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MMS Monthly E-Newsletter | December 2023

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Dear MMS Families,

I'm excited to send this month's M News to you as we prepare for several upcoming special events at Mountaineer Montessori. Next week, we will partner with Taylor Books to host our annual Book and Bake Sale, and the following week our Primary and Elementary students will perform in our Winter Concerts. Individual classrooms will host Winter celebrations as well---there will be excitement in the air as we head toward the end of 2023 and welcome the new year!

This month is a wonderful time for families to get involved at MMS by supporting our special activities. There are a variety of upcoming volunteer opportunities, including setting up and breaking down the Winter Concerts, baking for the annual Book Fair & Bake Sale, and many more! I look forward to working with you to make sure our Winter festivities are enjoyable and successful--please sign up to help with the Book and Bake Sale and/or the Winter Concerts by clicking the links in this newsletter.

Thank you in advance for your support, and thank you for being part of our MMS Community!

Best wishes,

Jennifer Carriger

Director

LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITS

How far-big-high-wide-deep-bright will your child go?

At MMS, there are no limits!

This year's Annual Appeal celebrates the MMS tradition of learning without limits and an educational approach that empowers potential and inspires the future.

Why does MMS need to do fundraising?

While tuition covers basic expenses, the Annual Appeal and other fundraising activities provide necessary funding for the full MMS experience, including teacher training and appreciation, facilities enhancements, and financial aid ($45,000 to MMS families this year).

Our end-of-year fundraising goal this year is $20,000 and we count on 100% participation to reach it.

Every gift of every size matters and makes a difference!

As a valued member of our community, you've seen first hand the transformative power of Montessori education and we invite you to engage in that transformation with a gift to the campaign today.

Monthly and one-time giving options are available on the campaign platform (link below).

With your tax-deductible gift, you're not just giving money, you're empowering the next generation of community builders, problem solvers, independent thinkers and peace makers.

It's as easy as texting mmsnolimits to 76278 or clicking on the link below.

And be sure to amplify your impact by sharing why you gave with your friends and fellow parents on social media by using #mmsnolimits.

Make a Donation/Meet this year's MMS Ambassadors

FACULTY FOCUS

MMS is pleased to welcome Hina Zaheer to our staff as an Assistant in Primary II. Hina has been a part of our community for seven years as an MMS parent and has a background in business education in her native Pakistan. Welcome, Hina!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Staff Meeting | December 14 | No Plus

Book & Bake Sale | December 14-15

Winter Concerts | December 20 | Primary 11:00, Elementary 11:45

New Year's Break Begins | December 20 | Early dismissal for all students

Toddler dismissal-10:30 a.m.

Middle School dismissal-11:00 a.m.

Primary dismissal-11:30 a.m. (following the Primary concert)

Elementary dismissal-12:20 p.m. (following the Elementary concert)

December 21-January 1 | No School | Classes resume January 2

2024-25 Enrollment opens for current MMS families | January 12

January 15 | MLK Day | No School

January 18 | Staff Meeting | No Plus

Plus Session 3 | January 22 - March 22

February 6 | Parent Education | Toddler, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary

February 13 | Parent Education | Primary and Middle School

Staff Meeting | February 15 | No Plus

Enrollment deadline for current families | February 15

Applications open for new MMS families | February 16

February 19 | Presidents Day | No School

Spring Break | March 29-April 5 | No School

2023-24 MMS School Calendar | Please note that dates are subject to exigent circumstances

Download calendar

MMS WINTER CONCERTS 2023

Mark your calendars! This year, we will host two Winter Concerts in our Staunton Avenue gymnasium on Wednesday, December 20.

We will follow a special schedule on Wednesday, December 20. Details are below:

Arrival will take place as usual on Wednesday, December 20.
Our Primary Winter Concert will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the gymnasium. Families may begin arriving at 10:45 a.m. and should be seated by 10:55. Families are welcome to park in the St. Agnes Church parking lot that morning and walk to the school.
The Primary Winter Concert will conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. At that time, children will be dismissed to their parents. Families without elementary-aged children at MMS may leave at that time and begin their New Year's Break.
Families with elementary-aged children may remain seated for the Elementary Winter Concert.
Our Elementary Winter Concert will begin at 11:45 a.m. Families attending the Elementary Winter Concert may enter the gymnasium starting at 11:30 and should be seated by 11:40.
The Elementary Winter Concert will conclude by approximately 12:20. At that time, children will be dismissed to their parents and New Year's Break will begin. There is no Plus Program on Wednesday, December 20. School and Plus will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Thanks to MMS Music Teachers Stephanie Spradling (Primary) and Naphtali ReBrook (Elementary), and Reading Specialist/Stage Manager Tara Fought for planning and coordinating this year's concert.
Special thanks also to our MMS parent volunteers for setting up/taking down the stage and chairs and for providing a special treat for concert-goers!

Please click on this link to sign up -- THANK YOU!

Volunteer for Winter Concert

2023 BOOK & BAKE SALE

This year's sale will take place in the gymnasium at our Staunton campus on Thursday and Friday, December 14, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and December 15, 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

During those times, students and families can visit the gymnasium to enjoy a rich selection of books and gifts from Taylor Books and delicious treats prepared by parent volunteers.

Primary, Elementary and Middle School students will have a chance to browse and purchase books, gifts and baked goods during designated class times on Thursday and Friday. Parents of our Toddler friends and are invited to shop with their children as well.

All families are encouraged to stop by the sale anytime between 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. both days and between 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, and 3:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, December 15.

Please click the link below to sign up to provide baked goods and/or to assist students at the sale. We appreciate your support!

Volunteer for Book & Bake Sale

BOARD BIZ

MMS parents, staff and board members came together to share hopes for the future of our school during a dynamic visioning event facilitated by Becky King on November 5. The session was part of our work as an AMS Accreditation Candidate School as we chart a path forward to our 50th anniversary--and beyond!

Our Strategic Plan draft will be sent to the MMS community for review and comments by the end of January.

MONTESSORI MOMENTS

Upper Elementary students dissected chicken wings as part of their anatomy work.

The Primary I & II classrooms recently underwent flooring upgrades. Here, Primary II friends help clear their environment for the new floors to be installed over Thanksgiving break. We are grateful for their help, as well as the assistance of parent volunteer movers and fundraising donors, whose contributions make these improvements possible.

Parents enjoyed hands-on learning activities during November Parent Education events. Thanks to all who joined us!

Middle School students fanned out around their community and around the 20th Street campus on November 10 to put their lessons into action through service to others. More photos here.

CURRICULUM CORNER: PE

MMS students have gotten a move on this fall, learning new ways to build strength and confidence. Middle School students, for example, have participated in climbing and disc golf, while Elementary students are working with PE Specialist Evan Young and student teachers from the University of Charleston.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS NOW OPEN

What will you see on your visit to your child's classroom?

Registration is now open for classroom observations. Observations give you a chance to experience a bit of the Montessori magic for yourself and see the classrooms through the eyes of a child.

Observations sign-ups

MORE MONTESSORI MOMENTS

In honor of Veterans Day, MMS Upper Elementary was proud to welcome a very special visitor: Sherwood "Woody" Spring, a NASA astronaut and retired US Army Colonel. Col. Spring was roommates with MMS grandparent Steve Doty at the United States Military Academy (West Point). In 1985, Spring went on a space mission for 165 hours, 12 of which were spent conducting spacewalks. Throughout his career, Spring has accumulated 3,500 hours in 25 different military and civilian aircraft. After retiring from NASA, he was selected to direct the U.S. Army Space Program in Washington, D.C. Woody is now retired but still does contract work for NASA. More photos here.