Dear friends,
Welcome to this, the last edition of our newsletter for the year. For some of you, these may be your last weeks at Summit, and to those we wish the best of luck as your children embark upon the next era in their lives. For the rest, we hope you are as excited about next year as we are, with Rich Eyster's arrival in July.
For everyone we wanted to provide an opportunity to see a bit of a "year in review," so we asked our fabulous faculty to talk with the students about the highlights of their time at Summit. We think this is the best way to really show the heart and soul of this special place.
In addition, we include some important news about the tail gate party held this spring, our brand new website, and how the recent earthquakes in China hit close to our Summit community. And as always, we provide an update from the SMPA.
Our best to all of you, with sincere appreciation for how you and your children have made our school the wonderful place that it is.
Have a great summer! |
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Children's House Highlights
We have had a wonderful year of learning and  fun in all of the Children's House classrooms. Apple picking at Tougas Farm, the Thanksgiving Feasts, and Spring Teas were all highlights in every classroom. A visit from Curious Creatures, and the Kindergarten field trip to the Planetarium were special events as well.
You are all so fortunate to have such wonderful children. They are all so special in their own little ways. The children are our future -- thank you for sharing yours with us. Have a wonderful summer!
Here are some of our favorite moments:
Children's House One
- The Autumnal Equinox Celebration in the Peace Garden;
- Nature walks to observe seasonal distinctions;
- Our in-depth author studies: Kevin Henkes, Eric Carle, Leo Lionni, Jan Brett, Dr. Seuss, Robert McCloskey;
- Some amazing Kindergarten Journals!
- Our Family Scrapbook
- Writing and illustrating our own book: "Golden Lion, Golden Lion, What Do You See?"
- Learning about and honoring peacemakers like Maria Montessori, Squanto, Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Wangari Maathai, and Jane Goodall;
- Our Thanksgiving Feast and some incredible food preparation!
- Candle walks
- Continent studies: Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, Asia, and Africa.
Children's House Two
- Benny's mom, Sue Wakefield, coming to talk with us about Australia;
- Amanda's parents, Dianne and Rob Michelson, sending in some beautiful articles of clothing from China for us to try on;
- Kian's mom, Namerta Sahani, and Miss Sarita talking with us about India. They brought in jewelry, scarves and clothing for us to wear!
- Making monthly observation drawings of nature;
- Watching caterpillars turn into butterflies;
- A visit from Curious Creatures in the spring. We got to touch a big boa constrictor!
Children's House Three
We had a cultural unit on Asia, which included a Cultural Parade, where the children dressed in various Asian costumes and paraded throughout the school. In this study, we sampled Asian foods, tried Chinese calligraphy, learned about the various animals of Asia. Sahiba Anand joined our circle for a presentation on India. We also learned the Oceans that surround Asia. The peacemaker associated with this unit was Gandhi.
We had several other wonderful parent/guest circle presentations, including Traci Baracsi, who gave a special lesson on Hawaii; Monica Shay, who talked about the Cajun French culture in Louisiana; and Shannon Gorr from Children's House One, who gave a lesson on Ireland.
Another highlight was our Thanksgiving Feast, which included a special candle walk where the children shared what they were thankful for.
We also had a year-long growth-chart project. We measured and weighed each child at the beginning of the year, and noted their height on a special chart. They loved to look at and compare the chart throughout the year. At the end of the school year, we measured them again. It was fun to see how much everyone has grown!
The children enjoyed many art projects throughout the year. Artists we highlighted and studied included Kandinsky, Monet, and Degas.
Finally, Miss Luckshi presented Native American and Indian culture of the American Southwest. We studied the Hopi Indians, their culture and their artwork.
-- The Children's House Teachers
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| A Rich Year in Lower Elementary |
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The cultural enrichment program this year fully supported the Lower Elementary study of Asia and the computer. The year began with a visit from Deborah Costine, puppeteer, who demonstrated and helped the children make puppets of characters from the Silk Road. The resulting merchants, bandits, and noblepeople have kept watch from the windowsills of our classroom all year, making sure to keep us on track.
Next, the Taiko Japanese drumming group, Odaiko New England, treated us to a performance of traditional Japanese drumming techniques and instruments. Using the drums, they told fables of ancient Japan and then gave the students a try. We have some natural drummers in our midst!
Rafael de Gruttola, renown poet, worked with the children on the art of writing Haiku. He expanded the traditional definition of Haiku (following the 5-7-5 syllable pattern) to be more flexible and free-form. With his guidance, the children produced some great nature poems, which will be performed at the classroom poetry performance for Lower El parents on the last day of school.
