The Summit Express
A community newsletter
February, 2008
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After*School Explorations an Overwhelming Success
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Here at Summit Montessori, we love to pilot things. It's so easy to get caught up in analysis and
simulations that sometimes the easiest thing to do is to follow Nike's advice
and 'Just Do It.' It was in that
carefree, open-hearted spirit that we floated the idea of After*School
Explorations. And who'd a thunk it?
All four
activities not only roused some interest, each appealed to a different Summit subculture. In turn, every one of them
filled up, and filled up fast. On Monday afternoons, we've
had Andy Lindblad guiding a laboratory full of Mad Scientists through
investigations of owl pellets,
non-Newtonian solids, and balloon rockets.
On Tuesdays, Bruce Menin (our Mister B) has been guiding his active
actresses and actors through the creation of The Locked Door, a tour
de force about what goes on in a zoo after the visitors leave for the day. Edith Loring-Thomas continues to dazzle her
young charges with opportunities to plumb the depths of 3-D art forms every Wednesday afternoon...as well as to create a buzzing hive
of comic and cartoon illustration
with another set of wildly creative artists when the Thursday sun begins to
settle over the treeline.
There will be a new slate of
Explorations on tap for the weeks after we return from Spring Vacation.
Stay tuned.
The fact is that each teacher in this remarkable school is an immensely talented and multi-faceted
individual. They have charisma in
overflowing abundance. And when I hear
them heading upstairs for their activities, the children may not (entirely)
resemble the rats in the fabled legend, but the teachers leading the way
certainly have the magic of Pied Pipers.
And one of the more magical aspects of the experience is that we have
even more fully stretched the Montessori multi-aged model so that
Kindergarteners, Second Graders and even our Seniors are dissecting, launching,
acting, building, and illustrating side by side by side.
The fact
that we have piloted this with such happy success feels like a kind of
intuitive kismet. However, other, more
significant explorations of Summit's
future direction we are far more deeply reflective. And central to those reflections are the
sentiments and ideas of our teachers - and of each of the families. I have just this morning begun to review the
caring and compelling results from the  surveys in which so many of you
participated. We look forward to sharing
the full results with the wider community in the near future.
In the
meantime, know that this warm and innovative young school will keep exploring
possibilities alongside you. Education
of the young is never richer or more meaningful than when it is the result of a
conscientious, caring partnership of the school and the home...of wise teachers
and ever-loving parents.
My thanks
to you all, as always, for your trust and support.
Rich Eyster
Head of School
Photography by Macy Robison |
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An Exploration of Language and Literacy:
Curriculum Night at Summit Montessori
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There is no better way to understand how Summit students spend their days in the classroom than to learn from the teachers themselves, to hear them speak about the hard work and preparation they put into each and every academic day. We have heard from our Art, Music, and Spanish specialists and our After*School teachers at various SMPA events. And on Thursday, February 12th, more than half of our current parent community gathered to hear our faculty examine and celebrate the role of Language and Literacy in a Summit Montessori classroom.
 Parents first watched as Martha, Luckshi, and Marian took them through actual language lessons that occur on a day to day basis in the Children's House - using the sandpaper letters first to trace, then to create rubbings of the letters in order to spell small words. Marian and Luckshi also showed us the large moveable alphabet, explaining how students use pictures and then objects to create and spell simple, then more complex words. Stefanie concluded the Children's House presentation by putting the group through the paces of the Kindergarten Literacy program: the joy of learning how a story is constructed and the pride that comes with 'publishing' a completed piece of work - clearly seen in the Kindergarteners' own colorfully illustrated stories that hung on the walls.
As the group settled on the second floor, they listened to Jean and Bruce speak excitedly about their personal passions in teaching language to their students. In addition to making every free opportunity and chance for the Lower El. students to read, Jean and Bruce glowed when they spoke of their students writing, especially their recent letters to President Obama on what they would do if they were President of the U.S. Ms. Jean and Mr. B also spoke about the systems they use for teaching grammar and reading comprehension. In addition to using grammar symbols in the classroom, and the longstanding SRA system to aid in reading comprehension, Lower Elementary students read daily as part of their homework to consistently strengthen their language skills.
 Traveling to the top of the mansion, parents listened finally to Kim and Andy tell of the Upper El. Writer's Workshop and the three concurrent book groups going on right now. One of the most notable parts of the Upper El. session was the chance to take a look at the published, distinquished work of the Upper Elementary students - writing from their trip to Nature's Classroom, poetry, and book reports from this year. The progression from the Children's House to Upper El. has students advance to writing responses and summaries to their reading assignments and conducting research writing.
