April Newsletter
Recap of March
Wow, what a month it has been at our school! March was filled with excitement, laughter, and lots of fun, thanks to our amazing events and activities. From our Read Across America Week to our Annual Egg Hunt, the kids had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The joy and enthusiasm they brought to these events were truly heartwarming. A special shoutout and a big thank you to all the parents who took the time to come in and read for our classrooms during Read Across America Week. Your involvement and support mean the world to us, and we appreciate you being a part of our school community. As promised, here are some pictures that capture the wonderful moments from last month. Please take a moment to enjoy and relive these memories with us.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in our school events. We look forward to creating more opportunities for parents to be involved and engage with our school in the future.
Inside the Montessori Classroom
Ms. Esme & Ms. Kait:
Our new friend is working with the wooden shape puzzles. As he figures out how to grasp the knobs on the puzzle pieces, he's also developing his fine motor skills while learning about shapes!
Ms. Suzzaine & Ms. Keila
The toddler classroom is all about recognition and strengthening fine motor skills. Here, our friend is matching the shapes by using the pincer grasp to pick up the shape piece and matching it to the control chart--for this specific activity, a leprechaun hat!
Ms. Maneet & Ms. Citlali
In the Saturn classroom, we have a friend doing some lacing work. This work helps with concentration and hand-eye coordination as she holds the shoe lace to thread through the wooden beads.
Ms. Nancy & Ms. Nijma
Our kindergarteners in the Earth classroom worked on a little science experiment! They poured primary colors into the cups and connected them with a sheet of paper. They observed the water being absorbed by the paper and creating a walking rainbow!
Ms. Tatiana & Ms. Cassidy
Our friend is working with the Spindle Box! The Spindle Box develops early counting skills and develops the association between quantity and the number symbols of 0-9. This work also teaches the concept of zero.
Ms. Ashley & Ms. Ruby
Tonging work helps prepare the student for writing activities as it helps strengthen their fine motor skills.
Ms. Marjorie
A friend is working with the moveable alphabet to identify the consonant and vowel letters.
March Birthdays
This Month
As we prepare to welcome April, we have an exciting lineup of events and activities planned that promise to engage and inspire our students and staff.
First off, we are thrilled to announce our first-ever book fair happening in the first week of April! The collaboration between parent volunteers and teachers is sure to create a fantastic opportunity to instill a love for reading and books in our young minds.
Following the book fair, we will be easing into spring break—a well-deserved time for our students and teachers to relax and recharge, with the school closed for a week.
Then, we will hold a Kinder Night for parents interested in our engaging and enriching kindergarten program. An informational meeting regarding how the Montessori philosophy is followed for the kindergarteners will be thoroughly discussed during this event.
Continuing our focus on learning and love for our planet Earth, our students will be getting their hands dirty by planting flowers and produce. Through various activities like songs, arts, and crafts, we aim to educate and raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our environment.
Lastly, we have a staff development day planned where we will review crucial emergency procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our school community.
We are looking forward to a month filled with learning, fun, and growth. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we embark on these upcoming activities together!
School Events & Closures
Gaowa's First Book Fair
Get ready for Gaowa's first ever book fair! This will be taking place on April 1st through the 5th.
The fair will be opened in the mornings and evenings at 7:30AM - 8:30AM and 2:30PM - 4:00PM. During these times, parents will be able to shop with their kiddos. If you are planning to shop in the morning, please make sure you're able to get all of what your child's heart desires by 8:30AM so that they're not late for class. If you're unable to catch the fair, you can always shop online here from April 1st - 14th.
The fair will be taking place either in the marketplace or the patio, depending on the weather, but we there will be signs posted to show you the way!
Additionally, the primary students will be given the chance to explore and shop the book fair on their own during this week! If parents can please drop off a baggie/envelope with $5-$10 and labeled with their name, that would be greatly appreciated (:
A big big thank you to the Gaowa parents that have volunteered to help us run the fair.
Spring Break - SCHOOL CLOSED
Gaowa Montessori will be closed on the second week of April. Our students have been learning so much and having lots of fun. With this break, the students will get the chance to reset and relax!
Kinder Night
Our annual Kinder Night will be taking place after school around 3:30PM! This will be a meeting for parents who are interested in our Kindergarten program. Please be on the lookout as more information will be released soon.
Earth Day
Gaowa Montessori will be celebrating Earth Day by having each classroom do some planting. Our kids will be picking out flower seeds or produce seeds thanks to one of our parents donating a generous amount (: In addition, the kids will be learning about our planet Earth through songs and activities.
Staff Development Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
On this day, Gaowa Montessori School will be closed for staff development day. We will go over emergency protocols and procedures with the staff.
Artist of the Month: Agur
For the month of April, we will be flying south from England to Algeria to explore the arts of Aziz Aouli, known as Agur.
". . . Agur is an Algerian artist who primarily incorporates acrylics on canvas to create his remarkable artworks. Agur is the artist’s pseudonym and draws inspiration from Agur Ben Jakeh, a wise figure of Arab heritage from biblical epochs renowned for assembling a collection of proverbs in the Old Testament. Agur's artwork takes the form of abstract geometric shapes, serving as a contemporary canvas for ancient wisdom and artistic expression."
Title n°353 2023 - acrylic paint on canvas & Title n°349 - acrylic on canvas
Important Notices
2024 - 2025 Re-enrollment Forms
Our re-enrollment packets will be sent out sometime in the beginning of April. Please thoroughly read through the packet and fill out the form if you are planning to enroll for the next academic school year of 2024-2025. This packet will be due at the end of May. A spot will only be guaranteed for your child once the re-enrollment form is returned to us. If you have any questions or need clarifications, please reach out to us!
