FACULTY FOCUS

As we excitedly prepare for a new year, MMS extends a warm farewell to members of our team who are embarking on new chapters, including Katie Barnette and Denessa Rouse. MMS thanks them for their service to the children of MMS and wishes them all the best with their future endeavors!

Our MMS community also extends a very special goodbye to Alasha Al-Qudwah, who has been an integral and beloved part of our school for nine years as a Creative Expression Specialist, Lower Elementary Assistant, Upper Elementary Guide, Guitar/Ukulele Enrichment Guide, Campessori Director, Positive Discipline Coordinator, Gala entertainment coordinator, and parent of an MMS alumni student. Her contributions touched every part of our community and will make a lasting impact on our school.

"Mountaineer Montessori has given me wings in the same way it gave them to my daughter through the gifts of knowledge, curiosity, and a pathway toward transformation. The confidence my students have given me has allowed me to believe I can carry the gift of Montessori wherever I go," Alasha said.

"I will deeply miss the incredible love, gratitude, kindness, creativity, and loyalty that define the MMS community. The parents, students, and staff have made it a place that will always feel like home for my daughter and me as we leave the nest to explore more of the world and be closer to family.I will carry the gifts, lessons, and spirit of Mountaineer Montessori with me always. It will forever be an iconic and cherished part of who I am, both as a mother and as an educator."

We extend our very best wishes as she continues as a Montessori educator out of state!

MEET-UP, HAVE FUN, HANG OUT THE MONTESSORI WAY THIS SUMMER

Get a kick out of summer with MMS friends old and new at this year's Montessori Meet-Up events. Meet-Ups are opportunities for MMS families and friends to connect and have fun over the summer. 

The School Life Committee has put together an incredible program this year--from ice skating to chess to coffee truck get togethers to a trolley ride--with something for everyone!

This is a great way for new families to meet others and for current students to say in touch with their friends in the weeks ahead.

Details for the 2026 summer line up are provided in the "Upcoming Events" MMS calendar later in this newsletter.

• July 29: Chess Club Meet-Up
• August 8: Picnic Meet-Up

Have an idea for a Meet-Up or want to volunteer for one of the activities already listed? Contact Enybe Diaz (681/895-1908)

MMS STUDENT HEADS TO NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

What started as a single chess lesson from his father one night at the age of seven has led to a trip to the National Tournament of K-3 State Champions for MMS student Julian Schmidt. Julian will represent the state of West Virginia and MMS as he competes against students from across the country in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 3-6 and takes our very best wishes with him!

Julian has been studying and playing a chess like a champ ever since that first lesson and has won the West Virginia Scholastic Chess K-3 Championship three years in a row. He’s working diligently this summer to prepare for the national competition, playing in challenging tournaments and practicing with online chess lessons and puzzles, striving to always think ahead and anticipate his opponent’s next move.

He’ll be right at home in Grand Rapids, citing tournaments and staying in hotels as some of the highlights of his chess experience thus far. Julian plans to continue playing his whole life with the goal of becoming a Grand Master.

Julian is the son of Ty Schmidt and Shawnette D'Arco. Congratulations and good luck!

CHESS CLUB MEET-UP JULY 29

As a reminder, the MMS Chess Club has scheduled a Meet-Up on July 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m., at the Kanawha County Public Library-Room 308. The event is open to students at all skill levels. Parents must stay-no child care provided ; RSVP is requested-contact Danielle Eisenhauer. Please bring a pencil and personal chess set if you have one.

FACTS FAMILY PORTAL/REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT

Please be sure to check your family demographic form in FACTS Family Portal 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 2026 you do not need to submit 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) 
• Kanawha County 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
• 2026-27 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)

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

Families will receive class lists on Friday, August 7.



At that time, families of Primary, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School may register for new student orientation visits, which will be held on Friday, August 14. The orientation signup link will be sent on August 7, along with the class lists.

TODDLER PHASE-IN DAYS

Toddlers will come to school with a parent or guardian for one hour, 45 minutes/day for two days on August 13 and 14. Please register for one slot, either the 8:00-9:45 a.m. session or the 10:00-11:45 a.m. session. Toddlers will attend this time slot for both days.

Note: One parent or guardian must attend for the full session. This phase-in period is a wonderful opportunity to ease your child's transition to school and allows you to watch your child in their new learning environment. Adults are asked to keep cell phones/laptops/electronics silent and out of sight during phase in sessions. You are welcome to bring a newspaper, magazine or book to read, or a quiet activity (knitting, crossword, etc.) with you.

BACK TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

Arrival for all students at both campuses begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 8:20 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

"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: Alia Abu-Halimah, Haitham Badawi, Debora Estep, Tregan Frontz, Luna Kowatli, Hollis Miles, Carter Simpson, Ethan Spitz, Gwyneth Stevens, and Fallon Whittington.

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

Thank you for partnering with us in the year ahead!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Playground Volunteer Day | July 26 | Sign up

Chess Club Meet-Up | July 29 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. | Kanawha County Public Library-Room 308 | Open to students at all skills levels | Parents must stay-no child care provided | RSVP requested | Contact Danielle Eisenhauer | Bring a pencil and personal chess set if you have one

Picnic, Playground, Hiking & Fun | August 8 | Rock Playground at Little Creek Park | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Bring your own picnic gear and food | Contact: Brad Holliday (304/541-1979).

