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Mrs. Hood: Watching Wonder Unfold!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

Another couple of days have flown by, and I can hardly believe how quickly time is passing! Our days have been filled with discovery, joy, and the quiet wonder that comes from witnessing nature’s miracles unfold right before our eyes.

Recently, we welcomed some very special visitors into our classroom—tiny, just-hatched caterpillars that arrived safely and nestled into their new home. From the moment they arrived, the children were captivated. Eyes widened, voices hushed in curiosity, and tiny fingers pointed excitedly as they took in the delicate movements of our new friends. It was a moment of pure awe.

Since then, our learning environment has been beautifully transformed. With model objects, matching cards, artwork, books, and real-time observation, the children have been immersed in the enchanting life cycle of the butterfly. We’ve explored new vocabulary: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. These words have echoed sweetly in our classroom each day, growing ever more familiar with every story, lesson, and conversation.

A highlight of our butterfly exploration has been reading one of our favorite books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The children love watching the caterpillar munch his way through the pages, and the familiar rhythm of the story has added warmth and joy to our daily routine. It has also helped reinforce the stages of metamorphosis in a fun and engaging way.

One of the most magical moments came when the children noticed the caterpillars curling into graceful “J” shapes—nature’s quiet signal that change was near. Not long after, we watched in amazement as the caterpillars formed their delicate chrysalises, each one a tiny, golden-speckled promise of what’s to come. The energy in the room shifted as we collectively held our breath in wonder.

Now, we wait. With careful eyes and hopeful hearts, we watch and listen, eager for the moment when our butterflies emerge and the final stage of metamorphosis is complete. What a joy it is to witness not just the transformation of these beautiful creatures but also the growth and blossoming of the children themselves. In many ways, they mirror the butterflies—growing, changing, unfolding in their own unique rhythms.

To add to the magic, the children have also been learning a special butterfly dance! With twirls, flutters, and giggles, they’ve brought the beauty of metamorphosis to life through movement and song. I will share a video at the end of this note so you can enjoy a glimpse of their joyful dancing.

In addition to our butterfly exploration, we’ve continued to delight in new experiences around the classroom. For food tasting lessons, we explored fresh cherries and peaches. There’s something extra special about watching toddlers experience new flavors—their expressions say it all!

We also celebrated the birthday of one of our oldest friends in the classroom, marking another beautiful milestone and reminding us of the joy that comes with growing together in this space we share.

As we continue this journey, I’m grateful each day for the moments of wonder, discovery, and connection we share.

With warmth and wonder,
Mrs. Hood

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey

We are very excited for our trip to Nature’s Classroom on Tuesday! Here are some important details to keep in mind:

  1. Packing: Students will carry their own bags to and from the cabin, so please pack accordingly.
  2. Backpacks: If you need a small day backpack, I have some available at school. I will distribute them on Tuesday morning before we leave for anyone who needs one.
  3. Snacks: Please remember to bring a small snack for the bus ride.
  4. Medication: Christina Benoit will be at arrival on Tuesday to collect medication for our trip.
  5. Payment: The remaining balance for Nature’s Classroom, after the $100 deposit, is $283.
  6. Arrival Time: Students should arrive at school by 8:00 on Tuesday. This will give us time to load the bus for a 9:00 departure.
  7. We will return to school at 3:00 (depending on traffic) on Thursday. I’ll communicate through the WhatsApp chat group. If you need to be added to the group, please let me know.

If you have any questions this weekend, feel free to reach out. Looking forward to a great trip!

We had a busy week with daily morning rehearsals in preparation for our fabulous Spring Concert on Friday, along with individual math lessons, spelling and comprehension work, and biology lessons. It amazes me every year to see how motivated Montessori Upper El students are to continue receiving lessons up until the last week of school, especially math lessons. They want to see how far they can get in the curriculum before leaving for summer break.

I want to share a personal story that is unrelated to our weekly lessons and activities. On Monday, I received the news that my father-in-law had passed away unexpectedly. I was very upset, and I left school early. The students noticed that something was wrong and were concerned. During art class, they created the most wonderful card for me and for Jake, who also left early that day. When I returned to school the next morning, the students had many questions about what had happened. I talked to them about my loss, and they responded by giving me a heartfelt group hug, showing their love and support without hesitation. Your children are amazing.