School Policies - Important Changes
As you read through the re-enrollment packet, you'll notice a few changes. Please read thoroughly and sign off once you agree or contact the office for additional information.
Pick-up Times and Late Fees
This is a friendly reminder in regards to our pick-up policy:
"Please be prompt when picking up your child. Please arrive early enough to collect your child’s belongings and sign them out. For extended care, please be mindful that our teachers need time to clean up and lock the school before they go home at 5:30PM.
Pickup times are as follows: 12:20PM to 12:30PM for half day and 2:50PM to 3:00PM for full days.
Children in aftercare may be picked up at any time before 5:30PM. A late pick up fee will be applied if the student is picked up 10 minutes after the end time of the child’s enrolled program. $15 for the first 10 minutes. $1 for every minute thereafter.
Family Fun Events
Bubblefest
Date & Time: March 22 - April 7 | 11:00AM, 12:30PM, 2:00PM, 3:30PM
Location: Discovery Cube OC | 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Price: General Admission:
- Adults: $38
- Child (3-14 years): $33,
- Senior (62+): $35
Information: Things are popping at Discovery Cube OC as crowd-favorite Bubblefest returns for another Spring Break.
A highlight is the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, starring renowned bubble artist Melody Yang. This fun and exciting stage show combines music, lasers, and bubble artistry. 2024's production debuts an all-new bubble technology that fills the theater with even more bubbles than ever before.
Guests can also pop on over to the indoor Bubble Zone Festival, which offers immersive soapy activities, a paddleboat attraction,an interactive Bubble Wall, an inflatable obstacle course, and more.
Sensory Friendly Show
The Bubble Show on Saturday March 30 at 3:30 pm is presented with reduced show volume, reduced mic volume for the performers, and reduced intensity of lights and special effects.
Family Nights
Guests can enjoy an after-hours experience at the two Friday evening Family Nights. From 6pm to 9pm, ticketholders have access to the entire museum and an exclusive Mega Bubblefest Laser Show. Family Night tickets include a VIP meet and greet with Melody Yang. Guests can also enjoy dinner and sparkling wine. ($70 per person).
Please be advised that strobe lights and lasers are used during the show.
Butterfly Season at Kidspace
Date & Time: March 14 - May 19 | Various times
Location: Kidspace Children's Museum | 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena 91103
Price: General Admission:
- Adults: $15.50
- Child (1-17 years): $15.50
- Senior (62+): $13.50
- Infant (under 1): Free
Information: The Western monarch butterflies are returning to Southern California, and that’s cause for celebration at Kidspace!
Butterfly Season highlights include bug safaris around the Kidspace campus, create-a-caterpillar art projects, butterfly-themed fantasy dress-up and play, and "flower showers" to help flowers grow.
The kinetic sculpture Magic in the Air uses upcycled waste-stream material to create an immersive giant swarm of butterflies.
In addition, caterpillar adoptions are back!
For $8, kids receive a caterpillar, its food, and care guide, as well as the adoption certificate to name the caterpillar. Over the following couple of weeks, kids observe as their caterpillar goes through the stages of metamorphosis, ultimately emerging as a beautiful Painted Lady Butterfly. Caterpillar adoptions are available onsite through the Kidspace store or online. All caterpillars must be picked up in person at the museum. (Caterpillars available while supplies last).
Description Title
Date & Time: April 20 | 1:00PM - 9:00PM
Location: SteelCraft Garden Grove| 12900 South Euclid Street, Garden Grove 92840
Price: Free
Information: Welcome to the **Earth Day Pop Up** at **SteelCraft Garden Grove**! Join us for a fun and family-friendly event celebrating our planet. Enjoy a variety of eco-friendly activities, workshops, and vendors promoting sustainable living. There will be unique vendors, live music, delicious food options, and opportunities to learn more about protecting our environment. Entry is **FREE**, so bring your friends and family for a day of green fun!
Lakeshore's Space Adventure
Date & Time: April 20 | 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: Lakeshore Learning | 18679 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley 92708
Price: Free
Information: Make believe you’re a kid astronaut and join us on a space journey filled with hands-on learning fun! We’ll be crafting shuttles you can take home and making mission stops to learn about the moon, solar system and galaxy. You’ll even get to play with some of our coolest space-themed products along the way! This event is happening at all locations (no reservations needed!) and even includes a stellar, in-store offer.
No need to make a reservation—just come in, join the fun and SAVE with an exclusive offer! Ages 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration needed. Visit one of our 61 stores nationwide!
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Date & Time: April 7 - April 9 | 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Location: Downtown Long Beach | 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach 90802
Price: Varies
Information: Watch a seven-rave lineup headlined by the IndyCar Series with stars like Scott Dixon, Will Power, Helio Castroneves, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya behind the wheel. The event is packed with activities, food trucks, sports bars and more. Families will enjoy a fun zone with rock climbing walls, games and racing simulators. Look forward to live performances from Kings of Chaos starring Billy Idol, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Chester Bennington of Linkin Park on Saturday night at the Rock-N-Roar concert. See website for schedule of events. See website for all prices.
Imaginology
Date & Time: April 13 - April 14| 10:00 AM - 4:00PM
Location: OC Fair & Event Center | 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Price: Free, Parking: $12
Information: Each April, OC Fair & Event Center transforms into Imaginology, a free family event produced by OC Fair staff that focuses on STEAM education and hands-on learning.
Children, teens, families and school groups dig into science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Imaginology provides unique experiences for attendees of all ages – from preschool to high school, and their parents and grandparents – to build, create, play, observe and interact through activities that help them see the possibilities of a future in STEAM fields. Imaginology features makeshops, demonstrations, competitions, hands-on activities and entertainment, as well as food and fun. Youth competitions give students the chance to be recognized for their unique talent and accomplishments.
