Blog

Mrs. Lopes: One Step at at Time

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!

Amanda & Hema

Ms. Marissa: Swinging Into a New Year!

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

What a wonderful first week! We are already getting into the swing of things! During Phase In, we go over very important parts of our classroom life here at Fraser Woods. The small groups allow us to spend time with each child individually to introduce students to as many activities as possible – granting them freedom of choice within the classroom and time for children to get to know each other. We have individual lessons on activities as well as group instruction on Grace and Courtesy, which are things like “walking around someone’s work, tucking in your chair, getting work ready for the next friend, and getting a teacher’s attention.”

We really see the classroom come alive when the whole crew is here! Thursday’s first full day was filled with palpable excitement and forward momentum! We moved through our day, which was filled with activities. Much of the morning is spent exploring the classroom and the different curriculum areas. Teachers give lessons as children find things that interest them, and as the days and weeks move along, we plan for one-on-one lessons that will keep students moving steadily on their academic journey.

During Phase In, we nurture relationships (between teacher and student and between children), set up the classroom environment to allow children to be as independent as possible, and create connections between students and materials. These three things are at the heart of a Montessori classroom, and we are already seeing all of them bloom! We are so excited to watch the children grow.

Have a wonderful week!

Marissa & Sue

Dismissal Reminder
Thank you for adhering to your assigned arrival and dismissal times to help arrival and dismissal run smoothly and to reduce your time waiting in line. 

  • Toddler: arrival-8:30, dismissal-2:45
  • Primary: arrival-8:20, dismissal-3:00
  • Elementary: arrival-8:10, dismissal-3:10
  • Middle School: arrival-8:00, dismissal-3:10

Families with children at multiple levels can arrive at the oldest child’s arrival time and dismissal time.

Please form only one line in the morning when dropping off, leaving the left lane open for toddler families to pull through.

In the afternoon, please form only one line on the left before 3:00, leaving the right lane open for toddler families to pull through. Starting at 3:00, form two lines. 

Welcome Back! Week One in Lower El

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

What a fantastic first week back to school! Lower Elementary has been buzzing with excitement as we welcomed new faces and reconnected with old friends. To help everyone get to know one another, we played fun games like Name Bingo and a Classroom Scavenger Hunt. These activities made learning each other’s names easy and enjoyable, and it set the tone for a positive, team-oriented environment.

We also got creative with crafts, making beautiful Peace Doves to symbolize the harmony we hope to foster in our classroom this year. The children really embraced brainstorming ideas for our classroom rules, and I loved seeing their thoughtful contributions as we worked together to shape the community we want.

As I reflect on this first week, I can already tell that this year is going to be something special. The energy, creativity, and kindness in the room is contagious, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead, filled with learning, laughter, and growth!

Dismissal Reminder
Thank you for adhering to your assigned arrival and dismissal times to help arrival and dismissal run smoothly and to reduce your time waiting in line. 

  • Toddler: arrival-8:30, dismissal-2:45
  • Primary: arrival-8:20, dismissal-3:00
  • Elementary: arrival-8:10, dismissal-3:10
  • Middle School: arrival-8:00, dismissal-3:10

Families with children at multiple levels can arrive at the oldest child’s arrival time and dismissal time.

Please form only one line in the morning when dropping off, leaving the left lane open for toddler families to pull through.

In the afternoon, please form only one line on the left before 3:00, leaving the right lane open for toddler families to pull through. Starting at 3:00, form two lines. 

Mrs. Lopes: Swinging Into a New Year!

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Welcome to a new school year!  We know that the phase-in schedule can be challenging to manage, but it does allow us to set the tone for the year. We are grateful for your patience and understanding. While it was a busy week, it was a very successful one!

In just a few short days, the children are beginning to learn how to navigate the environment and the routines of our day. This is a work in progress and constantly evolving over the year. We had a very smooth start, and we are so excited to be part of this journey with all of the children and all of you!

The adage “a picture speaks a thousand words” comes to mind when you see all the smiles on each child’s face.

Thursday, September 26th, from 5:30-7:00, is Curriculum Night. This is a great time to spend some time in our classroom and get a sneak peek into how our days are spent. We will discuss each area of the classroom, the structure of our days and have some time to answer all of your questions.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

As a gentle reminder, to streamline our dismissal process, please stay in your car while a teacher brings your child over. The teacher will assist the child in the car. Please pull forward against the side of the building before exiting the car and buckling your child in. Thank you for your help!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Lopes & Mrs. Hema

Dismissal Reminder
Thank you for adhering to your assigned arrival and dismissal times to help arrival and dismissal run smoothly and to reduce your time waiting in line. 

  • Toddler: arrival-8:30, dismissal-2:45
  • Primary: arrival-8:20, dismissal-3:00
  • Elementary: arrival-8:10, dismissal-3:10
  • Middle School: arrival-8:00, dismissal-3:10

Families with children at multiple levels can arrive at the oldest child’s arrival time and dismissal time.

Please form only one line in the morning when dropping off, leaving the left lane open for toddler families to pull through.

In the afternoon, please form only one line on the left before 3:00, leaving the right lane open for toddler families to pull through. Starting at 3:00, form two lines. 

Mrs. Sargeant: Swinging Into a New Year!

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Welcome to a new school year!  We know that the phase-in schedule can be challenging to manage, but it does allow us to set the tone for the year. We are grateful for your patience and understanding. While it was a busy week, it was a very successful one!

