January 19, 2022
Dr. Montessori wished for mathematics to be presented in such a way that the First Plane child’s mind could grasp it. Her observations verified that this was possible with the right material and presentations. The Montessori child builds a mathematical foundation through the use of beautiful and precise material that starts with concrete experiences that guide the child to abstraction. The Montessori math material is thoughtfully designed with beautiful materials (glass, painted wood) to inspire care and spark interest, and certain themes such as color (green for units, blue for tens, red for hundreds, etc.) to support understanding.
 
From the child’s early years in the primary program, the child is introduced to material that explores mathematical concepts in a concrete manner. The child makes discoveries based on sensorial exploration. They also receive the special language used for mathematics. Repetition with the concrete material provides the child with an impression that lays a foundation for further mathematical work. In the elementary, the child is also introduced to the same concepts using a variety of materials to continue to engage their curious mind and encourage them to continue to repeat the work. Over the course of the child’s educational experience and through repetition with concrete materials, the child is introduced to steps that guide them to abstraction or a written algorithm. 
A LOOK INTO OUR COMMUNITIES
First Plane (Ages 0-6)
All early math exercises are worked at the sensorial level so as to ensure the child relates the quantity to the symbol. Young children can do complex math problems because they are using concrete materials. Some common math materials found in the Montessori classroom include the golden beads, wooden rods, pink tower and brown stairs.
Second Plane (Ages 6-12)
Mr. Tim's Upper Elementary class has been taking care of the ducks on campus! Students Kiran and Lucy wrote, The Timeline of Ducks! Click on the photo to see more.
Third Plane (Ages 12-18)
The study of mathematics in the AC is rooted in real-world applications. Students often find examples of concepts in the world around them. This week, the 7th years have been working to find examples of slope around our environment, and then calculated the value of these slopes. Math is also consistently integrated into our Occupation and Market work. For example, many calculations went into the making of our Valentine’s soap last week!
REMEMBERING OUR FOUNDRESS
Sister Edna Ann Hebert
Sister Edna Ann said of the Montessori approach:
 
"Montessori is a philosophy, not a method of education. It is a philosophy which recognized that children are guided by an inborn, natural process of growth and that, by removing the obstacles to this unfolding and answering the needs of the child as they arise, education should be an aid to life.” 
ADVANCING THE MISSION
Register for Steps 4 Students by this Friday, January 21st!
Now is the time. Visit www.runsignup.com/scm to register for one of three race events. This year, all students who register for Steps can participate in our on-campus events and/or race downtown with their families and other Catholic school communities on February 12th. If racing isn't for your family, you can still join Team SCM by registering as Snoozers.

Registration fees and donations from Steps 4 Students support our Tuition Assistance Program, which provides tuition aid directly to St. Catherine’s families. Join in the fun of this beloved SCM tradition today!
Remember: Register your family by this Friday so you don’t miss out on our team’s signature pink t-shirt or the opportunity to pick up your race packets at school. This is a firm deadline. T-shirt stock and shipping timelines have us on a tight schedule this year.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sibling Applications Now Being Accepted for 2022-2023
St. Catherine’s is now accepting sibling applications for the 2022-2023 school year. As siblings of current SCM students have priority in the admission process, your application is due by January 21st, 2022.

Simply click this link to enter the FACTS Family Portal, click on “Apply/Enroll” and complete the application. For any questions, please contact Amy Walz at awalz@stcathmont.org.
2021-2022 SCM Yearbook Now on Sale
Don't miss out on all of the memories from this school year! Orders yearbooks and recognition ads at the Jostens website.

Click here for more information on pricing, designing ads, and spring delivery.

Deadline to order a yearbook is March 26th.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Sharon Ortiz has been at St. Catherine’s for 13 years serving in Primary and Upper Elementary. She loves that St. Catherine’s is a Montessori and Catholic school that facilitates a natural love for learning which inspires confidence and nurtures the child’s desire of learning, discovery and social interaction skills.

Sharon recently became a mother to son Sebastián who will turn six months old this Friday. Her favorite thing about motherhood is the mother and son bond. She loves seeing how excited he gets when she walks through the door. Her favorite things to do with Sebastián include music therapy, coordination activities, stimulating senses and introducing new things like solid food.

One of her favorite Montessori quotes is, “Children must grow not only in the body but in the spirit, and the mother longs to follow the mysterious spiritual journey of the beloved one who tomorrow will be the intelligent, divine creation, man.” To read more about Sharon click here.

Here is an adorable picture of Sebastián! 
PARENT SERVICE ORGANIZATION (PSO)
UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Wednesday, January 19th (TODAY)
For more calendar events please check our website.
If you would like to submit something for the Globe, please send it for approval to globe@stcathmont.org by the Wednesday before at noon.

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