WELCOME
An Insider’s Guide For New Parents at Washington Montessori School
WELCOME TO WMS Helping our new students and their parents transition as easily as possible into Washington Montessori School is important to the entire WMS community. At one point, each of us were new WMS parents too. We can relate to the challenges of becoming familiar with the community. While the WMS Family Handbook is the formal guide to our school, this is an informal outline of the day-to-day at WMS. Please consider it a supplementary resource, in addition to seeking guidance from classroom ambassadors, fellow parents, teachers and staff as you navigate WMS for the first time. Once again, welcome to Washington Montessori School. We’re glad you’re here.
WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME
Using familiar names at WMS is a tradition that dates back to the school’s early years. Since relationships between staff members and children at WMS are very close, teachers invite children to call them by their first names. It’s a testament to the close-knit community unique to the WMS experience. There are a lot of people you’ll want to get to know, but here are a few faces from the staff you’ll most likey see or need on a regular basis.
FRONT DESK
You’ll usually see either Jen or Emily at the Front Desk (though there are several of us who will cover for them in a pinch). If you need anything, they are the ones to ask. Jen is returning to the WMS community as the Office Manager. Jen’s children Leo and Elsa both attended WMS for many years. Emily is the Head Art Teacher here at WMS and will be covering the Front Desk from 8:30 until 10 a.m. every morning.
SCHOOL NURSE
Linda is our wonderful school nurse. Take a left after the Front Desk and her office is straight ahead at the end of the hallway.
TIP! BE PREPARED! LOWER & UPPER ELEMENTARY CONCERTS ARE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 & THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019
COMMUNICATION
LET US KNOW! WMS is a school where staff and parents work closely together in the best interests of its students. We truly want parents to come to us early on with concerns, so we can work on them together before they become major. Though there are obvious people to go to with concerns, we encourage you to talk to anyone you are comfortable with if that is easier. In turn, the staff pledges to let you know any information from us in a timely manner. READ IT! Jill Skilton, Director of Communications, sends a weekly email to all parents on Sunday evenings. The weekly email highlights upoming events and important information for the community. CHECK YOUR BOX! Take a left after the Front Desk and you’ll find a hallway of family mailboxes where we distribute other notices and forms. They are intended for school-related use only. HIT SNOOZE! In case of snow delay, cancellation or early dismissal, all WMS parents will be contacted through our SCHOOL MESSENGER system via email, phone calls and texts. Be sure Jen has your correct contact info. LOG ON! Log on to washingtonmontessori.org to access all sorts of information on the school. Upcoming Events are listed on the left hand side of the page as well as a link to view the Full School Calendar. You may also subscribe to school calendars and sync them to your own personal calendar. If you need assistance with this please feel free to contact either Laura M. or Kerry, and they will help get you set up. Check out the WMS Gallery frequently to see photos from school and classroom events. Handbooks, Directories and Forms are all on the website.
TIP! BE SOCIAL! BE SOCIAL FOLLOW WMS_CT ON INSTAGRAM LIKE WASHINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL ON FACEBOOK
GETTING INVOLVED AT WMS We value our relationship with parents and understand how essential a strong connection between the school and parents can be in our work with children. You are active participants in the educational process. Your positive effort, cooperation and understanding allow us to be most effective in our work. Our teachers are inspired by your involvement and support in the educational process and in the life of the school community. Since its founding in 1965, WMS has flourished thanks to the consistent generosity of time, talent and assets from our parents. The benefits of parents, children and teachers working together are beyond measure. There are many opportunities to become actively involved in the WMS community, and we cordially invite each and every one of you to do so in the ways that are most meaningful to you. Engaged Parenting. It’s important for parents to be involved in the small and large events in their children’s school lives. Your children are successful not only due to their intelligence and hard work, but also because they see the involvement of parents in their school. Our ultimate goal is for our students to claim ownership of their own education, and we believe a strong partnership between parents, students and the school is important to academic success. As parents, it is your responsibility to: • Read the WMS Family Handbook • Read the handbook specific to your child’s level, available on the Parents page of the school website. • Read the Weekly Emails • Attend Back to School Night & Carney’s Welcome Party on September 13, 2018 • Attend Family Night in October • Align with the school in encouraging your child to be respectful and kind to others of all ages. Understand that conflicts are an inevitable part of life and that respectful conflict resolution is an important part of education. • Keep teachers informed about anything that might be affecting your child both in school and out. • Provide ample time and quiet surroundings for homework.
