It was a very busy and gratifying weekend for many WMS students (and their families). First on the schedule was a display of student art work sponsored by the Delaware Association of Independent Schools, in which the art work of WMS students and students from other schools was featured. Art teachers from several independent schools, along with WMS Art teacher Laurie Muhlbauer, helped hang the show at The Pilot School to spotlight the impressive imaginative work of so many young artists. 

 

Next on the schedule was the Odyssey of the Mind competition on Saturday. WMS was represented by four teams - two K-2nd grade and two 3rd-5th grade teams. Each year for the past several years, WMS teams, as coached by volunteer parents, have competed in this program which develops and recognizes the values of creativity, innovation and ingenuity in its participants. The OoTM students had worked for weeks and their preparation was evident in each of their presentations.

 

And, finally, six WMS 9-12 students had the opportunity to sing with the Delaware ACDA Children's Honor Choir. What an amazing experience for all of the students - two days of in-depth rehearsal capped off by a chance to share five choral pieces composed and arranged especially for young voices. Area music teachers, including WMS' music teacher Heather Wadler, volunteered their time to make sure the two days of rehearsal and performance were successful for everyone. 

 

In all three of these special events the takeaway was clear. The skills needed in the arts are the skills needed in life - commitment, a knack for invention and the discipline to strive and accomplish so much. In her powerful closing remarks, the ACDA guest conductor Andrea Ramsey, from the University of Colorado, reminded the audience, "Music gives us all our sense of humanity, connects us with others and shows us there is beauty in the world." 

 

Dr. Ramsey shared her deep belief that "the arts are not an extra. They are not an additive. They are a preservative." This preservation of the spirit was in evidence in all of the WMS students involved in these three events. Congratulations to the WMS artists, singers and OoTM participants whose hard work represented WMS so well and thanks to their dedicated teachers and parents for supporting them in their efforts. 

The early registration deadline for Camp Montessori is Friday, March 31. Families that register for a combined total of five or more weeks by this deadline will receive a  10% discount! 

New this year -

• Electives: All campers entering first through eighth grade will now choose electives at the beginning of each week. Electives are special, small-group activities that allow campers to spend more time doing exactly what they most like to do. Some examples include Chemistry , Into the Woods , Poetry Slam,  Sports and Games , Wilderness Builders and making friendship bracelets .
• Free Early Morning Child-Care:  Parents may drop off as early as 7 a.m. at no additional charge
• Specialists:  Wilmington Montessori School's specialists in S.T.E.A.M., art and environmental science will bring their expertise, enthusiasm and specialized materials to the Core Camp groups.

Visit  www.wmsde.org/camp  to learn more about this year's programs and register today!