COVID - 19: Talking to Children

There are many resources that can support you as begin to talk to your children about WMS being closed and what is going on in the world today.  I wanted to share some guidance from a number of local and national sources.

The primary response of children to uncertain times is to take lead from the adults surrounding them.  If you are worried, they will be worried.  If you remain calm, they will remain calm.

• It is okay to share with your children that you don’t have all the answers but that you will tell them when you know something that will impact them. In the meantime, highlight those things that will remain the same; i.e. focus on bedtime and showers, meals at home with your family, shared book reading, whatever activities you do at home – focus on the ones that can and will stay the same. Even with different routines try to stay consistent at home with what you can.

• Many big and important events in the lives of our children have been or will be affected. Plays are being cancelled, sporting events, concerts, and clubs—this is a big loss for our children who work so hard and look forward to these special events. Try and be creative and allow for smaller “performances” at home or an opportunity for your child to showcase his cello playing, for example, via facetime if technology is available to his uncle out of town. Even though you make creative accommodations recognize that you want to create room for their disappointment. Allow for the sadness. Talk it through. Perhaps have your child write or draw a picture or perform a play or a song about how they are feeling as a means to document this time that they will never forget and that their children will someday want to hear about (this shows your confidence in and reassurance about the future and how we will all eventually “get back to normal”).

• Regardless of the age of your children, remember that anxiety peaks at times like these and this might look like a child in tears, inability to focus, forgetfulness, or fidgeting, trouble sleeping, or simply the child seeming “off”. Be patient. Be receptive. 

The following links are helpful reading for talking with children about COVID-19:

• CDC advice for talking with children 

• Montessori Administrator's video about talking with children 

• National Association of School Psychologists "How to Talk to Your Kids about the Coronavirus"

Your Directresses will be reaching out with additional support.

Music Mondays

If you have spent any time at Webster Montessori School on a Monday morning then you know what a special time that is.  Some people return distracted from weekends spent with family enjoying fun times together.  Or, perhaps return extra tired from late nights and busy days trying to fit it all in.  But, just enter the building on Monday and you hear music.  A sampling of traditional children’s tunes, an assortment of recent Disney songs, all of the holiday favorites, and even some iconic classical selections.  Thanks to our very own Mrs. Winbush, we gather each Monday while waiting for school to start and enjoy the beauty of music. 

So much of what Maria Montessori asked of us as parents and teachers is reflected in our Monday music.  She asked that we allow children to experience the world.  She asked that we treat children with respect.  She asked that we be at peace.  She asked that we share in knowledge and art and music.  She asked that we create a space of simple beauty.  What more than a school brimming with music could we ask for each Monday morning?

A few things you need to know about Mrs. Winbush.  First, she’s a seasoned Montessori mother whose own children attended Webster Montessori School.  Her youngest is a talented musician in the high school.  Second, she has led our chorus for over 10 years.  Elementary students of today and yesterday have benefited from her tireless guidance and patient inspiration.  And, she rarely uses printed music.  Song after song, she plays from memory.

So, make some extra time next Monday.  Come a little early.  Sit and enjoy the beauty of what Mrs. Winbush shares.  Say hello and thank her for all she does.  Let the peace and joy help you begin your week a little brighter.  May the memory of the music carry you on through the week.  May Webster Montessori School not only be a special place for your children, but you. 

Thank you Mrs. Winbush for your gifts you share with us week after week; year after year.  We are blessed by your talents and your heart.

The Light of Our Community

One of the many wonderful things about Webster Montessori School is our community.  Families come to us looking for care and education for their children.  They make a decision to enroll based on what they expect to experience in the classroom, the hours we are open, and how far the drive is from home.  But year after year something really special also happens that transcends the children’s day to day learning.  Webster Montessori School becomes connected to your family.  It becomes a community to which your family belongs.

This starts with the first birthday party invitation or playdate.  Children get to know one another and naturally want to do more together.  As parents, you arrive at the party and meet one another.  Soon you find not only your children connect, but you connect with other Montessori adults.  One party becomes a playdate, a family get-together, even a parent’s night out.  One conversation in the school hallway becomes a book club still meeting 15 years later.  One moment in our school community becomes a support system you never expected to need.

