Blog

Ms. Handibode’s Happenings: Celebrations Around The World

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

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.

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at Our Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

“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

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 class discussions.

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.

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

“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

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, Kwanzaa, and the Winter Solstice/Yule.  We do this by engaging the children through literature, sharing artifacts, and class discussions.

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 at any time during the school year.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with much peace, love, and simplicity.

Christine & Fatima

Mrs. Wilson: Holiday Cheer!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who sent such thoughtful birthday wishes to Ms. Sara.

Pancake and Pajama Day was a true highlight, and the children had an absolute blast! It’s a perfect way to end the week before the holiday break. The kids came dressed in their coziest pajamas and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes, mixed berries, and whipped cream, along with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and mini marshmallows.

After breakfast, we had a festive time jingling our bells to “Jingle Bell Rock”—twice! Then, we settled down for a story, How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.

The hot cocoa mugs the children used were a special gift from Ms. Sara and me, intended for them to use at home. The week wrapped up with the holiday concert, where students from Primary through Middle School delivered truly spectacular performances.

We wish everyone a joyful, peaceful holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year!

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Middle School: Getting in the Spirit

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Wow! What a week! As Middle School wrapped up classes before winter break, students also had a chance to work on some Middle School traditions: door decorating, raising money for a nonprofit, gift giving, holiday celebrations, and the winter concert. First, the entire middle school participated in the annual door decorating contest (which, as many of you saw, is more of a hallway decorating contest).  6th grade created a winter scene with a ski lift, ski lodge, and a door that opened to all of their lovely faces! 7th grade recreated the Polar Express with cars that viewers could walk through! 8th grade’s creation had a holiday Where’s Waldo? theme that asked viewers to find characters from the book. Younger peers and teachers walked through the hallway and voted. The 6th grade ended up having the most votes!

Next, students spent time celebrating on Thursday! The day began with Mrs. Banay coming in to cook delicious Israeli donuts for the middle school. Almog also created 3D-printed dreidels for each student. Then, the middle school opened their Secret Snowman gifts. There were a lot of smiling faces and laughter as students took guesses about the identities of their gift-givers. The students then enjoyed delicious food (thank you, parents!) and some movies.

The 8th grade worked hard to complete the products for their Fraser WoodShop pop-up shop that took place before the concert on Friday. They ended up selling out of the charcuterie boards and sold many of the beautiful ornaments they designed and created on the glow forge. All money will go to the nonprofit they selected, Ben’s Lighthouse.

Finally, students participated in group concert rehearsals this week, leading up to Friday’s fabulous performance. The Middle School is undoubtedly talented!

The Middle School Team wishes you and your family a wonderful winter break full of togetherness and memories. We look forward to welcoming students back after the New Year. We have a lot to look forward to in 2025!

Explore FWM’s Summer Learning Initiative

Posted on by Gina Tryforos

At FWM, we believe summer is the perfect time to foster academic growth, social-emotional development, and creativity through hands-on learning and targeted instruction. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Summer Learning Initiative—a half-day program designed to support students in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Sessions will run from June 23 to July 18.

Here’s a closer look at the two programs we’re offering this summer:

Program 1: Academic Support

This program is specifically designed for students who may need a little extra help to achieve their full potential. Whether your child has a language-based learning difference, attention challenges, or just needs focused support, this four-week program provides individualized instruction and encouragement. 

Who Can Join: Students entering Grades 2-5.

Schedule: Flexible! Sign up for one or more weeks based on your needs.

Program 2: Summer Academic Enrichment

For students who want to combine fun with learning, this program offers a variety of activities that cater to a wide range of interests and grade levels. Delivered in two-week segments, your child can choose from the following options:

Adventures in Reading: Reading Camp (Entering Grades K-1)

Reading Strategies (Entering Grades 2-4)

Math Workshop (Entering Grades 6-8)

Science Camp – Field Explorers (Entering Grades 5-8)

With engaging and educational experiences, this program ensures that summer learning is anything but ordinary!

Interested? Let Us Know!

We’d love to hear from you. If you’re interested in enrolling your child in our Summer Learning Initiative, please take a moment to complete our survey. 

Summer Learning programs will run in concert with other summer enrichment offerings. Please be on the lookout for a Summer Enrichment Survey in January.

Ms. Handibode’s Happenings: Gifts From The Heart

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

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!

  • Arya – I can put all of my toys away in the right place.
  • Connor – I can clean up all of my Legos when I’m done playing with them.
  • Ella – I can feed my cats every day, three times a day.
  • Hadley – I can help take care of the horses that I ride.
  • Hannah – I can put my toys away when my Mommy asks me.
  • Haroun – I can help get my backpack ready.
  • Harper – I can take care of all of my toys and help my Mommy look after Spencer.
  • Jacob – I can help everyone do their homework.
  • Jaxxon – I can clean up my toys.
  • Joseph – I can help my Daddy put all the garbage in the garbage pail.
  • Maayan – I can help Mommy make a chocolate cake.
  • Melina – I can help take care of my dogs by feeding them and taking them for walks.
  • Morgan – I can help my Mommy cook mashed potatoes with gravy.
  • Oliver – I am really flexible and helpful, so I can help anybody who needs it.
  • Reagan – I can help Daddy eat all of the guacamole and chips.
  • Remi – I can make race car cakes for everybody.
  • River – I can read with my Mommy because she loves when we read together.
  • Ryan – I can play with Mommy when she wants me to. She likes to go outside a lot.
  • Tommy – I can teach people how to play Fortnite because I am so good at it.
  • Wilder – I can clean up my toys when my moms asks me to.
  • Zaki – I can put away my cars when it is time to go to bed.
  • Zion – I can help people who can’t do puzzles because I am so good at it, especially Batman puzzles.

Wishing each and every one of you much peace and love during this holiday season.  Take time to enjoy the gifts that aren’t wrapped.

Michelle & Maria

Making Holiday Concert Decorations!

Posted on by Jen Reid
Young artists from 2nd through 8th grade have been hard at work making decorations for our upcoming holiday concert on December 20th. This year, we decided to make three-dimensional paper stars using music note paper. The note paper we are using is the actual songs that the children will be singing at the concert! Each star is made by following a few simple folding, cutting, and gluing steps to create an 8-pointed star. The 8-pointed star is often called the Nordic Star or Nordic Rose. In some Northern European countries, the star is used for hope, balance, and harmony, and it resembles a blooming flower and a compass rose. The stars will have touches of gold glitter added to the points and will be hung to float above the singers on stage. We can’t wait to see the finished product at the concert! See you there!