Blog

Middle School: That’s a Wrap for Spoiler Alert!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Announcements:

  • Monday, 2/2: Student Performance of Spoiler Alert!, breaking the set, and cast party
  • SCHEDULE CHANGE: 6th & 7th Grade Research Presentations Thursday, February 26th. More information to come this week.
  • Please check for appropriate winter attire for the outdoors. Most students will go outside with their younger peers during Community Service each week.
  • MS ARRIVAL BEGINS AT 8 am: As teachers enter the building and prepare for the day, supervision will begin at 8 am. Please stay with your child/children until this time. Thank you for your help!
  • MS Flower Schedule

Wow! After an incredibly quick immersion week, Friday night’s show of  Spoiler Alert! was a huge success. As the set and curtains started going up on the stage, students really became focused and zoned in on their acting. With the addition of mics and costumes, the characters came to life!

It is always wonderful to hear the students speak about the process in the Q & A segment after the show with the audience. It is a way of reflection. Another way we reflect on what worked and what challenges we had during immersion is by writing about it, which students will do next week.

Something that has really stood out over the last couple of years was the number of parents who said their MS child/children kept details of the production a surprise. While there has never been a conversation about keeping our production a secret, hearing this just proves how incredibly proud they were to show you their hard work.

It’s hard to take the set down and go back to normal, but the benefits of Middle School immersion will be present for the rest of the year. Going through the experience brings the Middle School even closer to a cohesive team. We have noticed it!

We will conclude our time with Spoiler Alert! on Monday with a student performance, followed by breaking down the set and a cast party.

Thank you for all of your support. We hope you enjoyed the show! Back to the regular schedule and classes on Tuesday.

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey
After a snow day on Monday and a delayed start on Tuesday, we enjoyed a short but action-packed week together! The highlight was getting outside to play in the snow on Wednesday. Every single student remembered their cold-weather gear! Great job being prepared for winter fun!
In our writing lesson, we focused on transforming short, unelaborated sentences into engaging ones by choosing vivid, descriptive words.
In geometry lessons, fourth graders worked on proving equivalence between polygons and rectangles, building on last week’s lesson. Fifth graders continued their study of the apothem, measuring sides, apothems, and radii of triangles, squares, and polygons. It was exciting to see everyone diving deep into hands-on mathematical exploration.
Our history lesson this week focused on Ardipithecus ramidis, an extinct ape species. Students were fascinated to learn how scientists piece together the story of early hominids and prehistory.
On Friday, students performed their readers’ theater for families and middle school students! Their hard work and enthusiasm shone through. There’s one more performance for our lower elementary friends next week.
Looking ahead:
  • Monday, February 9 is Moving Up Day for fifth graders. They will spend the day as a middle school student. Students should arrive at school at 8:00 for the start of their middle school day.
  • Thursday, February 12 will be a busy and meaningful day. After making sandwiches for the soup kitchen, we’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day as a class. Please look out for an email from Nora with more details about the celebration. Thank you for your continued support with our community service!
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Ms. Handibode: Literary Treasures & the Joy of Reading

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Children’s literature is a passion of mine, and I truly hope that each child who spends time in our classroom will quickly absorb not only how important literature is but also how much enjoyment it brings. Books are everywhere in our classroom, and we read throughout the day. We have a book corner in our classroom, a wonderful spot for a “brain break’ or to spend quiet time with a beautiful story. We read a chapter (or two or three) each afternoon from a chapter book. Our older friends have both private reading and partner reading built into their day. When a child says, “I don’t know what to do,” I just give them that well-practiced teacher look, and usually they say, “I know, I know, I can read!” In our classroom, we call books “treasures” and speak about how important it is to take care of our books. The children love to hear how many of the books I bring to class are the same ones from my childhood. It is an absolute joy to witness the impact of literature on every child.

