Blog

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

We had another great week in Middle School. The highlight was probably at the start of the week when we had 5th grade students from Upper Elementary mix in with our grade 6/7 classes to take a trial run at Middle School. The grade 6/7 students were great hosts, and the 5th grade students left feeling excited about next year!

Announcements:

  • 6th & 7th Grade Research Presentations Thursday, February 26th.CLICK HERE for more information.
  • 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
  • MS Flower Schedule

 

Science

On Monday, 6/7 classes had “moving up day,” and our 5th graders were able to see what the science class is like in Middle School. They had a great time, and our current students were excellent role models.

Middle School students started a new chapter from the Discovery Education e-book. This week, 6th and 7th graders learned concepts about the states of matter, where they are found in nature, the differences between them, and how they occur. They also learned how altitude and atmospheric pressure affect the boiling point of water. Students showed a lot of interest in learning about Plasma (the fourth state of matter). They also had some classwork and videos to support the acquired knowledge.

8th Graders started a basic lesson about microscopes and their use; they learned their parts and how they work. They were also able to navigate the use of microscopes by first understanding how to use them properly. Also, we started a new laboratory activity, preparing a specimen of onion skin and learning how to make slides. Students learned about the use of dyes (Methylene blue) to have a better contrast in order to identify onion skin cells under the microscope. Students enjoyed themselves as much as Ms. Ray did, working on hands-on projects. The class is currently working on a laboratory report of this activity.

Humanities

All Humanities classes continue to highlight notable Black Americans at the start of each class this month.

Grades 6 & 7 students continued to work on their research projects. They wrapped up their research notes this week and spent several class periods working on their essay drafts. They organized their work into three sections: What happened (identify the moment in history and any relevant background/context), The immediate impact and its effect, and the long-term effect (modern/today). The classes also had a lesson/refresh about writing introductions and completed them in class. Next week, the classes will compose a conclusion, add citations, edit, and revise their papers. They will also work on their presentations!

8th grade Humanities classes took a further look at Puritan society in colonial New England. Then, they explored the Salem Witch Trials, first looking at the Afflicted Girls. They are watching a 2024 National Geographic documentary in parts about this time in history. Additionally, each student continued to work on their expert projects, even reaching out to some experts.

Finally, in 8th grade Leadership this week, students took part in an activity called “Lion, Fox, or St. Bernard”. This involved answering two series of questions about themselves to determine their Leadership Style. The first set of questions asked them about tendencies they have and how they react in situations. The second asked them similar questions, but how they would respond under pressure. It was interesting to see how the results reflected who they are and also that their Leadership style might change when they are put under pressure.

Math

Pre-Transition: This week in Pre-Transition, students explored various types of angles and angle relationships, including complementary, supplementary, vertical, and linear pairs. They are now able to apply these relationships to determine the measure of unknown angles with confidence. Students also began their introduction to algebraic equations, learning how to solve for missing variables and build a strong foundation for future algebraic thinking.

Transition: Students made excellent progress this week as they mastered solving one-step algebraic equations and inequalities. They also learned how to accurately graph inequalities on a number line, reinforcing their understanding of solution sets. After completing Chapter 5 with an end-of-chapter assessment, students eagerly began Chapter 6, where they were introduced to geometric transformations and the concepts that will guide our next unit of study.

Algebra: In Algebra, students wrapped up Chapter 4 and transitioned smoothly into Chapter 5. So far, they have developed an understanding of algebraic fractions, including what they represent and how they function. Students are now able to multiply and simplify algebraic fractions, continuing to strengthen both their procedural fluency and conceptual understanding.

Geometry: Geometry students have been moving full steam ahead in Chapter 4. This week, they completed their study of geometric transformations and can confidently perform translations, rotations, and reflections. Students are developing a deeper understanding of how figures change position and orientation while preserving key properties.

Algebra II: Algebra II students concluded Chapter 3 and began Chapter 4, diving into the study of matrices. They are learning how to create data matrices, interpret elements within a matrix, and understand how matrices are used to organize and analyze information. This new topic is building their analytical skills and expanding their mathematical toolkit.

Mrs. Wilson: Spreading Love In and Outside the Classroom

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

On Thursday, the children created birdseed ornaments for our feathered friends as a way to spread love beyond our classroom walls. They carefully mixed coconut oil and birdseed, then practiced spooning the mixture into donut-shaped pans. This simple activity offered beautiful fine motor work and required patience and concentration. Once the feeders have hardened, we will add ribbons so each child can hang their ornament outside their home to help feed the birds during these cold winter months.