In just a few short days, the children are beginning to learn how to navigate the environment and the routines of our day. This is a work in progress and constantly evolving over the year. We had a very smooth start, and we are so excited to be part of this journey with all of the children and all of you!

The adage “a picture speaks a thousand words” comes to mind when you see all the smiles on each child’s face.

Thursday, September 26th, from 5:30-7:00, is Curriculum Night. This is a great time to spend some time in our classroom and get a sneak peek into how our days are spent. We will discuss each area of the classroom, the structure of our days and have some time to answer all of your questions.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

As a gentle reminder, to streamline our dismissal process, please stay in your car while a teacher brings your child over. The teacher will assist the child in the car. Please pull forward to the gravel area at the front of the building before exiting the car and buckling your child in. Thank you for your help!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Sargeant & Ms. Tima

Dismissal Reminder
Thank you for adhering to your assigned arrival and dismissal times to help arrival and dismissal run smoothly and to reduce your time waiting in line. 

  • Toddler: arrival-8:30, dismissal-2:45
  • Primary: arrival-8:20, dismissal-3:00
  • Elementary: arrival-8:10, dismissal-3:10
  • Middle School: arrival-8:00, dismissal-3:10

Families with children at multiple levels can arrive at the oldest child’s arrival time and dismissal time.

Please form only one line in the morning when dropping off, leaving the left lane open for toddler families to pull through.

In the afternoon, please form only one line on the left before 3:00, leaving the right lane open for toddler families to pull through. Starting at 3:00, form two lines. 

September Family Connection Newsletter

Posted on by Karen Sankey

“We give the child nourishing food so that his little body may grow, and in just the same way we must provide him with suitable nourishment for his mental and moral growth.” —Maria Montessori

Dear Families,

The American Montessori Society publishes a Family Connection Newsletter each month, which we pass on to you in our Parent Corner. This month’s newsletter focuses on the importance of nurturing a child’s mental and moral growth and highlights the prepared environment in a Montessori classroom. It discusses the toddler classroom’s focus on independence and self-correction, the development of leadership skills in the primary classroom, and the foundation for lifelong learning in the elementary classroom. It also stresses cultivating executive functioning skills, encouraging curiosity, and Montessori’s holistic approach to education.

I hope you find this newsletter helpful and informative!

Warm regards,

Karen Sankey

Ms. Handibode: Swinging Into A New Year!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

 

Welcome to a new school year!  We know that the phase-in schedule can be challenging to manage, but it does allow us to set the tone for the year. We are grateful for your patience and understanding. While it was a busy week it was a very successful one!

In just a few short days, the children are beginning to learn how to navigate the environment and the routines of our day. This is a work in progress and constantly evolving over the year. We had a very smooth start, and we are so excited to be part of this journey with all of the children and all of you!

The adage “a picture speaks a thousand words” comes to mind when you see all the smiles on each child’s face.

Thursday, September 26th, from 5:30-7:00, is Curriculum Night. This is a great time to spend some time in our classroom and get a sneak peek into how our days are spent. We will discuss each area of the classroom, the structure of our days and have some time to answer all of your questions.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

As a gentle reminder, to streamline our dismissal process, please stay in your car while a teacher brings your child over. The teacher will assist the child in the car. Please pull forward against the side of the building before exiting the car and buckling your child in. Thank you for your help!

Have a wonderful week!

Ms. Handibode & Ms. Maria

Dismissal Reminder
Thank you for adhering to your assigned arrival and dismissal times to help arrival and dismissal run smoothly and to reduce your time waiting in line. 

  • Toddler: arrival-8:30, dismissal-2:45
  • Primary: arrival-8:20, dismissal-3:00
  • Elementary: arrival-8:10, dismissal-3:10
  • Middle School: arrival-8:00, dismissal-3:10

Families with children at multiple levels can arrive at the oldest child’s arrival time and dismissal time.

Please form only one line in the morning when dropping off, leaving the left lane open for toddler families to pull through.

In the afternoon, please form only one line on the left before 3:00, leaving the right lane open for toddler families to pull through. Starting at 3:00, form two lines. 

Middle School: Welcome to the 24-25 School Year!

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

What a wonderful week for the Middle School! It has been wonderful to see our new group of students and teachers all together. We have been enjoying our spaces inside the school as well as the new turf field (and even the new patio out front). Classes are learning about what’s ahead and developing goals for the year. We are revving to go, and getting into our rhythm is feeling so nice as we form this new group.

A few items coming up:

  • 9/24: RESCHEDULED High School Placement Meeting for 8th grade families at 8:15am
  • 9/26: Curriculum Night at 5:30 pm
  • 9/27: Field Trip to the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport. Full school day. Bus transportation to and from the Adventure Park. Please complete a required waiver form for your child/children.

Dismissal Reminder
Thank you for adhering to your assigned arrival and dismissal times to help arrival and dismissal run smoothly and to reduce your time waiting in line. 

  • Toddler: arrival-8:30, dismissal-2:45
  • Primary: arrival-8:20, dismissal-3:00
  • Elementary: arrival-8:10, dismissal-3:10
  • Middle School: arrival-8:00, dismissal-3:10

Families with children at multiple levels can arrive at the oldest child’s arrival time and dismissal time.

Please form only one line in the morning when dropping off, leaving the left lane open for toddler families to pull through.

In the afternoon, please form only one line on the left before 3:00, leaving the right lane open for toddler families to pull through. Starting at 3:00, form two lines.