MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | May 2019
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Dear MMS Families,
As we approach the end of the school year, I'd like to share one of my favorite "Montessori Moments" with you.
Several weeks ago, I noticed a cymbal and mallets in the lower elementary hallway here at school. I was puzzled, but carried on with my work, assuming it must have a purpose. I continued to see the cymbal day after day and I noticed also that it was left in place by the children as they walked to and from classes, through the hallway to lockers and to the playground, and during arrival and dismissal. No one seemed tempted to crash or even touch the cymbal or the mallets!
Finally, one day during Plus, I heard the sound of the cymbal and hurried downstairs to investigate. There it was - being skillfully played by one of our second year students as he accompanied his classmates singing an original song (written by Susie Newhouse and arranged by Alasha Al-Qudwah) about friendship.
The cymbal had been simply "resting" in the hallway so it would be available for talent show rehearsals!
I am continually amazed by these "Montessori Moments" - times when children show such respect toward their classmates and the entire school community. They knew that cymbal had a purpose.
I look forward to seeing you all at our many upcoming events - it's been a wonderful year but there are many more Montessori moments in store in the weeks ahead!
Best wishes,
Jennifer
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Like these photos? Then you'll love us on
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and other social media. Photos and school news updates are posted nearly every day!
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Watch the video at the left for a peek at the rehearsal of the original MMS friendship song and the cymbal in action!
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Primary Parent Education Step Up Night, May 14, 5:30-6:30
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Middle School Parent Education Step Up Night, May 14, 6:30-7:30
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Lower Elementary Parent Education Step Up Night, May 16, 5:30-6:30
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Upper Elementary Parent Education Step Up Night, May 16, 6:30-7:30
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Spring Concert, Tuesday, May 28, 6:30, UC Geary Auditorium
Performers include all 5th and 6th year students and all strings students
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The Tempest, Thursday, May 30, UC Keenan Hall
Performed by our 5th and 6th year students - mark your calendars!
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Tie Dye Day, Friday, May 31
Rain date Monday, June 3
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Director for a Day, May 28
The winner of this opportunity, to be auctioned as part of the spring gala, will "preside" over MMS with special school wide activities. Watch for details!
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Last Day of School/School Picnic, Friday, June 7, Kanawha State Forest
School will dismiss at 11:50 that day - parents please plan to pick up your children and head to the forest!
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2019 CAMPESSORI Summer Program kicks off June 17. Please see the
registration form for details
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Everyone is invited to march with MMS and help our city become a work of art
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Join MMS for make-and-take creative fun!
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RISE TO THE OCCASION FOR EDUCATION ON MAY 18
Exciting changes are coming to the annual MMS spring fundraiser!
For the first time, we will offer
online bidding
for our extensive silent auction, which will enable all families and the entire community to participate in this major fundraiser even if they cannot be there in person. In addition, proxy bidding will be available for parents interested in purchasing one of the incredible class art projects created by their students.
Please watch for details about these new additions to our fundraising program.
(We are accepting donations to the silent auction through May 10. To make a contribution, contact
Mary Claire Davis or
sign up
.
)
Still, you won't want to miss this "Spreading Our Wings," to be held
Saturday, May 18, Charleston Woman's Club. (
Event details
here
.) Individual reservations start at $95 per person and include a tax-deductible contribution to MMS. Your reservation includes admission to the most uplifting party of the year, entertainment by
Vinyl Village, beer/wine and hors d’oeuvres (seasonal New Appalachian cuisine catered by
The Market
), creative entertainment…. and affirms your support of our mission, faculty and students. MMS will maintain a guest list and no individual tickets will be mailed.
Because it’s important for our entire school community to join in the celebration, a limited number of free and reduced price reservations will be available. For more information, please contact MMS Director Jennifer Carriger,
jcarriger@mountaineermontessori.org
. Your sponsorship dollars support this important community-building effort.
Volunteer! We are very grateful to the many parents who are contributing to the success of this major event and
still have several volunteer slots to be filled.
Please
signup
to help today!
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Amazing "Spreading Our Wings" class art projects are taking flight. The final pieces will be auctioned on May 18. Rise to the occasion for education with your bid!
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Rich Arbaugh and The Market are bringing the best of New Appalachian cuisine to the gala as our caterer and event partner. Rich is also donating an incredible private dining experience in your home for four as a silent auction prize!
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SPECIALS SPOTLIGHT-MUSIC:
“Everyone has a song to sing, a dream to share.” Maria Montessori
Music has a long and rich tradition at MMS. Our
extensive program supports and extends the academic curriculum, helping students children develop language, memory, math, social and emotional skills as well as build a lifetime appreciation of the arts and other cultures. In addition to vocal and instrumental performance opportunities, students are introduced to music history, theory and styles in weekly classes.
Our curriculum includes:
- Vocal music and choir
- Kindermusik
- Music history and theory
- Global music
- Recorder ensemble
- Orff ensemble
- Strings
- Workshops with specialists and artists-in-residence
- Songwriting
- After school opportunities
- Piano lessons
- Summer program arts
- Concerts, recitals, talent show and class programs
The
May 28 Spring Concert
, featuring all fifth- and sixth year students and all strings students, offers a wonderful showcase for our young musicians. We invite all MMS parents to join us at the UC Geary Auditorium at 6:30 on the evening of May 28 for the Spring Concert.
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Thank you to the many parents and friends who have made special contributions to our school. Special thanks to:
- Parent drivers, who make our off-site learning experiences possible.
- Samantha Hicks for coordinating our meals for staff meetings and all the parents who contributed so far this year.
- Anna Holliday for coordinating the staff luncheon during Montessori Education Week.
- all the parents who provided delicious food for our Montessori Education Week luncheon!
- our 2019-2020 Board of Directors, for devoting countless hours of your time to support the MMS community and make plans four our future.
- Marilee Hanemann, for coordinating this year's classroom art projects for the Gala.
- Paul Ihle, Chad Cordell, Nancy Johnston, Kristin Reis, Charly Jupiter Hamilton, Jennifer Preston, Aaron Preston, and Marilee Hanemann for volunteering your time with out classroom art projects for the Gala.
- April Taylor and Nancy Johnston, for coordinating MMS students' participation in the FestivALL juried art exhibition.
- Hollie Hubbert, for coordinating our Montessori Meet-Ups planning meeting (coming up this Wednesday!)
- Bill Kimmons, for volunteering his time to make our Talent Show a success!
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Mountaineer Montessori School
308 20th Street, Charleston, WV 25304
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