November 29, 2015

The Thanksgiving holiday is coming to an end and the normal schedule resumes on Monday! Hope everyone had a healthy and restful holiday and are ready to get started in the swing of things again!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
December 7-11th at HMM. Come out and get some holiday shopping done! Volunteers needed! contacthmmbookfair@gmail.com if you are available any time!

HMM HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
The HMM holiday performance is December 10, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Students need to arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. and report to their teacher's classroom. If students are getting make-up that night, they should start arriving around 5:30 p.m. Costume information is in the announcement. Also, we need cheap headbands (Dollar Store) to make bear ears (300 headbands--one for each student). This will be a great time for both students and families!

HMM COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
HMM is participating in a Community outreach program:
       * LOAVES & FISHES FOOD DRIVE: please bring non perishable foods to be donated to the Loaves & Fishes food bank. ENDS DECEMBER 17!
COLLECTION BINS ARE IN THE ENTRANCE-WAY OF HMM

SECONDARY MONTESSORI NEWS
We continue to hear from board members and CMS staff alike that our letters and phone calls are being heard- as a result, progress is being made!
Please continue to contact and follow up with board members and CMS staff to urge them to:
·         Commit to adding 9th grade in 2016
·         Make the 2017 location a priority for the capital needs assessment that begins this December
The more we speak up, the more they listen. Let’s keep at it!

Come Support Our Girls on the Run Team! 
Show your HMM school spirit by joining our girls for the actual Girls on the Run 5K which will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 9:00am at Blythe Elementary School in Huntersville.  I will never forget my own daughters first season in Girls on the Run.  She was nearing the finish line and getting tired but then she heard, "Go Kathleen" from Mr. Byers.  The look on her face was priceless! And, she found additional energy to keep going. Your presence means a lot to the girls and shows the rest of the CMS world that Highland Mill Montessori stands behinds its students and we ROCK!  Make signs, bring noise makers, or just show up.  We'd love to see you on the course or at the finish line. 
Thank you and we hope to see you at either the practice 5K and/or the Girls on the Run 5K in December!
Coach Mary

SLT (Student Leadership Team) Meetings
Join the SLT at their monthly meetings every 3rd Thursday at 8am. The group gets together and discusses student/school decisions that are important to not only the school but our students as well. All parents are welcome! The next meeting will be held on DECEMBER 17th!

Spirit Rocks: BIRTHDAYS, SPECIAL EVENTS, OR SHOW HMM PRIDE!
HMM has two Spirit Rocks available for painting! If you'd like to paint the Spirit Rock, you must first check to see if the date is available on the Spirit Rock calendar here. If your date is available, then please fill out this form and send in $10 to HMM PTA. Once the money is received, the PTA will reserve the date on the calendar. Can’t wait to see all your beautiful Spirit Rock creations!

Text Reminding from the PTA
Do you feel like you are forgetting important dates for HMM and the PTA? Days off? Deadlines? Events? YES???? Then join the HMM Text reminding! Just text 81010  with the message @hmmpta. or click this link! Just another way to join the HMM Community!

Join the HMM Community
If you are interested in joining the PTA and helping support HMM please contact the PTA directly atHighlandmillmontessoripta@gmail.com. If you have already expressed this interest, your committee chair should have contacted you-if they have not, please email us so that we can make sure the information we have is correct. REMEMBER- you do not have to be at the school to help! There is a role for everyone!. We look forward to growing the PTA family so that our children can have the best year yet! 

Parent Education
Check out this Facebook Group where HMM parents are sharing Montessori information and resources. Also, take a look at and follow the parent-created HMM Pinterest Board for Montessori activities you can do at home!


Support our school by shopping on Amazon
Now you can support our school by shopping on Amazon! Make your purchases through this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2052326 and our school will get back a percentage. You can use your existing Amazon username and password. It's super easy and just in time for the holiday shopping!!

Give Back to HMM by Shopping
There are several ways you can support our school, just by shopping. Link your Target REDcard, VIC Card (you can do this online if you have your card with you-it's easy!) or BiLo Bonus Card to our school and automatically donate a percentage of your purchases. Also, visit www.Shoparoo.com for another way to support our school each time you shop. 


