Hilltop Montessori School's mission is for students to practice responsible independence in a caring community of curious, critical learners and thoughtful citizens.
Friday Newsletter
April 12, 2019
Upcoming Dates:

April 15 - April 22
  • Spring Break, no school. School resumes Tuesday, April 23.

April 24
  • Children's House and Elementary Playground work party, 3 - 5 pm

April 25
  • All school gathering, CH hosts, 8:45 am

April 26
  • LE Author's Tea, 8:45 am

May 1
  • Moving Up Night for Parents, 6 - 7 pm - Join the faculty in each program as they discuss the next year for your children.
Be sure to scroll through this whole newsletter to catch all the highlights from this past week, including Upper El's performance and the Middle School's trip to Alabama!
Happy Spring Break!
Have fun in the sun and watch out for ticks!
Save the Date - Spring Events
April
  • April is the Month of the Young Child. All CH and TP parents should have received a program listing all of the free and wonderful events for children that will be in our community this month. (Here is a link to a PDF version of the program.) See the Children's House section below for details on the events at Hilltop.

May
  • 5/4 Mister G Family Concert at Hilltop - 11:00 am - TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE (see below for details)
  • 5/24 Grandparent and Special Friend Day - 8:30 - 11:45 am 
  • 5/25 Hilltop Community Tag Sale & Craft Fair - 7:30 - noon

June
  • 6/6 Last Day of School / Field Day & Bead Ceremony (no After Care)
  • 6/7 Middle School Graduation
Notes From the Board
The HMS Board of Trustees gathered on Wednesday for our monthly Board meeting. Here are some highlights:

  • We want to thank everybody who came to our annual chili cookoff! The chili was delicious, and we got an update on the Strategic Plan. Lots has been accomplished towards our strategic goals in the past couple of years! We hope that it got you excited about the path the school is taking, and the possibility of stewarding the school on that path through Board service.
  • We approved the new Facilities Use Agreement and indexed rental fee structure. Thanks to Kegan, who has done a really in-depth revision of our facilities use policy, this policy and fee structure has been transformed into a solid tool with which we can engage the larger community in the HMS campus in an equitable way, while also ensuring the sustainable use of the campus and offering strong legal protections for the school. Great work, Kegan! The new policy will be posted soon on the HMS website. Please reach out to Kegan if you or someone you know has an event, party or activity that needs a space! 
  • A couple of routine Board transitions are taking place, and we discussed these. We have a couple of new candidates for the board of Trustees. We also want to thank Paul Lockyear for his service to the Board. His work schedule no longer enables him to serve on the Board. Paul, you will be missed!

As always, we want to hear from you - stay in touch!

Board Leadership Team
Alix Fedoruk - Board Chair
Angela Yang-Handy - Incoming Chair
Vanessa Long - Honorary Outgoing Chair and Secretary
Playground Work Party
Please come help prepare the students' play areas and gardens for spring and get to know fellow Hilltop families!

Any and all Children’s House AND Elementary parents are strongly encouraged to join us after school on Wednesday, April 24th from 3 pm - 5 pm . We will be pulling together to:

  • Spread wood chips to enhance the safety of playground equipment in both the Children's House and Elementary playgrounds.
  • Set up the newly improved greenhouse structure.
  • Beautify the gardens:
  • Prep program beds for student planting;
  • Separate overgrown plants for the plant sale.
  • Repair the iconic Little Red House! (We need a team of four to help with this project).
  • and “mulch” more (pun intended, sorry). Pizza will be provided!

We hope to see you there!
Toddler Room
Happy spring break from the Toddler room!
David plays the ukulele with Marco at circle time.
Zander poses after feeding our fish!
Cyrus enjoys an outdoor snack.
Jody works on a buckle dressing frame.
Liam using a special work borrowed from the Birch room.
Children's House
Mud, mud, I love mud!
I’m absolutely, positively wild about mud.
I can’t go around it,
I’ve got to go through it,
Beautiful, fabulous,
Super Duper Mud!

As the All School Gathering song suggests, mud is an enticing medium on any playground, and we’ve embraced that feeling recently in the Children’s House. This week marked the unveiling of our much anticipated “mud kitchen.” This outdoor area is a place for children to use, cook, and “eat” with one another in dramatic play. It provides a sensory rich experience for the children, as well as the opportunity for the development of language, flexible thinking, and problem solving through play. In addition, it offers the opportunity for science experimentation as the children work with different “ingredients” and proportions with their recipes. And, of course, it’s fun!

One of the truly wonderful aspects of the mud kitchen is the way it was created. The Children’s House teachers determined a need for this kind of space through their observations of the way in which the children used the current playground. Those children demonstrated a need for this space through their sustained interest in this type of dramatic play, often attempting to create makeshift cooking areas in the bushes or bike shed. Once the need was determined, the teachers reached out to the school community.
The mud kitchen was designed by Rebecca and built by our Upper Elementary friends as a part of a woodworking elective with Kegan. The children’s excitement about this area is amplified so much by knowing it was made for them by their Peace Buddies! We are so grateful to all of them for their hard work on this project, and their model of giving back to the school community.

