News

Dear Families,

Happy Late Summer! I recently returned from a vacation in Maine, adding 10 hikes to my life list in Acadia National Park. This is my happy place, and I hope your family has been able to spend some time in your happy places as well. I am reminded of Montessori’s teachings around the importance of free play and the simple pleasures in life – I felt their calming influence!

In addition to relaxation, I attended the Montessori Administrators of Georgia retreat in June, along with Division Heads Marsha Fleming and Patricia Jordan. Last week, Patricia Jordan, Karen Poyser, and I attended a 3-day DEI Leadership Conference. We used data from a survey we conducted with employees last spring to develop action steps for Springmont. This is exciting work that will help build our inclusive community.

Other Teachers and Assistants have also been engaged in professional development. Congratulations to Selena Hamer, who officially received her AMI Elementary credentials and is now a lead Teacher, to Camila Smoak (Lead Assistant), who finished her Primary orientation course, to Assistants Karen Ibarra and Aech Weissinger, who are well underway with their Primary and Elementary courses respectively, and to Caitlin McKenzie (Primary Assistant), who starts her Primary orientation course soon!

Camp

The incredible camp staff braved storms and hot weather all summer long to provide an excellent camp experience for our new and returning Toddler and Primary students. Steve and Kate’s camp was busier than last year, and I’m glad so many Springmont families and employees took advantage of this offering for their children.

Campus

We suffered some storm damage during the July 4th storms, with large trees coming down near the entrance as well as near our buses. The bus storage shed was destroyed, and the larger of our older buses suffered some roof damage that we think is repairable. Additionally, a tree struck the roof of the Main Building, necessitating some repairs. General classroom and campus repairs have continued throughout the summer. The foundation for the new barn has been poured, materials have arrived, and construction has begun.

Classrooms

Our new classroom signs have been installed. Classrooms in Toddler through Elementary received new names that reflect local flora and fauna. Middle School, PLUS, and the Fine Arts Cottage will retain their former names as they were not teacher-specific. 

Mentor Program Launch

With several new teachers and administrators this year, we have created a mentorship program to ensure a robust year-long onboarding process for all new employees. Thank you to long-time employees Nathalie Blanchard, Anabel Breck, Thomson Chuites, Toshia Johnson, Dajar Showers, and Ann Van Buskirk for serving as mentors.

Staffing Updates

We know families will miss both Catherine Hessing and Maggie Malcom at the front desk. Having completed her master’s degree last spring, Catherine is embarking on a new career as Assistant Director of Connections School of Atlanta. Maggie took a job as a County Deputy Clerk close to her home in Douglasville. Melissa Mecham has been hired as one of two new Front Desk Coordinators. Please make her feel welcome and be patient as she learns the ropes.

Anne Ledoux, our new Toddler and Primary Division Head has arrived and has been hard at work getting ready for the new year with her team.

While we continue the search for a Lower Elementary Teacher, Patricia Jordan will serve as the lead teacher in the Oak Classroom and will also return to her role as Elementary Division Head.

Isaac Ezemba finished his Springmont tenure on the last day of summer camp. As previously shared, Isaac will be pursuing new career opportunities. We wish him well on his new journey! In addition to teaching PE, Tiffany Orem will take on the role of Auxiliary Programs Coordinator, with Amaya Kier serving as the program assistant in the afternoons.

Alisha Williams has been hired as an Assistant in the Willow Classroom. She is a trained AMS elementary teacher whose experience will help support Selena Hamer in her first year as a lead guide.

Gini Poulin is returning to Springmont in a full-time capacity after having worked for several years as a Toddler Assistant before her child was born. Gini served as a substitute teacher for us much of last year and worked this summer at our camp.

Important Dates:

• Opening Night: Thursday, August 27, 6:30-8:30 pm. All parents are encouraged to attend this community-building and informative event.  
• Employee Professional Development at the Landschool: All employees will travel to the Landschool on Tuesday, September 8, to engage in community building and orient new employees to our North Georgia campus. No childcare will be offered on this day so that every employee can attend.
• Springmont Parent Association (SPA) Meeting: Our first parent association meeting will be on Friday, September 4, at 8:45 am. We hope you will join us!

We are excited to welcome everyone back to school soon!

Elizabeth