by Liz Madden, Director of Educational Programs

On Monday, while students were home or in child-care enjoying Columbus Day, teachers participated in a day of professional development here at WMS.

The early childhood teachers and elementary teachers split up, to address topics specific to each level. To work toward Goal 2 of our strategic plan's second initiative, the elementary teachers began a course run by the NSTA (National Science Teacher Association) to further their knowledge and application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) processes in the classroom. All of our K-6 teachers completed the first part of a three-part course to build their understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards, and more specifically, learn how to apply the engineering design process with children to solve problems. Because teachers at WMS have already begun to implement units and activities involving the engineering design process, they were excited to dig deeper into the concepts and visualize what this looks like in our Montessori classrooms.

Meanwhile, all of the early childhood staff - both lead teachers and assistants - enjoyed a day of learning about working with diverse children and families. Former WMS teacher and consultant Andrea Harding engaged the staff with ideas about the different types of diversity within a classroom, as well as ideas on how to make diversity concrete with children. The teachers at WMS work with different types of families on a daily basis and value this time to reflect on how to make this a rich experience for children and families.

While it is not always easy for parents to negotiate a day off from school for their children, having these days throughout the year are invaluable for teachers and staff. They make our school a more vibrant learning environment for all the students. Thank you for allowing our staff this time! 

Please join us for this exciting parent education opportunity. Come and learn about Montessori education in the home and at school.

"Montessori 101" and "Bringing Montessori Home"

Presented by Betsy Haas and Lauren Harris, WMS Teachers and Parents

Monday, November 4, 2013, 7-9 p.m. 

Join seasoned Montessori teachers/Montessori moms Betsy and Lauren in this exciting two-part workshop. Lauren will delve deeper into the Montessori philosophy and explain in more detail what Montessori means and how it plays out in the classroom, with the teachers and throughout the school. Betsy will then share tips and pointers about how to carry the Montessori Method outside of school - no pricey materials needed! There are many simple things you can do to foster independence and creativity in your child while in the most comfortable of settings - your home.

This is a wonderful workshop for those who are new to Montessori and those who want to learn more. It is being provided free of charge to all WMS families. Two hours of co-op time will be given to each family member who attends. Seats are limited. Please register online.

Please note: Child-care will be available at a cost of $5 per child, with advanced registration required. Email cass_winner@wmsde.org or call (302) 475-0555 to register by Friday, November 1.

Calling all Montessori Dads

Second annual WMS Family Night at Ramsey's Farm - This Friday

Join the WMS community for a night of fun! Enjoy an evening outdoors with hayrides, a flashlight corn maze and bonfire. Bring your own dinner - grills and picnic tables will be available - and enjoy snacks and drinks provided by Co-op.

Where: Ramsey Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 (Off Route 92)

Prices: $10 for ages 5 and up, $6 for ages 4 and under

 

Wilmington Montessori School's annual Scholastic Book Fair will be held Tuesday, October 29 through Friday, November 1. The hours of the fair are:

• Tuesday, October 29, 8 a.m.-noon, 2:30-4 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 30 - 8:30 a.m.-noon, 2:30-7 p.m. (Family Fun Night and after-school shopping!)
• Thursday, October 31 - 8:30 a.m.-noon and 2:30-4 p.m.
• Friday, November 1 - 8:30 a.m.-noon

To help your child find the best books, all elementary students will visit the Book Fair during class time and will be allowed to purchase books during that visit. You may also visit the fair with your child before or after school. If you cannot attend, you may use the Book List order form that was sent home with your child and return it to school.        

Our Family Night will be Wednesday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Your family can shop together, participate in activities and enjoy refreshments. Kids can dress up as super heroes and can win prizes for best costumes. Pizza will be on sale in the gym. We also invite you to stop by the Classroom Wish List display while visiting our Book Fair. Help add books to our classroom shelves by purchasing books and donating them to your child's class.

This year, we again have the opportunity to bring more books to our students and classrooms through a program called All for Books. Look for the collection jars at the cash register tables in the Great Room and the gym near the food during Family Night. All of the money collected goes directly to purchasing more books for WMS. In addition, Scholastic will match the All for Books dollars we raise with a donation of up to one million books to three non-profit organizations devoted to improving reading skills among children: Kids in Distressed Situations Inc., National Center or Family Literacy and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  

We appreciate your dedication to creating lifelong readers. See you at our Book Fair!

Note: Co-op volunteers are still needed for this event. Check out the sign-up page and volunteer for specific days and times that work for you!