16 May 2019

Dear CMP Community,

I am very excited to share the Buckeye Union School District Board (BUSD) unanimously approved the Charter Renewal for CMP-Shingle Springs at Wednesday night’s Board meeting.  The new authorization is effective July 1, 2019 and extends through June 30, 2024.  

The BUSD Board spoke glowingly of our program and operations, as well as the spirit of collaboration that is the foundation of the relationship between BUSD and CMP.

15 May 2019

This past Monday evening, the California Montessori Project Governing Board unanimously approved the hiring of Brett Barley as CMP’s new Executive Director/Superintendent.  Brett’s first official day will be July 1st (at that time I will assume a consulting role with CMP through August).

Brett comes from a family of educators, his wife is a teacher, and he is a former elementary school teacher. This past year Brett served as Superintendent of Wonderful College Prep Academy in the Central Valley.

8 May 2019

Dear CMP Community,

I have some important, and exciting, news to share with you, regarding Principal Kim Aldridge and Dean Maria Ostendorf.

Kim Aldridge has accepted a new position at the CMP-Elk Grove campus on Elk Grove Blvd., where she will serve as the Site Administrator/Policies & Procedures Coordinator.  She has faithfully served both the Carmichael and Orangevale communities for the past 18 years.  This new position will allow Ms. Kim to provide network-level leadership in a critical oversight role. 

3 May 2019

Good Day, CMP Friends,

Earlier this week I had the great pleasure of starting this year’s round of gathering ‘LCAP Stakeholder Input.’  In coming weeks, I will be visiting all of our CMP campuses, and meeting with students, staff and parents to explore ideas that support quality education for all CMP students.

In the course of these presentations, we will be re-visiting CMP’s Mission and Vision, which capture the essence of our program.  Please, prepare for our meetings by reviewing our statements, as follow.  I look forward to meeting with you!

CMP will be holding our next lottery on Monday, April 29th, located at our Central Administration Office at 5330 Gibbons Drive in Carmichael. Due to space, this lottery draw is for adults only. Please note the times and grades that our campuses will be pulling and/or wait-listing.

8 April 2019

Good Day, CMP Community Members,

First, thank YOU for your support of California Montessori Project!  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside this outstanding group of staff, students and parents!

Being the Executive Director/Superintendent of CMP for 15 years has been an incredible opportunity, and, of course, a tremendous challenge.  Part of that challenge is navigating, and, as possible, de-fusing, legislation designed to destroy the Charter School movement in California.

15 March 2019

“Fight the Good Fight…With Respect, Civility and Dignity”

In recent months, I have attended Charter School Conferences and Legal Forums, and have learned about the latest legislative proposals which would dramatically impact California’s Charter School Movement (indeed, supporters of Charter Schools have reason to be concerned about pending Assembly Bills 1505, 1506, 1507 and 1508).

I would state, there has NEVER been a time when the CMP community has NOT fought for the opportunity “to offer a quality, tuition-free Montessori Education that challenges our students to reach their full potential.”

Vote for a Network Parent Representative CMP-Elk Grove for the CMP-Governing Board

Congratulations to Scott Porter!  Scott currently serves on the Board and the CMP Community voted him in for another term. 

11 February 2019

“It Starts with Me…”

Good Day, Dear Members of the CMP Community,

Our stakeholders, including students, staff, families and associates, continue to amaze me with their passion for, and commitment to, CMP.  I often hear references to the ‘spirit’ or ‘heart’ of the school as the stand-out characteristic.  I agree - and, cite this as the primary contributor to the joy I have experienced in serving the CMP community for the past 15 years.

Our Charter documents affirm the importance of that value, with the expectation that our children will contribute to “a better society and a peaceful world.”  I believe it is safe to say that this is a community value, which challenges each of us to find opportunities to promote respect in every circumstance, and to always seek peaceful and respectful resolution in the midst of conflict.

Dear CMP Community,

It’s only January, and it is starting to feel a lot like springtime (can’t wait)!  Great change is also happening within our CMP Leadership Team.  Please, read this important message, as follows.

After 18 years of service, Dorothy Hilts will be starting a new chapter in her life, as she retires at the end of the current school year.  Currently serving as the Dean II Administrative Designee at CMP-Elk Grove@Elk Grove, Dorothy has been instrumental in the growth of CMP, including the start-up of the CMP-Orangevale campus, where she served as Principal for five years. Dorothy has also served as Teacher, Board Member and Network Testing Coordinator.  Thank you for your 18 years of exemplary service to our CMP Community, Dorothy!

