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Montessori Expands Primary to include a Two's Program
In 2010, MSW will expand our program to include children from ages 2 through 3 years. It is with great excitement we introduce our Montessori Beginners Program. We are also pleased to announce the return of a Summer Camp at MSW. The “Montessori Beginners” program is an academic program especially designed as a “Primary Primer” for children ages 2 through 3 years. Like our current Primary program, the Beginners program is a 5 day a week program with both ½ day (8:30 AM-11:30 AM) and full day (8:30 AM—3:00 PM w/napping) options. Assistance with potty training will be available for children in this nurturing environment. Optional Before and After Care are also available for children enrolled at MSW from as early as 7 AM through 6 PM daily.
Our first Parent-Toddler session was a tremendous success this fall. The Saturday morning program has been designed to introduce the basic Montessori environment to children ages 18 months to 3 years with their parents’ encouragement. The atmosphere is both nurturing and socially engaging.
I take this opportunity to invite you to call the office to discuss the Parent-Toddler or Primary programs, to schedule an observation of the classroom or to discuss the enrollment process for your child. Although we offer a rolling enrollment throughout the year, Open Enrollment will begin in mid January, 2010. If you have not toured our beautiful campus, please schedule your visit today! PRESS RELEASES May 3rd, 2010 It is with great excitement the Montessori School of Westminster joins the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau in the dedication of the facility located at 59 Kate Wagner Road. The CCYSB’s mission is to provide multi-disciplinary outpatient mental health treatment, as well as an array of specialty programs to children, adolescents, adults and families. The beautifully constructed building will be dedicated during the May 6th ceremony held on site from 3—5PM.
The students of The Montessori School of Westminster are participating in painting a mural at the CCYSB with the assistance of local artist Laura Appler. While the students are now at the painting stage, there were many steps in planning this project. Initiating the idea came from the Middle School Class at MSW who wrote a letter to the CCYSB asking permission to paint a mural in the children’s waiting room. Once the students received word that the CCYSB Board had accepted their proposal, Ms. Appler worked with the students in the Upper and Middle school students at MSW to come up with ideas for this project. Four drawn up ideas were created by the students and submitted to Lynn Davis, Director of the CCYSB and alumni parent of MSW. Mrs. Davis and Ms. Appler then worked together to incorporate all four ideas into a mural idea. Last month, Ms. Appler returned to MSW where she and the students did practice paintings. These images were later sketched onto the walls at the CCYSB. Currently, every student as MSW is visiting the Center and actually painting the mural on the wall. The Mural will be completed later this month and can be seen from the main entrance, located in the children’s receiving room. April 23rd, 2010
Local Art Contest Held to benefit Fair Housing, 2011
Students from the Montessori School of Westminster recently participated in the 2011 Fair Housing Poster Contest sponsored by the Maryland Association of REALTORS® (MAR). This year’s theme chosen for students to create their poster was, “Fair Housing Equals Opportunity for All in 2011”. Members of the Carroll County Association of REALTORS®, Inc. recognized numerous students who participated in the annual Fair Housing Poster Contest on Monday, April 19th, 2010, during a ceremony held in the Commissioners Hearing Room at the Carroll County Government Building, Westminster, MD. The ceremony was led by Commissioner Zimmer, where every child who participated was recognized for their efforts and the three finalists were named. Among the finalists, was Audrey Sutherland, lower elementary student at the Montessori School of Westminster. All three finalists were presented with a certificate of recognition, a gift card and a framed plaque depicting the art work created for this contest.
It is with great pride as Head of the Montessori School of Westminster and a resident of Carroll County to have our students participate in this community effort to create awareness for equal housing opportunities in Carroll County and across the state. Mrs. Amanda Bodden, lower elementary directress at the Montessori School of Westminster submitted work of several students from MHS. “The Montessori environment allows for my students to express creativity and interpret our community’s awareness of housing opportunities”, said Mrs. Bodden. “Projects like MAR’s calendar contest remind me of a quote from Maria Montessori, who developed the Montessori Method over 100 years ago.” “The environment itself will teach the child”. “There is meaning at so many levels behind this quote. It is the core of our methodology at MSW”.
