Dear MMS Families,

Spring is here! Our students are engaged in deep work at all levels, and we are all looking forward to the many special events and traditions this season brings to MMS.

We have a few spaces left on our classroom observation schedule (sign up here). Recent observation comments have included:

"Children problem-solved with each other, rather than asking an adult."

"Healthy relationships are cultivated, children are supported and guided but not forced....there is excitement, not overstimulation...."

"Great to see such caring in the space and each guide/assistant with the children."

"Calm, quiet, peace SO EVIDENT!"

"Both staff calm and observant, always focused and present with the children."

Family conferences begin on Monday -- our Guides look forward to connecting with you and sharing progress. Spring conferences are an exciting time, as by this point of the school year the children have experienced so much growth in so many ways. See you soon!

Best wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Carriger

Head of School

RISE TO THE OCCASION FOR EDUCATION ON MAY 16

Where can you enjoy an evening of fantastic entertainment, priceless class art projects and other exclusive prizes, great food and beverages and the best company ever--all the while investing in the power of education? Only at "Lighting the Way," the 2025 MMS Spring Gala!

Please plan to join friends old and new on Friday, May 16, at Edgewood Country Club, for a really fun evening that generates essential funding for teacher training and appreciation, facilities, and financial aid--more than $45,000 to local families in 2024-25 alone!

Sponsorships start at $250 and individual tickets are $95 through April 25.

Sponsorships pledged by March 28 will be listed in the invitation mailing--don't wait.

Please text mmsgala to 76278 or visit the gala platform for details.

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

IMPORTANT-QUALIFYING FOR HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

MMS is pleased to be an approved WV Hope Scholarship School. The scholarship allows qualifying K-12 students to receive financial assistance that can be used for private school tuition and other approved expenses.

We encourage all MMS families to visit the WV Hope Scholarship website to familiarize themselves with the Hope Program and sign up for the Hope Newsletter to stay informed as the program continues to expand and evolve.

Applying for next year

The 2026-26 application portal for returning Hope students opened on January 3, while new students can begin applying starting March 1.

Applications must be filed by June 15 to receive 100 percent of Hope funding for the year. (The scholarship amount for the current school year is $4,2291.39.)

To qualify for 2025-26, a new Hope student must be:

• Eligible to be enrolled in kindergarten* (see below for important additional information) for the year for which they are applying for the Hope Scholarship.
• Enrolled full-time in a West Virginia public elementary or secondary school for the entire instructional term of the academic year preceding the academic year for which the student is applying to participate in the Hope Scholarship Program.
• Enrolled full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school in West Virginia for at least 45 consecutive calendar days* during the current instructional term at the time of application (see below for important additional information). The student must remain enrolled and attending the public-school program until a decision is reached on the Hope Scholarship application. 



Are current MMS students eligible to apply? 

Except for those enrolled as a kindergarten age friend next year, current MMS students are not eligible to apply as a new applicant for the Hope Scholarship Program. 

However, under new rules, students in first grade and up could become eligible by enrolling in a public virtual school for at least 45 calendar days while attending MMS. The student must remain enrolled in the virtual school until a decision letter is issued regarding participation in the program, which could take up to an additional 45 calendar days.

The documents below provide details on the Kanawha County Schools Virtual Program:

KCS Virtual Program

KCS Virtual Brochure

To enroll in the KCS Virtual Program, click here.

Families residing outside of Kanawha County should check with the appropriate district regarding other virtual options. In addition, there may be state-wide virtual opportunities available. Please see the WV Hope Scholarship website for more more information,

When will all private school students be eligible for Hope?

Under current law, the Hope Scholarship program will open to existing private school students for the 2026-27 school year.

Again, we strongly encourage all families to keep themselves informed and plan ahead for the next school year and beyond as the program continues to evolve and expand. Visit the WV Treasurer's Office website for details.

Kindergarten information:

Kindergarten children who will be age 5 by July 1 are eligible for the Hope Scholarship. Please see the WV Treasurer's office website for details.

As part of the application process, students are required to obtain a "WVEIS" number through the public schools. For more information on Kanawha County procedures, click here.

Students who will be in their third year of Primary but not yet 5 by the deadline, may be eligible if the student successfully enrolls in a West Virginia public kindergarten program through the program’s regularly established early entrance process that determines whether your child meets the criteria to start kindergarten a year early.  

Interested families should contact their appropriate county school system to determine next steps.

CHESS TEAM

Problem solving, critical thinking and sustained focus are emphasized throughout the Montessori curriculum. Those vital skills shown through with flying colors on March 15 as the MMS Chess Team took home numerous honors at the WV Scholastic Chess state championship, including first and second place teams in the K-3 Division, fourth place team in the Middle School category and several awards for individual play. Congratulations to our students and Coach Evan Young for representing MMS and Montessori education with excellence, teamwork and a strong spirit of sportsmanship! Thank you also to team parents for their support and encouragement. We are proud of all of you!