We asked the children to share the title of one of their favorite books:

Adeline: Those Darn Squirrels
Brooks: The Unicorn Book
Charlie D: Astronauts
Charley W: Santa Cat
Connor: The Grinch
Eloise: Ariel
Forrest: Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer
Hannah: The Three Super Pigs
Jasper: Minecraft
Jaxxon: The Grumpy Monkey
Johnny: How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners
Layla: The Hungry, Hungry Hippo
Melia: Peppa Pig
Mila: Daniel Tiger
Morgan: Dragons Love Tacos
Nitzan: I Really Want the Cake
Olivia: My Princess books
Remi: Zzzzzz, A Book of Sleep
Veda: The Lion King
Wilder: The Princess Book
Zaki: Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
Zion: The Lion King
Ms. Maria: We All Sing The Same Song
Miss Marisa: Goodnight Moon & Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Ms. Handibode: Jonathan Livingston Seagull and The Little Prince

We had a different kind of treasure last week in our class. Connor’s grandmother returned to delight the children with three different stories. Using props and many different voices, she entertained and enthralled everyone!

Extending Learning at Home

Create special reading moments at home by designating a cozy reading corner with pillows and good lighting. Visit your local library together and let your child choose books that interest them. Read aloud together each day, and encourage your child to “read” to you by describing the pictures in their favorite books. Model the joy of reading by letting your child see you reading your own books.

Upcoming Events & Announcements

This Week

  • Monday-Friday
    Moving Up Classroom Observations
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary-Upper Elementary students at 9 am

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
     – Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    –     Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Mrs. Lopes: Winter Wonder

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, with winter in full swing, our classroom was filled with conversations about snow. The children eagerly shared stories of their snowy adventures—building snowmen, sledding, and catching snowflakes. We brought the winter experience indoors by reading several books about snow and adding fresh snow to our sensory bin. The children observed how the snow changed from solid to liquid as it warmed in the classroom, sparking conversations about the properties of snow and ice. This natural curiosity about winter weather provided a wonderful opportunity to explore seasonal changes and how they affect our daily lives. The children’s excitement about snow demonstrates their growing connection to the natural world around them.

Extending Learning at Home

Take advantage of winter weather by observing snow and ice with your child. Collect snow in a clear container and watch it melt together, or freeze water in different-shaped containers and observe the ice. Talk about what you wear in winter versus other seasons, and notice how animals and plants respond to the cold weather.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday–Friday
    Moving Up Classroom Observations
  • Tuesday, February 3
    Brooke’s Half Birthday Walk
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary students at 9 a.m.
  • Thursday, February 5
    Arhan’s Half Birthday Walk

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
    Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Wednesday, February 11
    Guest Reader – Devin W.
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Our Busy Week in Lower Elementary

Posted on by Carlie Taveras

Despite the snow day and extra chilly winter weather, our classroom has been full of warmth this week. With colder temperatures keeping us indoors more than we would like and specialist teachers being engaged in supporting the Middle School Immersion week, the children have experienced quite a bit of change in their typical routine. It has been impressive to observe how flexible and adaptable the children have been, as they have embraced these shifts with maturity and grace.

In the classroom, second and third graders officially kicked off their research projects. They began with important foundational lessons on note taking, paraphrasing and writing information in their own words, deciding what information is important, identifying main ideas, and planning an outline for their research papers. These skills are essential not only for this project, but for their continued growth as independent thinkers and writers.

Our first graders are eagerly awaiting their turn to begin the research process. They have been observing their older peers with curiosity and excitement, soaking in the experience and getting a preview of what lies ahead. With the second and third year children starting first, it has allowed them the time to become confident and prepared mentors who will be able to support the first year children as they begin their own research journey.

We are looking ahead with excitement to Research Night on Thursday, February 26 at 5:30 PM. We look forward to welcoming you that evening to see the children proudly showcase the hard work they have put into their projects.

Yesterday was a highlight of the week as we enjoyed a memorable trip to the Downtown Cabaret Theater for a fun mashup of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. The show was interactive, lively, and all around fun! The children danced, laughed, and enjoyed their meals together as they watched the show. It was a truly special and joyful experience that we know will be remembered for a long time!

Mrs. Sargeant: Exploring Dimensions and Classic Tales

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week brought exciting new materials to our practical life and sensorial areas. The children discovered cucumber slicing and spooning split peas with a new wooden spoon. Many children were fascinated by the split peas, which sparked conversations about the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. We explored several versions of this classic tale using finger puppets and different picture books, allowing the children to compare and contrast how the same story can be told in various ways.

