April 29 - May 4, 2024
DeColores Montessori School presents “The Elements in Concert” on Saturday, May 4, 10:00 am at Memorial Hall. Every student, toddlers through grade 9, will participate. The concert begins with a heartwarming video capturing the students and events of the year. A whole school song followed by individual presentations by the kindergarten class, first grade precorders, drum club, Montessori music makers, Jr High choir and orchestra, third floor choreography and first, second and third grade musicians and singers will keep you smiling.
The purpose of our concert is to showcase for our #decoloresstrong friends and families the growth our students have made this year, to celebrate their hard work and the end of the 23/24 school year. Everyone is invited. With many other activities on Saturday, our students will be dismissed by 11:15 to participate in track, baseball, softball etc. Plan to take your child’s instrument home with you on Saturday after the concert.
The Jr High Microeconomy Club will have some items for sale in the lobby at Memorial Hall. (honey, pomegranate jelly, seedlings and soap) before and after the concert.
Dress rehearsal for all DeColores students is Friday 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Hall. Concert t-shirts will go home with students this week.
There are a few tours left for lower elementary students, Wednesday May 1 at 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Rigaud from Xavier University will visit on Wednesday to observe the second floor team.
The Decolores Montessori School Garden is taking shape thanks to Carey (Violet’s mom) and the students. There are more plants to go in this week for students that enjoy planting. Carey also set up a plant cell study with a microscope for all students in the hallway.
Wednesday, May 1
8:00Dr. Rigaud visits
12:30Music meeting
Friday, May 3
8:30Dress rehearsal, all students Memorial Hall
Saturday, May 4
9:30Doors open students/families/friends
10:00The Elements in Concert
From Tomorrow’s Child volume 31:
“There are three freedoms that Dr. Maria Montessori provided for in her first classroom and are still part of every authentic Montessori environment.
The freedom to choose.
The freedom to move.
And the freedom to repeat”.
Enjoy your week,
Be sure to choose, move and repeat .
Sharon & Nancy
Happy Earth Day
Weekly Announcements
April 22 - 26, 2024
Congratulations to Betsy and the piano students for a beautiful Spring Recital. A special thanks to Julie G. and the third floor students for preparing some of the snacks and arranging flowers. Christina C and Emily S helped to prepare, serve and clean-up after the event. Teachers Ally and Sharon were present to assist Betsy. It was a fun gathering for everyone that attended.
Thank you to the staff for the beautiful Memorial stone and card for my sister, Mary McEldowney. Your words and prayers conveyed so much love to our family.
Monday, April 22 is Earth Day. There are many projects blooming throughout the school buildings.
Wednesday, April 24 flower orders from the Spring Flower Sale will be delivered. Plant pick-up will be along the driveway at dismissal times.
Second floor students (grades 1-3) will visit the Farm Campus for a field trip on Wednesday, April 24. Sharon/Ally/Jacqueline class will visit from 9:00-11:30. Tasha/Tammy will visit 11:30-1:45.
Third floor students (grades 4-6) visit the Farm Campus on Friday, April 26 for Archery. The class will depart at 11:00 and return to the Central campus at 1:45.
Second grade students complete Cogat testing on Monday and Tuesday. 7th grade IOWA and 8th grade Language Arts testing will take place on Wednesday and 8th grade language arts on Thursday.
Summer camp registration forms went home on Friday.
25 school days are remaining in the 23/24 school year.
Monday, April 22, Happy Earth Day
8:30Cogat Music Room
Tuesday, April 23
8:30Cogat Music Room
Wednesday, April 24, Flower delivery day
8:30Flowers orders arrive for delivery
8:308th grade Language Arts/7th IOWA
9:002nd floor Farm Field Trip
11:302nd floor Farm Field Trip
Thursday, April 25
8:308th grade language arts testing
Friday, April 26
11:003rd floor students to Archery at Farm campus
“I used to think my imagination was for seeing things that aren’t real. In truth, it’s for seeing things that are the most real - because the most important parts of life are invisible. You need an imagination to account for all the real things that can’t be seen, like thoughts, values, love, grace, prayer. If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give the orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea, then they will naturally build the ship anyway. Without the yearning you’re wasting your breath trying to get them to care about how the ship works or why it is needed. The modern imagination needs an expansion before it can understand the explanation”. Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Let’s keep our students dreaming and scheming! That’s our challenge this last month of classes.
Peace & Love,
Sharon & Nancy
Class Picture Day
April 15 - 20, 2024
It was a big weekend for the DeColores Jr High students for the Solo & Ensemble competition at Arcanum School. The results are:
Violin Trio (Teagan, Colby, Leah) Superior
Violin Solo (Colby) Excellent
Cello Solo (Conner) Superior
Violin Solo (Jonathan) Superior
Violin Solo (Teagan) Excellent
Violin Solo (Daniel) Excellent
Violin Solo (Christina) Excellent
Violin Solo (Joe) Excellent
Piano Solo (Ben) Superior
Congratulations to our talented students and staff on a work well done.