January 18, 2019

At last Monday night’s meeting, the CMP Governing Board approved the 2017-18 Audited Financial Statements for each of our CMP schools. As an essential element required through the “Charter Schools Act of 1992” (Section 47605.6), “A charter school shall transmit a copy of its annual, independent, financial audit report for the preceding fiscal year.”

I am pleased to report that “there were no findings in the prior year.” This marks over a decade of ‘finding free’ audits, which speaks to the level of expertise and integrity demonstrated from within the organization.

May Events

May 1~ ERD, K-3rd dismissal 11:45, 4th-8th dismissal 12:00. Trait: Hope Assembly @ 11
May 2~ 3rd grade ZOO overnight trip
May 15~ Early Release Day
May 30~ Family Picnic (Elk Grove and Bradshaw) @ Elk Grove 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. 
 

April Events

April 2~ APEX begins
April 3~ ERD K-3rd, dismissal 11:45, 4th-8th, dismissal 12:00 Trait: Cooperation, Assembly @ 11
April 3~ Middle School trip
April 4~ Parent Tour @ Bradshaw
April 8~ Parent Tour @ Elk Grove
April 8~ Governing Board Meeting @ Elk Grove
April 11~ Fun Run
April 15-19~ Spring Network Closure, No school, No Club M
April 22-26~ No school, Club M Open
April 29~ All Grades Lottery

March 1~ Dr. Suess Read Across America
March 4~ Parent Tour @ Elk Grove
March 6~ Trait: Earth. Assembly @ 11:00. ERD K-3 dismissal 11:45, 4th-8th dismissal 12:00
March 11~ Parent Tour @ Elk Grove
March 11~ Basketball Game EG 6:00pm @CAT
March 13~ Pie Day - Basketball Game EG @ 9:00am
March 14~ Parent Tour @ Bradshaw
March 18~ Parent Tour @ Elk Grove
March 25~ Kindergarten Lottery
March 20-22~ Spring Parent/Teacher Conference
March 20-22~ Early Release Days
March 21~ Parent Tour @ Bradshaw
March 28~ Parent Tour @ Bradshaw
 

February Events

February 4-22~ Pennies for Patients
Febraury 4-8~ 6th grade Sly Park trip
February 4~ 4th/5th grade Point Bonita trip
February 6~ ERD, K-3rd dismissal; 11:45. 4th-8th dismissal; 12:00 Trait: Kindness. Assembly @ 11
February 11~ Governing Board Meeting @ Capitol Campus
February 14~ Valentines Day
February 15~ Non-Instructional day. Club M open
February 18~ Non-Instructional day. President's Day observed
February 20~ Early Release Day
February 28~ Art Walk & Live Performances 4:00-7:00 pm.

14 December, 2018

I recently came across the following quote by Fred Rogers (aka “Mister Rogers”): “It seems to me that some of us value information over wonder, and noise over silence. And I feel that we need a lot more wonder and a lot more silence in our lives.”

The related concepts of ‘wonder’ and ‘silence’ are prominent within the domain of Montessori methodology. The discipline of silence feeds the spirit and opens the door to a child’s sense of wonder, while contributing to a mindful attitude.

In this holiday season, my hope is that we will all have the opportunity (and discipline) to seek and find that quiet voice that brings a sense of ‘calmness’ to ourselves, our families and our communities.

May this holiday season bring rejuvenation and resilience to you and your loved ones.

Warmly, 

Gary

January 1~New Year Holiday, School Closed, Club M Closed
January 2-4~Winter Intersession, Club M Open
January 7~School resumes
January 16~ERD, K - 3rd dismissal: 11:45am, 4th - 8th dismissal: 12:00pm
January 21~Dr.Martin Luther King Jr., Holiday School Closed, Club M CLosed
January 24~ 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers 5pm @ Elk Grove
January 30~Kindergarten Watch Me Work Night

December 5~ ERD K-3 dismissal: 11:45; 4-8 dismissal: 12:00. Trait Assembly - Courtesy
December 6~ Spelling Bee 3:30
December 13~ Watch Me Work Night, 4-6 pm Elk Grove and Bradshaw
December 13~ Band and Choir Concert Bowman Hall @ 6:00 pm
December 14~ No Club M in the Afternoon, Staff Development
December 14~ Minimum Day, last day of school
December 17-21~ Winter Intersession, Club M Open
December 24-31~ Winter Network Closure, School Closed, Club M Closed
December 1~ New Year's Day School Closed
January 2-4~ Winter Intersession,Club M Open

In response to extended forecasts of unhealthy air quality, into next week, CMP is announcing that Club M Services will not be offered on Monday and Tuesday during the Thanksgiving break for the following campuses:

CMP - American River
CMP - Capitol
CMP - Carmichael
CMP - Elk Grove (both sites)
CMP - Orangevale 

Payments that have already been received can be applied as a credit to your Club M account.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and your family. Please have a safe, restful, and rejuvenating Thanksgiving Break. We will see you back to school on Monday, November 26^th.

