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MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | October 2025

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Dear MMS Families,

As we settle into the rhythm of a new school year, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all you’ve done to help create such a smooth and positive start.

Your support—whether through timely communication, participation in school events, or simply helping your children arrive ready to learn—has made a meaningful difference. It’s clear that this is a community that cares deeply about its students, and we are grateful to partner with you in their growth and success

.We’re excited for all that lies ahead and truly appreciate the trust you place in us every day. Here’s to a year full of learning, connection, and continued collaboration.

Best wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Carriger, M.A.

Head of School

After School Enrichment Info & Registration

PAINT THE TOWN, BANG THE DRUM, JUMP FOR JOY!

MMS enthusiastically announces a major expansion of our after school programing with a new menu of fantastic enrichment classes--in addition to our always-wonderful Plus Program--starting this fall.

Each season will bring a new line-up of classes!

Thank you to our talented and creative staff who have developed this remarkable fall line-up of fun Montessori-aligned activities for our lucky students:

Art Around the World with Kyra Zamora-Elementary
Computer Club with Beth George-Elementary
Drama Club with Naphtali ReBrook and Denessa Rouse-Elementary
Beginning Steel Drum Ensemble with Jennifer Carriger and Emily Beal-Middle School with slots for sixth years if space available
The Jump Team (fitness activities and Jump Rope Ensemble) with Tara Fought-Elementary
MMS After Hours-Tara Fought

Please see the registration form (link above) for details (dates, times, fees, etc.). Space is limited for all programs. Register today-don't miss out!

INSPIRE YOUNG MINDS, CONTINUE THE PROUD TRADITION:

MMS CHESS COACH WANTED

Over the decades, MMS has built an amazing chess program for our Elementary and Middle School students, with team and individual state championships earned nearly every year. Just check out our crowded trophy cases at 20th Street and Staunton!

Now you could have the special opportunity to help carry on this strong and popular program and inspire young thinkers as the MMS Chess Team Coach! Due to an out-of-state relocation by Coach Evan Young. we now have a vacancy for an adult leader. Stipends are available.

If you are interested in applying to be our MMS Chess Team Coach, please email Jennifer Carriger.

We are very grateful to Evan and all of the incredible coaches who have helped build this program over the years and so proud of our dedicated and talented players. Let's make this upcoming season the best yet!

ROOTED IN THE FUTURE: ANNUAL MEETING

The MMS Annual Meeting offers a compelling snapshot of our progress and our plans for the future.

During the 2025 meeting, Head of School Jennifer Carriger, Board President Brad Barker and Board Treasurer Brian Young shared important updates and look-aheads for MMS was we approach our milestone 50th anniversary in 2026.

Brad set the tone for the meeting--and the future--with these inspiring remarks:

"Our new theme is 'Rooted in the Future,' which reflects what Mountaineer Montessori is all about.

For nearly half a century, we've been deeply rooted in Montessori principles, and those roots allow us to nurture children who are prepared not just for today, but for the world they will inherit tomorrow.

Thank you for helping us lift the future for our children, school, community and world! (Pictured above are Board President Brad Barker and Board Secretary Becca Stevenson.)

This year, we are nearing the completion of our accreditation process, a major milestone in the life of our school. I want to emphasize what it represents. It's our commitment to excellence, accountability, and a Montessori program that will thrive for generations to come.

The demand for Montessori education continues to grow because families want something more for their children: an education that develops character, independence, and lifelong curiosity.

Our students are learning how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with others, not just preparing for the next test.

And as they grow, they will shape the future of Charleston, making our community stronger, more compassionate, and more innovative.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for entrusting us with this mission and for sustaining our community with your gifts of time, talent, and support.

Together, we are rooted in the future, and helping our children step boldly into it."

We encourage everyone to watch this uplifting presentation (approximately 30 minutes).

Annual Meeting Recording

Meet the MMS Board

BOARD BIZ

Congratulations to Brad Holliday, Erica Smith-Woods (Vice President) and Becca Stevenson (Secretary), who were elected to another term on the MMS Board of Directors, and welcome to new member Hilliary Johnson!

The MMS Board is comprised of volunteer leaders from varied backgrounds who are passionate about Montessori education, dedicated to the mission of MMS and who advocate on behalf of the school, its programs, and faculty. The Board establishes and reviews the philosophy, objectives and policies of MMS and holds the school’s well‑being in trust, providing continuity of purpose to our community.

It's not too late to get involved with Board committees or volunteer activity generally this year. Whether it's a one-off effort for a morning or an ongoing program, there's a way for you to make an impact. Every act of volunteerism makes a difference!

Learn about Board committees & involvement

Volunteer opportunities

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Learning happens both inside and outside the classroom--everywhere! The American Montessori Society is offering a wonderful program for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach.