Recently our school supported one family as they battled a four year struggle with cancer.  Our community provided hundreds of dinners, countless best wishes, and hours and hours of time spent in love and fellowship.  Deep friendships formed and the echoes of “what can we do” reverberated in our school hallways.

As the struggle has ended and our beloved family has suffered unbelievable loss, we have gathered.  Our community is ready with support and hugs and love.  The years have been marked by a zest for life and an inspiring positive attitude.  These days are marked by sadness and grief. Our community is still here, ready for whatever is required.  More dinners, more hugs, more understanding.  And your family is still here; ever grateful, focusing back on the Webster Montessori School community, making it available for more children through a memorial scholarship.  We are humbled by your grace and generosity.

We are all ever appreciative of a school that is so much more than a classroom.  This is our
Community.  May you all find your place here.

Saying Goodbye... Until We Meet Again

They say that life is a journey and of that I have no doubt.  My Google search revealed the definition of Journey: the act of traveling from one place to another.  If life is a journey, it is so much more than that.  It’s not just the place to place but all the adventure in between.

Each day brings a new step along our path.  Each moment brings something new and unexpected.  Planners like me are reminded that this journey can’t be scheduled in advance.  The road is not a straight one and many times you can’t see around the bend.  But the journey is certainly an adventure.

Everyone is our school community has a journey that has included time at Webster Montessori School.  For that we are all grateful.  For those of us that work here, our own journey lead us here.  For some staff that is a recent connection and for some of us we have been walking with WMS for many years.  Some staff have had a Montessori journey that led them to other countries.  And some staff have a Montessori journey that spans the generations.

As I think about each of the children participating in Moving Up this year, that is also true.  Some of you have only just found us.  We have spent just months together in this wonderful place.  It’s been a delight getting to know you and your family and we are blessed for each day.

For some of you today is a culmination of many years here.  Perhaps you arrived a couple of years ago, excited to discover this opportunity.  Perhaps you have been here a few years, each of them finishing faster than the last.   Or, perhaps, your family has been here for many years, so long in fact, you can’t remember the days without WMS.

Some of you have ventured along your WMS journey with one child.  Others have been through this path with two or even three or four children.  There are some who have been here with many children all at once and some who left and came back again.

And what comes next on this journey we have been doing together?  For some of you it’s another school.  And for many of you it’s simply another classroom here.  One thing I am certain is that whatever comes next, our journey together is not really over. 

As you venture out into the community, you will come across many families and staff that are familiar faces.  It may be during a quick run into Wegmans for milk or a seat at a high school orchestra concert.  I assure you, paths will cross, handshakes will be exchanged, and our journey together will continue just a little longer. 

As we sing at the end of every Moving Up Ceremony… Shalom, Until We Meet Again.

Tender Little Offerings

Schools across the country celebrate teacher appreciation the first Tuesday in May.  Webster Montessori School is no different.  Children here are encouraged to bring in a single flower for their teacher; something found in their garden. 

These tender little offerings of each child arrive clutched in those often still chubby hands, wrapped in wet paper towels, and sealed with crumbled up aluminum foil.  Flowers arrive with children who come with parents and also emerge from too hot bus rides tucked in pockets of backpacks wilted from the rigors of travel.  Each child’s offering joins their classmates.  Flowers of every shape, size, and type come together to create beautiful bouquets.  Like the class full of students of every age, gender, background, experience, shape, and size coming together to become our family at school.  Separate items making up a glorious whole.

Some children come with cards too.  Full of bright colors made with crayons and pens and pencils and markers and paint.  Covered with stickers; or drawings of rainbows and hearts; dinosaurs and trucks.  This is the children’s language of love.  “Here, I made this for you.”

These tender little offerings are just that.  Sweet sentiments.  Simple gestures.  Kind thoughts.  They need be no more.  Teachers don’t expect big and fancy.  They do not want extravagance.  Teachers are here because of the children.  They gain satisfaction from guiding growth and learning and marveling at accomplishment.

