Blog

Mrs. Sargeant: Celebrating Light and Learning

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week, our classroom community gathered with all the Primary classes for a beautiful Diwali celebration in the gym. The children listened intently to a story about this five-day festival observed around the world. They learned that Diwali represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil—the triumph of righteousness and knowledge over ignorance.

The experience came alive through the sights, sounds, and colors of Indian culture. Ms. Paromita, along with several parents and students, wore traditional Indian attire, and the children were mesmerized by the beauty of what they witnessed. They tasted traditional foods—rice pilaf and gajar ka halwa—and each child decorated their own rangoli design to take home. We are deeply grateful to all the families who shared their culture with us!

Our kindergarten students continued their impressive work with Number Rolls, practicing linear counting, place value, and proper numeral writing formation. The anticipation is building—in June, we’ll take these down to the gym, unroll them, and see just how long they’ve become! This work beautifully demonstrates the mathematical mind at work, as children make abstract numbers concrete and visible.

Magnets joined our shelves this week, sparking curiosity and scientific exploration. The children discovered which objects attract and which don’t, developing early hypotheses about the properties of different materials.

We also welcomed the Botsford Fire Department, who taught us valuable lessons about fire prevention. The children asked thoughtful questions and learned important safety practices they can use at home.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Celebrate light in your own way—light candles at dinner and talk about how light helps us see and feel safe
  • Practice counting by ones, fives, or tens during everyday activities like setting the table or climbing stairs
  • Explore magnetism using a refrigerator magnet—see what it sticks to around your home and what it doesn’t

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

What a busy and exciting week we’ve had together!  Our toddlers explored so many new sights, sounds, textures, and tastes as we continued learning about fall and the world around us.

We spent some time experimenting with colors.  Using red and yellow paint, we mixed them together to see what would happen and discovered the beautiful fall color orange!  They loved watching the colors swirl and change right before their eyes.

We took a closer look at the inside of a pumpkin as well. The children used their hands to feel the squishy insides and find the seeds hiding inside. It was a great sensory experience to connect with the season.

This week’s food tasting included pomegranate seeds as well as raw and cooked broccoli. The children explored the textures and tastes and loved the pomegranate seeds!  Most of the children preferred the cooked broccoli over the raw.

We also had the opportunity to learn a little about Diwali, the Festival of Lights.  We watched a traditional dance, looked at bright and colorful decorations, and even tried a special rice dish.

To end the week, we had a special visit from the fire department! The children got to see a fire truck up close, go inside, and even take home their own firefighter hats.  It was such an exciting morning!

Reminders:

  • Check backpacks for notes letting you know if your children need more diapers or extra clothes.
  • The classroom door opens at 8:30, unless you have an older sibling (8:20) or have paid for early drop-off. Please adhere to that time, as we need time to prepare the classroom and for the children. We had a lot of children dropping off before 8:30 this week.

Enjoy all the pictures!

Middle School: Science Fair & Diwali

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

With two exciting events this week, the Middle School was busy! The culmination of a month-long science project resulted in a successful Science Fair on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday morning, students gathered in the gym and listened to a presentation celebrating Diwali given by classmates. Students were even able to participate in an Indian dance and sample some delicious Indian cuisine.

A special thanks to the 8th-grade Leadership class for organizing a successful food drive this past week. The 8th grade organized the donations, checked for expiration dates, and loaded the vehicles for delivery. The FAITH Food Pantry in Newtown was grateful for the generosity of our school community. Thank you to all who donated!

Announcements:

  • Please ensure students are dressed for the seasonal weather with an outer layer, as we will continue to go outside. We require a jacket as well as covered arms and legs when temperatures dip below 50°F.
  • Check with your MS student(s) to make sure they have their refillable water bottle with them. 
  • Monday, 11/17 – Wednesday, 11/19: 8th Grade Internships
  • MS Flower Schedule

More About Science Fair

A middle school Science Fair is an exciting event where students get to explore their curiosity and research projects. It allows them to apply the scientific method to investigate questions about the world around them, in Biology, physics, and chemistry. During the fair, students presented their projects on display boards, shared their understanding and findings with other students and parents. Middle school students were able to practice their communication and critical thinking skills. This year, there were a variety of interesting projects, including a basic introduction to microbiology and how the presence of microbes is everywhere in our surroundings. All students followed the safety rules and protocols while they performed their experiments. The FWM Science Fair is a way to encourage students to learn through discovery and help them develop confidence in their scientific abilities.

Lower Elementary Field Trip

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

Our class had an exciting field trip this week as we explored the fascinating world of light! From the moment we arrived, the children were engaged and curious, ready to dive into hands-on discovery.

We began our morning with a science demonstration that introduced us to some of the amazing ways light behaves. The children learned that light is all around us—both visible and invisible—and they were fascinated to discover the differences between ultraviolet and infrared light. Using special tools and visual aids, they saw how UV light can reveal hidden patterns and how infrared light helps us see heat. The children were also amazed to learn that light is actually a rainbow made up of many different colors that blend together to form what we see as white light.

Our day concluded in the Light Lab, where students had the chance to put their knowledge into action. They experimented with additive color mixing, combining red, green, and blue lights to create new colors—including white light! The children also had fun testing out optical illusions, discovering how our brains sometimes interpret light and color in unexpected ways. They moved from station to station, experimenting with lenses, prisms, and mirrors. They were especially intrigued by the section on rods and cones, the tiny cells in our eyes that help us see color and light. Many children were surprised to learn that these cells work together to help us perceive the full range of colors we see every day!

To make the week even more special, the children also enjoyed learning about Diwali through a beautiful presentation shared by teachers, staff, students, and families. They listened to stories, saw traditional clothing and decorations, and learned about the meaning of light in this joyful celebration. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a fun and memorable experience for the children!

Mrs. Wilson: Hello November!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

What an eventful week we’ve had!

Our classroom has been transformed into a cozy, fall-inspired environment. The children have been busy exploring woodland animals and discovering items that symbolize the autumn season, such as colorful leaves, pinecones, and acorns.

In the Language area, the children are learning the names of common kitchen tools, such as a stockpot, frying pan, and various cooking utensils. They’ve even begun sorting utensils—just in time to help with Thanksgiving preparations!

We also had two special events this week. On Thursday, we enjoyed a Diwali presentation. The children listened to a story about Diwali read by some of the older students and watched a beautiful dance performed by Miss Paromita and several children. Afterward, they had the opportunity to taste delicious homemade rice and sweets prepared by families. Back in the classroom, the children used dot markers to decorate their own diyas.

On Friday, excitement filled the air as the Botsford Fire Department visited! Firefighter Ellway and Fire Chief Bill showed the children the firetruck, and everyone had a chance to sit inside. The children were fascinated watching the firefighter put on all of his gear.

For our Food Tasting this week, the children explored and compared red and green pears. The red pear was a new experience for Mrs. Wilson—and it was absolutely delicious!

Love and Light,
Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Mollie: Hello November!

Posted on by Mollie Smith

This week, our toddlers enjoyed learning about two very special themes — Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and Fire Prevention Week!

To celebrate Diwali, we explored light and color in true Montessori fashion. The children loved decorating paper diyas, using bright paints to make them shine. We read a simple story about Diwali and talked about how people celebrate with lights, family, and sweets. The children were fascinated by the idea of lighting lamps to bring happiness and kindness into our homes.

As part of Fire Prevention Week, we discussed ways to stay safe around fire in an age-appropriate way. We practiced how to “stop, drop, and roll” in our classroom, and we learned that firefighters help keep everyone safe. The highlight of the week was exploring pictures of fire trucks and using red and yellow paint to create our own “flames” art project.

Our classroom was full of light, color, and learning — a wonderful reminder of how curiosity and care can brighten our world. We also celebrated a friend’s birthday in the classroom, which was a hit!

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Ms. Rhodora: A Week of Cultural Joy and Community Learning

Posted on by Jill Skilton

Last week, the classroom was filled with light, color, and celebration as we explored Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The children engaged in this cultural study with beautiful mandala coloring activities that combined art, concentration, and fine motor development. Each child selected their own mandala design and carefully chose colors to create their unique patterns. The room was peaceful as children worked independently and alongside friends, some decorating their mandalas with jewel-like stickers that sparkled like the diyas that light homes during Diwali.

This celebration provided a meaningful opportunity to discuss how different cultures mark important occasions and the universal themes of light overcoming darkness, hope, and new beginnings. The children were curious about how families celebrate Diwali and made connections to their own family traditions and celebrations.

Community Helpers Visit Our Campus

We welcomed special visitors from the local fire department who shared important fire safety information with the children. The firefighters demonstrated their equipment and allowed the children to see the fire truck up close. The children’s faces showed wonder and excitement as they learned about fire safety, stop-drop-and-roll, and how firefighters help our community. This hands-on experience brought our community helpers curriculum to life in a memorable way.

Mathematical Minds at Work

The mathematics area continued to draw sustained concentration as children explored the Teen Board and Hundred Board. These materials help children understand place value and number sequencing in a concrete, hands-on way. One child spent considerable time arranging the Hundred Board tiles, building understanding of numerical order and patterns within our base-ten system. Another child worked carefully with the Teen Board, discovering how the teen numbers are formed by combining ten with the unit numbers.

The beauty of these self-correcting materials is that children can work at their own pace, building confidence as they recognize and correct their own errors. This independent work fosters the mathematical mind while developing problem-solving skills and patience.

Geography and Practical Life Discoveries

Children explored the continent puzzle map, identifying and placing each continent while discussing where different animals and people live around the world. This geographic work connects beautifully to our cultural studies and helps children understand their place in the wider world.

In practical life, children continued to refine their fine motor skills through activities like carrot peeling and other food preparation work. These activities build independence, coordination, and concentration while preparing children for real-world tasks.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Celebrate diversity by exploring your own family traditions and celebrations. Share stories about holidays or special occasions your family observes and what makes them meaningful to you.
  • Practice counting and number recognition during everyday activities. Count steps as you walk, items as you put away groceries, or objects you see on nature walks.
  • Encourage independence by involving your child in meal preparation. Simple tasks like washing vegetables, tearing lettuce, or stirring ingredients build confidence and practical skills.

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey

 

Wow, what a week we just had! There’s so much to share about all the activities that filled our days with fun, learning, and celebration. Here’s a recap.

On Wednesday, we visited the Middle School Science Fair, and it was amazing! Students were excited to showcase their projects, and their creativity was inspiring! There were various experiments, ranging from harnessing the power of the wind to fascinating studies on plant growth. Upper El students enjoyed talking with the middle school students about their projects, reminding us of the importance of curiosity and innovation in our own journeys as students.

On Thursday, we had our Diwali celebration, a highlight we were all really looking forward to. The energy was incredible as students ranging from four years old to middle school shared the significance of the festival. There was dancing, music, and food that beautifully displayed the story of Ramayana.

To wrap up this fantastic week, we had a visit from the Botsford Fire Chief, who taught us all about fire safety. The presentation provided extensive information on the safety aspects of lithium-ion batteries. He shared some recent stories from the field, which really brought the job to life for us. It’s essential to know how to stay safe, and we will continue the conversation with upper elementary students this coming week in an age-appropriate manner so they understand what they, as fourth and fifth graders, can do to keep themselves safe.

This week, we will have our first sandwich-making day of the school year. Thank you to all who are contributing our sandwich ingredients, and a special thank you to Nora for organizing this for us.

Upcoming Events:

  • Thursday, November 13 – Sandwich Making for St. Vincent DePaul Mission