Your monthly MMS newsletter is here!  
MMS Monthly E-Newsletter |  September 2015
A note from the Co-Directors
Our 2015-2016 school year has gotten off to a fabulous start!  Students and staff returned to re-organized and refreshed spaces at the main campus and the middle school.  We are happy to become reacquainted with returning families and to extend a warm welcome to new families as well.

Fall conferences will be held on October 8 and 9.  This is a time for teachers to share a glimpse into your child's day at school.  School will be closed both days, and our Plus program will be available.  Watch for more information from Beth.
Primary Update
 Our Primary classes have been discussing and observing signs of the arrival of fall. Friends have noticed cooler weather, leaves changing and falling and they predict they will soon see birds beginning to migrate to warmer places. Many friends have become interested in observing the different stages of the acorn as well.  The planet and continent songs can be heard throughout our rooms day after day!

We are working on grace and courtesy by using our hands for helping and using words to solve our problems peacefully.                                                     

Lower Elementary Update
Every year, lower elementary starts out reviewing lessons in grace and courtesy, learning how to peacefully build a community through trust, kindness and respect. Maria Montessori's elementary curriculum is called Cosmic Education and begins with the Great Stories.
We have presented key lessons to jump start the children’s imaginations and get them interested in all areas of the elementary environment, including math, geometry, language, science and culture.
Upper Elementary Update
Our upper elementary students have started the year off with a trip to The Mountain Institute and many lessons in history, math and systems of the human body. History lessons have been especially popular this year, and students have researched many topics related to European history. There are many exciting lessons and events in the works for the near future!
Middle School Update
 A micro economy is one of the cornerstones of the adolescent program as prescribed by Dr. Maria Montessori.  Over the last 5 weeks, the MMMS students have been working hard to develop business ideas as a potential avenue for a class micro economy. They worked with area business leaders and MBA professors form the University of Charleston to fine tune their ideas, and  presented in a Shark Tank style round table. Their ideas ranged from a garden store at the main campus to sell their homemade goods to monthly breakfasts at the middle school. Ultimately, the students hope to use the money they earn to purchase a school van. 
Specials Update
Our MMS specials are in full swing, with lessons throughout the week in PE, music, computer, strings, Spanish, art, and more art!  Your child's teacher can provide a detailed schedule for the classes so your child comes each day with the necessary materials and accessories.

We are excited to announce that swimming classes will start for students (first year and up) on Monday, October 12.  All children will need to bring a one-piece swimsuit, towel, and goggles (optional) on their PE day.  Our swimming session will last for six weeks, ending on Tuesday, November 24.  
THANK YOU!
 We'd like to give a huge MMS thank you to the many parents, alumni and community members who helped get our school ready for the new year.  Special thanks to:
  • Ellen Beal, for the delicious ice cream for our annual Ice Cream Social.
  • Chad Cordell, for building cubbies and shelves to help with our storage needs.
  • Eric Abdalla, for electrical work around the school.
  • George Phillips, for scraping, caulking and painting front windows.
  • Nellie and LB Erby, for office help.
  • Katie McFadden, for setting up our Constant Contact account.
  • Brent Best, for setting up our 'Trout in the Classroom' tank.
  • all the parents, students, and alumni who helped spread mulch and re-fill sand on the playground.
  • Travis Crouse, for arranging a donation of desktop computers for Upper Elementary.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual meeting for all families  |  September  29, 2015  |   5:30pm – 6:30pm
South Ruffner Presbyterian Church, 300 20th Street Southeast, Charleston
Parent Conferences  |  October 8 & 9 , 2015 
No School for Students, Plus Available. Call for reservations 304.342.7870
Swimming Session  |  October 12-November 24, 2015 
Children 1st year and up need to bring swimsuit and towel on PE days.
Picture Day  |  October 13 , 2015 
Middle school students should be dropped off at the main campus on Picture Day. Please watch for more information from Beth.
Board meeting  |  October 19 , 2015  |   6:00pm 
Everyone is welcome to attend.
OFFICE NOTES
  • Please note that we will be using Constant Contact and direct email for most of our school correspondence this year.   
  • Classroom doors open at 7:45 am daily.  If you need to take advantage of our early drop-off program, please call Beth at 304-342-7870.  Early drop-off hours are 7:00am to 7:45 am.  The fee is $5.
  • Students should be picked up by 12:00 noon (half-day primary) or 3:05 pm daily.  A drop-in fee will be charged for late pick ups.
  • Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to drive to field trips and special events this year.  Before driving with MMS students in your vehicle, please provide a copy of your driver's license and auto insurance (minimum $300K liability coverage) to Beth.
  • Primary students should have rain boots or extra shoes at school at all times.  Outdoor play is a vital part of the curriculum and children will be outside daily, except in the event of extreme weather.  Cubbies can also accommodate jackets, if you would like to send one to keep at school 'just in case'.
Mountaineer Montessori School
308 20th Street, Charleston, WV 25304
304.342.7870 | Email | Website