How Do I Keep in Touch with the PTA?
o    Bookmark our website: www.highlandmillmontessoripta.weebly.com
o    Friend us on Facebook: Highland Mill Montessori PTA
o    Join Remind: Text 424.203.0478 with the message @hmmpta


Save the Date
DECEMBER 7-11- Scholastic Book Fair
DECEMBER 10- Holiday Performance
DECEMBER 21- January 2- NO SCHOOL

November 22, 2015



The hustle and bustle of the holidays has snuck up on us. School breaks, family and friends, and holiday busyness are starting. In our family we take the time to reflect....What are we thankful for? What are some things we want to improve on in the coming year? What can we do for others in our day to day lives? What are some of the things you do for the holidays? Tune into facebook and post...who knows...maybe your family will find a new tradition!

GREAT FUNDRAISER NEWS!
Great job to all HMM students and families for their participation in the annual fundraiser! Because we have exceeded our goal, all students will be able to enjoy a school wide pajama day on November 24th!  GREAT JOB!!!!

JUMPJAM SPIRIT NIGHT: DEFY GRAVITY
The HMM JumpJam Spirit Night is this Tuesday, 11/24 from 6-7pm at DefyGravity Charlotte.  Pre-purchased tickets were sent home last week. If you paid for tickets and have not yet received them, please email HMMFamilyEvents@gmail.comASAP. Reminder: no tickets will be sold at the door.  We'll see you there!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
December 7-11th at HMM. Come out and get some holiday shopping done! Volunteers needed! contacthmmbookfair@gmail.com if you are available any time!

HMM HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
The HMM holiday performance is December 10, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Students need to arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. and report to their teacher's classroom. If students are getting make-up that night, they should start arriving around 5:30 p.m. Costume information is in the announcement. Also, we need cheap headbands (Dollar Store) to make bear ears (300 headbands--one for each student). This will be a great time for both students and families!

HMM COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
HMM is participating in 2 Community outreach programs:
        * STEVE'S COATS FOR KIDS: please bring new or gently used coats to be donated for those in need. 
       * LOAVES & FISHES FOOD DRIVE: please bring non perishable foods to be donated to the Loaves & Fishes food bank.
COLLECTION BINS FOR BOTH ARE IN THE ENTRANCE-WAY OF HMM


SECONDARY MONTESSORI NEWS
We continue to hear from board members and CMS staff alike that our letters and phone calls are being heard- as a result, progress is being made!
Please continue to contact and follow up with board members and CMS staff to urge them to:
·         Commit to adding 9th grade in 2016
·         Make the 2017 location a priority for the capital needs assessment that begins this December
The more we speak up, the more they listen. Let’s keep at it!

Come Support Our Girls on the Run Team! 
Show your HMM school spirit by joining our girls for the actual Girls on the Run 5K which will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 9:00am at Blythe Elementary School in Huntersville.  I will never forget my own daughters first season in Girls on the Run.  She was nearing the finish line and getting tired but then she heard, "Go Kathleen" from Mr. Byers.  The look on her face was priceless! And, she found additional energy to keep going. Your presence means a lot to the girls and shows the rest of the CMS world that Highland Mill Montessori stands behinds its students and we ROCK!  Make signs, bring noise makers, or just show up.  We'd love to see you on the course or at the finish line. 
Thank you and we hope to see you at either the practice 5K and/or the Girls on the Run 5K in December!
Coach Mary


SLT (Student Leadership Team) Meetings
Join the SLT at their monthly meetings every 3rd Thursday at 8am. The group gets together and discusses student/school decisions that are important to not only the school but our students as well. All parents are welcome!

Spirit Rocks: BIRTHDAYS, SPECIAL EVENTS, OR SHOW HMM PRIDE!
HMM has two Spirit Rocks available for painting! If you'd like to paint the Spirit Rock, you must first check to see if the date is available on the Spirit Rock calendar here. If your date is available, then please fill out this form and send in $10 to HMM PTA. Once the money is received, the PTA will reserve the date on the calendar. Can’t wait to see all your beautiful Spirit Rock creations!



Text Reminding from the PTA
Do you feel like you are forgetting important dates for HMM and the PTA? Days off? Deadlines? Events? YES???? Then join the HMM Text reminding! Just text 81010  with the message @hmmpta. or click this link! Just another way to join the HMM Community!

