February 2019
"THE PRICE OF SUCCESS IS HARD WORK, DEDICATION TO THE JOB AT HAND, AND THE DETERMINATION THAT WHETHER WE WIN OR LOSE, WE HAVE APPLIED THE BEST OF OURSELVES TO THE TASK AT HAND."
VINCE LOMBARDI
VINCE LOMBARDI
Message from the Principal
Winter is tough in Chicago. So, let’s all try to smile more, tap into our sense of humor, and have a bit more fun with our children. As much as possible, try not to complain about the weather in front of your kids, rather discuss its many wonders. It is OK to say it is cold but not in a frustrated tone.
That being said, with winter firmly establishing itself in our midst the past two month, and the serious cold we are experiencing, please remember that children are especially vulnerable to getting “too cold”! What’s too cold? Another way of putting it is “hypothermia” or “frostbite”. Our young children depend on their parents and caregivers to dress them appropriately for the cold. Teens need to be reminded of how to dress – even if it’s not always “cool” to dress warmly. So, please continue to remind them, while smiling!
In school we trust!
The heart of any school is trust. Trust among teachers. Trust between teachers and administration. Trust between school staff and parents. But most important of all is trust between children and adults. Why is this so important? Because it puts every single adult in the community of Kindi Academy on one team, serving one goal. We all want the success of our children. This collective mission is what will keep us all motivated to always work together as a team. We can, and will, occasionally disagree on policies and procedures here and there, but we have a strong relationship rooted in trust. When you drop your children off to school you may wonder if they are going to enjoy math today, or have fun during recess. But, one thing for sure you don’t have to wonder about is if your child is loved, being cared for, and kept safe. Your child is our number ONE focus! You trust us to make sure your child is safe and learning, and we take that trust very seriously. Not because it is a job to do, but it’s a mission we live every single day. I want to assure you that every decision we make is focused around both Safety and Learning. Your children are in Good Hands!
Black History Month
Finally, please take the time to celebrate Black History month with your children. Show them that compassion, love, and humanity extends beyond the home, beyond school lesson plans, and beyond a news report. Make it a point to discuss and explain the importance of this month to your child as a citizen of this country we call home. Some recommended sites to visit would be:
Smithsonian Education – Black History Month
National Park Service – African American Heritage
National Archives – African American History Portal
National Endowment for the Humanities – Black History Month
National Park Service – Telling All Americans’ Stories: African American Heritage
Rania Sadeq, Ed.D.
Principal
That being said, with winter firmly establishing itself in our midst the past two month, and the serious cold we are experiencing, please remember that children are especially vulnerable to getting “too cold”! What’s too cold? Another way of putting it is “hypothermia” or “frostbite”. Our young children depend on their parents and caregivers to dress them appropriately for the cold. Teens need to be reminded of how to dress – even if it’s not always “cool” to dress warmly. So, please continue to remind them, while smiling!
In school we trust!
The heart of any school is trust. Trust among teachers. Trust between teachers and administration. Trust between school staff and parents. But most important of all is trust between children and adults. Why is this so important? Because it puts every single adult in the community of Kindi Academy on one team, serving one goal. We all want the success of our children. This collective mission is what will keep us all motivated to always work together as a team. We can, and will, occasionally disagree on policies and procedures here and there, but we have a strong relationship rooted in trust. When you drop your children off to school you may wonder if they are going to enjoy math today, or have fun during recess. But, one thing for sure you don’t have to wonder about is if your child is loved, being cared for, and kept safe. Your child is our number ONE focus! You trust us to make sure your child is safe and learning, and we take that trust very seriously. Not because it is a job to do, but it’s a mission we live every single day. I want to assure you that every decision we make is focused around both Safety and Learning. Your children are in Good Hands!
Black History Month
Finally, please take the time to celebrate Black History month with your children. Show them that compassion, love, and humanity extends beyond the home, beyond school lesson plans, and beyond a news report. Make it a point to discuss and explain the importance of this month to your child as a citizen of this country we call home. Some recommended sites to visit would be:
Smithsonian Education – Black History Month
National Park Service – African American Heritage
National Archives – African American History Portal
National Endowment for the Humanities – Black History Month
National Park Service – Telling All Americans’ Stories: African American Heritage
Rania Sadeq, Ed.D.