MONTESSORI MOMENTS

Congratulations to Zaneeza Zahra, an MMS fifth year student, who finished as elementary champion runner up in the 2025 Kanawha County Scripps National Spelling Bee!

It's always an honor to open our doors to other Montessorians and we were so pleased to recently welcome trainers from the Modern Montessori Teacher Education College to MMS. Learning from and with Montessori educators from across the country and around the world brings best practices and fresh insights into your child's classroom.

MMS Lower and Upper Elementary students shared the spirit of community during Montessori Education Week with special daily “themes." Check out more of the fun here.

Like these photos? Then you'll love MMS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Photos, school updates and Montessori news are posted nearly every day!

Our community explored Montessori math during February's Parent Education events. Thanks to the families who participated in these interactive sessions and teachers who presented these engaging programs. Gaining insight into the Montessori method helps families support their child’s educational experience and strengthens our entire school community! We are thankful for everyone’s participation. More photos here.

Middle School students took their STEM learning on the road with a "powerful" trip to the London Locks and Dam.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences have been reconfigured to make up two inclement weather days.

Classes and Plus will operate on a normal schedule on the previously scheduled conference days (March 20-21) as well on the new conference days.

The new schedule is as follows:

Monday, March 24: Primary I & II, Lower Elementary I, II & III, Upper Elementary I & II

Tuesday, March 25: Middle School and Toddler

Monday, March 31: Primary I & II, Lower Elementary I, II & III, Upper Elementary I & II

Tuesday, April 1: Middle School

Upper Elementary and Middle School students attend conferences and will leave the classroom to participate at their scheduled conference times.

You can schedule your conference by clicking the link below.

Click here to sign-up

CURRICULUM CORNER: SCIENCE

Hands-on learning is a signature of Montessori education. For Upper Elementary science students, that translates to ample opportunities to explore and apply science lessons through a variety of engaging STEM activities. Below are photos from recent sessions led by Karen Kelly that support and extend these lessons, including: building DNA models from candy; egg dissection; growing mushrooms; measuring skin sensitivity; and dissection of a cow heart!

UPCOMING EVENTS

March

March 24-28 | Community Service Drive for the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association | NEW DATE

March 24 | Parent Teacher Conferences | NORMAL SCHEDULE FOR ALL STUDENTS

March 25 | Parent Teacher Conferences | NORMAL SCHEDULE FOR ALL STUDENTS

March 29 | Middle School Pancake Breakfast

March 31 | Parent Teacher Conferences | NORMAL SCHEDULE FOR ALL STUDENTS

Staff Meeting | March 27 | NO PLUS

Financial aid applications due | March 30 | email Beth George for an application

April

April 1 | Parent Teacher Conferences | NORMAL SCHEDULE FOR ALL STUDENTS

Spring Guitar and Ukulele Concert | April 23 | 5:15 p.m. | NEW DATE

MMS Board Meeting | April 12 | noon | email Board Secretary Brad Holliday for link and details

Spring Break | April 14-18 | NO SCHOOL

Spring Guitar and Ukulele Concert | April 23 | 5:15 p.m. | NEW DATE

Staff Meeting | April 24 | NO PLUS

Middle School to Washington, D.C. | April 28-May 2

Upper Elementary to Pittsburgh | April 30-May 2

May

Teacher Appreciation Week | May 5-9

Step-Up Night | May 8 | Toddler and Primary-5:30-6:30 p.m. | Lower and Upper Elementary-6:30-7:30 p.m.|

MMS Board Meeting | May 12 | noon | email Board Secretary Brad Holliday for link and details

Staff Meeting | May 15 | NO PLUS

Annual Spring Gala | May 16 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Edgewood Country Club | NEW

Standardized Testing Week | May 19-23 | Grades 3-8

Memorial Day | May 26 | NO SCHOOL

June

Middle School Graduation | June 4

Last Day of School/Early Dismissal/Annual Picnic | June 5

January

LOOKING GOOD, MMS!

Look good while supporting your school by visiting the MMS swagshop and ordering your M Gear. MMS receives a certain percentage of all the proceeds. Come check out all the fun gear!

MORE MONTESSORI MOMENTS

MMMS has a whole new sound with the introduction steel drumming to the creative expression/world music curriculum. A session led by Chanler Bailey from the faculty of the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media got the new program off to a banging start in February. The students loved it and the sounds of the Caribbean filled the hallways of our 20th Street location. Watch for details as the program is built out. We’re lucky to have our own percussionist on staff—MMS Head of School Jennifer Carriger, who was a member of the Pride of West Virginia drumline with Mr. Bailey!

More photos here.

Thank you for reading your "M" News!



Current and past newsletters are always available on your virtual newstand.