Dear FCMA Families,
Hopefully, you were able to enjoy quiet time outside, the sun on your skin, sand in your toes, and found yourselves relaxing by water during these hot summer days. How quickly summer concludes and our thoughts turn forward to prepare for the start of another year at Four Corners Montessori Academy (FCMA).
Our administrative, office, and custodial staff have been working throughout the summer months preparing the building. Over the past couple of weeks, teachers, assistants, and Kids Club staff engaged in curriculum revisions and professional development, helping to ensure that we begin this school year ready to engage students in meaningful work.
Our much-appreciated Parent Guild has also been gearing up to welcome families, offer exciting events, and provide volunteer opportunities. We are all eagerly waiting to welcome the new, and familiar, faces of our caring, connected community, to the 2019-2020 school year.
Over the summer, FCMA has undergone some noteworthy changes and building upgrades, some of which include:
-Restoration of Middle School building completed.
-Installation of new carpet and tile flooring in five (5) of the lower level classrooms impacted by the August 10th flood.
-Preschool relocated to Gospel Life Church. Our vision for the preschool program has always been to have a full infant/toddler/preschool program to allow for our growing population and honor the original spirit of a Montessori education that starts from infancy. This is the first step into making that vision possible.
-Final stages of the inventory preparation for the FCMA online library system.
-Implementation of Level Up Village for 2nd through 8th grade. FCMA students will connect with peers in other countries, through video letters, to work together on STEAM projects. By working with global partners, students will not only develop their STEAM skills, but also their global collaboration and communication skills.
-Implementation of Reflex Math for 3rd through 8th grade. Reflex Math is a computerized intervention program that covers the complete process of math fact mastery.
While there have been a couple of hiccups along the way, all signs point to an incredible new school year. Speaking of “new,” we have some new staff to introduce you to:
Elvira Komini will be joining FCMA as the Physical Education and Health Teacher. A former Volleyball Coach, and former team member of the National Volleyball Team of Albania, which participated in the Mediterranean Olympic Games, “Bari 97,” Elvira has several years of teaching and coaching experience, with a K-12 certification.
Ramona Stewart, who spent the past six years working at Macomb Montessori Academy, will be joining our team as the new Teacher Assistant in the Sassafras Room.
Selena Dozier, comes to us with over 20 years of experience in education. She will be the new Teacher Assistant in the Acacia Room.
Jordan Byrd, a former FCMA graduate, will be working with the school-aged Kids Club team.
June Dion, will also be joining the school-aged Kids Club team.
As you see these new faces in the hallway, please do not hesitate to introduce yourself.
In addition to new faces, we also have some staff stepping into new roles:
Daniel Stipanovich, will be moving from being the Teacher Assistant in the Chestnut Room, to the Lead Teacher in the Palm Room.
Monica Kozakiewicz, has a Montessori Early Childhood (3-6) credential and will be joining Ms. Maya and Ms. Sarah in the Bonsai Room, as a co-lead.
Marjorie Laabs, who began working with us last year as an in-house substitute teacher, will now be the Middle School Teacher Assistant.
Selvana Sharaby, formerly the Teacher Assistant in the Bamboo Room, will now be with Mr. Richard in the Chestnut Room.
Shavon Williams, has moved from the Acacia Room to the Bamboo Room with Ms. Sherri.
Lastly, Tanja Kanevce, has moved from the Cypress Room, and will be with Ms. Cheryl in the Oak Room.
We are thrilled that you have begun, or are continuing your journey with Four Corners Montessori Academy. Dr. Maria Montessori said, “Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.” The FCMA staff is committed to helping each child, of all abilities, reach their full potential in all areas of life, by preparing them for 21st century opportunities through a curriculum rooted in the Montessori Method.
Welcome FCMA Families, to a new school year!