January 2025 Newsletter
December Recap
As we step into the New Year, let's take a moment to reflect on the vibrant month of December we experienced at our school. Our community came together in a spirit of learning, giving and celebration. Starting with the Montessori Parent Education Night, where parents gained valuable insights into our educational approach. Then, the Holiday Tradition Share Week followed, offering a heartwarming glimpse into the diverse cultures that enrich our school family. We then collected multiple toys and other needed items to bring a smile to the less fortunately families, and last, Spirit Week brought in lots of fun as we dressed up in the holiday spirit. Finally, the month culminated in our spectacular Winter Show where the hard work and talent of our students shone brightly. As we embark on the new year, we carry forward the warmth and joy of these shared experiences.
Toddler Classrooms
In a Montessori classroom, when toddlers engage in activities like decorating a Christmas tree, color sorting, and serving themselves snacks, this provides numerous developmental benefits.
- Decorating a Christmas tree allows children to enhance their fine motor skills as they hang ornaments, and it encourages creativity and self-expression.
- Color sorting activities not only help toddlers learn about colors and develop their cognitive abilities, but they also improve their organizational skills and concentration.
- Meanwhile, allowing children to serve themselves snacks fosters independence, decision-making, and hand-eye coordination, as they practice tonging.
These activities nurture a sense of autonomy and confidence, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.
Primary Classrooms
In a Montessori classroom, tools like tracing letters, sandpaper numbers, and the golden decimal system play a crucial role in developing foundational skills for primary-aged children.
Tracing letters helps children refine their fine motor skills and muscle memory, which are essential for writing. The tactile experience of tracing each letter supports visual and kinesthetic learning, reinforcing letter recognition and phonetic sounds.
Sandpaper numbers offer a similar sensory approach to learning numerals, promoting number recognition and understanding of numerical value through touch and sight.
The golden decimal system introduces children to the concept of place value in an engaging and tangible way, using beads and cubes to visually represent units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. This hands-on experience lays the groundwork for mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts from a young age.
Kindergarten Program
Our recent kindergarten activities were a delightful blend of learning and creativity, inspired by the enchanting world of the Magic Tree House series. The students delved into the captivating adventures of Jack and Annie, reading and discussing various chapters. To further solidify their understanding and foster imaginative expression, they embarked on a creative journey, translating their reading experiences into beautiful works of art.
Rooted in the principles of Montessori education, this initiative emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and self-directed exploration. The children were encouraged to interpret the stories in their own unique ways, leading to a diverse array of artistic creations. From vibrant paintings depicting fantastical creatures to intricate collages representing the adventures, their artwork showcased their individual comprehension and appreciation for the stories.
Furthermore, the students took significant strides in their language development. They diligently practiced writing their names in cursive, adding a personal touch to their artwork and developing essential writing skills. This emphasis on handwriting aligns with the Montessori approach, which recognizes the importance of sensory experiences in learning and emphasizes the development of fine motor skills.
To conclude the holiday month on a joyful and celebratory note, the students were introduced to the traditional dreidel game. This engaging activity provided a fun and interactive way to learn about cultural traditions and celebrate the holiday season. The students eagerly spun the dreidel, experiencing the thrill of winning and the importance of sharing and good sportsmanship.
December Birthdays
Holiday Tradition Share Week
Spirit Week
Winter Show
January Events
This month, we have a series of events designed to engage and educate our community.
We are excited to host another Parent Education Night featuring Dr. Brett, a renowned expert who will provide valuable insights and strategies to support children's learning and behaviors. Please mark your calendars for this enlightening session.
Additionally, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our school will be closed to honor the legacy of Dr. King and reflect on his contributions to civil rights and social justice.
Then, we will be creating wonderful arts and crafts, reading stories, and singing songs about the Lunar New Year.
Finally, we will celebrate Multicultural Children's Book Day, a special occasion dedicated to promoting diversity in children's literature. This event encourages reading and sharing stories from different cultures, fostering a love for books and an appreciation for the rich tapestry of global traditions. Join us in making this month both educational and inspiring!
School Events & Closures
MLK Jr. Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on January 20th, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the legacy and contributions of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This day serves as a time for reflection on his vision of equality and justice, encouraging communities to engage in acts of service and kindness. In observance of this important holiday, our school will be closed, allowing families and individuals to participate in activities that promote unity and social justice.
Parent Education Night (4PM - 5PM)
We are once again excited to announce our upcoming Parent Education Night on January 28th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring Dr. Brett, a highly regarded clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children.
Dr. Brett specializes in cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions, and he will be sharing valuable tips and tricks to support you in your parenting journey. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain insights and strategies that can make a positive impact on your family.
Lunar New Year & Tết
Get ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Tết with a burst of joy and color! This festive season is all about welcoming new beginnings, family gatherings, and delicious food, as families come together to honor traditions and share stories. To make this celebration even more exciting, we are thrilled to announce that special visitors will be joining us! They will showcase the vibrant ways people celebrate these wonderful occasions, from dragon dances to the art of making traditional treats. So, mark your calendars for January 29th, and prepare for a day filled with laughter, learning, and a sprinkle of magic!
Read Your World Day
On January 31st, our school will be celebrating Multicultural Children’s Book Day! This special day will feature readings of stories that highlight diverse cultures, allowing our students to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of experiences and traditions from around the world.
We invite parents to volunteer for story time and share their unique cultures through the lens of a book. If you'd like, please feel free to bring in cultural objects that can help enrich the experience for our students.
We would also like to highlight that Read Your World (Multicultural Children’s Book Day) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about children's books that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Their mission is to ensure that more of these important books are accessible to young readers.
We hope that you can be part of this special experience and are able to learn about different cultures!
Gaowa Family - Community Board
Steli Botanical Boutique
Steli Botanical Boutique is your next event's biggest hit! We are an interactive, mobile pop-up flower cart that adds a beautiful experience for your event and guests by providing a build-your-own-bouquet bar. We also offer pop-up services for brand activations, setting up in front of businesses/storefronts to help generate traffic, as well as any general florist needs such as custom bouquets and delivery.
Contact Information:
Shelby Lawley and Jade Ferrante
(530)515-5388
stelibotanicalboutique@gmail.com
Momma's Chiro
Momma's Chiro is a skilled and knowledgeable chiropractic office ready to help you achieve a pain-free, healthy lifestyle. Their services primarily aims to help those in post-natal, prenatal, and pediatric chiropractic care. Their highly trained staff works closely with our doctors to provide you with a professional and friendly experience. At Momma's Chiro, they view our patients as part of their family.
For more information about our office, don’t hesitate to contact them today at (714) 794-2171!
Family Fun Events
Train Days
Date & Time: January 13 | 1PM - 3PM
Location: Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center | 241 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim CA 92805
Price: Free Entry
Information: The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center invites you to an exciting celebration of all things trains! Join them for their annual Train Days event and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of railroads. Discover the intricate details of the Muzeo's impressive collection of HO, O, and G gauge train layouts.
Leopold Loves Opera!
Date & Time: January 11th | 10AM, 11:30AM
Location: Renee and Henry Segestrom Concert Hall | 615 Town Center Dr. Costa Mesa
Price: $21+
Information: Leopold the leopard introduces the audience to some of opera’s greatest hits in a fun-filled, behind-the-scenes story set in an opera house!
Leopold is back to join Maestro Jake for a morning of enchantment and song, when Pacific Symphony brings the genius of opera's most celebrated composers to life. Featuring four tremendously talented singers, this silly and charming adventure paints the picture of a concert coming apart at the seams. Opera-lovers both young and old are invited to revel in the mayhem, as they experience the sheer joy that is at the heart of this great art form.
Bluey New Years Night Market
Date & Time: January 17th | 5PM - 9PM
Location: 456 Elm Ave Long Beach, CA 90802
Price: Free
Information: Come and join us for a fun-filled evening at our New Years Night Market! Browse through a variety of vendors selling unique items, enjoy delicious food from local food trucks, and listen to live music under the stars. The event will be held at 456 Elm Ave, so mark your calendars and bring your friends and family along for a memorable night out!
Kick off the new year with fun for the whole family at our Bluey New Year’s Night Market! 🎉
- Bluey Meet & Greet: Bring your little ones to meet their favorite pup in person! (6-7PM)
- Local Vendors: Shop unique finds, handmade crafts, and more from talented artisans.
- Raffles: Enter for a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the night.
- Delicious Food & Drinks: Enjoy tasty treats and refreshing beverages from local vendors.
This family-friendly event is free to attend with an evening of laughter, shopping, and community fun. Don’t miss out on a memorable night featuring Bluey and so much more!
USVA Tết Festival
Date & Time: January 31st - February 2nd | Various Times
Location: Garden Grove Park | 9301 Westminster Blvd. Garden Grove
Prices: General Admission: $8 | Ceremonial Special (wear traditional outfits): Free - Valid on 2/1 | 2 years and younger: Free
Information: This year, the UVSA Tết Festival theme is “Thành Phố Hoa”, or “The City of Flowers”, to honor the efforts of the Vietnamese community in building a home abroad. UVSA is thrilled to welcome back over 50,000 guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake, as well as to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Black April, otherwise known as the Fall of Saigon. UVSA Tết Festival is proud to serve as a bridge that brings people closer through vibrant activities that highlight our Vietnamese heritage, such as: Vietnamese cultural village, live entertainment, the Miss Vietnam of Southern California pageant, festive games and rides, a variety of local food vendors, and a dazzling firecracker show celebrating the new year.
