April 19, 2016   View our photos on flickr Like us on Facebook
DIRECTOR'S NOTE - Your child deserves the best!
Dr. Nathalie Hunt
The excitement continues at CMCS.  The students are busy showing the South Carolina Department of Education what they know on their state tests.  Meanwhile, I am busy interviewing highly qualified teachers in search of the best fit for a few highly coveted openings.
 
The word is out that CMCS teaches students in an environment that is both developmentally appropriate and joyful.  In just seven days I have personally sat down with two-dozen impressive teacher candidates.  Each is interested in pouring his or her love of learning and enthusiasm for literature and life into your child.  I am astonished at the geographic diversity of our candidate pool.  For example, I have met with candidates from West Virginia, Ohio, and Kansas.  This tells me that public Montessori schools like ours attract educators who are willing to travel far distances.  The opportunity to work in an environment where each student's best interest is served simply inspires them.  Why wouldn't it?
 
Nothing has a greater influence on your child each day than his or her teacher.  As your school Director, hiring and retaining the very best teachers is one of my most important responsibilities.  Each CMCS applicants undergoes a thorough screening and, if they are invited, a subsequent interview process.  In addition to careful review of qualifications and answers to specific questions written personally by me, I observe candidates in the classroom presenting a lesson.
 
Like all Montessori schools, CMCS aims to inspire each child to become his/her best self.  We achieve this goal with Lead and Assistant teachers who completely grasp the Montessori philosophy.  Our teachers model the grace and courtesy we expect from students, as well as what it looks and sounds like to be a learner.  As I observe teacher candidates, I am not only observing their skills and knowledge of the curriculum, I am observing the children.  Can they let the children lead and self-discover?  How do they scaffold the students with questioning and props?  Do the students look inspired and engaged in the content?
 
Learning is complicated and even messy at times.  It takes a special person to trust children to develop the way Dr. Montessori intended.  It is my job to attract and hire these talented individuals and make them a part of our CMCS family.  If I look like I am on a mission lately, I am.  I look forward to introducing several new outstanding CMCS staff members to you in the coming weeks.


Kindly,  
Dr. Hunt
Office Hours:
8:30 - 10 a.m. every Tuesday
FAMILY NIGHT - Poetry in Motion
Though some might call it antiquated in our modern, fast-paced world, studying poetry is a perfect vehicle for students to learn how to express themselves in interesting and powerful ways. And don't we all want our children to sound interesting? Don't we want them to feel powerful? This month, CMCS students are studying poetry, learning to stretch their brains about language and the world in the same way that a difficult math problem forces them to look at numbers and the connections between them in a new way.

For example, last year, my students wrote their own versions of If I Were in Charge of the World. View the original poem here.

Students had great ideas like cancelling thunder storms, sad and mad, and homework. Students said they would add rainbows every day, dogs that can talk, and Taco Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at school. What would your child do if they were in charge of the world? Read it, ask them, and find out!

On the evening of April 28th, students will showcase their poetry and literacy skills for parents. Some classrooms are having a poetry jam where students are sharing their poetry. Other classrooms are showcasing their students' ability to analyze and perform classic poems. Another class will be displaying book reports. Students will also be serving guests snacks as they listen and observe the performances.

After the classroom activities, parents and students are invited to join me in the cafeteria for a few literacy activities that will inspire parents and students alike to REMEMBER LITERACY this summer. Being a parent is difficult. Being a child is difficult. Sometimes, it's hard to remember how easy and fun it is to make time for literacy at home.

It'll be a fun night. And let me repeat, snacks will be served.

We hope you join us!
Ms. Amber

THIS WEEK
APRIL 2016

Testing begins. Refer to schedule.

