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December Newsletter

Mary Surivong • December 4, 2024

November Recap

At Gaowa Montessori School, November was marked by a series of engaging events that fostered community spirit and cultural appreciation. We honored Veteran's Day by examining a marine’s uniform and expressing gratitude for those who served. This was followed by a vibrant classroom cultural potluck, where families shared dishes that celebrated their diverse heritages, enriching our school's cultural tapestry. As the month progressed, students and staff enjoyed a well-deserved break as the school closed for Thanksgiving, allowing everyone to spend quality time with loved ones and reflect on the season of gratitude.

Toddler Classrooms

In a Montessori environment, toddlers engage in purposeful activities such as tonging, pattern sequencing, and tracing lines, each designed to enhance their developmental skills.

 

Tonging activities, which involve using tongs to transfer objects from one place to another, improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while fostering concentration and control.


Pattern sequencing introduces children to concepts of order and organization, helping them develop critical thinking skills as they learn to recognize and create patterns with various materials.


Meanwhile, tracing lines aids in the development of pre-writing skills, promoting hand strength and dexterity necessary for future writing tasks.


Collectively, these activities not only support physical and cognitive development but also empower toddlers to explore their independence and build a foundation for lifelong learning, in line with the Montessori philosophy.

Primary Classrooms

The Montessori philosophy offers several benefits for primary students, promoting a holistic approach to education that supports their intellectual, emotional, and social growth.


  • During cutting work, the students improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they practice using scissors safely and effectively.
  • The combination of the brown stairs and pink tower aids in understanding size differentiation and spatial relationships through tangible manipulation of materials.
  • Exploring geometric solids allows children to identify shapes and their properties, enhancing their spatial awareness and mathematical thinking.
  • Additionally, gardening activities, such as harvesting and washing a carrot, not only teach students about plant life cycles and nutrition but also instill a sense of responsibility and connection to nature.


Overall, Montessori education creates a rich environment that addresses the diverse needs of primary students, preparing them for lifelong learning.

Kindergarten Program

Recently, the Kindergarteners have begun an exciting journey by reading the Magic Tree House series and this month they are on Merlin Missions. This series captivates young readers with its blend of adventure and historical exploration, making it an ideal foundation for integrating different subjects.


Reading comprehension is crucial in early education, as it lays the basis for critical thinking and communication skills. When children dive into stories like those in the Merlin Missions, they not only enjoy exciting narratives but also practice understanding characters, settings, and plots. This comprehension becomes even more engaging when it is connected to practical activities.



Throughout this month, the kindergarteners have been creating their own masterpieces that relate to the story, further enhancing their critical thinking skills and fine motor development.

November Birthdays

Veteran's Day


December Events

Jolly greetings as we welcome the month of December! As we move into this joyful season, we have several exciting events planned for our school community.


First, we are thrilled to announce our Toy Donation Drive, where we encourage families to donate new toys to brighten the holidays for those in need.


Next, mark your calendars for our Montessori Parent Night, where parents can engage in meaningful discussions and learn more about our teaching methods and community.


We will also be celebrating our Holiday Tradition Share Week, inviting families to share their unique holiday traditions with the class. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and appreciate our diverse backgrounds.


Additionally, we will host a Spirit Week, filled with themed days to boost school spirit and camaraderie among students.


Don’t miss our Winter Show Performance, where our students will showcase their talents and spread holiday cheer through music and dance.


Lastly, please note that school will be closed for Winter Break, allowing families to spend quality time together and enjoy the holiday season.


We look forward to a month filled with joy, community, and celebration!

School Events & Closures

Toy Donation Drive

This holiday season, as we reflect on gratitude and giving, we invite families to come together and support our Toy Donation Drive in partnership with Families Forward. From now until December 6th, we have a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to local families in need by donating new, unwrapped toys.


Please drop off your donations by the front entrance.

Montessori Parent Education Night (4PM - 5PM)

We are excited to invite all families to our Montessori Parent Education Night on December 5th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Ms. Emma will be discussing the vital role of the third year in a Montessori education, highlighting how this pivotal stage contributes to your child's growth and development.


To ensure that everyone can attend, we are pleased to offer aftercare for those who need it. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Montessori approach and engage with our community. Your participation is invaluable, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Holiday Tradition Share Week

As we celebrate the spirit of the holiday season, we invite you to share your unique holiday traditions during our Holiday/Tradition Share Week from December 9th to 13th. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our school community, enrich our children's understanding of diverse cultures, and create lasting memories.


