MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | December 2022 |
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Hello MMS Families,
There's excitement in the air as we see the return of some of our beloved MMS traditions this month!
Be sure to mark your calendars for our Book and Bake Sale and Winter Concerts, and if you have time in your busy schedule, please sign up to volunteer at one or both events!
We are also in the midst of our Annual Appeal, "The Journey of a Lifetime Starts Here". This fundraising event provides crucial support for our financial aid program and teacher training. We never want to turn a family away due to inability to afford full tuition at MMS, and demand for financial aid has grown significantly over the last year. We are proud to provide assistance to families in need - $56,000 in financial aid awards was given to support 19 students during the 2021-2022 school year and this year we awarded $72,000 to 26 students. Please take a moment to give to the Annual Fund so that we may continue to support families in need of tuition assistance. No donation is too small and it will take all of us to reach our goal of $20,000.
Thank you for your support as 2022 comes to a close. I look forward to the year ahead with excitement and optimism, as we continue on our Montessori journey together!
Warm wishes to all,
Jennifer
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This year's sale will take place in the gymnasium at our Staunton campus on Thursday and Friday, December 15 and 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. both days.
During those times, students and families can visit the gymnasium to enjoy a rich selection of books and gifts from Taylor Books and delicious treats prepared by parent volunteers and our middle school students.
Primary, Elementary and Middle School students will have a chance to browse and purchase books, gifts and baked goods during designated class times on Thursday and Friday. Parents of Toddler children are invited to shop with their children as well. All families are encouraged to stop by the sale anytime between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and between 3:15 and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 12/15 and 12/16.
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The MMS Winter Concert is back!
Mark your calendars! This year, we will host two Winter Concerts in our Staunton Avenue gymnasium on Wednesday, December 21.
We will follow a special schedule on Wednesday, December 21. Details are below:
- Arrival will take place as usual on Wednesday, December 21.
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Our Primary Winter Concert will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the gymnasium. Families may begin arriving at 10:30 a.m. and should be seated by 11:50. Families are welcome to park in the St. Agnes Church parking lot that morning.
- The Primary Winter Concert will conclude at approximately 11:20 a.m. At that time, children will be dismissed to their parents. Families without elementary-aged children at MMS may leave at that time and begin their New Year's Break.
- Families with elementary-aged children may remain seated for the Elementary Winter Concert.
- Our Elementary Winter Concert will begin at 11:45 a.m. Families attending the Elementary Winter Concert may enter the gymnasium starting at 11:30 and should be seated by 11:40.
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The Elementary Winter Concert will conclude by approximately 12:20. At that time, children will be dismissed to their parents and New Year's Break will begin. There is no Plus Program on Wednesday, December 21. School and Plus will resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
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Thanks to MMS Music Teacher Karen Morris, MMS Strings Instructor Bernard DiGregorio, and Lower Elementary Guide/Stage Manager Tara Fought for planning and coordinating this year's concert.
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Special thanks also to our MMS parent volunteers for setting up/taking down the stage and chairs and for providing a special treat for concert-goers!
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WE STILL NEED A FEW MORE VOLUNTEERS - sign up HERE
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“The journey of a lifetime starts here,” the 2022 MMS Annual Appeal, officially kicked off Tuesday November 29th, Giving Tuesday.
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:
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Facilities: continuing indoor and outdoor learning environment enhancements for all students, including new signage and facade upgrades at Staunton and a climbing structure for our toddler community.
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Faculty: teacher appreciation and training funds and ongoing accreditation initiatives through the AMS Pathways to Continuous School Improvement process. MMS invested more than $75,000 in out-of-state and local Montessori training and professional development, teacher bonuses and contributions to the staff retirement funds last year--a number we hope to increase in 2022-23.
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Families: widen community access to our programs by increasing financial aid and scholarships from $56,000 in 2021-22 to $72,000 in 2022-23.
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 mmsjourney to 76278!
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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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Middle School Pancake Breakfast |
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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.
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 | Thursday & Friday, December 15-16, 10am. - 6:00 p.m.
Winter Concerts/Early Dismissal | Wednesday, December 21
New Year's Break | December 22-January 2 | School resumes Tuesday, January 3
Spring Conferences | March 16-17
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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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