Class Picture Day is Monday, April 15. The photographers will take class group pictures. The Central Campus pictures will be in the AM and the photographer will photograph Jr High students at the farm campus following during the later morning.
Tours continue this week on Wednesday for potential 3-6 and first grade students. Tours begin at 4:00 p.m. and will be conducted on the first/second floors at the Central campus.
Testing continues this week.
Kindergarten students will travel to the farm campus on Thursday, April 18 to visit/play. 25 students and 4 staff will leave the Central campus at 12:30 and return to the Central campus at 2:00 pm.
Third floor students will enjoy a field trip to the Tea House and PJ and Me Pottery on Tuesday, April 16 from 11:15 - 2:15. This is a walking field trip.
The Spring Piano Recital will be held on Saturday morning at the Trinity Wesleyan Church from 10:00-11:30 a.m. A reception and light snacks will follow the recital. Sixteen DeColores students in grades 1 - 6 will participate.
A quick reminder as we enjoy the warmer temperatures from our Parent Handbook: Shorts should be at least mid thigh in length (the fingertip rule will apply). Hats, scarves, sunglasses, sweatbands, spaghetti straps, tank tops, halter tops and exposed midriffs are not permitted while attending school. Students will be provided with clothing by the school when clothing is found to be unacceptable.
With the help of Carey J. (Violet’s mom) we are developing a Children’s Garden in our current garden space. We have plans for all of the students to share ownership in the creation of our student friendly space.
Here’s the week at a glance:
Monday, April 15, Happy Tax Day
8:30 Class pictures
8:45Testing begins
Tuesday, April 16
8:30testing resumes 2nd floor
11:15 3rd floor leaves for Tea House and Pj and Me pottery
Wednesday, April 17
8:30testing resumes
4:00Tour, pre-K and 1
Thursday, April 18
8:30testing resumes
12:30kindergarten field trip to Farm Campus
2:00kindergarten field trip returns
Friday, April 19
8:30testing resumes as needed
Saturday, April 20
10:00Spring Piano Recital, (Trinity Wesleyan Church)
All are welcome to attend
Sharon & Nancy
April 8 - 13
We are all looking forward to experiencing the Total Solar Eclipse in Darke County. Our students will be safe observers by using their eclipse glasses that were in their Friday folders. Enjoy the day. Classes resume on Tuesday.
Thank you to parents and staff for the quick evacuation on Tuesday, April 2. We received the call from Greenville City Schools at 12:15 and by 1:15 all students and staff were on their way to their safe places. Thank you to everyone for the collaboration and cooperation it took to make that happen.
Testing continues on the third floor this week.
Tours resume on Wednesday at 4:00 for the few remaining openings we have.
Some of our DeColores Jr High students will participate in Solo & Ensemble in Arcanum on Saturday. It is a district competition.
Monday, April 15 is the rescheduled class picture day. Flyers went home in student folders for family orders.
Here is our week:
Monday, April 8
Total Eclipse Day, school is closed
Wednesday, April 10
4:00Tour (new families)
Saturday, April 13
Jr High Solo & Ensemble, Arcanum School
Spring is beautiful at DeColores
Enjoy every moment,
Sharon & Nancy
Happy April’s Fool
4/01 - 4/08/24
Happy April! We are not fooling around, tomorrow we are back to school! We hope everyone enjoyed their Easter holiday. We are looking forward to seeing our staff, students and parents back to work on Tuesday.
Spring testing begins this week and continues through Mid-May for a variety of classrooms.
On Monday, April 1, the Darke County Health Dept. will conduct routine inspections at both schools.
Student solar eclipse glasses are available to be sent home this week in Home Folders.
Our parent conferences were helpful and informative.