The Maryland Association of REALTORS® Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity Committee produces the annual Fair Housing Calendar. Each page of this calendar represents Fair Housing as seen through the eyes of Maryland students. The calendar is produced annually and is professionally designed and printed in full color.
Each of the county finalist’s artwork will compete in the Maryland Association of REALTORS® 2010 Fair Housing Poster Contest. Winning posters will be printed in a 2011 Calendar and distributed by Maryland REALTORS®. The state winners and their family members will be invited to a reception at the Annapolis State House. The Governor or other state official will attend the reception, recognize and honor the winners.
Every school year, the students at the Montessori School of Westminster commit to a few good-will missions. These missions are initiated and coordinated by the Upper Elementary and Middle school student body.
Upon return from the winter break, the students got to work researching various organizations they could contribute to. Our New Year was barely under way when the news was filled with reports of the devastating earthquake that hit the country of Haiti. This fueled the desire of several students to come up with a plan to help. A few students from the elementary classroom initiated a school-wide and community drive to raise monies for the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund. The students proudly raised $6,543.72.
“Through grace, courtesy, initiative and self-reliance, the Montessori School of Westminster offers an environment of respect by example which generates leadership of the highest order; the compassionate leader. High self-esteem, respect of self, respect of others and the joy of giving is just a few of the many virtues instilled within our children at MSW.” says Jodi Lupco, Head of School. “Time and time again, I am humbled by the good-will actions of our students.”
Another recent charity event was the MSW Relay for Charity. This drive was planned and organized by the Montessori middle school students. During this action-packed after-school function, participating students were asked to raise $25 each. They were then organized into teams that competed with one another in a series of relay races. Money was raised; food and clothing received and donated to charitable organizations in the Carroll County community; Carroll County Youth Services Beurro, The Dove House, the Carroll County Arts Council, Carroll County Hospice and Carroll County Food Sunday.
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OPEN HOUSE REMINDER
An Open House is scheduled for Saturday, March 20th at 9:00 AM
Do you know of a family interested in hearing more about our wonderful program?
Please extend an invitation and share your Montessori experience with a friend, a family member or other acquaintance.
RSVP is appreciated.
Thank You,
Office of Enrollment
Spring 2010 Session
PARENT-TODDLER PROGRAM
Program Description:
The Parent-Toddler Program is a unique learning experience for both parent and child to enjoy together. A Montessori Educator will prepare an environment specifically designed for the young child of 18 months to 3 years. The child will be encouraged to explore at will, freely choosing materials that foster self development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding. The comfort of this environment promotes a peaceful first introduction for the young child with opportunities to practice social interactions with peers and other adults.
The parent is present to nurture and support their child’s growing need for independence. Parents will learn the basic principles of the Montessori method and take home ideas and suggestions for creating a supportive home for children.
The Montessori Educator is a guide and a resource. She will model interactions, share new information and research, and facilitate discussions. Each session will focus on a specific topic.
Program Location:
The program will be held at the Montessori School of Westminster located off of Hughes Shop Road in Westminster.
Program Dates and Time:
Parent Primers on Wednesdays, 02/10-parents only @ 6:00 -- 7:45pm
Parent-Child Classes on Saturdays,
2/20, 2/27, 3/06, 3/13, 03/20, 03/27
Time: 9:45 -- 11:30am
Cost and Registration:
The cost for the 8 class session is $120.00. Space is limited to 10 families. We ask that only one parent per child attend the session. The program is designed to encourage independence. Too many adults in the room may hinder a child’s confidence to separate from their parent. Due to limited space, you can reserve a space by calling MSW (410.848.6283). Payment must be received within 5 business days of the phone reservation.
