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W E D N E S D A Y W E E K L Y
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In this Issue
Upcoming Events
April 27
Children & Social Media Panel Discussion
7-8:15 p.m.
Learn More
April 28
Delaware Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Ceremony
9:30 a.m.
April 29
Dance Party
6 p.m. in the gym Learn More
May 6
All-Staff Professional Pre-registered child-care only.
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Message from Head of School
Lisa A. Lalama
I'm sure you've heard, WMS has been named a State of Delaware and U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School. We are thrilled to have the hard work that we all do each day acknowledged at the state and federal levels. Teaching our children to be good stewards of the earth is a fundamental Montessori value that we have worked to instill in each of our students for more than 50 years. We are thrilled that the efforts of our entire community - students, staff and parents - are being recognized on the national level!
Thank you for all of your efforts toward creating a greener school environment for our students, their families and the WMS community!
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Co-op Corner  |
Upcoming Co-op Opportunities
Here are two great ways to earn Co-op hours before the end of the year!
Green Ribbon School Ceremony, Thursday, April 28 - WMS will be hosting several VIPs, including state officials, and students and staff from other schools on the morning of the Delaware Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Ceremony. We are in need of "breakfast-y" foods, such as muffins and quick breads for all of our visitors. Volunteers are needed for set up and clean up, as well. Please let us know if we can count on you by emailing co-op@wmsde.org or by signing up on the Co-op bulletin board (diagonal from the library).
Moms' Day, Tuesday, May 3 - One of the best-loved events of the year, Moms' Day, is the chance for students to share their work, their classrooms and their classmates with their moms. We want to provide a delicious morning buffet for our special visitors. Would you be willing to contribute muffins, quick breads, fruit trays and orange juice to share? Flowers and paper goods are also requested. Volunteers are needed for planning, set-up and clean-up. Please let us know if we can count on you by emailing co-op@wmsde.org or by signing up on the Co-op bulletin board (diagonal from the library).
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News & Notes  |
 Children and Social Media: How to Keep UpA Presentation & Panel Discussion by Lisa Slade Martin, Lisa Lalama and Rose Feehan
Wednesday, April 27, 7-8:15 p.m.
Join us to discuss the following questions:
- What are current trends in children's use of social media?
- What are the important issues involved?
- How do we encourage healthy use of social media?
- How do we address problems if they arise?
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Support Arts Integration at WMS
You've heard about our Arts Integration campaign at WMS...now it's time to get involved.
WMS has raised more than $600,000 toward Arts Integration, but additional funds are still needed for this initiative. The Longwood Foundation grant will be used toward capital improvements and additions, but the school is still raising funds for teacher professional development, an expanded artist-in-residence program and materials.
Next week, you will be hearing from one of the parents in your child's classroom who has agreed to help raise funds from our own community in support of Arts Integration. The classroom with the highest rate of participation in this campaign will win a bonus Pajama Pizza Day!
This campaign will be held next week for one week only...all pledges and gifts must be received by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 6 to qualify your child's classroom to win the Pajama Pizza Day. Help us close out the Marie M. Dugan Fund for the Future Comprehensive Campaign and lend your support...your dollars will directly benefit the children, teachers and classrooms at WMS!
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Dance Party Fundraiser - This Friday
Written by the students of the 9-12 Program
It's that time again! On Friday, April 29, the fourth- and fifth-grade students will host their second fundraiser of the year. Our fundraisers support our sixth grade trip to New York City and the Global Citizenship Action Project conference.
The dance party is a wonderful event for all ages and is a bargain at just $10 per person. The event will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the gym and includes pizza, salad, dessert and drinks. There will also be raffle baskets so bring some extra dollars.
We hope to see you there!
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Blue Rocks - Rocky's Reading Challenge
This year, WMS had more than 100 students who participated in the Wilmington Blue Rocks - Rocky's Reading Challenge. Participating students read 10+ books/chapters. In turn, they each earned two free tickets to the June 15 Blue Rocks game against the Winston Salem Dash.
Congratulations to all of the WMS students who participated!
