W E D N E S D A Y  W E E K L Y
February 28, 2018
In this Issue


Upcoming Events


March 9
All-Staff Professional Day 
No school or child care


March 19-23
Spirit Week
School store to open soon for spirit wear


March 26-29
Spring Break


March 30
Building Closed
No child care available


April 2
Child-Care Day
Register Now


April 5
Toddler Sing-Along


April 9-13
ERB Testing


Message from
Director of Montessori Enrichment Tracey Manerchia
 
Tracey Manerchia
"Be the CHANGE that you wish to see in the world."
~Mahatma Gandhi

As we start to experience higher temperatures, we are reminded that change is knocking on our door. It is during these times of change that we hold strong to what we know and are comfortable with and muster our courage to move outside of our comfort zone.

For me personally, the last seven weeks have been a whirlwind as I try to wrap my head around my new position here at Wilmington Montessori. I am comforted by the long-standing tradition that is Camp Montessori, and the very strong roots in which it is grounded. I am also looking forward to new possibilities and opportunities for your children and our community.

The transition between the school year and camp can be exciting for our seasoned campers but can also be a time of anxiety and uncertainty for our younger friends who thrive on routine and stability. We are excited many aspects of our programs from last year will remain the same, such as the Dragons' overnight camp-out, the elementary students' opportunity to swim outside several times each week, STEAM enrichment for all ages, art programs led by our year-round art teacher, and many activities including literature, cooking, sports, games and various field trips.

Campers in first grade or older will participate in afternoon electives that may include activities like ultimate Frisbee, creek exploration, LEGO projects, 3-D art, yoga and chemistry.  In addition, we are offering three specialty camps this year: Archery I, Shakespeare Adventure and Python for Beginners. These camps are one-week programs that offer specialized experiences in a particular area of interest. Campers can attend a specialty camp only or combine their day with a half-day of core camp to make for an exciting and adventurous week!

We welcome campers from all across our community to experience our welcoming environment, where individual interests and needs are respected, adventures are taken and lifelong friendships are made. Campers must be registered by May 31 and there is a multi-week registration discount of 10% for those who register for five or more weeks (per family) by March 31.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help plan your child's summer camp experience. I look forward to working with you all.

 
News & Notes News
Lockdown Procedures:  A Message from the WMS Preparedness Committee

With school safety in the headlines, we know receiving notification of Monday's perimeter lockdown was particularly distressing to some of our families. As we stated in the email notification that went out to families, there was never any direct threat to students at Wilmington Montessori School. We decided to err on the side of caution by keeping our students indoors when we were made aware of a social media threat to nearby Claymont Elementary School.

Because the word "lockdown" strikes fear into the heart of any parent - for good reason - we thought it might be helpful to explain the different types of lockdowns we practice at WMS and when they are used. Not all lockdowns are created equal, and in most cases, they are enacted out of an abundance of caution, as was the case on Monday.
  • Perimeter Lockdown (a.k.a. "Lock-out")
    The perimeter lockdown procedure is a precautionary measure, used for potential threats OUTSIDE the building. Students and staff remain inside but educational activities continue as usual. Example: Police activity in area, nearby release of hazardous materials (includes additional steps by maintenance to seal the building)
  • Shelter for Tornado
    In the case of a tornado WARNING, students and staff come into the building and take shelter in designated areas inside the halls until the warning has expired.
  • Complete Lockdown
    This procedure is appropriate for a threat INSIDE the building. Students and staff cease classroom activities and take shelter in designated areas. Example: Armed individual inside building
WMS has an active Preparedness Committee, composed of staff members who are trained in safety procedures, crisis communication and incident command. The committee continues to update plans for numerous safety concerns and share these procedures with the staff. Throughout the year, we run drills for our lockdown and evacuation procedures, and our Preparedness Committee members attend professional development workshops to make sure our school remains up-to-date on best practices for safety and security.

Each morning, we welcome our children into a joyful and peaceful learning environment, while as adults, we remain vigilant, knowing that that the safety of our children is of utmost importance. Above all, we remain grateful to be part of such a warm and caring community. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Don't Lose Your Spot: Re-enroll Today! 

Thank you to everyone who has re-enrolled for the 2018-19 school year. We are excited about all the familiar faces we'll have back next year. 

Thank you also to all those who have offered feedback about our new online re-enrollment process. If you have additional comments, please email them to admissions@wmsde.org

If you have not yet re-enrolled, you may still do so through the online re-enrollment form or stop by the front desk to pick up a re-enrollment packet.  Enrollment for some grade levels is already close to capacity, so re-enroll today to reserve your spot! 