Parent Education. WMS is a source of support and education for parents, as well as students. We believe that educating children requires partnership and trust among teachers, administrators and parents. With that in mind, we offer a variety of parent education opportunities throughout the year, including WMS’s program offerings, as well as discussion and education about other relevant and timely parenting topics. All parent education opportunities are open to the public, so you are welcome to bring a friend or spread the word. All WMS parents will receive a booklet including all the parent education offerings for the upcoming year. They are also available on the website. The Gift of Time & Talent. WMS parents are interesting, capable and passionate. There are many ways to share your talents and interests within the community. Becoming an active member of the Parents’ Association is your first step to becoming involved. The PA promotes community building, providing a forum for parent information and many opportunities for parent involvement. The PA consists of several committees that reach virtually every aspect of the WMS community including classroom community service, enrichment activities, and even the creation of the materials that our students work with every day in classes. Volunteer opportunities are limitless and can suit any amount of availability—we understand how busy parents are these days. When you volunteer your time and talent to the Washington Montessori School community, you are expressing your interest in and commitment to your children’s daily lives as well as to the school itself. WMS appreciates each parent’s generous gift of his or her time and talent no matter how big or small.
TIP! LOST & FOUND. LOST & FOUND IS LOCATED IN THE PA ROOM. CHECK IN OFTEN FOR ITEMS YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WERE MISSING!
School Spirit. WMS students are talented, spirited and competitive. There are many opportunities to applaud them and cheer them on. Whether modeling good sportsmanship on the sidelines or starting a standing ovation in the theater, parent enthusiasm matters to our students. Performing and competing before an audience helps bolster confidence, which spills over into the classroom. Don’t miss a chance to be a fan! Plays, concerts and recitals happen throughout the school year both during and after school. They are wonderful opportunities to showcase our students’ hard work and talent. From the Lower School Valentine’s Day tradition “The Concert of Love” to the Upper Elementary annual Shakespeare plays, our students take pride in their performances. Most of our Middle School students participate in interscholastic sports throughout the year, with home games and meets at least once a week. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in sports at WMS, as we believe children find strength in trying new things and taking risks. Check the full school calendar and come out to cheer them on. Bring your little ones! Show your spirit for Washington Montessori School on and off campus! WMS gear is available at the school store located in the PA room. WMS Ambassadors. Classroom Ambassadors play a mentoring role for each classroom's parents. The mission of the WMS Classroom Ambassadors is to help build and strengthen the WMS community by welcoming, engaging, connecting, nurturing and e ducating both new and current parents. Classroom Ambassadors will reach out to the parents primarily in their assigned classroom at certain times of the year. In addition, Classroom Ambassadors will be a resource for any parents who may need support, guidance, or advice. Please feel free to reach out to your Ambassador with any questions you may have or help you may need as you navigate your first year in the WMS community.
2018-19 WMS Ambassadors This year's Classroom Ambassadors are as follows: YCC: Briana Ball Myrna's Class: Helena Sweet Betsy's Class: Julia Kivitz Beth's Class: Adam Rissolo Jena's Class: Jamie Spannhake Debby's Class: Chrissy Gorbecki Heather's Class: Mia Pelosi Jane's Class: Liz DeVos Jennifer's Class: Ellen Barrett 6th Grade: Deborah Burton 7th Grade: Justine Keating WMS CAFÉ It’s hard to miss the WMS Café! Also known as “The Coffee Cart,” it is our very own coffee shop open for business every morning in the front hallway. It is run by PA volunteers and is probably our parents’ favorite WMS tradition. Beverages are $2 and baked goods/snacks are 50¢ when available. WMS Parent, Jane Wieder, is in charge of this year’s coffee cart.