Principal
News from our 3-6 Class
“Concentration is the key that opens up the child to latent treasures within him,” Maria Montessori.
January, the children returned with a renewed energy. This energy that they have is building on repetition and developing deeper understanding of concepts. Many activities in the class are complex and which helps lengthen concentration and coordination. There is a rhythm in the class as the children work independently engaging in their task.
In January, we discussed the life of Martin Luther King Jr. His great speech and his contribution to the world. We also learned about the polar regions.
The KG class wrote about the polar regions. Included in this was the study of the many different types of penguins that live in Antarctica.
We will learn about United States of America and its presidents next month.
This month has been a joy to see so many children working with the decimal system either building 4 digit numbers or doing operations. There has been a constant challenge in math and language area for all children.
Sincerely,
Ms.Sujata & Ms.Tahany.
Helllllllloooo February!
This past month, we reviewed the lessons and skills we practiced in the beginning of the year. We revisited lessons of grace and courtesy.
We covered Martin Luther King with the children and why he is important to our country. We read a poem by Ben Harper called “With My Own Two Hands.”
I can change the world
With my own two hands.
Make a better place
With my own two hands.
Make a kinder place
With my own two hands.
This past month in science, we covered vertebrates and invertebrates. The students were able to use objects to classify the animals into groups.
As the children observed the trees were bare. This brought on a lesson all about seasons. We were able to make an example of what a tree looks like during each season.
The preschool children had a brief overview of the clock, place value and building 4 digit numbers. While kindergarten studied all about South America. Kindergarten also started their study on nouns.
With all that we do, Ms. Teri and I are constantly blown away with the amount of parent support we receive. We have been blessed with a fantastic group of parents. Thank you for working as a team!
Sincerely,
Ms.Katie & Ms.Teri.
This past month, we reviewed the lessons and skills we practiced in the beginning of the year. We revisited lessons of grace and courtesy.
We covered Martin Luther King with the children and why he is important to our country. We read a poem by Ben Harper called “With My Own Two Hands.”
I can change the world
With my own two hands.
Make a better place
With my own two hands.
Make a kinder place
With my own two hands.
This past month in science, we covered vertebrates and invertebrates. The students were able to use objects to classify the animals into groups.
As the children observed the trees were bare. This brought on a lesson all about seasons. We were able to make an example of what a tree looks like during each season.
The preschool children had a brief overview of the clock, place value and building 4 digit numbers. While kindergarten studied all about South America. Kindergarten also started their study on nouns.
With all that we do, Ms. Teri and I are constantly blown away with the amount of parent support we receive. We have been blessed with a fantastic group of parents. Thank you for working as a team!
Sincerely,
Ms.Katie & Ms.Teri.
Woodstock Willie didn't see his shadow, which means spring will come early! We can't wait!!
January was long, but we got through it and we were productive! The children had a blast when Mary Macaroni visited our school, and they participated in movement and dance with her. She also put on a magic show that the children enjoyed! We celebrated the Chinese New Year by making fried rice as a class! It was a delicious addition to our lunch! Thank you everyone for contributing by bringing something! We also talked a little about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life, and the children made a project demonstrating equality. Throughout the month of January, the children worked on the map of Asia and we talked the animals and landmarks all around Asia.
As February continues, the children are continuing to work hard. We will be discussing President's Day.
"Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." ~Maria Montessori
Sincerely,
Ms. Radhika and Ms. Brooke
January was long, but we got through it and we were productive! The children had a blast when Mary Macaroni visited our school, and they participated in movement and dance with her. She also put on a magic show that the children enjoyed! We celebrated the Chinese New Year by making fried rice as a class! It was a delicious addition to our lunch! Thank you everyone for contributing by bringing something! We also talked a little about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life, and the children made a project demonstrating equality. Throughout the month of January, the children worked on the map of Asia and we talked the animals and landmarks all around Asia.
As February continues, the children are continuing to work hard. We will be discussing President's Day.
"Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." ~Maria Montessori
Sincerely,
Ms. Radhika and Ms. Brooke
Updates from Our 6-9 Classroom
Dear Parents:
In January, our students enjoyed watching the play “Wizard of Oz” by AlphaBet Soup Productions at Joliet College. The students also had a great time celebrating the 100th day of school. We got together with the 3-6 program to take a “100” picture on that day and the students got cookies from Ms. Mariya in the shape of 100. I hope the students and you enjoyed the shirts as much as the teachers enjoyed making them.
February has arrived and we face another busy month. We will be celebrating: African American History Month, President's Day, Maria Montessori Week, and Dental Health Month.
Our class will begin Junior Achievement for all three grades in the coming weeks. Junior Achievement is a set of free classes offered to students funded by the state and businesses. Its mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
The First year students this month will be working on: Map skills, Parts of a Bird, Parts of a Fruit, Fundamental Needs of People, time, fractions, measurement, money, poetry, and research of a famous African American for Black History Month.
The Second year students this month will be working on: Map skills, Africa country research, planet research of Jupiter, fractions, measurement, poetry, and research of a famous African American for Black History Month.
The Third year students this month will be working on: Ancient Civilizations, Asia country research, GCF-Greatest Common Factor, decimals, protractor usage, animal and plant cell, map skills, poetry, and research of a famous African American for Black History Month.
Sincerely,
The 6- 9 Years Montessori Teachers
In January, our students enjoyed watching the play “Wizard of Oz” by AlphaBet Soup Productions at Joliet College. The students also had a great time celebrating the 100th day of school. We got together with the 3-6 program to take a “100” picture on that day and the students got cookies from Ms. Mariya in the shape of 100. I hope the students and you enjoyed the shirts as much as the teachers enjoyed making them.
February has arrived and we face another busy month. We will be celebrating: African American History Month, President's Day, Maria Montessori Week, and Dental Health Month.
Our class will begin Junior Achievement for all three grades in the coming weeks. Junior Achievement is a set of free classes offered to students funded by the state and businesses. Its mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
The First year students this month will be working on: Map skills, Parts of a Bird, Parts of a Fruit, Fundamental Needs of People, time, fractions, measurement, money, poetry, and research of a famous African American for Black History Month.
The Second year students this month will be working on: Map skills, Africa country research, planet research of Jupiter, fractions, measurement, poetry, and research of a famous African American for Black History Month.
The Third year students this month will be working on: Ancient Civilizations, Asia country research, GCF-Greatest Common Factor, decimals, protractor usage, animal and plant cell, map skills, poetry, and research of a famous African American for Black History Month.
Sincerely,
The 6- 9 Years Montessori Teachers
Updates from upper elementary classroom
(ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS/READING) ELA NEWS
This week we continued to develop writing skills with 4th and 5th grade students each morning with Daily Journal Prompts. Journal activities focus on expanding knowledge of text types and purposes as well as the production and distribution of writing; specifically working with students to articulate ideas in clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. This past week we have practiced adding details to narratives to make our personal stories and ideas more descriptive and engaging to our audience. Students came up with ways to integrate observations from their 5 senses (taste, touch, hearing, vision, and smell) to build detail.
Students were challenged to compose personal narratives about an experience meaningful to them and practiced peer reviewing drafts to come up with a polished final product students will be proud to share with you! 5 th grade students began reading and analyzing the historical fiction novel Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes to expand upon our ranges of reading and increase level of text complexity.
Our novel selection integrates components of social studies as we begin to look at early Colonial life in America for a beautiful interdisciplinary unit that beautifully merges literacy with history. 4 th grade students began reading the historical fiction novel Sing Down the Moon by Scott O’Dell to practice understanding multiple historical perspectives as the lead character Bright Morning dramatically and courageously chronicles her experiences with slavery and with her tribe's 300-mile forced march from their homeland to Fort Sumner.
. SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS This week 4th and 5th grade students were challenged within their small groups to create a KWL chart focusing on their specific grade-level historical topic. We encouraged students to think of everything they learned thus far in social studies and discuss what they already know, what they wish to learn about, and what they learned specifically this year. 4th graders discussed Illinois History and 5th grade students presented their facts on United States History.
In 5th grade social studies we began to study the first people of the Americas and the early Colonial Era. Students researched the House of Burgesses to develop an understanding of early American government.
