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Armatage Montessori Magnet School 2501 West 56 th Street, Minneapolis 612-668-3180 Armatage Montessori Information Packet Armatage Montessori Magnet School 2501 West 56th Street (56 th & Penn Ave. So.) Minneapolis, MN 55410 612-668-3180

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Page 1: Montessori Information Packetarmatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/montessori_information...Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180 Armatage

Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

Armatage Montessori Information Packet

Armatage Montessori

Magnet School 2501 West 56th Street (56th & Penn Ave. So.)

Minneapolis, MN 55410 612-668-3180

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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Table of Contents

MPS School Selection Process............................................................3

Armatage School General Information.................................................4

Principal’s Welcome and School Overview .........................................5

Montessori Program Information..........................................................6

Additional Academic Programming......................................................7

Technology Resources ........................................................................8

Accelerated Reading and Math Programs...........................................9

Fine Arts Information ..........................................................................10

Specialist Information.........................................................................11

Minneapolis Kids and After School Classes ......................................12

Parent Involvement Opportunities......................................................13

Questions and Answers ................................................................14-16

Contact Names and Numbers.......................................................17-18

Sample Kindergarten Schedules .......................................................19

Calendar of Upcoming Events ...........................................................20

Testimonials for Armatage .................................................................21

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS SELECTION PROCESS

STEP ONE: Gather Information About Your School Options MPS Student Placement Services can provide you with helpful information: 910 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411 • Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Phone: 612-668-1840 • Fax: 612-668-1841 • E-mail: [email protected] Families needing a translator should contact: New Families Center, 2300 Chicago Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404, Main Phone: 612-668-3700 ARMATAGE is a magnet choice if you live in Minneapolis within the following area:

East: Chicago Ave. West: Minneapolis Border North: Cedar Lake Road/94 South: Hwy 62 If you wish to have your child attend Armatage School but you live outside the attendance area, you may sign a Transportation Waiver and agree to be responsible for transporting your child to and from school on time.

STEP TWO: Make Your Request Fill out and return the School Request Card for each child by January 31, 2010. Drop the request card off at the Armatage School office or mail to Minneapolis Public Schools, 807 NE Broadway, Minneapolis, MN, 55413.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

School Address: 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410 School Phone: 612-668-3180 Attendance Line: 612-668-3188 School Fax: 612-668-3190 School E-mail: [email protected] School Website: http://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/ Full Day Hours: 7:30 am - 1:45 pm Office Hours: 7:00 am – 2:45 pm Principal: Joan Franks Enrollment: Approximately 528 (286 Montessori) School Mascot: Our kangaroo, Foster School Colors: Blue, White & Yellow Community Middle School: Anthony - 5757 Irving Avenue South

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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HELLO AND WELCOME TO ARMATAGE! Armatage Montessori Magnet School promotes a safe, nurturing and child-centered leaning environment where students are guided through the learning process. We recognize that each child is unique and strive to meet the individual needs of each student through adaptations in instruction that meet each child’s learning style and need. Armatage Montessori provides a curriculum based on the theory that the materials used should cultivate a child's own natural desire to learn. The students experience the excitement of learning by making choices throughout the day. The classroom teachers develop individualized plans for the students that focus on their areas of development as well as areas of strength. The teacher is a facilitator who helps guide the student's discovery process. The Montessori classroom invites children to actively use their hands for learning. Children are introduced to concepts on a concrete level using specific Montessori materials and move into the abstract at their own pace. Montessori students also visit art, physical education, media and music teachers who use specialized curriculum to provide unique opportunities for the children. Armatage is a wonderful place for children to learn. We have tremendous parent involvement and a PTA that provides great support to our families, staff and students alike. Reading & Math Partners, Art Adventure, the Spring Music Concert, Track & Field Day, the Science Fair, the MLK Share-in and Accelerated Reading and Math are just a few of the extra opportunities that we provide for all students. The sharing of curriculum, ideas and supplemental programs between the two programs makes Armatage an outstanding (yet unique) Minneapolis Public School. I would encourage anyone looking for a school with highly qualified and talented teachers, tremendous parental involvement and community support to visit Armatage and see why this school is "... the best kept secret in the district". Sincerely, Joan Franks, Principal

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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MONTESSORI PROGRAM INFORMATION