Please email us at admissions@wmsde.org to update us about your re-enrollment status if you need additional time to re-enroll or do not intend to re-enroll your child for the 2018-19 year. 
Last Call for March After-School Specials

Take advantage of WMS's great spring after-school enrichment lineup: sign up today! Many classes begin next week and there are still spaces for the following activities:
  • Steel Drums (grades 4-6)
    3:20-4:05 p.m., Wednesdays starting March 7
  • Marine Biology Mania (Primary to grade 1)
    3:45-4:45 p.m., Wednesdays starting March 14
  • Soccer Shots (grades 1-2)
    3:15-3:45 p.m., Fridays starting March 16
  • Soccer Shots (ages 4-6)
    3:50-4:20 p.m., Fridays starting March 16 
  • Running Club for Kindergarten
    3:30-4:30 p.m., Mondays starting March 19
  • Running Club (grades 1-6)
    3:30-4:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays starting March 19
See WMS Alumni in "Mary Poppins" at Mount Pleasant HS, March 15-17

Are you looking for a supercalifragilistic-expialidocious family night out?

Support our talented WMS alumni - Ben Connor, Dylan Garvin, Adele Gulino and Talia Speak - as they take on the timeless musical "Mary Poppins" at Mount Pleasant High School. Evening shows are at 7 p.m., March 15, 16 and 17, with one matinee performance on Saturday, March 17, at 2 p.m. 

For families with younger children, there is a tea party with cast members before the Saturday matinee, which will include a raffle for a Practically Perfect Tea Party Collection.

Visit  Mount Pleasant High School's drama department website for more details and to purchase tickets. 


Six Weeks to Go Until WMS's 2018 Auction & Gala!

If you haven't already, mark your calendar for the 2018 WMS auction - Growing Together: a Garden Gala & Auction - which takes place April 14.  

Tickets will be on sale online from March 23 to April 12 at www.wmsde.org/auction , and in the WMS lobby from April 9 to 13. The online auction will be open for bidding from March 23 through April 6. 

Auction items we've already received include:
  • Gift certificates for massage
  • Google Home voice-activated speaker
  • Golf outings
  • Restaurant gift vouchers
Have a question? Want to donate a gift? Email auction@wmsde.org or donate a gift online .

Flu Season Reminders and a Hand-washing History Lesson
by School Nurse Lisa Chou

Since flu activity in Delaware has yet to peak, remember your best defense against the flu is coughing or sneezing into your sleeve instead of your hands and washing your hands with soap

Do you ever wonder why hand-washing became such an important tool to prevent the spread of disease?

Ignaz Semmelweis (source: Wikimedia)
In the 1840s, Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis noticed that women who died of "childbed fever" shortly after giving birth died at a higher rate under a physician's care in the hospital than under a midwife's care, but he didn't know why. It was only when a colleague died after pricking his finger with an autopsy needle that Semmelweis developed the theory that "corpse particles" might be entering these women's bodies shortly after they gave birth from the hands of the doctor who assisted them.

And even then, the only reason he asked doctors to wash their hands with chlorine, an excellent antiseptic, was to eliminate the odor. Despite his flawed reasoning, the rate of childbed fever dropped dramatically.

Why learn about Ignaz? It's important to understand the history and science behind the hygiene habits nurses and doctors so strongly encourage. Apply that knowledge to your own life: wash your hands several times per day to reduce the spread of the flu, colds and other illnesses this season.
Today's Learners Learners
Outdoor Adventures: The Benefits of Playing Outside
by Lead Primary Teacher Marilyn Faralli

 
"There is no description, no image in any book capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all the life around them in a real forest." - Maria Montessori

Every day, as long as the weather allows, Room 11 ventures outside. Breathing fresh air and moving our bodies are great ways to reset and recenter. Digging with sticks, swinging, climbing rocks, running, investigating nature, playing games and engaging in dramatic play are some of the ways we enjoy the beautiful WMS campus.

Outdoor play benefits children in so many ways. Physical activity helps children develop fine and gross motor skills as well as spatial awareness. Children also build confidence and independence through physical activity. For example, at first a 3-year-old may need help riding a swing. As that child continues to practice and improve each day, he or she is motivated to keep trying.  Eventually, the child is able to swing independently with great pride.

While we're outside, we also see friends from other Primary classrooms, which creates opportunities for children to build community and socialize within their age level. This socialization often includes d ramatic play. Recently, Room 11 visited the Delaware Children's Museum, which inspired some children to set up a make-believe "food stand" on one of the huge rocks on the playground where they "cook" and "sell" imaginary food for imaginary money.

Exploring nature also helps children learn about the world around them. Not a day goes by that children aren't admiring the wonder of insects, plants or weather. They find joy in making tracks in the freshly fallen snow, or getting dirty while digging in the earth for worms. Our students have incredible opportunities to enrich their learning outside of the classroom. They identify butterflies and examine caterpillars on the trees. They collect leaves in the fall and explore the WMS woods. 

Our children are so lucky to be able to make so many fascinating discoveries right in their own WMS backyard.

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 Advancement & Communications.

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