News

Dear Families,

Aah, the lazy days of summer – I did manage to enjoy a few and hope your family has, too! My family headed to Maine for our fourth trip to Acadia National Park, where we are slowly putting a dent in its long list of hiking and biking trails. I also attended Independent School Management’s Summer Institute for New Heads of School and a Montessori Administrator’s Retreat with our Division Heads. I have come away from these experiences with new insights, inspiration, and school connections. I am excited for the coming year and hope you are, too!  

The summer was a banner year in terms of maintenance projects – make sure to check things out at Opening Night on August 22nd, if not before. Kudos and thank you to Kelcy and Juan for all their work. We’re already starting our wish list for next summer!

Congratulations and thank you to our wonderful summer camp staff and to Isaac and Ayanna for their leadership. Our Toddler and Primary campers enjoyed a fun and fabulous summer, from water days to petting zoos and so much more!

Staff Updates

Comings

• Music Teacher: Stefanie Freinkel. Stefanie is an accomplished cellist who taught for four years at Atlanta International School before taking some time off for her children. She has her BFA in music education from Kennesaw State University and is excited to return to teaching at a school where the joy of music is celebrated. Stefanie will be working with Elementary and Middle School students. She has given instrumental lessons for over 20 years – see below for information about Springmont’s Strings program.
• Art Teacher: Brandice Camara. Brandice earned her master’s degree at St. Mary’s University and has lived and taught all over the world but has called Atlanta home for the past three years. Most recently, she taught art to PreK-8th graders at St. Benedict’s Episcopal School in Smyrna. Brandice also worked at Amherst Montessori School where she gained an appreciation for Montessori practices and pedagogy and is excited to teach art in such an environment. She has a special appreciation for the outdoors and incorporating nature into her art instruction. Brandice will work with all our students. 
• Toddler and Primary Counselor: Katie Polanco. Katie has her master’s in clinical social work from Fordham University. She comes to us with a variety of experiences ranging from private practice specializing in infant and early childhood to work in child advocacy and social work with teens. Katie will partner with Ann Van Buskirk on the Student Support and Success Team.
• Professional Assistant: Maggie Scoggins. Maggie comes to Springmont after several years of working as an Administrative Assistant for the Cobb County government. She has also been an office coordinator for the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, a deputy clerk, and a sales associate at several fitness establishments. Maggie loves children, staying busy, and being part of a team, and she is excited to join Springmont. Maggie and Maureen Kiely will share the front desk responsibilities.
  Our new employees will join us for a two-day orientation to help transition them to Springmont and learn more about Montessori education.

And Goings

• Goodbye to Catherine Hessing, who has been a Professional Assistant at Springmont’s front desk since 2022. Her last day with us was July 26th. Catherine is leaving to pursue a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling at Agnes Scott College. We may see Catherine as a sub from time to time next year. We wish her all the best in her new endeavor!
• Tim Campbell has been our Business Operations Manager for the past two years. He has decided to take a position as the Assistant VP of Finance and Controller at Piedmont University in Demorest, GA. This position provides him with opportunities and benefits that are very important to his family as he and his wife continue to care for their two grandchildren. Best of luck, Tim! 

Note: We have launched a search for Tim’s replacement. Business office staff will provide interim coverage for business operations and ensure continuity of services. Business office questions should be directed to me at this time.

Read what we’re reading!

Did you know that teaching was recently listed as the #1 career for burnout? The stress and expectations on school employees over the last few years have increased dramatically. We must make sure we take good care of ourselves as well as our students and families. This year, all employees are reading Onward by Elena Aguilar. This book takes the reader, chapter by chapter, through the cycle of a school year and is a guide to help build our emotional resilience as individuals and as a community. As Maria Montessori said, “We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”

Opening Night

Our annual Opening Night event is scheduled for Thursday, August 22nd, 6:30-8:30 pm. We will begin with refreshments and a few words from me, our Director of Development and Alumni Relations, the Board Chair, and our SPA Co-Chairs. Afterward, parents and guardians will join Teachers and Assistants in classrooms to learn about the year ahead. This night also provides an opportunity to meet our new teachers and staff. We hope to see you there! (Please note that all parking is off-campus (details below) and that this is an adults-only event.)

The start of the school year is just around the corner, and we are excited to welcome you. Please review our school calendar in detail, paying careful attention to the schedule for our gradual start the week of August 12th - details are also included below.

Warm regards,

Elizabeth