Montessori education is not a system of teaching, but a method of helping children in the total development of their personalities during the fundamental period of development. Dr. Maria Montessori developed what she called the “prepared environment,” which possesses a certain order and disposes children to develop at their own speed in an environment that is non-competitive, spontaneous, and relaxed. The structure of Montessori learning involves the use of many materials, with which children may work individually. At every step of their learning, the material is designed to test their understanding and to correct their errors. Children work at their own pace, thus, the faster learner is not held back by others, nor is the slower learner struggling to keep up. Montessori teachers believe it is important for parents to know these things: • Independence is a trait Montessori teachers encourage. Children are asked to make

choices and to take on much of the responsibility for their own learning. • Concentration is a focusing of the attention on a specific task for an uninterrupted length of

time. This ability to focus is a crucial component of the ability to learn. • Positive self-esteem is essential to learning. Feeling good about yourself because you have

experienced success at learning and support from the community of caring people around you is an important aspect of the Montessori classroom.

• “Freedom within limits” is an often quoted Montessori phrase. Any action that crosses the line from being good for people over into the area of hurting someone or something is to be immediately and firmly stopped.

• Learning through the senses is a basic ingredient of Montessori education. For example, if mammals are to be studied, a rabbit or hamster may be brought into the classroom to be touched and examined as an initial step in learning about mammals.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING

Instructional Support Tutor Students needing additional support in reading are offered the opportunity for supplemental assistance through small group instruction. The children meet with a reading tutor in small groups (five or fewer students) for one half hour, two days per week. During small group instruction, the students receive strategies that support the classroom curriculum but are presented with different materials and instructional models. Coordinated Learning for Academic and Social Success (CLASS) CLASS is a citywide special education program for children with language and academic learning disabilities that prevent them from participating in a general education classroom setting. Generally, children in the CLASS program receive their academic education in CLASS classrooms and join general education classes based on the needs and ability of the individual child. Armatage has four CLASS classrooms serving children at all grade levels. Special Education Resource Program The Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) evaluates and provides direct and indirect special education service to students in the areas of academic, emotional/behavioral, and social skills. For direct service the students spend the majority of their time in their classrooms and come to the resource room for instruction in a small group setting. The SERT collaboratives with general education teachers to ensure that students make progress in the general education curriculum. Speech-Language Services Students with identified speech-language impairments are served at all MPS school sites. According to state criteria, there are four types of speech-language impairment: language disorder, articulation disorder, voice disorder and fluency disorder (stuttering). Depending on individual student needs, a range of speech-language services is provided, including screening, pre-referral consultation, evaluation, direct intervention in small group settings or in the classroom, indirect service, collaborative teaching, and home programming. Speech-language intervention programs are based on each student’s individual needs as determined by the IEP team. The team determines the student’s needs and goals, the appropriate intervention model and the frequency of intervention. Therapy activities are designed to support state and district standards, and grade level expectations.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Media Center A spacious and bright media center was built when Armatage underwent renovations several years ago. A library of 18,384 books, video tapes and other resources are available for student and staff use. The media center is also equipped with 32 computers and two printers (which are networked for use throughout the building). In addition, a digital camera and a digital video camera (with the ability to make i-movies) are available for use. Students receive training on this equipment in media class. The computer skills learned are then incorporated into classroom projects on a collaborative basis. Software available includes: Hyperstudio Reader Rabbit 2 Storybook Weaver Kid Pix Bailey’s Book House Kidspiration Playroom Millie’s Math House “Living Books” cd Type To Learn Monstrous Media Accelerated Reader Appleworks My Own Stories STAR Reading Kindergarten and first grade students may check out one book each week, and grades two through five up to two books each week. Students who are reading Accelerated Reader books may take their tests in the media center during or outside of classtime (see page 9 for information on this great reading program). iMac Lab The Armatage iMac Lab is equipped with 35 iMac computers, a networked printer, and a data projector for teacher presentations. Kindergartners typically use the iMac Lab as a group about two times a week for such things as writing stories, art, colors, and letter/number recognition. Classroom Technology Each Armatage classroom is equipped with one to three computers and every classroom has internet access. Classroom projects using the Internet have included writing projects, pen pals, and research. Kindergartners can use the classroom computers if so desired as part of free time. Every classroom has a LCD and document camera. Seven Classrooms have a promethean board to enhance teaching strategies.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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ACCELERATED READING AND MATH PROGRAMS

