Text mmsnolimits at 76278

Best place for learning and educational growth

Since our founding in 1976, more than 1,000 children have created a foundation for a wide open future during their time with us.

No matter where their paths lead, the Montessori magic continues to empower their potential and inspire a bright future for themselves, their communities and our world.

"Learning Without Limits," the 2023 MMS Annual Appeal, provides essential funding that enables us to meet the growing demand for superior academic options in our community and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers, problem solvers, community builders and visionary leaders.

The campaign officially kicks off tomorrow, Giving Tuesday, and you can help get this critical fundraiser off to a strong start by donating now. Giving early is a chance to lead the way in championing our students, teachers and school. .

It's as easy as texting mmsnolimits to 76278 or clicking on the link below.

As part of our campaign, students, families, teachers and alumni are sharing their Montessori story to highlight the impact and gift of an MMS education.



This is the story of Erica Smith-Woods, an MMS Board Member and parent of Amaya, a Lower Elementary student.

What drew you to MMS?

Amaya's daycare at the time let me know that she was more than ready to enter the school system. Like any parent, I began reading about what the next steps would be for public school enrollment. I discovered that Amaya's birthday would prevent her from enrolling until the following year. Thus, I began researching private schools and came across Mountaineer Montessori School and scheduled a tour. Amaya and I met with Director Jennifer Carriger, and she walked me through the process. She addressed all questions and concerns I had at the time. We toured the facilities and her genuine interest in my child and her future really impressed me. I could tell that Jennifer and her staff were dedicated to the school and the development of the children. After the tour, Amaya told me this was the school she wanted, and we have been here ever since. 



How do you see MMS impact Amaya?

MMS has become engrained into Amaya. She would attend school seven days a week if possible. The summer Campessori program has become a way for her to get her fix of MMS all year long. She loves how approachable the administrators and teachers are when she needs them. Amaya started at MMS in Primary and I have been able to witness her development from a sensorial, mental, and emotional standpoint. As she gets older, I can see a level of confidence growing within her as a direct result of attending this school. She understands her responsibilities in the classroom and to her fellow classmates. 

Any favorite "Montessori moments" from your time at the school?

Surprisingly, my favorite Montessori moments came during 2020. The world was engrossed in COVID, and everyone was living in uncertainty. I feel like this was the time when I knew I trusted this school and its staff completely.

There was constant communication pertaining to restrictions for the week. Notifications were consistent on cases and how that would affect your child's classroom. At the time I was a newer member of the Board of Directors and was able to witness the countless meetings that occurred to ensure that everyone was safe. Teachers rallied to create lesson plans that would give our children a sense of normalcy even though they were no longer in class but communicating via Zoom meetings. Administrators remained up-to date on new CDC guidelines while partnering with local DHHR and created an environment of calm during chaos. During this time, I was able to see how much these people genuinely care about our children and want to protect them as though they would their own. 

The theme of this year's campaign is "Learning Without Limits." What are your aspirations for Amaya and where do you think her time at MMS will lead her?

Amaya asks me all the time, "what is your job mommy?" I tell her my job is to ensure you grow up to become a good human.

From an educational standpoint, Amaya has the drive to be successful and MMS supports that drive through the educational environment provided. From classroom materials, extracurricular activities to open conversations, she is in the best place for her educational and personal growth.

Thus, I aspire for her to become a person that does not look to others for validation but has developed the skills within herself to know her worth. The skills Amaya is acquiring from MMS will last a lifetime because they are often forgotten in today's society such as empathy, communal responsibility, impactful communication, mental and emotional sustainability, and an overall yearning to be happy. I feel my daughter will be a more well-rounded human because she attended this school. 

You've been very involved with the school. Why does that matter to you?

I am invested in my daughter's education. Many times, in public schools, the amount of influence a parent can have on their child's education is limited.

MMS allows for the voices of parents to be heard. There are committees, volunteer opportunities, and positions on the Board of Directors available to parents to have a direct impact on the school and their child's education. Currently, I am the Vice President of the Board of Directors, but I started out as a member then moved to Secretary before my current position. MMS allows parents to be involved at the level in which they are comfortable and for some that is monetary and for others that is with your time. I love that involvement is encouraged and not hindered. 

Amaya: favorite thing about MMS:

My favorite thing about MMS is helping my friends learn. I get to help younger students during work time and the older kids get to help me. We work as a team and Denessa and Sonji help us make sure we do the lessons right. Also, I love playground time, chess club and my ukulele classes too.

Don't forget to bring coin boxes back tomorrow!

Each year, introduces our Annual Appeal end of year fundraising campaign with a student coin drive.



The coin drive is the student component of the annual campaign.

Take out containers and an information packet on the coin project were sent home with students before Thanksgiving break.

We've added a virtual option that allows you to invite friends and family to fill your child's box online. Text mmsnolimits to 76278 or visit the campaign platform to sign up.

Information about the "virtual coin box" is outlined in the "Champions" section at the bottom of the campaign page.

Be sure to tag social media photos of your students filling their boxes with #mmsnolimits.

How far will your child go?

This year's Annual Appeal, "Learning Without Limits," officially kicks off Giving Tuesday, November 28.

The MMS Annual Appeal, provides essential funding for your child's classroom and school. This year's goal is $20,000.

Your tax-deductible donation is an investment in:

• Faculty: teacher appreciation and training funds and ongoing AMS accreditation initiatives, including sponsorship of one guide from each level (Toddler, Primary, Elementary and Middle School) to the 2024 AMS Montessori Event, the largest gathering of Montessori educators in the world.
• Facilities: continuing indoor and outdoor learning environment enhancements for all students, including new signage and facade upgrades at Staunton and ongoing updates at 20th Street.
• Families: widening access to our programs by providing $45,000 in financial aid and scholarships to our community.

We budget for 100 percent participation to reach our goal. No gift is too small to make a difference.

It's as easy as texting mmsnolimits to 76278! Please watch your mailbox, email and social media for details in the campaign roll out in the days and weeks ahead. 

Don't forget to support MMS during the holiday shopping season through Kroger Community Rewards, which donates a percentage of your purchases to MMS.