Design & Layout-Barbi Smith Editor—Mary Ann Bashaw

This is such an exciting time at Villa. Our dream of consolidating the Elementary I and Elementary II classrooms is a reality! The first building consisting of three Elementary I classrooms is really coming along and is now ready for painting. The classrooms are absolutely beautiful...each one is 1200 square feet in size with lots of natural light and attractive design features. The contractor and architect have been great to work with and have become a wonderful part of the Villa family.

We realize that communication about the progress of the project has not been strong. We hope everyone can be understanding and forgiving. From now on, we will keep you more in the loop about this wonderful project.

Better communication (in general) is a major goal of ours. We are in the process of looking at ways to improve what we currently do so that you will feel more informed as to what is going on at the school. If you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to email them to me.

We are thrilled about some personnel and organizational changes we have made recently. Billing and enrollment historically have been done by one person. We chose to divide those duties between two staff members in an effort to be more efficient and responsive to parents’ needs. B Martin and Rachel Croly-Pincock both are doing a fabulous job with billing and enrollment, respectively. Barbi Smith is a new face in the Main Office, serving as office receptionist as well as administrative support to Mary Orlando and me. We love having her at the school and she is doing a great job. Hiring Stephanie Savage to do Human Resources has been such a blessing; with 110+ employees, we created this position in an effort to offer more support to our employees, which she is doing.

Classroom placement meetings for upcoming first, fourth and seventh graders are scheduled for this month. More information about how placement decisions are made will appear in the March issue of the Villa Voice.

We are VERY grateful for the support you gave to our tax credit drive. The school could not offer all that it does without this financial help. Receipts have been mailed out, so please let Sue Watson know if you do not receive yours this week.

As you all know, Valentine’s Day is this month. I found it interesting (yet not surprising) that Wikipedia states, “The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the U.S. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually to children. When you include the valentine-exchange cards made in school activities, the figure goes up to 1 billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines.”

Our wonderful teachers certainly deserve a lavish number of valentines from all of us!

Have a great month!

The Head of school ~ Margo O’Neill

The Villa Voice

Impo r t an t Da t e s I n Th i s I s su e

FEBRUARY 2013

• Letter from Margo O’Neill Pg. 1

• Boy Scout & Girl Scout News Pg. 12

• Box Tops Pg. 13

• Advertising Pg. 14

• Margo’s Office Mate ~

Mary Orlando Pg. 2-3

• Classroom News Pg. 3-7

• Circle News Pg. 7

• Sue Watson ~ Tax Credit &

Fundraising Pg. 8-11

• February 8th – Pre-Primary – MS

Early Dismissal @ 11:30 am

*Infants and All-Day Contracts only

after 11:30am.

• February 18th—Presidents’ Day—

All School Closed

• February 22nd – Early Dismissal at

Oak campus only @ 11:30 am

VILLA MONTESSORI ~ growing greatness since 1964

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028 602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

One test of the correctness of

the educational procedure

is the happiness of the child.

Maria Montessori

Pg. 2

Parenting Manifesto

Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of the Houston Graduate College of Social Work, was a main speaker at our Montessori national conference last year. She was phenome-nal! I have been reading two of her books, The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly, and would highly recommend them. I came across an article that she had written in the Wall Street Journal and although a bit lengthy, feel it is well worth the time to read and reflect on.

Most of us would love a color-coded parenting hand-book that answers all of our unanswer-able questions, comes with guarantees and minimizes our vulnerability. We want to know that if we follow certain rules or adhere to the method espoused by a certain parenting ex-pert, our children will sleep through the night, be happy, make friends, achieve professional success and stay safe. The uncertainty of parenting can bring up feelings in us that range from frustration to terror.

Our need for certainty in an endeavor as uncertain as raising children makes explicit "how-to-parent" strategies both seductive and dangerous. I say "dangerous" because certainty of-ten breeds absolutes, intolerance and judgment. That's why parents are so critical of one another; we latch onto a method or approach and very quickly our way becomes the way. When we obsess over our parenting choices to the extent that most of us do, and then see someone else making different choices, we often perceive that difference as direct criticism of how we are parenting.

Ironically, parenting is a shame and judgment minefield precisely because most of us are wading through uncertainty and self-doubt when it comes to raising our children.

I'm not a parenting expert. In fact, I'm not sure that I even believe in the idea of "parenting experts." I'm an engaged, imperfect parent and a passionate researcher. I'm an experienced mapmaker and a stumbling traveler. Like many of you, parenting is by far my boldest and most daring adventure.

One of the very best pieces of parenting advice that I ever received was from the writer Toni Morrison.

Ms. Morrison explained that it's interesting to watch what happens when a child walks into a room. She asked, "Does your face light up?" She explained, "When my children used to walk in the room when they were little, I looked at them to see if they had buckled their trousers or if their hair was combed or if their socks were up. You think your affection and your deep love is on display because you're caring for them. It's not. When they see you, they see the critical face. ‘What's wrong now?’" Her advice was simple, but paradigm shifting for me. She said, "Let your face speak what's in your heart. When they walk in the room my face says I'm glad to see them. It's just as small as that, you see?"

“I literally think about that advice every day—it's become a practice. When Ellen comes bounding down the stairs dressed for school, I don't want my first comment to be "Pull your hair back" or "Those shoes don't match your dress." I want my face to convey how happy I am to see her...to be with her. When Charlie comes in the back door and he's sweaty and dirty from catching lizards, I want to flash a smile before I say, "Don't touch anything until you wash your hands." So often we think that we earn parenting points by being critical, put out, and exasperated. Those first looks can be prerequisites or worthiness-builders. I don't want to criticize when my kids walk in the room, I want to light up!

“I wrote the following parenting manifesto because I need it. Steve and I need it. Putting down the measuring stick in a culture that uses acquisitions and accomplishments to assess worth is not easy. I use the manifesto as a touchstone, a prayer, and a meditation when I'm wrestling with vulnerability or when I've got that "never enough" fear. It reminds me of a finding that changed and probably saved my life: Who we are and how we engage with the world are much stronger predictors of how our children will do than what we know about parenting.”

The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto—by Toni Morrison

Above all else, I want you to know that you are loved and lovable. You will learn this from my words and actions—the lessons on love are in how I treat you and how I treat myself.

I want you to engage with the world from a place of worthiness. You will learn that you are worthy of love, belonging and joy every time you see me practice self-compassion and em-brace my own imperfections.

We will practice courage in our family by showing up, letting ourselves be seen, and honor-ing vulnerability. We will share our stories of struggle and strength. There will always be room in our home for both.

Continued on page 3...

Margo’s Office Mate ~ Mary Orlando

Triangle Box

I c a n d o t h e t r i a n g l e b o x . A t f i r s t , I j u s t l e a r n t o p u t

t h e v a r i o u s t r i a n g l e s 2 , 1 / 3 ,

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028 602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

Pg. 3

In fant & Toddler News

“Wh a t e v e r i s W h a t e v e r i s W h a t e v e r i s W h a t e v e r i s

p r e s e n t e d t o p r e s e n t e d t o p r e s e n t e d t o p r e s e n t e d t o

o u r c h i l d r e n o u r c h i l d r e n o u r c h i l d r e n o u r c h i l d r e n

m u s t b e b e a u t i -m u s t b e b e a u t i -m u s t b e b e a u t i -m u s t b e b e a u t i -

f u l a n d c l e a r . ”f u l a n d c l e a r . ”f u l a n d c l e a r . ”f u l a n d c l e a r . ”

---- M a r i a M a r i a M a r i a M a r i a

M o n t e s s o r iM o n t e s s o r iM o n t e s s o r iM o n t e s s o r i

...Continued from page 2

We will teach you compassion by practicing compassion with ourselves first, then with each other. We will set and respect boundaries; we will honor hard work, hope and perseverance. Rest and play will be family values, as well as family practices.

You will learn accountability and respect by watching me make mistakes and make amends, and by watching how I ask for what I need and talk about how I feel.

I want you to know joy, so together we will practice gratitude.

I want you to feel joy, so together we will learn how to be vulnerable.

When uncertainty and scarcity visit, you will be able to draw from the spirit that is a part of our everyday life.

Together we will cry and face fear and grief. I will want to take away your pain, but instead I will sit with you and teach you how to feel it.

We will laugh and sing and dance and create. We will always have permission to be ourselves with each other. No matter what, you will always belong here.

As you begin your wholehearted journey, the greatest gift that I can give to you is to live and love with my whole heart and to dare greatly.

I will not teach or love or show you anything perfectly, but I will let you see me, and I will al-ways hold sacred the gift of seeing you….truly, deeply, seeing you.

P.S. Watching her Ted Talk Videos are also well worth your time.

Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability

~ Mary Orlando, Assistant Head of School

February Greetings!

Each day, the staff and I are constantly reminded to slow down and look at things from the children's perspective. When we do this, there is such a calmness and focus that takes over the environments, truly such a gift to enjoy. Here is a little excerpt from The Joyful Child for you that talks about this very thing: slowing down to your child's pace and watch what can happen, seeing from their perspective. We wish you a month full of love and laughter and enjoying those precious children.

“Child’s eye view—Remember that your child’s world is up close and low to the ground. Seeing life from her point of view can help you to rediscover the sense of wonder of a young child. Keep in mind the slow-moving pace of her world. Follow your child’s lead, and be pre-pared to stop and examine anything that captures her interest—a ladybug or a flower, for example. Don’t get impatient when she dawdles—adhere to her pace.

The best way for children to learn is by doing things, not by being told about them. This is especially true when they are young, but it also applies to older children and even adults. When children are young they are not only learning things, they are learning how to learn. No book using words and illustrations to describe the world that exists around a small brook or under a rotting log can replace the value of spending time closely studying the real thing. Books and other materials help children to pull these powerful impressions and experiences together in their minds, but the foundation needs to be laid in direct observation and hands-on experience.”

~Jeni Johnson, Toddler 1 Teacher

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028 602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

The things a child sees The things a child sees The things a child sees The things a child sees

are not just are not just are not just are not just

remembered, they remembered, they remembered, they remembered, they

form a part of his soul.form a part of his soul.form a part of his soul.form a part of his soul.

Maria Montessori Maria Montessori Maria Montessori Maria Montessori

Pg. 4

Clas sroom News ~ E l ementary I

Montessori: School to Home ~ By Georgene Cunningham

This month, I’d like to share some valuable insight obtained from an article written in a Montessori publication, “M: The Magazine for Montessori Families,” by Karen Skinulis and Stanley Shapiro.

While you may think that Montessori education is a method, it is really more an approach or atti-tude about life, growth and development. Basic to this attitude is to understand that you cannot learn for your child. Only he or she can do that. Your job, as the first educator of your children, is to help them learn for themselves.

Encourage Independence

Of course, letting young children do things for themselves—making their own breakfast, putting their clothes on, brushing their teeth—always takes more time and can be difficult for busy fami-lies. The payoff is that they learn self-reliance and self-confidence, just as they do in a Montessori classroom.

Establish Order

Establishing order in the home helps children become more independent. An orderly environment helps children concentrate and focus on tasks at hand. Take the time to set up different rooms in the house so that everything your child needs is organized and within reach. This is imperative, because it makes everything so much easier for them to do things for themselves. As a result, their confidence and sense of accomplishment will blossom as much as their sense of order.

Help Children to be Helpful

The most important part of helping children to be helpful is called “take time for teaching.” This teaching should be part of your child’s daily routine at home, just as it is in a Montessori classroom. This can be a lot of work, but keep in mind that if you don’t take time to teach, you will spend a lot more of your valuable time correcting a child who doesn’t know how to do things, or worse yet, does not understand the value of life and how to enjoy it. Keep in mind, too, that children won’t learn the skills if we do it for them; and worse, they can learn to become helpless and wait for oth-ers to do it for them.

Develop Concentration

Maria Montessori said that a focused child is a happy child. Whenever possible, don’t interrupt a child when he is engaged and focused on something. You can encourage focus by paying attention to what sparks enthusiasm and interest in your child, and then make sure you provide opportuni-ties and materials to help this happen. Like every skill, concentration deepens with practice. You can help develop your child’s concentration by limiting the amount of TV and videos your child watches. TV entertains through constantly changing images. This is occupation, not concentration. Furthermore, TV limits your child’s ability to create their own visual images.

Continued on next page…

Classroom News ~ Pre-primary

Triangle Box

I can do the triangle box. At first, I just learn to put the various trian-gles together, but as I work with this box, I will make many more discoveries.

I have learned that the same size triangle can be cut into 2, 3, 4 smaller triangles. The triangles are col-ored grey, green, yellow and red. I feel the black lines join the same color pieces together to make the trian-gles. Then I can join all 4 triangles together to make one big equilateral triangle. I can compare the different tri-angles together.

I am discovering that the shape changes but the area of the triangles doesn’t. This is preparing me for geometry. I am working with the idea that the triangle is the constructor of all straight-sided figures. This is the beginning introduction to fractions—1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc.

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028 602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

C la s sroom News ~ El ementary I I

Pg. 5

Children in Elementary II are in what Maria Montessori called the second plane of development. They started this plane as six-year-olds and will end it here in Elementary II at the age of twelve. During this time, they have special needs that we as the teachers work to nurture. In this plane, the child is seeking a variety of work opportunities where he/she can use both imagination and intelligence. The teacher is supporting the child in questioning the world and discovering the interconnectedness of the universe. More and more, they seek so-cial interaction. While accompanying the child on the journey, the teacher also acts as a moral guide helping the child to find justice and security. Quite a bit of “big work” happens up in Elementary II to prepare the children for the next plane of development.

As E2 teachers, we strive to provide many opportunities that will help the child through this time. We set up a rich environment to inspire the child and with each lesson offer a variety of ways to research or practice concepts presented. For example, after a history lesson, students have an opportunity to create a project, read several passages, write and story, cre-ate a play, etc…to dive deeper into the subject matter and research. As a fol-low-up to a Renaissance lesson, two of my students created a web portraying Leonardo Di Vinci’s life with three-dimensional symbols representing events and how they were connected. Along with choice, the Elementary II stu-dent seeks much more social interaction and projects are often done with a classmate with a mutual interest in the subject. Lessons are given on acting as a community member, team player and good friend. When needed, we have community meetings to hash out classroom issues. A child in this plane of development has a strong sense of justice and fairness and likes to be part of the problem-solving process. They see themselves as part of a community and the world through discussions and explorations. Lessons are designed to show the inter-connectedness of life through time and references are often made to the Great Lessons. For example, children learn the cosmic purpose of each creature on the timeline of life and ulti-mately think about their own cosmic purpose in the world. Children are encouraged to ques-tion and test. One way they develop this is through novel studies where they interpret and connect with what they read. Ultimately, it is the goal of the Elementary II teacher to nurture the needs of the child and provide as many opportunities for inspiration of imagination as possible within the time he/she is with us. This is why we chose Montessori education.

~Christy Cantu

Villa Board Members

Margo O’Neill

Mary Orlando

Marilyn Burbach

Tom Jankowski

Carol Mitchell

Elissa Mullany

Chris Burbach

Cindy Jones

John McDonald

Introduce Your Child to Nature

Maria Montessori believed that nature talks directly to children. Go for walks in the woods with your children to collect pine cones, leaves and seeds, or draw pictures of birds that you see. En-courage them to observe insects (like an ant farm) or animals in the wild. Growing plants from seeds or sprouts from a carrot top is always rewarding for children, and having a backyard garden makes a lot of sense, too.

