FACULTY FOCUS

We are pleased to introduce our 2025-26 staff, who will provide a wonderful Montessori foundation for your children. (Please see our website for staff bios, with continuing updates to follow.)        

TODDLER

Rachel Fowles will lead our Toddler classroom this year, assisted by Brittany Mills, who joined MMS last spring. Rachel is new to MMS, and she comes to us with a wealth of experience working with toddlers, including five years as a Head Teacher at Montessori Learning Center in Lindon, Utah. Nasrin Chbarek returns as the 20th Street Administrator and coordinator of the Toddler snack and lunch program. We are excited to welcome a new group of toddler children in August!

PRIMARY

Our Primary program will consist of two classrooms, with students guided by Sara Lloyd (Primary I) and Samantha Van Den Berghe-Lynch (Primary II). Sara will be assisted by Julia Carriger and Kyra Zamora. Samantha will be assisted by Britney Henson and other staff to be announced. We are excited to welcome Britney ("Ms. B") to the MMS Primary team. She comes to us with a background in teaching art and preschool in public and private school settings.

ELEMENTARY

Our Lower Elementary program will continue in three classrooms. Denessa Rouse will lead Lower Elementary I, assisted by Sonji Byers-Baldwin. Our Lower Elementary II classroom will be led by Bethany Riffle, assisted by Tiffany Martin. Bethany, a recent WVU graduate with a B.A. in elementary education, joined the MMS team last spring, supporting LE I, and she is training with the Modern Montessori Teacher Education College to prepare for her new role. Jen Preston will lead Lower Elementary III, assisted by Liliana Yocum.

Upper Elementary will continue in two classrooms, led by Emily Christian (Upper Elementary I) and Alasha Al-Qudwah (Upper Elementary II). Emily will be assisted by Elea Paybins and Karen Kelly, and Alasha will be assisted by Katie Barnette. Katie has been part of the MMS community for two years as a parents, and she brings prior experience as a park ranger, phlebotomist, and middle school science teacher to her new role in Upper Elementary.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Middle School Program will be led by Dr. Emily Beal (science and math) and Greg Moore (humanities and English/language arts). They will be joined by specialists Elea Paybins (creative expression), William Biehler (physical expression), and Naphtali ReBrook (Spanish).

SPECIALISTS AND PLUS PROGRAM

Curriculum specialists this year will include Naphtali ReBrook, Spanish and Elementary World Music teacher; William Biehler, physical education instructor; and Elea Paybins, who will lead art classes for Lower and Upper Elementary. Tara Fought will provide Reading and Learning Support Services and Stephanie Spradling will teach world music to our Primary friends. Jennifer Carriger leads our student support program.

Bernard DiGregorio will once again offer private-pay strings lessons to Elementary-age students on Fridays.

Karen Kelly returns to lead Montessori Plus this year. Karen will be joined by Susie Newhouse, Paige Biehler, and additional staff to be announced.

ADMINISTRATION AND FACILITIES

Our admin team includes Jennifer Carriger, MMS Head of School, Beth George, MMS Director of Operations, and administrative team members Stephanie Spradling and Nasrin Chbarek. We are pleased to have our Staunton Avenue custodian John Elswick on staff as well.

ONE IS SILVER AND THE OTHER IS GOLD...

As we excitedly welcome new staff to our school, MMS extends a warm farewell to members of our team who are embarking on new chapters. Shannon Bradley and Evan Young are relocating with their families out of state, Leah Towler will transition to a part-time role at MMS, and Sutton Higginbotham, Stevie Palenchar and Angela Walker are pursuing other opportunities. MMS thanks them for their service to the children of MMS and wishes them all the best with their future endeavors!

The entire MMS community also extends a very special goodbye to Maria Leon Kershner, who has been an integral and beloved part of our school for 18 years as our Spanish teacher, Primary and Plus Assistant, and parent of two alumni. Maria's expertise in child development, dedication to sharing the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries, and her deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy and MMS, inspired our students, teachers and parents and uplifted our entire school community. Her many contributions will have a lasting impact. We wish you much happiness as you return to your native Costa Rica with your husband, Sky Kershner, and family!

"To have another language is to possess a second soul." ~Charlemagne

Gracias, Maria!

FACTS FAMILY PORTAL/REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT

Please be sure to check your family demographic form in FACTS/ParentsWeb before school starts so that we have your current contact information.

The following forms should have been completed during the enrollment/re-enrollment process:

• Student medical form
• Custodial parent form(s)
• Transportation form
• Consent for use of student images form

We need the following for ALL STUDENTS AGES 2-12 before the first day of school:



• Emergency Information/Permission Form for Children in Childcare Settings We need two signed copies of this form for each child ages 2-12.This form does not need to be notarized. (If you completed this form for Campessori 2025 you do not need to complete it again for this school year.) Please do not email or fax these forms. We must receive hard copies. You may drop the forms off at school anytime M-F between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and you may also place them in the school's mailbox on the front of the building on either campus. Thank you!
• A copy of the child's most recent physical/well-child report or a completed copy of this form: Child Health Assessment . Make sure the report states whether the child has any allergies.

