Please read for important information and announcements. Thank you!

MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | October 2026

Share This Email

Dear MMS Families,

As we settle into the new school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for all you have done to help us get off to such a positive start.

The first weeks of school are always a time of adjustment as children settle into new routines, reconnect with friends and teachers, and find their rhythm in the classroom. We appreciate the support, communication, and partnership you have shown during this time.

One of the things I value most about MMS is the strong sense of community we share. We are grateful to work alongside you in supporting your children and look forward to all that this school year will bring.

Thank you for being part of our community. We are so glad you are here.

Best wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Carriger, M.A.

Head of School

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Want to know what your child is doing in school, what's happening in their classroom, and what's going on at MMS?

We offer a range of opportunities for you to gain insight and connect with your school community, and they're highlighted in this year's "Family Connections" menu. Please make a note of these dates and events and watch for continuing announcements throughout the year.

Still have questions?

Please contact your child's classroom teacher and/or Head of School Jennifer Carriger. We'd be pleased to connect with you!

Download Family Connections 2026-27

FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

Celebrating how far we have come, looking ahead with excitement, purpose and care. That was theme of our all-school Annual Meeting on September 14 and the spirit for the year ahead as we celebrate 50 years of service to the child.

The online gathering was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on where we've been and renew our commitment to excellence for the next five decades.

Each member of the MMS community truly makes a difference in safeguarding our legacy, and opportunities for getting involved were among the highlights of the meeting (many of which are included in the calendar later in this newsletter). Whether you can help out for an hour or take on a leadership role, every act of kindness matters and is deeply appreciated.

If you weren't able to join us for the meeting, we invite you to watch the Zoom video to get a quick overview of the state of MMS and a look ahead at 2026-27.

In the words of MMS Board President Brad Barker, "let's do 50 BIG!"

Zoom link

STEP BY STEP: THE JOURNEY TO ACCREDITATION

In August, MMS became the first school in West Virginia to be fully accredited by the American Montessori Society. As we celebrate this milestone during our 50th year, we'll be highlighting some of the major steps that led to this affirmation of of school, our programs, and the people who bring them to life.

After years of preparation and reflection, and completion an exhaustive two-year self-study of every aspect of our school, MMS was honored to welcome a team of Montessori educators and leaders to Charleston in May for an intensive four-day site visit as one of the final steps toward accreditation by the American Montessori Society.

These esteemed Montessorians from peer schools observed classrooms in action, toured facilities, and gained feedback from staff, parents and board members. We extend our appreciation to our evaluators and members of the MMS community who contributed to this process.

Among its many observations, the site team emphasized:

“The consummate commitment to Montessori best practices, to reaching every child in his or her own way, and to helping each child embrace the joy of discovery."
“The efficiency of its administration and staff, crafted through the leadership of Head of School Jennifer Carriger, who embraced the self-study process and developed policies and procedures encompassing so many facets of the school."
”The leadership of the Board in supporting the self-study process and the enthusiastic participation of the entire staff are reflected in the quality of the outcome and the qualities of the school.”

In its formal notification of accreditation in August, AMS said, “We acknowledge the dedication and commitment you made in achieving accreditation. Your continued commitment to upholding the highest standards of Montessori education and working toward continuous school improvement is to be commended. The AMS community joins (us) in congratulating you on this tremendous endeavor.”

PANCAKE BREAKFAST OCTOBER 3

Mountaineer Montessori Middle School students invite you to join them at Cafe 304 for their always-popular Pancake Breakfast, to be held Saturday, October 3, 8:00-10:20 a.m. at the 20th Street campus.

The event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast, get together with friends, and support the Middle School micro economy work. Our students have been working hard on all aspects of the breakfast, from planning, to marketing, to cooking, to serving.

They look forward to serving you on October 3.

RSVP

PICTURE DAY

Thursday, October 1: Individual Photos-Staunton Avenue (Primary, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary)

Friday, October 2: Class Photos-Staunton Avenue (Primary, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary)

Individual and Class Photos- 20th Street (Toddlers and Middle School)

We are pleased to welcome Mike Hall back to MMS this year for picture days.

Mike will be be at the Staunton Avenue campus, Thursday, October 1, for individual photos and will return on Friday, October 2, for class photos.

Individual and class photos for 20th Street students will also take place on Friday.

Please review the following picture day procedures and tips:

Our individual and class photos are typically taken outside, with the school grounds as a backdrop.
Individual and/or class photos may include "full body" shots. Pants and shoes may show in the photos. Students may change clothes (if desired) after having pictures taken.
You will receive a proof page of your child(ren)'s individual photos at a later date and will be able to choose from several poses/photos if you decide to place an order.

Please contact Beth George if you have any questions about picture day. Thank you!

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.

As partners in supporting your child's language journey, parents are invited to read aloud in their child's classrooms. Readers are welcome in Primary-Middle School classrooms (Middle School students do the reading in the Toddler community).

This year's read aloud will kick off with a special training for adults led by Dawn Miller, Executive Director of Read Aloud West Virginia on Thursday, October 1 at 4:45 p.m. New volunteers and returning readers are welcome. Training is required prior to reading in the classroom.

To register and sign up for childcare if your student is not currently in Plus, please email Jennifer Carriger.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Sign ups are now open for Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (October 5-6).

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.

