Blog

Welcome Back, Middle School!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Welcome to 2026! It has been wonderful to reconnect with students and hear about their time away from FWM over our two-week break. Everyone returned feeling refreshed, and classrooms have been busy with creativity and enthusiasm. Sixth and seventh grade students also began in different classrooms during their Community Service period on Wednesday. Lastly, it’s been fun to watch the Middle Schoolers make the most of the snow all week. Fingers crossed we’ll see more of the white stuff in the months ahead!

Announcements:

  • Tuesday, 1/13 @ 2pm: Math Carnival in the gym (Parents welcome! Park at school!)
  • Monday, 1/26-Friday, 1/30: Immersion Week
  • Friday, 1/30 @ 7 pm: Middle School Play (call time and other details to come)
  • Check with your MS student(s) to make sure they have their refillable water bottle with them.
  • Please check for appropriate winter attire for the outdoors. Most students will go outside with their younger peers during Community Service each week.
  • MS Flower Schedule

Math

This week in Middle School Math, students kicked off one of their favorite projects of the year: the Math Carnival. Throughout the week, students learned about theoretical and experimental probability and then got the chance to put those concepts into action.

After building a foundation, students brainstormed ideas for their own carnival-style games. They created a game concept, wrote clear rules, made a list of needed materials, and sketched out a blueprint. Once their plans were approved, students got to work building and testing their games.

When the games were finished, students calculated the theoretical probability for each possible outcome. They are now eagerly looking ahead to Tuesday, January 13th at 2:00 PM, when families and younger students will be invited to play the games at our Math Carnival.

Not only will playing the games be fun, but it will also give students the chance to collect real data. They will use this information afterward to calculate experimental probability and compare it to their predictions. It is so exciting to see their hard work come to life and they can’t wait to welcome everyone to the carnival!

Science

Middle School students came back from the holiday break very enthusiastic and ready to learn. We continued with the curriculum using the e-book, Discovery Education. This week 6th, 7th, and 8th graders got an introductory class about scientific explanations. Scientists make explanations to communicate their findings, thoughts, and what they learned through experimentation. They also need to use evidence and reasoning to support their claim.

This week the class talked about the basics of CER framing for constructing well-supported arguments. “C” stands for claim, which is a statement or conclusion that answers the problem or question. “E” stands for evidence, which helps to answer the question or problem that students are examining. It contains numerical or observational data that is used to support the claim. “R” stands for reasoning that links the evidence with the claim.

Learning scientific explanations helps students to communicate ideas clearly, to build strong critical thinking habits, and prepare for high school science and beyond. All middle school students also were able to review some previous concepts learned so they can remember it and be ready for the assessment that is going to be on Monday. 6/7 A & B students will be taking an assessment about Unit 1: Matter/ Combining and Separating. 8th graders will be assessed on Unit 1: Cells/Cell Theory. They all have materials to review in Google Classroom.

Humanities

All MS Humanities classes continued to work on drafting the play. The plot of the play and amount of characters are proving to be a good challenge for the students writing dialogue! They are excited during class writing periods, and we look forward to finishing up soon.

The 8th grade also began to look at the Expert Project, their culminating 8th grade project. They went over the timeline and components, brainstormed ideas, and are beginning their proposals.

Mrs. Sargeant’s Class: Winter Celebrations and Growing Families

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

This week brought the start of Hanukkah, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore this meaningful holiday with the children. We read both fiction and non-fiction stories about Hanukkah, helping the children understand the traditions and history behind the Festival of Lights. The children were particularly fascinated by the menorah, carefully placing candles into it and learning about the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

A huge thank you to Ivy and Gabriel’s moms for coordinating a special Hanukkah treat for the children. We enjoyed latkes and challah together, and the children made the connection that latkes are fried in oil—a reminder of the miracle we’d been learning about. These hands-on experiences with cultural traditions help the children develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse celebrations in our community.

Ava’s mom visited to share another beloved classroom tradition by reading “T’was the Night Before Christmas.” Thank you for sharing your time with us and for bringing the festive snack that made the morning even more special! These parent visits enrich our classroom community and show the children how much their families value learning together.

