Wellan Alumni Newsletter (Fall 2021)

ALUMNI NEWS

Wellan Montessori School

Another School Year is Underway!

We cannot believe that it is already November! It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming students back to school for the first day of school at Wellan—with the help of our mascot, Owl, of course.

Students are now settled into their classroom routines, diving into lessons and projects and spending time with friends new and old.

We hope this newsletter finds you well, and that you are enjoying your fall so far—we invite you to join us in a few weeks for our Virtual Alumni Music Bingo event (see details below). We look forward to connecting with you throughout the year!

Fall 2021 HOW TO STAY CONNECTED: We’d love to hear from you! What have you been up to these days?

What are your fondest memories from Wellan? How has Wellan impacted who you are today?

1. Send us a postcard: 80 Crescent Ave Newton Centre, MA 02459 2. Write us an email: alumni@wellan.org 3. Connect on social media:

4. Our favorite… call or email to schedule a time to come visit!

You’re Invited: Virtual Alumni Music Bingo!

Sunday, November 21st at 2:00–3:00 PM | Hosted on Zoom We invite alumni, friends, and family to join us for a fun afternoon of music bingo! During this unique spin on the traditional game, you will listen to familiar songs, watch short music video clips, and check off your bingo board for the chance to win special prizes. Musical abilities are not required, but singing and dancing are definitely encouraged!

We hope to see you there!

Visit wellan.org/alumni to register! Deadline is November 18th.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Paula was a former student of Montessori Educare during the years of 1999–2006 and has developed a close relationship with Wellan throughout the years. She has served on an Alumni Student Panel, completed her high school practicum with the Admissions Department, and is now a proud Wellan employee working closely with students of all ages.

We are so thankful for the commitment that Paula has shown to Wellan and her positive presence in the lives of children and colleagues! Great to have you here, Paula!

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2021

A Conversation with Paula Carroll 1. Do you credit any aspects of your Montessori education with your life today?

I am extremely grateful that my parents sent me to a Montessori school as I was able to explore my passions and interests at a much deeper level from a young age. I credit my Montessori education to helping me find my career path, and achieving excellence in biology and mathematics. It also sparked a deep love for learning and curiosity that has continued to help me immensely in my career aspirations.

2. How has your Montessori education impacted you?

I can’t imagine being the person who I am today without my Montessori education. It helped shape me into a confident, empathetic, compassionate, and driven individual. Montessori gave me a safe space to learn and develop without comparing myself to others.

3. Why do you choose to work at Wellan?

I chose to work at Wellan as I knew I would be welcomed back with open arms. At this point in my career, I needed a place that would not only help me achieve my career aspirations, but also give me the comfort I was seeking while I embarked on this path. Plus, I get to say I’ve been a part of every iteration of the school!

4. What is your favorite Wellan memory?

I warmly remember taking the Green Line from Newton Centre all the way to Science Park to visit the Museum of Science as a Lower and Upper Elementary student, amongst many other positive experiences. We probably drove both our teachers and the commuters a little mad, but it was so much fun to all be piled into a train car together! We loved learning how to navigate the MBTA and testing our balancing skills to the chagrin of our teachers.

Alumni Family Joins Wellan’s Team at Paddy’s Road Race Event!

We were so excited to reunite with alumnus Benji Chen and his parents, Hui and Xinxin, during Paddy’s Road Race in Newton last month! This year was Wellan’s first time participating in the road race, and our Parent Association organized a team for students, families, staff, and alumni to join and run together. The day of the race was sunny and beautiful—the perfect weather to spend time outside and get moving as a community! We look forward to seeing Benji and his family at more Wellan events in the future!

DO YOU RECOGNIZE US? Identify These Alumni Faces for the Chance to Win a Special Prize!

Email alumni@wellan.org with your best guesses! We also invite you to send along any old photos you have of your Wellan days to be featured in our next newsletter!

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W EL L A N.ORG

Can’t visit us, but want to share what you’ve been up to? Text a photo and a message to (617) 702-6346. Alumni updates will be featured in the next newsletter.