This year we are creating a Parent Volunteer Arts Team to engage parents in supporting instruction of the arts in the classroom. In combination with MLC's partnership with the Music Center, Spirit Series, and the MIND Institute (Jiji Math+Music) and our ESCAPE Arts Program, this new venture will ensure fulfillment of MLC's vision.
At MLC it is our goal for students to experience and analyze works of art; learn and acquire skills in the arts; create and perform original works of art; and assess and reflect on meaning of works of art including their own.
When we use the term "arts" we mean the visual art, dance/movement, music and theater.
Because of our years of professional development in the arts and philosophy of learning at MLC, teachers aspire to integrate the arts into the curriculum. However in order to ensure that learning in the art form is at the highest level, classroom teachers require the support of teaching artists working side-by-side with them and their students in the classroom.
This year, classroom teachers will have the support of teaching artists from the Music Center as well as parent volunteers to bring our vision to life. Parent Volunteer Artists will participate in training and professional development provided by MLC staff as well as the Music Center to prepare them for working collaboratively with teachers in support of arts integration goals.
The structure for arts integration is the Anchor Work Model - developed by the Music Center which some MLC teachers have been implementing since 2005. To learn more about this model and the professional development provided by the Music Center, please refer to this link on their website where you might see some people you know: Music Center Video
If you are interested in joining the Parent Volunteer Arts Team - please contact Gayle Nadler at gayle@mlccharter.org
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Transitions
MLC appreciates the support of our community during a time of transition. At the Parent Council Meeting this morning the following was discussed:
- The Arts Program is alive and well at MLC despite the loss of our artist-in-residence. For details see letter from Mrs. Nadler on Electronic Backpack.
- Many parents trust the decisions made by MLC on behalf of the students and integrity of the educational program.
- Administration shared the budget fallout and classroom distribution plan to meet the fiscal needs of the school.
- The MLC Board of Directors made the final decisions regarding the staffing and budgetary changes during their meeting late Thursday afternoon, students were notified on Friday, and a letter went home to parents that same day.
- Some parents would have liked to have been notified of classroom changes before their children found out so they could have been more prepared to support their child(ren.)
- MLC has openings for students in grades 4-8 who are interseted in a dual langauge program for their child.
- In general, there is a sense of communtiy and need to work together
- Opportunity to get involved in support of MLC's Arts Program (letter in 10/13 Electronic Backpack)
- Explore options for an MLC 5K (letter coming in 10/20 Electronic Backpack)
- Flyers and information to recruit new students in grades 4-8 (in the meantime, if you know bilingual families who may be interested in MLC, please refer them to the front office).
- Grade Level Breakfasts
- Town Hall Meeting coming up November 15th.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Social Development
Today at Second Cup our topic focused mainly on the social development of our children and the ways the develop friendships at MLC. It came out of some questions parents had about creating more opportunities for students to interact with other children in their grade level during recess. We first discussed the safety reasons that each class is designated to an area and the option for teachers to create teams within a grade level so kids from different classes can both be assigned to an area and play with each other. However, this is not necessarily something that teachers see as a priority among the many things they need to do each day for our students.
We then discussed the many benefits of kids being able to play with new friends in their new classes and the valuable lesson that even though someone is not in my class, they can still be my friend. Since we are so small, there are many opportunities for kids to interact with each other in different circumstances such as during PE which is often a grade-level experience, on field trips and during ESCAPE and the valuable life lesson of learning to meet and get along with new people. Having friends in different environments creates the opportunity for diversity.
When looking at the kids in middle school, where everyone is together you see that the friendships made at MLC are diverse, inclusive, and last the test of time. By being able to meet and interact with everyone in elementary, the whole middle school evolves as a family.
It's all part of developing social success at MLC.
We then discussed the many benefits of kids being able to play with new friends in their new classes and the valuable lesson that even though someone is not in my class, they can still be my friend. Since we are so small, there are many opportunities for kids to interact with each other in different circumstances such as during PE which is often a grade-level experience, on field trips and during ESCAPE and the valuable life lesson of learning to meet and get along with new people. Having friends in different environments creates the opportunity for diversity.
When looking at the kids in middle school, where everyone is together you see that the friendships made at MLC are diverse, inclusive, and last the test of time. By being able to meet and interact with everyone in elementary, the whole middle school evolves as a family.
It's all part of developing social success at MLC.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday = Spirit Day
Today was filled with MLC Spirit - from our first "Rally" to the first meeting of Parent Council and the beginning of Spirit Wear Sales! Don't forget to buy your MLC Wear so you can join us on Wednesday Spirit Day!