Accelerated Reading Program Accelerated Reader is a computer program designed to challenge our readers as well as ensure they are reading at the right level for their ability to ensure comprehension (very important when it comes time for reading testing.) Here’s how the program works: Accelerated Reader books in the media center and in the classroom are marked to indicate they are part of the program. These are outstanding pieces of literature and hopefully will stretch kids beyond their usual choices. Students read the book at their own pace, but they will need to read the entire book to do well on the tests. Finally, students take the Accelerated Reader test. All of the tests are taken on the computer and have been carefully designed to verify that the student has read the book. The student receives points depending on how many questions are answered correctly, the book’s length and the reading level. Some advantages to using Accelerated Reader include: 1) keeps track of the books your child reads and encourages them to read a wide variety; 2) motivates students to read many more and challenging books to increase their points. 3) research has shown that this program has increased student reading achievement; 4) improves discipline and self-control; 5) builds on higher-order thinking skills, such as comprehension, evaluation, synthesis, analysis, and application; 6) gives students a love of reading, a life-long skill that will help your child in all areas of the curriculum and throughout life. Accelerated Math Program The 4th and 5th grade classrooms at Armatage have been provided the technology for a new math curriculum, Accelerated Math. Each classroom has recently received a new computer and scanner and the six rooms share two laser printers. This curriculum allows the teachers to individualize math skill practice to meet the needs of each student. The school has the software for grades two through five. Each grade level includes skill practice for about 140 objectives. Teachers begin by assigning objectives to be mastered to each child (at any grade level). The computer prints up practice worksheets with multiple-choice questions focusing on three objectives. After the child has circled the answers on his practice sheets, he/she transfers the answers to a computer card. The teacher scans the card using a special scanner hooked up to the computer and immediately is told which objectives the student is ready to test in and the objectives that need more practice. The teacher then either prints a test or a practice. Teachers can monitor weak areas to provide extra instruction individually, in small groups, or to the whole class. This program is done in addition to the “Everyday Math” curriculum. Benefits of Accelerated Math include: 1) providing consistent, organized review of basic skills; 2) helping the teacher assess student needs and give appropriate remedial instruction as needed; and 3) providing the student with a score sheet indicating the number of questions missed and what the correct answer should be. The student takes responsibility for checking his/her mistakes and asking for explanations as needed.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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FINE ARTS AT ARMATAGE

Through the years, Armatage has made the arts a priority and its value is significant in enhancing curriculum. Residencies have been varied to target different curriculum areas and to offer our students a wide range of arts experiences. Artists-in-residence experiences have ranged from individual artists working with papier-mâché, clay tile mural, and Ecuadorian music to ensembles such as Plymouth Music Series, Climb Theater, and Zenon Dance Company. In addition, Armatage students have taken field trips to local arts organizations such as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Children’s Theater, Weisman Art Museum, and Minnesota Orchestra. A great effort has been made to integrate the arts into the school’s existing curriculum at each grade level while at the same time developing the understanding of different cultures. Good examples of this are the recent residencies of Ross Sutter, a local folk singer, and Aziz Osman, a multi-talented visual Somali artist. With Ross Sutter, students learned folk songs and ethnic dances, and created simple instruments which reinforced math and science concepts. Osman worked primarily on increasing awareness of the Somalian culture through the creation of clay tiles, bas-relief sculptures, “Mehandi” hand painting and drawings. Art Adventure Program Parents get involved in the fine arts programming through the Minneapolis Institute of Arts’ Art Adventure Program. Trained parent volunteers bring reproductions of museum pieces into the classrooms, engaging students in discussions about art and helping them to create their own masterpieces. The theme of the set we will study this year is “Amazing Animals in Art.” Literacy Grant In conjunction with the Institute for Learning, MPS hired Literacy Coaches to work in elementary schools supporting teachers in their efforts to instruct students in the area of literacy. Our Literacy Coach wrote a grant for a professional library for the teachers to use. The library allows teachers access to research supported instructional approaches to teaching, reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary. Armatage provides weekly professional development and job-embedded professional development with the literacy coach. The teachers are able to reflect on their teaching and strengthen student achievement. In addition, there are resources that teachers can use for math instructional strategies and general classroom management.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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SPECIALIST CLASSES

Each student’s day includes one 55-minute class with a specialist in art, music, physical education, or media. This provides a “prep time” for the classroom teacher and valuable experiences for the students in each of these specialty areas.