Teacher Preparation begins | August 5

Back to School Night | August 13 | For all class levels, parents of new and returning students | 5:30 p.m.-Toddler, Primary and Middle School | 6:30 p.m.-Lower and Upper Elementary

New Student Orientation-Primary through Middle School | August 14

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

Toddler Phase-in Days | August 13-14 | Sign up

First Day of School | August 17: 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 | 11:45 a.m. dismissal for Primary students

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

First Day of School | August 18: New Primary 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds | 11:45 a.m. dismissal for all Primary students

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

Ice Cream Social | August 27 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Staunton Avenue campus

Plus Program Begins | August 24 | Pre-Registration is required | Primary Registration | Elementary Registration

Happy Birthday, Maria Montessori! | August 31

Labor Day | September 7 | No school

All-School Annual Meeting | September 14

Staff Meeting | September 18 | No Plus

Parent-Teacher Conferences | October 5-6 | No school

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

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

The whole community came together to honor our staff during MMS Teacher Appreciation Week 2026, with five days of special activities and treats to say THANK YOU! Monday kicked off with a delicious breakfast prepared by our own Head of School, Jennifer Carriger, Tuesday offered a refreshing start from The Juice Box, followed by everyone’s favorite charcuterie from KS Boards midweek, an energizing visit from Wild & BREW-tiful with yummy selections from Charleston Bread on Thursday, winding up the festival of gratitude during a lunch from Paulie's Italian. All week long, students showered their classrooms with flowers and other expressions of appreciation. Thank you to all who contributed to this amazing week, especially the MMS School Life Committee and volunteers who covered classrooms during the all-staff gathering! More photos here.

SPRING GALA UPLIFTS THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW FOR OUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY

“If everyone is moving forward together, success takes care of itself.” ~ Henry Ford



With the shared purpose of uplifting possibilities for our students and community, committed MMS parents, business partners, teachers, students, donors, and volunteers united to celebrate an extraordinary year at Roots & Wings: MMS 2026 Annual Spring Gala.

Featuring amazing class creations, dazzling performances by MMS staff and musician friends (hello, Ron Sowell!), exciting auction prizes, and even better friends old and new, the gala was a big success on every level, generating major support for our financial aid and teacher appreciation funds.

We are so grateful for all who contributed to this event—with your help, we are giving children the roots to stand strong and the wings to take their learning as high and as far as they dream. Thank you!

More photos here.

What happens when the students run the school? At MMS, it looked like this when Jake Baldwin and Saralina Baldwin stepped into Jennifer Carriger’s shoes as Directors for the Day, an exclusive experience auctioned at our Roots & Wings Spring Gala. Thank you, Jake and Saralina for bringing the fun to our school and sharing such an AWESOME experience with your classmates and teachers! Reel here.

SPECIALS SPOTLIGHT: CAMPESSORI 2026

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. More photos here.

There's still time for your child to experience the fun and creativity of Campessori. We have a few spots open during Week 7... sign up today!

MONTESSORI MOMENTS-END OF YEAR TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

The final days of the MMS school year are filled with wonderful traditions that create lifetime memories for our entire community...Toddler through Middle School (and their parents!). These photos capture just a sample of the fun. Please see our Facebook page for a complete look at our end of school festivities!

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 are moving on up! See reel for more photos.

Toddler friends experienced the excitement of the 27-year MMS Tie Dye Days tradition, assisted by Mddle School students and volunteers.

That's a LOT of Tie Dye... see reel 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!

It's always a joy to celebrate our third year Primary friends at the Annual Spring Concert. Congratulations to all of our students moving up to Lower Elementary next year!

More photos here.

The MMS school year is filled with storied traditions and celebrations that bind community and create lifetime memories. The Lower Elementary Luau, now in its third year, joins other much-anticipated events that cap a wonderful year of learning and laughing together! See reel for more photos.

Upper Elementary explored the Mountain State's rich arts and cultural heritage, taking their immersive WV studies to Milton, Elk City and the downtown historic district. During these colorful days, students visited learned about Blenko Glass, public art murals, explored the WV Music Hall of Fame, toured ECHO-LIT and the Taylor Books Art Gallery, and got a behind-the-scenes look at radio at the West Virginia Radio Corporation. Thank you to all of the artists, musicians, small business owners and media representatives who gave our students an incredible view of our community's cultural treasures!

Both Lower and Upper Elementary classes extended their science learning with hands-on Nature Investigations at the Kanawha State Forest.

Middle School students were excited and proud to share their science research with family members and Elementary students. Well done! More photos here.

A favorite Middle School tradition is a special trip for our graduating eighth-years, which took them to Huntington this year.

Myles Barker has been a fan of the annual MMS Downtown Open mini-golf hole from the beginning!

Middle School students learned about our region's historic salt industry during a visit to J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works.

We were proud to welcome graduating alumni back to MMS for the annual Senior Walk. Congratulations, Elias, Eliza, Farhad, Jack and Eleanor... we can't wait to see what you'll do next!

MMS celebrated the end of a wonderful year with food, friendship and fun at our Annual All-School Picnic. Our 49th 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 2026-27. More photos here.

Upper Elementary wrapped up their week of West Virginia field studies with a wild and wonderful adventure at Brushcreek Falls Resort. See reel for more photos.

Thank you for reading your "M" News!



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Mountaineer Montessori School

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

304/342-7870 | Email | Website