Several children who brought in Valentine’s cards took great pride in passing them out to each friend’s Valentine’s bag. We ended our celebration by sharing a friendship berry salad topped with homemade whipped cream, a sweet treat enjoyed in even sweeter company.

For food tasting this week, the children explored edamame both in and out of the pod. The beans were quite tiny (which made capturing photos a bit tricky!), but overall, most of the children enjoyed trying this new food.

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week brought exciting new discoveries, joyful celebrations, and meaningful social learning in our classroom!

We introduced a light box to the classroom, and it was an instant favorite! The children explored translucent shapes, placing and matching them onto pictures while watching the colors glow. This activity sparked curiosity, creativity, and careful observation as they experimented with light and color.

We had such a special time celebrating Valentine’s Day together. The children enjoyed a festive party with their friends and shared a special snack as a class. It was a lovely opportunity to practice kindness, friendship, and togetherness.

Throughout the week, we read stories that focused on friendship, caring, and kindness. These conversations help children begin to understand how their actions affect others and how we can be kind members of our classroom community.

We’ve also been talking a lot about different emotions. The children practiced making various facial expressions while looking in the mirror, which helped them connect feelings with facial cues. It was wonderful to see them laugh, explore, and become more aware of their own emotions and the emotions of others.

It’s been a joyful week filled with discovery, connection, and growing social awareness. We love seeing the children learn not only academic skills, but also how to be kind friends and thoughtful classmates.

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week, our classroom was filled with Valentine work and meaningful conversations about kindness, love, and friendship. The children were excited to explore the new materials and bring these themes into their daily work.

The children worked with fine motor activities, art projects, new puzzles, and magnets in the sensory bin. It has been such a joy to watch their attention and focus grow as they engage deeply with their work.

We are especially proud of our older students, who are now confidently completing work from start to finish. They are independently:

-unrolling a work mat

-choosing and placing their work on the mat

-working with focus

-putting the materials away

-rolling up their mat when finished

These are big Montessori milestones, and the pride on their faces says it all.

The children have also been loving opportunities to help clean the classroom and put their nap items away. Taking care of their environment is an important part of building responsibility, confidence, and independence. They are doing an amazing job.

We also met our classroom baby, Bella. We hold her, rock her, and are learning how to carry her gently, change her clothes, and even tuck her safely into her cradle. The children absolutely adore this new addition to our classroom family.

Food tasting this week was mangoes! What a hit! The children loved this tropical fruit and wanted more. This will be great in lunch boxes.

It’s been a week full of growth, concentration, and loving moments. We are so proud of how much the children are capable of and can’t wait to see how they continue to blossom. 💗

Ms. Handibode: Surviving Winter

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Over the past few weeks, we explored how animals survive the harsh conditions of winter. The children learned that animals have three strategies: hibernate, migrate, or adapt. We discovered that hibernating animals enter a deep sleep where their body temperature drops, their heartbeat and breathing slow down, and they conserve energy. The children were fascinated to learn where different animals hibernate—some above ground in caves, nests, or dens, and others below ground in burrows or deep in the mud.

We also examined migration, discussing why animals travel to warmer places where food is more plentiful and where they might go. Finally, we looked at animals that adapt by staying active in their environment, changing their behavior, and even their bodies to ensure they have enough food through winter. This naturally led to conversations about whether we would choose to hibernate or migrate during our cold Connecticut winters!

On Wednesday, we had a special visit from Francine Wheeler, a former Fraser Woods parent and teacher, who presented The Isle of Skoo. This interactive puppet-based social-emotional learning program used puppets, music, storytelling, movement, and audience participation to help the children explore feelings and behaviors such as shyness and frustration. It was a wonderful experience that connected beautifully to our classroom’s ongoing work with grace and courtesy.

Extending Learning at Home

Take nature walks to observe how local animals are surviving winter. Look for bird tracks in the snow, notice which birds are still visiting feeders (they’ve adapted!), or discuss animals you no longer see (have they hibernated?). You might also talk about how your family adapts to winter—layering clothing, eating warm foods, or staying cozy indoors.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 9
    ⋅ Sharing Box and Flowers – Morgan R.
  • Monday, February 9
    ⋅ Moving Up Day for Students (Kindergarten students visit Lower Elementary)
  • 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 – Maycie R.
  • Thursday, February 12
    ⋅ Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    ⋅ No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Next Week

  • Monday, February 16
    ⋅ No School | President’s Day

Mrs. Lopes’ Class

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, we introduced a delightful new food preparation lesson to our shelves: juicing oranges. The children practiced cutting oranges in half, carefully using a small hand juicer to extract the juice, and pouring their fresh-squeezed creation into a cup to enjoy. This work combines precise hand movements, sequencing steps, and the wonderful reward of tasting something they made themselves. The concentration on their faces as they worked the juicer and the pride they felt sipping their fresh juice was beautiful to witness.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This 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

Next Week

  • Monday, February 16
    No School | President’s Day
  • Wednesday, February 17
    Guest Reader – Regine H.

Mrs. Sargeant: Community and Connection

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week brought several exciting additions and experiences to our classroom. Hair styling has been a huge hit! The children have been practicing brushing, braiding, and using elastics to create ponytails on a model doll head. This work develops fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience while also being tremendously fun.

In the sensorial area, children have been noticing the connections between the geometric solids and metal insets, making observations about shapes, edges, and dimensions. This natural comparison demonstrates the beauty of the Montessori environment, where materials across different areas support and reinforce each other.

We’ve witnessed wonderful examples of the mixed-age dynamic supporting learning. Kindergarten students have been helping younger peers with the sometimes tricky task of putting on shoes, boots, snow pants, and gloves. With lots of practice throughout the week, we’re all getting better at remembering the order: snow pants, boots, jacket, hat, and gloves!

Last week also brought special community experiences. On Monday, we were audience members for the Middle School play, and on Wednesday, we were visited by Ben’s Lighthouse, who presented a puppet show assembly focused on kindness. It was an amazing experience that reinforced the values we practice daily.
We celebrated Thomas’s 6th birthday and Gabriel’s half birthday with beautiful Montessori birthday walks. The classroom has also been brightened by tulips in our flower arranging activity—a lovely reminder that spring is coming!

Extending Learning at Home

Practice the skills we’re building in grace and courtesy by giving your child opportunities to help younger siblings or cousins with their jackets and shoes. Even small acts of service help children recognize their own growing capabilities and build compassion for others.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 9—Thursday, February 12
    ⋅ Food/Flowers/Sharing Bag Week – Kai’s Family
  • Monday, February 9
    ⋅ Moving Up Day for Students (Kindergarten students visit Lower Elementary)
  • 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)
    ⋅ Celebrate Rayna’s Half Birthday
  • Wednesday, February 11
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Jessica O.
  • Thursday, February 12
    ⋅ Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    ⋅ No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Next Week

  • Monday, February 16
    ⋅ No School | President’s Day

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey

“All is strictly interrelated on this planet. And one notes that each science studies only the details of a total knowledge. To speak afterward of the life of [humans] on the surface of the globe is to speak of history. And each detail holds… interest by reason of its strict relation to the others. We may compare it with a tapestry: each detail is a piece of embroidery; the whole constitutes a magnificent cloth.” -Maria Montessori

Our week began with an incredible performance by our Middle School students of their original play, Spoiler Alert! This play was entirely created by the students, from the initial concept to the script and the set design. We thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious performance and appreciated hearing from our middle school friends afterward as they answered our questions about the entire experience.

On Wednesday, we received a visit from the folks at Ben’s Lighthouse, who presented the Isle of Skoo puppet show. This performance focused on feelings and empathy. We enjoyed attending with our friends from toddlers through eighth grade. After the performance, we had the opportunity to put what we learned into action. When one student accidentally spilled a box containing 300 tiny wooden pegs, several students immediately stopped what they were doing and quietly helped clean up the mess. It was a beautiful illustration of empathy in action.

We are now focusing more intensely on autobiographies. Our goal is to complete the rough drafts next week and make progress on the final drafts. You can find the project link on your child’s dashboard in MyFWM. We will meet with students one-on-one next week to help them finalize their papers. Additionally, students will be preparing presentation boards for Research Night. If you have any family photos to share for their boards, we can make color copies at school, or you can share them with me digitally.

On Monday, we will have Moving Up Day for students. Fifth graders will spend the day in middle school. They don’t need to bring anything special for the day, but they should arrive as close to 8:10 as possible. Fifth graders can be dropped off a little early, starting at 8:00. If you arrive before 8:00, please enter through the front door, as teachers do not begin greeting students in the back until 8:10. Fourth graders will host the third graders for the day.

Thursday will be a fun and busy day of celebration and service. We will start our day by making sandwiches for the soup kitchen, followed by our classroom Valentine’s Day celebration. Thank you to those who are generously donating items for our sandwiches and the party. We truly appreciate your support!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Monday, February 9: Moving Up Day for Grade 5
  • Tuesday, February 10: Moving Up Night for parents of students moving to Grade 6
  • Thursday, February 12: Sandwich Making and Valentine’s Day Celebration
  • Friday, February 13: No School – Professional Development Day
  • Monday, February 16: No School – Presidents’ Day