Participants will receive resources to enhance their child’s education, deepen their Montessori knowledge, and learn how to apply Montessori principles at home.

Registration is $150. MMS is pleased to announce partial scholarships for our parent community. Availability is limited. For more information, contact Beth George.

This course will include six weeks of live, online sessions and self-guided study. Participants can expect one-two hours of commitment each week, including one-hour live Zoom sessions. Content is geared towards parents and guardians of children (ages 2 ½ – 6) currently enrolled in a Montessori school and those who are interested in learning more about Montessori philosophy.

Registration & info

FACULTY FOCUS

Please join us in welcoming new staff members who have joined MMS since last fall and in congratulating returning staff who are assuming new roles. We are proud of all of you!

Katie Barnette

Upper Elementary II Assistant

Paige Biehler moves from Plus to serve in
Plus and as a Primary II Assistant

William Biehler

Physical Education Instructor

Rachel Fowles

Toddler Lead Guide

Britney "B" Henson

Primary II Assistant

Brittney Mills joined the Toddler community as an Assistant last spring.

Al Nocie

Primary II Assistant

Bethany Riffle

Lower Elementary II Lead Guide

Naphtali ReBrook is now our Spanish teacher as well as teaching Elementary

World Music.

Leah Towler shifts from UE II to serve as a Plus Elementary Assistant

Samantha Van Den Berghe-Lynch moves from Founding Guide of our Toddler Program to be the Lead Guide for Primary II.

Meet all of our amazing new and returning staff

ELEVATING EDUCATION BY ELEVATING EDUCATORS

Investing in education starts with investing in teachers.

Each year, MMS, makes a major commitment to ensuring the highest quality Montessori experience for your children by sponsoring AMS credential training, professional development and other learning opportunities for staff.

This year, we will be supporting our educators- and your child's education-with:

AMS credential training
Mission, Vision, and Values review
First Aid/CPR training
AMS Equity Examined Audit
Expanded and strengthened Assistant Training
Classroom Leadership Training
Positive Discipline Refresher and Support
MMS Teacher Advisory Committee
Positive Discipline training

More photos here.

We deeply appreciate the financial support of our community, which makes these opportunities possible for our dedicated professionals.

"My training with Modern Montessori Teacher Education College has been truly transformative, providing me with a wealth of resources to help make our classroom the very best it can be. The instructors were not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also incredibly supportive and accommodating. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend and to bring back so many valuable ideas to MMS."

Jennifer Preston, LE II Lead Guide

OFF TO A STRONG-AND SMILING-START

"I have such a feeling of peace after coming this evening."

"Every day my children ask Alexa 'how many days until school starts?'"

"My child cried when Campessori was over because he wouldn't see his teachers for two weeks."

"It's going to be a great school year."

Back to School preparations are not just for teachers. At MMS, the entire family is embraced as we come together for another year of discovery, creativity and growth for the children we are honored to serve. At the 2025 Back to School events, parents had the opportunity to share, connect and learn as we embark on another exciting journey together--and everyone came together to get the year off on a sweet start at the annual Ice Cream Social!

RAISING A READER-READ ALOUD TRAINING

Reading is a bedrock of learning and lifetime success, enabling children to gain knowledge, understand their world, and become engaged and contributing members of society.

This year, MMS will turn the spotlight on the Montessori approach to language, the "science of reading," and ways families can encourage and support their child's literacy at school and at home.

We'll kick off this "Raising a Reader @ MMS" initiative with read aloud training for adults led by Dawn Miller, Executive Director of Read Aloud West Virginia on Thursday, October 7 at 4:00 p.m.

We'll be reintroducing read aloud opportunities for parents in our classrooms and this training will help families take part. Watch for details of this event as well as other reading-related activities to be held throughout the year!

To register, email Jennifer Carriger.

FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR CHILD'S CLASSROOM

Sign ups are now open for Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (October 13-14)

Middle School Classroom Observation days will be on Tuesdays beginning October 28.

Classroom Observations for Primary, Lower and ,Upper Elementary will begin on Thursday, October 30.

Both provide invaluable opportunities to learn about your child's work during the first months of school and gain a first-hand view of their classroom experiences.

As a reminder, there is NO school and NO Plus on conference days. We provide childcare for MMS students free of charge during their conferences and the conferences of their siblings.

Upper Elementary and Middle School students attend conferences with their parents.

FOLLOW THE CHILD

As part of our association with AMS, MMS families have access to a rich library of resources and information, including a monthly newsletter.

The AMS Family Connection includes articles on topics such as Montessori philosophy, Montessori tips for the home, a peek inside the classroom, and more.

The latest issue explores a concept at the heart Montessori: following the child.