4/19 (Tues.) - Extended School Day until 4:30 p.m. (No homework club)

4/20 (Wed.) - MMUN Dollar Dress Day

4/21 (Thurs.) - First Tee for 4th Graders
Read about The Impact of The First Tee Nine Core Values on Students

4/22 (Fri.) - In-house MMUN event

4/22 (Fri.) - Board Game Day, 3:45 - 5:30 p.m., $10 per student + $5 for siblings   
ON THE HORIZON
APRIL 2016

4/27 (Wed.) - Formal Dining Day

4/27 (Wed.) - Squirrel Club, 1 p.m.

4/28 (Thurs.) - Family Night, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

4/29 (Fri.) - Game Day

Wacky days of May:
Wednesday, May 4th: Twin day
Tuesday, May 10th: Crazy sports fan day
Friday, May 20th: Blast from the Past day (dress in a costume from any past decade)
Friday, May 27th : Movie and pajama day
 
SUBSCRIBE TO THE CMCS CALENDAR 
Click here to subscribe to the CMCS Google school calendar and stay informed about upcoming events. Subscribing will put CMCS events on your device's calendar software that will be updated automatically when we update the calendar. This subscription process is compatible with most calendar software programs like Mac's iCal and Outlook.

View our entire CMCS calendar
Upcoming Test Schedule - Spring 2016
Click here for a PDF of this schedule.

Tuesday, April 19
th - SC Ready READING - 5 th and 6 th GRADE STUDENTS

Wednesday, April 20
th - SC Ready READING - 4 th GRADE STUDENTS

Thursday, April 21
st - SC Ready READING - 3 rd GRADE STUDENTS

Monday, April 25
th - SC Ready WRITING - 5th and 6th GRADE STUDENTS

Tuesday, April 26
th - SC Ready WRITING - 4th GRADE STUDENTS

Wednesday, April 27
st - SC Ready WRITING - 3 rd GRADE STUDENTS

Thursday, April 28
th - SC Ready MATH - 5th and 6th GRADE STUDENTS

Friday, April 29
th - SC Ready WRITING/ELA MAKEUP STUDENTS

Monday, May 2
nd - SC Ready MATH - 4 th GRADE STUDENTS

Tuesday, May 3
rd - SC Ready MATH - 3 rd GRADE STUDENTS

Thursday, May 5
th - SC Ready WRITING/ELA/MATH MAKEUP STUDENTS

Friday, May 6 th - SC Ready WRITING/ELA/MATH MAKEUP STUDENTS

Wednesday, May 11
th - SC PASS SCIENCE - 6 th GRADE STUDENTS

Thursday, May 12
th - SC PASS SCIENCE - 5 th GRADE STUDENTS

Friday, May 13
th - SC PASS SCIENCE - 4 th GRADE STUDENTS

Monday, May 16
th - SC PASS SOCIAL STUDIES - 4 th GRADE STUDENTS

Tuesday, May 17
th - SC PASS SOCIAL STUDIES - 5 th GRADE STUDENTS

Wednesday, May 18
th - SC PASS SOCIAL STUDIES - 6 th GRADE STUDENTS

Thursday, May 19
th - SC PASS MAKE UP TESTING

Thursday, May 19 th - MAP READING TEST - Ms. Antoinette's and Ms. Shaye's 2 nd & 3 rd grade students
 
Friday, May 20
th - SC PASS MAKE UP TESTING

Friday, May 20
th - MAP READING TEST - Ms. Amy's and Ally's 2 nd and 3 rd grade students

Monday, May 23
rd - MAP MATH - All 2 nd and 3 rd grade students

Tuesday, May 24
th - MAP READING - All 4 th , 5 th and 6 th grade students

Wednesday, May 25
th - MAP MATH - All 4 th , 5 th and 6 th grade students

Thursday, May 26
th - MAP LANGUAGE - All 2 nd and 3 rd grade students

Friday, May 27
th - ALL MAP MAKE UP TESTING WILL TAKE PLACE

Tuesday, May 31
st - ALL MAP MAKE UP TESTING WILL TAKE PLACE
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
April Breakfast Menu
April Lunch Menu

