Dear Fraser Woods Families,

We have been back only three days and already I am seeing so many examples of our individual classroom communities and our greater FWM community coming together in beautiful ways. There is a sense of respect for each other and teamwork between the children, the staff, and parents which is so essential to this work that we all do together.

Having the children back in the classroom brought us even more enthusiasm for the school year.

The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind. ~ Maria Montessori

 

Please remember that I am always available to you. I sincerely welcome your conversation any time.

Warm regards,

Gina Tryforos

Interim Head of School

Dear Parents,

We’ve moved through the first few days of school and are settling into our routines. Many of the routines are completely new (mask wearing, increased hand washing, cleaning and caring for classroom materials, physical distancing).  We are so impressed by how adaptable and resilient your children are. Thank you for all you are doing at home to encourage and support the children to be ready for school each day. The children also know that they have the unconditional support of their teachers. That support empowers them to ask questions when they are unsure or to seek guidance when they feel they need it, further building their confidence and coping skills.

With school in full swing, children will likely be tired at the end of the day, until they build up their stamina. You may want to consider bringing bedtime forward until they adjust.  Sometimes parents see more tears at the beginning of the school year. This is fairly typical and may simply mean your child may need some extra attention and reassurance for a while.

Please remember that I am always available to you. I sincerely welcome your conversation and input any time.

Wishing you and your family a relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Warm regards,

Gina Tryforos

Interim Head of School

“Do not tell them how to do it. Show them how to do it and do not say a word. If you tell them, they will watch your lips move. If you show them, they will want to do it themselves.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Night is an evening set aside to support our Fraser Woods Montessori families’ understanding of the curriculum and skills their child is learning.

Traditionally our teachers host this evening informally within their classrooms. This year Curriculum Night will be a Virtual Curriculum Night. Although you won’t be able to see the beautiful materials and works in your child’s classroom in person, we hope to showcase many of the lessons and materials your child will experience each day in school.  Our hope is that parents leave Curriculum Night with the feeling that everyone (teachers and parents as partners) shares the goals of helping each child learn and feel successful, and that the children are in a safe, happy, and caring environment! We are planning to host you virtually the week of September 21.

More information coming soon!

Warm Regards,

Gina Tryforos

Interim Head of School

The beginning of school is a time of excitement! With that excitement comes a little apprehension for many children. Planning, patience, and nurturing ensures that each child starts the year feeling loved, respected, and safe. Respect and courtesy in our Montessori school is the foundation for everything we do and each child has already begun to learn the following important skills:

• how to put their work away where they found it
• how to tidy up after themselves
• the importance of helping a friend in need
• the importance of respecting the materials, the teachers, and each other
• how to tuck in their chair when they leave the table
• how to walk in the classroom
• how to be self directed and find their own ‘work’
• (and most importantly) how to be independent

         ( NAMC, 2010)

We are thrilled to be starting the new school year with your children and look forward to nurturing their independence, respect, and courtesy.

Let the Montessori journey begin!

Cindy & Sharlene

On February 12^th  we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in our classroom. Giving and receiving valentines is a special part of a child’s school experience and one they truly enjoy!  There are 25 students in our class. Please have your child sign (alone or with your help) the back of each valentine. Leave the envelope blank (with no specific name on it). This enables your child to distribute their valentines without having to read each classmate’s name. If your child is able to read the names of their classmates then they may choose to write names on the outside of the envelopes. Please allow ample time for the name writing process. This is a great vehicle for them to practice writing their name so remember to use upper case only for the first letter of their name. We will be passing out valentines on the 12^th but please feel free to send in completed valentines before then. Have fun!

On Wednesday, February 19th the kindergarten students will be celebrating the 100th day of school.    From the very first day of school, the kindergarten children have been learning to count by 1’s, 5’s and 10’s to 100. That afternoon is filled with fun activities and special snack. Each kindergartner will be asked to bring in 100 small objects to share with the class.  These objects will be returned.  A letter and plastic bag for the objects will be coming home soon.

If  you have not yet signed up for a time to meet on our Parent/Teacher conference day please take time to do so.  We look forward to seeing everyone on February 13th!

Enjoy the week!

Cindy & Sharlene

 

So in the child, besides the vital impulse to create himself, and to become perfect, there must yet another purpose, a duty to fulfill in harmony, something he has to do in the service of a united whole. ~ Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

 

Maria Montessori believed that children are the key to peace and empathy among humanity. This important belief is a foundation in our Montessori classrooms beginning with practical life lessons and continuing throughout childhood and beyond. I’d like to share how a “simple” lesson can provide the mechanism from which children in the classroom learn, practice and express their empathy and love for their community.

Flower arranging work has a more important indirect aim than simply admiring nature’s work of art.  It is an opportunity for little hands to contribute to the beautification of the environment.  It is a tender moment when a young heart lays down a symbol of friendship, love and peace on a table for someone else to enjoy. It is a brief yet integral step outside of oneself and one’s own needs. -The CHILD centered Blog

Flower arranging is only one of many classrooms works and activities sewing the seeds of compassion and empathy in your children.  Please remember compassion in your homes help your children do the same.

Have a peaceful week,

Cindy & Sharleen