U.S. Senator Micheal Bennet tours academy
We had the honor of providing a tour of the school to U.S. Senator Micheal Bennet. Though it was a quick tour, Mr. Bennet took time to sit with a few students in P4 during their snack time and then visit with the upper elementary students. With a background in education, and through these interactions and conversations, he was better able to understand the Montessori way of teaching, stating that he would have liked to stay longer and visit with the students more.
Fishing Club has started! With the guidance of staff member, Jared Ruybal, 13 students are participating. The club has gone to Scott’s Pond a few times, enjoyed the recent Fishing Derby, and students have practiced their casting skills.
The Southern Ute Tribal Fair produced many winners with some of our students and staff being part of those winners. Our elementary students enjoyed creating the exhibits, which they displayed after the fair in the Hall of Warriors. Their current project is to research birds in this area and work with the Department of Natural Resources to build bird houses that will be placed within the Southern Ute boundaries.
In support of our talented students, SUIMA is working to get a music program started. Working with Stillwater Music out of Durango, the elementary students will enjoy weekly lessons, learning guitar, drumming, and other various percussion instruments. Our hope is to have the students become part of the annual Tribal Christmas Program.
Reminder
If you haven’t turned your students’ medical packet in, you have one more week to get them to the school office or your child’s teacher/guide. Friday, Sept. 29 is the deadline.
School Board information
We currently have a full school board with energetic members using the school’s mission and vision statements to help guide the school. Thank you to everyone who submitted their Letter of Intent. The school board members are, President – Rhiannon Velasquez; Vice President – Dominika Joy; Treasurer – Joe Poynter; Secretary – Morgann Graham; Member at Large – Kristean Velasquez; Alternate – Ann Peck. Open meeting dates will be advertised soon.
Parent Advisory Group
The first PAG meeting went well with many families – new and returning – families joining us. The parents heard about the first month of school, the various activities and events that the students have been part of the progress of the first K-6 benchmark test, and the upcoming field trip to the tribal garden with the So. Ute Agriculture Division. The next PAG meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 6 – 7 p.m. via Zoom. We still have a few parents who have not signed up for Classroom DoJo. Please remember to accept the invite that has come to your phone so that you can get the meeting link as well as an abundance of other good stuff.
Family Nights
The first SUIMA Family Night will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the dining hall. Come learn about the Montessori method and work with some of the classroom materials. There will be guides/teachers from each level. Food, or a light snack, will be served.
Upcoming events
- Early Release at 2 every Friday!
- Sept. 22: No School – Staff Professional Development Day
- Sept. 27: Family Night in the dining hall from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
- Sept. 29: Agriculture Division field trip
- Oct. 9: No School – National Indigenous Day
- Oct. 16: Picture Day
- Oct. 17: Parent Advisory Group
- Oct. 25: Family Night – Pumpkin Carving