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Hello Woodland Hill Families,
It is with much gratitude that I share the success of this most remarkable back to school season at Woodland Hill. As I reflect on the first two weeks of school, I think of a child apprehensively entering on the first morning then skipping toward their parent at the afternoon carline, eager to share the joys of the day. I think of the gorgeous weather that has graced our outdoor classrooms, friends connecting over a zoom lunch date, ukulele classes in the wooded classroom, and witnessing the deep concentration of children engaged with the Montessori work they have missed so much.
We are truly fortunate to be able to offer this educational experience. Thank you all for believing in our ability to adapt and persevere, and thank you for the tremendous support you continue to show for the faculty and staff.
May we continue on this path as we walk through the pandemic together.
In partnership,
Michelle Edwards
Head of School
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"We take away opportunities for independence with the best of intentions.
We want to love on our children by doting on them and dressing them. We want them to not feel lonely, so we never leave their side. We want them to know we care, so we make their lunches and pack all their things and take care of all of the chores while they sleep."
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Laying the groundwork for independence |
Erin Mergil, Assistant Head of School
Amidst the unique preparations that this year’s return to school has required, we have found ourselves grasping for the elements of Back-to-School September routines that feel familiar, comforting and joyful. As educators, this is in anticipating the faces of our students, as Montessorians this is in preparing our in-person and remote learning environments and as parents, it is in the labeling of school supplies and the chilly morning drop offs.
While we are traversing waters full of changes, unforeseen circumstances and questions from our children to which we don’t quite have an answer, we have an opportunity to ground ourselves in meeting the developmental needs of children that we know for sure, those of which we are certain. One of these fundamental values we share as families who choose a Montessori education for our children, is independence. While finding ways to develop independence in our children may be one of the last things on our minds, edifying a child’s sense of self, sense of purpose and security in their ability to handle what they see before them has never been more important than now, in a worldwide pandemic.
Strengthening a child’s resilience is a child’s own work. We, as their stewards, provide the exercises. Resilience is the buttery reward a child finds at the bottom of the jar filled with the cream of adversity, churned by the freedom of independence.
These beginning months of an incipient school year are for laying the groundwork for independence and you can help this adjustment at home. Beginning with charging your child to choose their own clothing, (the night before, ideally!) dressing in the morning, feeding themselves breakfast and saying goodbye at car line, they are well on their way to a confident school day. Once at their classroom, changing their shoes and preparing themselves for their first moments of work, is also their great responsibility.
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We welcomed 283 students this year when school began last week! At this time, 41 of those students are learning from home, and 242 of them are on campus.
There are 18 Toddlers, 82 students in Primary, 82 students in Lower El, 62 in Upper El, and 39 in Middle School.
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Our School Counselor, Bethany Burroughs, has been busy this month. Bethany has been meeting with students, communicating with parents who are looking for support and resources, and checking in with teachers regarding students and for faculty emotional wellness.
Bethany will continue to focus on the social emotional needs of our students by:
- Meeting with students who are struggling with the transition back
- Checking in with teachers to identify students who may need extra support
- Providing strategies and resources to families for support
- Providing resources to teachers to enhance social emotional support and lessons in classrooms
- Checking in with some remote learners
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Welcome New Faculty and Staff! |
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Erin Mergil was hired as the Assistant Head of School. |
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Nicole Lenihan became the lead teacher in the class that was Liz Cahrenger's. |
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Jessa Pelizari became the lead teacher in the class that she was an assistant in with Erin Mergil. |
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Patricia Agudo was hired as the Assistant Teacher in Julie's Class |
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Olga Febus became the lead teacher in the class that was Heather's. |
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Callie Terstra is the Assistant Teacher in Nicole's class. |
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Jeanne Lee is the Assistant Teacher in Jessa's class. |
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Katie Singh was hired as our Health Services Coordinator. |
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Jodi Selzer is now the Assistant Teacher in Sandy's class. |
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Naomi Wimberley-Hartman is now the Assistant Teacher in Stephanie's class. |
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Sara Howard is now the Assistant Teacher in Melinda's class. |
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Toni Roland is now the Assistant Teacher in Cindy's class. |
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Kim Morrison is an Assistant Teacher in Michele's class. |
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Patrick Kraft has been hired as for the newly-created position, Remote Learning Technology Liaison.
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Over the summer, Liz Cahrenger announced that she would be retiring from Woodland Hill Montessori School and not returning to school this year.
Liz was a beloved teacher for 30 years, starting in 1998 when we were still known as the Montessori School of Albany. She has seen our school through the growth that brought us to our current campus on the hill, always providing leadership and inspiration.
Liz’s mentorship of young educators has launched many successful teaching careers. She is cherished and revered by the hundreds of families she has served over the years. A friend to all, she will be missed.
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Building Futures…Brick by Brick |
During the last school year, donors to the WHMS Fund and the Capital Campaign were offered a commemorative brick which would be placed on the patio on the top of the new amphitheater.
After a four month delay due to the COVID-related shutdowns,153 personalized bricks were installed at the top of the amphitheater area in late August.
We appreciate the support of our donors!
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Celebrating 150 years of Maria Montessori’s life and legacy |
Monday, August 31, 2020 was a special day at WHMS. It was not only the day the teachers returned to campus after nearly six months, but it was the 150th anniversary of Maria Montessori's birth. To commemorate the day, teachers gathered in the amphitheater to enjoy cake.
Born in 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy, Maria Montessori became one of Italy’s first female doctors. As a physician, Maria Montessori had an opportunity to work with many different children and to observe them under a variety of circumstances. Over time, she formalized her study of children and sought to design tools to help children learn.
Dr. Montessori devoted her life to the education and understanding of children. She believed the purpose of education was to assist the process of life. She died in 1952 leaving a legacy that continues to grow as more of her ideas are implemented in classrooms worldwide.
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Thank you to WHMS parent and Makerspace Coordinator Jesse Roberts for coordinating the desk build over three weekends this summer! We also thank the dozens of parent volunteers who came in on weekends to help us get ready for school. |
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If you have not yet received your 2019-2020 yearbook, please email Nicholle Gregor.
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Shown with the Class of 2012, Aiden is wearing the blue shirt. |
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Aiden was close with his classmates and returned to watch them graduate in 2012.
Our thoughts are with his parents and sister.
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