W E D N E S D A Y  W E E K L Y
May 31, 2017
 
In this Issue


Upcoming Events


May 31 
Camp Montessori Registration Deadline  

June 1
9-12 Spring Musical: 
Seussical KIDS
Dress Rehearsal - 9:30 a.m.
Performance - 7 p.m.


June 5
Elementary Field Day
9 a.m., Sports Field

Free blood pressure screenings available to parents and staff from 9-11:30 a.m.


June 7
Primary Field Day
9:30 a.m., Sports Field

Free blood pressure screenings  available to parents and staff from 9:30-11 a.m.


June 8
Graduation /
Last Day of School
Join us in honoring the WMS class of 2017!
9:30 a.m. in the Gym

June 9-16
Pre-Camp Child-Care Days
Contact Cass to register!

 
Message from 
Head of School Lisa A. Lalama
For more from Lisa, visit the Montessori Message blog.

We are nearing the end of another school year. This is the time we wrap up the lessons, events, adventures and deliver messages about progress. At WMS, we send home progress reports twice each year, the final one in mid-June. Two years ago, we revised these reports to help them better reflect our learning philosophy. Spending time with a variety of children reminds us of how different they can be, each possessing varying strengths and challenges.

WMS looks at children through many different lenses, using developmental child-centered continua. We look at children as they grow, noting the changes they make as individuals, rather than comparing them to classmates. Some children bloom earlier or later than others. What we know is that the child we see in June demonstrates very different skills than the child who arrived at her classroom door in September. Our goal is to nurture the children before us, to provide the experiences that will strengthen the skills they are building, and provide the impetus for them to want to learn more and dig deeper. We pride ourselves in knowing your child and the uniqueness he brings to his learning experiences.

As you eagerly open your child's progress report, please remember that it is just that, a synopsis of his progress. Whether he is independently exhibiting a behavior, progressing or needing support, he is getting what is needed at this time. Our goal at WMS is to move children toward independence. Our support is there when and as needed. What we know is that your child will move along the developmental continua and get there in his or her own time. That is progress.




 
News & Notes News
9-12 Musical - Join us tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Meet your favorite Dr. Seuss characters in tomorrow's performance of 
Seussical KIDS! Your entire family will love this kid-friendly version of the Broadway hit
Seussical the Musical!

If you can't make it for the evening performance, join us for our dress rehearsal tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. We hope to see you at the show!

Class of 2017
Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m.

Please join us in a celebration of the WMS class of 2017:

Eva Junk
Addie Laster
Lydia Snyder

The ceremony will include a speech by Daniel Potter, WMS class of 2006, and presentations by each of the graduates.

All are welcome!
 
Do you have a black pea coat? Check your closet!
A member of our community is still hoping to locate a black New York & Company pea coat that was accidentally switched with the London Fog coat pictured above at our auction. Please contact Lori Oberly to make the exchange if you have the New York & Company coat!
Today's Learners leaders

Promoting Cross-Cultural Awareness through Authentic Experiences
by Spanish Teacher Ana Brown

Cultural understanding has always been one of the main goals of WMS's foreign language program. In Spanish class, besides learning grammar, vocabulary and communication skills, we encourage students to make comparisons among cultures in a respectful way.
This year, the 6-9 students learned about Peru and the Inca Empire. They explored Peru's map, language, geography, culture and cuisine, and they learned about the 15th-century  Inca  citadel Machu Pichu. The kids also created a book in which they compiled all of the facts gathered during our lessons, and the students in Room 20 even created a map of Peru for their auction project.

The 9-12 students had a similar experience exploring Spanish-speaking countries in South America. Students were divided into groups, each of which created a presentation on their assigned country using technology. Most groups used Google Slides and TouchCast. The students enjoyed researching and learning about each country. We had meaningful discussions about similarities and differences between the United States and South American countries, covering topics including different types of government, the economy, holidays, tourism, currency, dance, music and typical foods.

Each group enriched its presentation by sharing either a special food for their assigned country or a dance. As we concluded the presentations, all of the students had the opportunity to learn the tango and a Peruvian dance. It was delightful to observe students immersed in authentic experiences that they will undoubtedly remember for years to come.
The Wednesday Weekly shares WMS news and events that are relevant to the families in our community.  

Please send submissions to wednesday-weekly@wmsde.org by 4:30 p.m. on the Friday prior  to the issue in which you wish to include your information. Content may be edited for length and style and may be held for a future issue due to space constraints.  

For more information, contact Noel Dietrich, Director of Communications.
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