Practical Life at Home

Children enjoy repetitively practicing real-life things. Give your child the real-life experience of folding socks into pairs, polishing shoes, sorting cutlery and folding clothes out of the dryer. Some of the best learning experiences come from the mundane and ordinary efforts of life, giving chil-dren the opportunity to exercise their mind and motor skills.

Use Encouragement, Not Rewards

When you use external rewards to motivate your child, they learn that there is no intrinsic value to the activity, and the only reason to do it is for the reward. Encouragement is all that is needed if a task is worth doing. Comments such as, “You worked hard on this,” or “You did this all by your-self,” are the reward they appreciate and learn from.

E l ementary I News Cont inued. . .

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028 602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI Regional Spelling Bee

One of our own Villa students, Jade Nitro*, competed in the regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, January 26, 2013. By her count, there were over 30 other students there, all competing for the chance to go to the State level Bee. Jade was the third speller in each round, and lasted longer than many other students – four rounds. The final word that she missed was “mongrel,” in the fifth round. The top three finalists were all eighth-graders, so the fact that Jade made it as far as she did is truly an accomplishment worth celebrating! Congratulations, Jade!

*(Jade Nitro is a sixth-grade student in Shannon Smith’s class)

“Children are human “Children are human “Children are human “Children are human

beings to whom re-beings to whom re-beings to whom re-beings to whom re-

spect is due, superior spect is due, superior spect is due, superior spect is due, superior

to us by reason of to us by reason of to us by reason of to us by reason of

their innocence and of their innocence and of their innocence and of their innocence and of

the greater possibili-the greater possibili-the greater possibili-the greater possibili-

ties of their future.”ties of their future.”ties of their future.”ties of their future.”

Pg. 6

E l ementary I I News Cont inued. . .

Valentine's Day is just around the corner...time to send your loved ones a little treat - or perhaps show some appreciation for your favorite teacher or administrator? We have a fun new option this year – Smencils! These deli-ciously-scented #2 pencils are made from 100% recycled newspapers. We’re excited about this fun, eco-friendly treat that we know all kids & adults will love.

Valentine Grams order forms will be available in all the campus offices ~ Main, Cheryl, Weldon and Oak. Please fill out a separate form for each person. You may enclose the orders in an envelope with cash or a check made out to Villa Montessori, and deposit it in one of the Valentine Gram Boxes.

The sale runs from Friday, February 1st through Wednesday, February 13th. Deliveries will be made on Thursday, February 14th. Extra order forms will be available in each campus office. Thank you, Valentine Gram Team Christy Cantu chrisports2002@yahoo.com

It's that time of year again! Kisses = $3 Smencil = $3

Kisses + Smencil = $5

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028 602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

Pg. 7

C la s s room N ew s ~ M i dd l e S chool

With February is upon us, the

eighth graders are busy finalizing

high school applications and plans

while the seventh graders start to

realize that they will be the leaders

on campus next year. It is always a

mixed bag of excitement and

anxiety for both grades as the

second semester unfolds and they

ready themselves for what comes

next.

~ Diane George

The second semester of school

brings some new challenges and

opportunities for the Middle School

students. Not only do the sex educa-

tion and health classes begin, but

the students also start gearing up

for some long-term projects taking

place this time of the year.

Amidst looking forward to the next

Middle School Get-Together, the

Valentine’s Dance and the third and

final Land Lab, students are narrow-

ing the focus on

their country re-

search and culmi-

nating projects in

preparation for

their Culture Fair

presentations and

the Model United

Nations Day taking

place in April.

“Of all things love is “Of all things love is “Of all things love is “Of all things love is

the most potent.”the most potent.”the most potent.”the most potent.”

Maria Maria Maria Maria

MontessoriMontessoriMontessoriMontessori

Hello Friends,

I hope this letter finds you experiencing and celebrating love and friendship this special month. It is a beautiful gift to watch the interactions among children as they express love in their daily interactions with classmates and Villa staff.

Music and Movement will be held every Tuesday for the remainder of the school year. Please look at the Specials schedule located in your child’s classroom to the view the time. Sadly, cooking has been postponed until further notice. However, we will continue to accept recycled items for our craft projects and appreciate all that has already been donated.

As a last reminder, the WHOLE SCHOOL is closed on Monday, February 18th, in obser-vance of President’s Day.

Have a love-filled February,

Kaitlyn

Circle Director

C i r c l e n ew s ~ H a p py Oc tob er

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028

602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

Pg. 8

From the desk of Sue Watson ~ FundraisingFrom the desk of Sue Watson ~ FundraisingFrom the desk of Sue Watson ~ FundraisingFrom the desk of Sue Watson ~ Fundraising

AUCTION DINNER — “ROARING TWENTIES”

Puttin’ On The Ritz with Villa Montessori – Sat., April 27, 2013

This year’s event will be held again at Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale. Join the fun and meet other Villa parents by attending this fun social event. We have plenty of room for everyone. We have sent home auction donation forms with each child in the school. Please help us collect items for the auction. We cannot accept items after April 17th, so please get your items to me before that date. We need all kinds of items and ser-vices. There will be extra donation forms and general “ask letters” on letterhead in the Main Office, Weldon, Oak and Cheryl Campus. You can also download the donation form and general ask letter from the Villa website.