We need the following from ALL FAMILIES before the first day of school:

• Signed acknowledgement of receipt of our Student-Parent Handbook. Older students (grades 4 and up) may also sign the acknowledgement. We only need one signed acknowledgement per family.

The FACTS Family Portal contains the following resource documents:



• MMS Student/Parent Handbook - This document contains important information including arrival/dismissal procedures, medication administration policies and forms, lunch and snack information, and more. Please read the handbook carefully and complete the acknowledgement page before the first day of school.
• MMS Handbook Quick Guide
• Classroom supplies lists and entry/readiness checklists
• WV Department of Health and Human Resources immunization requirements.  A complete and up-to-date immunization record must be signed by your physician and filed at school. 
• Arrival/Dismissal Procedures for each campus
• Summer Assignments (Upper Elementary and Middle School) 
• In lieu of transportation form (ages 5 and up)
• Medication administration form (required for Epi-Pens and any other medication that must be kept for administration at school)
• Sunscreen/Bug spray application form
• 2025-2026 School Calendar
• Child Health Assessment (required for all students ages 2-12 before school begins)
• Emergency Information/Permission Form (required for all students ages 2-12 before school begins)

ORIENTATION AND BACK TO SCHOOL DATES

Please read and familiarize yourself with back to school information and dates.

Families will receive class lists on August 7. At that time, families may register for new student orientation visits, which will be held on August 15.

PLEASE START PLANNING NOW FOR BACK TO SCHOOL - We can't wait to see you!

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

Arrival for all students begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 8:15 a.m.

Half Day students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. 

Dismissal for full day students (Toddler through Middle School) will be from 2:45-3:00 p.m. daily, once their full-day schedule begins. See the chart above for start dates.

In preparation for a smooth and efficient dismissal, we ask that each family prepare a car sign to hang from the rear-view mirror. The sign must be visible from outside the vehicle through the windshield. Please provide a car sign for anyone who will be dropping off or picking up your child. Please also be aware that we will check for identification if anyone "new to us" comes to pick up your child from school.

Please be prepared to allow for some extra time for arrival and dismissal during the first few weeks of school, as these processes typically take longer until the students have adjusted to their new routines. Thank you in advance for your patience!

EIGHTH YEAR GRADUATION & YEAR END TRIP

"I have observed that the child, on condition that he is granted the freedom to work, learns, becomes cultured, absorbs knowledge and gains experiences that become embedded in his spirit. Like seeds planted in fertile ground, they soon germinate and bear fruit.”

~Maria Montessori

Mountaineer Montessori saluted our leaders of tomorrow at the MMMS eighth year graduation event held in June at the University of Charleston.

It has been our privilege to serve and walk side by side with these students during their amazing journeys of growth, discovery and independence over the past years. We all look forward to the difference we know they can and will make in the years ahead. They and their families will always hold a special spot in our hearts and have a place at our school!

Please join us in congratulating our largest graduating class ever:

Avalee Al-Qudwah-George, Brooklyn Boggs, Bennett Christian, Aedan Crockett, Daniel Dunn, Zach El-Gammal, Ethan Ferguson, Grayson Gosselink, Christopher Hicks, Charlotte Hoblitzell, Abigail Ihle, Landon Jenkins, Samuel Kessell, Seth Margolis, Mason Maurer and Eli Tolliver-Duffer!

Staying connected with MMS helps your child, your family and your school.

Thank you for partnering with us in the year ahead!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Montessori Meet-Up | Sunday, July 27 | Spotted Salamander Family Hike | Kanawha State Forest | 11:00 a.m. | Contact: Hannah Copen (609/226-7693-note: no cell service in KSF)

Teacher Preparation begins | August 6

Back to School Night | August 14 | for all class levels, parents new and returning students

New Student Orientation-Primary through Middle School | August 15

Watch for sign up information to be emailed with class lists on August 7

Toddler Phase-in Days | August 18-19 | Sign Up Here

First Day of School | August 18: Primary 5-year-olds, all Lower and Upper Elementary and Middle School students | see chart earlier in this newsletter for exact hours during the first week of school

First Day of School | August 19: Returning Primary 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds | 11:45 a.m. dismissal

First Day of School | August 20: New Primary 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds | 11:45 a.m. dismissal

Plus Session I registration deadline | August 21 | Primary Registration | Elementary Registration

Ice Cream Social | August 28 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Staunton Avenue campus

Plus Program Begins | August 25 | Pre-Registration is required | Primary Registration | Elementary Registration

Labor Day | September 1 | No school

All-School Annual Meeting | September 15

Staff Meeting (No Plus) | September 18

Parent-Teacher Conferences | October 13-14 | No school

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

MMS families and students came together in a big way to say "thank you" to our wonderful staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. With the generosity of our community, teachers enjoyed daily celebrations. More photos here.