Here’s our schedule for the week:
Monday, April 1, Happy April Fool’s Day
Health inspections
School closed
Tuesday, April 2
Classes resume
Thursday, April 4
2:15Drum Club
Monday, April 8
No School/Solar Eclipse Day
April showers, bring May flowers
Enjoy the week,
Sharon & Nancy
PS Mary McEldowney
Thank you for the many heartfelt condolences sent to our family. Your compassion and support were invaluable during her illness. My sister passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones and many prayers. Her body was donated to Wright State Medical School. A Memorial Service will take place when her cremains are returned to the family. Our deepest gratitude, Nancy
Happy Easter Announcements
3/25 - 3/29/24
Lots of exciting good news to share today!! The Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt were a big success and so much fun to be together as the #decoloresstrong team. Parents, staff, students, grandparents, aunties, friends, alumni what a fun way to celebrate together our school and fund raise for our field trips. Even though it was VERY chilly, lots of friends looked for Easter eggs. Our thanks to the student helpers and staff that braved the cold for 2 hours outside. The third floor student helpers were exceptional and many families commented on how much they enjoyed seeing our students completing many of the jobs at both sites. Thanks again!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
The door prize winners are:
1-Bunny/Blanket/Book - Emily Strawser
2- Farm Puzzle/Gummy Bears - Steve Hoffman
3- Bunny Puzzle/Spring Gummies - Silas Martin
4-Stuffed Dog/Easter toys- Samuel Clark
5-Easter Towels/Candy- Tracy Strawser
6- Card Games/Easter Toys- Lucah Fuentes
7- Chick Fil A/Starbucks - Barb Magnani
8- Merchant House Gift Certificate- Tamara Mendenhall
9- Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates - Sandy/Jim Vanden Bosch
10 - Lottery Tickets - Heather Costa (Sam)
While we enjoyed breakfast our Jr High music teachers and students participated in the Jr Music Festival at Miami University. Here are the results for the following students that earned Superior or Excellent ratings: Johnny C. violin solo -Unanimous Superior, Teagan B. violin solo - Unanimous Superior, Tara S. violin solo-Unanimous Superior, Benjamin W. violin solo - Unanimous Superior, Nola and Nalayna M. violin-viola duet, Unanimous Superior, Tara, Joe, Nesta, String Trio, Unanimous Superior, Teagan, Colby, Leah, violin trio - Unanimous Superior, Johnny C. Parker, Daniel, Conner, string quartet, Excellent, Nola M. theory - Superior,Ben W - theory, Superior, Teagan B. theory - Superior. Congratulations to our Jr High musicians, teachers and accompanists, Betsy, Kathy, Mark and Julie K.
Tuesday is our last day of classes this week. Parent Conferences are Wednesday 12:00-7:00 and Thursday 9:00-12:00. Spring break is Friday, March 30 through Monday, April 1. Classes resume on Tuesday, April 2.
Here is our week at a glance:
Wednesday, March 27
12:00-7:00Parent Conferences
Thursday, March 28
9:00-12:00Parent Conferences
Friday, March 29
Happy Easter - No School
Monday, April 1
Happy Easter - No School
Tuesday, April 2
Classes resume
Easter Blessings,
Sharon/Nancy
Easter Egg Hunt/Pancake Breakfast Announcements
March 18 - March 23, 2024
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to our #decoloresstrong community. An Irish proverb says, “Wishing you a day filled with good times, good cheer and good friends”.
Our Annual Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, March 23 at the Church of the Brethren 421 Central Ave. beginning at 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Delicious pancakes prepared by our staff and students and breakfast sausage patties will be served by our DeColores students practicing “grace and courtesy”. Our Easter Egg Hunt begins at 8:30 on the Central campus grounds. Toddlers through fourth grade can hunt for eggs anytime between 8:30-10:30. Toddlers and preschoolers will look for eggs in the “little yard” and K-4 students will be hunting in the “big yard”. There are some fun door prizes to win at both events. Our thanks to our many sponsors and volunteers.
The fourth quarter begins on Monday, March 18. Report cards go home on Friday, March 22.
There is a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 20. DeColores students will visit their safe places at school and discuss storm safety at home.
Jr High students will travel to Cincinnati on Wednesday for a Julius Caesar presentation. On Saturday many Jr High students will participate in the Junior Festival at Miami University in Oxford for solos and ensembles. Jr High choir is canceled on Friday due to the Junior Festival preparation for Betsy.
Dr. Gordon (Calvin’s dad) visits the kindergarten class on Friday, March 22 for a lesson on tooth care.
Here’s the week at a glance:
Monday, March 18
Fourth quarter begins
Tuesday, March 19
4:00New family tours
Wednesday, March 20
7:30-2:30Jr High students/Julius Caesar
Flower Sale ends
Thursday, March 21
4:00New family tours w/Nancy
Friday, March 22
Report cards go home
Jr High choir practice canceled
Saturday, March 23
8:00-10:00Pancake Breakfast served
8:30-10:30Easter egg hunt
More Irish Proverbs for your week:
“May your heart be light and happy,
May your smile be big and wide
And may your pockets
Always have a coin inside”.
You are appreciated,
Nancy and Sharon
3/11/- 3/15/24
DeColores Spelling Bee winners Cami and Teagan participated in the Scripp’s Regional Spelling at Wright State University on Wednesday, March 6. They finished 15th and 11th respectively. What an accomplishment! We appreciate Cami and Teagan for their hard work and for representing DeColores. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Congratulations to our 6th grade students on their performances at the “Jurassic Park Solo & Ensemble”. The entire third floor staff and students provided a beautiful, fun event for everyone to enjoy. The 6th graders are Miles, Xavier, Ellie, Levi, Joshua, Liam, Sofia, Emily, Cami, Anika and Karden.
Our gratitude to the staff and students for hosting the Bowling Green visitors on Friday at both campuses. The visitors shared “every classroom is normalized. The students are soooo quiet and engaged, collaborating and working together”. We appreciated the opportunity to share our school with them and a special thank you to everyone that helped us.
Spring forward to Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 10. Be patient with yourself and our students as it takes approximately three weeks to adjust to the changes.