Join the HMM Community
If you are interested in joining the PTA and helping support HMM please contact the PTA directly atHighlandmillmontessoripta@gmail.com. If you have already expressed this interest, your committee chair should have contacted you-if they have not, please email us so that we can make sure the information we have is correct. REMEMBER- you do not have to be at the school to help! There is a role for everyone!. We look forward to growing the PTA family so that our children can have the best year yet! 

Parent Education
Check out this Facebook Group where HMM parents are sharing Montessori information and resources. Also, take a look at and follow the parent-created HMM Pinterest Board for Montessori activities you can do at home!




Support our school by shopping on Amazon
Now you can support our school by shopping on Amazon! Make your purchases through this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2052326 and our school will get back a percentage. You can use your existing Amazon username and password. It's super easy and just in time for the holiday shopping!!

Give Back to HMM by Shopping
There are several ways you can support our school, just by shopping. Link your Target REDcard, VIC Card (you can do this online if you have your card with you-it's easy!) or BiLo Bonus Card to our school and automatically donate a percentage of your purchases. Also, visit www.Shoparoo.com for another way to support our school each time you shop. 
​

How Do I Keep in Touch with the PTA?
o    Bookmark our website: www.highlandmillmontessoripta.weebly.com
o    Friend us on Facebook: Highland Mill Montessori PTA
o    Join Remind: Text 424.203.0478 with the message @hmmpta


Save the Date
November 24- JumpJam Spirit Night at Defy Gravity
November 24-PJ Day!
November 25-27- NO SCHOOL
DECEMBER 7-11- Scholastic Book Fair
DECEMBER 10- Holiday Performance

November 15, 2015
​
**Join your child for the Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Meal at HMM on Thursday November 19th. Cost is $4.00 per Adult**


Report cards came out, the weather is growing cold, the holidays are coming.......before we know it winter break will be here and there will be snow days and freezing rain. The seasons continue their progression much like our children are progressing through the school year. It is so important to talk to them and talk about their favorite works they have done, the book they are reading that they found so interesting or their best friend at school that they cant wait to have over. So here is your challenge....talk to your kids- or maybe you already know....zip over to the HMM facebook page and share your child's favorite ________at HMM! Lets see how many similar and different answers we see!

HMM HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
The HMM holiday performance is December 10, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Students need to arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. and report to their teacher's classroom. If students are getting make-up that night, they should start arriving around 5:30 p.m. Costume information is in the announcement. Also, we need cheap headbands to make bear ears (300 headbands--one for each student). This will be a great time for both students and families!

HMM COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
HMM is participating in 2 Community outreach programs:
        * STEVE'S COATS FOR KIDS: please bring new or gently used coats to be donated for those in need. 
       * LOAVES & FISHES FOOD DRIVE: please bring non perishable foods to be donated to the Loaves & Fishes food bank.
COLLECTION BINS FOR BOTH ARE IN THE ENTRANCE-WAY OF HMM


SECONDARY MONTESSORI NEWS
We continue to hear from board members and CMS staff alike that our letters and phone calls are being heard- as a result, progress is being made!
Please continue to contact and follow up with board members and CMS staff to urge them to:
·         Commit to adding 9th grade in 2016
·         Make the 2017 location a priority for the capital needs assessment that begins this December
The more we speak up, the more they listen. Let’s keep at it!

***Demystifying Montessori- Come join us at HMM for a parent to parent forum about the secondary program at Sedgefield Montessori (November 17th at 6pm at HMM)
***Sedgefield Open House- November 19th from 6-7pm at Sedgefield Middle School


HMM JumpJam Fundraiser--TICKET PURCHASE DEADLINE IS TOMORROW!!!
The deadline to purchase tickets for our 11/24 HMM Spirit Night at DefyGravity is TOMORROW, MONDAY, 11/16.  Want to join in the fun? Then jump to it! Complete and return the blue ticket order form sent home last week in your child's Thursday folder. As a reminder, the cost for each one hour ticket is $13 for ages 7 years and older and $9 for children 6 years and under, with half of all ticket sales being donated back to HMM.  It's going to be a blast--don't miss out!! 
 