We had three rehearsals this week preparing for the Holiday Showcase, and the children’s excitement about sharing their songs with you was palpable. Their hard work and enthusiasm truly embodied the joy of working toward a common goal.

This week also brought special birthday celebrations. Two of our classmates turned four and a half, so we celebrated their half birthdays since we won’t be in school when they turn five in June. The Montessori birthday walk is always a meaningful way to honor each child’s journey around the sun.

We’re thrilled to share joyful news from two of our classroom families! Within the past month, Remy and Madison each welcomed baby brothers into their families. Congratulations to both families on this wonderful new chapter!

As winter settles in, the children have enjoyed a sensory experience that connects them to the season: making pomander balls with oranges and cloves. The delightful scent fills the classroom as they carefully press each clove into the orange, developing their fine motor skills while creating something beautiful to take home.

Extending Learning at Home

Encourage your child’s connection to winter traditions by:

  • Creating simple sensory experiences with seasonal scents like cinnamon sticks, pine branches, or citrus fruits
  • Practicing fine motor skills through holiday activities like threading beads, wrapping small gifts, or decorating cookies
  • Exploring winter through nature walks, observing how plants and animals prepare for cold weather

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Monday, January 5: School Resumes
  • Monday, January 5: Evie has Flowers/Food/Sharing Bag

Please send appropriate snow gear for outdoor play: hat, waterproof mittens, snow boots, and snow bibs or pants. A large open-top bag works best for storage. Thank you to Ava’s family for sending extra snow bibs and mittens to share with the classroom!

Holiday Concert 2025

Posted on by Jill Skilton

Please note, not all photos have been published due to varying photo permissions among our student population. If your child has photo permission, and you don’t see them in any pictures, it is likely they were standing near a child who does not have photo permission. .

Ms. Rhodora: Winter Holidays

Posted on by Rhodora Santayana

Last week brought beautiful opportunities to celebrate the diversity of traditions within our classroom community. We explored both Hanukkah and Christmas through stories, conversations, and shared experiences that helped the children appreciate the different ways families celebrate this special time of year.

These celebrations were made possible by the generous participation of our parent community. Thank you to all the parents who contributed their time, energy, and resources to make our holiday celebrations meaningful and fun. Your involvement enriches our classroom in countless ways and shows the children the importance of community and working together.

The joy on the children’s faces during these celebrations reminded us of the true spirit of the season—coming together, sharing with one another, and appreciating our diverse traditions.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth and togetherness.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you in advance for continuing to send snow gear—hat, waterproof mittens, snow boots, and snow pants—so the children can enjoy winter play comfortably throughout the season.

Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026
Monday, January 5: School Resumes

 

Ms. Handibode: Learning to Give

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

“The Montessori approach to celebrating special days is a gift to children as it expands their minds, their hearts, and their worlds.”—Alex Chiu, Montessori Musings

We hear the children speak throughout the day about what they hope to receive as a gift. Through literature, classroom conversations, and taking a peek into the different holidays celebrated by those around the world, we introduce the concept and power of giving as the best gift of all.

We asked each child what gift they could share during this holiday season.  We told them it does not need to cost anything, and it really is about helping others and our communities.  They could share their gift with a loved one or even be a secret gift giver and do something anonymously for someone in need.  The simplicity of their words is heartwarming.

The world could learn a lot by listening to these children!

Adeline–I can help take care of my pets.
Brooks–I can make pancakes with my Mommy and Daddy.
Charlie D.–I can teach people how to ice skate because I’m pretty good at it.
Charley W. –I can help Mommy and Daddy vacuum and help animals to get food when they’re hungry.
Connor–I can teach my family how to count numbers.
Eloise– I can clean my toys up when I’m done making a mess.
Hannah–I can help people reach things that are too high for them because I am a really good climber.
Jasper–I can help my Mommy make stew.
Jaxxon–I can help Mommy clean her car.
Johnny–I can help Daddy shovel the snow.
Layla–I can help Mommy do the dishes.
Melia–I can play puppy with my little brother.
Mila–I can pet my kitties, Turbo and Diesel so they know I love them.
Morgan–I can help Daddy make cake because I am so good at it.  The best one I make is strawberry cake.
Nitzan–I can be a nice friend to everyone so they have someone to play with.
Olivia–I can help Mommy with cooking in the kitchen.
Remi  I can help Mommy clean the house and help Daddy fix the cars when they break down.
Wilder–I can help Mommy do the dishes and help Daddy vacuum up my messes.
Zaki–I can help turn the car on in the morning before school so it gets warm.
Veda–I can share my toys with my friends.
Zion–I can teach people about Jesus because he loves everyone.