4 th Grade students began a lesson on the first people of Illinois. We looked at the Mississippians in further details and practiced making inferences about culture based on a population’s artwork produced. SCIENCE NEWS In 4th grade science, we completed and discussed the unit 3 assessment on environmental adaptations and began studying Unit 4 Energy and Ecosystems.
Sincerely,
Ms.Jackie & Ms. Jami.
This week we continued to develop writing skills with 4th and 5th grade students each morning with Daily Journal Prompts. Journal activities focus on expanding knowledge of text types and purposes as well as the production and distribution of writing; specifically working with students to articulate ideas in clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. This past week we have practiced adding details to narratives to make our personal stories and ideas more descriptive and engaging to our audience. Students came up with ways to integrate observations from their 5 senses (taste, touch, hearing, vision, and smell) to build detail.
Students were challenged to compose personal narratives about an experience meaningful to them and practiced peer reviewing drafts to come up with a polished final product students will be proud to share with you! 5 th grade students began reading and analyzing the historical fiction novel Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes to expand upon our ranges of reading and increase level of text complexity.
Our novel selection integrates components of social studies as we begin to look at early Colonial life in America for a beautiful interdisciplinary unit that beautifully merges literacy with history. 4 th grade students began reading the historical fiction novel Sing Down the Moon by Scott O’Dell to practice understanding multiple historical perspectives as the lead character Bright Morning dramatically and courageously chronicles her experiences with slavery and with her tribe's 300-mile forced march from their homeland to Fort Sumner.
. SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS This week 4th and 5th grade students were challenged within their small groups to create a KWL chart focusing on their specific grade-level historical topic. We encouraged students to think of everything they learned thus far in social studies and discuss what they already know, what they wish to learn about, and what they learned specifically this year. 4th graders discussed Illinois History and 5th grade students presented their facts on United States History.
In 5th grade social studies we began to study the first people of the Americas and the early Colonial Era. Students researched the House of Burgesses to develop an understanding of early American government.
4 th Grade students began a lesson on the first people of Illinois. We looked at the Mississippians in further details and practiced making inferences about culture based on a population’s artwork produced. SCIENCE NEWS In 4th grade science, we completed and discussed the unit 3 assessment on environmental adaptations and began studying Unit 4 Energy and Ecosystems.
Sincerely,
Ms.Jackie & Ms. Jami.
Happenings in the Science Room
The 7th graders got to close the unit on redox reactions by doing a lab, where they observed what they learned.
As of January, the 6th graders have began learning about the human body systems. One of the first systems we studied were the skeletal and muscular systems. To understand how bones attach to muscles, and viceversa, as well as to observe how skeletal muscles work in pairs , they made an “arm”. They could see how the flexor and extensor muscles worked to allow the arm to move.
The next day, they got to dissect a chicken wing, where they could observe and experience what we had learned throughout the unit
The next day, they got to dissect a chicken wing, where they could observe and experience what we had learned throughout the unit
Also the 5th graders have switched gears in January! We are learning about space, and where and how stars and planet systems are born. Bubble prints are quite good to show where in the nebulas stars are born.
For the 8th graders, January means they the focus has shifted from physics to advanced biology. In the following pictures students are creating slides of onion cells, and recording their observations. Also in January they did experiments with diffusion and osmosis, both forms of passive transport.
As the students experimented with osmosis, They dissolved the eggshells of eggs in order to get to the cell membrane. Throughout the week they immersed the eggs in different solutions that had different solute concentration gradients, while recording the physical changes the eggs experienced.
News from our Middle School
English 1 (6th Grade)
This last month we have been in the thick of reading Among the Hidden, and discovering what is going to happen with Luke. We have been writing summaries, analyzing characters, defining new vocabulary and idioms, learning about analogies, writers’ purpose and point-of-view, while discussing and writing about topics ranging from seclusion to the different ways people express love and empathy. The students cannot wait to find out what happens next as we continue along the “Rising Action” portion of the novel….
We also had our class and school Spelling Bee, created a “Facebook page” for Luke’s Mom and wrote out first Analytical Response about the novel. Stay tuned!