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Announcements & Upcoming Events:

Tues., 5/27-Fri., 5/30: MS Trip (Check Resources on MyFWM for trip details)

Week of 6/2: Spirit Week  (see below)

Monday, 6/2: Field Day

Tuesday, 6/3: Sports Day (Wear your favorite sports jersey/team shirt/uniform/medal)
Wednesday, 6/4: Beach Day (Beach-themed clothing and accessories)
**Weather permitting, we will also have water fun at the end of the day. Swim suits, towels, water squirters will all be permitted!**
Thursday, 6/5: Pajama Day
Friday, 6/6: Red Carpet Day (Time to dress up for the end of school)

Wed., 6/4 @ 5pm: Farewell to the Class of 2025 An event hosted by 6th and 7th grade students to honor their graduating classmates. Please plan on attending with your student(s)

Thurs., 6/5 @ 5pm: 8th Grade Graduation For 8th grade families and friends at the Newtown Meetinghouse

Fri., 6/6: Last Day of School/Dismissal @ 11:30 am

We are off this week on our MS Trip! You will be contacted on Tuesday to take part in our shared photo album to check out all the fun we are having. In the meantime, here is our weekly review:

Humanities

6th grade Humanities class worked hard to complete their final class novel, Shooting Kabul. Students had daily discussions (both small group and full-class) and used their homework to guide them. Students had the choice this week of developing discussion questions or answering questions provided for them based on their reading. They will complete the last few chapters of the novel over the weekend, for when we return to classes in June.

7th grade students completed their final class novel of the year, Four Perfect Pebbles, a memoir written by Marion Blumenthal Lazan about her and her family’s experience in concentration camps during the Holocaust and after liberation. Classes discussed the atrocities against the Jewish people during the Holocaust as well as Marion’s personal experience. Finally, 7th-grade students worked on an important secret mission this week.

8th-grade soon-to-be graduates composed their graduation speech drafts this week. From brainstorming to writing and meeting with Mrs. Lamb, the students are ready for final edits and practice before delivering their last message to the FWM community. Also, the 8th grade worked on reading and annotating their final class text, She Came to Slay. 

Science

6th grade:
This last week of formal class was spent preparing students for the format of next year’s science class.  Students worked with partners to complete a study guide in order to prepare for a test on their Environmental Science unit.  They took the test on Friday, and all students came prepared.  Ms. Pickard was very impressed with the amount of work and dedication each student put into this final unit.  This includes their level of work throughout the unit and especially in this final week leading up to the test.  Students were nervous about this new format, but worked to overcome the challenge, and everyone agreed they could adapt to this new change for next year.
7th grade:
Students completed their unit on Chemical Bonding this week.  They concluded class lessons on ionic and covalent bonding with a test given on Friday.  This last week, students worked diligently in order to prepare for the test. This included going over previous Google Slides presentations and reviewing notes in order to fill out the current study guide.  All students came to the test prepared and ready to work.  They did an excellent job and should be really proud of themselves for all of the difficult work they accomplished this school year.
8th grade:
This week, students began work on a unit covering Evolution.  They discussed new vocabulary for the unit, then moved into different types of adaptations, discussed the importance of genetic diversity in order for a population to survive, spoke about tolerance range and environmental stressors, discussed various mechanisms of genetic change in terms of frequency, talked about natural selection and the mechanisms required for it to occur, compared natural selection to artificial selection, and rounded out the week discussing evidence for evolution.  Students did a fantastic job buckling down this week in order to accomplish what they needed to. Ms. Pickard was really proud of them for working right up through the last day of formal classes!

Math

Pre-Transition: This Monday, the Pre-Transition class took their last Chapter Test of the school year—woohoo! With testing behind them, they’ve jumped into a super fun end-of-year project: building their own 3-D shape cities. Everyone is using shape nets to create different buildings and structures, then calculating the surface area to see how much “material” they’d need in real life. On top of that, they’re using linear equations to design roads that connect their buildings together. It’s been awesome seeing their creativity and math skills come together. Can’t wait to see how these cities turn out!

Transition: After wrapping up their final unit test on Monday, this class has been diving into an exciting end-of-year project: designing and building their own mini cities! Students are using templates to fold and form 3-D buildings and calculating how much space each structure would take up by finding surface area. They’re also plotting out roads using linear equations to connect different parts of their cities. It’s been a great way to bring math to life and see how it all fits together outside the textbook.

Algebra: On Monday, Algebra students tackled their final Chapter Test of the year—hard to believe they’ve made it to the end! They’ve kicked off a super creative and challenging end-of-year project: designing their own escape rooms. Each room in the escape challenge reviews a different concept from throughout the year, from solving equations to graphing, systems, functions, and more. Students are working in teams to build puzzles, craft clues, and make sure everything ties back to the Algebra skills they’ve mastered. Best part? On the last day of class, they’ll swap rooms and try to “escape” each other’s creations. It’s been an awesome mix of review, teamwork, and fun—and a great way to wrap up a fantastic year of Algebra!

Geometry: On Monday, the Geometry class completed their final Chapter Test of the school year! To celebrate and apply everything they’ve learned, students are now working on a hands-on, end-of-year project: designing and building mini models of miniature golf holes. They’re diving into the world of angles and reflections, calculating the path a golf ball would take after bouncing off one, two, or even three walls. Using their knowledge of angle measurements, parallel lines, and geometric reasoning, students are predicting trajectories and testing their designs. It’s been a fun and engaging way to wrap up the year.

