"If we are to teach real peace in this world... we shall have to begin with the children."
—Mahatma Gandhi

Please scroll down for the list of important dates.

M-STEP summative tests for grads 3-8 include:

English Language Arts (ELA):
English language arts (ELA) is assessed in grades 3–8. It covers four claims: reading, writing, listening, and research. The assessments are online computer adaptive tests.

Mathematics:
Mathematics is assessed in grades 3–8. It covers four claims: concepts and procedures, problem solving, communicating reasoning, and modeling and data analysis.

Science:
For Spring 2018, the new Michigan science standards are being assessed in a statewide field test in grades 5, and 8, with a fixed-form online assessment.  

Social Studies:
Social studies is assessed in grades 5 and 8 with a fixed-form online assessment.

Beginning this week the following grades will be testing:

Monday, April 16th-       5th & 8th Grade (Science)
Tuesday, April 17th-       5th & 8th Grade (Social Studies)

How can I best help my child succeed?
• Try not to schedule any doctor appointments for them on the dates of testing.
• Ensure that they eat breakfast on the days they are testing.
• Try and get them to bed early the night before.
• Have them prepare by taking practice tests ahead of time.

How do we prepare?
The computer assessments have online practice tests that can be taken to prepare for the assessments.
1. Go to https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ (must be taken in Google Chrome).
2. Click on M-STEP Online Tools Training.
3. Click on Sample Item Sets.
4. Click on the grade level.
5. Click on the subject.
6. Sign in with the username and password supplied on the screen.
7. Once signed in, click continue and choose the practice test you want to take.

Buy Your Dance Tickets TODAY!

 Tickets are $8. ($9 if you wait til Friday.)

Send payment via Paypal (using friends & family option) to: fcmaparentguild@gmail.com
Be sure to include your family name in the notes section.

Student Art Submission

Each student at FCMA will have an art piece, made at school, displayed at the event.  However, if your child would like to create an art piece at home to submit (optional) they may do so by filling out the form provided below. Please contact Ms. Stacy at stacybyrd@choiceschools.com, if you have any questions.  

 Student art pieces will be collected on Friday, April 27th .

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

We are really excited for the 8th Annual Art and Music Showcase on May 5th!  Please consider signing up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

Mark your calendars for FMCA’s 8th Annual Art and Music Showcase on Saturday, May 5th. 
The proceeds from this event not only help to supplement the school’s art and music programs,
but fund art/musical guests and field trips as well. 

We are looking for adult artists to donate one art piece for the silent auction
portion of the art show.  Please email Mr. Michael, FCMA's Visual Art Teacher at michaelchabot@choiceschools.com if you or someone you know is interested. 

The staff and students thank you for your continued support!    

Dear FCMA Community, 

We are excited to be gearing up for our annual Art and Music Showcase. Many middle school musicians have been preparing their own solos and chamber music for you to enjoy in the gallery. There will be a schedule posted the night of the art show so you can be sure not to miss these wonderful performances! 

All FCMA students are busy learning three fun songs for our All School Singalong. If you can believe it, this is our fifth All-School Singalong, which happens directly before the live auction. It is not a concert, rather a time for all of us to gather and enjoy making music together - students, their families, friends and even FCMA alumni. The goal of the singalong is to strengthen our community by lifting our collective voices in songs that exemplify the spirit of FCMA. I choose songs I hope will be recognized and enjoyed by young and old, igniting connections even between generations. The theme of this year's singalong is Friendship. I've heard a few students have already shared songs at home with you?

I look forward to enjoying this year's art show alongside all of you. All of the proceeds of the night go to our arts programs! Whether your support is through your presence or buying art pieces, I am grateful for your support and enthusiasm for our art and music program. 

Ms. Shannan Hibbard, Ph.D.
PK-8 Music Teacher, Four Corners Montessori Academy

Friday, April 27th

Glass in the Classroom and Home

"Whenever possible, try to build a control of error into each activity so it becomes clear to your child when she has made a mistake. The rationale behind letting children use cups and bowls that break if they are dropped or misused is that children quickly learn to be careful and controlled when they use them. Mistakes are an opportunity for patiently showing your child once more how to do a task correctly, and generally lead to a new lesson in problem-solving: 'How do we gather up all those beads?' or 'How do we safely clean up the broken pieces?'"