News

Primary - We are excited to be able to offer after-school Enrichment opportunities for Primary students who will be 4½ years of age by March 22. 

• Tuesdays – Spanish with Spanish Teacher Anabel Brcek
• Wednesdays – Sports Mash-Up with PE Teacher Tiffany Orem
• Thursdays – Music & Movement with Toddler Teacher Toshia Johnson

Elementary & Middle School - After-school Enrichment opportunities for Elementary & Middle School students include lots of new options this spring! Please note that classes are carefully designed to be age-appropriate and are therefore designated by academic level; exceptions cannot be made.

• Mondays – Mighty Kicks Soccer, Stage Craft
• Tuesdays – Intro to Photography, Carpentry, Running Club
• Wednesdays – Spanish, Hands of Service
• Thursdays – The Green STEAM Team, Running Club

Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. See Springmont Weekly News for more information and online registration.  Registrations with full payment are due by March 14 at 4 p.m. (Registrations received after this time are subject to availability and a $25 per child late registration fee.)

Questions? Please contact Tiffany Orem at torem@springmont.com.

As Springmont's school counselor, I am aware that my communication often focuses on challenges and problem-solving.  In response to the numerous folks who shared that January was incredibly difficult, I'd like to share some of the experiences at Springmont that bring me hope and renew my sense of optimism.  "Feel Better February" aims to help students focus on and engage in activities and interactions that increase the flow of positive neurotransmitters and create a sense of well-being.  In one Upper Elementary group, students wrote notes of gratitude and encouragement to adults on campus who have supported them and brought joy to their lives.  Research shows that both those who write notes of gratitude and those who receive them benefit, and it was delightful to witness this in action.  This week, we focused on peer-to-peer encouragement by creating a web of friendship. Students formed a circle and then sent a ribbon along with a very specific compliment or words of appreciation to a classmate. (See photo)

In the Primary classrooms, we are reading books about how to be a friend to ourselves and each other, and kindness is flowing.  Many mornings, we see older Primary students gently helping younger children transition into the classroom.  One Lower Elementary student shared that she and others in her class are working on making sure everyone feels connected during outside playtime, exclaiming, "we welcome friends to our group with open arms!" as she spread out her hands. Students across campus are actively engaging with collaborative minds and respectful hearts. Our students are generous, kind, and caring and uphold daily the grace and courtesy emphasized and modeled by the families and staff of our beloved community. 

As someone who is often overwhelmed with her "to do" list, I would also like to share with our extended community that a study at UC Berkeley recently found that expressing gratitude via email or text engenders the same positive feelings as in-person communication or a written note. So, if you don't have time or energy to get together in person or mail a written note, go ahead and send that brief email to someone you appreciate, or text your colleague a quick thank you or encouraging word.  Now more than ever, lifting those around us while boosting our own positive brain chemistry is a great thing to do. 

We are happy to offer current Toddler & Primary students an opportunity to continue their Springmont experience this summer! Springmont Assistants and staff will guide the Toddler Summer Program & Primary Summer Camp, allowing your child to spend the day in his/her familiar Montessori environment with additional summer fun and activities, including arts & crafts, outdoor adventures, and water play!  

(6) one-week sessions:     

June 6-10

June 13-17

June 20-24

June 27-July 1

July 11-15

July 18-22

Daily Schedule Options: 

Half Day: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. $205 per week

School Day: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.  $280 per week

Full Day: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  $340 per week

Registration: 

Weekly sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment will be capped at 15 Toddlers and 24 Primary students per week, and we must have a minimum number of participants each week or the program/camp may be canceled. Registration, including a $75 per week non-refundable deposit, is done online and reserves your child’s space. Registration closes May 6. Balances, billed via FACTS, are due May 20.

Please see Springmont Weekly News for online registration and more information. Spaces will fill quickly, so register soon to reserve your child’s spot!

Questions? Email Cara Friedline cfriedline@springmont.com

With an always-changing landscape to our country’s peoplehood, creating intentional time to discuss topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the classroom is critical.  

Literature can be a great way to share information, personal stories, and ideas and a springboard for discussing DEI topics in depth. The Georgia Book Awards (and other state awards lists) and the American Library Association awards offer book suggestions that help students better understand the experiences of marginalized and underrepresented groups. The collection at Springmont has been curated to provide selections about all kinds of diversity, including, but not limited to, African American, Asian American, Latinx/Hispanic, Jewish American, Indian American, and Muslim interests as well as LGBTQIA+ and social justice perspectives.

The Georgia Book Awards books are on the main display in the middle of Springmont’s Media Center. Primary and Lower Elementary Teachers circulate them to read aloud throughout the year.  The week before Spring Break, Primary & Lower Elementary students will vote for their favorite picture book. The student’s choice may or may not be a book with a DEI topic, but all students 5 and older will have been exposed to these important themes and the discussions that follow. If you are interested in continuing the discussion at home, please email me (lwachter@springmont.com) and let me know what topic you are looking for.  I am happy to send home a couple of picture books with your Primary child. You can also find the books on the Georgia Book Award website.  

For Upper Elementary students, the Georgia Book Award chapter books are available for check out. The DEI issues in these selections are more complex, and some of these books need to be followed by adult-guided discussions.  An optional Book Club, led by me, is held about once a month to highlight a particular title and is very well attended - possibly because a tasty treat related to the book is always served! These discussions can be a very effective way for students to understand differing perspectives and develop a sense of empathy and compassion.   

In addition to the Georgia Book Award selections, we take every opportunity to spotlight books in the Media Center.  Currently, Black History Month and Olympics books are plentiful and on display.  Springmont is fortunate to have literary resources that help students establish healthy perspectives and develop their communication skills.  

Don't miss the chance to support Nathalie's Upper Elementary students as they offer delicious sweets baked in class!  Come to the Pavilion on Friday, February 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m. to purchase Thumbprint Cookies, M&M Valentine's Day Cookie Bars, and Red Velvet Banana Bread sure to be a perfect start-to-the-weekend treat!  Cash Only. While Supplies Last.