It is hard to believe but the third quarter is coming to end on Friday and the last quarter of the 23/24 school year begins on Monday, March 18.
Family tours are in progress. This week on Tuesdays and Thursdays new potential families will visit at 4:00 p.m. for toddlers and pre-school students.
Tracy S. will present a meeting on Wednesday, March 13 in the music room about Boy Scouts. She will meet with kindergarten students at 12:30, second floor students at 1:00 and third floor students at 1:30 p.m.
Third floor students have a field trip on Thursday, March 14 to Baroque Violin and the Newport Aquarium. Students leave at 8:00 a.m. and return at 4:00 p.m.
There will be no music classes on Thursday except after school practices and piano lessons.
There is an early dismissal on Friday, March 15, due to the end of the third quarter. All DeColores students will be dismissed 12:45 - 1:00 p.m. There is no after school care available.
The week at a glance:
Tuesday, March 12
4:00 4 families tour w/Nancy Pre/K and K
Wednesday, March 13
Boy Scout program in the Music room
12:30 Kindergarten
1:00 6-9
1:30 9-12
Thursday, March 14
8:003rd floor field trip to Baroque and Newport Aquarium 4:00 return
No music classes, except after school
4:00family tours w/Nancy
Friday, March 15, 3rd quarter ends
Dr. Rigaud from Xavier to observe Ally during morning session
12:45-1:00 early dismissal, no childcare available
2:00 - 3:00staff inservice, Central campus
“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self”.
Maria Montessori
Happy week,
Sharon & Nancy
Solo & Ensemble Weekly Announcements
3/03 - 3/09/24
“The seasons of teaching and humaning together, ebbs and flows through joy, pain, growth and grace.” Cincinnati Montessori Conference
Happy Birthday to Dr Seuss, March 2. His books have been enjoyed by DeColores students for almost 40 years. “Happy Birthday to You. Today You are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
The Cincinnati Montessori Conference was attended by a DeColores team of Sharon, Ally, Chris E., Shirley and Nancy. We saw Montessori friends, chatted, laughed a lot, and were reminded of some terrific ideas.
Scripps Wright State University Regional Spelling Bee will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. DeColores students Teagan B. and Cami W. will compete representing DeColores Montessori. Good luck to Teagan and Cami. There is a fire drill at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday. A good luck high 5 line will follow, under the awning at Central for Cami as the school gives her their love and support.
Solo & Ensemble will be held this week, Friday, March 8 at the Presbyterian Church, 114 East 4th St., Greenville, at 7:00 p.m. School will close at 2:30 p.m. at both campuses. After school childcare will not be available. Students in grades 4-6 will attend and participate. Solo & Ensemble is a time to celebrate our sixth grade students and their musical accomplishments throughout the lower and upper elementary programs. They have worked diligently to prepare for this concert. All Montessori families are invited and welcome to attend.
Friday March 8 teachers from the Montessori School of Bowling Green will visit and observe classrooms at DeColores. Our students and staff look forward to welcoming them to our school.
District Science Day at Edison Community College for Joe D is Saturday, March 9. Good luck to Joe. Nola and Johnny C will compete on Saturday, March 16. Good luck to our talented middle school students.
Julie Bruns will teach this week for Patty Kerns while Patty and her family serve on a mission trip.
Week at a glance:
Wednesday, March 6
8:45fire drill, high 5 line for Cami whole school follows
6:00regional spelling bee WSU (Teagan, Cami)
Friday, March 8
8:303rd floor students walk to Presbyterian Church for practice
9:00Bowling Green teachers arrive for visit
2:15Dismissal, no daycare
6:306th grade students arrive for family pictures, Presbyterian Church
6:45grades ? arrive for Solo & Ensemble
FYI Time springs forward Sunday March 10.
Happy President’s Day Announcements
2/19 - 2/23/24
Ohio’s nickname is “The Mother of the Presidents”. Eight of 46 US Presidents came from Ohio. Can you name them? (Wm. Henry Harrison, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, Wm. McKinley, Wm. Taft, Warren Harding)
School is closed on Monday in commemoration of President’s Day. Classes resume on Tuesday. Enjoy the day.
Third grade students plan to visit the fourth grade on Tuesday PM.
Current 6th grade girls will visit the farm campus on Tuesday, 8:00-2:30.
ADMTEI interns will observe students/staff at the farm campus from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Darke County Science Day is Thursday, February 22. Visitors are welcome to peruse the exhibits from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Awards begin at 7:00 p.m.
A special thank you to the good citizen that cleaned the snow off our cars on Friday pm. THANK YOU!
This is our week at a glance:
Monday, February 19, No School
Tuesday, February 20
6th grade girls visit Jr High Farm Campus
3rd grade students visit third floor, fourth grade
Thursday, February 22
3:30Darke County Science Day
6:30Visit science fair exhibits
Friday, February 23
Last day to enroll for current families, 24/25 school year
More fun President facts:
Rutherford Hayes (1877-1881) was the first president to have a telephone in the White House. (It was not a cell phone.)
Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest president taking office at age 42.
Lyndon Johnson’s first career was as a teacher.
Gerald Ford was a star football player at the University of Michigan.
James Madison was the shortest president at 5’4”and weighed barely 100 pounds.
Enjoy the week,
Sharon & Nancy
2/12 - 2/16/24
It is Super bowl #58 Sunday for all of our #decoloresstrong football fans! No matter your favorite team, enjoy the day with friends and family.
We are celebrating Valentine’s Day on Wednesday with our students.
- Toddlers need 14 valentines to share.
- Patty’s AM preschool and Kindergarten students need 26 valentines.
- Patty’s PM preschool students need 15 valentines.
- Michelle’s preschool and kindergarten students need 24 valentines.
- Grades 1,2,3 need a decorated valentine box and 24 valentines.
- No edible treats please due to numerous food allergies
Grades 4, 5, 6 are making and sharing valentines with Darke D.D. They do not need to bring anything from home.
Tuesday, sixth grade boys are visiting the Farm campus.
Thursday, artist Dennis Porter visits DeColores students on third floor to draw 6th grade graduation caricatures. He will arrive with his wife at 9:00 a.m.
Kindergarten students visit Greenville National Bank on Thursday to learn about money. Thanks to Susan Shields and Todd Henry (Tate’s dad) for showing us around the bank.
Friday, third floor students will complete their Swim Safety program at the YMCA. Students need their swim gear on Friday.
School is closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of President’s Day.
Our week at a glance:
Monday, February 12
10:00 a.m.Mark to visit with lambs, toddlers, pre-school, kindergarten.
Mark will bring lambs into the classroom. There are two bottle fed lambs.
1o:40Lambs will visit second floor classrooms.
11:15 Lambs to visit 3rd floor students.
Tuesday, February 13
7:306th grade (boys) visit farm campus
Wednesday, February 14, Happy Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 15
9:00Caricature artist, 3rd floor
12:30Kindergarten field trip to GNB
Friday, February 16
12:003rd floor to YMCA
Hugs to all,
Sharon & Nancy
February 5 - 9, 2024
The groundhog did not see his shadow and predicted Early Spring! By the looks of the weather forecast this week, it looks like plenty of sun and warmer temperatures.
Our sixth grade students chose Jurassic Park for the theme of their Solo & Ensemble. Be sure to save the date, March 8 for their performance at the Presbyterian Church. Daycare closes on March 8 at 2:30 due to the preparations for Solo & Ensemble.
Enrollment packets for 24/25 DeColores families went home on Friday. Current families will return their enrollment packets by February 23. Open enrollment for families on the waiting list begins March 1.
Third floor students will enjoy a field trip to the Children’s Museum on Friday, February 9. Students will pack a brown bag lunch. They will leave by school bus at 8:30 and return by 4:00 p.m.
Darke County Science Day is Thursday, February 22 at Greenville High School. Visitors are welcome to peruse the projects at 6:30 p.m. Awards will be presented from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Here’s our week:
Friday, February 9
8:303rd floor leaves for Children’s Museum
4:003rd floor students return
“Concentration is essential for learning but it can’t be forced. The Montessori environment is designed to cultivate concentration through quiet uninterrupted work periods and peaceful surroundings.”
Enjoy your week,
Nancy & Sharon
Happy Groundhog’s Day, Weekly Announcements
January 28 - February 2, 2024
Will the groundhog see his shadow this week? On Friday, February 2, Phil will come out of his burrow in front of thousands of followers to predict the weather for the rest of winter. The DeColores Kindergarten students are predicting an early spring. Fingers crossed, what do you think?
Greenville City Schools have a waiver day on Monday, January 29. DeColores Montessori students will be in session. There is no bussing for DeColores students on Monday, due to Greenville City Schools being closed.
The DeColores Dance Party was a fun event. Thank you to everyone that participated, tried our chili and helped to crown the newest winners. Congratulations to the second floor students who earned the most votes even though Jr High, third floor, toddlers and kindergarten were all close behind the leaders. Special Kudos to the Fuentes (Lucah and Gigi) family for donating all the bowls we used, to Betsy & Chris S for leading our dances., and Grandpa Dave & Grandma Sharon Warner, (Mac and Luke) that secured the K of C Hall for us and helped with every phase from preparation through clean up. Thank you to our teaching teams that helped prepare the food with students and who welcomed our visitors, danced and cleaned up.
Enrollment 24/25 begins this week. Enrollment packets for current families and their siblings will be sent home in Friday folders. Current families will return their packets by February 23. Open enrollment for families on the waiting list begins March 1.
Third floor students swim for gym this week on Friday. They leave at noon and return at 1:45.
We have received numerous compliments on the cleanliness of our building and how attractive our classrooms are. To all of our staff and students that clean our common spaces and to everyone that cleans their classrooms, THANK YOU! We all love and appreciate working in beautiful environments with children.
