It has now been one year since I became the Head of School at WMS. This has given me pause; it is a time for reflection. The year has affirmed much of what I knew to be true. WMS is one of the finest independent Montessori schools in the country, offering a Montessori curriculum, alignment with national standards and a strong social curriculum for children. More than that, WMS is home to so many. We have students and families who have been a part of the school for more than 50 years and delight in keeping in touch, learning how we have embraced change and enjoying the comfort of knowing our commitment to our mission has remained constant.  

With reflection also comes a time to look forward and consider the future. Most of you are familiar with our Strategic Plan and recognize some of the work we have already done that reflects that plan: three new Maker Studios, a beautiful natural Toddler playground, and a technology program that is supporting our students and teachers as they explore learning incorporating technology with other tools already at their disposal.

As we move forward, we will continue to grow and make changes that prepare our students for future learning experiences. Longwood Foundation has offered us a challenge that we are working hard to meet. Our goal is to integrate the arts more fully into our students' learning at WMS and not simply to reserve arts education to specials classes. This will take the strong support of our community and will allow our teachers and students to grow in ways we cannot even imagine today. It will support the existing curriculum as well as prepare each child for the challenges they will face in the future. It will promote 21st-century skills such as creativity, innovation and curiosity just to name a few.

Our staff began this school year considering what it meant to possess a growth mindset. They continue to learn, to work and to help children understand that most basic abilities can be developed; we are all works in progress. Our rich history and strong foundation guide us as we move toward a future that reflects our past and leads us solidly into the next 50 years.