MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | November 2021 |
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Dear MMS Families,
On the fourth Thursday of each November, Americans set aside time to gather and give thanks.
In Montessori schools, however, it might be said that every day is Thanksgiving Day.
Demonstrating gratitude is an integral component of Montessori peace education and grace and courtesy activities. "Please" and "thank you" are just the beginning. From our youngest toddler children to Middle Schoolers, MMS students learn to care for and about themselves and others, helping to nurture a peaceful classroom environment, school community--and world.
Developing an "attitude of gratitude" has many benefits. Research has found a powerful connection between gratitude and happiness. According to a report in Harvard HealthBeat, "Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships." Fostering gratitude is just one way Montessori is education for life!
At MMS, we are thankful for the privilege of serving your children and nurturing their development into kind, compassionate and responsible individuals who are already making our world a better place. We are also deeply grateful for the invaluable support and partnership of our families and community in fulfilling or mission. During this season of thanks--and all year round--please know how much each and every one of you means to us!
With gratitude,
Jennifer Carriger
Director
P.S. We appreciate your continuing patience, cooperation and understanding during a constantly changing health environment. We are considering hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for eligible students at school in the near future. Please take a moment to complete this short survey to help us gauge interest. We would like to have your completed surveys as soon as possible so we can make a quick decision regarding whether or not to host a clinic at MMS.
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MMS is pleased to introduce several new staff members who have joined our school or who have taken on new roles this year.
Please join us in giving a warm Montessori welcome to:
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John Elswick, Facilities-Staunton campus
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Margaret Lawrence, Reading Specialist/All Day Montessori Assistant
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Sara Lloyd, Upper Elementary I Assistant
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Brianne Parsons, Administrative Assistant/Development Director
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Michael Parsons, Upper Elementary II Assistant
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Tiffany Reynolds, Administrative Assistant-20th Street campus
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Dr. Ray Singleton, Reading Specialist
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Amanda Walker, Toddler Assistant
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Janell West, Plus Assistant
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Evan Young, Physical Expression/After School Enrichment Specialist
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The Fall 2021 Professional Development Day included CPR training for all staff. |
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WHAT'S GOING ON IN MY CHILD'S CLASSROOM?
On-site parent education, classroom observations and mingling on campus have been temporarily suspended for health concerns. We appreciate your disappointment in not having access to the classrooms -- and each other. It makes connecting as a community a little challenging for all of us, but if anyone can do it, it's MMS.
School leadership and the Board of Directors are mindful of this issue and continue to explore new ways to facilitate connection and bring the Montessori experience to parents until in-person visits and activities can be restored. In the meantime, we urge parents to participate in virtual events and stay in touch with us through teacher communications, school updates and newsletters, and social media. We post photos that capture the joy, discovery and wonder happening in our classrooms on a daily basis. Of course, if you have specific questions, always feel free to reach out to your child's teacher directly.
For new (and newer) parents, a virtual information session/meet-up is being planned for December 2-please watch for details.
Until you can see your school in person, enjoy the videos below, which provide a peek into Montessori Primary classrooms very similar to those at MMS. We think they offer a wonderful window into the beauty of a Montessori morning. We can't wait for you to be able to experience for yourself!
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We are considering hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for eligible students at school. Please take a moment to complete this short survey to help us gauge interest. We would like to have your completed surveys as soon as possible so we can make a quick decision regarding whether or not to host a clinic at MMS.
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SPECIALS SPOTLIGHT
In addition to spacious classrooms and green space, our new campus offers dedicated rooms for our specialty programs, including physical education, music, art, reading and Spanish. The photos below depict the lovely space created by Spanish Teacher Maria Leon Kershner:
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CURRICULUM CORNER: FALL-OW THE CHILD |
The Montessori Cultural Studies curriculum provides even our youngest students with the opportunity to explore and experience the larger world.
As part of their rich exploration of the different cultures of the world, Primary students learn about the people, terrain and animals of each continent as they study them in the course of the three-year cycle. The new MMS campus offers many opportunities to explore the world right outside the classroom door.
Recently, children in Primary I spontaneously gathered large leaves that had fallen throughout the grounds. That afternoon they received a lesson on that leaf shape: cordate. (More photos here.)
At MMS, our world is our classroom!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
November 10 | Parent Education-Middle School | 11:00 a.m.-noon
November 11 | Parent Education-Upper Elementary I & II | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
November 15 | Parent Education-Primary II | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
November 19 | Annual Take Out-Give Back Coin Drive launch
Thanksgiving Break | November 22-26
Giving Tuesday | November 30
New (and Newer) Parent Virtual Meet-up & Information Session | December 2 | 6:00 p.m.-watch for details
Annual Book Fair & Bake Sale | December 10-11
Noon dismissal | December 22
New Year Break | December 23-January 2
MMS Annual Spring Gala | Saturday, April 30, 2022 | Woman's Club of Charleston
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SHOP & SUPPORT MMS WITH KROGER AND AMAZON SMILE |
As we head into a busy shopping season, don't forget that your holiday purchases can make a big difference to your child's school through the Kroger Cares and Amazon Smile programs, which donate a percentage of sales to MMS.
Kroger will give back 5 percent when you sign up here. Select "Mountaineer Montessori School" (school number 82464). Enrollment must be renewed annually--please sign up again if you have participated in previous years.
To activate Amazon donations, go to Smile.Amazon.com and select “Montessori, Etc.” as your designated charity–a portion of every purchase will be donated to MMS.
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THE BIGGEST BRUSH AND THE BRIGHTEST PAINT
MMS students honored the legacy of Charly Hamilton on October 1 by wearing colorful “M” gear based on the incredible school sign he created with students 10 years ago. Charly, who passed away in late September, was a joyful presence at MMS for two decades, inspiring creativity, wonder and imagination.
“I always jump at the chance to help,” Charly once said about working with our students. “Kids enter every activity with an anything-is-possible attitude. They always pick the biggest brush and the brightest paint. Their attitudes inspire and feed into my own work.”
Whether it was collaborating with students to create spirit animals that evolved into our spectacular school sign, singular logo and awesome "M" shirts, leading hands on workshops, working patiently with students on incredible art projects for the annual spring gala auction for many years, brightening our Buddy Bench project, or portraying Diego Rivera in a Montessori Masterpieces re-creation, Charly generously shared his heart, time and humor with us.... never saying "no" to a request.
Thank you, Charly, for bringing out the wild and wonderful in us and inspiring students for years to come! We extend our heartfelt condolences to your family and all who loved you.
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Thank you for reading your "M" News!
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Mountaineer Montessori School
308 20th Street, Charleston, WV 25304
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