 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
W E D N E S D A Y W E E K L Y
|
|
In this Issue
Upcoming Events
9-12 Talent Show
Dress rehearsal: 9:30 a.m.
Performance 7 p.m.
in the Gym
See Lisa's message for more information!
February 3 & 6
Primary/Elementary Conferences
No school for these ages.
Pre-registered child-care available.
February 8
Montessori League Basketball Game
5:45 p.m. at IHM
February 9
The Journey
8:30 a.m., starting in the Learning Commons
Learn More
February 13
Montessori League Basketball Game (vs. Pilot)
3:30 p.m., in the WMS Gym
February 14
Primary (3-6) Transition Morning
9:30 a.m., starting in the Learning Commons
Learn More
February 15
Lower Elementary (6-9) Transition Morning
9 a.m., starting in the Learning Commons
February 16
Upper Elementary (9-12) Transition Morning
9 a.m., starting in the Learning Commons
|
May the Talent Be With You
Head of School Lisa A. Lalama
This week brings a performance we look forward to each and every year
-
the 9-12 Talent Show! This year, the theme is focused on Star Wars: "May the Talent Be With You." The 9-12 students spend months (sometimes years) planning their contribution to the talent show. Our youngest students are there to cheer on the oldest students in their efforts to sing, dance, act in a skit, perform gymnastics, play musical instruments and more. On Thursday, our fourth- through sixth-graders will strut their stuff in our updated performance space in the WMS gym.
There are so many great things about this show, but one that stands out is our students' willingness
-
and often eagerness
-
to perform before an audience. They can't wait to be on stage and share their talent. They laugh at the silly jokes and remember acts from previous years with great fondness. The 6-9 students watch eagerly and plot what their acts will be when they are finally in the 9-12 Program.
The Talent Show is a reminder of what is so special about WMS. Younger children look to older children as leaders and examples of the great things that lie ahead. They are a respectful audience, mesmerized by their older role models
-
so entranced that they often ask their parents to bring them back for the evening show. Students learn from each other and do what they can to help each other succeed. Heather Wadler leads the show with her tremendous knowledge of theater and music; the children lead the way with their ideas, enthusiasm and energy. It is truly a great WMS evening.
We know your children will enjoy it, and we hope you will drop by for a number or two if you have the chance. The dress rehearsal is at 9:30 a.m. and showtime is at 7 p.m.
|
|
News & Notes
|
Monthly Board News
by Board Chair Anna Quisel
 After attending WMS's 53rd birthday celebration this past week, I was reminded that our school has some unique and longstanding traditions. One of them belongs to WMS's Board of Directors - our Annual Meeting. This year, the meeting will be held on
Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 7 to 8 p.m. We hope you will join us.
In 1964, WMS was incorporated in the state of Delaware as a non-profit parent cooperative with parents/guardians as the members of the corporation (along with non-parent directors and Advisory Board members). Since then, our Board has held an Annual Meeting to share and discuss information about the school and elect directors to our Board.
This year, our meeting will feature the public premiere of a beautiful five-minute film about our school, created by former WMS student Lukas MacKinney. You will also hear about the state of WMS from Head of School Lisa Lalama and learn about our financial picture from Treasurer Paul Sakaguchi. I will present our new 2017-20 Strategic Plan. We look forward to hearing from you during a question and answer session.
 We are pleased to announce that free child-care will be available for the meeting, starting at 6:30 p.m. Please contact
Cass Winner at least 48 hours in advance to register.
For information about our new Board candidates and details on voting, look for our official 2017 Annual Meeting notification in your inbox later this week.
Thank you in advance for participating in this important tradition at WMS. My fellow Board Members and I care deeply about your family's experience at WMS, and we appreciate the confidence that you place in us. We welcome this upcoming opportunity to share.
|
Join us on the Journey - February 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Earn five Co-op hours per family for participating!
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.
Child-care is available by registering in advance with
[email protected].
|
Transition Mornings - February 14-16
Have you ever wondered what the next program level will be like for your child at WMS? Come experience it!
Visit a next-level classroom so you can see for yourself what lies ahead for your child. Observe a class in session where children are working and teachers are giving lessons; ask questions about your child's transition to the next program level. Along with the teachers, Head of School Lisa Lalama, Assistant Head of School Laurie Orsic, Director of Early Childhood Programs Sarah Williams and Admissions Director Tiffany Harrison will be on-hand to answer any questions you might have.
We highly recommend that all of our families attend a Transition Morning, particularly if your child will be moving up next year.
Schedule:
February 14, 9:30 a.m. - 3-6 Transition Morning (for toddler parents)
February 15, 9 a.m. - 6-9 Transition Morning (for current 3-6 parents)
February 16, 9 a.m. - 9-12 Transition Morning (for current 6-9 parents)
|
Today's Learners
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Consistency is Key in the Toddler Program
by Lead Toddler Teacher Lauren Harris
Toddlers thrive on consistency. Young children need familiar caregivers, a solid routine and clear expectations in order to feel comfortable and safe in their environment. The Toddler staff at Wilmington Montessori School works hard to provide children, ages 12 months through 3 years, with these consistent experiences that are so important.
When a child begins in the Toddler Program, we first work to build a sense of trust between him and the teachers. It is important for each child to know that we are there to keep her safe and help meet her needs. Until the child feels this sense of security, she will not be able to acclimate to the classroom.
Developing bonds with the adults in the environment helps the children feel more open to lessons and instruction and, thus, learn new concepts. Those strong bonds can only happen when the adults caring for the child remain consistent over an extended period of time. In WMS's Toddler Program, we work hard to offer this consistency by overlapping our Extended Day staff with our school day staff. We also provide a
summer camp program and a
12-month school option. Both are
led by year-round WMS teachers.
Children also want to know what is going to happen throughout their day. In the toddler classrooms, we keep to a schedule, changing or tweaking very little each day. This daily routine also provides a sense of security for children because they are then able to quickly understand how the day is laid out, when their parents will return and how they will be taken care of. This understanding gives them the feeling that they have some control in their world.
Expectations are clearly laid out for the children in the toddler environments. The spaces are open for the children to explore and manipulate, and we set them up so each child can be successful in that exploration. We also establish ground rules and model appropriate behavior so that children know the limits and boundaries within the environment. It is important that these elements be present and consistent in the toddler classroom so that children can reach their full potential and become independent, joyful learners.
At home, children respond positively to the same type of consistency. Bedtime routines, set rules and limits, and predictable schedules can help parents manage behavior while also giving the child the sense of control that so many young ones seek. While flexibility within these schedules and routines is necessary as we follow the individual needs of the child and adapt to changes in our every day lives, consistency is part of what children need to develop trust, comfort and stability.
|
 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.
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
