offering
day camps on June 6, 7, and 10 -14.
See their website for details:
www.jumpgymnastics.com.
CASINO
ROYOWL 2013
Ms. Meaghan, Ms. Brittany, and Ms. Mandy
presenting the Phoenix Fingerprint Mosaics
Ms. Holly & Mr. Gabe
Dinner on the lawn
Thunderbird Poppies artwork
Casino games!
CASINO
ROYOWL 2013
Thank YOU!
We would like to thank all who made
our fundraiser, Casino RoyOwl, a huge
success.
We reached our fundraising goal, raising
over $21,000! Thank you so much for
your support of Athena Montessori
Academy. This year we have earmarked
funds to pay for much needed
foundation repair on the original
building; a new shade structure before
summer camp for our toddlers in the
Sandpiper class; computers for our
teachers; hanging bars and climbing
wall for the playground; and
membership dues and teacher training
with the American Montessori Society.
Event Vendors
David A. Squire, CFP®, WELLS
FARGO ADVISORS, LLC
Amity Worrel & Co.
Amy Bryant
Evans Dermatology
Amy’s Ice Creams
Annie Taylor
Josh Lewis Insurance
Ortho 360
Tex-Mix, Inc.
Urbanspace Real Estate + Interiors
Wyatt Brand
Event Emcees and
Auctioneers
Ron Pippin
The Baird Family
Ballet Austin
Bazaar Social
Bethany Prescott, M.A.
Birth Focus
Black Orchid Salon
Special Thanks
The Blanton Museum of Art
The Blois Family
Craig Medical Technology, LLC/
Stephen Craig
Blue Gold Engineering
Cafe Monet
Perk Hixon
The Carson Powers Family
Central Market Westgate
Jason & Holly Reneau
Eric Grodziski
Felix Sr. & Felix III Griffin
Gina Williams
Julie & Ron Pippin
Jason & Pilar Schenk
Dinner by Maudie’s Tex-Mex
Annessa Baird
Music by Ryan “DJ Bomber” McNeel
Eve Panzer
Bar Staffing by I’ll Drink To That
James T. Edmondson
Alcohol provided by Chris’ Liquors on South
Lamar and South Lamar Wine & Spirits; ice
provided by Kwik Ice; iced tea provided by
Maudie’s Tex-Mex; bottled water provided by
Richard’s Rainwater
Julie Sutton-McGurk
Rentals by Raquel’s Party Land
Sparky Witte
Printing by Austin Digital Printing (invitations);
Big Time Promotions (koozies); Skyline
Printing (banners)
Stephanie Owens
Supplies for decorations provided by
Michael’s on Brodie Lane
Austin City Limits Live
Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
Ryan Garcia
Casino games by Casino Knights, Inc.
Location by Travis Post Number Seventy-Six,
American Legion
ASTI Trattoria
Austin Children’s Museum
Kerry Gray
Lisa Alanis
Melissa Ulrich
Tommy Elliott
Will Wolfe
Chaparral Ice
Chem-free Organic Pest & Lawn
Services
Chuy’s
Coal Vines
Cockleburr Cove on Inks Lake
Creative Dance Adventures/Joan
Wolfe
Dance Xplosion
Delish
Do512
Edible Austin
El Interior
Eliza Page
The Engine 2 Diet
Estilo Boutique
Five Elements Furniture
FLOR Austin
Auction Donors
For Kids’ Sake
Gallery D
Casino Table Sponsors
1020 Glass Art
Alissa Deitz
Gameday Cloth
Green Pastures Restaurant
City Wide Services Air Conditioning and
Heating
Allen Weinberger of Edwin Tankus
Custom Tailors
Greenling
Guero’s Taco Bar
Auction Donors
(continued)
Gymboree Play & Music
Heart Hospital of Austin
Herndon Heald
Hoppin’ House
Ian Ingram
Jack & Adam’s Bicycles
Juliann Gormann, LMT @ The Joint: The
Chiropractic Place
Jump! Gymnastics
Just for Pets
Kerry Gray Photography
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS
La Condesa
La Madeleine Country French Café on
Brodie Lane
Langford Market
Richard’s Rainwater
Round Rock Express
Suzanne Seiders
Serve: Gourmet Gadgets & Goods
Shaesby Designs
Invitation and Program
Design
Skyline Art Editions
Soccer Shots
The Soup Peddler
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Rachel Brady
TreeFolks
Trudy’s / South Congress Café
Additional Volunteers
Uchi + Uchiko
Wee
Amber Meissner
Wee Little Arts
Whole Earth Provision Co.
