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Happy Holidays from Upper El!

Posted on by Karen Sankey

“For every exit, there is also an entrance.” -Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society

Upper El students have had a fun week of preparations for our Winter Concert. This group of students worked incredibly hard and showed what amazing leaders they are during our practices as well as the performance, as we welcomed families and friends back to our Winter Concert tradition after two years without being able to gather as a whole school community.

A colleague stopped by the class towards the end of the week and remarked at how amazing it was that the children were so focused on their work. They worked on geometry, spelling, history, and reading comprehension assignments and they started putting finishing touches on their personal narratives. They also had grammar lessons and worked on follow up work for those lessons. Fifth years spontaneously decided to collaborate with each other on their grammar assignment and some included characters from each other’s story in their own. They are looking forward to sharing their stories with the class.

Thank you to all who sent in goodies for our class party! A big thank you for all of your support throughout the year. It is not by chance that this is such an amazing group of humans. We feel very fortunate to be guiding these incredible students and we are grateful to you for placing them in our care.

Wishing you joyful and peaceful holidays filled with love,

Karen and Angie

Middle School: A Joyous Week

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

This week was a lot of fun from holiday door decorating to the winter concert and a final 8th grade news before our class party!

We hope everyone has a wonderful break full of joy, memories, and togetherness. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2023!

Mrs. Doyle: Celebrations Around The World

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

As Montessori teachers, we embrace the knowledge that one way we can promote peace and understanding of cultures around the world is to find age-appropriate ways to introduce the children to different traditions and celebrations.  While doing so in a very introductory way, it still allows us to highlight the similarities and differences of people everywhere.  These past few weeks have provided the opportunity to talk about Hanukkah, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

We learned about Hanukkah by reading stories, learning about a menorah, how to play the dreidel game and even had the opportunity to taste some delicious potato latkes.  We also learned about St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a Bishop who inherited a lot of money from his family. He was also a very gentle, kind man who lived by the virtues of personal generosity, charity towards those in need, and taking care of the young and the most vulnerable. We learned that St. Nicholas loved to perform random acts of kindness for those in need. Many people around the world celebrate St. Nicholas Day by leaving a pair of boots outside their door. So, we left boots outside our classroom door, and to our amazement, the boots were beautifully decorated and filled with candy canes the next morning.

Using age-appropriate literature, we introduced the importance of Christmas and Kwanzaa for those who celebrate. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was enjoyed by all and then we decorated Christmas cookies to bring home.  We also learned about Kwanzaa which was created in 1966 and is based on the elements of African heritage. It is a celebration lasting seven days, from December 26th to January 1st.  Each day a candle is lit to represent a different principle: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

A huge shout-out to parents who always help in any way they can.  I know there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to afford us these opportunities.  It is so very much appreciated.  As always, if there is anyone who may have different traditions or customs to share with us, please reach out.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with much peace, love and simplicity.

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Hood: ‘Tis the Season!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

And just like that, our first trimester comes to an end, filled with great moments and stories to tell. Your children are blooming and our environment is full of love, smiles, curiosity and great fun because of them! We feel honored to be able to see each of your little ones unfolding so beautifully.

We thank you SO much for your support and trust. We love partnering with you in this adventure! We also thank you so much for your generous gifts! We truly appreciate it!

May the wonder and Joy of this holiday season bring light, hope and peace to you and yours.

May 2023 be a great year for all of us, filled with happiness and health!

Enjoy a peek from our small pajama holiday celebration! We missed a bunch of friends but we are positive we will have more special moments like these in the coming months.

Stay safe and see you next year! 🙂

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Bethann

Mrs. Wilson: T’was The Week Before Break!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

This was a busy, yet quiet week for us in Mrs. Wilson’s toddler class. The children continued to work with the holiday lessons, dancing to fun holiday music and enjoying the time with each other. On Wednesday, the children tasted a ruby red grapefruit. This was the perfect week to get in some extra vitamin C. The room was filled with the delightful scent of grapefruit and the children all had their pieces of the peel to feel, smell and explore. Not all seemed to enjoy it or may need a second taste before deciding if they like it. On Thursday, the children went to the holiday concert to watch the Primary through Middle School students perform. They sat so beautifully with big smiles on their faces.

Thank you all for the holiday love you gifted us. Ms. Sara and I want to wish you a very lovely break, making the fondest memories with all your loved ones.

