As we begin our seventh week of school, all of the children seem to be settling in quite nicely to their daily routines and expectations. It has been exciting to see them begin to evolve as a community.
In the beginning of the year, there is a lot of focus on how we work together as a community. It is a true joy to see them work through issues in the classroom, offer solutions, and implement them successfully.
Besides community building, the children have been enjoying lessons on the states of matter, the birth of the stars, the elements, super novas, and the relationship of the sun and the earth.
Writer’s Workshops will begin this week. Writer’s Workshop is a time where the children put to use the grammar and punctuation lessons they have been working on each week. It is the time that they are encouraged to use their very best handwriting.

Volunteers
We still have some openings for classroom cooking and library book provider. If you would like to help with one of those opportunities, please let me know. We are thankful to all who have volunteered.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences will begin this week and run through November 2nd. Sign-up sheet will be available at drop off and pick up.
I have allocated twenty minutes for each conference. If you feel you will need more time than that, please sign up for two slots or email me so that we can schedule a different time. If you have two children with me, sign up for two slots. If none of the times listed work for you, email me so that we can work together to schedule a time that will work.
Conferences are not mandatory but I do prefer to have one if this is your child’s first year with me.

Historical Halloween
As you know, Historical Halloween will be celebrated on Monday, October 31st. All parents are invited to our morning group meeting at 8:15. The students will present at that time. We will begin promptly at 8:15. We make time after presentations to take a group photo and photos with friends. Please plan to attend if possible. It is a lot of fun!
Hurricane Matthew
We are so grateful to all who were able to clean up the school grounds, stopped by, or called to check on the school. I wouldn’t trade our MTS community for anything. You are all wonderful and your support is valued greatly!
Homework
In addition to Historical Halloween, we will have a couple of other assignments this month. We have joined a program called Nature Pal Exchange and have been paired with a homeschool group in another region of the U.S.. We will be sending home information on that this week. We will also celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Thursday, November 3rd. Look for more information on this assignment to come home Friday, October 28th. As always, thank you for your support with these projects!
Upcoming Events
October 15th – MTS Community Yard Sale
October 19th – Nature item due
October 21st – 3rd years only to UNF Robotics lab
October 21st – 1st parents’ night out
October 25th – Amazing Grace Corn Maze
October 28th – 2nd parents’ night out
October 31st – Historical Halloween
November 3rd – Dia de los Muertos
November 4th – Teacher Institute Day (No Students)
Field Trips 2016-2017
We are diligently working to schedule a field trip, once a month, that enriches our curriculum. We appreciate all of the time that our parents take out of their schedules to drive and make these trips possible. At this time the following field trips are scheduled:
October 25th – Amazing Grace Corn Maze
November 14th – Beaches Children’s Garden
December 9th – Crooked River State Park
January – TBA
February 7th – Shanghai Circus at FSCJ
March 7th – Old Florida Museum
April 21st – Jacksonville Aboretum
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