Thank you for your offerings.  The humble sharing of hearts and flowers and love.

We appreciate you just as you appreciate us.

Celebrating our 50 Year Anniversary

Rachel Cordaro created this special painting to commemorate WMS's 50th Anniversary.

Our Roots Run Deep

Webster Montessori School is celebrating its 50th Anniversary! We have roots in the community and in the lives of families, and they run deep.  We have educated hundreds of children. We have touched the lives of thousands of children, families, parents, grandparents, staff, and community members. We have children enrolled here whose parents attended Webster Montessori School a generation ago.  The roots of our school family are deep and that is something to celebrate!

Our Branches are Strong

Our roots are our legacy.  They support the branches of our tree.  Those branches are strong.  We are bigger than ever.  We have more students, more families, and more staff in our community than we have had in 50 years.  Our branches reach wide as our alumni spread all over this state, nation, and world.  Our branches represent our school.

Our Leaves are Abundant

It is our deep roots and our strong branches that give us the most important part of our tree: its leaves.  This tender new growth appears each year.  It is those new leaves that rely on the rest of the tree.  They are vibrant and tender and seem as a small miracle.  They start so fragile and tiny and unfurl themselves majestic and glorious.  They are like our children; ready to learn and grow and follow their path.  And like the leaves on a tree that require strong branches and deep roots, our children require parents, and schools, and communities to help them grow.  They are the most important part of the tree.

It is all these parts that make the whole. Our roots and our branches are our legacy. They can help us shape and guide the next 50 years. Our leaves are our future. Together we will support the next generations of children. Together we celebrate their growth and development. Together we celebrate their opportunities. Together we look to the next 50 years.

Our Roots Run Deep -- Our Future is Unlimited

To our community, our students and families, and our staff, we say, “Thank you for all your support!”

2017 Montessori Week

MONDAY - Every year, schools all over the world celebrate Montessori Education Week the last week in February.  This is our opportunity to join with over 5,000 other Montessori schools and celebrate an educational approach that has stood the test of time.

This week Webster Montessori School will be sharing videos and articles about Montessori.  A few minutes of your time each day will enhance your appreciation and understanding of this strong foundation you are providing your children.  Actually, just a few minutes of your time each day will remind of you of how exciting it is that your children have the opportunity to experience a Montessori education. Please feel welcome to share with your friends, family, co-workers, etc.  

Let us begin with a short video about who Maria Montessori was:

https://vimeo.com/144359413

You can also learn more about her extraordinary life here:

http://www.montessori-namta.org/Maria-Montessori

"It is not true that I invented what is called the Montessori Method... I have studied the child; I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it, and that is what is called the Montessori Method."  -- Maria Montessori

TUESDAY - On Tuesday of Montessori Week, we think about what a Montessori education is.  This is a short video that summarizes the educational approach.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzmvtVAuuyI

"We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being."  -- Maria Montessori

WEDNESDAY - It is a special year for Webster Montessori School.  We are celebrating our 50th anniversary.  The school began in 1967.  Attached is an article written in the year 2000 by Felicia Chiella one of the school's founders about our school history.  

“It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to each child the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities.” -- Maria Montessori

THURSDAY - Today we have another opportunity to learn more about Montessori education.  We often tell parents the educational approach is developmental, but what does that really mean?  The following article provides a nice summary of how children learn differently as they grow and how Montessori changes to meet their needs.

http://www.mariamontessori.com/2015/09/02/montessori-is-developmental/

"If education is always to be conceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be hoped from it in the bettering of man's future. For what is the use of transmitting knowledge if the individual's total development lags behind?" --  Maria Montessori

FRIDAY - Thanks for following along this week as we have considered all things Montessori.  From the life of Maria Montessori to the story of our school to what Montessori is all about.

I often reflect on the legacy of Montessori education.  Children have experienced Montessori classrooms around the world for over 100 years and here in Webster, NY for 50 years.  There has not been an ever changing "theory" about how to educate children. 

Today's video briefly reviews why Montessori education has a legacy and a future.

https://vimeo.com/148113062

I also encourage you to read this brief article which summarizes the topic so well.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/pascalemmanuelgobry/2014/01/22/the-future-of-education-internet-one-laptop-per-child-ted-sugata-mitra-montessori/#5d2a1f0d7e62

And, this longer article for when you have time is excellent.

http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2015/aug/future-education-is-here-and-has-been-100-years

"If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks."
-- Maria Montessori

I invite you to continue to celebrate Montessori not only this week but throughout our own 50th celebration.

Thanks,
--JJ Griebel, Head of School

It's a New School Year!

The 2016-2017 school year is off to a great start!! 

You may have noticed your children are more tired in the afternoon and evening.  This is to be expected as they now spend their days actively meeting new friends, trying out new work, and growing their independence.  It will be an exciting year for them!

It is also an exciting year for Webster Montessori School.  We will begin celebrating our 50th anniversary!  To start, we have updated our school logo to include recognition of this important milestone. We have a number of other exciting events being planned to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary.  You'll hear about these over the next year.

Another exciting project we are working on this year is our playground. We are thrilled to be working with Bears Playgrounds to design a new playground for the children. We will need to spend this year raising money to support this wonderful project. We plan to continue with our usual fundraising events including Dinners Out, Square 1 Art, and Gertrude Hawk Chocolates. 

There may be some additional fundraisers planned so that we can achieve our goal.  If things go according to plan, we expect to have the new playground in place in time for the Year End picnic.  You will see some details of this effort displayed in the school lobby shortly.

All in all, this is such an exciting time in the lives of your children and the school. Thanks for all of your support.

Just a Handshake?

It all started with a handshake; your Webster Montessori School experience.

We greeted you for a tour, welcomed you for a visit, and congratulated you upon your decision to enroll. Your children have started and ended each day with a handshake. In fact, Montessori children around the world shake hands.

But, what is a handshake? Did you know people have been shaking hands for thousands of years? Archaeological ruins and ancient texts show that handshaking was practiced in ancient Greece as far back as the 5th century BC. The handshake is thought by some to have originated as a gesture of peace by demonstrating that the hand holds no weapon.

Did you know you would have to shake nearly 20,000 hands in one day to break a world record?  On August 31, 1987 Stephen Potter from St Albans shook 19,550 hands at the St Albans Carnival to take the World record for shaking most hands verified by the Guinness Book of records. The record has since been exceeded but has been retired from the book. Stephen Potter still holds the British and European record.

And, you’ll need to put in a lot of time to break the world record for longest handshake?  At 8pm on January 14, 2011 the latest attempt at the longest hand-shake commenced in New York Times Square and the existing record was smashed by semi-professional world record-breaker Alastair Galpin and Don Purdon from New Zealand and Nepalese brothers Rohit and Santosh Timilsina who agreed to share the new record after 33 hours and 3 minutes.

My search of the internet shows most cultures across the globe are hand-shakers. Some cultures prefer a firm grip; others a weak one. Some offer a short shake; others continue on and on. Some add in a kiss to the cheek and others include the hug-handshake by using the other hand too. The Boy Scouts shake with their left hands and other groups have developed secret handshakes to help identify one another. The handshake comes in many varieties. It’s global, like our own community here.

Our children understand the grace and courtesy associated with a handshake. They offer their right hand (mostly). They achieve a grip. They make eye contact. Some even smile. And, while this is most often seem as charming and cute coming from a two or three year old, a handshake is an important part of our culture.

Coming from a teenager or 20-something, a handshake is impressive. It should be expected, but these days it’s impressive. As adults, we utilize a handshake to greet those we know and those we are just meeting. It can signal the start of a relationship, the agreement of a deal, and the end of a meeting.

Certainly, around this building we shake a lot of hands. Has your child been here three years?  They have shaken hands nearly 2,000 times. I’d venture to guess many of us adults have not shaken hands that many times in three years. We have some expert hand shakers here.

Seriously, a handshake. It’s our custom and tradition. It started with a greeting. It became our daily welcome. And now, for some, it’s a goodbye.

May Reflections

It has been a great year for Webster Montessori School!  We have accomplished so many things including record setting enrollment, successful fundraising, and continued expansion of our program offerings.

None of this would be possible without the support of our entire school community.  From our amazing team of Directresses and staff always going above and beyond, to teams of parents who help with everything from Auctions to classroom projects, to our students who greet each day with fresh enthusiasm for learning.  

It’s not, however, all that surprising that we had a great year.  We are approaching 50 years of being a great school.  My own connection to Webster Montessori School began 15 years ago.  I have appreciated being a part of this school community as a parent and as a staff member.  Every year gets better.  Thanks for being a part of it with me!

Looking forward to the next great year!

Science Fair!

Every day I am reminded why Webster Montessori School is an amazing place.  I am reminded of the outstanding education our students are receiving.  I am reminded of the incredible learning that takes place.

This is especially evident during our annual Elementary Science Fair.  This year is no exception.  All of our Elementary students had the opportunity to conduct a science experiment and research.  They applied the scientific research process and carefully organized their results creating displays and summary boards.  I can’t say enough about the effort the children put forth, the leadership of their Directresses and Classroom Assistants, and the support of families.

I enjoyed touring the room during the event.  The children were so proud of their accomplishments.  There was a joy in discovery as siblings and friends found something new to learn.  The room was a buzz of activity.  Topics ranged from studies of the solar system and chemical reactions to experiments with gluten free cookie baking and invisible ink. 

I heard young children talking about viscosity and chromatography and osmosis.  I saw a Mendicno Motor and learned how to make glow in the dark jello.  I am certain there were many adults in the room that learned quite a bit from these young students.

Do I sound just a little proud?  You bet I am.  I’m proud of these children and this school.  We inspire children, we encourage questioning, we support exploration, we love learning.  That is what education is all about.

It's March Again!

It’s March and everything is growing. As the snow quickly melts, we see growth of spring flowers, tender grass, and the tiny beginnings of new leaves. As the weather gets warmer and warmer we get back out the shorts and t-shirts and quickly discover how much our children are growing.

And, as an organization we are overjoyed to consider the growth of Webster Montessori School. This school year found us with record setting enrollment. This growth means more and more families are finding us. More and more families recognize the benefits of a Montessori education for their children. And, most importantly, more and more children uncover the joy of discovery and learning.

As we begin to look at the next school year, it seems growth is a continued trend. Already our Toddler program is nearly full and we have only just started enrollment season. This growth means we are also considering new and better ways to use our building efficiently.

Plans are taking shape for a number of changes over the summer. We anticipate expanding our upstairs Elementary classroom to accommodate a growing number of students and students that are growing!

We are also planning to move our newest Toddler classroom across the hall to a larger space. This means construction of a new bathroom, kitchen area, and other room enhancements.

Not to complicate matters, but these changes mean finding new space for storage, administrative work, the library, and even things like extra boots, backpacks, and coats. I’m thrilled to have the challenges the growth of our school brings.

And I’m thrilled to play a part in the growth of your children.

Let’s enjoy every inch together!!

Beyond WMS

I started at Webster Montessori School (WMS) shortly before my third birthday and stayed through 5th grade. During 5th grade, I started looking at schools that I might go to once I graduated from WMS.

I knew that no matter where I went, it was going to be a lot different. McQuaid was one of the schools I was considering.

When I went to visit McQuaid, I immediately knew that was where I wanted to go. I had to take an entrance exam and when I was accepted, I was very happy.

My years at WMS made my transition to McQuaid easier because I had good organization, reasoning and problem solving skills. I also had learned to work with other students, which has been beneficial.  

At WMS, exploring why things are the way they are and how they are derived, instead of just memorizing key facts, has been invaluable.

After just one month at McQuaid, I received recognition as Student of the Month.  I know that I am well prepared for any challenges that lie ahead.

What's the Big Deal about Chores?

“Chores” isn’t a four letter word. Giving your child chores doesn’t mean you are using child labor.  It doesn’t mean you are a bad parent.  It doesn’t mean your children will think less of you.  It also doesn’t mean your work will get done any faster.

