North Shoreview Montessori

  The safety committee is looking for help during morning drop off from 7:45am to 8:30am. Contact Cari for more information.

Every 10 years, the government reports the number of people who live in the United States by conducting a count called the census. This count is required by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to determine the number of representatives each state receives in the U.S. Congress, as well as representation in the state legislature. Government agencies use the data to make funding decisions for more than $300 billion each year, including Title 1 education allocations, college grant and loan programs, public transportation, public health services and hospitals.

Who should be counted? Everyone! All children, babies, and adults who live in a household should be counted, regardless of nationality, citizenship status, race, age, or gender. Some people are reluctant to give the government personal information; however, census information is completely confidential. It is never shared with other government agencies, including the IRS, any office of immigration, or the FBI--in fact, sharing census data is against the law.

Every person in every home should be counted as part of the census. Once you receive your census form in the mail, please fill it out and mail it in right away.  To learn more about the census and how it helps our communities, see the Census in Schools program at http://www.census.gov/schools.

  Wanted, someone who would like to play a more active role in the school and learn more about the PTA and be part of the PTA Board. Prior experience is not required but prior knowledge of Parliamentarian procedures or a strong desire to learn more about the role is desirable. This is a great way to get involved in the school, get volunteer hours, work with great people and give back to the community. If interested, please contact Atticus for more details.

  All are welcome at the PTA Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 31, 6:00-8:00 pm in the school library.  Read here to find out about receiving PTA meeting agendas, minutes and other communications.

 The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile remind us that we too live in earthquake country. In addition to offering help to those distant communities, it is important to be prepared here at home. NSM students will participate in a regularly scheduled earthquake drill in mid-March. Classrooms will discuss and practice earthquake safety in age-appropriate terms. Families can take this opportunity to talk about their plans in the event of an earthquake or other emergency. Helpful information about emergency preparedness for families is available from the San Mateo County Health Department.

 NSM parents and community members have already reported over 6,000 volunteer hours this year! That's a tremendous contribution to our school and our children's education. If you haven't yet reported your hours for the past month, please go to the Volunteer Report Form at www.nsmontessori.org or use the computers in the school office. All families should have completed at least 20 of their 30-hour annual committment by the beginning of March.

 On March 8, the San Mateo County Elections Office certified the results for Measure A. The official results reported are 67% yes and 33% no. These results meet the two-thirds requirement for passage by a margin of 71 votes out of over 21,000 cast. This was a tremendously important election for the students, staff and families of the San Mateo-Foster City School District. The Measure A sponsors have issued a statement expressing gratitude to our community and those who worked so hard to ensure continued support for quality education for our students.

 After twenty years of supporting programs for all students in our district, for kids! San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation is looking for your help to strengthen our organization and partnerships. We invite you to bring your ideas, thoughts and energy to a vision building session to revitalize the Education Foundation.

• Saturday, March 20 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the SMFC District Office, 1170 Chess Drive, Foster City
• Keynote address by Delaine Eastin, former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, followed by group brainstorming workshops
• Dr. Jean Holbrook, San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, will facilitate
• Space is limited. If you are interested in participating please RSVP to Jean by March 5 at 312-7234

 Yearbook order forms can be picked up in the office or printed here. The cost is only $12 and if you order now you receive a free photo book with your purchase. Get yours before they are sold out! If you have any questions, please contact Saili.

If you are looking for ways to fulfill your 30 hour volunteer commitment, here are some ideas:

• The PTA Fundraising committee, please email Stephanie.
• The safety committee is looking for help during morning drop off from 7:45am to 8:30am. Contact Cari for more information.
• Classroom help: contact your child's teacher.
• 4th thru 7th grade sports: contact Bev.
• The Book Fair needs help during lunchtime, March 8-12. Please email Cindy for more details.
• Grounds and Greens: contact Charlie.
• Art in Action: contact Susan.