MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | Summer 2022 |
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Dear MMS Families,
At the precipice of our school’s 46th year and our fifth full year as an AMS Pathways to Continuing School Improvement school, we look with excitement and wonder to the adventures to come. To prepare for the months of discovery ahead, we are hard at work on a variety of projects and initiatives to further enhance your child's indoor and outdoor learning environments and to support our wonderful staff through professional development and training. The school is abuzz with preparations for 2022-23 and beyond, and we can't wait to welcome you and your child back to MMS in a just a few weeks.
None of this could happen without you, our parents, and the incredible network of families, alumni, volunteers, partners, and board members, whose enthusiastic and generous support elevates our mission and makes MMS a true community. As the journey begins, we want you to know how much each and every one of you means to us--we are honored to have you with us as fellow travelers, side by side, as we follow the child on another amazing year of joyful learning at Mountaineer Montessori. Let’s go!
Welcome back!
Jennifer Carriger
Director
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FACULTY FOCUS
We are pleased to introduce our 2022-23 staff, who will provide a wonderful Montessori foundation for your children. (Please see our website for staff bios, with continuing updates to follow.)
TODDLER
Samantha Van Den Berghe-Lynch will return to lead our Toddler classroom this year, assisted by Tiffany Reynolds. We are excited to welcome a new group of toddler children in August!
PRIMARY
Our Primary program will consist of two classrooms this year, with students guided by Sara Lloyd (Primary I) and Angela Walker (Primary II). Sara Lloyd joined the MMS community last year, serving as an assistant in our Upper Elementary program. Prior to working at MMS, Sara taught kindergarten and first grade for 18 years in public and private schools and is in training with the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies. Sara will be assisted by Melinda Slack. Melinda brings a wealth of experience working with children of all ages in school, church and community programs. Kalyn Ellison will join MMS to assist Angela in Primary II this year. Kalyn comes to MMS with five years' experience working with and supporting children of all ages through her previous work as a therapist and behavior technician.
ELEMENTARY
Our Lower Elementary program will consist of two classrooms. Tara Fought will continue to lead Lower Elementary I, assisted by Sonji Baldwin. Our Lower Elementary II classroom will be led by Shannon Reeves and Denessa Rouse. Shannon is in her third year in MMS LE II and Denessa brings experience as a reading interventionist in Kanawha County Schools. Both are pursuing their Montessori Elementary credential this summer with The Prepared Montessorian.
Upper Elementary will continue in two classrooms this year, led by Alasha Al-Qudwah and Emily Christian. Emily will be assisted by Karen Kelly, and Alasha will be assisted by Brittany Javins. Brittany comes to MMS with 14 years' experience in teaching and non-profit work, including serving as executive director of FestivALL and operations director for Generation West Virginia.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Our Middle School Program will be led by Sarah Halstead (humanities, language arts, micro economy) and Dr. Emily Beal (science and math). They will be joined by specialists Elea Paybins (creative expression), Evan Young (physical expression) and Maria León Kershner (Spanish).
SPECIALISTS AND PLUS PROGRAM
Curriculum specialists this year will include Maria León Kershner, Spanish teacher; Karen Morris, music teacher; Evan Young, physical education instructor; and Elea Paybins, who will lead art classes for Lower and Upper Elementary. Darlene Spangler, Margaret Lawrence and Ray Singleton will return this year to provide Learning Support services, with Brittany Javins serving on our student support team as well. Bernard DiGregorio will once again offer private-pay strings lessons to elementary-age students on Fridays.
Long-time MMS teachers Barrie Kaufman and Julie Margolis are returning to our faculty team in the fall. Barrie will be a curriculum consultant on our art program, with Julie offering guidance on the PE curriculum.
Karen Kelly returns to lead Montessori Plus this year. Karen will be joined by Susie Newhouse, Evan Young, Margaret Lawrence, Elea Paybins and Maria Kershner.
ADMINISTRATION AND FACILITIES
Our administration team is growing to meet the needs of our growing school! This year, our admin team will include Jennifer Carriger, MMS Director, Beth George, MMS Assistant Director, and administrative team member Stephanie Spradling. We are pleased to have our Staunton Avenue custodian John Elswick on staff as well.
NEW STAFF AND NEW ROLES:
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Kalyn Ellison
Primary II Assistant
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Brittany Javins
Upper Elementary II Assistant
Student Support Specialist
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Barrie Kaufman
Art Curriculum Advisor
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Sara Lloyd
Primary I Lead Guide
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Julie Margolis
PE Curriculum Consultant
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Elea Paybins
Art Teacher
Elementary Plus Staff
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Shannon Reeves
Lower Elementary II Co-Lead
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Melinda Slack,
Primary I Assistant
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Stephanie Spradling
Administrative Assistant
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MMS is experiencing intermittent disruptions with our school website. We continue to work with technical support professionals to address these issues.