Monday, January 29
Greenville City Schools closed, no bussing for DeColores students
Friday, February 2, Happy Groundhog’s Day
12:003rd floor YMCA swim
“The soul is healed by being with children. The best gift is time.”
Enjoy the week,
Hugs,
Sharon & Nancy
Dance Party Announcements
1/22/ - 1/26/2024
It’s time for the Dance Party and Great Chili Cook Off!! It’s a fun few hours for the entire “DeColores Strong Community”. Be sure to RSVP on the sign-up genius. All the different classrooms will be leading dances. You don’t want to miss the toddler class leading “Sleepy little bunnies” or the second floor students doing the “chicken dance” and the “macarena”. All the DeColores classes will have a chance to lead a few dances while everyone else joins in with them. Betsy and Chris S will help with the instructions and all of this good fun and exercise takes place at the K of C Hall, 4975 Childrens Home-Bradford Rd., Greenville. In addition to the dancing, every classroom will present their favorite “chilly/chili” recipe and the DeColores Strong families will vote for their favorites. The coveted trophy will be presented before the end of the Dance Party. You won’t want to miss the Jr High and third floor students dances and/or the “Heel-toe Polka”, and “Electric Slide”. All the food and drinks (water, chili recipes, are free, it costs $1.00 if you want to place a vote for your favorites) Wear your favorite school t-shirt or logo item for a group picture. Only 5 days till the Dance Party!! Click here to sign up
Snow Days are enjoyed by everyone. Our thanks to Mother Nature for providing us with our first snow day of 2024. Typically on a delayed schedule there is no recess for 2nd and 3rd floor students. Kindergarten students each have snowsuits, mittens, and boots and they play outdoors when the windchill permits. Preschoolers/toddlers may only be outdoors briefly for dismissal.
Due to the snow day on Friday, January 19 report cards will be sent home on Friday, January 26.
Valentine’s Day is a favorite time to celebrate for DeColores students. Toddlers through third grade students will share Valentines. For those who like to prepare early, students should sign their cards but do not put names on the envelopes. Due to allergies do not send candy with or in the valentines.
Toddlers need 14 Valentines to share.
Patty’s AM Pre-school class and kindergarten needs 26 Valentines to share
Patty’s PM Pre-school class needs 15 Valentines
Michelle’s Pre-school and kindergarten students need 24 Valentines to share.
Tasha/Tammy/Sharon/Ally/Jacqueline classes need 24 Valentines to share.
Here is the weekly schedule:
Monday, January 22
1:00Board Meeting at the Farm campus
Friday, January 26
12:00-1:30Swim Day for 3rd floor students
5:00-7:00 Dance Party, K of C Hall, Greenville
Happy Learning,
Nancy & Sharon
Happy MLK Jr. Day Announcements
1/15 - 1/19/2024
Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr and his many accomplishments. DeColores students have memorized and performed his famous “I have a dream” speech. Enjoy the day and we look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday.
This week colder temperatures are prevalent. Our students always enjoy a few minutes of outdoor time even when it is cold.
The progress reports are nearly complete. Our appreciation to the staff for the encouragement provided to our students as they grow and progress. Report cards go home on Friday, January 19.
Sign-up for the Dance Party on Friday, January 26. The link is on the school website, FB page and January Parent News. The space allows for our famous “Chili Cook-off”. The class whose recipe brings in the most $ votes wins the coveted trophy and bragging rights. The Dance Party is a whole school event from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the K of C Hall in Greenville. Wear your favorite school t-shirt to the party.
Due to the cold temperatures, no fire drill this week.
Here is the week at a glance:
Monday, January 15, No School
Happy Martin Luther KIng Jr Day
Tuesday, January 16
Parents transport students today, no Greenville busses
Third quarter begins
Friday, January 19
12:00Swim Day for upper elementary students
Progress reports go home
Warmest regards,
Nancy and Sharon
“With a grateful heart the possibilities of life become endless”.
End of Second Quarter
Weekly Announcements
1/08 - 1/12/2024
This Friday, January 12, marks the end of the second quarter and the end of the first semester! Congratulations to staff and students on a productive, safe, worktime. It is fulfilling to record the progress that our teams of students and staff are achieving. Keep up the good work.
Our students transitioned back to school last week with ease. We enjoyed the many stories that our students shared. Thank you to everyone for your patience as we grow. This week we will continue to have visits with a few more new toddlers and a new preschooler.
Tuesday morning there is the January fire drill around 8:45 am.
Thursday morning Mike Adkins visits DeColores for an in school safety class. He will meet with Tammy/Tasha students from 9:00-10:00 and Sharon/Ally students from 10:00-11:00. Mike (Micah’s dad) meets kindergarten students 1:00-1:30 and 1:30-2:00 pm.
Friday ends the second quarter and the first semester. There is an early dismissal 12:45-1:00 pm.
Progress reports go home on Friday, January 19.
There is no bus service for DeColores students on Tuesday, January 16. Greenville City Schools are closedbut DeColores students are in session.
