Dear Elizabeth Academy Primary Families,

Fall is nearly upon us and the new school year is in full swing! Students are adjusting to the classroom schedules and routines and building relationships with peers and teachers. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in getting this year going. We also appreciate the volunteerism being given through the EAPO. We have had our best picture days yet, due to the help and support of parent volunteers. We are very happy to be working with Gina Y Photography once again to capture your students’ expressions!

We are looking forward to our annual Welcome Back Picnic on Thursday, September 21st starting at 5:30 pm. This year, the picnic will express Love for Lahaina, with a Hawaiian theme and a fundraiser to benefit the people affected by the devastating fire on Maui. Halia Bangal, our wonderful administrative assistant at Primary School, is a Hawaiian native and has family on Maui who lost their homes. She has been in contact with Montessori schools on Maui to express our desire to show love and solidarity. Those wishing to write a heart-felt note of support to be distributed by the Montessori School of Maui may have the opportunity. There will also be a dessert bake sale to benefit those who have lost their homes. Please sign up to donate a dessert for the bake sale here.

The UN International Day of Peace is also Wednesday, September 21st. Montessori schools across the globe participate by singing the song, Light a Candle for Peace. Our school community will join together in song to show our commitment toward kindness and peaceful problem solving. One aim of Montessori education is to promote positive change in the world through peace education. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote, “Education is the best weapon for peace.” If you would like to join us in learning the song Light a Candle for Peace at home, follow this link for the music and lyrics. 

We are pleased to present our first Parent Information Night of the school year on Tuesday, September 26 from 7:00-8:00 pm. You are welcome to join us in person, or watch the recording, which will be emailed to our parent community. The topic will be Education Acronym Soup, Understanding EA Classrooms and Processes. Attend to gain an understanding of our model of inclusive Montessori education with the goal of meeting each child’s unique needs. Learn about educational terms and processes, including: Student Support Plans (SSP’s), Student Success Team (SST) meetings, EA Behavior Supports, and the process for identifying the need for therapies. This event will be especially helpful for families who are new to Elizabeth Academy and those who want to better understand how our approach is implemented. We hope to see you there!

We look forward to celebrating this fall season with you! Thank you for being an important part of our school community.

With Warm Regards,

Jessica Rawlings and Katy Hastings