WMS CAFÉ Jane Wieder
OUR GIFT TO YOU! ENJOY THIS $20 GIFT CARD TO THE WMS CAFÉ COMPLIMENTS OF THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
FINANCIAL SUPPORT Over the years, a strong culture of philanthropy has taken root at WMS. Extraordinary community support is testament to the benefits of the WMS experience. As members of WMS community, we hope you will support WMS, not only by volunteering and participating in the life of the school, but also by making WMS your philanthropic priority for charitable gifts. Like all independent schools, WMS relies not only on tuition, but also on Annual Giving, periodic capital giving, and Parents’ Association fundraising. WMS depends on the generosity of its current parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends to defray daily operating expenses. Annual Giving. Annual Giving provides immediate essential financial support for MS’s comprehensive and outstanding programs. It guarantees that our Signature Experiences remain robust, that financial aid remains significant, and that our facility is maintained to the highest standard. It enables us to maintain a diverse community, and provides competitive salaries and professional development opportunities for our faculty. The success of Annual Giving is measured by total dollars raised and by percentage of participation. While leadership gifts are crucial to our financial strength, every gift matters and makes a difference. Contributions of any size are welcome and make a difference in the life of each WMS student. Every gift is important to the success of the fund. Unrestricted Annual Giving allows donors to make a tax-deductible contribution while enabling the school to allocate resources to the programs that need it most. Participation in Annual Giving is a vital way for our community members to demonstrate their commitment and support of WMS, its faculty and its students. A donation to Annual Giving is the most important gift you can make every year.
GET TO KNOW OTHER PARENTS WHILE YOUR KIDS PLAY WITH FRIENDS ON THE ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL. (SEE PA CALENDAR PAGE FOR OFFICIAL STAY & PLAYS, BUT FEEL FREE TO ENJOY THE PLAYGROUND ANY TIME.)
Capital Giving. Periodically the Head of School and the Board of Trustees identify essential building projects or programs that require large sums of money to implement. These capital improvements are investments in the school’s future sustainability. Our current facility and campus were funded by capital campaigns long ago in our school’s history. These projects are not funded through tuition or Annual Giving, but through capital campaigns. Most recently, the addition of the WMS Sports Park and Natural Playgrounds were funded by a capital campaign in honor of the school’s 50th anniversary. Other Events. During the year, the WMS Advancement Team organizes events to bring our community together as well as to generate funds for the operating budget. WMS Presents… WMS Presents… is an annual program where interesting people from within our community join us for a unique, one-evening performance. Open to the public as well as the WMS community, tickets range in price from $45 to $100 with all proceeds going to the school. We are very fortunate to have had some truly amazing talent grace our stage—Patti LuPone, Christine Baranski, Sam Waterston, Chris Hayes, Milos Forman, Mia Farrow, Susan Saint James, Dick Ebersol and Chris Brigham to name a few. The Polar Plunge. Every December the WMS community comes together to make a splash for a good cause. With all proceeds going to support the WMSCPP*, the Polar Plunge is a super-fun and slightly-crazy event where students, parents, teachers and, yes, even the Head of School jump into the frigid waters of Lake Waramaug. Support comes from a range of generous sponsors and the brave individuals who pay to plunge.
*THE WASHINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION TO 6 GRADUATES OF THE CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL (CCS) IN WATERBURY, CT EACH YEAR.
Parents’ Association Fundraisers. During the school year, the Parents’ Association offers services and events that generate funds for the operating budget for the current school year. Annual Auction. The biggest fundraiser of the year is the Annual Auction & Dinner held in February. The annual auction is a special evening when we gather with a common goal of supporting WMS the community we hold dear. As it is our biggest and most important event, we invite all members of the WMS community—past and present—to contribute, attend and participate in the auction. WMSCPP Raffle. The PA organizes an annual raffle in support of an important program at WMS. Providing Middle School education to qualified graduates of the Children’s Community School in Waterbury, The Washington Montessori School Community Partnership Program epitomizes the essence of the WMS experience. “It speaks to the importance of diversity, celebrates the differences among people and it builds community.” The program has been in place since 2005 with both support and enthusiasm from the faculty and Board of Trustees at WMS. The children who come to our school have been identified as potential academic and social leaders within the CCS community. The goal of this partnership is to provide a WMS education to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, so that we may enrich not only our own school community, but the larger community as well. All proceeds from the WMSCPP Raffle support this program. The PA begins selling tickets just before the Annual Auction in February and continues to sell them until the drawing on Grandparents’ and Special Friends Day in May.