Concurrently, we are preparing to migrate to an entirely new site and platform over the summer/early fall. We think you will be very happy with the results. Thanks in advance for your patience during this process.
In the meantime, if you are unable to access our site and need information right away, please call the office at 304/342-7870 or email the following staff:
We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience from these technical issues. Thank you!
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COLOR OUR WORLD
Elementary campers helped our neighborhood become a work of art during FestivALL, taking part in a community paint day for a vibrant mural located a few blocks from our campus at the former Risk Fas Check Market on MacCorkle Avenue. Students were excited and proud to work alongside members of the Kanawha City Neighborhood Association and other volunteers to transform a vacant lot into a source of inspiration with a powerful message: "You Can Do Anything You Set your Mind To."
Mason Mauer told the Gazette said his favorite part of painting was the "inspiration" that a blank canvas gives him, while Lillian Lasky said painting the mural was the best part of her summer!
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Like these photos? Then you'll love MMS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Photos, school updates and Montessori news are posted nearly every day!
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FACTS FAMILY PORTAL/REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT
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:
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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 2022 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!
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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:
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Signed acknowledgement of receipt of our 2022-23 Student-Parent Handbook. Older students (grades 4 and up) may also sign the acknowledgement. We only need one signed acknowledgement per family. The 2022-2023 Student-Parent Handbook will be available in your FACTS Family Portal by July 15.
The FACTS Family Portal contains the following resource documents:
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2022-23 MMS Student/Parent Handbook - This document contains important information including arrival/dismissal procedures, medication administration policies and forms, lunch and snack information, and more. Available by July 15 - Please read the handbook carefully and complete the acknowledgement page before the first day of school.
- 2022-23 MMS Handbook Quick Guide
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Classroom supplies lists
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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 on or before August 10.
- Strings letter
- 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
- 2022-2023 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)
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ORIENTATION AND BACK TO SCHOOL DATES
Please read and familiarize yourself with back to school information and dates.
MANY OF OUR PROCEDURES AND TIMETABLES HAVE CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. PLEASE START PLANNING NOW FOR BACK TO SCHOOL.
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TODDLER
Back to School Night: August 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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mandatory meeting for all families - one family member must attend (for adults only)
New student orientation: August 19 (check email for signup and available times)
- children should attend with one or two family members
- please bring supplies
Phase-in days: August 22-23 (check email for details and signup)
- children should attend with one family member
Shortened days (children only): August 24-25, 8:00-9:45 a.m.
Half day for all children: August 26, 8:00-11:45 a.m.
Regular schedule begins August 29
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PRIMARY
Back to School Night: August 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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mandatory meeting for all families - one family member must attend (for adults only)
New student orientation: August 19 (check email for signup and available times)
- children should attend with one or two family members
- please bring supplies
First day for kindergarten-aged students:
August 22 (11:45 a.m. dismissal)
First day for returning Morning Friends:
August 23 (11:45 a.m. dismissal for everyone)
First day for new Morning Friends: August 24 (11:45 a.m. dismissal for everyone)
Full school days: August 25 and 26 - morning friends will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m., kindergarten-aged students will be dismissed at 2:45 p.m.
Plus Program will start on Monday, August 29 - see email for registration details.
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LOWER AND UPPER ELEMENTARY
Back to School Night: August 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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mandatory meeting for all families - one family member must attend (for adults only)
New student orientation: August 19 (check email for signup and available times)
- children should attend with one or two family members
- please bring supplies
Regular schedule (8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.) begins Monday, August 22.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
Back to School Night: August 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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mandatory meeting for all families - Middle School Back to School Night is for students AND families
Regular schedule (8:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.) begins Monday, August 22.
Plus Program will start on Monday, August 29 - see email for registration details.
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ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
Arrival for all students begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 8:15 a.m.
Morning Friends 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. 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!
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We are excited to announce that the after school Plus Program will be available daily to students Primary and up starting on August 29!
Early Bird Plus, available from 7:30-8:00 a.m., returns this year at our Staunton campus to serve families with early morning child care needs.
Space is limited in all Plus options and pre-registration is required on a quarterly basis. A separate email will be sent with more Plus details and a link to reserve your child's space in the program.
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Get the new school year off to a sweet start! Please plan to attend our annual back to school Ice Cream Social on Thursday, August 25 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Kanawha State Forest. The event provides a wonderful opportunity to meet or re-connect with all of our talented staff, MMS families, board members and alumni.