Here is the week at a glance:
Tuesday, January 9
8:45Fire Drill Central Campus
Thursday, January 11
9:00Mike A. visits Tasha/Tammy class
10:00Mike A. visits Sharon/Ally class
1:00Mike A visits K class (Michelle)
1:30Mike A visits K class (Michelle)
Friday, January 12
12:45-1:00 Early dismissal, staff inservice
Monday, January 15
Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day, School is closed
Tuesday, January 16
Classes resume, No busses available, Greenville City Schools closed
Third quarter begins
“If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the Present,
Gratefully. Blessings, Nancy & Sharon
Happy New Year Announcements
1/03 - 1/05/2024
After an amazing, wonderful Christmas and New Year it is time for us to head back to our classrooms with our hearts full of memories and love.
Classes resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Extra patience please as we return to our work after the holidays. Our students will need a few weeks to adjust back to the routine. Expect them to be more tired, sluggish and hungry as we resume classes. Extra TLC may be required for all of us.
Our upper elementary students begin swimming at the YMCA this week. They depart at 12:00 and return at 2:00 p.m.
Check January Calendar and Parent News for more details this month.
A quick reminder the second quarter ends Friday, January 12 and report cards go home with students on Friday, January 19.
The school Family Fun Night is a Dance Party and Chili Cook-off at the K of C Hall, 4975 Children’s Home Bradford Rd., on Friday, January 26. Chris S, Lauren and Betsy will lead us through line dances, folk dances and group dances like the Macarena, Hokey Pokey, Electric Slide, etc. The coveted Chili Trophy will be awarded based on the group that earns the most votes.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon and catching up with all the Christmas pictures and stories.
Here’s our week at a glance:
Monday, January 1, Happy New Year
No classes
Tuesday, January 2
No classes
Wednesday, January 3
Classes resume
Friday, January 5
12:00Upper elementary students swim at the YMCA
2:00Swim students return
Happy New Year,
Sharon & Nancy
PS. A prayer that was shared with me and I want to pass it on:
“ God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”. 2 Corinthians 9:8
God through your gifts you pour your unending love over us. You bless us so we can bless others.
Please give me clarity of mind and an extra dose of creativity when I’m working on lesson plans. Help me develop the skills to differentiate learning styles and to engage my students through varied activities.
Give my students the ability to comprehend the lessons, to grow, and to enjoy their school days. Even when the classes are not fun, help them appreciate the challenge of mastering new skills.
Thank you for blessing me. Thank you for your goodness and your mercy. And thank you for each day and each lesson that allows me to call myself a teacher.
In your name, amen.
Last Week of Classes 2023 Announcements
December 18 - 19, 2023
Congratulations to our DeColores Spelling Bee Winners, at the Central Campus, Cami W. first place, Sylas B. second place, Sam C. third place. At our Jr High Campus, first place honors for the second year in a row went to Teagan B. Johnny C., Nesta M. and Dean D. were also top finishers. We appreciate the hard work and efforts of all the participants. The top winner from each campus will continue to compete in a regional competition at Wright State University in March. A special thanks to Chris S and Chris E for organizing the competition.
Two days of school remain before the Christmas holiday. The last day of classes is Tuesday, December 19. Dismissal is 2:15-2:30 at both campuses. There are no after school clubs, practices or childcare.
Classes resume on Wednesday, January 3.
Our most sincere thanks to everyone that has donated to our Annual Fund Drive. Our staff, students, families and friends do an amazing job each year in funding our many programs and needs. We take pride in showcasing the accomplishments of our Annual Fund Drive. Our playground upgrades, new fire alarm system, teacher training and new classroom materials topped the list in 2022/23. Annual Fund Donations are accepted through December 31, 2023.
Remember music practice sheets will be due with 120 minutes of practice time when the students return.180 minutes is the requirement for Jr High students. A Christmas concert is requested for the families and list the songs prepared on the practice sheet.
Our short week at a glance:
Monday, December 18
No PM practice clubs
Tuesday, December 19, Last Day of Classes
2:15-2:30Dismissal
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
“It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas”
12/11 - 12/15/2023
Our greenery arrived from the Jr High Campus decorating our homes and making it feel a lot like Christmas. Our thanks to Jason and the Jr High team and students for the beautiful greenery.
This week the DeColores third floor students invited the preschool and kindergarten students to visit their Christmas wonderland and read all types of holiday stories together. Patty’s class visits on Monday and Michelle’s class on Tuesday.
Wednesday the entire central campus will be entertained by the Jr High orchestra at 8:45 a.m. The Jr High students offer a Community Service Tour to several nursing homes, Darke County DD and St. Mary’s School students.
On Thursday, the kindergarten students visit the Greenville Public Library for the last field trip of the 2023 school year.
Students take their instruments home on Thursday. There will be no string classes on December 18-19. Students at the Central campus need to practice 120 minutes during the holiday. Jr High students need to practice 180 minutes. All students need to perform a concert for their families during the holidays and list on their practice sheets the songs they performed. What fun!!