Your participation can make a significant impact, fostering appreciation and inclusivity among our students. We encourage you to prepare a presentation that showcases your traditions—whether through storytelling, crafts, or delicious recipes. Let's come together to celebrate the joy of the season!

Spirit Week

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Spirit Week, taking place from December 16th to 20th! This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to show their holiday spirit and have fun together. Each day will have a special theme:

  • Monday, 12/16: PJ Day – Students can come dressed in their favorite pajamas.
  • Tuesday, 12/17: Winter Sock Day – Wear your most festive or cozy winter socks!
  • Wednesday, 12/18: Festive Holiday Sweater Day (CONTEST) – Put on your most festive holiday sweater!
  • Thursday, 12/19: Festive Accessories Day – Accessorize with holiday-themed accessories.
  • Friday, 12/20: Winter Wonderland – Dress in blue and white attire to create a wintery atmosphere.

We encourage all students to participate and celebrate the joy of the season together. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a festive week!

Winter Show

Join Us for Our Annual Winter Show! ❄️🎉


Mark your calendars for December 20th, because our much-anticipated Annual Winter Show is just around the corner! This year, we have an amazing lineup that promises joy, laughter, and cherished memories for all.


We will be sending out a separate flyer with more detailed information in regards to this event.


Join us for this festive celebration filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there and share in the warmth of the winter season together! 🌟✨

Winter Break

Our school will be closed for winter break from December 23rd to January 3rd. We hope this time off allows you and your family to enjoy the holiday season together.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6th!


Gaowa Family - Community Board

Children Pajamas and Casual Wear

One of our Gaowa parents has started their own PJ brand /casual wear and is looking for boy models. 


Please review the flyer for more information!

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Family Fun Events

Holidayz at the Park

Date & Time: December 7-29 | Various Times

Location: Great Park | 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine


Price: Free 


Information: 'Tis the season for family fun and holiday cheer as the Great Park transforms into a winterscape of holiday-themed art, music, and lights. Visit the Palm Court Arts Complex to enjoy interactive displays and festive photo backdrops. 

Sawdust Art Festival - Winter Fantasy

Date & Time: November 22 - December 22 | Every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday | 10AM - 7PM


Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach


Price: Adults: $12 | Seniors: $10 | Children (6-12): $5 | Children Under 5: Free


Information: Experience the magic of Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy, where creativity illuminates a wonderland of cheer. 


From November 22nd to December 22nd, our village becomes a festive gathering filled with music, performers, and surprises around every corner. 


Stroll our paths and shop from 180+ local artists who’ve transformed joy into treasures, giving you the chance to gift something extraordinary.


Come celebrate with us and see how we’ve turned holiday traditions into an art form—and if you’re a Laguna Beach local, Fridays are free!

A Visit to Christmases Past

Date & Time: December 20 | Three Entry Times: 5:00PM, 6:00PM, 7:00PM


Location: Sherman Library & Gardens | 2647 East Coast Highway Corona del Mar


Price: Members: $30 | Non-members: $50 | Children 3 & Under: Free 


Information: This year’s theme, “CELEBRATE 10 Years of Nights of 1000 Lights” will bring back our best installations for another festive year of favorites. An absolute must to attend this holiday season, guests of all ages will be dazzled as they navigate the gardens and take a stroll down memory lane.


Once Upon a Christmas - A North Pole Adventure

Date & Time: December 22 - 24 | 7PM-9PM


Location: 114 Agate Ave, Newport Beach


Prices: Starting at $47.70


Information: TA magical portal has opened on Balboa Island, and Santa and his elves are ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime! 


Welcome to Once Upon A Christmas, where the traditional Santa visit is transformed into an unforgettable, totally reimagined experience! Embark on a private journey through the North Pole, where you’ll unlock enchanted doors, build toys in Santa's workshop, and warm up by the cozy fireplace inside Santa's cottage. Every moment is filled with wonder!


But the most enchanting part? Santa won’t need to ask your name—he already knows it! Watch your children's eyes light up with astonishment as Santa greets them personally, recalling their milestones and accomplishments from the year. The magic of Christmas will come to life as your little ones realize that Santa has truly been watching and cheering them on all year long!

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