Chores are actually a very good idea.  And, if you’ve been around WMS for very long, I’m sure you’ve heard your Directress suggest your children start doing them.

What giving your child chores does mean is that you have taken a big step in supporting their development.  Children of all ages will benefit significantly from chores at home.  Chores provide a variety of positive outcomes.

-       Giving children household chores at an early age helps to build a lasting sense of mastery, responsibility and self-reliance, according to research by Marty Rossmann, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota.

-       Very importantly, children increase concentration and independence while doing chores.

-       Doing chores are a great way to build your child’s self-esteem which derived from accomplishments.

-       Chores also teach children how to be empathetic and responsive to others’ needs, notes psychologist Richard Weissbourd of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

-       Children want to be involved in your family life.  They want to feel useful.  They want a sense of belonging.  Given them chores gives them this.

There are many ways children can participate in chores at home and lists can easily be found on the internet or from your Directress.  The youngest children can help set the table, pick up toys and even fold small towels.  Older children can clear the table, empty trash, and sweep.  It’s not so much what the child does, but that each child has work to do at home.

Be patient and give your children some chores they can be successful with.  You will see significant benefits both in and out of the classroom.  Promise!

WMS - Growing Strong!

As we kick of the 2015-2016 school year it seems a great time to consider the Webster Montessori School community.  We have a lot to be proud of and many characteristics that may surprise you.

We are growing.  From one small classroom that opened in a church basement in 1967 to a newly expanded and renovated building we own and a record breaking 128 (and still climbing) students across 7 classrooms.

We are diverse.  We are a community of staff and families from all cultures.  From those born and raised in Webster or throughout New York State or other states in the US to those born across the world and that now call this area home.

We are committed.  Our families and staff appreciate a Webster Montessori School education.  From staff that started just a few weeks ago to staff that are celebrating 20 years with WMS to staff that have worked here and come back to work here again. From students that just enrolled this week to families that have had children enrolled in this school for over 12 years.

We span the generations.  From our youngest students that are only 18 months old and siblings just born over the summer to students in our oldest Elementary population. From staff who are working their way through college to staff who are celebrating the birth of grandchildren.

We believe in Montessori education.   From families who just learned of Montessori from friends to families that have sent generations to Montessori schools.  From staff who have been teaching a few years to staff that have been teaching for over 40 years. Our community is committed to engaging inquisitive minds.

What makes WMS unique?  It’s our history.  It’s our diversity.  It’s our dedication to Montessori.  It’s our community.  Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year!!  It’s going to be amazing!

Summer's End

I lost a week or two this summer and I’m sure I’m not the only one.  I can’t imagine how it disappeared, but I am certain a dozen or so of my treasured summer days just didn’t happen.  Somehow we went from the optimistic period of late June with weeks of warm sunny days and plenty of fun times ahead, to the middle of August and me wondering how this could have occurred.

Seriously, the stores are full of school supplies and letters are coming in the mail with schedules, forms, and meeting dates.  I’m left wondering how to finish out the remaining few weeks and squeeze every drop of relaxation and joy out of each day.

So, yesterday afternoon I took my kids to the playground.  I must set the stage for you.  My youngest is now 12 and my oldest will be a senior in high school.  They were not exactly thrilled when I pulled into the parking lot.  My son (who is a whisker of being taller than me) pointed out he was nearly two feet taller than any other kid there.  I insisted that since it was summer we were required to at least set foot on a playground.

And, I’m so glad we did.  It was fun to run around, swing on the swings, and see who could balance longest on the wiggly balance beam.  And my kids, in between squeals of laughter, thanked me for insisting they get out of the car to play.

So my message for today is to enjoy these last few weeks of summer.  What is still on your list of fun things to do?  Squeeze it in.  Relax.  Spend 15 minutes at the playground.  You will all be glad you did!!