Have a wonderful April break. See you on Tuesday, April 23rd!

-The Children’s House Teachers
Rebecca gives a lesson on the mud kitchen.
Children work on a complex stream and tunnel project.
Eleanor watches as Quentin and Kaleb make some soup.
Eliza, AJ, Phoebe, and Allie get to cooking while Sage looks on.
Zhong Yi and Elijah take a closer look.
Thanks to all the families who came to Sunday's art show. It was great to see you there!
Lower Elementary
Creating pictures to accompany the words in their books has been a great focus for many students this week in Writer's Workshop. Our Author's Tea will be on Friday, April 26th at 8:45 am – the week we return from vacation.
As part of our study of Fundamental Needs, we recently read the book Poverty and Hunger , by Louise Spilsbury and Hanane Kai. This book explains what poverty is, some of the reasons that people may live in poverty, and how it affects children in particular. It ends by describing the ways in which people help those who are, for whatever reason, unable to meet all of their fundamental needs.

Josh Davis, of Groundworks Collaborative, visited us on Tuesday to discuss the work he does and how his organization helps in the community. In response to the many comments and questions the students had, Josh emphasized the need that all human beings share for connection and love, in addition to food and shelter.

Thank you to Josh Traeger and Ayla for the beautiful book  The 5 o'clock Band , by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Bryan Collier.

Have an excellent weekend!
Kerstin, Patrick, and Amelia
Patrick leads a math lesson with the Olders.
Carter and Kerstin work together on an Iron Age layout.
Finn focuses on reading Alvin Ho for his reading group.
Eko uses the early checkerboard to complete his multiplication problems.
Uri focuses on reading a decodable book.
Charlotte traces a polygon as part of her geometry work.
Sebastian and Amelia use the Golden Beads to solve Magic Zero problems.
Upper Elementary
We Will Wrap You

Buddy, you're a Pharaoh, dead now
Who ruled Egypt, gonna be a mummy someday
A gold mask on your face, to stop disgrace
And take your soul to another place, singin'
We will, we will wrap you
We will, we will wrap you

Buddy, you're in salt now, drying
You’ll be mummified, all your brains taken out
You got salt on your face, you’re in a weird place
So you’ll be preserved and put in a case

We will, we will wrap you, sing it!
We will, we will wrap you, yeah

Buddy, you're a mummy, in a tomb
No one hears your cries when a robber steals you one day
Not in your safe place, you're being disgraced
You hope you’ll be returned to your sarcophagus space, do it!
We will, we will wrap you, yeah, yeah, come on
We will, we will wrap you, alright, louder!
We will, we will wrap you, one more time
We will, we will wrap you
Yeah
What a fantastic and fun performance!!

Many thanks go to all adults who came in to help set up risers, set up and clean up and he potluck, and some who even stayed later last night to break down the risers!

Save the Date: 6th Grade field trip to Sturbridge village on May 9 - depart at 8am and return at 5pm
Middle School
The middle school returned from our eight day Alabama Odyssey on Wednesday. It was an extraordinary and transformative journey. We invite you to share with us the wonder of this trip by visiting our blog . The daily entries are composed of photos, videos, and excerpts from student journals.

How do we individually and collectively process the enormity of our immersion into race, history, poverty, and privilege? Upon our return to school we are creating a performance that reflects upon this journey that began on the first day of school when we read the Declaration of Independence. We quickly realized that, “all men are created equal” was more of a promise than a reality and engaged in a year long study of struggle that culminates with our performances on Monday and Tuesday, May 13 and 14 at 7pm . We hope to see you there.
Spring After School Enrichment Programs
Register by emailing the front desk before next Wednesday, April 17, for this spring's after-school enrichment programs!

Registration forms went home with students this week, and can be returned when school resumes on April 23.

Golf
UE and MS, $175, Mace Sebby
Mondays and Thursdays, 4/25 thru 5/23 (9 classes), 3:30-5:00

Golf at the Brattleboro Golf Club: Learn the fundamentals of golf. Covering the rules and etiquette of golf and every facet of the game which will help improve each student’s focus and develop their individual skills. There will also be range time at the club during each session. The Hilltop school van will transport students to the the lesson, and parents will be asked to pick their student up at 5pm from the club. If enrollment exceeds 9 students, we will need an additional driver to transport students. Please let the front desk know if you are willing to chaperone students to the club.


Snack Attack!
UE and MS, $100, Joanna Wilson-Phillips      
Tuesdays, 4/23 thru 5/28 (No class on 5/14) (5 classes), 3:30-4:45

Just because the portion is small, doesn’t mean the flavor has to be! Join us after school on Tuesdays for a snacks and appetizers cooking class where we’ll make delicious mini meals and small plates. We’ll look at what makes an after-school treat delicious (without ruining your appetite for dinner) and how to make appetizers that will wet your whistle and wow your friends and family. Participants must be able to read and follow a recipe (sorry, no exceptions). Prior cooking experience is useful, but not needed. Please let the Front Desk know of any allergies when signing up. Instructor: Joanna Wilson Phillips, a certified Culinary Nutrition Expert
Save the Date: Concert at Hilltop!
Jay sings Mister G songs with friends.
Who is Mister G?
Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G) is a Latin GRAMMY Award winning artist, author, activist and educator. Hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by the Washington Post, he was originally dubbed MISTER G by his young students while pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood Education. His spirited bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross cultural connections.