Highlights of each specialist area include:

Art

Pottery kiln on site, great variety of media, multicultural, Art Adventure Program

Music Singing, note reading, movement, musical vocabulary, rhythm instruments, flutophone or recorder for 4th & 5th graders, line and folk dancing, monthly performance opportunities, All-School Spring Music Program

Media Bright, spacious space. Exposure to variety of literature, computer and video skills, research, Type to Learn, Accelerated Reader Program, Hyperstudio, and more.

Physical Education

Non–competitive atmosphere, lifetime

sports/games, fitness and health emphasis, two gymnasiums, Fitness Fever, Track & Field Day, Rope Power Competition

Science This year we have a Science Specialist as well. Each class has an opportunity on a rotating basis to spend one full day with our science specialist. Children will explore their world and discover that science is everywhere. Band/Orchestra 4th and 5th graders may participate in band or orchestra. Instruments may be rented from the school for a nominal fee for the entire school year. Students participate in a weekly small group instrument lesson as well as a full band group lesson. A performance is held in the school’s Little Theater in May.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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MINNEAPOLIS KIDS

Armatage is very fortunate to have a wonderful child care program right on site for before and after school as well as the part of the day in which your half-day Kindergartner is not in school. Under the direction of Danny Ranum and his outstanding staff, the children enjoy a variety of structured and unstructured activities with children of similar and different ages to themselves. It is, in many ways, just like a neighborhood of kids playing together. Facilities: Don’t be fooled by the small room you see for MPLS KIDS in the lower level of the school building. Our program has use of the following Armatage facilities: • The LUNCHROOM is converted each afternoon into separate small areas for homework,

quiet reading, Legos, puppet theater, art projects, etc. • The new COMPUTER LAB is filled with new computers and lots of educational games. • Two GYMS provide plenty of space for the kids to play floor hockey, scramble ball and

dodge ball, just to name a few. • The school’s two PLAYGROUNDS have kids swinging, sliding, climbing and jumping! • The ARMATAGE PARK ATHLETIC FIELDS adjacent to our school are the site of many

kickball, softball, football and soccer games in the spring and fall. • HILLS and an ICE SKATING RINK have most kids sledding or skating on winter days. Programming: In addition to the many options described above, age-appropriate special activities are planned for the children each day. The schedule is planned and distributed in advance for families and a monthly calendar is posted.

AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES All Armatage students have the opportunity to take enrichment classes after school. Classes are offered on a variety of days in the fall, winter, and spring. Topics have included sports, Spanish, school musical, computer classes, and chess. Classes are offered for a minimal fee and transportation home is provided.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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PARENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Ways Parents Can Get Involved Site Council and/or PTA Member

Classroom Room Parent Reading Partners Program

One-on-One Tutoring Classroom Assistant

PTA chairperson or volunteer for the following

annual special events and fundraisers Open House (Sept)

Fall Fun Walk Fund Raiser (Sept-Oct) Teacher Conference Dinner (Oct)

School Tours (Nov-Jan) School Musical (Dec)

Armatage Night at Wendy’s (every month) Kindergarten Information Night (Jan) Art Adventure Program (Jan-March)

Scholastic Book Fair (Feb) Family Reading Night (Feb)

School Dance (March) Staff Appreciation Luncheon (May)

Kindergarten Orientation (May) School Carnival (May)

Track and Field Day (June) 5th Grade Recognition (June)

Other PTA Volunteer Opportunities:

School Picture Day (Sept) School Directory (Oct)

Courtyard Prairie Maintenance Student of the Month Program Legislative Liaison Volunteer

Southwest Area Council Volunteer Book Nook Coordinator, Collector, or Reader

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Below are some commonly asked questions about our school. We have attempted to answer them, but if you need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Armatage Principal, Joan Franks, or any school contact listed after this section.