Moving Up 2015

Last week we held our annual Moving Up ceremony!  How did time fly so quickly?  It seems we were just putting the finishing touches on mailbox labels, making copies of classroom papers, and waxing the floors anticipating the arrival of students.  Now here we are, packing up classroom papers, sending home extra clothes, and saying good bye to so many friends.

Each year time seems to go by faster and faster.  Perhaps as a society we are busier than ever.  We try to fit in more and more each day.  Our children go to school, attend activities like dance and karate, visit friends, play, do homework, and on and on.  As parents, the list of what needs to be accomplished each day is immense and, at many times, overwhelming.  All of this activity makes the days go by so quickly and the school year even faster.

The good news is, we made it!  It was fast, but it was a joy!  Moving Up was a day to celebrate each moment.  I’m so proud of these students!  They have all grown up so much!  I’m so proud of this school.  No matter what comes, we persevere.

While we reflect on all that Moving Up is about, I also want to share some advice from our teachers.

• Read every day!  Seeking knowledge by reading will open the world to you.
• Have fun!
• Continue to be role models.
• Make new friends.  Treat them with the kindness, respect, and love you learned here.

And one more piece of advice from me.  It doesn’t seem so long ago that I watched my own daughter move up.  I know there are others on our staff with the same memory and it seems like just yesterday.  And now, we are anticipating another graduation in only a year or two.  So, take a deep breath.  This is one milestone in a path of many to come.  But they come quickly.  So I want to suggest, take a deep breath and enjoy this moment. 

Children, parents, staff: what a joy this memory will be.

A Time to Celebrate!

We surely have had a beautiful spring!  This time of year brings a new celebration every week.  From the appearance of flowers and leaves on the trees to birds building nests, everything begins again. 

Even in our school, each week brings a celebration. We are enjoying classroom sing-a-longs and teas. We look forward to the school picnic and Moving Up. We are also celebrating the children’s accomplishments with completed projects and art.

As we finish up the school year, there is still time for you to observe in the classroom. This is a great way to see all your child has accomplished this year and to celebrate their growing independence as well as their love of learning.

As we close out the school year I would also like to say thank you to all our parent volunteers who have helped with school events, classroom projects, and the many, many things it takes to keep everything moving forward. Your time and dedication is much appreciated by us all!!

I look forward to celebrating with you over the next few weeks.

Standardized Testing for Montessori Schools

We are Webster Montessori School. We were founded in 1967 and have been affiliated by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) since then.  This is a wonderful accomplishment. 

AMI was founded by Maria Montessori and her son Mario to ensure her ideas were implemented consistently.  One part of our affiliation is to have an in-depth consultation every three years.  This means a Montessori “expert” comes to observe in our classrooms, meet with our staff, and provide feedback to us.

Our Primary consultation was just completed.  As we expected, the consultant found our program to meet all Montessori standards.  And not only do we meet their expectations, we exceed them.  She reported our rooms were well prepared, our teachers masters of their craft, and, most importantly, our students excited about their learning.  There is no better report to receive.

Is this the Montessori version of standardized testing?  I don’t really think so, but it is our evaluation.  And I am so proud to know that Webster Montessori School is a high quality program.  That we are still educating children the way Maria Montessori intended.  And, that we have honored the history and traditions of our school and continue to leave a legacy for children to come. 

Engaging Inquisitive Minds

Engaging Inquisitive Minds.  This tag line is now part of our new logo.  It’s one we developed a few years ago as part of our work in strategic planning.  It’s a little strange to realize that our adult effort in a very businesses-like office environment with flip charts, and laptops, and brainstorming resulted in a phrase that represents something so exciting and un-businesslike.

Our school is all about sharing the excitement of learning with young children.  We strive to provide activities that cause them to say “wow” and “I did it” and “I want to find out more”.  We provide an environment that encourages curiosity and supports exploration.

This is especially evident in our classrooms at this time of year.  From our Elementary students who recently hosted their Science Fair; with the results of their exploration and discovery.  To the Toddler classroom; where a young student recently pulled me to sit next to her and provided me with my own tiny tray and work just like hers. 

From oldest to youngest, our students are excited about learning and we are excited to be engaging their inquisitive minds.