Our first Rally was...interesting! Several parents were there along with the student body as they trailed in a 8:15am. We announced Back-to-School Week and applauded the fact that more than 120 families have signed up for Electronic Backpack! We got excited about Movie Night (especially the kids) coming up on October 8th at 7:30pm at MLC (doors open at 6:30pm for picnic or pizza). Also - several of our students running for Student Council shared why they made the decision to run for office stating their desires to be responsible, to be leaders, and to create change!
We had GREAT turnout for the Morning Parent Council meeting (in fact we had to bring in more chairs!). The topics discussed include the many upcoming events and needs for volutneers as well as status of room parents, volunteer recognition and fundaising goals past and future.
Our new MLC website officially "opened" today with the first week of Electronic Backpack. You will see it has a new look and is available in both languages. It is still in progress so thanks for your patience as we continue to develop it. In addition to the weekly flyers - you can find calendars, menus and other information: www.mlccharter.org - check it out!
Entertainment Books went home today - you can either purchase the book for $25 (you will get your money back quickly with the savings in the book, even if you just use it to buy groceries!) or return the book on Friday. No pressure to sell to others - this is a service for MLC families.
Don't forget about your Back-to-School-Night date next week: September 27 - 30 at various times depending on your child's classroom. If you can't find your flyer with the details it is posted on Electronic Backpack on the MLC website: www.mlccharter.org (look in the Parent Section).
Have great week!
Our first Rally was...interesting! Several parents were there along with the student body as they trailed in a 8:15am. We announced Back-to-School Week and applauded the fact that more than 120 families have signed up for Electronic Backpack! We got excited about Movie Night (especially the kids) coming up on October 8th at 7:30pm at MLC (doors open at 6:30pm for picnic or pizza). Also - several of our students running for Student Council shared why they made the decision to run for office stating their desires to be responsible, to be leaders, and to create change!
We had GREAT turnout for the Morning Parent Council meeting (in fact we had to bring in more chairs!). The topics discussed include the many upcoming events and needs for volutneers as well as status of room parents, volunteer recognition and fundaising goals past and future.
Our new MLC website officially "opened" today with the first week of Electronic Backpack. You will see it has a new look and is available in both languages. It is still in progress so thanks for your patience as we continue to develop it. In addition to the weekly flyers - you can find calendars, menus and other information: www.mlccharter.org - check it out!
Entertainment Books went home today - you can either purchase the book for $25 (you will get your money back quickly with the savings in the book, even if you just use it to buy groceries!) or return the book on Friday. No pressure to sell to others - this is a service for MLC families.
Don't forget about your Back-to-School-Night date next week: September 27 - 30 at various times depending on your child's classroom. If you can't find your flyer with the details it is posted on Electronic Backpack on the MLC website: www.mlccharter.org (look in the Parent Section).
Have great week!
Friday, September 17, 2010
We're on a Roll Now!
We are only in our second week of school and it seems like summer never happened! There is a lot of good information in the flyer packets this week - including Month-at-a-Glance which has details on important things such as Back-To-School-Week and Spirit Wear Sales as well as our Test Score Workshop on Thursday September 23rd at 6:30pm. Also - our first Grade Level Breakfast is coming up on September 24 for Kinder Families. The first Parent Council Meetings are next Wednesday - and you have a choice of morning or evening this year!
Electronic Backpack (EB) applications are pouring in and as of today we have more than 120 families signed up! We are going to be very green this year! Thank you MLC Parents! All paper flyers for families not signing up for EB will go home with the oldest MLC student which will also help reduce paper and costs.
At Second Cup this week we discussed the following topics: Test Score Workshop; Attendance and Tardy Policy; Grants & Renewal; Art Program; MLC Rally. Here are the highlights:
The Test Score Workshop is designed to help parents understand the data received in the mail and to prepare parents for asking questions during parent/teacher conferences regarding student achievement.
The new Attendance and Tardy Policy was pereived by some parents as a bit harsh and there were some questions regarding exceptions to the rule. It was explained that the new policy was put in place to address extreme absences and tardies that due occur and interfere with instruction and progress. There are exceptions and of course flexibility for occasional and reasonable absences and tardies.
Grants and Charter Renewal: The declining economy is leaving funders with less money to grant nonprofits and MLC did not have a successful year last year in acquiring grant funds despite tremendous efforts! There was discussion of how to target fundraising to help the general fund as this going to be a very lean year at MLC. MLC is up for Renewal in 2011 and the renewal application is coming along. We will share our final product on the MLC website once approved by the district.
Arts Program - A parent shared some resources for teachers and another had some supplies to donate - thank you! We also discussed the idea of targeting parent fundraising toward the Arts Residency program at MLC.
