Blog

New Year New Makerspace

Posted on by Carl Frisk

We’ve hit the ground running in our new Makerspace space, as the students have been excited to get started on new projects. We now have a linear connection to the FabLab where our 3D printers and laser cutter live, and we’ve already been putting those to good use. We’ve also added grow lights to the Tower Garden, which continued to grow over the summer. We’ll be harvesting some bell peppers in the coming weeks and starting more cucumbers, lettuce, and peas to add to the tomatoes and peppers.

Kindergarteners are currently working on decorating animal masks that were cut out of cardboard based on their own drawings. We will continue to add more color and detail to these for a few weeks, adding fur/whiskers, cutting out eye holes, and attaching straps.

Lower El has picked up where they left off with their knitting skills and is getting started on a number of projects on the circular looms. We’ve only had a few classes to work on these, but their imagination and ability have been inspiring. In the coming months, we will hopefully see them wearing any number of hats, scarves, bags, and even simple sweaters as their projects progress.

Upper El has mostly been busy working on honing their robotics skills, utilizing the Lego Spike kits to help teach them about the construction of certain bases and the coding to go along with them. As these skills build, we will challenge them with more imaginative challenges. In Makerspace, we’ve spent a few classes brainstorming a new 2-bay compost bin made out of pallets that we will hopefully begin construction on in the next week or so. We evaluated the site, took measurements, and even made a prototype out of Lego to figure out how many pallets were needed. Once the compost bin is complete, they will work with Karen to restart the school-wide compost collection.

Middle School has already taken on quite a number of projects in Makerspace, STEAM, and Robotics. We’re getting in the Halloween spirit by making masks or props to go along with their costumes. These include giant cakes, computers, mice, and various other characters. The skills they learned with our mask-making last year have carried over in a number of ways, and the detail they’ve been able to incorporate so far has been wonderful. STEAM has given us the opportunity to use the FabLab to make name tags for their lockers using materials cut from cardboard to wood and acrylic on the laser cutter to 3D modeled parts printed on the 3D printers. We’ve also just begun a larger group project working to design and build a model city, keeping in mind the proportion and scale of all the buildings and infrastructure. There have been lengthy conversations about the needs of the citizens and the space available within the city limits. Robotics has focused heavily on weight distribution so far. They were presented with a flexible bridge that their robot had to navigate across, keeping in mind how the center of gravity would impact its stability. They were also challenged to think about the center of gravity and weight distribution as they made robots compete in a sort of reverse tug of war, pushing the other beyond a marked line. Traction and torque also came into play with various tires and speeds being tried out.

Mrs. Wilson: Welcome To The 2024/25 School Year!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

Welcome to the first blog of the 2024/25 school year!

For the past two weeks, the children have been adjusting to a new environment and building a sense of community. The phase-in process is challenging but crucial for the children’s development. They have been working hard to embrace the new experiences, and I am proud to say they are making daily progress.

Initially, we focus on the basics and keep the materials simple and minimal. As the children become familiar with the classroom guidelines and their needs evolve, we introduce new materials for them to explore. Our lessons also align with the seasons, and in September, the children will be learning about apples and the color red.

This week, we conducted our first food-tasting activity. This activity aims to encourage the children to try various types of produce. One effective approach is to exhibit genuine excitement! You will have the opportunity to experience this activity next week at curriculum night.

Additionally, we celebrated the first of three of the September birthdays. Happy Birthday to our friend!

 

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Marissa: One Step at a Time

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

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 shoes, 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!

Warmly,

Marissa & Sue

Mrs. Sargeant: One Step at a Time

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 older friends have been role models for our younger friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be leaders. Despite being new to the classroom themselves, they have 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 clothing and shoes, 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 & Fatima

Ms. Mollie: Day by Day

Posted on by Mollie Smith

 

 

The saying, “We take it day by day,” is the most accurate word ever said about a Montessori Toddler Classroom. Our “Phase In” process has been wonderful, it is a time that we create bonds, build trust and create boundaries for the children. Each day is a new day of learning, observing, and playing. We do have some tears sprinkled in here and there, but within seconds, the tears are dried, and they are ready to explore again. Ms. Lizette and I are so thankful each day that you are sharing your children with us. We enjoy watching them learning and growing, and we cannot wait to see where the year takes us!

As we say in our classroom, See ya Later, Alligator! 

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Welcome Back to the Art Studio!

