Parents, please use your judgment about whether it is safe or convenient to bring your child to school through the snow. Don’t hesitate to keep your children home, or arrive late for school today.
You might find interesting this article “Is Your Kid Truly Allergic? Tests Add to Food Confusion” in today’s Wall Street Journal. A few interesting observations from the article:
… A national sampling from 2005-2006, which also included blood tests, found that 9% of U.S. children had a sensitivity to peanuts, 7% to egg; 12% to milk and 5% to shrimp. But experts believe that only about one-tenth of those children will actually have allergic reactions to those foods. Even the true rate of fatal reactions to food allergies is hard to gauge: Estimates range from as low as five to as high as 200 per year.
… Blood tests measure the level of antibodies, called immunogloblin E (IgE), a body makes to a particular food. But having IgE antibodies doesn’t mean that a person will actually have an allergic symptom when they encounter it.
Skin-prick tests are slightly more predictive, but there, too, a red wheal in response to a skin prick doesn’t necessarily mean that a child will have an actual allergic reaction to that food.
… Allergy experts can make some guesses about the likelihood of a reaction based on test results, and they are starting to establish cutoff thresholds. In a skin-prick test, for example, a wheal smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter indicates a slim chance of a real allergy, says Dr. Sampson; a wheal greater than 10 millimeters is generally a good chance.
… researchers in Manchester, England, reported that when 79 children who tested positive for peanut IgE antibodies were given food challenges, 66 of them could eat peanuts safely.
… “Are these blood tests being overused? Possibly. Misinterpreted? Absolutely,” says Robert Wood, director of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
… It’s estimated that 80% of children with allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, diary and soy outgrow them, usually by about age 5. But only about 20% of those with allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish do.
As discussed elsewhere on our website (under Community), based on financial need, the Friends of Montessori Foundation (FoM) provides scholarships for tuition at The Montessori House.
You may apply on-line at www.sss.nais.org in the “Families” section.
One family did try to apply on-line recently, but could not find FoM. The problem they identified has been resolved (and thanks for pursuing it with us). Before you apply, please contact the school office for the proper code for the foundation, then all should proceed smoothly.
The Montessori House is accepting enrollment for our 2010 Summer Camp.
Enrollment is open to students enrolled in 2009-10 or those entering our Pre-Primary or Kindergarten programs for 2010-11. Enrollment is limited to 25 and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camp runs for five (5) weeks starting June 28, 2010, Monday- Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (no camp Independence Day, Monday, July 5).
Please click here for information on camp fees and and enrollment application.
Everything is fine at The Montessori House today. Despite the strong winds and rain, everyone is warm and dry inside the school. Of course, we won’t be going outside to play today!
We have heard of power outages at schools in a few neighboring communities, but we have no problems here. We are on our normal schedule.
Please take care on the roads today, and especially in our parking lot and during car line.
The Montessori House will be closed Monday January 18, a national holiday to commemorate the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. Please remember to make other care arrangements for your children, and enjoy the 3-day weekend! Classes resume on our normal schedule Tuesday January 19.
For those not familiar with the Dr. King, he was an was an important civil rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s. A leader in the movement to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States, his most famous address was the “I Have A Dream” speech(” …I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character...”). An African-American, and a Baptist minister, he was an advocate of non-violent protest, civil rights, peace and social justice. He became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39.
Friday January 8: The Montessori House will hold its regularly scheduled classes.
A member of The Montessori House community has contracted a confirmed case of Strep Throat.
All children at school on Tuesday January 5, 2010 may have been exposed. Please monitor you child for symptoms. The chart below provides a handy reference for Strep Throat and other common childhood ailments.
Please report any cases of the following to the office as soon as possible.
| Chicken Pox | Small red spots turning to blisters, may be preceded by fatigue, slight fever, upset stomach. |
| Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina) | Rash, sore throat, temperature, vomiting. |
| Pediculosis (Headlice) | Persistent itching of scalp, small, oval silver-white eggs on hair shaft base. |
| Giardiasis or Giardia Lamblia –
A protozoa |
Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea It is the most frequent cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in the country. |
| Bacterial Conjunctivitis | “Pink eye,” sometimes with discharge, tearing, itching, pain. |
Strep Throat |
Sore throat, usually red throat, swollen glands, general malaise, occasional abdominal discomfort. |
| Impetigo | Tiny pus-filled pimple-like lesions that rupture and crust within a few hours to two days. Usually on face around nostrils or around lips. |
| Pinworms | Night-time rectal itching and restlessness. |
| Coxsackie Virus | Fever, blisters on gums and in mouth, blister or rash on palms of hands or soles of feet. |
| Fifth Disease | Red rash on face that looks like slapped cheeks. Could have cold symptoms, fever. Incubation period is four to fourteen days. |
Last Thursday, December 10, Montessori House parents organized a delightful surprise for the teachers and staff. First, a big THANKS to all the parents and families who worked so hard, so creatively, and so successfully on this splendid event.
