MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | December 2021 |
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Dear MMS Families,
Mountaineer Montessori School had some special visitors—and a big surprise—on November 15 when Governor Jim Justice and Babydog delivered a $50,000 check to us as part of a state-wide “I Got Vaxxed” school competition.
We are deeply grateful to the Governor for this generous affirmation of our commitment to safety and so thankful for and proud of our amazing school community.
It was an event we’ll never forget, capping 610 days—the time between school closures in March 2020 and the check presentation—of dedication and sacrifice by children, teachers, and families to stay safe and keep learning as the world continued to change around us.
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Maria Montessori said that “(w)e shall travel together on this path of life, for all things are connected.” Right from the start, Montessori students learn to care for themselves, their classroom, community and world and understand the connections we all share.
When the world changed, you adapted, embracing the opportunity to put Montessori values into practice by wearing masks, following social distancing and gathering guidelines, participating in testing, and getting vaccinated when eligible. One of the biggest surprises during the pandemic is how few surprises there actually were, with even three-year-olds appreciating the role they could play in caring for their neighbors.
These are lessons that last a lifetime.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that so many of my MMS classmates have excelled in life both professionally and personally. My classmates are now physicians, scientists, climate activists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, musicians, educators, and so many others have fantastic and interesting careers,” said Dr. Molly Seidler, a former student who is now an ER physician at CAMC. Molly is also one of the 2021 Annual Appeal Ambassadors (see below).
“I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that when people are asked what my strongest trait is they say I am loyal. MMS taught us to respect our fellow man, work as a team, and lift up those in need. These are lessons you can’t learn from a textbook but must experience as part of a culture.”
We will use the prize winnings to upgrade technologies to bring in outside speakers when our school is closed to visitors and enhance outdoor learning and play areas to keep your children in the fresh air longer.
The last 20 months have taught us that nothing can be taken for granted and that the future is unpredictable. But by staying true to our mission and to each other, we can continue to nurture the next generation of problem-solvers, community builders and innovative thinkers who will create a better tomorrow for all.
With gratitude to you all,
Jennifer Carriger
Director
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HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
During the 2021 session, the WV Legislature authorized creation of the Hope Scholarship program. The Hope Scholarship is an Education Savings Account (ESA) that parents can use to pay for a wide variety of education options. Starting in the 2022-23 school year, the program will offer eligible West Virginia families with $4,600 per year/student to pay for private school tuition, curriculum, special needs therapy, transportation, and other qualified expenses.
Initially, the Hope Scholarship program is for students who have been enrolled in public school for a minimum of 45 calendar days at time of application or who are kindergarten age at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.
It is our understanding that current and new MMS students rising to the third year of Primary (kindergarten) in the fall, would be eligible, as are new students in first grade and up who are applying from a public school. According to the WV Treasurer's website, scholarship applications will open no later than March 2022.
Our Board of Directors has been monitoring developments, including attending a Hope scholarship information session held at a local private school. This article provides an overview of that presentation and highlights of some of the unresolved legal and practical issues regarding eligibility and implementation.
We continue to await guidance from the WV Department of Education and WV Treasurer's Office and will share information as it becomes available.
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Did you know... MMS holds WVDHHR childcare licenses for programs at both of our campuses, 20th Street and Staunton Avenue. At 20th Street, we are licensed for toddler care. At Staunton Avenue, our childcare license allows us to offer the after school Plus and Campessori Summer Programs. We are proud to uphold the standards of the American Montessori Society and the WV Department of Health and Human Resources as we care for your children. |
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"Within the child likes the fate of the future." Maria Montessori
“Creating the Future, One Child at a Time,” the 2021 MMS Annual Appeal, is underway.
The campaign provides essential funding for:
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Continuing indoor and outdoor facilities enhancements for all students
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Teacher appreciation and training funds and ongoing curriculum alignment through the AMS Pathways to Continuous School Improvement process.
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Increasing community access to our programs through financial aid--we currently provide more than $50,000 in tuition support to local families each year.
Your school community is thriving thanks to the generous support of families and friends like you over the past decades. Their investment in our mission has built a strong foundation and enabled us to provide a premier educational experience to a growing number of children. Now it's our time to pay it forward and ensure that legacy with a tax-deductible donation today.
It couldn't be easier to give! Just text mmsfuture to 76278 or visit the campaign platform. Monthly giving options are now available.
The goal of this year’s campaign is $25,000.
We plan for 100 percent school participation to meet that goal. Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts!