English 2 (7th & 8th Grade)
S.E. Hinton’s, The Outsiders, continues to be the focal point of our class and we have done a ton of lessons, activities, and discussions about it. The students are really gravitating towards some of the characters and are digging deep into their own feelings in order to fully appreciate the lives of the characters in the story. Students have had to grapple with topics such as violence, abandonment, family, connection, and growing up as an “outsider.” The students have explored the use of tone and how stories told from different points of view can impact the emotions and feelings of the reader. The students have written and talked about symbols and symbolism and how writers use them effectively in their storytelling. Students created a Personal Crest as their own way to symbolize their life and family. We have used the amazing writing by Hinton to further our understanding of writing mechanics and grammar, as well as how to write a realistic fictional story. Which also leads to our upcoming big “KindiFlix” project, that the students are about to embark on…..Get your popcorn ready!
PE (Middle School & 4th/5th)
In honor of the passing of the great Kobe Bryant, PE class has shifted to playing Basketball in the Middle School. We have learned the basics on dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense and have found some fun games and activities to play that involve a lot of teamwork! 4th and 5th Grade have been playing Water Bottle Dodgeball and the kids have loved getting a chance to play both offense and defense during this exciting activity!
Social Studies:
We have now entered February and parent-teacher conferences are rapidly approaching for Kindi middle school students. Conferences will be held on Friday the 14th of February - let us know if you have any questions in advance, or have trouble scheduling your appointment.
Beyond that, social studies classes are rolling along smoothly this semester with some interesting topics and fantastic student discussions. 6th graders are studying a unit on Ancient Greece with a look at culture, mythology, government, and the origins of Western Civilization. 7th graders are finishing their unit on Europe and will soon participate in a day of research project presentations and tasty snacks that represent the countries that each student chose for their project. 8th graders are continuing their journey through the US Constitution by finishing a unit on the amendments, and soon starting a unit on the three branches of government.
All three of the social studies classes have also spent a lot of time on current events lately. As the United States faces an election and a recent historic impeachment trial, the classes have spent each week discussing these events to help students understand how elections work, and how and why impeachments occur.
World Religions / Technology
The World Religions class is finishing up our exploration of Indian religions by studying Jainism. After this segment concludes, the students will be voting in class on which religion to study next. Choices include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Daoism, Shinto, Confucianism, and the polytheistic traditions (Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc).
In technology classes, students are learning about digital citizenship and the proper use of the internet and technology. We just completed a unit on analyzing information and determining if an article or source is “fake news” or not. We will also be looking at copyright law, internet safety, and ethical use of the internet. Our digital citizenship unit will be followed by a unit on coding/computer programming (introductory) and other topics that students show interest in.
We have now entered February and parent-teacher conferences are rapidly approaching for Kindi middle school students. Conferences will be held on Friday the 14th of February - let us know if you have any questions in advance, or have trouble scheduling your appointment.
Beyond that, social studies classes are rolling along smoothly this semester with some interesting topics and fantastic student discussions. 6th graders are studying a unit on Ancient Greece with a look at culture, mythology, government, and the origins of Western Civilization. 7th graders are finishing their unit on Europe and will soon participate in a day of research project presentations and tasty snacks that represent the countries that each student chose for their project. 8th graders are continuing their journey through the US Constitution by finishing a unit on the amendments, and soon starting a unit on the three branches of government.
All three of the social studies classes have also spent a lot of time on current events lately. As the United States faces an election and a recent historic impeachment trial, the classes have spent each week discussing these events to help students understand how elections work, and how and why impeachments occur.
World Religions / Technology
The World Religions class is finishing up our exploration of Indian religions by studying Jainism. After this segment concludes, the students will be voting in class on which religion to study next. Choices include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Daoism, Shinto, Confucianism, and the polytheistic traditions (Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc).
In technology classes, students are learning about digital citizenship and the proper use of the internet and technology. We just completed a unit on analyzing information and determining if an article or source is “fake news” or not. We will also be looking at copyright law, internet safety, and ethical use of the internet. Our digital citizenship unit will be followed by a unit on coding/computer programming (introductory) and other topics that students show interest in.
Updates from our Arabic Room
Marhaba, welcome the future engineers in Kindi. Applying the study of geometrical shape in designing their own monsters from blocks, then they had to describe the shapes they made in Arabic.
Their did a great job designing their own monsters.
Their did a great job designing their own monsters.