"Following the child is a simple yet powerful invitation to trust in your child’s natural curiosity, creativity, and drive to grow. At home, parents can embrace this same spirit by observing with wonder, encouraging independence, and celebrating small discoveries as big steps forward.

Learn more in the latest issue

MONTESSORI MOMENTS

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

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

Lower Elementary III is excited to welcome the newest member of their classroom community, Archie, the Axolotl.

The Axolotl is a type of unique salamander that remains in its aquatic, larval stage throughout its entire life, a condition known as neoteny. Unlike other amphibians, this feathery friend resides in water and does not undergo metamorphosis to develop lungs and live on land. What a special living lesson for our students!

Sixth year students kicked off their human anatomy studies with a lab during which they made swabs of their own cheek cells, learned to prepare and stain a slide and observe it under the microscope. Next up? They will then draw their cells and label the organelles! More photos here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW-MMS After Hours | October 3 | 5:30-8:00 p.m. | Details/registration

NEW-Read Aloud Training for Parents with Dawn Miller, Executive Director, Read Aloud WV | October 7 | 4:00 p.m. | Watch for details

Staff Meeting | October 9 | NO PLUS

NEW-Parent Conferences | October 13-14 | NO SCHOOL | Register

NEW-Fundraising/Resource Development Meeting | October 16 | 8:30 a.m. | Watch for details

NEW-Walk Your Child to School Days | October 21-24 | Watch for details

MMS Board Meeting | October 20 | Noon | Email Board Secretary Becca Stevenson for details

Plus Session Two: October 27-January 16

NEW-Classroom Observations begin | October 28 | Register

Professional Development Day | October 31 | NO SCHOOL

NEW-MMS After Hours | November 7 | 5:30-8:00 p.m. | Details/registration

Staff Meeting | November 13 | NO PLUS

MMS Board Meeting | November 17 | In person: 4:00-6:00 p.m.| Email Board Secretary Becca Stevenson for details

Thanksgiving Break | November 24-28 | NO SCHOOL

MMS Board Meeting | December 5 | Noon | Email Board Secretary Becca Stevenson for details

Staff Meeting | December 11 | NO PLUS

Annual Book & Bake Sale | December 11-12 | Volunteer

Winter Concert & Early Dismissal | December 19 | Volunteer

New Year's Break | December 22-January 1

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Staying connected is more important than ever, and MMS is continually seeking new ways to stay in touch. In addition to our school channels (eblasts, website, RenWeb, etc.), MMS amplifies our communication through numerous social media platforms, including our main Facebook page, Middle School Facebook page, private FB parent group, MMS alumni group, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and more.

MORE MONTESSORI MOMENTS

As part of its Montessori tradition, Upper Elementary began the year with the First Great Lesson: The Story of the Universe: a cosmic journey through the origins and wonders of space. Inspired by this lesson, each student selected an astronomy topic that sparked their curiosity, ranging from galaxies and black holes to comets, constellations, dark matter, nebulas, neutron stars, and even the life cycle of a star.

Students carefully gathered information on notecards, created outlines, participated in peer editing to refine their ideas, and finalized their projects by typing polished drafts. This is a special tradition in our classroom that kickstarts the year, and one of the few assignments where the entire class researches a similar topic together at the same time. We celebrated by sharing our discoveries with one another, deepening our understanding of the universe and each other’s unique interests.

CURRICULM CORNER: FALL LEADERSHIP TRIP

MMMS believes that every student’s potential as a leader is waiting to be unearthed.

We believe in motivating and inspiring young adults to be great role models and civic leaders who want to and will make a positive difference in this world.

Fall Leadership Camp is the MMMS flagship team-building Erdkinder experience, designed to offer many opportunities for what we call “gateway” moments and experiences toward valorization.

Programming at the MMMS Fall Leadership Camp focuses on social and emotional learning, team building, leadership and practical life skills. This is a time for developing deeper connections between students and the natural environment. Activities are designed to support students in building strong, good character, and equipping them with the tools and skills to start their leadership journey.

At Fall Leadership Camp, students work together to set up a campsite, engage in activities that build deep and meaningful connections with fellow classmates, explore society’s successes and failures in stewarding our natural environment, and spend some quality time with themselves and each other, in nature.

The itinerary for the three-day fall 2025 trip included: camping, exploring, ziplining and leadership building at Summit Bechtel Reserve; a Ranger tour of Thurmond; climbing and rappelling at the New River Gorge; agriculture experiences at New Roots Community Farm; a foraging lesson; talent shows and leadership reflections around the campfire… and much, much more!

“Montessori broadly defined the development of the realms of both the head and the hands as ‘valorization.’ More specifically, this is the development of: joy, optimism, confidence, dignity, self-discipline, initiative, independence, helpfulness, mindfulness, and the ability to work with others.” -Krista Taylor, Angels and Superheroes

More photos here.