|
|
|
|
|
Marie's Message
This has been a week like no other for WMS and our state! We hope that all of our families came through the unexpected crisis with little problem. WMS is back in full operation today.
I was in California when Sandy hit and I am still there. I could not get a plane to Philadelphia Airport until Thursday afternoon. I will see you all on Friday.
Special thanks to Liz Madden, the entire administrative team and board members who made wise decisions in my absence. Thank you, too, to all staff and parents who helped.
The Annual Fund Drive has been extended through Friday, November 2! Look for more entertainment tomorrow, and please help us reach our goal of 100% participation by making your gift or pledge. I will be there for the closing of our on-site Annual fund events this Friday. The contributions total $50,000. We are thrilled! Next week, our mailings will go out to our extended community. We are moving closer every day to the $100,000 goal. Each gift, regardless of amount is helping. THANK YOU. Happy Halloween. Marie
|
|
|
|
November
1 Montessori Madness Book Club
9:15 a.m., Rm. 26
(Books are still available for
purchase at the front desk & book fair) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Meeting
4:30 p.m. in the Great Room
Free child care available
3 Admissions Open House & Performance by Clem Bowen Open House - 10 a.m. Performance - 11 a.m. Tell a friend and receive co-op hours! Details 5 Montessori Monday - Admissions 9:30 a.m. - Tell a friend!
|
|
7 Flu Shots
2:30-4 p.m., Great Room
Details
Positive Parenting Course
Week 1
7-8:30 p.m.
Details
9 Dance Party
6 p.m., Gym
Details
12 The Journey - Parent Education
9:30 a.m., Meet in the lobby
Details
14 Picture Make-Up Day
Great Room, Details TBA
Conferences: Did you have a conference scheduled on Monday? Don't worry - teachers will be in touch about rescheduling as soon as possible. We thank you for your flexibility!
|
|
|
|
Spotlight on Paula Szkotak: The Fabulous Fundraiser
Paula Szkotak, chair of the Annual Fund and Auction, has been a WMS parent for 12 years, with one graduate, a first grader and a fourth grader. Over the years, she has helped WMS in many ways. She has helped with field day, field trips, the rummage sale, the annual fund twice and will chair the WMS Auction for the fourth time on April 19, 2013.
"I have gotten involved with fundraisers for WMS because I know how much they help the
school going forward," Paula said. "It helps with financial aid and running the school. And right now I really want to remind everyone that it's not how much our families give that counts - a donation of
any size is so important. If all of our families give to the school, then WMS is in a much better
position to ask foundations for grants."
Paula finds her work with the auction especially enjoyable. "I started with decorating for the auction, and ended up running it!" Paula explained. "I enjoy creating the excitement for the auction. It's a good challenge. And it's good to get to know families who help with the auction." As the annual fund winds down, Paula said, "I am hoping to get more help with the auction now.
It's time to start asking local businesses for gifts or ads. As a community, if every family at WMS could bring two gifts then the auction will be a real success - families can ask at the places they go to eat, get their hair cut or any other place they like to go."
Paula wants families to know that helping with the auction is easy: "Parents might be afraid of a big commitment if they get involved with the auction. But it's not like that. We break it down into bite sized pieces and every volunteer takes a part of the auction."
Thank you, Paula!  | | The Giving Tree: One of Paula's creative fundraising ideas! |
As always, if you have questions or comments about co-op, please email us at [email protected]. We love to hear from you! Visit the Co-op Board across from the library to check out the latest co-op opportunities available. |
|
Encouraging Our Children Toward Independence
Weekly Parenting Tips
by Certified Parent Educator (and WMS Great-Grandmother) Yvonne Nass
A favorite parenting phrase I grew up with was, "Why can't you be like your cousin Alice?"
Caregivers often believe that comparisons will help a child see the benefits of being like someone they think is a good role model. In reality, that phrase accomplishes the opposite. Comparisons tell a child they are not okay the way they are and are not honored for their uniqueness. Instead of trying to be like the person we are compared to, we tend to resent that person. This can impact on relationships, especially if it's a sibling.
Honor your children's differences. Help them to feel okay just the way they are.
|
 Want to learn more from Yvonne? Sign up for her upcoming parent education course.
Positive Parenting: So, how's this supposed to work, anyway? - Five-week course starting Nov. 7
"I've been hearing about this class since I got to WMS and it's as great as I heard! I have new strategies to work into our routines and new language...recommend to all the parents I know!"
- Positive Parenting participant
Learning the ropes of parenting and need some experienced insight? Been a parent for a
while and feel like you need some additional perspective? This is the course for you!  This five-week series will cover skills that will help parents and caregivers create a strong, respectful and trusting relationship with their children. Join us in learning and sharing, in a supportive and encouraging setting. The topics include: - Listening
- Inviting cooperation
- Encouraging self-sufficiency
- Discipline with respect
- Dealing with emotions, including anger.
