Blog

Ms. Marissa: Weekly Update

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

This week, we had so many lovely visitors in our classroom! Many dads to read stories and moms and aunties to help with crafts. It is always fun to have guests help us with our day.

We learned about Hanukkah and Christmas this week, and if we weren’t excited already – we are now! All the children have been busy practicing songs for our upcoming Holiday Concert, filling the classroom with joy. We hope to see you there!

We have continued our ocean study, learning about the first three layers of the ocean. We now know the top layer closest to the surface is the Sunlight Zone, followed by the Twilight Zone and the Midnight Zone. We loved seeing different sea creatures like the angler fish and stingrays!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Marissa & Sue

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

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 have discussed how fortunate all of our families are to have a warm house to live in and food to eat. We have continued to name some of the many things that we are grateful for. We talked about there being many families who live in our communities who do not have enough money to afford many things. Since our Middle School has been collecting food and gifts for a local family, together we wrapped a gift of cat food for the family’s pet and some of the children brought gifts and food to donate as well. Thank you for your generosity and for helping to instill a sense of gratitude and giving.

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!

  • Aira- I would give a bouquet of flowers to Olive.
  • Anaya- I would give a toy like a bubble machine because it’s a nice gift for someone.      
  • Arsalan- I would give a Christmas tree to my friend Matteo.         
  • Cameron- I’d like to give a sparkly shirt to my Mom and my Dad.
  • Divya- A teddy bear to my cousin because she loves me, is thankful for me, and is really sparkly.
  • Eliot- I can give my Mom a hug because I love her, and we can make food for people because my parents are really good at it.
  • Eliana- I want to get a big teddy bear for Mommy and a big, big one for Daddy.       
  • Emma- I can give a teddy bear dog for my Grandma.
  • Ethan- Make a card for my Dad and my Mom. 
  • Hayes- I would give a toy to a baby.
  • Ivy- I’d give my Mom my snow monster because she actually likes it when it dances and plays music.
  • Katie- I will give Mommy and Daddy kisses.
  • Luke- I’ll give my Mom and Dad a kiss.      
  • Matteo- I’ll make a plan to save the day around my house or school so nobody has any problems.     
  • Olive- I’d give a kitty toy to Aira. 
  • Olson- I could give a hug to my Mom and Dad and also to my sister.
  • Oscar- I already bought some presents and I want to give some to my Mom, my Dad, and to my dogs.
  • Otto- I will give a heart to my Mommy.
  • Rayna- My love to Mommy and Daddy.
  • William- I love Mommy, so I’ll give her kisses and run fast with Daddy.    

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.

Christine & Fatima

Ms. Mollie: Playful December

Posted on by Mollie Smith

This December has been filled with so much play and quiet and peaceful works. I know you’re asking how a Toddler classroom can be filled with peace and quiet. Each day, the children are given the opportunity to choose works and move freely in the classroom, they are given age-appropriate materials that meet their developmental needs, and they are given the opportunity to have uninterrupted play. The children continue to explore Hanukkah and Christmas, and as a classroom, we talk about each and what the children love about them. We have been practicing our cutting skills, making snowflakes, and cutting out polar animals. Our Polar animals are a huge hit in the classroom, the children have so many questions about what they are, what they eat, how do they eat, where do they live? I encourage you to keep the conversation going about the Who’s, Whats, and Whys. They all help your child truly understand the world around them, and they help them develop language skills. 

With Full Hearts, 

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette 

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey

Our shared past reminds us that we are all part of the human family, with a common bond that transcends borders and differences. -Donald Johanson

Upcoming events:

  • Thursday, 12/19
    • Holiday Party
    • Pajama Day
    • Secret Santa – Students bring a gift ($15 limit) for their recipient.
  • Friday, 12/20
    • 9:30: Pre-concert breakfast
    • 10:00: Holiday Concert – Concert attire (no sweatpants, sweatshirts, jeans, crocs)
    • Early Dismissal (11:30) – Students can be dismissed after the concert.

This week, we wrapped up our study of modern humans. We learned about these ancient humans not primarily through their fossils but rather through the artifacts they left behind—specifically, the tools they crafted. The different ages of tool-making identify each group of ancient humans.

The earliest period was the Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age), followed by the Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age), and then the Neolithic Age, which marked the beginning of farming. Finally, around 4,000 years ago, people began creating tools from metal, marking the start of the Age of Metals.

Each student presented a specific group of modern humans, emphasizing the key facts that intrigued them the most. We learned about the Aurignacians, Solutreans, and Magdalenians from the Upper Paleolithic Age; the Azilians, Maglemosians, and Kitchen Midden Folk from the Mesolithic Age; the Lake Dwellers and Megalith Builders from the Neolithic Age; the Battle-Axe People, Beaker Folk, and British Settlers from the Bronze Age; and the Celts from the Iron Age.

Reflecting on our study of modern humans, it’s clear that the evolution of tool-making is not just about the objects themselves but also about the people who created and used them. Each age tells a story of adaptation, innovation, and the journey of modern humans through time. We can’t wait to delve deeper into history as we continue our studies with Ancient Civilizations up next!