Ms. Maria was really taken with it all, “This was a memorable experience. Even before entering the carefully veiled room, we knew something special was waiting on the other side. Moments before stepping into the room, the scent of incense, the flickering of candle light, and the beating rhythm of exotic music all indicated that this was going to be extraordinary – and it was! A plain meeting room, wholly transformed into a Moroccan-style escape, complete with savory foods and drinks, spa treatments, delectable sweets, and fabulous furnishings. The highlight was the photo album conveying special messages from the children to the teachers. This was a wonderful gift from the families to the teachers, and we thank all of the parents (and their helpers) for this amazing escape. “
The party guests couldn’t believe how the room had been transformed. It wowed Ms. Kathy, “What a transformation of the living room! I can’t believe how those women did that. I thought the evening was wonderful … they really made me feel very special, appreciated and loved.”
Ms. Anne Marie added, “I was amazed at how they could transform the entire room. There were so many brand new parents involved … what a family! That’s what we’re all about.”
Ms Suzy was also amazed, “The moms who pampered us completely transformed the room into a beautiful scene, with delicious food, soothing lights and music, lovely flowers, and a fantastic masseuse. Thanks for the generosity, and the sincere and kind appreciation they showed us.”
“The hand massage, the back massage and the food were all absolutely delightful”, continued Ms. Deepthi, “it must have taken many volunteer hours. My thanks to all the kind parents for their hospitality and generosity.”
Ms. Hillarie said, “I most enjoyed the people and atmosphere … and the food was fabulous. I plan on making the yogurt and blue cheese appetizer for Christmas. The Montessori House is a truly special place. I’m so lucky to be a part of it. Thanks so much for inviting me.”
Other menu items included: Mint Tea; Vegetable Platter; Mixed Olive Salad; Hummus & Lamb with Vegetables; Eggplant Dip served with Warm Pita; Beef Skewers; Chicken Meatballs; Almond Spiced Cookies; Fruit Platter (a specialty of The Montessori House!); as well as Yogurt & Blue Cheese Dip with Pitas.
“Everything. I enjoyed everything,” enthused Ms. Delores, “the delicious food, beautiful relaxing atmosphere, and the great massage! We were all touched by this totally amazing party and how much effort, time and thought the parent put into making it all very special. Thank you.”
Having a masseuse was a novel and popular touch. One of the guests has a regular Thursday massage appointment. She planned to reschedule, no need, “The massage therapy was delightful and a real treat!”
But it was more than just the afterglow of massage that Ms. Marcia refers to when she says, “I left wrapped in your warmth and gracious care. Thank you for your time, thought and tremendous effort. What an extraordinary group of parents. No wonder your children are amazing!”
Cathy C. (Ritchie’s mom)
Eunsoo K. (Joshua and Nicholas’ mom) – Event Organizer and Photo Album Book Design and Décor
Joy O. (Sebastian’s mom) – Event Organizer Assistant and Décor
Samantha S. (Isabelle’s mom) – Décor
Christine C. (Caitlyn’s mom) – Menu
Kyung-Hae Park-Kim (William’s mom) – Flowers
Jennifer O. (Sienna’s mom) – Invitation, Favor, and Music
Annie C. (Olivia’s mom) – Invitation, Favor, and Music
Geetika Patel (Priyanka’s mom) – Spa
The Cho-Choi Family
The Uram Family
The Garcia-Miller Family
The Chia Family
The Staphos Family
The Chan-Ellis Family
The Bakhru Family
The Gold Family
The Collins Family
The Chun Family
The Ramaswamy Family
[Note: you can find many pictures of the teachers, the parents, and the party in the Parents section photo gallery.]
Sorry, we’re running a little behind in publishing the news from The Montessori House.
The two days of school before the Thanksgiving break were devoted to preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey and stuffing. The children helped prepare much of the menu (with a little help from parents and teachers). Thanks to all the parents who were able to lend a hand in the preparation and in the eating!
If you’d like to see pictures, please look at the photo galleries in the Parents section.