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It's a very exciting time at our school and we're looking for parents who want to be a part of it!
One way to get involved is through service on the Board of Directors as a member and/or through a committee. There will be a few vacancies this year as board terms expire and we hope to get new members involved soon as there is so much important work to be done. We have a need for members with a variety of backgrounds and experience, in particular, finance, facilities, marketing and fundraising. If you are interested, please contact Board President Clifton Clark at your earliest convenience... and please watch for our annual volunteer survey!
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POSITIVE DISCIPLINE & PARENT EDUCATION |
MMS is not just your child's school--it's YOUR school too.
As part of our total education experience for the whole family, MMS is happy to announce that our extensive Positive Discipline programming and other Parent Education events will be back better than ever in 2022-23 following Covid-related interruptions over the last two weeks.
We will even have a new family learning space designed and reserved specifically for parent education programs and related events--stay tuned!
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MONTESSORI MOMENTS-END OF YEAR TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS |
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Congratulations to our eighth year graduates: Eleanor Hoblitzell, Warrick Staten, Devin Taylor, Zarmeen Zahra, and Danny Zanabli. We will miss them and send them the very best wishes as they move on to high school this fall. Thank you for being a very special part of our school community! More photos here.
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Sixth-year students ended their elementary studies by sharing their impressive individual research projects with parents, teachers and friends at a formal presentation. Well done and good luck in Middle School! More photos here.
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Braelyn White, our 2022 Director for a Day, brought a Kona Ice Truck to our Staunton campus for all students to enjoy as part of her turn as our "Head of School." Thank you, Braelyn and the White family... it was a sweet and very awesome surprise! More photos here.
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The Middle School's annual spring pedagogy of place studies took them around the Mountain State for experiential learning at its best. |
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Our school community gathered for a wonderful afternoon of food, friends and family at the last day of school picnic at the Kanawha State Forest. We loved seeing all of your beautiful smiles! More photos here.
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Twenty-three years and brighter than ever... our annual all-school tie-dye day was a blast! More photos here and here.
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Primary I & II wrapped up the year with a fun-filled carnival. Thank you to our teachers and volunteers for this wonderful celebration! More photos here.
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As a new school year begins, it's more important than ever to stay on top of announcements as we share news about facilities, events, safety and other time-sensitive matters. Classroom teachers will also be communicating very important information with you.
We have adopted some new procedures and timetables, especially for the beginning of the year, and it is critical that you familiarize yourself with them as they are announced.
We will be communicating with parents primarily by e-mail, ParentsWeb and Constant Contact.
If you have not confirmed your current e-mail address, please contact Beth George. If your e-mail address should change during the course of the school year, please let us know as soon as possible.
If you are not receiving messages from Constant Contact, please let us know ASAP.
We may also send some reminders and time-sensitive announcements via Parent Alert. You will receive Parent Alerts via text message with the heading "MMS News."
Please note that any information that is sent out via email/text or posted online is important and, in an effort to streamline communication, may not be followed up with hard copies or reminder messages.
Keeping your family up to date in the year ahead will help everyone--most importantly, your child!
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SAVE BIG-GIVE MORE ON AMAZON PRIME DAYS JULY 12-13 |
Amazon Summer Prime Day(s) are back!
Amazon Prime Day, a global shopping event, starts Tuesday, July 12, and runs through midnight next Wednesday, July 13.
Start your back to school bargain hunting on Smile.Amazon.com and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to MMS. Simply select "Montessori, etc." as your beneficiary. (See below).
On next Tuesday-Wednesday only, Amazon is doubling charitable donations.
If you do your Amazon shopping through the app, you must activate AmazonSmile to earn rewards for MMS.
Prime members will benefit from a 5 percent donation (TEN TIMES THE USUAL RATE) on their first AmazonSmile-eligible order on Prime Day, and a doubled donation rate on all subsequent Prime Day orders placed through AmazonSmile.
To turn on AmazonSmile in the app, go to the "Settings" menu, find "AmazonSmile" and follow the instructions.
Proceeds from activities like this add up to make a big difference at Mountaineer Montessori. Enhancements to our Staunton Avenue and 20th Street campuses are just a few of the school projects we are able to implement thanks to the success of our many fundraising programs.
Thanks for supporting your child's education!
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FESTIVALL AND MONTESSORI MEET UPS
The Montessori magic continues all summer long during community events and Montessori Meet-Ups organized by our parent volunteers. Be sure to watch your email and social media for announcements for more opportunities to meet up, hang out and have fun with your school friends!