When: Wednesdays, beginning November 7, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (No class on 11/21 due to Thanksgiving) Where: Wilmington Montessori School Cost: $100 per person or $120 per couple (includes all five sessions) Registration: Online
Note: This workshop is open to families outside the WMS community, so tell your friends!
|
Are you ready to go on The Journey with us? - November 12
8:30 a.m.-noon
WMS Parents - Have you taken the Journey yet? It is time to step out of the observation room...and into the classroom!
During this event, you will: - Personally experience the Montessori educational process and better understand the teaching methods.
- See first-hand how WMS prepares children for success in their educational journey.
- Learn how each program level builds and supports your child's development from toddler through sixth grade.
- Open conversations with your child about classroom activities.
- Realize the positive aspects of learning and succeeding at WMS.
- Be more prepared to describe the distinction of a Montessori education.
Registration is free and you receive five Co-op hours per family. Childcare is available by registering with [email protected].
Call or email Theresa Conaty, Admissions Officer, to reserve your spot. You can reach Theresa at 302-475-0555 or [email protected].
"I found the day to be extremely valuable in learning about the Montessori Method - which seems to be an extraordinary interdisciplinary approach to learning" - Parent attendee
|
|
Montessori Madness Book Group - Join us tomorrow morning!
You are invited to come tomorrow for the "Montessori Madness" book group meeting at 9:15 in room 26. Even if you haven't read the book yet, but are thinking about doing so in the future, come on by.
We are discussing the hows and whys of your child's classroom and the Montessori method. Learn about your child's education, earn a co-op hour and coffee will be served too! |
|
WMS Family Night at Ramsey's Farm - This Friday!
|
Join other WMS families for a night of fun at Ramsey's Farm on Friday, November 2, at 5:30 p.m.!
Meet other WMS families, and enjoy hayrides, an 8-acre flashlight corn maze and bonfire with your family and friends. Find the WMS table in the picnic area for snacks and to say hello! You may bring food for a picnic (tables and charcoal grills are available for your use). Please bring your own flashlight and cooking utensils! Location: Ramsey Road (just past 500 Ramsey Road) Wilmington, DE 19803 View map and directions.
Prices: $8 - Ages 5 and up
$3 - Children under 5
(Pay when you get there!)
Don't forget to wear your WMS attire!
The last hayride of the night begins at 8 p.m. and the park closes at 9! Find out who's going - check out the event page on Facebook and let others know that you'll be there too by RSVPing! |
|
|
Saturday Open House and Clem Bowen Concert - November 3
On Saturday, November 3, WMS will host a Saturday Open House for prospective families, starting at 10 a.m., followed by a performance by musician and storyteller Clem Bowen at 11 a.m.
Open House The open house will include an introduction to Montessori education, a brief school tour and a chance to visit classrooms.
Clem Bowen Performance Did you miss last week's concert and nature walk, or do you and your child want more Clem? The entire WMS community is invited to attend the performance, along with those who attend the open house!
Referrals
Know a family that would be a great fit for our community? Please invite them to attend! WMS families who bring a family to this open house with WMS-aged children will receive two co-op hours. Even better, if the family you refer decides to enroll at WMS, you can receive a $750 tuition credit or 30 co-op hours through our Building Community Referral Program. Those attending the open house should RSVP to [email protected]. See Theresa for copies of our Open House flyer to share with your friends and family!
|
|
 Flu Shots - November 7
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.
Hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes are important measures to take as well.
Flu shots for parents and children will be available on Wednesday from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Great Room for $30 per person.
Parents must be PRESENT for their child to have a flu shot, and children must be at least 6 months old.
Limited shots are available. Please sign up in advance on the nurse's office door.
Need co-op hours? Nurse Paige is still in need of assistance on the day of the shots - sign up on the main co-op board across from the library!
|
|
WMS Dance Party - November 9
Dance the night away on November 9 from 6-8 p.m. and help WMS fifth-graders raise money for next year's GCAP trip to New York City! Your $10 ticket (or $35 for a family of four or $45 for five) includes dancing, raffles, dinner, dessert and more!
This event is for all ages, and there will be a special area for our youngest students to safely dance! Recent WMS alumni are invited too, so tell your friends to join us for this fun evening!
|
|
|
|
Get your 2012 tax write-off: Donate items to the Spring 2013 Junque 'n' Treasures Rummage Sale today!
WMS's Junque 'n' Treasures Sale is now accepting donations, and we have already received some amazing items! The sale will be held on Saturday, April 27, with a pre-sale on Thursday, April 25.
|
The Wednesday Weekly promotes WMS news and events that are relevant to the families in our community. Please send submissions to [email protected] by 4:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to the issue in which you wish to include your information. Content may be edited for length and style and may be held for a future issue due to space constraints. For more information, contact Noel Dietrich.
|
Our Mission
Wilmington Montessori School is a collaborative learning community rooted in Montessori principles, inspiring the joyful discovery of self and a passion for learning and independent thinking. We empower children to be knowledgeable and responsible contributors to the global community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