If you didn't have a chance to join us for Curriculum Night, there are information folders still available. Feel free to contact us, and we'll be sure to send one out to you. Thank you to all who attended this very successful and informative night!
Written by Kate Remsberg
Photography by Macy Robison |
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A NIGHT AT THE DERBY!
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Book the date for Summit's "Mane" Event!
Saturday Evening
May 2nd, 2009
Gallop to "Summit Downs"
Sandy Burr Country Club
Wayland, MA
Mark your calendar! On Saturday, May 2, 2009, we'll be hosting our annual evening fundraiser "A Night at the Derby" at Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland. Book your babysitter now! We hope you can come to enjoy a night of mingling with old and new friends as well as bidding on live and silent auction items to benefit Summit Montessori.
If you are unable to come, not to worry! You can still be a part of the auction action, because Summit is going high-tech to offer silent auction bidding online for many of our fantastic auction items starting in April. Simply bookmark the following website www.biddingforgood.com and be on the lookout for more information about the online process in the coming weeks.
As May 2nd approaches, look for the invitation that will be sne to hyour home. PLease share this invitation with friends, neighbors, and family -- all are welcome!
We hope to see you at A Night at the Derby!
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Another Summit Veteran in Fifth Grade
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It's been too long since we've heard from those who roam the third floor of Summit. It seems crazy that my interview with Shakya was all the way back in December and that March is right on our doorstep. I decided to snag one of our Upper El. friends into my neck of the woods on the first floor to help me get back into the writing groove. And groovy it was. Get ready to sit down with Fifth Grader, Ms. Olivia Pierce, ladies and gentlemen.
Before going further, I have to note one of the things I've realized as I've been around Summit students during this year: I have very little concept of how old our students actually are. Our youngest Children's House students often make me forget that they are only three years old, and I'm almost always surprised that our first graders were Kindergarteners last year. I don't know if that's simply me projecting memories of my maturity level at those ages, but, in the same vein, I was instantly confused again - as I have been with each of the Upper El-ers - when Olivia came in to sit down with me. Although Olivia's height automatically makes me think she's a bit older, it's her quiet confidence and the self-assuredness of her answers that fool me the most.
For an 11 year old, Olivia has a long list of interests. And she doesn't feel like she needs to edit or narrow them down for me, which I appreciate. Almost every question I ask receives two or three answers. When asked about her favorite book, she came back quickly with Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, and Eragon. She had a very hard time picking a favorite animal - first proclaiming 'all animals' and slowly working her way down to pick horses, koala bears, and panda bears as her three finalists. And when I asked her a question that, to me, had the best chance for a clear, singular answer - Olivia's favorite season - I got 'summer...and spring...and fall' in response. That sounds about right.
Talking to Olivia is very easy. She's personable, not picky by her own admission, and especially patient with any and all interruptions that occurred while we chatted, including a couple visits from the little ones across the hall in Children's House One. She's hip to the ebb and flow of activity throughout the mansion, and she ought to be, since she's currently in her eighth year as a Summit student. In that time she has become an accomplished student, noting that her favorite school subjects - of which there are three, of course - are art, music, and math. I notice that her face brightens when she talks about drawing, singing, and dancing and those activities that stimulate the right side of her brain. Outside of school, she is an exceptional ballerina, excited about the prospect of graduating to toe shoes in the coming year. She also rides horses and has been doing so since she was seven years old - an art of a completely different physical nature. Her future aspirations in fashion design follow an artistic path as well.
While she may not yet be designing next season's trendiest looks, she is carving out a memorable second year in the Upper El. classroom. With a year under her belt she feels better about managing her homework load. Another year of maturity has also aided Olivia's confidence in problem-solving with her friends, both academically and socially. As she looks to complete her second year on the third floor she's looking most forward to the springtime at Summit. Of the upcoming change of season she so aptly says, 'it'll just be nice to see the ground again.' Amen to that.
And as she thinks about the future that will lead her away from 283 Pleasant Street she will most clearly remember the lessons of the three Rs:
Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Respect the Environment
She hopes that her friends here would describe her as active, fun, and imaginative. I can only speak for her teachers who used words like 'energetic' and 'creative' to back up her own quick self-analysis. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming years for Olivia's inevitable chic boutiques and the rise of her younger sister, Morgan, into the Upper Elementary ranks.
Until Next Month...