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

There is a lot going on in Middle School!

First of all, 8th-grade Leadership has been working hard. They have completed the collection of holiday gifts from the FWM community to be delivered to a local Newtown family needing assistance this holiday season. Next, they have been busy with their business, The Fraser WoodShop, creating the 2024 Holiday Ornament and beautiful charcuterie boards (limited number) to sell before next week’s holiday concert! All proceeds will go towards Ben’s Lighthouse.

Next week, we look forward to the following:

  • Door Decorating Contest! We will decorate by grade level with whatever winter-themed decorations are brought in!
  • PAJAMA DAY: Thursday, 12/19, is PJ day for Middle School!!!
  • Holiday Party: Thursday, after an all-school concert rehearsal, we will have our winter party.
  • Secret Snowflake: Students should bring in a gift ($15 limit) for their assigned secret snowflake.
  • HOLIDAY CONCERT: 10 am start. The attire is dressier than normal (no dirty sneakers, sweats, ripped clothing, etc.) STUDENTS CAN LEAVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AFTER THE SHOW.

Humanities

Grade 6 Humanities classes focused on finishing their second class novel, Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper. This week, they worked on small group discussions in which they prepared their own questions. They read through and identified the climax of the novel and worked on writing a novel reaction at the end of the week. The students will watch the newly released movie version of the book next week in Humanities! Also, earlier this week, one of Mrs. Lamb’s favorite poets, Nikki Giovanni, passed away. In her memory, students read “Knoxville, Tennessee” and discussed the notion of nostalgia. Then, they composed their own pieces about a place they find nostalgic.

The 7th grade Humanities class is two assignments away from finishing their third class novel, The Giver, by Lois Lowry. In addition to their nightly reading, the class began each day with a book discussion before transitioning to the much-anticipated Community Project. This is a favorite among 7th-year students and involves partnering with another classmate to create their own version of Utopia. The groups must consider and write about multiple factors before presenting their imagined community to their peers. Government structure, the environment, essential resources, and economics are only a few of the components of their Community they must consider. It will be exciting to see how these turn out!

8th-grade Humanities classes this week focused on drafting an essay and the play. The Reimagining History essay has students develop a singular change in the early days of the colonies and write about the possible effects of this change that would be immediately seen and even felt today. Students researched and composed their drafts with individual writing goals this week. Next, they came up with the big idea for the 2025 Middle School Play! They aren’t ready to share with their classmates yet, but all will be revealed soon.

Math

Pre-Transition: This week, the class continued their learning of Chapter 4. They began the week by learning about fact triangles and using them to find related facts for addition and subtraction. Students then discovered relationships among linear pairs and vertical angles formed by intersecting lines and how to use properties of angles to find unknown angle measures. The class closed out their week by learning to recognize acute, right, obtuse, complementary, and supplementary angles and how to subtract fractions. They will wrap up Chapter 4 next week before the winter break.

Transition: Students continued moving through Chapter 5 this week. They reviewed how to use fact triangles to depict relationships between numbers and learned to solve equations of the form x + a + b and inequalities of the form x + a < b. Students wrapped up their week by graphing solutions to equations and using the triangle inequality to approximate the lengths of the third side. The class will wrap up Chapter 5 next week, prior to the winter break.

Algebra: This week, students continued exploring Chapter 5 Concepts. They started the week off by dividing algebraic fractions to find rates and then multiplying and dividing rates to find the conversion rate. Students continued the week by using ratios to compare two quantities, calculated relative frequencies, and solved proportions. The class will finish up Chapter 5 before the winter break.

Geometry: It was an exciting week in Geometry! We began learning how to make and justify conclusions about congruent figures, which is called proving. We continued with proofs using transitivity and reflections by constructing equilateral triangles and constructing the circle through three noncollinear points, found lengths and angle measures using properties of the perpendicular bisector, and wrote proofs using the transitive properties of equality and the properties of reflection. We will end our learning of Chapter 5 next week before the winter break.

Science
6 grade:
Students began the week by discussing tectonic plates and ended the week by talking about how the shifting of tectonic plates causes earthquakes.  They looked at an interactive map of the Earth and were able to layer over it locations where earthquakes occur and where tectonic plate boundaries live.  Students then explored the causes of earthquakes, including the role of tectonic plates, and considered the efforts scientists are making to better understand and predict these sometimes dangerous events.
7 grade:
Students began their “Interesting Molecule” project this week.  The project consists of choosing a molecule from a list of given molecules, conducting research from valid websites about the said molecule, creating a poster with all gathered information, and finally, building the molecule with classroom materials.  The class started the week researching their chosen molecules to gather pertinent information.  From there, students completed a mockup of their posters.  Once students obtained a stamp of approval, they began work on their posters.  The week concluded with all students working on their posters.  Next week, students will begin constructing their molecules.
8 grade:
Students worked on designing and executing their experiments this week, investigating how photosynthesis and cellular respiration work together in a cycle.  Students began the week designing their experiments – developing a title, introduction, and hypothesis, finding their independent and dependent variables, making a materials list, writing a procedure, and designing their data tables.  Students ended the week working on their posters showing the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.  Next week, students will begin executing their experiments and gathering results.
Have a warm weekend!