As part of the campaign, students, teachers, families and alumni are sharing their Montessori stories to highlight the gift and lasting impact of an MMS education. Their stories are filled with moving insights and heartwarming memories, and we encourage you to get to know them by following the links below.
As you'll soon discover, MMS offers an experience that lasts a lifetime!
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The 2021 Annual Appeal got off to a lively start on Giving Tuesday, November 30, with the help of our enthusiastic Resource Development Committee. We love our volunteers! |
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Last week, we captured a peek at the invigorating outdoor activity enjoyed by older students during their free time (recess) at our new campus. Looks like fun, doesn’t it? There is so much potential for even more opportunities—and we invite you to partner with us to make them a reality. “Creating the Future,” the 2021 Annual Appeal, will help us continue the momentum to enhance outdoor spaces for all students to help keep students learning and growing beyond the classroom walls. |
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WINTER CONCERT UPDATE
Due to continuing health concerns, the annual MMS Winter Concert will not be held this year. We understand how disappointing this is to our families. We were all looking forward to this wonderful showcase of our rich music programming and an uplifting start to New Year's break. However, at this time, we do not believe it is in the best interests of safety to host a large in-person gathering at our school. We look forward to holding a spring musical event. Our arts programming is truly exceptional, and we hope to share it with you soon!
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Like these photos? Then you'll love MMS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Photos, school updates and Montessori news are posted nearly every day!
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The emergence of new variants is a reminder that the pandemic is still with us. Our community has worked so hard to keep each other safe and minimize disruptions--please remain diligent in the face of unknown and evolving developments.
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BOOK FAIR AND SCHOOL TOURS |
The MMS Book Fair returns on December 10-11. We are delighted to present this annual event in partnership with Taylor Books, which will offer a wonderful selection of high-quality books and gifts for both children and adults.
On Friday, December 10, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School students will have selected times to shop the sale during the school day.
MMS families may visit the book sale after school on Friday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Saturday.
In order to provide for social distancing during the Book Sale, we are asking families to sign up for a shopping time in advance.
Please use this link to choose your time.
When you arrive at the book sale, we will ask that everyone over the age of two wear a mask at all times.
See your new building!
While you are here during your shopping shift, you will also have the opportunity to take a look inside the classrooms at Staunton Avenue. While we are not yet able to host families for classroom observations, we would like to provide this time for you to explore the building and see where your child spends time each day. You will receive directions for your self-guided campus tour when you arrive at the Book and Bake Sale.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please email Jennifer .
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CURRICULUM CORNER: PHYSICS |
The Middle School recently wrapped up a unit on physics, led by Guide Emily Beal, PhD. Ellie Hoblitzell, an eighth year student, shares this report:
In this unit, we learned about cause and effect and Newton’s three laws of motion. The first project in our unit was making an explainer graphic in Canva about Newton’s laws and other basic physics concepts such as speed, velocity, force and inertia. The next thing we did in our unit was learn about energy, both potential and kinetic. We conducted several experiments with marbles to discover that energy never disappears--it is conserved and changes form. Then, we took our knowledge of physics and made physics books containing the concepts we’d learned: Newton’s laws, potential and kinetic energy, conservation of energy, impulse, elastic and inelastic collisions, and lift.
We then used these books as references when we planned our egg drop. For the egg drop we first made a plan for how our container would work. We had to justify each part of our design using the physics concepts we’d learned. Then, we collected our materials and built our egg drop contraptions. After that we took our contraptions up to the roof and Emily dropped them down while we watched from the ground. I’m not going to spoil the ending, but we were quite surprised by the results! Afterward, we filled out a project reflection sheet to see what we did, what we would have done differently, and what we enjoyed the most about the unit.
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ADMISSIONS SESSIONS UNDERWAY
Have a friend, neighbor or family member who interested in MMS for their child next year or beyond? Encourage them to request an admissions session at their earliest convenience. (They may start by completing this information request form.) We've been busy conducting virtual tours and information sessions since September, and once again anticipate full enrollment in all classes at all levels next year.
Current families with new siblings will register during the re-enrollment window that opens in January. With the availability of the Hope Scholarship, we anticipate that interest in our programs will be even higher, making it more important than ever for families to adhere to 2022-23 enrollment deadlines in order for us to hold a space for your child next year.
Re-enrollment details will be available after the first of the year-watch your email!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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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Thank you for reading your "M" News!
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Mountaineer Montessori School
308 20th Street, Charleston, WV 25304
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