Mrs. Lopes: Celebrations Around the World

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

As Montessori teachers, we embrace the knowledge that one way we can promote peace and understanding of cultures around the world is to find age-appropriate ways to introduce the children to different traditions and celebrations.  While doing so in a very introductory way, it still allows us to highlight the similarities and differences of people everywhere.  These past few weeks have provided the opportunity to talk about Hanukkah, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

We learned about Hanukkah by reading stories, learning about a menorah, how to play the dreidel game and even had the opportunity to taste some delicious potato latkes.  We also learned about St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a Bishop who inherited a lot of money from his family. He was also a very gentle, kind man who lived by the virtues of personal generosity, charity towards those in need, and taking care of the young and the most vulnerable. We learned that St. Nicholas loved to perform random acts of kindness for those in need. Many people around the world celebrate St. Nicholas Day by leaving a pair of boots outside their door. So, we left boots outside our classroom door, and to our amazement, the boots were beautifully decorated and filled with candy canes the next morning.

Using age-appropriate literature, we introduced the importance of Christmas and Kwanzaa for those who celebrate. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was enjoyed by all and then we decorated Christmas cookies to bring home.  We also learned about Kwanzaa which was created in 1966 and is based on the elements of African heritage. It is a celebration lasting seven days, from December 26th to January 1st.  Each day a candle is lit to represent a different principle: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

A huge shout-out to parents who always help in any way they can.  I know there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to afford us these opportunities.  It is so very much appreciated.  As always, if there is anyone who may have different traditions or customs to share with us, please reach out.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with much peace, love and simplicity.

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Semmah: Celebrations Around The World

Posted on by Kaoutar Semmah

As Montessori teachers, we embrace the knowledge that one way we can promote peace and understanding of cultures around the world is to find age-appropriate ways to introduce the children to different traditions and celebrations.  While doing so in a very introductory way, it still allows us to highlight the similarities and differences of people everywhere.  These past few weeks have provided the opportunity to talk about Hanukkah, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

We learned about Hanukkah by reading stories, learning about a menorah, how to play the dreidel game and even had the opportunity to taste some delicious potato latkes.  We also learned about St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a Bishop who inherited a lot of money from his family. He was also a very gentle, kind man who lived by the virtues of personal generosity, charity towards those in need, and taking care of the young and the most vulnerable. We learned that St. Nicholas loved to perform random acts of kindness for those in need. Many people around the world celebrate St. Nicholas Day by leaving a pair of boots outside their door. So, we left boots outside our classroom door, and to our amazement, the boots were beautifully decorated and filled with candy canes the next morning.

Using age-appropriate literature, we introduced the importance of Christmas and Kwanzaa for those who celebrate. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was enjoyed by all and then we decorated Christmas cookies to bring home.  We also learned about Kwanzaa which was created in 1966 and is based on the elements of African heritage. It is a celebration lasting seven days, from December 26th to January 1st.  Each day a candle is lit to represent a different principle: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

A huge shout-out to parents who always help in any way they can.  I know there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to afford us these opportunities.  It is so very much appreciated.  As always, if there is anyone who may have different traditions or customs to share with us, please reach out.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with much peace, love and simplicity.

Kaoutar & Michelle

Mrs. Hood: Holiday Joy!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

Winter holidays are used in our environment as a fun way to keep children engaged, encourage joy of learning, and help us to introduce the passage of time and seasons. Since they bring a sense of light and joyfulness to the long, dark winter months and create a sense of community, we welcome them wholeheartedly.

In addition to other materials, some of the favorite holiday works in our environment have been placing little ornaments onto the Christmas tree, placing candles on the Menorah, spooning and transferring holiday jewels and colorful ornaments, and flipping pretend latkes in the pan.

Holiday songs have also been present in our environment daily and children have had some fun times playing instruments and dancing to famous holiday songs.

On another note, painting on the easel was a new addition to our art shelf this week. There are three main objectives of this exercise. First, the development of hand-eye coordination. Dipping the paintbrush in and out of the paint pot requires a steady hand and a keen eye, working simultaneously. Second, small motor control. Holding the paintbrush and whooshing it across the paper in the direction you want it to go is hard work when you’re small. Think of all the pre-writing skills they are learning just by holding the brush! Third, and I have to say my favorite goal, creative independence! There are no rules when it comes to painting. There is no predetermined product, just a process. The children can plan their own painting from start to finish without any interference from adult rules or directions. The only thing they must remember is to paint only on the paper. Their sense of satisfaction after they finish their masterpiece is just incredible to witness!

In the practical life area we introduced the exercise of water transferring using a dropper. It’s a challenging exercise but children were so proud of themselves when they were able to make the dropper work and hear the sound of the water touching the silver bowl. It’s common to hear some children say to themselves, “squeeze, open,” as they work hard to coordinate their hand movements.

For food tasting, we explored sweet potatoes this week and it was a well received root vegetable by most of our toddlers.

We can’t wait for our holiday pajama celebration next week! Please feel free to send your child in pajamas on Wednesday, December 14th and thank you in advance for all your support to make this happen!

Have a joyful weekend,

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Bethann