Family Work Party volunteers work to get Children's House ready! logo hms
Tamara's Blog 

  Preparing the environment
A school is made by the people. A beautiful campus doesn't hurt, but the people make the school. The commitment, dedication, and excitement of the staff, parents, and children that I have seen in just my two months here has been inspiring. 

Tonia had told me the staff was incredibly dedicated and strong, and, while I certainly believed her, I was still amazed to see teacher after teacher from every program area come in over the summer to:
  • check on new materials ordered for the younger children
  • decide what books will best meet the literacy needs of the children as they begin to tackle bigger books
  • build shelves for the re-invention of the "art" room
  • share the excitement for new curriculum ideas from an intense training program
  • water the new grass seed on the soccer field and "patio" area.
At most schools, once classrooms are packed up in June, teachers aren't seen until that first in-service day. The Hilltop gang was in the loop all summer. While I've been assured that every teacher did take some well-deserved time to relax and rejuvenate, it is so clear that this Montessori community and teaching these children is what they live for.

THEN . . . to see the parents rolling up their sleeves, "wearing" their babies and washing the windows, painting the shelves, sorting out the supplies, etc. at the Work Party last night was equally heart warming. The camaraderie and spirit of parents (and children!) working alongside teachers for the good of the children was incredible.

A school is made by the people and this school is a gem!

Couldn't Make the Work Night...
Can you spare some time next week to help out? Elementary classrooms could still use some assistance getting ready for the start of school. If you can spare an hour or two, give Ann a call to set up a time. Thanks!
Soccer Coach Needed
Greetings all Hilltop Lower El parents, families, and friends,

The Lower El is looking for a parent, relative, or family friend who can coach 
the Lower El soccer team, grades 1-3, co-ed, all skill levels. Practices are currently scheduled for Wednesdays after school from 3:00 to 4:00 starting the second or third week of school and will go through October. There will be at least two games with other schools. Last year the Lower El played Guilford Elementary school and it was a lot of fun. 
This is a low pressure coaching job. You do not have to be a soccer expert. I can help with fun coaching approaches that teach soccer fundamentals without doing "drills". No lines, no laps, no lectures. It's for fun!

Who's game? Come one, come all! Please contact me, Ben, or call
802 258 0277.
 
Thank you, Ben James, Hilltop AD
Mark Your Calendar
Children's House Parent Orientation, Thursday, Aug. 29 (3-5 pm)
Parents meet with teachers and discuss expectations of independence and responsibilities for your 3-5 year old. This group meeting is required for new parents and very strongly encouraged for returning families to attend as well. This will be a talk led by teachers with time for parent questions.

Potluck for 6th Years, Thursday, Aug. 29 (5:30-7pm)
Sixth year students are invited to attend a potluck picnic at Hilltop. This dinner is an opportunity to say hello and to discuss the role of the sixth years in our classroom community this upcoming year.

Conferences for students NEW to Lower El, Upper El and Middle School, Thursday & Friday Aug 29, 30
Please sign up for a time slot with Ann Brehm at the front desk 257.0500 ext. "0".

Visiting day for students new to Children's House and Lower El
Friday, Aug. 30 (9-11am)
Parents and child(ren) are invited to stop by the Primary classrooms and Lower Elementary classrooms to visit, become familiar and more secure with their new environment. Plan to spend 15-30 minutes in the room between 9 and 11am.

First Day of School! Tuesday, Sept. 3
Regular day for Upper El and Middle School. On Sept. 3, students new to Lower Elementary arrive at 8:30 am and returning students arrive at 11 am. The regular schedule for Lower Elementary begins on the second day of school.

Orientation Schedule Children's House Tuesday, Sept.3 - 6
3 year olds : Tues - Fri, 8:30- 10:00 am, there is no Before Care available during this week, and no After Care for the 3 year olds.

4 and 5 year old students: Tues-Fri, 10:15 am - until their scheduled dismissal time at 11:45, 3:00, 4:00 or 5:00pm.

There is no before school care available during this first week as children are still getting acclimated to school. All early morning care will begin the second week of school.

Hilltop Community Picnic, Friday, September 6, 5-dusk
Ware's Grove Beach, Spofford NH
Upper Elementary Families host this festive back to school beach party pot luck. All families should bring a dish, swimmies, eating utensils and connect with old friends and make some new ones. Details to come from your UE hosts. Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 7.
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