WMS Wednesday Weekly - July 10, 2024 - Bi-Weekly Summer Edition

WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

July 10, 2024 - Bi-weekly Camp & School News

Welcoming a New Chapter:

A Message from Head of School Sarah Williams

Dear Families,

As I step into the role of Head of School this summer, I am thrilled to share in the excitement and fun Camp Montessori brings to our campus and, of course, the joyful anticipation of the school year ahead. It is an honor to lead such a vibrant community that values the principles and practices of Montessori education so deeply. During the summer months and throughout the school year, it is easy to see curious minds at work as children discover new possibilities, learn about their unique gifts and talents, and engage with others in their learning.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our former Head of School, Lisa Lalama, whose dedication and leadership have paved the way for continued success. Under her guidance, WMS’s programs were enhanced to ensure that students had opportunities to participate in their learning in ways that were meaningful to them. She introduced innovative and evidence-based practices that supported the genius of the Montessori Method and allowed students’ strengths to shine all while maintaining the nurturing environment WMS is known for.

I have been warmly welcomed into this new role, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received from current and former parents, staff, and students. It is an exciting time, and I am energized by the enthusiasm of our WMS community. It is clear to me that its members are not just committed to the school’s mission and core values but to the well-being of one another as well.

I hope the rest of your summer is full of adventure and memory-making and look forward to reconnecting with you as we approach the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

Sarah Williams

Head of School

NEWS & NOTES

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NEW FAMILY NOTES

Student Support - Child Development & Social-Emotional Learning

Did you know that WMS has two staff members dedicated to child development and social and emotional learning? Over the past two years, Lynda Coan and Dr. Nineka Dyson have broadened WMS’s approach to student support and highlighted the importance of the social-emotional aspects of learning when considering student success. Read on to learn more about these specialists and find out how they work with our students and teachers.

Lynda Coan

Child Development Specialist

Prior to becoming a Montessori teacher, Lynda worked in early intervention for many years, providing services to children and families through both the educational and medical models of intervention. From 2014 to 2020, Lynda worked at WMS as a Lead Toddler Teacher, and we are grateful now to have her back in the role of Child Development Specialist. Lynda uses a systematic approach to support the youngest students at WMS, which includes focused observations of children, playful interactions to assess their skills, and collaboration with classroom teachers and families. She blends her knowledge of neuroscience, child development and educational best practices with Montessori principles to help teachers create learning environments that support all aspects of child development.

Dr. Nineka Dyson

WMS Counseling Support Specialist

Dr. Dyson has worked with children and adults from all facets of life for more than 17 years. Her focus on prevention aligns with WMS’s approach to caring for students and staff, which has resulted in a wonderful partnership already. Since starting at WMS in September 2022, Dr. Dyson has spent time observing in classrooms, coaching students and advising teachers on best practices for meeting their students’ social and emotional needs. Dr. Dyson continues to build upon this work with a focus on well-being, social skills learning and self-regulation strategies that support all members of each classroom community.

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WILMINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL