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Assistants in Toddler, Primary, and Elementary classrooms are vital to an authentic Montessori experience. While their roles and responsibilities vary depending on the age of the children in their care, ensuring classrooms are orderly and beautiful (also known as maintaining the Prepared Environment) is a key function at all academic levels. Assistants also help to redirect children, preserving the concentration of all members of the classroom community and helping children develop independence of both thought and movement; you might see them reading with one child or brainstorming with a small group about what work they'd like to choose next. At every level (except Middle School which does not have Assistants), Assistants serve an invaluable role and are an essential component of the success of any Montessori community. 

What is the role of a Toddler Montessori Assistant?  
Assistants play a more active role in our Toddler environments as they support children's independence through self-care activities, including practical life skills like eating, sleeping, and toileting. Assistants also assist with language development, helping the youngest children acquire vocabulary through songs, books, conversation, and one-on-one interactions.   Assistants continuously narrate what they're doing as these young children are in their sensitive period for language and absorb all that is said and done around them. 

What is the role of a Primary Montessori Assistant?  
In Primary classrooms, Assistants also play an active role, observing and getting to know the children so they can offer them tasks that build their confidence and stretch their capabilities to care for themselves and others. As Primary children develop greater independence, they are given more freedom to do tasks on their own. Primary Assistants quietly circulate and are ready to offer help when needed. It is a delicate balance to know when to help and when to step back. Dr. Montessori instructs adults assisting children of this age to "help me to help myself." Because it is easy to do things for children that they can do for themselves, giving children the indirect message that they "can't" instead of they "can," allowing children to be safely independent requires careful observation. 

What is the role of an Elementary Montessori Assistant?  
At the Elementary level, Assistants are assistants to the teacher and the environment, not necessarily to the children. They supervise the classroom overall, preserving and protecting the concentration of children and lessons, while the lead teacher manages conflict resolution and curriculum questions. Although Elementary students assume a larger role in caring for their class environment, Assistants still ensure the classroom's beauty, order, and cleanliness. Additionally, they may supervise student cooking endeavors and Going-Outs, handle administrative tasks such as taking attendance and completing forms, make materials, and coordinate Field Trips or special events. 

As students move from Toddler through Elementary, the role of the Assistant varies greatly. Yet, at each level, Assistants are crucial in achieving what Dr. Montessori called "normalization," classrooms of children who concentrate and work freely, exercising self-discipline and peace. As you reflect on your Fall Observations and look ahead to those in spring, we hope you will take a moment to notice our wonderful Assistants!

Springmont was thrilled to host Dr. Terrence Roberts on Friday, November 17! One of The Little Rock Nine, Dr. Roberts provided Upper Elementary & Middle School students an opportunity to hear firsthand about what happened in Little Rock, AR, in 1957. After a small group lunch that included two Middle School students, Dr. Roberts shared a brief synopsis of his childhood and junior year at Central High School and then patiently and candidly answered dozens of questions from students about all facets of his life. The presentation ended with autographs and the group photo shown here! Look for more photos on Facebook!

A graduate of California State University at Los Angeles (BA) and UCLA (MSW), Dr. Roberts obtained his Ph.D. in Psychology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Lessons from Little Rock, a memoir by Dr. Roberts, was published in 2009 and describes his experience at Central High School and talks about the salient lessons to be learned from that episode. His second book, Simple, Not Easy: Reflections on Community, Social Responsibility, and Tolerance, was published in 2010 and seeks to guide the reader toward more socially responsible positions in life. In recognition of his contributions to society, Dr. Roberts has been the recipient of The Congressional Gold Medal, The Pere Marquette Discovery Award, The Spingarn Medal, and The Robert S. Abbott Award.
 

Join fellow parents to discuss the upcoming Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon, Share Springmont, possibilities for an MLK Day of Service, and our February 3 Springmont commUNITy Dinner! The meeting will be on Friday, December 1, beginning at 9 a.m. at Cafe I Am (5825 Mountain Creek Rd NE, Sandy Springs, 30328).

As a follow-up to November's Calm Minds, Bright Futures – Recognizing and Managing Anxiety Zoom presentation by Drs. Ann and Kimberly, parents/guardians are invited to join them for Coffee with the Counselors on Monday, December 4, beginning at 8:45 a.m. in the School Counselor Office. This will be another chance for parents to ask questions and connect with Drs. Ann and Kimberly – we hope you will attend!

Springmont is excited and honored to host Dr. Terrence Roberts on Friday, November 17! As one of The Little Rock Nine, Dr. Roberts will provide an opportunity for Upper Elementary & Middle School students to learn more about what happened in Little Rock, AR, in 1957. A graduate of California State University at Los Angeles (BA) and UCLA (MSW), Dr. Roberts obtained his Ph.D. in Psychology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Lessons from Little Rock, a memoir by Dr. Roberts, was published in 2009 and describes his experience at Central High School and talks about the salient lessons to be learned from that episode. His second book, Simple, Not Easy: Reflections on Community, Social Responsibility, and Tolerance, was published in 2010 and seeks to guide the reader toward more socially responsible positions in life. In recognition of his contributions to society, Dr. Roberts has been the recipient of The Congressional Gold Medal, The Pere Marquette Discovery Award, The Spingarn Medal, and The Robert S. Abbott Award.

Little Shop of Stories, an independent bookstore in Decatur, will offer a selection of affordable books, including the newest titles for every reading level. All proceeds go directly back to Springmont's Media Center. 

All purchases will be rounded up to the nearest dollar to fundraise for the Community Assistance Center, a Sandy Springs organization that provides basic-needs assistance to prevent homelessness and hunger. 

Shopping Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. 

• We invite parents/guardians to sneak in a few minutes of holiday shopping without their children - the perfect book always makes a great gift!  
• The Book Fair also gives teachers an opportunity to enhance their classroom libraries. Teachers will preselect books that will be set aside for them. If you'd like to purchase a classroom gift book, we can add one to your purchase! 

Student Shopping:

• Half Day Toddler and Half Day Primary students may shop with their parents after mid-day dismissal carpool.
• On Monday afternoon, older Primary students who do not nap will come with their class to preview and create wish lists, which will be sent home. Parents may then use these lists to shop Tuesday-Thursday. 
• If you would prefer your Primary children shop with their teachers, please send $15-25 cash in a labeled envelope. 
• Elementary and Middle School students may shop independently Tuesday-Thursday. Children should bring cash in a labeled envelope. Parent volunteers will assist children with selection and payment. Typically, $20-25 will cover the price of 2-3 paperback books.

Volunteers Needed! Click here if you have some time to help Leslie set up or assist parents and students with purchases!

Questions? Email Leslie Wachter
 

We want our students to be excited and appreciative of this important campaign! All classes that reach 80% family participation by Tuesday, November 28th, (Giving Tuesday) will be treated to a special class celebration with the Head of School.  Gifts and pledges of all sizes are welcome – our goal is community participation! Click here to make your gift or pledge today! 

Click here to read Head of School Elizabeth Lener's letter - The Magic of Springmont.
 

We are excited to announce that the winners of the 2023-24 Yearbook Cover Art Contest are Lower Elementary student Lleyton Heather (front cover - pictured left in colored pencil and pen) and Middle School student Satti Gray (back cover - a mixed media collage pictured right). Runner-up entries (not pictured) will be used inside the Yearbook and include those created by Jules Beaty, Juan Pablo Pascavage, and a collective piece created by Emily Penz, Maja Renner, and Naima Bartlett.  We are so proud of all our student artists!

Springmont's Middle School students have been exploring the photographic process of cyanotype in art and the structure and function of plant parts in science. The cyanotype process was invented by scientist Sir John Herschel in 1842 as an easier way to copy his notes and diagrams than the silver-based photographic processes of the time. Cyanotype uses iron salt solutions rather than silver. When the solution is exposed to UV light, the result is a deep blue print. 

Students were inspired by Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions by Anna Atkins. While previous scientific studies were illustrated with drawings, Atkins' book was the first illustrated entirely with photos. Atkins learned of cyanotype directly from Herschel and found that the process was extremely effective for accurate botanical representation.

To begin their projects, students selected pretreated fabric or painted the chemicals onto paper. Each student then gathered natural materials from around campus to place on top of the treated fabric and paper. Finally, students placed their pieces outside to expose them to UV light, with a piece of glass placed on top to hold all the materials in place. Once fully exposed, the prints were washed in a water bath to bring out the blue color that is unique to the cyanotype process. 

These pieces are on display through the end of November at the Sandy Springs Library as part of their STEM-related displays!
 

As you likely know by now, the Springmont Fund campaign is underway!  The campus we know and love today is, in large part, thanks to the families who have come before us and contributed to this fundraising campaign. We want to reach 100% parent participation! 

Click here to make your tax-deductible contribution today!

Click here to read Board Chair Joe Colonna's November 2 letter - Giving & Gratitude.
 

This Friday’s Springmont Parent Association (SPA) meeting will be held at the home of SPA Co-Chair Elizabeth Keromytis beginning at 9:00 a.m. All parents are invited to come and bring a dish for SPA’s Breakfast Friendsgiving! 

Each year as Thanksgiving approaches, Springmont looks for an opportunity to support those in need in our wider community. This year SPA will be hosting a canned food drive supporting Solidarity Sandy Springs. Starting this Wednesday, families who wish to contribute should look for a designated bin in the Pavilion. Items most needed include canned chicken, canned tuna, canned diced tomatoes, canned pineapple, pasta, and pasta sauce in plastic containers - please, no glass. The drive will continue through Friday, November 17th.
 

We are delighted to host picture book author Surishtha Sehgal and middle-grade chapter book author Landra Jennings. Both authors will provide students with an inside look at their creative processes, the inspiration behind their stories, and their journey to becoming published authors. These special visits are sure to foster a love for literature!

On Thursday, November 9, Primary afternoon students will meet Springmont grandparent and alumni parent Surishtha Sehgal, known for her enchanting and exquisitely illustrated picture books. She will read It's Diwali! to kick off the festival, which begins on November 12.  If you would like to purchase one of her books before her visit, they are available on Amazon, and she will autograph them! Plenty of Surishtha Sehgal's books will be available at our upcoming Book Fair, which begins November 28!

On Friday, November 10, our partner bookstore, Little Shop of Stories, has arranged for Landra Jennings to visit with 3rd - 7th year Elementary students. Landra is on her book tour to share her newest book, Wand, published this week. This book takes readers on a whimsical journey through animals, nature, and magic. 
Landra's visit offers students the opportunity to have a copy of her book autographed, a personal touch that provides students with a lasting connection to her visit.  If you would like to buy a copy of Wand, please click the link in Springmont Weekly News to pay by credit card, or your child may bring $15 cash or check to the Media Center on or before this Friday, November 10. Please label the envelope with your child's name and "Landra Jennings."  

We are thankful for the opportunity to host these two remarkable authors! Please email Leslie Wachter with any questions.