Co-Chairs of Event—Erik Droge & Trisha Hartnett

Silent Auction—Amy Armstrong, Laura Arellano, Kelly Bramlett, Trisha Hartnett, Sandy Jablonski, Denyce Liggitt, Sarah Silvester & Amanda Weisberg

Procurement—Niki Adams, Sydni Baxter, Stacey Burbach, Monica Bush, Cheri Farias, Carrie Jankowski, Shoshanna Lieberman, Annie Middlemist, Katie O’Melia, Brenda Rasalita, Tracie Sanders, Suzanne Siegel, Shannon Smith & Julia Winter

Fixed Bid Events—Bethany Miller

Centerpieces—Katie Easley

Finance—Sheri Johnson (Alum Parent)

Publications—Sue Watson & Sheri Johnson

Class Baskets—Mary Ann Maher & Shannon Smith

Raffle—Shannon Smith & Annie Middlemist

Set-up/Clean-up/Transportation—Brian Bush, Manuel Chimal, Jerome Hartnett & Tommy Smith

Auction Slide Show—Monica Bush, Shelley Hubbard & Brittney Nelson

Technical Support—Mel Richards (Alum Parent)

Administration Support—Margo O’Neill

Facilities/Program Production—Vince Watson

Villa Chair—Sue Watson

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis

Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028

602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson ---- Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising

2012 TAX CREDIT DONORS

Niki Adams

Evelyn Adams

Roy Ageloff

Heidi Alexander

Jim & Janet Ali

Jeff Allen

Wayne Allen

Tim Anton

Kimberly & Jim Anton

Glenn & Tran Appell

Jim & JoAnn Armstrong

Patrick & Amy Armstrong

Sara & Blake Athen

Mari Giddings & Joe Axton

Jennifer Bailey

Fran Baldwin

James & Leslie Barasha

Carol & Steve Barger

Gary & Becky Barmore

Elden & Carole Barmore

Estelle & Peter Bartsch

Doris & Bruce Bates

Alissa & Fred Bates

Suzanne & James Beach

Kristen Beebe

James Belanger

Grace Bermudes

Israel Bermudes

Molly & Mark Bland

Aaron & Anna Blocher-Rubin

Julie & Harley Bonham

Neal & Jennifer Bookspan

Richard & Susan Bookspan

Wendy Boorn

Marianne Boyd

William & Tabitha Bradley

Julie & Matt Brassell

Tiffany & Lance Broberg

Lisa & Ron Brooks

Patricia Bruhn

Amy & James Bruske

Andrea & Cody Buller

Pg. 9

Free the child’s Free the child’s Free the child’s Free the child’s

potential, and you will potential, and you will potential, and you will potential, and you will transform him into the transform him into the transform him into the transform him into the

world.world.world.world.

~~~~

Maria MontessoriMaria MontessoriMaria MontessoriMaria Montessori

Marilyn & Jerry Burbach

Christopher & Stacey Burbach

Karin & Matt Burbach

Dana & Neely Burkhardt

Brian & Monica Bush

Laura McKay & Luc Busquin

Stefani & Craig Byers

Ann Callies

Charles Campbell

Kristine & Edward Campbell

Elizabeth & Andy Campbell

Christopher & Christy Cantu

Debbie Carey

John & Emelda Carter

Angela Casey

Sheri Freemont & Jorge Castaneda

Mac & Sandy Castle

Robert & Rochelle Chiffelle

Sophie & Patrick Christian

Yuka Yoshikura & Patrrick Claes

Kyle Clark

Stephen Clark

Bobbi Claywell

Roberta Clouse

Gina Comma

John Kent & Katherine Corbin

Lisa Corprew

Scott & Tonya Courtright

Deloris Cox

Anne Creary

Cynthia Criss

Peter & Sherianne Davis

Joan Davis

Wally & Karen De Smet

Linda Delano

Jason Demko

Laurie Devine

Kevin Devlin

Joel & Randi DeWall

Eric Dial

Mary Ann Dillon

Alan Doubleday

Elizabeth Drackett

James & Mary Dresser

Ellen Bloom & Paul Drobnak

Erik & Marion Droge

George Drum

Brett & Mandy Durante

Doug & Jen Dziedzic

Susan Ebert

Bennett C. Eidson

Bennett C. Eidson III

Jeffrey & Kristine Ericson

Alisa Gray & James Fassold

Weigiang Feng

Sharon Fernandes

Cynthia & Dane Fernandes

Brian & Carolyn Fidler

Brad & Julie Finke

Karen Fisher

Phil Flemming

Lariana Forsythe

Leslie Foster

Darima & Craig Fotheringham

Susan Frank

David P. Fuller

Mark & Dawn Fuller

Paige & Jason Furedy

Elizabeth & Justin Furry

Dominika & Brett Gaines

Tracy Gaines

Luis & Andrea Garcia

Debbie & Brent Gear

Diane & Darren George

Joyce Gillespie

Martin Glanzberg

Erin & Kate Goergen

Erin Goldberg

Jesus & Erica Gonzalez-Melendez

William Gosnell

Gina Gral

Lorraine Gronwall

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis

Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028

602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

“Where there is “Where there is “Where there is “Where there is

love there is life.”love there is life.”love there is life.”love there is life.”

~~~~

Mahatma GandhiMahatma GandhiMahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi

Pg. 10

Visit us on the web at

www.villamontessori.com

From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson ---- Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising

2012 TAX CREDIT DONORS

Dorcas & Tyler Guest-Nelson

Kerilyn Gwisdalla

Jenna & Josh Haggard

Bruce & Barbara Hallin

William & Jeff Hampton

Jack Rudel & Billie Jo Harned

Jerome & Trisha Hartnett

Paul & Jacqueline Haycock

Leslie Hendricks

Sharon Henningsen

John & Susan Herman

Christopher & Tiffany Herr

Marjorie Hoffman

Shawna Holton

Quinton Holton II

Kathryn Honecker

Jeff & Shelley Hubbard

Erika & Greg Huyck

Leah C. Inove

Michele Irwin

Robert Jacober

Tom & Carrie Jankowski

Cynthia Monheim & Bill Janss

Carolyn & Wendy Johnson

Robert & Judith Johnson

Tina & Carl Johnson

Kathryn & Karl Johnson

Ed & Rose Johnson

Vatsal Chikani & Viral Joshi

Christopher & Antje Joslin

Preethy & Taro Kaibara

Kory & Misty Kapfer

Randi Karabin

Jeff Karas

Kamal Karnati

Tina Kaye

Dr. Joseph Kennedy

Rosemary Anton & Charles Kennedy

Patricia Sannit & Bill Kimbel

Carina & Cathy Knisley

William Kozub

Lindsey Krassner

Lesley Kratz

Christine & Jeff Krause

Joe & June Kraynik

Kimberly Kroger

Tiffany & Kevin Kucifer

Janine Kuhn

Judith & Jim Kunkel

Larry & Patty Langhurst

Nils Larson

James Lavigne

Rene & Heather LeBlanc

Megan Lennox

Patricia Leonard

Christopher Lesniak

Randy & Belinda Lewis

Gail Lewis

Susan Lieberman

Lawrence & Evelyn Lieberman

Erin Liebherr

Denyce Liggitt

Samara Way & Todd Liolios

Robert & Ester Little

Walter & Nancy Locher

Kristine & Todd Lockwood

Robert Loeffler

Mary Long

Maria & John Lungo

Terry & Todd Madeksza

William Magyar

Mary Ann Maher

Christina Mahoney

Candice Manasse

Susan & Joe Marovic

Nicholas & Nivedita Martine

Jaime Martinez

Patricia Mathes

Stacey & John Matthews

Dick Mayo

Bernita & Alex McCord

Marci & John McDonald

Jathan McLaughlin

Sharron McLeod

Wendy Meier

Paul & Carole Meyer

Arthur & Carolyn Middlemist

Zachary & Bethany Miller

Debra Miller

Scott Miller

Ralph & Jennifer Miller

Mary & Scott Minder

Maren & Frank Minor

Awais Mirza

Wendell & Barbara Montan-don

Anita & Don Moren

Jolene Morris

Anne Muhich

Marcus & Lory Muirhead

James Mullany

Leslie Futral & Christopher Munkel

Mary Murphy

Deva Muthuavinashiappan

Naomi Nakagawa

Kathy Nakagawa

Kevin & Ursula Neal

JoAnn Newberg

Julie Newberg

Josh & Karena Nies

Monica Nies

Deborah Nye

Louis O'Bryan

Kerry & Joseph Olney

Paul & Margo O'Neill

Mary Orlando

Larry & Margaret Ostendorf

Phebe Packer

Maria Padilla-Paz

Jim & Jackie Palmer

Alison & Michael Pandelakis

Manish & Mariela Patel

Scott & Joanna Paulsel

Lee & Pat Paulsel

From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson From the Desk of Sue Watson ---- Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising

2012 TAX CREDIT DONORS

Vickie Pedersen

Noe & Araceli Peralta

Barr & Megan Petersen

Thomas Pfafman

Nancy & Prescott Pohl

Tim Porthouse

Lisa Sumner & Jim Posever

Dana Price

Jean & Joanne Price

Kim Kleski & Brian Qualls

Antoinette Qualls

Terry & Shawn Quinley

Briana Rader

Teri Radosevich

Vanessa Cruz & Jose Ramos

Kathy Kolbe & William Rapp

Pamela & Robert Rawlins

Ricardo Reina

Edie & John Reyno

Amy Reynolds

Bill & Nancy Richardson

Valerie Richardson

Brian Richardson

Shannon Riggs

Darrin Robertson

Janet Robertson

Mark Rubin

Candida Ruesga

Mike & Amy San Roman

Daniel Sannit

Bruno Sarda

Katherine & Stephen Scardello

Gail Schmeling

Barry & Cathy Shalen

Kristin Shears

Beryl & Elaine Shears

Hani Shennib

Michael Siggins

John & Sarah Silvester

Dora Simonson

Naomi Valadez & Jesse Simpson

Lila Simpson

Margaret Sinclair

Rhonda Smith

Tommy & Shannon Smith

Ross & Karen Smith

John & Mary Snider

James & Katherine Yu Sousa

Patricia Spano

Rachel Hernandez & Gil Speyer

Rachel & Brian Springsteel

Brooks St John-Smith

Nicole Stanton

Greg Stanton

Kim Starkey

Kristin Straub

Gary Sundine

H. Sunshine-Barinbaum

Michael & Kathryn Sutton

Sabrina Swaim

Janet Sweeney

Michael Sweeney

Kerry Tarr

Gregory Tartaglia

Christian Tawney

Matthew & Melisa Thesing

Luke Thesing

Chandon Thorell

Cheryl & Nathan Timmerman

Yvette Toledo

Steve & Doris Torres

William Torrey

Jeffrey Trembly

Howard & Patricia Tubbert

Clay & Valerie Turner

Mark & Nikolee Turner

Edgar Turner

Larry Tuscano

Luis & Sara Uribe

Leah C. Valadez

Janet Vallery

Henricus Van Gilse

David & Elizabeth Van Wie

Vicki Vanderhoff

Mary Vanderhoff

Lori Vanotegham

Rose Marie Vasos

Betty Vastine

David & Jodi Victor

Chris Vinzant

Valerie Volanti

Jennifer Reighard & Aaron Walker

D.F. Walker

Seamus & Caroline Walsh

Peggy Jo Walshire

Audrea & Steve Walshire

Duffy & Sandy Watson

Vince & Sue Watson

Patricia & Raymond Weaver

Elizabeth & Grant Weicht

Cristyn Weil

Marc Weiner

Charles & Amanda Weisberg

Dan Welker

Dick & Ann Westphal

Jay Wigginton

Bryan & Kris Wilcox

Jennifer Wilkin

James Williams

Essie Patterson & Joe Williams

Walter & Beata Winius III

Walter Winius Jr

Allan Winter

Betty Wolfenden

Cabot Wolford

Kurt & Nicole Wood

Paulette Woodard

Tammy Wray

Jill & Jeff Zimmerman

Mark Zimmerman

*

Thank you!!!

VILLA

MONTESSORI

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis

Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028

602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

“Being deeply loved by “Being deeply loved by “Being deeply loved by “Being deeply loved by

someone gives you someone gives you someone gives you someone gives you

strength, while loving strength, while loving strength, while loving strength, while loving

someone deeply gives someone deeply gives someone deeply gives someone deeply gives

you courage.”you courage.”you courage.”you courage.”

Lao TzuLao TzuLao TzuLao Tzu

Pg. 11

Cub Scouts! February’s Theme: Resourcefulness

February is Cub Scouting’s Birthday and we are celebrating with a party! The Blue and Gold

Banquet will be held Thursday evening at the Biltmore Prep cafeteria from 5:30-7:30. Of course there will be food and cake. And what would a Cub Scout Celebration be without skits and songs and other entertainment by the boys?

The older Cubs will show what they know at Camp Digalus – the camporee extravaganza. Last year, our boys took 2nd place in the first- aid competition out of 40 packs!

The Pack Bicycle Rodeo was a HUGE success! We even had a couple of boys learn to ride their bikes that day! Then we had all sorts of bicycle challenges as the boys navigated the treacherous obstacle courses and ramps! We even had some visiting boys who wanted to join our pack!

Boys Love Camping! It’s official. We’re going to Chavez Crossing Group Campground in Sedona the first weekend in April for our Spring Campout! It’s not too late to join and camping with you is something your son will remember forever! Why don’t you join us? Now is also the time to sign up for Cub Scout Summer Camps. Your son can start Cub Scouts the day he graduates from Kindergarten and go to summer camp with our pack! Look on our website for the Cub Scouting links.

Does your son want to join Cub Scouts? He still can! Try us out for a couple weeks. Boys in Kindergarten through fifth grade can participate with our Pack. We meet every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7 pm at Biltmore Preparatory Academy (previously Squaw Peak Elementary) at 4601 N. 34th Street. It’s just 6 blocks from Villa!

Check out our website: www.ScoutPack324.com

E-Mail us at Cubmaster@ScoutPack324.com

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis

Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028

602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

Boy Scout Information

Cookie season is well under way! Troop 2647 has a goal to sell

1000 boxes of cookies this year, and we’re almost there (and it’s

only been two weeks!). While working on our sales goal, we have

earned the Cookie CEO badge, and we are preparing to work on

our Scribe badge. We’re also hoping to earn our first Cookie

Activity Pin. If you are looking for one of those irresistible boxes

of Girl Scout cookies, please see any of our Girl Scouts – all are on the E2 campus, but

we can deliver to any campus!

If you are interested in your daughter being a Girl Scout

(Daisy, Brownie or Junior), we’d love to hear from you.

We are in need of more volunteers to help with troops of

other levels, such as Daisies and Brownies. The current

Junior leaders will be there to assist you with setting up

the troop and meeting planning. If you can donate just a

little bit of time twice a month to help enrich our

daughters’ minds, please contact Bobbi Jo Claywell at

theclaywells@msn.com.

Girl Scout News

Pg. 12

Let us always meet Let us always meet Let us always meet Let us always meet

each other with a each other with a each other with a each other with a

smile, for the smile is smile, for the smile is smile, for the smile is smile, for the smile is

the beginning of love. the beginning of love. the beginning of love. the beginning of love.

~Mother Teresa~Mother Teresa~Mother Teresa~Mother Teresa

Box Tops for Education

WIN an Ice Cream Social for your Classroom!

The Classroom with the most Box Tops by April 15th wins the Ice Cream Social in May.

What is Box Tops For Education? It is a program where we purchase

brands from General Mills and Kleenex that have a “Box Tops for Education” logo. Each box top is

worth 10 cents.

We would like each classroom to have a coordinator who will clip the extra paper off the box tops,

separate and place them into sandwich bags in groups of 50 Box Tops, write the teacher’s name on

each bag and turn the bags in to the main office.

If you have any questions please

feel free to contact:

Stacy Vivas—602/264-6774

Chanda Campos—480/703-9460

Karen Crowder—602/494-7889

Teacher Total

Dollars Earned

($0.10 Per Box

Top)

PP-Alana Craft 600 $60.00

E1-June Kraynik 434 $43.40

T2-Jeni Johnson 374 $37.40

MS-Weldon Campus 366 $36.60

PP-Stephenie Whitacre 358 $35.80

Teacher's Name on Bag 317 $31.70

E1-Laura Altmaier 264 $26.40

PP-Jen Bailey 250 $25.00

MS-Oak Campus 247 $24.70

PP-Katie O'Melia 214 $21.40

E1-Jennifer Colman 180 $18.00

E1-Megan McGovern 172 $17.20

PP-Brittney Nelson 157 $15.70

E2-Shannon Smith 132 $13.20

PP-Sherra Sieben 119 $11.90

E1-Georgene Cunning-

ham 106 $10.60

E2-Willa Flynn 30 $3.00

E2-Amy Reynolds 28 $2.80

E2-Leticia Hector 25 $2.50

E1-Lura Amparan 0 $0.00

E2-Christy Cantu 0 $0.00

E2-Stefanie Lehmann 0 $0.00

Inf-Victoria Reza 0 $0.00

T1-Maria Orlando 0 $0.00

Total 4,323 $432.30

Pg. 13

Main Campus

4535 N. 28th Street

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-955-2210

Meadowbrook/Davis

Campus

2802 E. Meadowbrook

Phoenix AZ 85016

Cheryl Campus

3110 E. Cheryl Dr.

Phoenix AZ 85028

602-765-4325

Weldon Campus

3530 N. 32nd St.

Phoenix AZ 85016

602-954-9891

Oak Campus

2310 N. 56th St.

Phoenix AZ 85008

602-508-9485

VILLA

MONTESSORI

Adv ert i s i ng

Never help a child

with a task at which

he feels he can succeed.

Maria Montessori

Support Villa Community Businesses

Bricks Studio-Dance and Karate www.bricksstudio.com 602-954-9200

De George Plumbing www.degeorgeplumbing.com 602-274-0939

Air Sports Trampoline and Tumbling www.airsportstnt.com 602-400-6876

Facings of America www.facingsofamerica.com 602-955-9217 Natural Stone, Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass Tile And Architectural Features

Company Name Email/Website Phone Number

Genesis Structural Engineers, LLC www.genesisstructural.com 602-971-2227

Moments Salon www.momentssalon.com 602-840-4700

S U P P O R T Y O U R V I L L A C O M M U N I T Y

In keeping with the community spirit of the “Villa Family,” we would like to help support

those Villa families that own or operate businesses. We will do this by listing all of those

businesses in our monthly Villa Voice in the hopes that other families will see this informa-

tion and start supporting these companies (if you don’t already). So if you own or operate a

business, have a child in school at Villa Montessori and would like to have your business

listed, please contact Barbi Smith at 602-955-2210 or email bsmith@villamontessori.com.

All information must be turned in by the 20th of the month prior to publication. We will list

the name of the business and any pertinent contact information.

You must submit your information at the beginning each new school year!

Voice ~ Piano ~ Guitar

MUSIC LESSONS AND CLASSES All ages ~ All styles and levels: classical, jazz

and blues, popular, sacred

Performance Classes, Guild Auditions, En-

semble, Arizona Study Program, Festivals

Computer Lab – music fun and

education with technology!

University-trained and

nationally certified

instructors.

Prelude Piano classes

for young children:

18 months – 1st

grade.

Sound Proof Studio ~

Summer Instruction

302 W. Bethany Home

Rd

602-264-5188

www.musicworksacademy.co

m

Pg. 14

Having a hard time getting the

weight off and keeping it off?

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Way! I lost 40 pounds and

have kept it off for over 3

months! In fact, I’m still losing

weight just by eating right and

you can too! The education is

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YOU!

Your doctor visit and a one month supply of

Phentermine Appetite Suppressant is only

$59! That’s less than 25% of most weight

loss clinics in town and you walk out with the

medication! Other medications and supple-

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tones, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Coral Cal-

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prices because Losing

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an arm and a leg!

3543 N. 7th St. (just 2 blocks

North of Osborn)

602-274-DIET (3438)