Donuts for Dad is this Friday!
Dads, see you this Friday, 11/20 from 8-9 am for Donuts with Dad.  We'll have a photo booth (so don't forget your smart phones) juice and coffee to go along with those melt in your mouth donuts from Krispy Kreme.  See you there!
Come Support Our Girls on the Run Team! 
During our Girls on the Run practice on Wednesday, November 18 we will spend our entire lesson running and walking.  As the head coach of the Highland Mill Montessori Girls on the Run program I would like to invite you to join us for our practice 5K.  This is a great time for family, school staff and faculty to get involved.  Come out and walk and run with these 10 amazing and adorable young ladies.  
I would also like to take this opportunity to ask you to show your HMM school spirit by joining our girls for the actual Girls on the Run 5K which will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 9:00am at Blythe Elementary School in Huntersville.  I will never forget my own daughters first season in Girls on the Run.  She was nearing the finish line and getting tired but then she heard, "Go Kathleen" from Mr. Byers.  The look on her face was priceless! And, she found additional energy to keep going. Your presence means a lot to the girls and shows the rest of the CMS world that Highland Mill Montessori stands behinds its students and we ROCK!  Make signs, bring noise makers, or just show up.  We'd love to see you on the course or at the finish line. 
Thank you and we hope to see you at either the practice 5K and/or the Girls on the Run 5K in December!
Coach Mary

 SLT (Student Leadership Team) Meetings
Join the SLT at their monthly meetings every 3rd Thursday at 8am. The group gets together and discusses student/school decisions that are important to not only the school but our students as well. All parents are welcome! The next meeting isThursday November 19th at 8am!  Hope to see you there!

GREAT FUNDRAISER NEWS!
Great job to all HMM students and families for their participation in the annual fundraiser! Because we have exceeded our goal, all students will be able to enjoy a school wide pajama day on November 24th!  GREAT JOB!!!!

Spirit Rocks: BIRTHDAYS, SPECIAL EVENTS, OR SHOW HMM PRIDE!
HMM has two Spirit Rocks available for painting! If you'd like to paint the Spirit Rock, you must first check to see if the date is available on the Spirit Rock calendar here. If your date is available, then please fill out this form and send in $10 to HMM PTA. Once the money is received, the PTA will reserve the date on the calendar. Can’t wait to see all your beautiful Spirit Rock creations!



Text Reminding from the PTA
Do you feel like you are forgetting important dates for HMM and the PTA? Days off? Deadlines? Events? YES???? Then join the HMM Text reminding! Just text 81010  with the message @hmmpta. or click this link! Just another way to join the HMM Community!

Join the HMM Community
If you are interested in joining the PTA and helping support HMM please contact the PTA directly atHighlandmillmontessoripta@gmail.com. If you have already expressed this interest, your committee chair should have contacted you-if they have not, please email us so that we can make sure the information we have is correct. REMEMBER- you do not have to be at the school to help! There is a role for everyone!. We look forward to growing the PTA family so that our children can have the best year yet! 

Parent Education
Check out this Facebook Group where HMM parents are sharing Montessori information and resources. Also, take a look at and follow the parent-created HMM Pinterest Board for Montessori activities you can do at home!




Support our school by shopping on Amazon
Now you can support our school by shopping on Amazon! Make your purchases through this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2052326 and our school will get back a percentage. You can use your existing Amazon username and password. It's super easy and just in time for the holiday shopping!!

Give Back to HMM by Shopping
There are several ways you can support our school, just by shopping. Link your Target REDcard, VIC Card (you can do this online if you have your card with you-it's easy!) or BiLo Bonus Card to our school and automatically donate a percentage of your purchases. Also, visit www.Shoparoo.com for another way to support our school each time you shop. 


How Do I Keep in Touch with the PTA?
o    Bookmark our website: www.highlandmillmontessoripta.weebly.com
o    Friend us on Facebook: Highland Mill Montessori PTA
o    Join Remind: Text 424.203.0478 with the message @hmmpta


Save the Date
November 20- Donuts w/Dads: 8am-9am at HMM
November 24- JumpJam Spirit Night at Defy Gravity
November 24-PJ Day!
November 25-27- NO SCHOOL
DECEMBER 10- Holiday Performance

November 8, 2015

A HUGE THANK YOU to the volunteers, families and students for making the Fall Festival a success! As I sat there watching all the students chatting excitedly with their parents and friends I really saw the family that HMM is. I hope everyone else took the time to notice and revel in our special community!