Zax Restaurant & Bar
2013 Event Committee
Lions & Tigers & Toys
Love Your Yoga
Amy Witte
Martha-Elizabeth Ferguson
Marty Muehlegger & Marya Fowler
Matt Lankes Photography
milk + honey day spa
Alice Saffer
Andrea Barton
Annessa Baird
Cindy Trainer
Jamie MacWilliams
Joan Wolfe
Julie Sutton-McGurk
Minds in Motion (Michael Zumpano &
Kristi Beall-Zumpano)
Misty Turns, LMT/RYT
Kathryn Blois
Mr. Trece
Ms. Holly
Stephanie Owens
Ms. Laura
Ms. Meaghan
Ms. Nichole
Ms. Rachel
Myo Massage
Neal Kassanoff
Nui Organics
Optique Eyewear
Rhymimals
Richard Archer, CFA, CFP, MBA of
Archer Investment Management
Photography
TRACE Austin Restaurant
Traditional Martial Arts Academy
Leeah Taylor
Light Family Acupuncture
Lynn Lawrence, M.A., Ed.S. (“Dr. Lynn”)
Malaga Tapas & Bar
Kristin Holloway
Kerry Gray
Michelle Suydam
Amber Atteberry
Brittany Smith
Elisabeth Wilborn
Ellen Murray
Holly Earnest
Keyla Martinez
Maia Radbil
Mandy Wiad
Meaghan Ganucheau
Nichole Gant
Nick Sinklier
Penny Martin
Rebecca O’Hara
Robyn Christensen
Stephanie Narvarte
Susanne Crawford
Tiffany Crews
... and to all who helped clean up
afterwards!
Drop-off and Pick-up Schedule:
P3 & P4 Drop-off (8:15-8:30) Pick-up (2:30-2:45)
T1, T2, P1, & P2
Drop-off (8:30-8:45) Pick-up (2:45-3:00)
Half Day Pick-up
TOTs (12:15) Primary (12:30)
May 2013
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
May Tuition Due
Contact Jump! for Day Camp on
March 6th, 7th, & 10th – 14th
http://www.jumpgymnastics.com
6
9:00 Jump! TOT PE
10:30–11:00 Jump!
2:15 – 3:00 Wee Little Arts
3:00 – 3:45 Wee Little Arts
13
9:00 Jump! TOT PE
10:30–11:00 Jump!
2:15 – 3:00 Wee Little Arts
3:00 – 3:45 Wee Little Arts
27
Memorial Day
1
2:45 – 3:30 Yoga
Phoebe, May May,
7
and Ms. Carla’s Birthday!
9:45-10:30 Dance
2:00 – 2:35 Soccer Shots
2:45 – 3:20 Soccer Shots
Ryder’s Birthday!
Neal Kassanoff
Performance
2:45 – 3:30 Yoga
14
Ms. Jenny’s Birthday!
9:45-10:30 Dance
2:00 – 2:35 Soccer Shots
2:45 – 3:20 Soccer Shots
20
9:00 Jump! TOT PE
10:30–11:00 Jump!
2:15 – 3:30 Wee Little Arts
3:00 – 4:15 Wee Little Arts
Thursday
8
15
2:45 – 3:30 Yoga
21
Carley’s Birthday!
22
9:45-10:30 Dance
28
9:00 – 11:00 Primary PE
2:45 – 3:30 Dance
3:45 – 4:30 Dance
9:00 – 11:00 Primary PE
2:45 – 3:30 Dance
3:45 – 4:30 Dance
2
Hudson’s Birthday!
Saturday
3
16
10
30
Aniello and
Mr. Trece’s Birthday!
9:45-10:30 Dance
2:45 – 3:15 Jump!
3:30 – 4:00 Jump!
17
31
Naomi’s Birthday!
11
18
25
June
1
4 – 7 PM OWL FEST
End-of-the-Year Family
Picnic at Athena!
SCHOOL CLOSED
Cash’s Birthday!
3
9:00 Jump! TOT PE
2:15 – 3:00 Wee Little Arts
3:00 – 3:45 Wee Little Arts
Kole and Colette’s
Birthday! (5/12)
TOTs Field Trip to Zilker 24
Park
9:45-10:30 Dance
2:45 – 3:15 Jump!
3:30 – 4:00 Jump!
Milo T.’s Birthday
4
Tuition late after 5th
Ella’s Birthday
9:45-10:30 Dance
2:45 – 3:15 Jump!
3:30 – 4:00 Jump!
23
TRACK & FIELD DAY
29
Fire Truck Visit
9:45-10:30 Dance
2:45 – 3:15 Jump!
3:30 – 4:00 Jump!
9
2:45 – 3:30 Dance
3:45 – 4:30 Dance
2:45 – 3:30 Yoga
Noah’s Birthday!
Jayson’s Birthday!
9:00 – 11:00 Primary PE
2:45 – 3:30 Dance
3:45 – 4:30 Dance
Friday
4
5
6
Sophia H’s Birthday!
7
8
Emma’s Birthday!
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
For volunteer opportunities for community events, teacher appreciation, and fundraising efforts, sign up for our Parent Committee Yahoo Group by visiting
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/athenavolunteers and clicking “Join This Group!”.