Mrs. Hood: Holiday Joy!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

The first day of winter is almost here, and with it comes the magic of the holiday season! The long, dark days of winter provide the perfect backdrop for the bright and joyful traditions we embrace in our Montessori environment. These holidays don’t just bring twinkling lights and cheerful songs; they also serve as wonderful tools to engage our children, nurture a love of learning, and explore the passage of time and seasons. And let’s face it – who doesn’t need a little extra sparkle this time of year?

The joy begins with the holiday works that fill our shelves. One favorite activity has been placing tiny ornaments on our classroom Christmas tree. Watching the children carefully balance a sparkling ornament on the branches brings such delight, and it’s a fantastic way to build fine motor skills and concentration. Nearby, our Menorah work has inspired children to carefully place candles one by one, counting them as they go and learning a little bit about the festival of lights.

In the practical life area, holiday cheer has taken the form of spooning and transferring shiny jingle bells, colorful ornaments, and special Hannukah objects. The focus and pride the children exhibit as they master these tasks are heartwarming. Another crowd-pleaser? Flipping pretend latkes in a tiny pan! They love it!

Over at the playdough area, the creativity has been bubbling over as children “bake” their own Christmas cookies. Tiny hands press out shapes, sprinkle pretend toppings, and serve them with pride. This playful preparation complements our holiday card-making work, where the toddlers pour their hearts into crafting special greetings for loved ones. And, shh! The little ones are also working on a very special holiday gift – a keepsake we know you’ll treasure for years to come.

But what’s a holiday season without music? The classroom has been alive with the sounds of children playing instruments and dancing to their favorite tunes. Laurie Berkner’s “Candle Chase” and “Jingle Bells” have been in high demand (within others), inspiring both giggles and groovy moves. It’s hard not to join in the fun when the jingle bells come out, and the little ones start shaking them with all their might!

In the midst of all this festivity, one quiet yet captivating work has emerged as a favorite: water transferring with a dropper. This seemingly simple activity is a powerhouse for developing coordination and patience. We’ve overheard children coaching themselves, “squeeze, open,” as they master the delicate task of moving water drop by drop. The “woosh” of water filling the dropper and the gentle drip into the silver bowl never fails to bring smiles – and sometimes even fits of laughter! It’s a beautiful reminder that joy can be found in the simplest of moments.

And speaking of simple joys, our food-tasting activity this week featured cucumbers. From “Mmm, crunchy!” to “It’s cold and funny!” their reactions were as delightful as the exploration of this vegetable.

These experiences are about more than just fun (though there’s plenty of that!). They build skills, nurture independence, and foster a sense of community and wonder. As we navigate these long winter months, these joyful activities remind us to slow down, savor the moment, and find magic in the everyday.

Thank you for sharing your children with us this season. Their laughter and curiosity light up our days. We can’t wait for our holiday pajama celebration next week! Please feel free to send your child in pajamas on Thursday, December 19th, and thank you in advance for all your support in making this happen!

Here’s to a season filled with love, learning, and a little extra sparkle!

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Patty

Mrs. Wilson: Chanuka Celebration

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

This week was cold but productive and full of excitement! The children stayed busy creating a special holiday surprise for their parents with their artwork.

On Thursday, Ms. Eryn visited to share a festive Chanukah celebration. She read My First Chanukah by Tomie dePaola, introducing the children to a menorah, dreidel, and Chanukah gelt. The children also had the chance to try a special treat—potato pancakes with applesauce! Afterward, they worked with Ms. Eryn to roll their own beeswax candles, which they can light at home. The morning wrapped up with a fun dance to Chanukah music, where the children waved colorful scarves.

We’ve also been closely observing our decomposing pumpkin, a long-term experiment we’ve been tracking since October. The children are fascinated by the changes!

For our food-tasting activity, we tried a lime this week. We were surprised by how much more sour it was than a lemon! Check out these priceless faces!

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Lower Elementary: A Cosmic Collaboration

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

This week, the Lower Elementary students embarked on an exploration of Maria Montessori’s Great Lesson on the creation of the universe. What made this experience truly incredible was the leadership of the third-grade students, who not only embraced the lesson but also stepped into the role of educators.

As presenters, the third graders guided their younger peers through captivating science experiments, illuminating the processes behind the universe’s formation. This cross-age collaboration created a vibrant learning environment where curiosity thrived, understanding deepened, and knowledge flowed freely between students.

The younger learners were captivated by the hands-on demonstrations, their faces lighting up with excitement. Meanwhile, the older students gained confidence and a deeper grasp of the material through teaching. Moments like these highlight the beauty of Montessori education, where students learn from one another, fostering both intellectual growth and a strong sense of community.