Dear CMP Community, 

Due to the forecasted air quality index for tomorrow, the following CMP campuses will be closed on Friday, November 16th.

CMP-American River

CMP-Capitol 

CMP-Carmichael 

CMP-Elk Grove

CMP-Orangevale 

Please look for updates as we continue to monitor the air quality.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break.

Dear CMP Community, 

Due to the forecasted air quality index for tomorrow, the following CMP campuses will be closed on Thursday, November 15.

CMP-American River
CMP-Capitol 
CMP-Carmichael 
CMP-Elk Grove
CMP-Orangevale 

Please look for updates as we continue to monitor the air quality.

November 1~Spelling Bee practice 3:30-4:15
November 1~7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers, 5:00 pm @ Elk Grove
November 3~7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers, 10:00 am @ Bradshaw
November 5~Volleyball Game, 5p-8p @ Carmichael 
November 7~ERD. Trait Assembly-Thankfulness/Gratitude, presentation by: Jade, Onyx, Sunstone
November 7-9~Fall Parent/Teacher conferences Minimum Days K-3 dismissal; 11:45, 4-8 dismissal; 12:00
November 9~Report Cards go home
November 12~Veterans Day observed; School/Club M closed
November 13~World Kindness Day
November 14~Principal's Cafe' at 9:00am @ Bradshaw
November 14~Harvest Feast Coral Classroom, 11a-1p
November 15~Stone Soup K & MS, 11a-12:30p
November 15~Spelling Bee practice 3:30-4:15
November 16~Stone Soup Turquiose Classroom, ALL EG@EG Gratitude Feast
November 19-23~Fall Operations Closure, School closed
November 19-20~Intersession Club M open (Club M closed 21-23)
November 27-30~Middle School Job Shadows
November 28~CANCELED-7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers, 6:00 pm @ Elk Grove
November 29~Spelling Bee practice 3:30-4:15
November 30~Family Movie Night

Dear CMP Learning Community,

CMP’s monthly Board Meeting was hosted at our CMP-Shingle Springs campus on Monday, October 8th.  The Board approved Melissa (Herman) Goude, as the new Teacher Representative, replacing Sara Meece, who has accepted a .5 position as Dean of Students at the American River campus.  Ms. Goude, who has taught lower elementary students at both the Elk Grove and American River campuses, is a graduate of the initial cohort of the American Montessori Society’s ‘Emerging Leaders Fellowship.’

I am very excited to announce that the Board approved a revised compensatory schedule for CMP’s certificated teachers.  This action authorizes CMP to continue honoring our teachers with annual pay increases through June, 2022.  Our teachers are ‘the best’ - it is a privilege to serve them, as they serve our students and families! 

Dear Members of our CMP Learning Community,

Thank you for participating in the recent Stakeholder Survey of the 2019-2020 School Calendar.  This survey was designed to gather input regarding the intersession schedule.

Of the 1400 respondents, there was great support for dividing the four weeks of intersession equally, with two weeks at Winter Break and two weeks during Spring Break.  Notably, there were also comments from the community with some common threads, as follows:

• A preference for a later August start date (August 14, 2019 vs. August 7, 2019)
• A preference for a longer Summer Break
• A preference for a shorter Spring Break

13 September 2018

Dear CMP Community,

As always, it is an honor to serve you as we celebrate the social, emotional and academic development of our children.  They seem to grow up all too fast!  I appreciate your support as we seek ways to enrich each of their learning experiences throughout these vital childhood years.

Did you know?  CMP conducts regular Board meetings throughout the calendar year.  One of the important functions of CMP’s amazing all-volunteer Board is to oversee the fiscal health of CMP.  At the September 10th Board meeting, Karl Yoder (Delta Managed Solutions) and I presented the network’s Unaudited Actuals.  The Board unanimously approved the Unaudited Actuals for each of our schools (CMP-CAP, CMP-EG, CMP-SJ and CMP-SS). 

The Board also approved an increase in the Personnel Pay Scale for CMP’s Maintenance/Security staff.  This decision impacts those personnel who serve CMP campuses that are not otherwise served by ‘District’ personnel.

The next CMP Governing Board Meeting will be held at the Shingle Springs Campus on Monday, October 8th.  The Board packet will be posted on our website in advance to the meeting.

Hope to see you there!