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 Moms' Day - Next Tuesday (May 3)
Moms' Day is always a wonderful day at WMS - a time for children to show off their classrooms and share their excitement about all that they are learning. Your children will be thrilled to show you the interesting and important work they tackle each day here at school. We look forward to welcoming you to WMS!Schedule:
8:30 until 10 a.m. - Classroom visits.
10 to 11 a.m. - Join us in the Great Room for refreshments and a presentation by WMS students.
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Today's Learners |
The Benefits of the "Calm Down Corner"
by Lead 3-6 Teacher Betsy Haas
 Each school year, as teachers begin to create beautiful learning environments in WMS classrooms, we are constantly asking ourselves about the needs of the children. We strive to create spaces that will allow the children to move freely and work comfortably. There are carpeted areas, tables of a variety of sizes, lofts and other quiet reading nooks, and spaces for cooperative work like the block area.
While preparing for this school year, I learned about "calm down corners" or "take a break areas." All of our Primary classrooms have peace areas in which children can work through problems with classmates - usually two at a time. What we felt could enhance our classroom further was a place for children to retreat that is calming, safe, comforting and out of the spotlight of others. We created a beautiful little nook in the classroom to do just that. We have been observing that the children in our classroom use this "calm down corner" in a number of different ways. For example, if a child is having a difficult time saying goodbye to his or her parent at the classroom door, upset about a situation in the classroom or simply needs a break from everything, it is beneficial to have a quiet place to calm down. After a few minutes of quiet time, the child is able to decide when to re-join the group.
In Room 16, we feel as though the calm down area that we have created has been quite beneficial to the needs of the children. They find comfort in items such as a calm down jar (instructions can be found on Pinterest), various hand fidgets, a weighted blanket, a soft, child-sized chair, and books about emotions such as When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang. We also have a poster and picture cards with various emotions on them. Paper and crayons could be added to help the children express how they are feeling through art. Another idea would be to have a chalkboard or canvas available with a paintbrush and water so the children can draw their feelings and -hopefully by the time the water dries - calm down. What we like the best is that we have a sheer white curtain that the children can close themselves if they feel as though they need to block out others. As teachers, we are always seeking new information about supporting each child's development and self-regulation. Here is a list of resources that will offer information and tips about self-regulation in the classroom or at home. Keep in mind that many of the ideas that we offer in our classroom environments could easily be transferred into even the smallest spaces in your home.
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Tomorrow's Leaders |
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Erin Winner as a WMS student
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Alumni Spotlight: Erin Winner, Class of 2001
Did you know that Erin Winner, Room 13's lead teacher, is also a Wilmington Montessori School alumna? After graduating from WMS in 2001, Erin always enjoyed coming back to visit and working at Camp Montessori. Now she gets to spend every day at WMS as an AMS-certified primary (3-6) teacher.
Erin attended Wilmington Montessori School for 10 years and went to Cab Calloway School of the Arts for middle and high school. She then attended the University of Delaware where she majored in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Disability Studies.
As she works with her student, Erin is constantly reminded of time she spent at WMS as a child. When she watches students' performances, she fondly remembers playing the part of Alice in "Alice and Wonderland" as a sixth-grader. As she takes her students for walks in the woods, she remembers trekking into the woods for Stream Watch as a student in the 6-9 Program. She recalls how much she looked forward to this time and how peaceful she felt, quietly writing and reflecting while surrounded by nature.
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| | | Erin as a lead primary teacher | |
"One of the most important things that I learned at WMS was how to work with other people," Erin says. "We always emphasize the social curriculum in Montessori, and I believe it is crucial for future success. Regardless of the facts or knowledge one has, it is nearly impossible to get through life without social intelligence. An ability to communicate, problem-solve and collaborate with others has helped me to overcome obstacles and get to where I am today."
Would you be willing to participate in an interview or write about your family's WMS experience? Please email alumni@wmsde.org and we will be in touch! Thank you!
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 The Wednesday Weekly shares WMS news and events that are relevant to the families in our community. Please send submissions to wednesday-weekly@wmsde.org 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, Director of Communications.
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