Blog

Lower Elementary: Closing the Chapter with Gratitude

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

As the school year comes to an end, I’ve been thinking a lot about this group of students and the time we’ve spent together. It’s wild how fast the year has gone—it really does feel like we were just getting to know each other a few weeks ago.

Looking back, I’m proud of how much they’ve grown—not just academically, but in the way they’ve learned to work through challenges, take care of each other, and find their voice. We’ve had plenty of laughs, some challenging moments, and a lot of laughter and growth along the way.

I’m lucky to have had the majority of these students for a few years; it’s always a little hard to say goodbye, but I’m excited for all the things they’ll carry with them into the summer and beyond. I hope they head into the break feeling proud, rested, and ready for whatever’s next.

Here’s to a well-earned summer!

Ms. Marissa: Weekly Update

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

It is no small thing to place your child in someone else’s care, and we have felt deeply honored to be a part of your children’s learning journey. Watching each child grow in their independence, curiosity, and confidence has been one of the greatest joys of our work.

Our days were filled with giggles, questions, stories, and small moments that made a big impact. These little learners have taught us just as much as we hope we’ve taught them.

As we head into summer, I wish you and your families time to rest, play, and soak up every sweet moment together. Thank you for a wonderful year.

Warmly,

Marissa & Sue

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at Our Last Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

As we come to the end of a fabulous school year, our hearts are full of gratitude and wonder. It has been a year of incredible growth, curiosity, and joyful discovery. Much like the caterpillars we nurtured and watched transform into butterflies, each child in our classroom has undergone their own quiet metamorphosis. With patience and care, we’ve seen tiny hands grow steady, quiet voices gain confidence, and young hearts grow kind and strong.

One of the most touching traditions continued this year, as our thoughtful middle school students brought the Kindergarteners’ drawings to life, sewing each one into a unique stuffed animal to mark the end of their time in Primary. These handmade treasures were received with wide eyes and proud smiles – a tangible celebration of creativity, connection, and the magic of being a part of a Montessori community.

Thank you all for your partnership and trust. We wish you all a summer filled with the perfect balance of relaxation and play.

Christine & Hailey

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at Our Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Continuing with a long-standing FWM tradition, our Kindergarten friends began working on their number rolls early in September and had the opportunity to unroll them on Wednesday. It is always a much-anticipated event that brings great joy to everyone. Each year, several middle school students will stop by and say, “I remember doing this, and I still have my number roll!”

The end of each school year is always an emotional time filled with wonder and pride at all that we have accomplished and how much each child has grown. To our Kindergarten students, those moving on, and their families, we wish you all the success you have worked so hard for. You will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we sincerely hope you will keep in touch throughout the years. To our returning students and families, we can’t wait to hear all about your summer and to experience the 2025-26 school year together. We wish all of you a summer filled with peace, love, happiness, and the chance to make beautiful memories. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, and may you all have a chance to relax and enjoy a calmer time of year. Thank you for sharing your children with us, and thank you for all the behind-the-scenes help that made our year so much smoother!

We leave you with a poem that resonates deeply with us every single year.

Whose Child Is This?      

“Whose child is this?” I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play.
“Mine,” said the parent with a tender smile.
“Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should.”

“Whose child is this?” I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in.
“Mine,” said the teacher with the same tender smile.
“Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school.”

“Whose child is this?” I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door.
“Ours,” said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child.
“Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever.”

—–Author Unknown

Wishing you a wonderful & restful summer,

Amanda & Hema

Ms. Handibode: Whose Child Is This?

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Continuing with our long-standing FWM tradition, our Kindergarten friends began working on their number rolls early in September and had the opportunity to unroll them on Wednesday. It is always a much-anticipated event that brings great joy to everyone. Each year, several middle school students will stop by and say, “I remember doing this, and I still have my number roll!”  The Kindergarten students were also presented with a “stuffie” from the Middle School students.  The children drew their animal, and then the Middle Schoolers created the stuffie from that drawing.  We started this tradition last year, and it is quickly becoming a delightful and important one! It is so amazing to see their drawings come to life.  This past week, we also had field day for all of the Primary students.  It was a great day and really brought together the whole school as a community.

The end of each school year is always an emotional time filled with wonder and pride at all that we have accomplished and how much each child has grown. To our Kindergarten students, those moving on, and their families, we wish you all the success you have worked so hard for. You will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we sincerely hope you will keep in touch throughout the years. To our returning students and families, we can’t wait to hear all about your summer and to experience the 2025-26 school year together. We wish all of you a summer filled with peace, love, happiness, and the chance to make beautiful memories. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, and may you all have a chance to relax and enjoy a calmer time of year. Thank you for sharing your children with us, and thank you for all the behind-the-scenes help that made our year so much smoother!