Written by Kate Remsberg
Photography by Macy Robison
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SUMMIT MONTESSORI
FAMILY & FRIENDS DAYS
APRIL 2 & 3, 2009
We have had the pleasure of meeting so many of our students' extended family members this year for special occasions like birthday celebrations. Many of our parents and even grandparents have been kind enough to read to their child's class or make a special visit as seen below. If you haven't had the chance to visit yet, or know someone that would love to come and see us, make sure to mark your calendars, for Summit's Annual Family and Friends days on Thursday and Friday, April 2nd and 3rd. For those new to Summit, these days are a chance to bring someone special -- a family member, a grandparent, a neighbor, a favorite local librarian, or street performer -- to join the Summit Community for a morning of observation and interaction.
When you invite your friend or family member to join us, simply let them know that they can plan to arrive around 8:30 in the morning and depart by 11:00. Between 8:30 and 10:30, friends and family will have time to spend in the classroom working with students, immersing themselves in Summit's routine. At 10:30, guests will gather in the Community Room to hear from Head of School, Rich Eyster, talk about their morning experiences, and enjoy some light refreshments before departing.
Here is how the two days will break down:
Thursday, April 2
Last names A-K
Friday, April 3
Last names L-Z
Summit is blessed with an amazingly tight-knit family of faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends. We especially look forward to seeing our extended family grow when we meet and welcome your friends and families into the Summit Community this April. Watch for more details in the coming weeks.
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SMPA
UPCOMING EVENTS AND REMINDERS
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon a Great Success
One of the things that sets Summit above the rest is the degree of respect we have
for each other in our community. A perfect example of our commitment is the wonderful effort our teachers put forth in the progress reports forour children and the exceptional effort many of our parents respondedwith by throwing a luncheon of appreciation and thanks. The SMPA would like to thank the parents who helped to make it a success; supporting set up, decorating, preparing FABULOUS dishes (recipes to be shared at the March 6th SMPA meeting), and helping to clean up afterwards. The teachers were able to enjoy a very special lunch during their short break from conferences. Thank you to Mary Ann Ciampa, Chantal Coudray, Rimma Gluzman, Gregory Matthews, Diane Michelson, Pat Murphy, Kate Poitras, Kate Saunders, Yun Scollard and Monica Shay!
Next SMPA Meeting
Friday, March 6th
If you have missed the last SMPA meetings, don't despair - the next meeting is scheduled for Friday morning, March 6th from 8:45 to 10:00am. We will be meeting downstairs in the basement.
Stay tuned for more details.
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MARCH and APRIL
DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday, March 6
SMPA Breakfast Meeting
8:45 - 10:00am
Monday, March 16 through
Friday, Match 27
No School for Students
Spring Break
Thursday, April 2 & Friday April 3
Summit Friends and Family Days
SEE DETAILS BELOW!
Thursday, April 9
No School for Students
Passover
Friday, April 10
No School for Students
Good Friday
Wednesday, April 15
SMPA Breakfast Meeting
8:45 - 10:00am
Monday, April 20
No School for Students
Patriot's Day
Tuesday, April 21
No School for Students
Professional Day
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A Place to Turn
March's Donation:
ADULT & CHILD
SHAMPOO
Please drop off any and all donations to the bin located conveniently outside the Community Room. Remember, donations for March will be taken to A Place to Turn on Thursday, March 26th. Donation bins will be in the front hall up until morning drop-off on that Thursday morning.
Thank you, as always, for your generosity!
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2008-2009
Summit Montessori
Annual Fund Update
What's the
puzzle?
We are happy to report
that Summit
family Annual Fund participation has just reached 50%! We are now halfway to
reaching our goal of 100% participation to join the faculty and the Board of
Trustees who have already reached that goal.
Remember, achieving 80% participation allows us to
collect on an additional gift to the Annual Fund of $20,000 and if we reach 100%
participation, we can take advantage of a total of $40,000 from
anonymous donors for books, materials and all the things the Annual Fund makes
possible. This means that your
donation of any amount could be worth $20,000 or even $40,000 for Summit!
Each piece of the puzzle
represents one Summit family and when all of our families
pledge or contribute,
the puzzle will be complete.
Don't be the missing
piece!
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SUMMER@SUMMIT
SUMMER, 2009
Interested in a cool, caring, wildly fun place to spend six weeks this summer? What if that place was 283 Pleasant Street? Please contact Kate Remsberg for more details at
kremsberg@summitmontessori.org
or
508.872.3630
Sidebar Photography by Macy Robison
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