Only two days of school left next week. The last day of classes before the Christmas holiday is Tuesday, December 19. Both campuses close at 2:30 p.m. with no homework club and no pm daycare after 2:30 p.m.
“It Is Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas Around DeColores Montessori”!
Monday, December 11
9:00Patty’s class visits 3rd floor for peer reading
Tuesday, December 12
9:00Michelle’s class visits 3rd floor for peer reading
Wednesday, December 13
8:45Central campus students visit Brethren Church for Jr High concert
Enjoy this festive season,
Nancy & Sharon
12/04 - 12/08/2023
There is an excitement in the air that is different from any other time at school. Enjoy these beautiful moments which are precious gifts to us.
Greenery is scheduled to arrive this week. Jason will keep us posted when items are ready for pick-up
The written test for the Scripps Spelling Bee will take place on Friday A.M.Chris will announce the 10 finalists at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The oral spelling bee will take place on Friday, December 15 at 9:00 a.m. in the music room. Chris E. will conduct the written spelling test at the Jr High Campus. Both schools will have 1 winner and 1 runner-up to proceed to the regional spelling bee at Wright State University, March 6.
Our thanks for the generosity by the staff to the Annual Fund Drive. Keep up the good work!
Blessings,
Sharon & Nancy
11/27 - 12/01/2023
Happy December! Our thanks to everyone who participated in Parent Conferences. We experienced giggles to belly laughs as we shared our stories. The information we learned from the parents was invaluable. Our gratitude to the parents for a time well spent. We look forward to our next upcoming conferences March 27-28, 2024.
After a week off from school extra kindness will be appreciatedfor staff and students. The transition days can be difficult but by midweek we should all be more comfortable and confident again.
We have three short weeks of school remaining plus 2 days until our Christmas Holiday break. The last day of classes is Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Classes resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Our condolences to our dear friend Becky and her family at the loss of her sweet dad. God bless you Becky. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Here is our week at a glance:
Friday, Happy December 1
8:303rd floor leaves for field trip to Fort Wayne
3:00Field trip returns
A quick reminder:
“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences in the environment”.
Dr. Maria Montessori
Enjoy a happy week,
Sharon & Nancy
Gobble - Gobble
November 20 -21, 2023
No School this week for our DeColores students. This week, parents and teachers and students in grades 4-9 meet for parent conferences. Our entire staff looks forward to meeting with parents and sharing many fond memories of the first quarter. It’s our chance to catch up with parents about how things like practice sheets, reading logs, spelling tests and homework are going? The sign-up genius looks very full so our gratitude to staff and parents for making this event a big success.
As previously mentioned the Parent Conferences are for parents only. Childcare is not available for conferences. Students in grades 4 - 9 attend the parent conferences with their parents and lead the conference. There is so much to learn and understand from our students.
Happy Thanksgiving to our #decoloresstrong team. We wish everyone a safe, fun, delicious holiday. Our classes resume on Monday, November 27.
Blessings and thanks,
Sharon & Nancy
11/13 - 11/17/2023
Author, David Fitzsimmons, shared more than Curious Critters with our school family. His love of writing, photography and dreaming BIG inspired parents, staff and students. His appearance at DeColores was a gift from fund-raising efforts by our parents this fall. Many of our students shared it was the first time for them to be introduced to a “real” author. A HUGE thank you to David and our #decoloresstrong supporters.
Tri-star students are visiting DeColores on Wednesday, November 15. They will arrive at 10:30 for a tour of the Central campus. They plan to depart at 11:15 for a Farm campus tour and lunch. They plan to leave the Farm campus at 1:40.
Many of the classrooms will celebrate Thanksgiving this week as part of their cultural studies.
The week of 11/20 - 11/24/2023 school is closed to students for Parent Conferences andThanksgiving Celebrations. Toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarten, first, second and third grade studentsdo not attend scheduled conferences. Babysitting is not available during this time. Students in grades 4-9 participate in and lead the conferences with their parents. Staff and students look forward to this time to share with parents their accomplishments, goals and dreams. If you have not yet scheduled a conference check the sign-up genius for an available time.
Our week at a glance:
Wednesday, November 15
10:30Tri-star tour Central campus w/Nancy
11:15Tri-star travels to Farm campus for tour/lunch
Thursday, November 16
12:30Kindergarten field trip to Memorial Hall - students/staff return 1:45
A special thank you to the staff that supported the parent program (Chris E., Mark, Betsy & Shirley) on Thursday evening, your genuine commitment to #decoloresstrong and your gift of time was appreciated by everyone present.
THANK YOU!
Enjoy your week
Stay Curious,
Nancy & Sharon
11/06/ - 11/10/23
Author Visit & Parent Night
The “Patriotic Concert” was a heartwarming experience for all of us. The beautiful video of our alumni showcasing their work and dreams, the talents of our students and the fun we enjoyed while we were together was immeasurable. Thank you to our #decoloresstrong team for your time, hard work and dedication to our