TIP! HAVE A BABY? THERE’S A CHANGING TABLE IN THE RESTROOM NEXT TO THE NURSE’S OFFCE. TAKE A LEFT AFTER THE FRONT DESK AND IT’S THE LAST DOOR ON THE LEFT.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION If you are a parent of a child at WMS, you are automatically a member of our Parents’ Association. Welcome! The PA consists of several committees that reach virtually every aspect of the WMS community including classroom community service, enrichment activities, and opportunities for parents and families to come together as a community. We welcome your participation in any way – chair a committee or set up some chairs! Any contribution you can make helps to make our community stronger. The PA also sponsors special events and organizes additional fundraising for the school. Fundraising is crucial to maintaining our high standards of education. The annual auction is our largest event and generates a significant contribution to the school in the form of financial aid, playground equipment and other items that enhance our children’s experience at WMS. We hope you will come and celebrate with us – the auction is always the highlight of the social season! 2018-19 PA OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Alissa Monteleone
VICE PRESIDENT Mia Pelosi
AUCTION COORDINATOR Laura Neminski
PROJECT CAMP COORDINATOR Lisa Breese
TREASURER Heidi Giraldi
AUCTION LIASON Suzanne Blaicher
PA CALENDAR Please note, some dates may change throughout the year. Visit washingtonmontessori.org/calendar for the most current schedule of events. PA MEETINGS 9/19, 10/24, 11/28, 1/9, 3/6, 5/29 As a WMS parent, you are a member of the Parents Association. We encourage you to attend meetings as it is a great way to stay looped in and get involved with the community. Meetings are held in the Library from 8:45-9:15. Free coffee is offered and you welcome you to stay and chat after the formal meeting! STAY & PLAYS LS & LE 9/11 UE 9/18 The PA tries to organize at least one Stay & Play for each level in the fall and in the spring. Stay & Plays provide another opportunity to get to know each other and have fun with friends out of the classroom after school. TEACHER APPRECIATION ONGOING To show our gratitude to our phenomenal teachers, the PA, along with students, will be honoring the faculty with small gifts and projects throughout the year, culminating in a luncheon in the spring. ORNAMENT WORKSHOP DECEMBER TBD An afternoon of arts & crafts for parents & children to make beautiful, handmade holiday ornaments. HOLIDAY PARTY DECEMBER TBD The Annual Holiday Party is a lovely evening for the WMS community to come together and celebrate the holiday season together. All current WMS parents are invited to attend. ANNUAL AUCTION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 The Annual Auction is our biggest event. We spend all year preparing for the evening and need plenty of volunteers in a variety of capacities. In addition to being a fun evening with other members fo the WMS community, it is an extremely important fundrasising event that significantly contributes to the financial well-being of our school. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST JUNE 2018 A lovely morning spent in the Peace Garden to acknowledge and thank the school year’s volunteers.
ABCs OF WMS YCC: Young Children’s Community (Ages 18 mo-3 years) LS: Lower School (Ages 3-6 years) LE: Lower Elementary (Ages 6-9 years) UE: Upper Elementary (Ages 9-11 years) MS: Middle School (Grades 6-8) OPENING BELL: All-school ceremony kicking off new school year. MAP: Montessori After-school Program. Regular hours available both before & after school in the MAP Room. A variety of enrichment classes scheduled after school. (You’ll receive fliers on available programs in your mailbox.) WRAP: Extended care available on Wednesdays 11:35-3 p.m. for YCC and LS students. CURBSIDE: Parents of LE & UE students can fill out a form in order to pick up children in the front of the building at dismissal. Otherwise, parents/caregivers must pick up children from their classrooms. Elementary dismissal time is 3:15 p.m. Curbside is a great option for parents with younger children (who often love to fall asleep in the car). PHASE-IN: An abbreviated schedule at the beginning of the school year during which students and teachers get to know one another and become acquainted or re-acquainted with the classrooms, materials and peers. Phase-in is an important foundation of Montessori education ON CIRCLE: The WMS Newsletter is published and sent to the entire WMS community at least 2 times a year.
WASHINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 240 Litchfield Turnpike New Preston, CT 06777 washingtonmontessorischool.org