**Join your child for the Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Meal at HMM on Thursday November 19th. Cost is $4.00 per Adult**



MONTESSORI MORNINGS & AFTERNOONS
Don't forget to sign up for the Montessori Mornings and Afternoon Programs! Sign up for fun activities such as STEM (Science Explorers), Kinetic Kids, Chess Club, Spanish, YMCA Swim, YMCA Sports, and YMCA Art! Email highlandmillmontessoripta@gmail.comwith any questions! This session will run 11/16/15 through 1/29/16. Registration is due to the PTA by Thursday November 12th!

HMM COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
HMM is participating in 2 Community outreach programs:
        * STEVE'S COATS FOR KIDS: please bring new or gently used coats to be donated for those in need. 
       * LOAVES & FISHES FOOD DRIVE: please bring non perishable foods to be donated to the Loaves & Fishes food bank.
COLLECTION BINS FOR BOTH ARE IN THE ENTRANCEWAY OF HMM


SECONDARY MONTESSORI NEWS
We continue to hear from board members and CMS staff alike that our letters and phone calls are being heard- as a result, progress is being made!
Please continue to contact and follow up with board members and CMS staff to urge them to:
·         Commit to adding 9th grade in 2016
·         Make the 2017 location a priority for the capital needs assessment that begins this December
The more we speak up, the more they listen. Let’s keep at it!

***Demystifying Montessori- Come join us at HMM for a parent to parent forum about the secondary program at Sedgefield Montessori (November 17th at 6pm at HMM)
***Sedgefield Open House- November 19th from 6-7pm at Sedgefield Middle School

COOKIE DOUGH PICKUP DATE 
Thursday, November 12th from 3pm to 6pm!  The cookie dough is perishable and we have no place to store it, so please make arrangements to PICKUP your COOKIE DOUGH ORDERS on November 12th.  Please email any questions tohmminvestinachild@gmail.com. 



HMM JumpJam Fundraiser--Tickets go on sale this week!!
Our next HMM Spirit Night will be Tuesday, 11/24 at DefyGravity Charlotte (8116 University City Blvd) from 6-7pm. Tickets for the JumpJam event are limited, must be purchased in advance and will be on sale starting this week through Monday, 11/15.  The cost for each one hour ticket is $13 for ages 7 years and older and $9 for children 6 years and under, with half of all ticket sales being donated back to HMM.  It's going to be a bouncing good time and a great way to jumpstart the Thanksgiving Holiday, so mark your calendar and plan to attend!  More information and details on ticket sales will be included in this week's Thursday folder.
 
 
Donuts with Dad
Come celebrate our awesome HMM dads and father figures with our annual Donuts with Dad event.  Dads and those who are like dads, mark your calendars for Friday, 11/20 from 8-9 am, and plan to come enjoy coffee, donuts and a little quality time with the kids in your life.  Please see this week's Thursday folder for more information. 


SLT (Student Leadership Team) Meetings
Join the SLT at their monthly meetings every 3rd Thursday at 8am. The group gets together and discusses student/school decisions that are important to not only the school but our students as well. All parents are welcome! The next meeting is Thursday November 19th! Hope to see you there!

GREAT FUNDRAISER NEWS!
Great job to all HMM students and families for their participation in the annual fundraiser! Because we have exceeded our goal, all students will be able to enjoy a school wide pajama day on November 24th!  GREAT JOB!!!!

Spirit Rocks: BIRTHDAYS, SPECIAL EVENTS, OR SHOW HMM PRIDE!
HMM has two Spirit Rocks available for painting! If you'd like to paint the Spirit Rock, you must first check to see if the date is available on the Spirit Rock calendar here. If your date is available, then please fill out this form and send in $10 to HMM PTA. Once the money is received, the PTA will reserve the date on the calendar. Can’t wait to see all your beautiful Spirit Rock creations!



Text Reminding from the PTA
Do you feel like you are forgetting important dates for HMM and the PTA? Days off? Deadlines? Events? YES???? Then join the HMM Text reminding! Just text 81010  with the message @hmmpta. or click this link! Just another way to join the HMM Community!

Join the HMM Community
If you are interested in joining the PTA and helping support HMM please contact the PTA directly at Highlandmillmontessoripta@gmail.com. If you have already expressed this interest, your committee chair should have contacted you-if they have not, please email us so that we can make sure the information we have is correct. REMEMBER- you do not have to be at the school to help! There is a role for everyone!. We look forward to growing the PTA family so that our children can have the best year yet! 