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 do this by engaging the children through literature, sharing artifacts, and conversations.

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. We are truly grateful for the relationships with each of our families.

 

Mrs. Lopes’: Celebrating Winter and the Holidays

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

The children had so much fun playing in the snow this week! There’s something magical about watching them discover the crunch of fresh snow beneath their boots and the joy of catching snowflakes. We’re grateful for your support in sending snow pants, boots, and waterproof mittens so the children can enjoy the winter weather comfortably.

This week was filled with special celebrations that brought our classroom community closer together. On Tuesday, Ben’s mom, Carina, joined us to share the story of Hanukkah through a wonderful book reading. The children were captivated as they learned about the Festival of Lights and its meaning. Following the story, we enjoyed latkes and applesauce provided by Evie’s mom, Katie. The children absolutely loved this traditional Hanukkah treat—many asked for second and even third helpings!

On Thursday, Scotlyn’s mom, Courtney, visited to read “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” which has become a cherished tradition in our classroom. After the story, we shared a festive snack of snowman cheese sticks and grapes, generously provided by Ben’s mom, Carina. These special moments of families sharing their traditions with our classroom community truly embody the spirit of grace and courtesy that we practice daily.

The week concluded with our holiday concert, where the children showcased the songs they’ve been preparing all school year. Their hard work and dedication truly shone through in their performance. It was a beautiful way to celebrate all we’ve learned and grown together this year.

Wishing you all peace and joy this holiday season and into the new year!

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you in advance for continuing to send snow gear—hat, waterproof mittens, snow boots, and snow pants—so the children can enjoy winter play comfortably throughout the season.

Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026
Monday, January 5: School Resumes

 

Ms. Mollie’s Class: A Year of Joy!

Posted on by Mollie Smith

As we move through this special season, our classroom has been filled with moments of gratitude, connection, and joy. The holidays offer a beautiful opportunity to slow down and notice the small wonders our toddlers experience each day—whether it’s sharing a smile with a friend, carefully placing an ornament on a tree, or gathering together for songs and stories.

In a Montessori environment, we honor the importance of being present. Embracing these everyday moments with your child-listening, observing, and simply being together-helps build a deep sense of security and joy. The holidays can feel busy, but children benefit most from simple traditions, predictable routines, and time spent together.

We encourage families to continue practicing gratitude at home by naming small joys, offering thank-yous, and modeling kindness. These lessons, though quiet, leave a lasting impact.

As we look ahead to the New Year, we are excited for continued growth, independence, and discovery. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such a meaningful part of our classroom community.

We wish you and your families a season filled with love, peace, and joy—and a New Year full of wonder and beautiful moments together. 💛

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week brought cold temperatures and snowy weather, and we enjoyed every bit of it! We practiced putting on our snow gear and heading outside to move our bodies as much as possible. Getting bundled up was great practice in independence and patience, and once outside, we loved exploring and moving in the winter air. When it was too chilly, we headed to the gym to keep our bodies active and strong.

One of the highlights of the week was our pajama pancake breakfast, a cozy and delicious treat! The children enjoyed eating together and did an amazing job pouring their own syrup. We also tasted hot chocolate, and there were lots of happy faces (and very full bellies!).

We introduced a new practical life activity: wrapping and unwrapping a present using reusable wrapping paper. The children loved opening and closing the paper, practicing fine motor skills, and exploring this festive work again and again.

Maverick celebrated his 3rd birthday and made three trips around the sun. Then we got to share some yummy birthday cake.

We also had the chance to watch the school’s winter showcase. Our class was captivated and couldn’t help but dance along and mimic the children on stage. It was such a joyful moment to see them engage with music and movement together.