What age group will enjoy the show?
We invite children and parents to a morning of lively entertainment and fun as Mister G rocks out at Hilltop! This show is geared to children from Toddler to Elementary years.

Will the children be able to dance?
Absolutely! 

How long is the concert?
The show run time is one hour.

Please check out a few of Mister G’s videos, below to get excited for the show

Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Click here for the link. 
Hilltop School Store
The online school store is open!!

A wonderful way to show your support of Hilltop!
This “Pop-up Shop” is only live from now through 5/15. Start shopping now!  

Hilltop Montessori School themed items hats, sweatshirts, t-shirts, bags and more are available for purchase.  Check it out!
Hilltop Helpers


THANK YOU to Hazel Pizza for providing delicious pizzas for the students and staff every week! Sccccrrrrumptious! We still and always will ♡ 🍕!!
Community
Donations Wanted:

Middle School students Annelise and Ava are collecting items for Groundworks to give to two new mothers who were homeless during their pregnancies and now have housing with the help of Groundworks. Please leave any of the following items in the box in the entryway near the front desk: diapers/wipes, baby clothes (new or in excellent used condition), nursing supplies, toiletries, gift cards to local businesses. We also have a list of other items that could be useful next to the box.
Mole Hill kicks off the spring season with "VT Shakedown", an Afrobeat/Funk band with twists of jazz and reggae. Among their influences are Fela Kuti, Sly and the Family Stone, James Brown, Osibisi and Antibalas. You'll get a big sound from this group's rippin' horn section, polyrhythmic guitar and funky drums and vocals.

The band includes: Josh Francis - drums; Anders Burrows - trumpet, percussion, vocals; Jim Heffron - tenor and bari sax; Jay Cook - keys, percussion, vocals; Scott Griswold - bass; Evan Lincoln - guitar; Wendell Rheinheimer - guitar.

Sat. April 13th, 8 - 11 pm ~ $12 ~ byob 'n' snacks ~ all ages

Got syrup? See Cheryl !
Skills, Drills and Soccer Challenges
A New Challenge Everyday!

When: April 15,16,17
Rain date: April 18th
Time: 9 am - 12 pm
Who: Ages 9 - 4
Where: Winston Prouty, lower field
Cost: $25 per day

Sign up online or register the day of.

Coaches: Jeff Brewer, Chris Brewer
Goalie coach: TBA
Bring: Ball, water, and a snack
SO MUCH CIRCUS!

The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) has lots happening this Spring and Summer. Enjoy activities, or just watch a show, there is something for everyone!  Tickets and registration open now! 
www.necenterforcircusarts.org  or call (802) 254-9780

See a Show

Spring Programming includes:

   •    May 4 & 5      FRACTURED : ProTrack Year 3 Graduation Show Tour
   •    May 19          CircusNEXT : We Will Rock You / Youth Troupe showcase
   •    June 7 - 9      AS ONE : ProTrack Year 2 Showcase

Join Summer Camp

NECCA is recognized by the American Youth Circus Organization as an international leader in curriculum development. NECCA’s attention is on teaching to the heart and dreams of every student and meeting them at their own level of fitness and aspiration. Summer Camps include Trapeze, Juggling, trampoline, clowning, low wire, unicycling and more!

  • Age 3 – 5 Half Day Camp / Age 5 – 17 Full Day Camp
  • Camps run weekly June 24 – August 23
  • Special Teen Camp and Advanced Camp, too!

For Camp Registration visit www.necenterforcircusarts.org  or call (802) 254-9780
April Vacation ART CAMP at the River Gallery School of Art, April 15th - 19th, for ages 6-12 years.

Choose the week or a day at a time; $150/week and $35/day (tuition assistance and scholarships available, contact the office for more information).

Children will work with drawing, printmaking, painting, papier mache, simple woodworking, found object sculpture, and will experience outdoor breaks, weather permitting. Lots of group projects! Healthy snacks are provided.

Register online or call 257-1577
Calling all Families...

Do you need to find a home for some gently used items in your home?
Perhaps you are inspired by Marie Kondo???
Join us for the 2019 Family Tag Sale!

Table reservations now accepted for the Hilltop Community Tag Sale.
This year will also include Crafters and a fabulous Plant Sale.

Email Roselle to reserve a table or stop by the front desk and grab a table reservation form. $20 per table. You sell and keep proceeds.
Take what doesn't sell home with you (or donate to your favorite charity).

Saturday, May 25th
7:30 a.m. - noon
In the Arts Barn & at the circle
New England Youth Theatre is celebrating its 20th year with lots of great summer programs for kids ages 6-19! From Shakespeare to Improv to Melodrama along with our Design and Technical program, we've got something for everyone, even those who prefer to remain behind the scenes! Visit www.neyt.org to learn more about all we have to offer to make this your Best Summer Ever!