Q.What are the average class sizes at Armatage? A. Class sizes may vary from year to year depending upon enrollment figures. Maximum

grade level numbers are as follows: Kindergarten through 3rd grade: 1 to 26 ratio and 4th and 5th grade: 1-32 ratio.

Q. Do you have half-day and all-day Kindergarten? A. This year, Armatage has all full-day Kindergarten classrooms. Typically the Montessori

School has only offered full day kindergarten. Q. What if my preschooler is already reading?

A. The classroom teacher will provide enrichment activities to further develop your child’s reading skills. In addition, our gifted and talented teacher can set up independent contracts with children requiring additional challenges.

Q. Are all Kindergarten students able to take a bus to and from school? A. All Armatage students living outside the “walk zone” may take a school bus to and from school. Specific bus

information for your child will be mailed to you in August.

- Q & A continued on next page –

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Q. What kind of safety standards does the school employ? A. Safety of our students is a priority for the Minneapolis School District and for Armatage

School. We employ the following to ensure safety for our students: 1. All doors remain locked throughout the day. 2. All visitors to the school are required buzz into the school, check in at the office,

document the purpose of their visit, and obtain a visitor’s badge. 3. Children are closely supervised at all times, including the lunchroom, playground

activities, and school arrival and departure. Q. How does the school communicate with families? A. Kanga News is the name of our school newsletter and it goes home with all students

every other Wednesday. Kanga News includes a principal’s message, a calendar, updates from the specialists, PTA and volunteer information, and community news. The Site Council and PTA publish meeting minutes in the Kanga News as well. A weekly E-NEWS is also sent to those who have submitted their e-mail address for this purpose. The “Wednesday envelope” is sent home every week with important communications as well as flyers and event notices. Classroom news is handled through letters from classroom teachers, usually weekly or monthly. We also have our school website www.armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us . Our website contains past issues of the Kanga News, school calendar of events, PTA minutes, volunteer opportunities, and what is new at Armatage.

Q. What is the level of parental involvement? A. There are many ways for parents to get involved at Armatage School and many parents

take advantage of these opportunities. Armatage has a very active PTA which implements many projects throughout the year, supporting its students, their families and the staff. A complete list of PTA-supported activities can be found on page 13. Parents also serve on the school Site Council which sets priorities and policy for the school. We are lucky to have a broad base of parents who are very involved.

- Q & A continued on next page –

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Q. If I have a concern about the school, whom do I call? A. The classroom teacher is always a great place to start. However, if you need additional

input, always feel free to contact Joan Franks, principal of Armatage Montessori Magnet School, at [email protected] or (612) 668-3180. Our goal is to work collaboratively with parents to effectively and efficiently solve problems.

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Names and Numbers for More Information If you would like more information about our school, we invite you to call any of the people listed below to discuss questions and concerns you may have. The main office number for Armatage is 612-668-3180.

Name Position Phone Number

Joan Franks Armatage Principal 668-3180

Margo Borth Kindergarten Montessori Teacher 668-7371

Jane Campbell Kindergarten Montessori Teacher 668-7526

Heather Lingen Kindergarten C.L.A.S.S. Teacher 668-9226

Jean Avecilla 1st / 2nd Grade Montessori Teacher 668-7153 Denise Clare 1st / 2nd Grade Montessori Teacher 668-7627

Kristen Hanson 1st / 2nd Grade Montessori Teacher 692-1422

Amanda Perna 1st / 2nd Grade Montessori Teacher 668-8327

Roberta Simes 2nd / 3rd Grade CLASS Teacher 692-9374

Amy Gagne-Hollembeak 3rd Grade Montessori Teacher 668-8620

Stacy Owens 3rd / 4th Grade Montessori Teacher 668-8667

Tracie Murphy 4th / 5th CLASS Teacher 692-0693

Christian Houdek 4th / 5th Montessori Teacher 692-1441

Ralph Sievert 4th / 5th Montessori Teacher 668-7985

Marilyn Gawronski Special Education Teacher 668-8215

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Renae Kirby Physical Education Specialist 668-8681