We finished the year with a whirlwind creative extravaganza with the Children's Technology Workshop. In two hours, the children wrote, drew, and photographed with a WebCam their story. To see the videos, contact the LE teachers.
Thank you to SMPA and Whitney Johnson for choosing and coordinating such quality enrichment activities. The program was perfectly integrated with our curriculum and supported the classroom activities in a fun and interactive way.
Miss Jean Anderson |
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The Year in Review in Upper El |
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As we approach the end of a busy and successful spring here in the Upper Elementary, here are some personal student highlights from the year.
"I liked and chose Natures classroom because we all had a time to remember - we all had a bunk we all had cabins and we all had so many lovely experiences."
"during frozen ropes we played a game of half kickball half whiffleball. The opposing team was playing amazing defense and were winning 14-0 but then our teamwork became so good that we rallied back in the nest three innings and went on to win 15-14."
"I really liked the U.N. trip because we went to NYC and we had a once in a lifetime experience."
"My best accomplishment of the year was when I faced my nervousness and spoke in front of all the other delegations in the general assembly."
"The moment I felt most accomplished was when I got a bunch of countries to support our idea."
"Natures classroom was fun. I hated to leave."
"one of my favorite things I did was astronomy - I enjoyed holding mirrors up in the dark. You could see the whole laser bouncing off stuff. It was awesome!"
"Nature's Classroom was a really fun and exhilarating experience in which we learned a lot about nature."
"In Lit Circle we have read 3 really great books which are: The Giver, Dragonwings, and The Year of Impossible Goodbyes. Each book has been a pleasure to read and has brought up great talking points for discussion."
"My favorite highlight was going to the U.N. We got to visit New York, represent an entire country, and meet new people from across the country."
"This year I really liked Nature's Classroom. I was able to learn a lot of different things and also explore all sorts of places. I was able to dissect a snake."
"What I liked about this year was: Nature's Classroom, because the overnight was awesome, the food was great, and the counselors were very friendly. The activities that they offered were fun filled and weren't boring."
"My highlight is community picnic because there is tons of stuff like wall climbing, sack racing, and other stuff."
"My favorite part of the year was going to the Nature's Classroom because I had fun going on really wild adventures."
"The year of 2007-2008 was a very fun and great school year. I have had many good times. One of them was the trip to Nature's classroom. We spent 3 days there and we had many very fun activities like nature walks and a lot more."
"The trip to N.Y. and the U.N. was also very memorable to me. I went on a limo, rode on subways, visited places, bought stuff, participated in the Montessori Model United Nations and had fun. I think that this was my best class trip yet."
compiled by Byron Leigh | |
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Out of the Mouths of Babes....
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| "What do you like most about coming to Summit every day?"
My daddy and Miss Luckshi are here. I love them. -- Yoko, age 4
Going to music with Miss Macy. -- Laszlo, age 5
When Miss Stefanie takes me out of the car. -- Emmy, age 3
My snack day. -- Mia, age 3
When teachers show us works and lots of new stuff. -- Lauren, age 5
When teachers take me out to my car. I really like that. -- Zahaan, age 5
"What do you like the best about being a Kindergartener at Summit?"
I get to learn new stuff all the time. -- Amanda, age 5
Learning the Planet Play. -- Dante, age 6
I like having fun. -- Isolde, age 6
Two recess times when you stay all day!! -- Jack, age 6
Wednesdays because we learn about the planets. My brother liked it and he is in second grade. I want to follow him. -- Spencer, age 6
It's one of the oldest. We can do lots of activities like the Planet Play, Frozen Ropes, and self-portraits. -- Julian, age 6 |
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Tailgate Party a Huge Success! |
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A crowd of over 100 people enjoyed THE Summit event of the year on April 12, 2008.
The Indoor Tailgating Party, held at Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland, was a fun-filled evening of great food and entertainment as well as a wonderful celebration of the Summit Montessori community.
Attendees danced to the sounds of Emerald City, participated in games of chance, and best of all enjoyed each other's company in a relaxed and welcoming setting. They were able to hear words of welcome and support from our Incoming Head of School, Rich Eyster, listen to Jonathan Austin of Austin Architects share his vision of Summit's new building project, and be moved by the words of appreciation shared by Ben Ticho, Executive Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central MA/Metrowest. Everyone was also able to enjoy the action as Laura Carlo, our Mistress of Ceremonies, led a lively, spirited, and financially lucrative live auction!