Posted on by Jen Reid

At FWM, Art is viewed as a creative journey or process rather than a deliverable or end product. Students are encouraged to trust their original ideas, take creative risks, evaluate results, and problem-solve so they continue to flourish as flexible, creative thinkers beyond the Art Studio walls. We kicked off the school year with lots of drawing and mark-making exploration. Young artists used a range of materials and tools, such as colored pencils, markers, rulers, crayons, erasers, and charcoal. Inspiration was pulled from nature, our classroom environment, and our imagination. As students settle into the Art Studio, they are encouraged to engage in self-directed play with the art materials while learning safe and proper material handling. With this sense of freedom to explore, children learn to think creatively and to take risks with ideas and materials: they realize that mistakes are opportunities to try something different and that there’s more than one way to be creative!

Mrs. Hood: Embracing growth and Independence!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

Welcome to the FWM 2024-2025 Toddler School Year!

As we wrap up our phase-in period, we are beyond thrilled with the progress we’ve seen in your toddlers! Each day, we witness fewer tears at drop-off and more dancing, laughter, and joy throughout the morning. It’s truly heartwarming to see them grow more confident and comfortable in their new environment.

Over the past two weeks, the children have been busy exploring their surroundings and becoming familiar with the space. Our learning environment is designed to promote independence, freedom, and choice. Here, children are empowered to make decisions while gradually learning the importance of caring for each other, their materials, and the classroom itself.

As we encourage this freedom, we’ve also begun introducing some foundational ground rules. One key rule is Respect for Others’ Work. In traditional school settings, young children are often encouraged to share. While sharing is an important value, at this stage of development, children are not yet ready for it. Instead, we focus on taking turns, which fosters patience, mindfulness, independence, order, and concentration. By removing the pressure of having their materials taken away, children can work peacefully until they are finished. When a child wishes to work independently, we encourage them to say, “This is my work. Please don’t touch it.” We also teach them to quietly observe their peers at work—it’s wonderful to see even our youngest students mastering these skills with a bit of gentle guidance.

Another rule we’ve introduced is Respect for Our Materials. As guides, we model the importance of handling materials with care and gentleness. If a child decides to throw a piece of material, we redirect them to an appropriate alternative, like a ball, while reinforcing positive behavior with simple verbal cues such as, “We throw the ball,” or “We are gentle with our materials.”

In addition to learning classroom expectations, the children have been practicing a variety of practical life skills: sitting in a community circle, self-serving snacks, participating in the toileting process, using white mats for working on the ground, cleaning up before moving on to another activity, and transitioning smoothly between places. Of course, they’ve also enjoyed plenty of outdoor time on the toddler playground, a favorite part of their day!

Some of the children’s favorite songs this week include: “Walking in the Jungle” by Super Simple Songs, “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “The Goldfish” by Laurie Berkner, “The Wheels on the Bus” by Cedarmont Kids, and “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” It’s always a joy to see them light up when these tunes play!

The phase-in period lays the foundation for a successful year of learning, and we want to express our gratitude for your support in helping us create a safe and nurturing space for your children. Thank you for entrusting us with your most precious jewels—we have already formed special bonds with each child, bonds that will only continue to grow throughout the year.

This is shaping up to be an incredible school year, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead!

Enjoy some photos of your beautiful children,
Mrs. Hood and Ms. Noelle

The Start of a New School Year

Posted on by Gina Tryforos

The start of a new school year is always an exciting time.

In our fast-paced world, where the pressures of work, social media, and everyday responsibilities sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we need to do everything flawlessly.

But here’s the truth: your child doesn’t need a perfect parent. They need a parent who shows up—who listens, who cares, and who is there for them when it matters.

Each new school year offers a fresh start—a chance to nurture growth, inspire learning, and build lasting memories.

As always, this year, we’re committed to starting strong, which begins with fostering positivity and involvement.

Setting a Positive Tone at Home

Children look to us for guidance, and a positive mindset at home has a ripple effect on their experience in school. Here are a few tips for starting the year off right:

  1. Create Routines Together: Establishing consistent routines around homework, bedtime, and morning activities reduces stress and sets children up for success. When children are involved in planning their routines, they take ownership, which builds responsibility and confidence.
  2. Open the Lines of Communication: Encourage your child to share their thoughts about the new school year. What are they excited about? What are they nervous about? Listening and offering reassurance will help ease any anxieties they may have.
  3. Celebrate the Small Wins: Each day will bring new challenges and triumphs. Take time to celebrate your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small, to build their self-esteem and motivation to continue growing.

Stay Involved

We know that parent involvement is key to a child’s success.

We invite you to:

  • Stay in touch: Feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher with any concerns or updates about your child.
  • Be part of the community: Attend parent meetings, participate in school events, or join our parent association.
  • Stay informed: Check out our FWM Weekly Email so you’re aware of important dates, school news, and ways you can support your child’s learning at home.

As we step into this new school year together, let’s focus on what truly counts: showing up for our children with presence, love, and an open heart.

Gina Tryforos
Director of Academic Enrichment and Student Support