The new year is a time for new beginnings. Perhaps it's time to look at inviting your child to share in home management. This will build on the sharing your child does in the classroom.

Asking questions like "Where do you think we should keep...?" "Who do you think should be responsible for...?" "Are you willing to help...?" will enable you to begin to organize your space so it's manageable for your child. 

As you explore the answers to these questions, your child might see the need to put away or give away some treasured belongings in order to become more responsible for their environment. Too much "stuff" can become overwhelming and create problems from being over-stimulated, so remember less is best!

• 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 introduction through 6th 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.

Employed by the international meeting, events and communication agency Extraordinary Events, Flo has worked with several international clients including BMW and Hanwha Solar (Korea's third largest corporation) on events ranging from 50,000-guest celebrations and high-end product launches to multiple day incentive trips and lavish grand openings.

In her nomination for the Event Solutions' Rising Star award, her employer said, "Flo has brought Extraordinary Events nothing but freshness, creativity and enthusiasm." To vote for Flo to win this prestigious award, please follow the instructions below:

Voting Instructions:

1. Go to www.event-solutions.com/spotlight/voting.

2. Enter your email address. Click "Submit."

3. On bottom left of screen, click "Rising Star Female."

4. Select "Flo Miniscloux" (Click on her name to learn more about her!), then click "Submit."

 

WMS to welcome alumni and past students back for pizza party on Friday

Alumni, past students and current sixth-graders are invited to WMS's annual Alumni Pizza Party on Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Great Room. The evening provides a wonderful opportunity for alumni and past students to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and reminisce about their time at Wilmington Montessori School! 

    

WMS supports Food Bank through food drive and volunteer day 

In our last issue, we shared information about our December food drive for the Food Bank of Delaware, which resulted in an impressive donation of 485 pounds of food! On Saturday, 30 members of the WMS community took this service experience to the next level by volunteering at the Food Bank's Newark facility. The volunteers spent the day assembling food kits for the Food Bank's Backpack Program, which provides food to children in need for weekends and holidays when school is not in session and federal school meal programs are not available. 

WMS parent Drew Matalonis worked with the PTO to organize this opportunity for families to volunteer together at the Food Bank.

"The kids had a lot of fun putting the packs together," Drew said. "It gives you a great feeling at the end of the day to know you're really helping out people who need the assistance."

WMS's work with the Food Bank isn't over!  The elementary child care classrooms are conducting their second annual food drive in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.  Please bring your donations to rooms 25-28 before January 21. Students will build a village with the donations, and then take them to the Food Bank. As always, your generosity is appreciated!

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Shoe drive fundraiser this week! 

Recycle, reuse, raise funds, provide for others!

WMS receives $20 for each full box of used donated shoes!

To officially kick off our shoe recycling fundraising program we are having a shoe drive this week.  Please bind matching pairs by tying the laces together or wrapping with string or elastic bands.  Dirty shoes are ok but no holes in the soles, please, and no skates.  The donation boxes are located in the two main entrances of WMS. 

Note: All shoe donations are tax deductible. Request a donation form at the Front Desk.

For more information, see:

wmsdepto.org/shoes

facebook.com/ShoeBoxRecycling