Parent Education
Check out this Facebook Group where HMM parents are sharing Montessori information and resources. Also, take a look at and follow the parent-created HMM Pinterest Boardfor Montessori activities you can do at home!




Support our school by shopping on Amazon
Now you can support our school by shopping on Amazon! Make your purchases through this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2052326 and our school will get back a percentage. You can use your existing Amazon username and password. It's super easy and just in time for the holiday shopping!!

Give Back to HMM by Shopping
There are several ways you can support our school, just by shopping. Link your Target REDcard, VIC Card (you can do this online if you have your card with you-it's easy!) or BiLo Bonus Card to our school and automatically donate a percentage of your purchases. Also, visit www.Shoparoo.com for another way to support our school each time you shop. 


How Do I Keep in Touch with the PTA?
o    Bookmark our website: www.highlandmillmontessoripta.weebly.com
o    Friend us on Facebook: Highland Mill Montessori PTA
o    Join Remind: Text 424.203.0478 with the message @hmmpta


Save the Date
November 11-NO SCHOOL
November 14- Parents' Night Out at Free Range Brewery POSTPONED—Date TBD
November 20- Donuts w/Dads: 8am-9am at HMM
November 24- JumpJam Spirit Night at Defy Gravity
November 24-PJ Day!
November 25-27- NO SCHOOL

As Red Ribbon Week flew by, we hope everyone took this opportunity (or will in the future) to talk to their children about the importance of saying NO! to drugs!

November has already started and the cold chill is officially here! What were once the cries of "Its too hot!" has now turned into "Its too cold" which begins the season of inside games and crafts. Go to the facebook page and post some of your favorite icky weather past-times! Who knows- maybe we can each find a new one to enjoy as a family!

FOAM POOL NOODLES NEEDED FOR FALL FESTIVAL NEXT WEEKEND!
Please take a look in your garages and summer stuff to see if you have any foam pool noodles you can donate!
Drop off to PTA by Wednesday if possible!  THANK YOU!!!!!

FALL FESTIVAL BBQ
Pre-Order your  HMM Fall Festival BBQ plates (pulled pork, chicken or hot dog) now! there are 2 ways to place your order:
       1. order and pay online at www.highlandmillmontessoripta.weebly.com 
       2. Fill out the pink order form that was sent home in your Thursday folder (contact the PTA if another form is needed)
Orders must be placed by November 5th!

LAST CALL FOR SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS
If you have committed to donating for this year's silent auction or still would like to donate, this TUESDAY, 11/3 is the deadline for dropping them off by the PTA Room.  No donations will be accepted for this year's auction after Tuesday, 11/3.  If you have any questions or comments, please send them to HMMFamilyEvents@gmail.com.
SECONDARY MONTESSORI UPDATE
We continue to hear from board members and CMS staff alike that our letters and phone calls are being heard- as a result, progress is being made!

Also, a huge thank you to all those who showed up to Tuesday night’s board meeting in support of this effort. Montessori’s presence at the meeting was reported by WFAE, The Charlotte Observer’s Ann Doss Helms, and News 14’s Litsa Pappas. Though we continue to gain traction, the issue of a 2017 location remains our primary barrier.
Please continue to contact and follow up with board members and CMS staff to urge them to:
·         Commit to adding 9th grade in 2016
·         Make the 2017 location a priority for the capital needs assessment that begins this December
The more we speak up, the more they listen. Let’s keep at it!

COOKIE DOUGH PICKUP DATE 
Thursday, November 12th from 3pm to 6pm!  The cookie dough is perishable and we have no place to store it, so please make arrangements to PICKUP your COOKIE DOUGH ORDERS on November 12th.  Please email any questions tohmminvestinachild@gmail.com. 

HMM BLOOD DRIVE
HMMS is having our second annual Blood drive Saturday, November 7th from 11:00-2:00 PM on the Bloodmobile during our Fall Festival.  We need at least 25 people to sign-up to give blood in order for us to keep our 3 hour time slot.  Presenting Donors will receive a stuffed animal to give to their child! There are over 400 blood products needed each day by the 22 hospitals that the CBCC serves.  Three lives will be saved from your generous contribution.  You must weigh over 120 pounds and have your Photo ID or Donor Card to donate.
Please either sign-up on line by logging onto www.carolinadonor.org, click on donate and enter sponsor code:  HMMS or see Ms. Heather Harbison (Primary Teacher). 
DONORS should eat breakfast and drink plenty of water before donating! 
Thank you for helping to save lives in our community!! 