Gary S. Bowman

Superintendent/Executive Director, California Montessori Project

7 September 2018

Dear CMP Learning Community,

As I enter my 15^th year of service with California Montessori Project, I am filled with appreciation for the opportunity that I have been afforded.

Together, we have moved mountains!  Today, CMP is widely acknowledged, and respected, for its integrity, as demonstrated through its personnel, school program and operations.

After thoughtful consideration, my family and I have reached a decision that the 2018-19 school year will be my final year as CMP’s Executive Director/Superintendent.

I have the highest regard for CMP’s Mission and Values, and am deeply grateful for the exceptional staff and community I have served. 

My term of service with California Montessori Project has been an extraordinary journey for me --- and, hopefully, for you and your children, as well. 

I look forward to our continued partnership in the coming year, as we serve the incredible children and families within our CMP Learning Community.

Thank you for choosing CMP, and thank you, as always, for your generous support.

Warmly,

Gary S. Bowman, M.S.Ed.

Executive Director/Superintendent. California Montessori Project

31st August 2018

Dear Friends,

What an incredible start to the school year!  I am filled with joy to see the excitement on the faces of students, parents and staff! 

In this week’s message, I will share a few thoughts about CMP’s ongoing commitment to provide relevant Professional Growth opportunities for staff.

This summer, Teaching Assistants were given the opportunity to attend the Montessori Training Center’s week-long Montessori Overview.  CMP will continue to offer monthly ‘Super Duper Saturdays’ for our T.A.s, as well.

At CMP’s annual network in-service on August 9th, over 400 staffpersons attended a variety of workshop sessions, in addition to presentations by renown speaker and therapist, Dr. Jane Nelsen (“Positive Discipline in the Classroom”).

September 3~ Labor Day, School and Club M closed
September 5~ Trait Assembly; Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
September 5~ Early Release Day; K-3rd dismissal is 11:45, 4th-8th dismissal is 12:00
September 6~ Picture Day; Free Dress for all 
September 6~ Technology Night, 5:30pm @ Bradshaw
September 10~ Governing Board Meeting
September 13~ 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers, 5:30pm @ Bradshaw
September 15~ Apple Hill Trip; Amethyst, Sunstone, Ruby, Topaz, Garnet
September 19~ ERD;  K-3rd dismissal is 11:45, 4th-8th dismissal is 12:00
September 21~ International Day of Peace
September 21~ Family Picnic and Clothing Swap; 5pm - 7pm @ Elk Grove Park
September 22~ Apple Hill; Tanzanite
September 24~ Volleyball; 5pm - 8pm
September 28~ MaiduTrip; Peridot 

Hello CMP Families, 

Summer is a great time to get a jump-start on your parent hours.  We have several work days scheduled for this summer.  We are looking for volunteers to help spruce up sites starting on Saturday, July 21^st.  Additional days are July 22^nd, and July 28^th.  The Elk Grove Campus is hosting our Annual Network In-Service this year and we can certainly use the additional help.  We are offering double parent hours for summer time work (this includes moving materials, painting, weeding, raking bark, preparing the garden area, and much, much more).  Please bring a refillable water bottle, work gloves, and any tools that may be helpful to you in your efforts.  

Please be sure and contact Ms. Vanessa (vpflaum@cacmp.org) in the school office if you are able to volunteer your time.  

Thank you and have a beautiful day!  

~  Ms. Kathleen 

Can you help out at the Harvest Festival next Friday, October 12th?  Click the link to sign up.

http://signup.com/go/DpoSRps

Wow!  What a fantastic first day of school this has been!  I had the pleasure of greeting CMP students, staff and families this morning, and was thrilled to see the many smiling faces and to experience the excitement of  First Day ...a day filled with hope, opportunity and optimism. 

Thank you for choosing CMP, and thank you for your support as we serve together, exemplifying and modeling respect, kindness and civility in all things.

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing information about many of our noteworthy endeavors and projects. 

I am humbled by (and appreciative of) the efforts of our incredible staff who are committed to the highest level of service to our students and families.

In closing, I share the words of President John F. Kennedy:  "We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." 

Warmly, Gary

August 2~New Parent Orientation @Bradshaw 6:00pm
August 13~Meet & Greet @ Elk Grove and Bradshaw 2pm-4pm
August 15~First Day of School K, 8:15-1:45. 1st-3rd, 8:15-2:45.
                   4th-8th, 8:30-3:00.
August 15~Assembly Bradshaw 9:00 am, Elk Grove 12:00 pm
August 17~7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers @ Bradshaw, 5:30p
August 20~Back to school night, Bradshaw K & Middle School 5-6 pm
August 21~Back to school night, Elk Grove 5-6 pm.
August 22~Back to school night, Bradshaw Lower El 5-6 pm. Mobile Live Scan available
August 23~Back to school night, Bradshaw Upper El 5:30-6:30 pm
August 24~7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers @ Bradshaw, 9:00a
August 29~PTFC meeting, @Bradshaw, 6:30pm
August 29 ~31~Initial Parent Meetings
August 29 - 31~Minimum Days Dismissal times: K-3 11:45 am, 4-8 12:00 pm
 

Please see the calendar for additional upcoming events and details.