The Tailgate Party raised approximately $22,000 which will help support Summit's annual operating budget, including faculty salaries, professional development, classroom materials, and maintenance of the building and grounds. Portions of the proceeds were also allocated to fulfill BBBS' annual budget by purchasing their much-needed board games, arts and crafts and athletic equipment.
Many thanks to all who attended the evening, to our live and silent auction donors for their incredible generosity, and to the many volunteers who helped make the evening such a success. Special thanks to the Tailgate Steering Committee of Traci Baracsi, Mary Ann Ciampa, Gail Gregory, Joan Marsh, Diane Michelson, Robin Nardone, and Monica Shay for their tireless efforts.
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| Summit's New Website Goes Live on Thursday, June 5th! |
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Responding to popular demand to update our web site, this project has been taking shape since January of this year. Working with a designer and freelance writer, and in collaboration with various constituencies in our community, the Marketing Committee oversaw the development of the new site. We hope you will find it inf ormative and easy to use. It incorporates some of the features from the previous site, while bringing a fresh look and a more streamlined format. And, you can find a complete archive of Summit Newsletters there as well.
Special thanks to Diane Michelson for her outstanding photography!
Don't forget -- We're going live on June 5!
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| Summit Family Affected by May 12 Earthquake in Sichuan China |
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Dear Summit families, One of our Summit families was personally affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Sichuan, China. Weidan Guo, mother of Yasmin Lee (CH3), is originally from Dujiangyan, one of the towns hit hardest by the May 12th earthquake. It has been a tough few weeks for Weidan and her family as they await word from others members of her family and friends who live in Dujiangyan. More than 65,000 people died in that earthuake and none of those deaths are more heartbreaking than those of the children. The children were still in school when the quake hit. And one of those schools was Juyuan Middle School which killed 900 students and teachers. Weidan's mother was a teacher at that school for nearly 30 years until she retired. And Weidan studied there. Fortunately, her mother is living with Weidan and the family in Southboro but the tragedy nevertheless is profound. Weidan and her husband, Kokes Lee, have set up website to help raise money for the Juyuan middle school. The family has ensured that all donations will go directly to the middle school. She has arranged that with the Bank of China. The website will also allow you to donate to the American Red Cross and other nationally recognized non-profits who are helping with the relief efforts. That website is: http://www.helpjuyuan.com
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| Last SMPA Fundraiser Scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2008 |
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I Scream, You Scream, we all scream for Ice Cream -- especially if it is from Ben and Jerry's! Come to an SMPA fundraiser on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Ben and Jerry's in Framingham from 6:00-8:00pm. Enjoy a cone, sundae, frappe or any sort of delicious frozen treat and the SMPA will receive 25% of all sales. There is no coupon necessary so tell your friends and neighbors to have a scoop or two with a cherry on top and support the SMPA.
Ben and Jerry's is located on Rt. 9 (westbound) in Framingham, next to the Container Store. This is a "time sensitive" event and sales occurring before 6:00 and after 8:00pm will not be credited to the SMPA. Hope to see you there!
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| SMPA Wrap-Up |
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Dear Summit Parents,
The summer is almost upon us and another school year is drawing to a close. We would like to give a tremendous thank you to the officers and committee chairs of the SMPA. This association continues to grow as a result of the dedication of many parent volunteers and we couldn't have accomplished it all without your efforts and enthusiasm. Thank you to the 2007-2008 officers and committee heads: Traci Baracsi, Heidi Davis, Gail Gregory, Whitney Johnson, Marie Leigh, Liz Love, Robin Nardone, Michele Pierce, Julie Ridlon, Yun Scollard, Monica Shay
It is our pleasure to announce the SMPA officers and committee chairs for the 2008-2009 school year:
Officers 2008-09:
Co-Presidents: Kate Poitras and Kate Saunders
Treasurer: Diane Michelson
Corresponding Secretary: Traci Baracsi
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Ciampa
Board of Trustees Liaisons: Gail Gregory and Monica Shay
Committee Chairs 2008-09:
Fundraising: Diane Michelson
Materials: Yun Scollard
Cultural Enrichment: Whitney Johnson
Communications: Open
Hospitality: Open
Lastly, thanks to the administrative staff and teachers for all of your expertise and support this past year. We have a wonderful school with a dedicated and energetic family community. We have much to be proud of!
Wishing you all a safe and restful summer vacation!
Mary Ann Ciampa and Diane Michelson
Co-Presidents 2007-2008
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