Dear Fraser Woods Families,

We have been back only three days and already I am seeing so many examples of our individual classroom communities and our greater FWM community coming together in beautiful ways. There is a sense of respect for each other and teamwork between the children, the staff, and parents which is so essential to this work that we all do together.

Having the children back in the classroom brought us even more enthusiasm for the school year.

The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind. ~ Maria Montessori

Please remember that I am always available to you. I sincerely welcome your conversation any time.

Warm regards,

Gina Tryforos

Interim Head of School

Dear Parents,

We’ve moved through the first few days of school and are settling into our routines. Many of the routines are completely new (mask wearing, increased hand washing, cleaning and caring for classroom materials, physical distancing).  We are so impressed by how adaptable and resilient your children are. Thank you for all you are doing at home to encourage and support the children to be ready for school each day. The children also know that they have the unconditional support of their teachers. That support empowers them to ask questions when they are unsure or to seek guidance when they feel they need it, further building their confidence and coping skills.

With school in full swing, children will likely be tired at the end of the day, until they build up their stamina. You may want to consider bringing bedtime forward until they adjust.  Sometimes parents see more tears at the beginning of the school year. This is fairly typical and may simply mean your child may need some extra attention and reassurance for a while.

Please remember that I am always available to you. I sincerely welcome your conversation and input any time.

Wishing you and your family a relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Warm regards,

Gina Tryforos

Interim Head of School

“Do not tell them how to do it. Show them how to do it and do not say a word. If you tell them, they will watch your lips move. If you show them, they will want to do it themselves.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Night is an evening set aside to support our Fraser Woods Montessori families’ understanding of the curriculum and skills their child is learning.

Traditionally our teachers host this evening informally within their classrooms. This year Curriculum Night will be a Virtual Curriculum Night. Although you won’t be able to see the beautiful materials and works in your child’s classroom in person, we hope to showcase many of the lessons and materials your child will experience each day in school.  Our hope is that parents leave Curriculum Night with the feeling that everyone (teachers and parents as partners) shares the goals of helping each child learn and feel successful, and that the children are in a safe, happy, and caring environment! We are planning to host you virtually the week of September 21.

More information coming soon!

Warm Regards,

Gina Tryforos

Interim Head of School

WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE?

“The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.” ~ internationaldayofpeace.org

What is Sing Peace around the World?

• Traditionally on the International Day of Peace, our students and their teachers gather on the soccer field and sing along with thousands of Montessori schools around the world for the United Nations celebration of peace. Each school that participated registered for a time slot so that the song would be sung throughout the entire day by children all over the world.

• The song is Light a Candle for Peace by Shelly Murley. Shelly Murley is a Montessori teacher and musician who has written many songs for her Montessori classroom in addition to Light a Candle for Peace.

This year Sing Peace around the World is not open for registration – their message is:

“It’s up to all of us to slow the spread of COVID-19. Everyone, including young and healthy people, should avoid large gatherings during this time.”

Since we are unable to gather and sing as a community, we ask that you and your child/ren honor the International Day of Peace from the safety of your own home.

For Maria Montessori, peace was at the forefront of her mind when she created her model of education. Montessori said, “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.”

In a Montessori classroom peace reveals itself in many ways at every level. Our youngest students play the Silence Game and learn to experience silence or to enjoy the quieter sounds like birds singing outside the window. They learn to quiet their body, which helps them feel peaceful.

Elementary and Middle School students celebrate peace education in many of the activities and lessons planned by their teachers. You may see individual peace doves decorated with a child’s wish for peace or children participating in morning meditation. Our older students are involved in community building activities and lessons that spark conversations about how to be a good community member and spread kindness toward others. Our 8th year students have begun reading Putting Peace First: 7 Commitments to Change the World by Eric David Dawson as a guide to being leaders and change-makers in their school community.

Please talk to your child about what Peace looks like in their classrooms every day and spend some time at home with your family and sing for peace on Monday, September 21, 2020

Here is the link to the YouTube video of the song Light a Candle for Peace.

Thanks to our 8th years (our leadership class), FWM has found a way for the children to recognize and celebrate the International Day of Peace without gathering to sing. We invite all students and staff to wear something BLUE on Monday. Blue is the universal color of peace. Thank you 8th years for your creativity and resourcefulness.

Dear Parents,

As we close out the month of September, it gives us an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and rejuvenate.  The love and support we have felt from our community has been encouraging and uplifting. We are grateful to all our parents and caregivers for their patience and understanding as well.

Due to the rapidly changing response to the federal/state updates, we need to pivot on short notice and update what we do.The health and safety of students and staff remains paramount to all decisions we make. The FWM Reopening Campus Plan continues to evolve as the State of Connecticut revises its health and safety guidelines for schools. As it states on the homepage of the plan,  FWM will be guided by applicable law, Executive Orders, and state and federal public health guidelines for the reopening of schools consistent with applicable components of those established for the State of Connecticut public K-12 schools and Early Childhood. The plan is a living document so please continue to review the plan periodically for updates.

Parents, thank you for your attendance at our Virtual Curriculum Nights.  We hope you enjoyed a peek into your child’s day. It is always a pleasure for me to attend and listen as teachers celebrate their enthusiasm for their craft, offer inspiration as they share their knowledge of their programs, and share their genuine love for the children they work with everyday.

Warm regards,

Gina
Interim Head of School