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Volunteer Kick-Off Friday/Annual Meeting Monday - Welcome Back!

MMS E-Newsletter | September 2026

Dear MMS Families,

It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back to school! Our classrooms are coming to life, children are reconnecting with friends and teachers, new relationships are forming, and our community is settling into the rhythms of another school year. We are so happy to have our families back with us.

This is an especially meaningful year as Mountaineer Montessori School celebrates its 50th year! For five decades, families, staff, Board members, volunteers, and friends have helped shape the school we are today. We look forward to celebrating this milestone together throughout the year.

We hope you will join us for two upcoming opportunities to connect with our school community. Our Volunteer Orientation will be held Friday, September 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the Staunton Avenue gym. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the many ways you can share your time and talents with MMS and become involved in the life of our school.

We also hope you will join us for the MMS Annual Meeting on Monday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. We will share our annual report, hold our Board of Directors election, and give you a look at what’s in store for this very special 50th anniversary year.

The strength of the relationships within our community has always been an important part of what makes MMS special. We look forward to another wonderful year of learning, growing, connecting, and celebrating together. We are so glad you are here. Welcome back!

Warmly,

Jennifer

Jennifer Carriger, MA

Head of School

Schedule a meeting with me!

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Volunteers have made a difference at MMS from the beginning and you're invited to enhance the total school experience in the year ahead by getting involved.

Learn more at the 2026-27 Volunteer Orientation on Friday, September 11, 8:30 a.m., in the Staunton Avenue Gymnasium.

We are excited to welcome al new and returning families alike into volunteer opportunities this year. Whether you can contribute an hour, a day, or take on a leadership role, your involvement and unique expertise helps enrich the experience of all our children, teachers, and families!

Thank you again for your support and commitment to our school community.

Please contact Hannah Copen or Stephanie Spradling for details.

ANNUAL MEETING FOR ALL FAMILIES

Learn what's ahead at MMS and what it means for your child at our Annual Meeting on Monday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. Please plan to join us on Zoom (link below) for an update and preview of 2026-27--our 50th year and first as an AMS Accredited School. The agenda will include election of members of the MMS Board of Directions and overview of opportunities to get involved.

Every year at MMS is special and this one promises to be golden!

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85136186482?pwd=MEK2t10Xduqy4n4uX10u5bkAaiWJG6.1

Password: MMS1976

WORKING TOGETHER

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. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this wonderful platform!

The latest issue offers helpful insight on "The Family-Teacher Partnership: How Families and Schools Work Together" and "Building Independence Through Everyday Routines."

Learn more in the latest issue.

FACULTY FOCUS

“If you tell me that you are a teacher, I know a bit about you. If you tell me you are a Montessori teacher, I know so much more. It is our Montessori values that bind us together,” says Pamela Shanks, M.Ed , a guide, presenter, consultant, and author who specializes in inclusive Montessori education.

We were honored to welcome Pamela (group photo, front row, third from left) to MMS in August for an intensive back to school professional development seminar designed to strengthen our practice in supporting neurodiverse learners and meeting the needs of the children in our Montessori environments.

Through presentations and interactive activities, this impactful day helped us see and understand children more deeply and apply practical strategies to support students through observation, collaboration, and individualized interventions all while remaining grounded in Montessori principles.

We are grateful for this powerful opportunity and will incorporate the important lessons experienced into our comprehensive approach and strong commitment to meeting children when they are, nurturing their growth and building connection and a strong community for all.

Thank you, Pam!

Pamela Shanks is the author of "The Montessori Approach to Classroom-Based Interventions: A Handbook for Educators, Administrators, Service Providers, and Families of Children Whose Development Is Impacted by Delay or Disability."

STRINGS STARTING SOON

Strings classes with Bernard DiGregorio, principal viola for the WV Symphony (and MMS alumni parent), will begin on September 25. Bernard will be here on the 18th for a demonstration and introduction to this wonderful component of the rich arts opportunities offered to students.

We look forward to another wonderful year with Bernard!

Please see your FACTS Family Portal for complete details.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE HEART

"There’s a child new to my class this year--today makes eight days I have known this child. This week, they shared little snippets of their life each day and with each little sound bite, coupled with my observations I begin to build the puzzle of who this child is. As this child opens up, my own heart opens… and sometimes aches.

Multiply this by 28.

I carry your child with me now. In my heart.

Eight days in, and their face comes to mind while I’m with my own kids. Inspiration for lessons that might resonate with them come to me while I watch my son's first, last high school soccer game.

I am not perfect, I won’t always get it right. But no matter what, I carry my students in my heart, always."

Thank you, Primary II Lead Guide Samantha Van Den Berghe-Lynch, for this beautiful reflection on the deep bonds that form between teacher and student in Montessori classrooms and the profound commitment of educators to truly see and understand each child so they can support them with the individual tools and experiences that will best nurture their unique potential. The child opens the window--and our hearts-- by revealing who s/he is and teaches us what they need to learn!

MMS celebrated the birthday of Maria Montessori on August 31 through art, music, and more! See reel.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Volunteer Kick-Off | September 11 | 8:30 a.m. | Staunton campus

NEW INFO ADDED-All-School Annual Meeting | September 14 | 6:00 p.m.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85136186482?pwd=MEK2t10Xduqy4n4uX10u5bkAaiWJG6.1 Passcode:MMS2026

Staff Meeting | September 24 | NO PLUS

Parent-Teacher Conferences | October 5-6 | NO SCHOOL

MMS Board Meeting | October 19 | Noon | Email Board Secretary Becca Stevenson for details

Professional Development Day | October 29 | 11:45 a.m. dismissal for all students | NO PLUS

Family Education Event | November 5 | 4:00-5:15

MMS Board Meeting | November 16 | 4:00 p.m. | Email Board Secretary Becca Stevenson for details

Thanksgiving Break | November 23-27 | NO SCHOOL

MMS Board Meeting | December 14 | Noon | Email Board Secretary Becca Stevenson for details

MMS Book & Bake Sale | December 14 & 15

Winter Concert-Early Dismissal | December 18

New Year's Break | December 21-January 1 | NO SCHOOL

MONTESSORI MOMENTS

A Montessori school is a true community, where everyone is welcome, respected and valued. Back to School Night sessions, Orientation Day, New Parent Coffee and Ice Cream Social gave all of us the wonderful opportunity to meet (or reconnect with) each other and get a preview of what’s ahead for our 50th year… working hand in hand, we know the best is yet come!