We leave you with a poem that resonates deeply with us every single year.

Whose Child Is This?      

“Whose child is this?” I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play.
“Mine,” said the parent with a tender smile.
“Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should.”

“Whose child is this?” I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in.
“Mine,” said the teacher with the same tender smile.
“Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school.”

“Whose child is this?” I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door.
“Ours,” said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child.
“Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever.”

—–Author Unknown

With much love,

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Wilson: WOW! What a Week — and What a Way to End the School Year!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

Forget routines and all the hard work we’ve done throughout the year—this week was all about FUN! And fun is exactly what we had. The children reminded us just how resilient and adaptable they are, embracing every change in schedule with big smiles and boundless energy.

We kicked things off with Spirit Week, starting Monday with Field Day for our older students. Our class joined the dedication ceremony and participated in a school-wide photo to thank The McChord Foundation for their generous gift of our new turf field—what an incredible way to start the week!

Tuesday and Thursday were filled with excitement as the children rehearsed for our Moving Up Ceremony, and on Wednesday, we created a special Toddler Field Day just for our youngest students. We began on the field with a variety of activities for the children to explore: hoop hopping, mat rolling, tunnel crawling, a sponge-and-water relay, trampoline bouncing, and everyone’s favorite—the parachute! It was such a joy to see the children darting from one station to the next, laughter filling the air.

After all that movement, we headed to the playground for our very last food tasting of the school year: POPSICLES! A well-earned, refreshing treat after all their field day fun.

And just when they thought the excitement was over… we surprised them with a bubble-filled experience! The children whisked up bubbles with egg beaters, chased and popped clouds of bubbles blown by the teachers and middle school students, and watched in delight as bubble machines filled the air with thousands of tiny spheres. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable week.

Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us this year. We hope your summer is filled with sunshine, joy, and meaningful time together.

Here’s to making core memories that last a lifetime!

Cynthia and Sara

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey
As we wrap up this school year, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve taken together. It’s hard to believe another year has come to a close, and I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to some really important people: my amazing students and their supportive families.
To my wonderful students, thank you for all your hard work and dedication this year. Watching you grow—both academically and personally—has truly been one of the highlights of my career. Each of you has made such impressive strides—whether it was mastering tough concepts, honing your skills, or simply being there for one another as friends. Your curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm have inspired me every single day. From project presentations to working collaboratively in the classroom, your growth has been remarkable. Remember, the lessons you’ve learned and the friendships you’ve forged will stick with you as you continue on your educational journey. Now that summer is here, I encourage each of you to take the time to explore, relax, and recharge. Keep that curiosity alive and never stop learning. For those moving on, I wish you all the best, and I can’t wait to welcome my fifth-graders back next year. I’m excited to see all the wonderful things you’ll accomplish in the next school year and beyond.
To the families, thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Your encouragement at home, participation in school events, and collaboration with Sara and me as your child’s teachers have been essential to their success this year. It’s a real pleasure to work with such dedicated families, and I appreciate the open communication we’ve maintained. Your involvement has made a lasting impact on our classroom community.
Thank you all once again for an unforgettable year. Have a fantastic summer, and I can’t wait to see you again soon!

Middle School: That’s a Wrap on the 2024-25 Year!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Be on lookout for Summer Learning Resources, which will include summer assignments, that will be sent out soon!

Wow! What a busy last week of Middle School! It started with Field Day on Monday. Middle School students were divided into multi-age color teams for a day full of activities. 8th grade began the day as the Captains of the Primary color teams as they completed their activities. Afterwards, they competed in races, relays, tug-of-war, and even a dance off before the Green Team was announced the winning team. A competitive Middle School vs. Faculty dodgeball game ended the day.

On Wednesday, the 6th and 7th grade students gave a Farewell to the Class of 2025. They planned the event, including a heartfelt speech they wrote acknowledging each graduate, personalized superlative awards, graduation caps, 8th-grade Jeopardy, and a poetry reading. A memorable slideshow highlighting the 8th graders over the years added a special touch to the evening.

On Thursday, 8th graders, their families, friends, and teachers gathered at the Newtown Meetinghouse for the Commencement Ceremony. Students read original speeches and then had their teachers pay tribute to them with words honoring their time at Fraser Woods. Diplomas were awarded, some tears were shed, and cupcakes were consumed. It was a lovely evening.

The last day of school included a new school-wide event: Moving Up Ceremony. While all students were part of the festivities acknowledging those students moving up levels at FWM, the 8th grade was able to take the chance to say goodbye to all of their younger peers.

The Middle School team wants to thank all of the families for their support and trust this year. We are truly lucky!