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Congratulations to Emmy Fiorelli, Joslyn Jenkins, and Sarah Galaska along with all of the MMS students and teachers whose work was showcased at the 2022 Art-for-All Juried Kid's Exhibition at the Clay Center. |
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"Children change the world with music." That was the powerful message of this beautiful art guitar created by Upper Elementary II for the spring gala. It joined other class art projects and individual student works selected for the 2022 Art-for-All Exhibition at the Clay Center. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Montessori Meet-Up | Family Bike Ride on Kanawha Boulevard (closed to traffic) | Sunday, July 31, 12:00 p.m.| Meet at the Board of Education parking lot on Elizabeth Street | Bring your bike, scooter, roller skates, etc. | Contact: Abbey Reifsnyder, 304/380-6564
Montessori Meet-Up | Live on the Levee! | Friday, August 5, 6:30 p.m.| Multifest event | Meet up at the grassy play area
Teacher Preparation Begins | August 10
Back to School Night | August 18 | mandatory for all class levels, parents new and returning students
New Student Orientation-Primary through Upper Elementary | August 19
Watch for sign up information to be emailed on Thursday, August 12.
Toddler Phase-in Days | August 22-23 | watch your email
First Day of School: Primary 5-year-olds, all Lower and Upper Elementary and Middle School students | August 22 (see chart earlier in this newsletter for exact hours during the first week of school)
First Day of School: Returning Primary Morning Friends | August 23 | 11:45 dismissal
First Day of School: New Primary 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds | August 24 | 11:45 dismissal
Ice Cream Social | August 25 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Kanawha State Forest shelters #8 and #9
Plus Program Begins | August 29 | Pre-Registration is required. Watch your email for details.
All-School Annual Meeting | September 12
Parent-Teacher Conferences | October 10-11
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SPECIALS SPOTLIGHT: CAMPESSORI 2022
Campessori is off and running at our Staunton Avenue campus. Here's an update on all the fun from Summer Program Director Alasha Al-Qudwah:
We kicked off our summer weeks learning about botany, space, science experiments, aquatic life, and the performing arts. We still have more excitement to go with our last two camps that will feature daily lessons and activities in animals / species, and famous artists / paintings. We were very happy to put our skills to use and help the community be part of FestivALL’s Community Paint Day at Risk Market that was featured in the newspaper! (story above).
The students have been all smiles as they excitedly shift from one activity to the next that incorporates their daily lessons from the week. Our staff have been amazing in keeping the children engaged while still having plenty of room for free play. In Campessori, we still stick to our traditional Montessori routines of cleaning up after ourselves, daily jobs to restore the environment, and using shelf space as our free choice activity model. These routines help students ease into the school year with a strong sense of classroom routine. At the end of our week, we celebrate with combined activities between elementary and primary that include scavenger hunts and big presentations, such as science experiments. Afterward, we celebrate with all natural fruit popsicles! We love bringing all of our campers together for a community activity on Friday mornings.
A favorite quote I overhear a lot at camp is “I can’t wait to go home and show my family all of the stuff I made!!”
We look forward to continuing our summer together, and are already looking ahead to another great Campessori in 2023!
More Campessori photos here.
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The Journey Begins... new admissions sessions have been scheduled for families interested in 2022-23 enrollment. We have a few openings in the toddler community and very limited (if any) space for students ages 3-8th grade.
Prospective MMS parents are invited to learn more at the following times:
- Wednesday, July 27, 9:00 a.m.
- Thursday, July 28, 1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 3, 9:00 a.m.
Please encourage any family members or friends who are interested in enrolling their child this year to begin the admissions process immediately. Click here to start. Thank you!
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What happens on the third year overnight stays on the third year overnight! Third year students wrapped up their Lower Elementary studies and got a taste of exciting things to come in UE as they enjoyed an incredible lock in at our Staunton campus. Thank you, LE staff, for a wild, wonderful and unforgettable experience for our students! More photos/videos here.
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During Spring Step-Up Days, students rising to a higher level in the fall visit their future classrooms to meet the teachers, experience new lessons and materials, and work with new classmates. Congratulations to all of our students who are moving on up this year! |
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Reading Specialist Darlene Spangler surprised students completing the Wilson Reading System with balloons and sweet treats! We are proud to offer a professional, on-staff learning support program for our students. All elementary children participate in reading screenings three times/year and receive additional individualized support as needed. |
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You did it.... you read the entire MMS newsletter this month! Staying connected and informed helps your child, your family, and your school. In appreciation, we will give a $10 Capitol Market gift card to the first 10 parents (one per family/staff not eligible) who text "I Did It" to 312/622-3008. |
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Thank you for reading your "M" News!
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Mountaineer Montessori School
4801 Staunton Avenue | 308 20th Street | Charleston, WV 25304
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