WALK YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL

MMS parents are invited to start their day the Montessori way by walking their students to school on designated days in October:

Tuesday, October 20: All Primary students
Wednesday, October 21: All Lower Elementary
Thursday, October 22: All Upper Elementary
Friday, October 23: Toddler and Middle School

Participating families at the Staunton campus should park their cars in the lot across from the St. Agnes Church on 49th Street, and carefully cross the street and proceed to the main entrance.

Participating families at our 20th Street campus may park beside UC's Segra Field or along 20th Street, being careful not to block any driveways.

Children will be guided by MMS staff to enter the building and walk to the classroom while parents can enjoy a tasty pumpkin muffin baked by our own Head of School Jennifer Carriger!

Families with more than one student may participate on one or all of the relevant days for their classes.

We are excited to share our school with you, and starting the morning with us is a small way to can experience part of your child's day

Grace • Courtesy • Independence • Connection

Fall Family Education Night | November 5 | 4:00-5:15 pm

Meet Them Where They Are: A Montessori Approach

to Supporting Your Child at Home

Join us for an evening exploring how we can support children through everyday challenges while honoring their individual development, preserving their independence, and keeping Montessori principles at the heart of home life.

Together, we’ll explore practical ways to support the development of executive functioning skills, independence, grace and courtesy, and healthy relationships with technology—while learning how to recognize when our children need a little extra support and when the most helpful thing we can do is step back and let them try.

We’ll begin the evening together in the gym for a brief overview of the Montessori approach to supporting children at home. From there, families will have the opportunity to choose the level that best fits their child--Toddler, Primary, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, or Middle School—to join our guides for meaningful conversations and practical insights specific to their child’s stage of development. The Toddler discussion will also address toilet learning support at home.

Come learn, ask questions, share experiences, and connect with our Montessori community as we explore ways to support our children with intention, grace, and respect—at school and at home.

We’ll have refreshments, including iced coffee, to enjoy along the way!

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS: A WINDOW INTO YOUR CHILD'S WORLD

Sign ups are open for Classroom Observations. Middle School Classroom Observation days will be on Tuesdays beginning October 27. Primary, Lower and Upper Elementary observations start Thursday, October 29.

This is a valuable opportunity to learn about your child's work during the first months of school and gain a first-hand view of their classroom experiences.

We encourage all families to observe. in their child's classroom at least once per year. If your child is "moving up" to the next level at the end of the year, we invite you to observe a classroom at that level as well.

See you soon!

SHOP AND SUPPORT WITH KROGER REWARDS

Did you know that you can support your child's school with every online and in store purchase you make at Kroger?

Simply enroll in Community Rewards on the Kroger app and link to Mountaineer Montessori, and a percentage of your order will be donated to MMS!

MMS parent Stacy Potwin is coordinating our Kroger campaign this year, and invites you to sign up today. All you have to do is create an account and then link your shoppers card to our organization (Mountaineer Montessori school)!

Don't forget to sign up spouses, grandparents, other family members and friends, too. It all adds up to make a difference!

Details here.

If you have any questions, please contact Stacy (312/515-7486).

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!

PLUS SESSION TWO

It's almost time to register for session two of Plus! Session one ends on Friday October 23, and Session Two will run from October 26-January 15. Please make note there will no Plus on October 29, November 19, and December 10 due to staff meetings.

Registration will open up on October 15. Please keep an eye on your email for the registration links.

For questions about Plus please contact Stephanie Spradling

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY-EARLY DISMISSAL

MMS will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, so our staff can participate in professional development.

Dismissal will begin at 11:45 a.m. Please also note that there will be no After School Plus on this day. We appreciate your understanding and support as our teachers continue learning and growing together!

WE DIG OUR VOLUNTEERS

MMS is more than a school, it's a community where your involvement matters.

Volunteers have made a difference at MMS from the beginning and you're invited to help enhance our total education experience in the year ahead by taking part.

We are excited to welcome all 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.

Volunteer

UPCOMING EVENTS

NEW-Chess Club kick off | September 28

NEW-Photo Day | October 1-Staunton campus individual photos | October 2-Staunton campus class photos and 20th Street individual and class photos

NEW-Read Aloud Training | October 1 | 4:45 p.m. | Sign-up for training with Jennifer

NEW-Middle School Pancake Breakfast | October 3 | Reservations

LINK ADDED-Parent-Teacher Conferences | October 5-6 | Sign up | NO SCHOOL

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

NEW-Walk Your Child to School Days | October 20-Primary | October 21-Lower Elementary | October 22-Upper Elementary | October 23-Toddler & Middle School

NEW-Classroom observations open | October 27-Middle School | October 29-Primary, Lower & Upper Elementary | Sign up

Professional Development Day | October 29 | 11:45 a.m. dismissal for all students

NEW-Family Education-Meet Them Where They Are: A Montessori Approach to Supporting Your Child at Home | November 5 | 4:00-5:15 p.m.

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

NEW-Staff Meeting | November 19 | NO PLUS

Thanksgiving Break | November 23-27 | NO SCHOOL

NEW-Giving Tuesday | December 1

NEW-Staff Meeting | December 10 | NO PLUS

MMS Board Meeting | December 12 | Noon | Email Board Secretary Becca Stevenson for details

NEW-Annual Book Fair & Bake Sale |December 14-15 | Volunteer

Winter Concert-Early Dismissal | December 18 | Volunteer

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

NEW-Montessori Education Week | February 22-26

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.