Since our last newsletter CMS has certainly gone through the "white glove test." Last week, we welcomed the AIMS accreditation committee. During their time, they examined everything from drop-off to music class to the medical records. While it will be awhile until we receive their official response, their verbal exit report was quite positive about all aspects of our school. That week we also had a visit from Anne Bussey (Locke), the founder of CMS, accompanied by her husband Walt. During her all-too-brief visit, she was able to meet the new teachers and visit with the elementary students, who were much larger than when she saw them last. The Maryland Office of Child Care was also with us this past week, inspecting our building, program, and records. They too seemed pleased with CMS. Finally, this past week we received our official certification from AMI, Association Montessori Internationale --approving us for ages 0 -12 years.
This Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. is our Open House. Please encourage any prospective families you know to come and visit.
Since all of these other people have an opportunity to look at our school, it is only right that our parents also get an opportunity to get a closer look. Back to School Night is November 7. This event is a wonderful opportunity for you to come to understand more deeply what goes on in your child's classroom.
An unfortunate piece of news one of our French Teachers, Carolyn Sienkiewicz, has resigned from CMS. We wish her well. I expect to be able to announce her replacement in the next newsletter.
If you think you may need to apply for financial aid for the 2008-2009 school year, please send me an email and I will send you the necessary information to make your aid application. In order for you to qualify you need to begin the process before January 3.
A reminder that if you wish to order from the Small Hands catalogue our CMS number is mdcm02.
Don't forget you can still order online all year long and CMS still gets 50% of sales. If you did not order your Holiday wrap and presents, please consider going to www.innisbrook.com and use our school code 102069.
Finally, I want to draw attention to two of the many people who are so generous to CMS: Mary Jo and Bill Dickinson. This past week, they opened up their lovely home for CMS Fall event. The beauty of their home was only surpassed by their hospitality.
Bob Mattingly