HMM JumpJam Fundraiser--Tickets go on sale this week!!
Our next HMM Spirit Night will be Tuesday, 11/24 at DefyGravity Charlotte (8116 University City Blvd) from 6-7pm. Tickets for the JumpJam event are limited, must be purchased in advance and will be on sale starting this week through Monday, 11/15.  The cost for each one hour ticket is $13 for ages 7 years and older and $9 for children 6 years and under, with half of all ticket sales being donated back to HMM.  It's going to be a bouncing good time and a great way to jumpstart the Thanksgiving Holiday, so mark your calendar and plan to attend!  More information and details on ticket sales will be included in this week's Thursday folder.
 
Donuts with Dad
In just three short weeks we'll be celebrating our awesome HMM dads with our annual Donuts with Dad event.  Dads and those who are like dads, mark your calendars for Friday, 11/20 from 8-9 am, and plan to come enjoy coffee, donuts and a little quality time with the kids in your life.  Please see this week's Thursday folder for more information. SLT (Student Leadership Team) Meetings
Join the SLT at their monthly meetings every 3rd Thursday at 8am. The group gets together and discusses student/school decisions that are important to not only the school but our students as well. All parents are welcome! The next meeting is Thursday November 19th! Hope to see you there!

GREAT FUNDRAISER NEWS!
Great job to all HMM students and families for their participation in the annual fundraiser! Because we have exceeded our goal, all students will be able to enjoy a school wide pajama day on November 24th!  GREAT JOB!!!!

Spirit Rocks: BIRTHDAYS, SPECIAL EVENTS, OR SHOW HMM PRIDE!
HMM has two Spirit Rocks available for painting! If you'd like to paint the Spirit Rock, you must first check to see if the date is available on the Spirit Rock calendar here. If your date is available, then please fill out this form and send in $10 to HMM PTA. Once the money is received, the PTA will reserve the date on the calendar. Can’t wait to see all your beautiful Spirit Rock creations!


Text Reminding from the PTA
Do you feel like you are forgetting important dates for HMM and the PTA? Days off? Deadlines? Events? YES???? Then join the HMM Text reminding! Just text 81010  with the message @hmmpta. or click this link! Just another way to join the HMM Community!

Join the HMM Community
If you are interested in joining the PTA and helping support HMM please contact the PTA directly at Highlandmillmontessoripta@gmail.com. If you have already expressed this interest, your committee chair should have contacted you-if they have not, please email us so that we can make sure the information we have is correct. REMEMBER- you do not have to be at the school to help! There is a role for everyone!. We look forward to growing the PTA family so that our children can have the best year yet! 

Parent Education
Check out this Facebook Group where HMM parents are sharing Montessori information and resources. Also, take a look at and follow the parent-created HMM Pinterest Boardfor Montessori activities you can do at home!

Support our school by shopping on Amazon
Now you can support our school by shopping on Amazon! Make your purchases through this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2052326 and our school will get back a percentage. You can use your existing Amazon username and password. It's super easy and just in time for the holiday shopping!!
Give Back to HMM by Shopping
There are several ways you can support our school, just by shopping. Link your Target REDcard, VIC Card (you can do this online if you have your card with you-it's easy!) or BiLo Bonus Card to our school and automatically donate a percentage of your purchases. Also, visit www.Shoparoo.com for another way to support our school each time you shop. 

How Do I Keep in Touch with the PTA?
o    Bookmark our website: www.highlandmillmontessoripta.weebly.com
o    Friend us on Facebook: Highland Mill Montessori PTA
o    Join Remind: Text 424.203.0478 with the message @hmmpta

Save the Date
November 7- FALL FESTIVAL/SILENT AUCTION/ANNUAL BBQ: 11am-3pm at HMM
November 11-NO SCHOOL
November 14- Parents' Night Out at Free Range Brewery POSTPONED—Date TBD
November 20- Donuts w/Dads: 8am-9am at HMM
November 24- JumpJam Spirit Night at Defy Gravity
November 24-PJ Day!
November 25-27- NO SCHOOL