SPRING GALA-LIGHTING THE WAY

Wonderful performances by our superbly talented staff, an exciting auction of beautiful class art projects and great company made for another unforgettable MMS spring fundraiser. Please join us in applauding the hard-working gala committee, our generous sponsors and guests, and all who contributed to its success!

More photos here.

One of the most popular experiences auctioned each year at the MMS Spring Gala is the opportunity to be Director for a Day. This year, Annabelle Reed stepped into Jennifer’s shoes, greeting students at arrival, choosing a fun activity for students (games) and enjoying a special day at the heart of our school. Well done, Annabelle! More photos here.

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE

There were few dry eyes when a group of our graduating high school alumni did their senior walks at the 20th and Staunton campuses. Congratulations!

Penny Christian, a student at George Washington High School, was selected for the prestigious WV Governor's School for the Arts at Marshall University this summer. Her mother, Emily Christian, leads UE I.

The Rogers and Zacks families enjoyed a delicious Montessori Alumni Meet-Up at The Berghoff, Chicago's oldest restaurant.

Mountaineer Montessori students, alumni and staff proudly presented MMS and our state as part of the West Virginia Youth Symphony 2025 European Tour. What an incredible experience! Pictured, from left to right: Ellie Hoblitzell, Soleil Gloss, Emily Beal, Avalee George, Ethan Spitz, Alasha Al-Qudwah, Owen Spitz, Charlotte Hoblitzell, and Thomas Bailey. (These young musicians got their start at MMS and current students will have the same opportunity to learn and grow through strings classes with Bernard DiGregorio... watch for details!)

The MMS WVYS contingent doesn't approve of graffiti but did appreciate the sentiment of this "welcome sign" they came upon in Budapest!

Congratulations to eighth-year graduate Charlotte Hoblitzell, who was one of 22 outstanding high school students from West Virginia and Kentucky selected for the 2025 SpaceTrek Program at the West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. SpaceTrek puts future aerospace leaders into action—designing, building, and dreaming BIG! Charlotte is pictured with her parents, Emily Hopta and John Hoblitzell, on move-in day at WVU.

SPECIALS SPOTLIGHT: CAMPESSORI 2025

Campessori is in full swing at MMS! Our signature summer program offers abundant opportunities for hands-on learning, creative exploration and fun with Montessori friends. Watch our social media accounts for updates on all of the fun here (Primary) and here (Elementary).

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

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

MONTESSORI MOMENTS-END OF YEAR TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

Students rising to Lower and Upper Elementary next year (and their parents) enjoyed previews of what’s ahead during Step Up events this spring. Congratulations to all who is moving on up! More photos here.

Three years of Primary and six of Elementary all come together during a very special event each spring at MMS: presentations of individual research projects by sixth year students. The multi-faceted projects involve a lengthy research and writing process, completion of a formal paper, creation of trifolds for displays to share with families and school mates, and digital presentations. We are so proud of the creative and insightful work showcased by the 2025 sixth years, grateful for guidance of our caring Upper Elementary faculty and thankful for our supportive families. A special outing at Ace Adventure Resort concluded their sixth year passage! More photos here.

The final days of the MMS school year are filled with colorful celebrations that create lifetime memories for our community. Just look at the happy faces of Primary I & II as they closed out the last day of school! Thank you to our staff and parent volunteers who put together such wonderful events for our students. More photos here.

Our three Lower Elementary classrooms joined forces to celebrate a hula-rious end to the school year! Thanks you to our wonderful guides, assistants and parent volunteers for helping to create such a joyful event for our LE community. Cowabunga! More photos here.

Upper Elementary I & II enjoyed three action-packed days of hands-on learning, exploration, team-building and fun during this year's spring trip, which brought them to Pittsburgh. The memory-making itinerary included visits to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and the National Aviary, with bunk time and interactive lessons at Camp Kon-O-Kwee. Thank you to our staff and parent volunteers who helped make this incredible opportunity possible for our students! More photos here.

Twenty-six years and brighter than ever... our annual all-school tie-dye day(s) created vivid lifetime memories! 

Upper Elementary wrapped up their cultural studies this year with their second series of history (circa 400-1500 CE) timelines. Creating timelines is a popular and powerful way for students to demonstrate research in context, share learning with others, and foster deep understanding through hands-on engagement. More photos here.

MMS celebrated the end of a wonderful year with food, fellowship and fun at our Annual All-School Picnic. Our 48th year has been filled with discovery, creativity and community-building, and we look forward to continuing our shared journey during Campessori and in August when we launch 2025-26. More photos here.

MORE MONTESSORI MOMENTS

Thank you to our amazing volunteers who managed the MMS make-and-take table as we helped our community become a work of art at FestivALL.

It was all aboard for fun at private trolley rides to the WV Capitol Complex as part of our Summer Montessori Meet-Up series. The next event of the season will be a family hike at the Kanawha State Forest on July 27. Please see the Calendar of Events above for details.

Thank you for reading your "M" News!



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

Mountaineer Montessori School

4801 Staunton Avenue | 308 20th Street | Charleston, WV 25304

304/342-7870 | Email | Website