W E D N E S D A Y  W E E K L Y
October 12, 2016
 
In this Issue


Upcoming Events

October 13 
Flu Shots
7:30-9:30 a.m. - Adults only
2:45-5 p.m. - Adults and children ages 4 and up (with parent/guardian)

October 18 
Second Announced Fire Drill
Approximately 11:15 a.m.

Webinar: Strategies for Helping Your Child Learn Math Facts
7:30 p.m., Online
Learn More 


October 19
Admissions Open House
9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Tell a friend!


October 20
Parent Education -
The Journey
(Earn Co-op hours!)
8:30 a.m.
Learn More & Register Today (Space is limited!)


October 23-26
Sixth-Grade GCAP Trip
New York City


October 24-27
Toddler Parent Conferences
Contact your teacher to schedule a time. Classes will continue as usual.


October 27
Halloween Parades
Primary - 9:15 a.m.
Elementary - 11:15 a.m.


October 28 & 31
Primary/Elementary Conferences
No school for these levels. Pre-registered child-care is available.
Note: Toddler classes will continue as scheduled. 


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Important Safety Reminder

Keep our children safe! Please observe the posted speed limit in our parking lot at ALL times. 
Message from 
Head of School Lisa A. Lalama
Read more from Lisa on the Montessori Message blog.

"The role of the teacher is to create the conditions for invention rather than provide ready-made knowledge."
 - Seymour Papert


The first Maker Faire of this school year is being held next Thursday (October 20) in the Primary Maker (STEAM) Studio.

What does it mean to make? At WMS, we are fortunate to have separate Maker Studios for our Toddler, Primary and Elementary students. Like our classrooms, these spaces are each equipped with developmentally appropriate materials. Each item has multiple uses and can be explored in a variety of ways. Learning occurs as the students experiment with different ways of using the materials until they achieve their desired results. Exploration is the key. This week, students were building log cabins, writing with quill pens, sawing antlers to make buttons, creating green screen movies and more. There is so much to experience.

Maria Montessori created classroom environments that provide sensory experiences for children, meaning that they have the opportunity to explore their work using their senses. At this time of year, you might find pumpkins with nails in them in the Primary classrooms. Children have the opportunity to use a hammer and nails, filling the pumpkin with nails, learning what that sounds and feels like, while also releasing the aroma of pumpkin. It's not a pumpkin spice latte or a pumpkin muffin, but it is a sensory treat and satisfying work.

We experience the world in various ways. Opportunities for WMS students to make, create and innovate abound. Check the calendar to find the Maker Faire for your child's age group.





 
News & Notes News
webinarWebinar: Strategies for Helping Your Child Learn Math Facts: Moving Beyond Flashcards and Drills
Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Join Assistant Head of School Laurie Orsic for a discussion of the many activities that will help your student learn the 0-10 math facts - in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 

Hear about current research and thinking about how children practice and retain the basic math facts. Laurie will offer ideas for practicing math facts and address key questions such as: 
  • What is the typical timeline for learning the math facts? 
  • What can families do at home to support the development of these important skills? 
  • What preparation does my student need to be ready to move up to the next grade level? 
  • What is the difference between conceptual knowledge and recall of math facts and why does it matter? 
  • What are the math fact benchmarks and standards?
Finally, and most importantly, the webinar will include information about the Montessori Method and how it inspires students in their math studies and aids in their memorization of math facts. 

Register Now Button
Primary (3-6) Maker Fairemaker
Thursday, October 20,  8-9 a.m. in the Primary Maker (STEAM Studio)

Join us for our first Maker Faire of the year on October 20. Next week during their visits to the Maker Studio, children will begin learning about North American artist  Dale Chihuly. During our Maker Faire, we will be creating Chihuly inspired art. 

Please join us!

For more information, contact Paula Sharpe, STEAM Coach.

Flu Shots - Thursday, October 13 flu

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.

Schedule:
7:30-9:30 a.m. - Adults only
2:45-5 p.m. - Adults and children ages 4 and up (with parent/guardian)

$35 - Pay with cash, check, credit card or flexible spending card.

Please sign up in advance on the nurse's office door. 
Join us on the Journey - Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.journey
Register Today - Space is limited!
Whether you're a long-time Wilmington Montessori School parent or just beginning to learn about Montessori education - it is time to step out of the observation room and into the classroom!

Even if you've attended The Journey in the past, there are new things to discover...

During this event, you will:
  • Personally experience the Montessori educational process and better understand the teaching methods by getting hands-on with Montessori materials.
  • See first-hand how WMS prepares children for success in their educational journey.
  • Learn how each three-year program level builds and supports your child's development from introduction through sixth grade.
  • Find out about WMS's technology, Arts Integration and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) initiatives.
  • 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 to friends and family.
Register Now Button
Child-care is available by registering in advance with [email protected].
Today's Learners learners
Building Community in the 9-12 Program
by Joanna Breger, Shelley Robyn & Margo Long

Each new school year, we have the pleasure of welcoming new faces into our 9-12 community. Every student, both new and returning, brings a unique perspective to the classroom. New friendships are made, and old ones re-emerge as the year begins.

An important aspect of Upper Elementary curriculum is team work. Though we work throughout the year building community, we spend the first few months learning about each other, sharing our strengths and learning how to cooperate. One of the experiences that supports this work is our overnight field trip. It comes within the first few weeks of school, which may seem early, but it is one of the best learning opportunities for our class.
 
This year, the 9-12 community traveled to Wernersville, Pennsylvania to South Mountain YMCA camp. At the camp, we shared cabins and meals and participated in a variety of team building activities. Students focused on problem-solving, communication skills, and taking on different roles while working with a team on both the "low-ropes" and "challenge" courses. Teams are only successful when each member of the team has succeeded. Team members learn to respect and appreciate what each individual contributes to the community.  We carry these skills back into the classroom and continue to strengthen them as the year progresses.  

Mutual respect and appreciation are paramount in our community. We work to listen to and learn from each other's perspective and seek to understand other points of view throughout the year.  Social learning permeates the academic curriculum  For example, book club discussions offer us an opportunity to hear the ideas of our classmates which are rooted in reading as well as life experiences. Collaboration is a key factor in the growth and development of our students.  
The Wednesday Weekly shares 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, Director of Communications.
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