Anita Webster Music Specialist 692-0883

Jo Wells Art Specialist 692-0897

Kristi Main Media Specialist

Marvin Boucher Science Specialist

Mike Mazyck Band Director 668-9408

Mary Flaherty Lunchroom 668-3191

Jeanne Freiburg School Nurse 510-1565

Steve Bonine Director-Area Learning Center 668-3200

Danny Ranum Director-Armatage MPLS Kids 668-3199

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MONTESSORI SCHOOL

SAMPLE KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE

All-Day Kindergarten: 7:30-1:45

7:30 - 9:15 Arrival, Work time-small group and individual Montessori lessons

9:15-9:45 Morning Meeting (Songs, Games, Calendar-Math lesson)

9:45- 10:15 Phonics - Large Group

10:15-10:30 Quiet reading

10:30-11:00 Lunch/Recess

11:00-11:20 Story time

11:20-12:10 Activity (Art, Science)

12:10-12:30 Snack

12:30-12:45 End of day meeting

12:45-1:40 Specials (Physical Education, Music, Art, Media)

1:40-1:45 Dismissal

This schedule can vary from day to day, but gives a feel for how each day is typically structured. All day kindergartners go to a specialist class (music, art,

media or physical education) each day and benefit from field trips and school assemblies each year.

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS — Please Join Us!

November 18-23, 2009 Scholastic Book Fair Armatage School December 3-4, 2009 School Musical—“Kids on Broadway!” 6:30 p.m. Armatage Little Theater January 14, 2010 School Information Night and Tours – Bring your Child(ren)! 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Begins in Armatage Little Theater January 31, 2010 SCHOOL SELECTION CARD DUE! Mail your card to the Welcome Center February 18, 2010 Family Reading Night 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Armatage School February 17-23, 2010 Scholastic Book Fair

Armatage Upper Gym March 19, 2010 School Dance Park Building and lower gym May 6, 2010 Kindergarten Orientation 9:00-11:00 a.m. Begins in Little Theater May 14, 2010 Armatage School Carnival 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Armatage School May 20, 2010 Spring All-School Music Program 6:30 p.m. Armatage Large Gym May 28, 2010 Band Concert 12:30p.m. Armatage Lower gym June 3, 2010 Armatage Track & Field Day 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Armatage Fields August 2010 Teacher assignments and school supply lists mailed September 2010 Open House to meet teacher and see classroom

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Armatage Montessori Magnet School • 2501 West 56th Street, Minneapolis • 612-668-3180

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TESTIMONIALS FROM ARMATAGE FAMILIES

“We recently moved back to Minneapolis and were delighted to find Armatage for our first grader. We toured a number of K-8 schools, but our daughter felt intimidated by the older kids. You walk into Armatage and know immediately that it is an environment where younger children can learn and grow. When she's in 5th grade, she'll be ready for the move to middle school, but Armatage is designed for her learning and development needs NOW. She feels comfortable and confident--so do we.”

Jim -parent

"…The staff has created an environment where all kids feel safe and supported. We have an extraordinary principal and wonderful teachers that truly care about each child and provide whatever is necessary for all kids to succeed academically. The diverse student body creates an atmosphere of tolerance and respect. We have a very strong PTA and several ways for parents to become involved. Add that to our strong community involvement and that makes a great environment for our children to succeed and where everyone takes an active role in our children's education…”

Peggy & Matt-parents

"We are so fortunate to be part of this amazing Montessori magnet school! One of my kids attended a Montessori early childhood program, and the other didn't, but both are thriving at Armatage. After experiencing Armatage, I cannot imagine either of the kids in a traditional classroom. When I walk into their classrooms, I'm amazed to see every child managing their own work in an environment that is calm and focused, but buzzing with kids who are excited about what they are learning. The kids learn by helping and working with other students and through the guidance of amazing teachers!"

Laurie - parent "We first came to Armatage to learn more about the Montessori program. Upon entering the building we were immediately taken by the respectful, cheerful, supportive environment. Every student we observed seemed deeply engaged in their learning. After meeting the teachers and seeing the passion they have for their work, we knew it was the place for us. Our first impressions were accurate and we feel so fortunate to be a part of the Armatage Montessori program."

Dea-parent “I love using the math materials so I can see the kids have their “ah-ha” moments.”

Jane Campbell-teacher

“I enjoy observing the children, especially when they are working cooperatively. It is a true joy to see the children of different ages and abilities working together for a common purpose.”

Mandy Perna-teacher