We knew we had something special but now we can see it!
Drone photo by Shane Johnson KAustin and Associates
This Month Upcoming Events
Upper Bake Sale - Friday 9/12
(At dismissal, until sold out)
International Day of PeaceFriday 9/19 (3:00pm-4:30pm)
Taking place after dismissal, with displays available until 6 pm. We celebrate peace in ourselves, our community, and the world.
Next Month
Upper Bake Sale - Friday 10/10
(At dismissal, until sold out)
Come See Me Work - Wednesday and Thursday 10/22-23
Open from Dismissal, through Extended Care.
Fall Parade - Friday 10/31
8:45 SHARP Parade Start!
Look familiar???
Returning January 2026!!!
UPPER UPPER ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY WILL SELL WILL SELL BAKED GOODS BAKED GOODS UPPER ELEMENTARY WILL SELL BAKED GOODS
TIME: TIME: 2:30 2:30 TIME: 2:30 FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 12TH 12TH 12TH HOMEMADE BERRY HOMEMADE BERRY
TEACHERS WILL TEACHERS WILL TAKE STUDENTS TO TAKE STUDENTS TO THE BAKE SALE THE BAKE SALE TEACHERS WILL TAKE STUDENTS TO THE BAKE SALE
STUDENTS SHOULD BRING STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
STUDENTS SHOULD BRING
$1-$2 TO BUY TREATS AND $1-$2 TO BUY TREATS AND ENJOY THEM AT HOME ENJOY THEM AT HOME
$1-$2 TO BUY TREATS AND ENJOY THEM AT HOME
Under Construction Underground
You never really think about what goes underground, or how it gets there! Threading a needle!
All took place on a Saturday!!!
Under Construction
Backyard
We are moving ahead with our backyard as fast as we can!
1,200 sq. ft. Pavilion will be ready for an October PLAY IN THE PARK!
MONSTER
TRUCKS
Our NEXT big work is putting our backyard back together again! Stay tuned for an opportunity to dream together!
Teacher Experiences
Henna
Ms. Hina (Class 4) and Ms. Humaira (Earth Connections) shared their Henna talents for this Teacher Experience purchased at .
Henna is a symbol of joy, celebration, and culture.
Children Children
Adults Adults
Music Lessons- 2 years and up
Pottery- Lower El and Upper El
Autumn Plate Painting- Primary
Mindfulness- 3 yr- Elementary rd
1.5 K Run- Elementary
The EVENT
Horses
The Davis family opened their property up for a day with their horse!
The girls gave it a rating of 100 out of 10!
family, along with heir friends and Chef Liz!
The EVENT Experiences
Honey Harvest
The Gabelman family opened their home at Harvest Time. They harvested 38 pounds of honey that day!
MORE EVENT EXPERIENCES FOUND HERE
ONE nigh
This year, The EVENT will take place in our NEW Elementary building. NOW is the time to be thinking about who you want to invite! It’s FREE to attend, and the fun and benefits last all year long!
Pines Apple Sauce Kitchen Connections
A comforting Pines classic, simple yet delicious. We recommend using a blend of sweeter apples (like Fuji or Honeycrip) and tart apples (such as Granny Smith or McIntosh) for a more complex flavor.
Ingredients
3 lbs. mixed apples, cored, and chopped (about 6 medium apples)
½ cup water
1 tsp ground cinnamon, or more to taste (optional)
Lemon juice (to taste)
Sugar (to taste)
Instructions
1.Place the chopped apples, water, and cinnamon in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan.
2.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and break down easily when stirred. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3.For a chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples directly in the pot to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor or blender.
4.Taste the applesauce and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Add sugar or cinnamon if desired.
Tips for customizing your applesauce
For a no-sugar-added recipe: Use sweet apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious, and simply omit the added sugar. Include warming spices like cloves or allspice. For added color, flavor, and nutrients, leave the skins on.
Family Focus
The Irish family had 10 questions to choose from. Here are the 5 they picked.
What made you choose Pines versus other Montessori schools?
Pines teachers are experienced and well-trained. The classroom environment is spacious, clean, and neat. Pines is a supportive community with a welcoming atmosphere from teachers, staff, and parents. Ms. Patty is a great school head, a visionary leader, approachable, and supportive. She makes everyone feel valued. She’s a problem-solving master with strong communication skills.
(The Irish family was not compensated for these kind words- Patty )
How do you feel Montessori has benefitted your children? Montessori encourages independence, self-discipline, creativity, and most importantly, critical thinking skills
What are your favorite Pines events and why?
First, the Winter Cultural Festival for learning about different cultures through children’s research. Then, Thanksgiving Feast because the Pines community gathers as a family, enjoying the yummy meals and being grateful. Finally, Fall Parade, students showcase their beautiful costumes from different cultures, and it’s the best time to snag a photo!
How long have you been at Pines, and what is your favorite memory of Pines? We’ve been here for 7 years. While Diamond was in 3rd grade, she became a big sissy to Goldie, and she was happy to see Goldie wear her “My First Pines T-shirt.”
If you could choose a word to describe Pines, what would it be and why? ExcellencePines offers a rigorous, engaging curriculum, especially in the Middle School. Pines encourages students’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Pines Perspectives
Ms. Gabbie is currently enrolled in Montessori training at the Early Childhood level. This is her Internship year in Class 6 under the supervision of Ms. Kristen. Ms. Gabbie has been with Pines for 3 years and in Early Childhood education for 15 years.
What brought you to Pines, and what do you love most about being a part of this community?
I came to Pines after leaving a much smaller school and quickly discovered how special this community is. What I love most is the genuine care - from both faculty and parents - for one another and for what’s best for every child. Pines truly feels like family.
What key element of Montessori education is most meaningful to you? Each child has their own path, and when we trust that journey, they thrive both socially and academically, growing into their best selves.
What is one Montessori material or activity you find especially valuable?
I especially value the classic Pink Tower found in the Primary community. It’s one of the most important beginning materials in the classroom because it lays the foundation for so much future learning. As children carefully build and explore with the blocks, they develop concentration, coordination, and a sense of order. These are skills they will carry into more advanced materials later on. It may look simple, but it plays a powerful role in helping children grow their focus and independence.
What’s a book you often recommend to parents or fellow educators?
One of my favorite books to recommend to parents is, Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius, by Angeline Stoll Lillard. This book connects Montessori practices with modern research, showing why the method works so well for children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. It’s an inspiring read for both parents and educators who want to better understand the “why” behind what we see in the classroom every day.
Here she is on Youtube
