W E D N E S D A Y  W E E K L Y
February 8, 2017
 
In this Issue


Upcoming Events

February 13-17
Parent Appreciation Week!
 
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
Learn More

Annual Meeting
7 p.m., Great Room
Learn More


February 16
Upper Elementary (9-12) Transition Morning
9 a.m., starting in the Learning Commons
Learn More 
 
9-12 Chorus Performance of National Anthem at UD Basketball Game
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Game begins at 7 p.m.
Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, DE


February 20
President's Day/
Mid-Winter Break
No school. Pre-registered child-care available. 
 
 

Lessons in Democracy

Message from 
Head of School Lisa A. Lalama 

Read more from Lisa on the Montessori Message blog.
 
The news for the past few months has been unsettling as well as inspiring. We have elected a new President of the United States, which has been the impetus for political action for some and widespread agreement for others. Though we each may have our opinions, what our democracy ensures is that we have a right to those thoughts and actions. We are encouraged to speak up, to be heard. You might be wondering what your children are making of these current events.

Watching the inauguration with the 9- through 12-year-olds was an experience filled with teachable moments. As the oldest children in the school, they are more aware of how our democratic process works. They are also more aware of current events and have an ear tuned to adult conversation. They have their ideas of what is just, fair and right. As we listened to the inaugural address, the students listened carefully, determining what might be a true promise from our president and those he may be unable to keep. They acknowledged what they liked about the speech and what they disagreed with or found distracting. In the days since, people around the world have stood up to share their thoughts about our 45th president.

Once again, we are reminded that Wilmington Montessori School is raising citizens of the world. The students here are learning to examine events and ideas, ask questions, and formulate their own ideas and opinions. They watch and listen. They are curious. They are able to disagree and put forth ideas others may not agree with or like. They do not have to accept what is but, instead, can dwell in what is possible.

Though the 9-12 students are no more likely than we are to predict what the next four years will bring, what they do know is that history has shown that the democratic process will persevere. They understand their role is to pay attention, ask questions needed to further dialogue and gather information. They may or may not agree with the people, events or circumstances in which we find ourselves, but they know how to respectfully disagree, to work toward a just and peaceful world for all of the world's citizens. They are eager to participate in the democratic process and to vote when they are of age. In the meantime, they are watching and learning. As Dr. Montessori said so well, "The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind."



 


 
News & Notes News
Join us on the Journey - February 9 at 8:30 a.m.Journey
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 toddler 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 cass_winner@wmsde.org.

Register Now Button
Weather-Related
Closing/Delay Information


In the event that inclement weather makes it necessary for us to cancel or delay school, the Connect 5 Emergency Alert system will be activated. 

Families will be notified by phone and email messages, as well as a text message (if you have opted in). 

Following the activation of the Connect 5 system, information will also be posted in the "News" section on the WMS homepage (www.wmsde.org), along with Facebook and Twitter. Please check our status on these sites before calling the school for information. 

To update your contact information in our Connect 5 database, please contact alert@wmsde.org. Changes submitted after 3 p.m. may not be processed until the following day. 
annualmeetingAnnual Meeting
Wednesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. 

 
Join us for our Annual Meeting next Wednesday at 7 p.m. This year's agenda includes:

 *  The public premiere of a beautiful five-minute film about our school, created by former WMS student Lukas MacKinney

 *  A presentation on the state of WMS from Head of School Lisa Lalama

 *  Financial updates from Board Treasurer Paul Sakaguchi

 * A presentation of the 2017-20 Strategic Plan by Board Chair Anna Quisel

 *  Election of new/returning Board Members (ballots for parents are available at the front desk)

 * Q&A session

We hope to see you at the meeting! 
 
What's Next?
Transition Mornings - February 14-16transition
 
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)

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Tomorrow's Leaders leaders
Featured Alumnus: Patrick Quinn

We are always so pleased when alumni come back to Wilmington Montessori School to share their life experiences with us. In December, alumnus Patrick Quinn visited with the 9-12 students in the Learning Commons, teaching them about the techniques he used to create the video "Space is a Place on Earth." The film, created under Patrick's artist pseudonym Quentin Quinn, was included in a video exhibition titled   "We See The Stars" at The Delaware Contemporary (formerly the DCCA).

Patrick attended WMS from 1993 to 2001.  He fondly recalls the times he spent exploring the woods and taking nature walks with his sketchbook. "Without a doubt, the freedom WMS allows in its classrooms influenced me greatly," Patrick said.

As a high-school student at Wilmington Friends School, Patrick wrote and co-directed a 30-second television commercial for Delaware's 
Get Up and Do Something campaign . After graduating in 2009, he enrolled in Chapman University in California as a Screenwriting and Advertising major. He completed his double major a year early and used his extra time to backpack through Europe.
 
Currently, Patrick lives in Los Angeles and is working at a tech startup (card.com) as a copywriter and digital marketing manager. Along with his day job, Patrick has somehow found the time to write four (not yet produced) feature-length movies, produce an EP of experimental electronic music (along with videos to accompany the songs), and perform his music live for the first time at a music festival last October, complete with visual effects that he created.

Patrick enjoys returning home from Los Angeles and visiting with family and friends (including his WMS family), and feels grateful for their love and support they have given him throughout his life.  When he looks back on his time at WMS, he says the impact on his creative work is clear: "Everything from the hour-long creative writing exercises to the independence the teachers fostered allowed me to think outside the box at an early age, which carried over into my life and art for the better."

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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