Rally - The MLC Rally was discussed in terms of ideas of content and logistics. Come to our first Rally on September 22nd to see how it goes!
Our website is getting a new look and organiztion (and it is now bilingual!). We are working tirelessly to get our first version up on the web - and definitely by September 22 when EB begins!
Electronic Backpack (EB) applications are pouring in and as of today we have more than 120 families signed up! We are going to be very green this year! Thank you MLC Parents! All paper flyers for families not signing up for EB will go home with the oldest MLC student which will also help reduce paper and costs.
At Second Cup this week we discussed the following topics: Test Score Workshop; Attendance and Tardy Policy; Grants & Renewal; Art Program; MLC Rally. Here are the highlights:
The Test Score Workshop is designed to help parents understand the data received in the mail and to prepare parents for asking questions during parent/teacher conferences regarding student achievement.
The new Attendance and Tardy Policy was pereived by some parents as a bit harsh and there were some questions regarding exceptions to the rule. It was explained that the new policy was put in place to address extreme absences and tardies that due occur and interfere with instruction and progress. There are exceptions and of course flexibility for occasional and reasonable absences and tardies.
Grants and Charter Renewal: The declining economy is leaving funders with less money to grant nonprofits and MLC did not have a successful year last year in acquiring grant funds despite tremendous efforts! There was discussion of how to target fundraising to help the general fund as this going to be a very lean year at MLC. MLC is up for Renewal in 2011 and the renewal application is coming along. We will share our final product on the MLC website once approved by the district.
Arts Program - A parent shared some resources for teachers and another had some supplies to donate - thank you! We also discussed the idea of targeting parent fundraising toward the Arts Residency program at MLC.
Rally - The MLC Rally was discussed in terms of ideas of content and logistics. Come to our first Rally on September 22nd to see how it goes!
Our website is getting a new look and organiztion (and it is now bilingual!). We are working tirelessly to get our first version up on the web - and definitely by September 22 when EB begins!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
First Day of School
Hello Parents!
The first day of school and the start of our tenth year is a very exciting time at MLC. Sixty new kinders joined our community today--and six MLC graduates stopped by to volunteer which was a welcomed site. We got to hear more about their new high school expereinces and how they are handling AP Spanish and Honors English.
Today you are receiving a packet of information (check with the oldest child enrolled at MLC) including a Welcome Letter, Parent and Student Handbook, Volunteer News, Back-to-School Night, and Electronic Backpack form. It's a lot to read and the Handbook and Volunteer News are resources to keep and refer to as you need them. Most of the pieces require some sort of response, so look through carefully and return appropriate forms with your child by Friday.
We have some exciting events this month at MLC so refer to your yearly calendar which was mailed home this summer. We will be sending home our September Month-at-a-Glance next Wedsnesday with more details on September events.
As a reminder, ESCAPE Homework/Activity Clubs are taking place this week after-school as we are still receiving enrollment applictions. Student schedules for grades 1-8 will be sent home Friday September 10th and class schedules will start September 13th. Kinder Club starts September 9th.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year - welcome (back) and thank you for your belief in the MLC vision.
The first day of school and the start of our tenth year is a very exciting time at MLC. Sixty new kinders joined our community today--and six MLC graduates stopped by to volunteer which was a welcomed site. We got to hear more about their new high school expereinces and how they are handling AP Spanish and Honors English.
Today you are receiving a packet of information (check with the oldest child enrolled at MLC) including a Welcome Letter, Parent and Student Handbook, Volunteer News, Back-to-School Night, and Electronic Backpack form. It's a lot to read and the Handbook and Volunteer News are resources to keep and refer to as you need them. Most of the pieces require some sort of response, so look through carefully and return appropriate forms with your child by Friday.
We have some exciting events this month at MLC so refer to your yearly calendar which was mailed home this summer. We will be sending home our September Month-at-a-Glance next Wedsnesday with more details on September events.
As a reminder, ESCAPE Homework/Activity Clubs are taking place this week after-school as we are still receiving enrollment applictions. Student schedules for grades 1-8 will be sent home Friday September 10th and class schedules will start September 13th. Kinder Club starts September 9th.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year - welcome (back) and thank you for your belief in the MLC vision.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Welcome to the MLC Weekly Blog!
This Blog will be updated every Wednesday afternoon to fill in MLC community members on the happenings at MLC including updates from the MLC Wednesday events including: 2nd Cup of Coffee, MLC Rally, and your Weekly Flyers! Stay connected on and off-campus by coming to MLC or checking in with the Weekly Blog brought to you by MLC's Program Director Gayle Nadler. Join in by posting your comments and questions!
Looking forward to a great 2010-2011!
Looking forward to a great 2010-2011!
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