Accelerated Reader has a new reading incentive program called ReadQuest! This would be a great option to encourage Summer reading. In addition to summer reading suggestions, this program also provides more information on Renn Place and Accelerated Reader. The attached document is the toolkit to get you started: AR ReadQuest Toolkit. 

Once again we find ourselves at the time of year for creating artwork for the CMP Annual Holiday Card. 

<p >Dear CMP Students, Parents, and Staff,</p > <p >As the new school year is just beginning, &nbsp;I would like to thank all of you for your continued support of our Montessori philosophy and program.&nbsp;&nbsp; Your input is valued and makes us stronger each year so that we can provide the best for our students.</p > <p >During the 2019-2020 school year, CMP will be making a change that will impact that school year calendar. Beginning in 2019-2020, CMP will offer five (5) weeks of intersession: one (1) week at Thanksgiving and the remaining four (4) weeks divided between the winter and spring breaks.&nbsp; &nbsp;We believe this change will promote optimal learning for our students, as well as, programmatic, operational, and fiscal efficiency.</p > <p >Please take a moment to complete this short survey by clicking this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://survs.com/survey/6c1ly95qsf" >https://survs.com/survey/6c1ly95qsf</a >. After we collect the survey results, we will be sharing this information with our stakeholders.</p > <p >Please note that the survey will be available until Friday, September 7, 2018, as we want to capture information from our new families, staff and students that have joined our CMP family this school year.</p >

The California Healthy Youth Act, which took effect in January 2016, requires school districts to provide students with integrated, comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education at least once in middle school and once in high school. In accordance with the California Healthy Youth Act, CMP offers a course of study on Sexual Health education for middle school students using Positive Prevention PLUS materials.

For more information on this act, check out the CDE webpage. 

October 1~ Volleyball 5pm - 8pm
October 2~ 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers @Bradshaw, 5:30p
October 3~ Trait assembly, Perserverence 
October 3~ Early release day
October 8~ Volleyball 5pm - 8pm
October 9~ 7Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers @ Elk Grove, 10:00 am
October 12~ Harvest Festival @ Bradshaw
October 15~ Volleyball 5pm - 8pm
October 17~ Early release day
October 19~ 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers @ Bradshaw, 9:00 am
October 19~ Principal's Cafe' @Bradshaw, 1:30pm
October 22-26~ Red Ribbon Weeek 
October 24~ 7 Habits of Highly Effective Volunteers @ Elk Grove, 5:00 pm

Bradshaw Site

August 17th @5:30p
August 24th @9:00a
September 13th @5:30p
October 2nd @5:30p
October 19th @9:00a
November 3rd @10:00a

Elk Grove Site

September 21st @7:00p
October 9th @10:00a
October 24th @5:00p
November 1st @5:00p
November 28th @6:00p

Please RSVP by calling either campus. Bradshaw; 916-714-9699 or Elk Grove; 916-714-9702

Dear CMP Learning Community,

DID YOU KNOW?:  The State Legislature passed the Charter Schools Act of 1992, which authorized the creation of charter schools in California.  In 2000, Wheatland Elementary School District approved a single petition from California Montessori Project, allowing CMP to operate its 4 campuses in the greater Sacramento area, through 2006.  In 2001, AB1994 was passed, requiring charter schools to be granted authorization from their ‘districts of residence.’  In 2006, CMP received separate authorizations from Buckeye Union School District, Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, and San Juan Unified School District, allowing CMP to operate our schools within those district boundaries.  

CMP-Shingle Springs received an initial 3-year authorization from Buckeye USD, while the remaining CMP schools received 5-year authorizations.  All CMP schools are now on a 5-year cycle, and, accordingly, work closely with the authorizing districts to meet the requirements for renewal, as established in California Education Code.  While there are many elements included in the charter renewal petition, school districts, historically, are largely focused on student achievement and fiscal solvency.  

September 5 & 19
October 3 & 17
November 7
December 5
January 16
February 6 & 20
March 6 & 20
April 3
May 1 & 15
June 12

Dismissal times: K - 3rd grade, 11:45am,  4th - 8th grade, 12:00pm