A NOTE ABOUT LUNCHES
Students who do not have money in their lunch accounts are unable to make "milk only" purchases. The system does not allow it.  Also, please encourage your student to keep track of their ID card.  Several ID cards have gone missing, which is causing issues in the lunch line.  The first ID card is free, replacements are $5 per ID card.
Before and After School Options
2016 CMCS STAFF SUMMER CAMPS
There will be several summer camps offered by CMCS Staff. Click on the links for more information:

WACCAMAW WARRIORS CHEER TRYOUTS
Conditioning and Skill Clinics:  April 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Tryouts:  April 25th - 29th, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Click here for the flier

WMS B-TEAM CHEER TRYOUTS
May 9th - 11th
Manditory Conditioning: April 22nd, from 3:30-5pm at the WMS GYM
Click here for more info

RISE AND SHINE, IT'S YOGA TIME!
Scholars can do yoga with Robyn Jones on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. $5 per person/per week 
Proceeds go to the CMCS Playground account
Must sign up to participate.
Text Robin to sign up at 843-457-0382

APRIL HOMEWORK CLUB
MONDAY - THURSDAY
After-School Homework Club, facilitated by Coach Chris, runs from 3:45 to 5 p.m., and offers homework support for all interested students.   Click here to sign up for April. Advance reservation price is $7/day, same day price is $10. Homework Club is held at CMCS.

FRIDAY BOARD GAME DAYS
Fridays CMCS offers board games for students from 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.  Cost is $10 child or $5 per sibling if more than one child from the same family attends. Board Game Fridays begins the first of the year.

Community Events
VISUAL PRAYERS FOR EARTH DAY EXHIBIT
by Recent CMCS Staff Presenter and Artist Mary Edna Fraser
Opening: Friday, April 22
Viewing: April 25th - 29th
Circular Congregational Church in Charleston
Meet the artist and community leaders
Click here for more info

PALMETTO PEE DEE JUVENILE DIABETES WALK
Saturday, June 4th
Pelican's Ballpark
Registration 9 am, Walk 10 am
Entertainment, Food, Prizes and More!
Click here for information on the walk including volunteer opportunities

FIRST TEE YOUTH GOLF 2016 MEMBERSHIPS

$125 includes $30 greens fees, carts included, at 33 Founders Group International and East Coast Golf Management golf courses, one play per course per year.
Click here to sign up and for more information or call 843-443-7888.  Some limitations apply.

HEALTH COACH FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Customized plans for children to get and keep them healthy including food physical education along with emotional support and mindfulness activities. Click here for the flier with all the details.

Shanti Yoga Studio  in Pawleys Island is offering a $5 Community Yoga Class on Fridays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  Proceeds will from this weekly class will help build the playground at our new school.  For more information, contact studio manager   Karen Patriarca. Many thanks to Shanti Yoga Studio for their support!!! 
Contact Us

247 Wildcat Way 
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
 
843-235-0413
 
Weekly Update
Eat Play GOLF Just Around the Corner

Thank you to "The Carolina Tavern; Heenan Family" for becoming this year's Tournament Sponsor!


We are still looking for the following sponsorships:
Lunch Sponsorship
Beverage Cart Sponsorship
Breakfast Sponsorship
Hole Sponsorships (Have 12 remaining)

Saturday, May 21st
Founders Club
8:30 a.m. Shotgun, 4-man Scramble
$400 per Team

Click here for details and contact Ms. Kristy to donate auction items or sponsor a hole.

We need more teams. If you don't have a foursome but still want to play, just contact Ms. Tia, who will put foursomes together. 

You can check out our current teams on our
Extended School Hours In Effect on TUESDAYS
This Tuesday is the last Tuesday school will be in session until 4:30 p.m.  Our extended days are aligned with the Georgetown County School District schedule and are designed to make up the missed school day we encountered on February 24, 2016.

There will be NO Homework Club and carpool pick-up will run from 4:30 - 4:45 p.m.