The children showed great interest in learning the names of the geometric solids. We discussed the difference between two-dimensional shapes—such as those included in the metal insets and geometry cabinet—and three-dimensional shapes. They enjoyed playing games with their eyes closed to feel which geometric solid they were holding, engaging their tactile sense to distinguish between spheres, cubes, cylinders, and cones. Next week we will add a blindfold to focus specifically on their stereognostic sense, helping them refine their ability to identify objects through touch alone.

The cold weather meant we spent considerable time indoors, though we were fortunate to use the gym where children enjoyed balls, hula hoops, and playing duck, duck, goose—a game that was new for many of the children. Throughout the week, we witnessed older children helping younger friends perfect their mat rolling skills and assisting them with sharpening pencils when needed. These moments of grace and courtesy demonstrate the compassion and community care growing within our classroom.

Extending Learning at Home

Look for three-dimensional shapes around your home—cans (cylinders), balls (spheres), boxes (rectangular prisms). Let your child hold these objects with eyes closed and describe what they feel. Practice the Goldilocks story together, encouraging your child to retell it in their own words. Simple practical life activities like slicing soft fruits with a butter knife or transferring dried beans between containers support their developing coordination and independence.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday–Friday
    – Moving Up Classroom Observations
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary students at 9 a.m.

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
    Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Ms. Marissa: Building Community

Posted on by Jill Skilton

Last week, frigid temperatures kept us indoors, but we made the most of our indoor spaces! The children got excellent exercise in the gym and our Primary Open Space, using wobble boards, stationary bikes, climbing cubes, and more. This indoor time also provided wonderful opportunities for the children to strengthen their classroom community. One of the most beautiful developments we observed was how naturally the children are supporting one another. We always suggest to the children to “ask three friends before you ask a teacher” for help with work. This has been working beautifully, as we are seeing our little classroom community working together and collaborating. Watching older children guide younger friends through work and seeing peers problem-solve together demonstrates the power of our mixed-age environment. The children have easily adjusted to having me back from maternity leave, and I have really been enjoying getting to know all my “new” students! Their warmth and adaptability continue to impress me daily.

In mathematics, we were busy practicing skip counting by 10’s, working on The Snake Game, exploring addends of 10, and building numbers with The Golden Beads. These foundational math materials support the children’s development of their “mathematical mind” and help them understand abstract concepts through concrete, hands-on experiences. Looking ahead, we are excited about Valentine’s Day! February also brings us Black History Month, and we will be celebrating Black Americans throughout history.

Extending Learning at Home

Practice skip counting during everyday activities—count by 10’s while putting away toys or going up stairs. Look for groups of 10 items around the house (silverware, toys, books) to reinforce this concept. Encourage your child to help siblings or friends with tasks, reinforcing the “ask three friends” approach we use in the classroom.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday–Friday
    – Book Loan Month: Quinn & Leo
    – Moving Up Classroom Observations
    – Food & Flowers: Eowyn
  • Monday, February 2
    James’ Birthday Walk
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary students at 9 a.m.

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
    Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Mrs. Wilson: The Beauty of Purposeful Risks

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

In Montessori, we hold a deep respect for the child’s innate ability to know themselves. Allowing children the freedom to take appropriate risks is an essential part of honoring that trust. While our adult instincts often urge us to protect and intervene, growth happens when children are given space to explore their bodies, their limits, and their capabilities.

Through purposeful risk-taking, children develop body awareness, self-regulation, and a quiet, authentic confidence. Materials such as the Pikler triangle are intentionally designed to support this work, offering children opportunities to refine movement, build spatial awareness, and lay important foundations for later learning, including reading and writing.

Within the prepared environment, we allow children to climb, balance, and move without hovering or unnecessary assistance. We refrain from lifting, guiding, or directing, trusting each child to move at their own pace and to listen to their own body. Our language is equally intentional; we avoid phrases that project adult fear or judgment, choosing instead to observe with calm presence.

What unfolds is a beautiful process of self-construction. Day by day, children reveal an increasing sense of confidence, coordination, and awareness—not because they were told they could, but because they discovered it for themselves.

So many celebrations are happening each week. This week, we celebrated another friend’s third birthday. Happy Birthday to our friend!

Food tasting: This week, the children explored a pineapple. Through this sensorial experience, they observed its bright yellow color, felt its textured skin, noticed its sweet aroma, and tasted its juicy, tangy flavor. Pineapple for the win!

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara