Blog

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

  • how to navigate our way around the environment
  • how to wait for a lesson
  • the routines of our school day
  • how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
  • about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
  • care of self and care of the environment

Our returning friends have been role models for our new friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be a leader. It wasn’t so long ago that they were new to the classroom themselves, and they accepted this new responsibility with excitement and confidence.

A question we frequently hear from parents is, “What can I do at home to help my child be successful at school?” One way to do so is to guide your child to become as independent as possible. Your child’s age and ability guide this independence. So there are no hard and fast rules to follow. A few important areas to focus on are setting up and cleaning up their lunch, putting on and taking off coats and boots, toileting themselves, packing and unpacking their backpacks, and carefully putting their toys away when they are done. This process is also one step at a time.

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Christine, Hailey, & Julie

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at the Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

  • how to navigate our way around the environment
  • how to wait for a lesson
  • the routines of our school day
  • how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
  • about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
  • care of self and care of the environment

Our returning friends have been role models for our new friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be a leader. It wasn’t so long ago that they were new to the classroom themselves, and they accepted this new responsibility with excitement and confidence.

A question we frequently hear from parents is, “What can I do at home to help my child be successful at school?” One way to do so is to guide your child to become as independent as possible. Your child’s age and ability guide this independence. So there are no hard and fast rules to follow. A few important areas to focus on are setting up and cleaning up their lunch, putting on and taking off coats and boots, toileting themselves, packing and unpacking their backpacks, and carefully putting their toys away when they are done. This process is also one step at a time.

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Mrs. Lopes, Mrs. Hema, and Ms. Kristina

Ms. Handibode: One Step At A Time!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

  • how to navigate our way around the environment
  • how to wait for a lesson
  • the routines of our school day
  • how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
  • about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
  • care of self and care of the environment

Our returning friends have been role models for our new friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be a leader. It wasn’t so long ago that they were new to the classroom themselves, and they accepted this new responsibility with excitement and confidence.

A question we frequently hear from parents is, “What can I do at home to help my child be successful at school?” One way to do so is to guide your child to become as independent as possible. Your child’s age and ability guide this independence. So there are no hard and fast rules to follow. A few important areas to focus on are setting up and cleaning up their lunch, putting on and taking off coats and boots, toileting themselves, packing and unpacking their backpacks, and carefully putting their toys away when they are done. This process is also one step at a time.

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Ms. Handibode, Ms. Maria & Miss Marisa

Middle School Stream Study

Posted on by Jill Skilton

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

What an incredible morning at Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary! Our Middle School students got their hands dirty (and wet!) learning about stream ecology through the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s Stream Riffle Bioassessment program.

Under the expert guidance of Mr. Paul Shafer from Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited, our young scientists collected and identified aquatic macroinvertebrates, learned how these tiny creatures indicate water quality, discovered the important connection between healthy streams and healthy ecosystems, and practiced real community science methods.
The enthusiasm was contagious as students waded into the stream, carefully collected specimens, and worked together to identify their findings using field guides and sorting trays. These hands-on experiences bring environmental science to life in ways textbooks simply can’t match!

Thank you to Paul Shafer for sharing his expertise and passion for stream conservation, to the CT DEEP RBV Program for supporting community-based water quality monitoring, and to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary for making this incredible learning opportunity possible!

Middle School: Welcome Back!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Welcome to the 2025-26 Middle School! It has been so nice to see everyone and have our group come together. We love having our incoming 6th graders and new students join the dynamic as if they have been here all along.

The weekly blog is a great way to find upcoming Middle School announcements and read about what is going on in some of their classes.

Here is what is coming up:

  • Wednesday, 9/17 8:45 am-12:15 pm: Field Experience w/ Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. Please review the email sent on 9/11, complete the permission form, and view your child’s group for attire.
  • Thursday, 9/25 @ 5:30: Curriculum Night (adult-only event)
  • SAVE THE DATE: Friday, 10/24 @ 6:30 pm: Middle School Halloween Movie Night

Humanities

Grades 6 & 7 Humanities classes began by reviewing the year ahead. Next, students presented their summer reading work to their class. It was impressive to hear about all the wonderful books that were read. We all received some great recommendations! Each year, Humanities classes begin with Identity. The classes read the poem, “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon, and composed their own drafts inspired by the original. Afterwards, they reviewed strategies to enhance their pieces by examining descriptive writing, including word choice, figurative language (such as simile, metaphor, and personification), and imagery. Some students have begun the editing and revising process of their poetry using these techniques. Next week, they will complete this initial writing piece about themselves.

The 8th-grade Humanities class also began the year by reviewing what’s ahead. They also presented their summer work on one fiction and one nonfiction book. The students read some impressive novels. The 8th grade also began the year with identity, but more specifically, American identity. Looking at a multicultural and diverse human landscape, they read about and discussed what this means. Students began reading the young adult version of Ronald Takaki’s A Different Mirror. Finally, students ended the week by researching pre-contact civilizations in the Americas.

Science

FWM Middle School students had a very exciting start to the year. Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade classes started with general introductory Science concepts that are going to be used to understand science. The purpose of this week was to understand the very basic meaning of the common vocabulary for science class throughout the year. In addition, students had a broad introduction to the scientific method, which is a systematic process that scientists use to do research based on observation and data analysis to explain and test answers to questions that originated in nature. Also, students participated in class activities and classwork to help them understand these concepts. Additionally, students learned about observations, types of observation, data, types of data, what a hypothesis is, experiment, variables, types of variables, and their importance in Science. At the end of the week, Middle School students learned General Laboratory Safety Rules.

Math

It was a great first two weeks back in Middle School Math! Last week, all math groups completed a fun “getting to know you” activity. Students then completed the “show what you know” pre-assessment. This week, they dove into Chapter 1!

Pre-Transition: This week, students dove headfirst into Chapter 1 titled “Some Uses of Integers and Fractions.” Students can now write word names for decimals, indicate parts of trips completed as points on a line segment, and measure and draw lengths in customary units. They will take the Chapter 1 Quiz on Tuesday, September 16th, which will cover material from lessons 1-1 through 1-4.

Transition: The Transition crew jumped into Chapter 1 this week, titled “Reading and Writing Numbers.” This class can now convert powers and word names for numbers and decimals, and use > and < symbols to compare and order numbers. They also know the definition of a rational number and can multiply numbers by powers of ten. They will take the Chapter 1 quiz on Tuesday, September 16th, which will cover material from lessons 1-1 through 1-4.
Algebra: The Algebra class began Chapter 1 this week, titled “Using Algebra to Describe”. Students can now evaluate algebraic expressions, identify and apply the associative, commutative, and transitive properties, and use variables to describe patterns in instances or tables. The Algebra class is also an expert in determining whether two expressions seem equivalent by substituting values or making a table. To wrap up the week, students learned to create a scatterplot from a table or expression, use graphs to determine if two expressions are equivalent, and learned how to use a graphing calculator. They will take the Chapter 1 quiz on Tuesday, September 16th, which will cover material from lessons 1-1 through 1-5.
Geometry: This week, the Geometry class started Chapter 1 titled “Points and Lines.” Students can determine the distance between points on a number line, graph lines and points in the coordinate plane, and write and graph equations of lines. This class can also analyze networks and recognize and use undefined terms and postulates. They will take the Chapter 1 quiz on Tuesday, September 16th, which will cover material from lessons 1-1 through 1-4.
Algebra II: Algebra II is moving full steam ahead through Chapter 1 titled “Functions.” This class can now evaluate expressions and formulas, determine whether a given relation is a function, and use mapping and f(x) notation for functions. This class can also determine the domain and range of a function. They will take the Chapter 1 quiz on Tuesday, September 16th, which will cover material from lessons 1-1 through 1-4.

Enrichment at FWM

Posted on by Gina Tryforos

At Fraser Woods Montessori, enrichment classes—including Art, Performing Arts, Physical Education (PE), MakerSpace, and Spanish—play an essential role in supporting the whole child and enhancing the Montessori experience.

Art nurtures creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills. By exploring a variety of media and techniques, students learn to think imaginatively and develop their unique artistic voices. Art also strengthens emotional intelligence, giving children meaningful ways to express their thoughts and feelings.

Performing Arts builds cognitive development, language skills, and spatial awareness while also enhancing memory, focus, and problem-solving. Through music, movement, and drama, students gain confidence, practice collaboration, and experience the joy of creative expression in a group setting.

Physical Education (PE) promotes health, strength, and motor development while encouraging personal growth over competition. In line with Montessori principles, PE emphasizes self-discipline, balance, and perseverance, which support students’ ability to focus and thrive in all areas of learning.

MakerSpace sparks innovation through hands-on exploration. Students tinker, build, and experiment, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and design skills. This creative space fosters curiosity and empowers children to bring their ideas to life.

Spanish introduces students to the joys of learning another language and culture. Early exposure to Spanish strengthens memory, enhances communication skills, and broadens global awareness. Lessons often include immersive activities, songs, and games that make language learning engaging and natural.

Together, these enrichment opportunities expand the Montessori classroom by encouraging self-discovery, creativity, social growth, and cognitive development. They reflect our commitment to educating the whole child in a joyful, meaningful way.

Look out for weekly posts from each of our enrichment teachers to learn more about the experiences your child is enjoying!

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey

Welcome to a new school year, Upper Elementary families! We had a fantastic first two weeks filled with getting to know each other, sharing experiences, and learning together.

This week, we began our small and large group lessons. In history, we are exploring humans’ closest living relatives and how humans fit into the classification of life. In biology, we will study the vital functions of animals throughout the year. We kicked off our biology lessons by examining the classification system and the five kingdoms of life.

In geometry, fourth-year students learned about the seven types of triangles, while fifth-year students focused on calculating the area of parallelograms. In grammar, fourth graders explored common and proper nouns, and fifth graders began their study of verbs, starting with pronouns and simple tenses. Our writing lessons began with an exploration of the difference between a sentence and a fragment. All students are already working hard and collaborating with friends on independent work and other assignments.

We’ve also enjoyed setting our routines, selecting classroom jobs, and playing on the field, playground, and in the outdoor classroom woods.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 25, at 5:30 PM for Curriculum Night!

Ms. Mollie’s Toddler Class Highlights!

Posted on by lizettegeudes

As we begin the second week of school, the initial anticipation has settled, and the careful preparation of our Montessori environment is supporting the children as they ease into their new routines. It is a joy to watch our returning students confidently re-engage with their activities and serve as positive role models for the younger children. We are so proud of them.

We are equally grateful to see our new students adjusting, exploring, and beginning to develop a love for their new environment. The children especially enjoy their time outdoors, which offers the perfect opportunity to build trust and connection with our toddlers.

As Maria Montessori beautifully expressed, “The child who has felt a strong sense of trust from the adult will develop a trust in the world around him.” This trust lies at the heart of our work and helps each child feel secure, confident, and ready to learn.

We are deeply thankful to the parents for entrusting us with their little treasures. It is truly an honor to be part of their journey of growth and discovery.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!