Blog

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.

Mrs. Wilson: Pancake and Pajamas

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

This week was filled with excitement and joyful celebrations. We began by celebrating our truly wonderful Ms. Sara. Ms. Sara is such a special part of our classroom community. She shows the children immense love and care every day, treating each child with patience, kindness, and respect. Her calm and nurturing presence helps create a warm, safe environment where the children feel valued and supported. The children were so proud to celebrate her birthday by showering her with beautiful handmade cards and a lovely bouquet of assorted flowers.

We were also able to venture outdoors a few days this week. Mornings were spent getting everyone into their snow gear and practicing important self-care skills, such as putting on snow pants and snowsuits. It certainly takes a lot of work and patience, but by the end of the week, we could already see how much easier it had become for the children—such wonderful progress!

To end the week, we celebrated the holidays in our cozy pajamas. The children enjoyed a special pancake breakfast featuring latkes, applesauce, and berries, accompanied by homemade whipped cream and warm hot chocolate. After breakfast, we gathered together to enjoy a few holiday stories, ending our time together with their favorite activity, dancing to jingle bells while playing the bell instruments. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who showered Ms. Sara with love on her birthday, as well as for the thoughtful holiday gifts we received. We are also incredibly grateful to the families who donated pancake and hot cocoa items and to our parent volunteers who helped make this celebration so special.

Wishing everyone a magical holiday break filled with love, warmth, and happiness.

With love and light,
 Cynthia and Sara

Middle School: Exciting Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

The middle school had a busy and festive week filled with creativity, teamwork, and lots of fun!

We kicked things off with hallway decorating, and the results were pretty sweet. Working together, students transformed the hallway into a whimsical gingerbread house, complete with candy-inspired details and wintery touches. Every part of the hallway showed off their imagination and teamwork.

After all that effort, the middle school came together for a holiday party to relax, celebrate, and enjoy time with one another.

One of the highlights of the week was our Secret Snowflake gift exchange. Organized by the students, it brought lots of excitement, laughter, and smiles as gifts were exchanged and Secret Snowflakes were revealed. It was a perfect way to spend our last full day before break.

The week wrapped up with the Winter Showcase, where students shared their talents in so many ways. They wrote and presented original poetry, displayed their artwork in the art show, and spent weeks rehearsing for the winter concert. It was amazing to see their confidence grow and their hard work pay off.

The 8th grade also held their Fraser WoodShop pop-up sale, selling ornaments, cutting boards, magnets, and seed bombs. All profits are being donated to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary here in Newtown, CT.

As we head into winter break, we’re so thankful for the energy and positivity our middle school students bring each day. It’s been a fun and memorable year so far, and we wish everyone a happy and restful holiday break!

See you in 2026!

A Week of Light, Giving, and Community in Lower El

Posted on by Carlie Taveras

This week, our classroom was filled with warmth, connection, and meaningful moments that truly reflect the heart of our community.

We were so thrilled to welcome Maayan’s mom for a beautiful and engaging presentation on Hanukkah. She shared a thoughtfully prepared slideshow and showed the children the lighting of the candles. The experience was made even more special with homemade festive treats lovingly shared and plenty of joy as the children learned how to play dreidel together. It was such a wonderful time that brought tradition, history, and celebration to life for the children.

In the spirit of giving, the children decorated ornaments and created heartfelt cards for residents of a local nursing home. As a class, we talked about the human gifts we all carry, hearts that can love, hands that can help, and the ability to wish well for others, even for people we may never meet. This work allowed the children to put those ideas into action, transforming abstract values into meaningful experiences filled with purpose and compassion.

It was also so wonderful to see everyone come together at the Winter Celebration. The children did an incredible job performing, and we were absolutely overjoyed watching them shine. We are so proud of each and every one of them and feel incredibly grateful that they are all part of our incredible Lower Elementary community.

We are truly so grateful for the incredibly thoughtful and generous gifts, beautiful holiday cards, and heartfelt messages of gratitude we received. Our hearts are so full, thank you. Your kindness and support mean more than words can express.

All 31 of your children are such an important part of our beautiful classroom community, and we are deeply thankful for the opportunity to guide them as they learn and grow. We hope you have happy and healthy holidays and enjoy the precious gift of family time over winter break. We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year.