Ms. Mollie: Simply

Posted on by msmith

They say the best weeks are the simplest, and they were definitely right. This week we enjoyed the little things, bubbles, bug hunting, good music, and delicious pineapple! I asked the children, “What are your favorite works? The children helped choose different works that we have had throughout the year and got to help set them out in the classroom! They were overjoyed to have works they loved out again. Just a reminder in these crazy weeks ahead to keep it simple and full of love.

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie, Ms. Lizette and Ms. Anabell

Ms. Marissa: Weekly Update

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

As the school year draws to a close, our Montessori classroom is alive with excitement – not just because of the warm days and blooming flowers, but because of the tiny creatures we’ve been quietly observing this week: our caterpillars!

When we first welcomed these wriggling little visitors into our environment, they were small and hungry, reminding us so much of how the school year began. Our students, too, arrived with wide eyes and curious minds, ready to explore and grow. We watched as the caterpillars ate, moved, and grew bigger each day, just as we watched our children begin to read their first words, change their own shoes, and resolve their own conflicts with grace and courtesy.

Then came the stillness—the quiet chrysalis. At first glance, it may seem like nothing is happening. But inside, there is transformation. This mirrored the subtle but profound inner work we’ve seen in our children throughout the year. They’ve been building independence, strengthening concentration, and developing a deep sense of self.

Now, as we await the butterflies’ emergence to stretch their delicate wings, we see the culmination of both journeys. The classroom is filled with confident voices, capable hands, and compassionate hearts. Like our butterflies, the children are ready to take flight—whether it’s into their next Montessori cycle, a new school, or simply the summer ahead.

This beautiful parallel reminds us that growth takes time, care, and trust in the process. In Montessori, we don’t rush—we observe, we support, and we prepare the environment for natural development. The metamorphosis we’ve witnessed, both in nature and in our classroom, is a powerful testament to the potential that lies in every child.

When we release our butterflies into the world, we do the same with our students, knowing they are ready and deeply grateful to have been a part of their journey.

Warmly,

Marissa & Sue

Lower Elementary: Spring Concert

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

Friday evening’s Spring Concert was nothing short of magical. Weeks of dedication, practice, and passion came to life on stage as our incredible students performed with heart and enthusiasm. From the very first note to the final performance, it was clear just how much effort each child had poured into preparing for this moment.

The joy and pride on their faces said it all—they weren’t just performing; they were sharing something they truly love. Their commitment over the past few weeks, the countless rehearsals, and their growing confidence all culminated in a performance that moved and inspired everyone in the audience.

We couldn’t be more proud of their hard work and spirit. Thank you to the families, staff, and community members who came out to support them. It was a night to remember!

Physical Education Monthly Update

Posted on by dfisher

 

Students have welcomed the warmth and sunshine springtime has brought by taking full advantage of the turf field during PE class.

The kindergartners have enjoyed having some of the middle school students help out and participate in PE classes on Wednesdays throughout the school year. A recent highlight with the middle school visitors was a game of “Leap Frog Tag.” Seeing the excitement on the kindergartners faces when the middle school students get to be taggers is awesome and brings a new level of joy to the class.

The Lower Elementary students recently enjoyed playing “Castle Pool” out on the turf. The team-based game involves strategically knocking over the opposing teams bowling pins before attacking their hula hoop castle. Watching the students work together to try different strategies while enjoying the beautiful weather was a highlight.

Upper Elementary students recently filled their “Sportsmanship Jar” for the second time this year. The class earns mini basketballs for displaying good sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect towards one another. The mini basketballs are then placed into the jar and when it’s full, the class gets to choose the PE activity for the next session. It has been wonderful to witness the Upper Elementary students make major strides in sportsmanship throughout the year.

Middle School students have recently been enjoying the sunshine while playing wiffle ball and soccer during PE. It’s been inspiring to watch the students compete while also taking the time to work together and strategize with their classmates.

Avoiding the Summer Slide: Keeping Young Minds Active All Summer Long

Posted on by Gina Tryforos

As the school year winds down and summer break begins, children look forward to fun, freedom, and plenty of playtime. But while summer is a well-deserved break, it also comes with a hidden challenge known as the “summer slide.” This term refers to the learning loss that can happen when children are away from the classroom for an extended period, especially in reading and math.

The good news? Preventing the summer slide is easier than you might think. Keeping learning going in small, consistent ways over the summer helps children stay sharp and confident, making the transition back to school smoother in the fall. Whether it’s reading a book before bed, practicing math during a trip to the grocery store, or exploring science in the backyard, learning can be part of everyday summer fun.

To support families in this effort, our teachers have thoughtfully curated a list of age-appropriate summer learning resources for every grade level. These tools are designed to be flexible, engaging, and easy to use at home, giving parents the support they need to keep learning alive all summer long. Upper Elementary and Middle School students’ summer learning includes specific assignments from their teachers to be completed over the summer. 

These resources will be available on your MyFWM dashboard in the coming weeks.

Together, we can ensure that our students return in the fall not only refreshed but also ready to jump back into learning!