EXTENDED TUESDAY SCHOOL DAYS REMAINING:
  • April 19th
PTO CORNER
NOW IS THE TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE CMCS PTO BEACH BLAST ON SUNDAY MAY 15TH:


Deadline to Register is April 29th.  
 
Please contact Robyn Jones or email the PTO for more information.

FACEBOOK
Follow our very own CMCS PTO on Facebook for all the latest on activities and fundraising.
MMUN CORNER

MMUN TEAM
Check out photos from their trip, several new ones have been added to the album.

MMUN Event April 22nd
In-house MMUN event on Friday, April 22nd, at CMCS.
Area Attorney Lex Gardner is our Guest of Honor and Featured Speaker.

Fridays MMUN Pizza Day on Fridays

CMCS students can enjoy pizza for lunch on Fridays for just $1 per slice. Healthy sides should be sent from home or purchased from the cafeteria.
News For Next Year, 2016-2017 School Year
UNIFORMS
The uniform policy will remain in place for all elementary grades (LE and UE). We are currently developing a middle school dress code policy, modeled from East Cooper Montessori Charter School's dress code policy.

STARTING AND ENDING TIMES

When we enter into our new building school will begin at  8 a.m.  and end at  3 p.m.
 
TRUANCY
The State Compulsory School Attendance Law requires all children between the ages of 5 - 17 to regularly attend school.  Students must attend at least 170 out of 180 regularly scheduled school days in order to be promoted to the next grade level.  Students who are unlawfully absent from school without reasonable cause will be referred to Family Court for judicial intervention. 
Planned family vacations during the regular school year will be considered unexcused.  Work may still be assigned, however, the absence will still be unexcused. 
 
Important:  Students who acquire more than 10 unexcused absences may be dropped from enrollment or not eligible for promotion.

Excused Absences
1. Illness
2. Death in family

Unexcused Absences
1. Suspension
2. Parental notes for student illnesses in excess of 10 days which cannot be substantiated by medical statements
3. Students absent from class as a result of extracurricular activities not previously approved
4. Routine appointments for medical, dental, or counseling services once a student has exceeded 10 absences per year
 
Cluttered Lockers
Please encourage your scholar to reduce clutter in his or her locker.  Space is limited and many students have overstuffed their lockers with unnecessary items during the school year.
 
2015-2016 School Calendar
calendar-banner.jpg CMCS follows the Georgetown County School District calendar for vacation and holidays.
Suggestion Box

We're always open to ideas and feedback.  Visit our Suggestion Box to share yours. The CMCS staff and volunteers strive to serve our families and the community.
Teacher and Staff Directory
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Nathalie Hunt, Director
Kristy Harbaugh, Office Manager
Tia Bergeron, Operations Manager
Kelly Metz, RN, School Nurse

UPPER ELEMENTARY
Sarah Wilson, Lead Teacher
Natalie Boggs, Teaching Assistant
Hillary Usher, Lead Teacher
Sarah Stimpson, Teaching Assistant
Andria Hejl, Lead Teacher
Nan Gadek, Teaching Assistant
Elisabeth Enriquez, Lead Teacher
Celeste Reid, Teaching Assistant

LOWER ELEMENTARY
Antoinette Ursits, Lead Teacher
Jacque Onions, Teaching Assistant
Shaye Heiskell, Lead Teacher
Johanna D. Wilson, Teaching Assistant
Amy Williams, Lead Teacher
Jo Addington, Teaching Assistant
Ally Boddicker, Lead Teacher
Jamie Williamson, Teaching Assistant

SPECIALTY TEACHERS
Chris Bergeron, Athletic Director and Physical Education
Keely Elliott, Spanish Teacher
Kim Evans-Robey, Visual Arts Teacher
Chadwick Thompson, Interim Music Teacher
Nicole Nucero, Special Education Resource Teacher
Amber Wheeler Bacon, Literacy Coach