News

Established in 1968, the Georgia Book Awards were created to foster a love of reading in the children of Georgia, introducing them to books of literary excellence. Each year, awards are given in two categories – picture books and middle-grade novels. 

Books are nominated by teachers and media specialists from the state of Georgia. The books represent many genres: historical fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, and more. The books often raise cultural awareness and recognition of social issues such as bullying, civil and human rights, and poverty. 

At Springmont, School Day & All Day Primary and Lower Elementary students hear all 20 of the picture book nominees read aloud in class. Upper Elementary students read as many of the 20 nominated novels as they can before voting in late March.  Many of the books are highlighted on our Summer Reading lists.

Students across the state voted for their choice. At Springmont, each class received ballots, and the rules and etiquette of voting were explained. Outstanding illustrations, the author's style, and important themes are examples of criteria students consider as they cast their ballots. Our school's votes were tallied and then recorded on the Georgia Book Award website. 

And this year's state winners are.....

Picture Book Winner: I am a Tiger

Chapter Book Winner: When Stars are Scattered

Thanks to all students who read and voted (across Georgia!) and to the teachers who promoted their participation!

As noted in Head of School Megan Hakerem's March 19 Update and last Monday's Springmont Weekly News, our indoor mask-optional policy took effect March 24.  Our COVID-19 Handbook has been updated to reflect current policies. 

Parents are gently reminded of the 2 action items noted in those messages:

• All parents are asked to please provide (5) surgical or KN95 masks in a Ziplock bag labeled with their child(ren) 's name. These may be sent to the classroom with your child(ren) and will be kept on campus in case a mask is needed during the school day. 
• We respect the wishes of parents who would like their child(ren) to continue to mask indoors. If you would like your child to continue to be masked indoors (except during eating, drinking, and napping, if applicable), please notify us by emailing feedback@springmont.com.  Classroom Teachers & Assistants will be notified and will monitor masking based on these requests. 

Last week, Ann Van Buskirk, our school counselor, made the rounds to speak with older Primary students and all Elementary classes prior to the change in masking guidelines. Conversations centered around mutual respect and grace & courtesy.  Students were reminded to talk with their families regarding the option of no longer wearing masks indoors at school.  Elementary students volunteered reasons why some families might ask their students to continue to wear masks - a new baby at home, grandparents visiting, a family member with health concerns.  Students voiced understanding and intentions to act kindly and respect the choices made by others, as well as to support guests who might request that they wear masks during a visit.  It was a great opportunity to reinforce the concept that sometimes our behavior is not only about physical safety but may also ensure the emotional comfort of our friends.  Some older students asked questions about how the decision was made to make indoor masking optional, leading to a brief discussion of data-driven decision-making.  Students were thoughtful, listened to each other, and talked about their thoughts and feelings.  Many children shared that they had mixed emotions and that it "might feel a little weird" even as they looked forward to seeing each other's faces in the classroom.  Ann noted that one of the lovely things about the Springmont community is the kindness and respect children express, even when experiencing strong emotions.  Families with questions or concerns about their child's transition to our mask-optional status should please feel free to reach out to Ann directly.

The next meeting of the Springmont Parent Association is Friday, April 1, at 9 am. In addition to discussing upcoming events & initiatives, we are pleased that School Counselor Ann Van Buskirk will join the meeting for Ask Dr. Ann!

Dr. Ann looks forward to joining parents for a Q&A session. If you have something on your mind, now’s the time to ask! Wondering about how to talk with your children about current events? Seeking suggestions about how to make family conversations more fun or connect more deeply with your child? Fed up with sibling squabbles? As a licensed psychologist, Ann is glad to share her perspective and facilitate some dialogue. 

So that she has time to check the latest research and prepare a thoughtful response, kindly submit questions prior to the meeting by emailing Ann (avanbuskirk@springmont.com). If time permits, Ann will also gladly answer any questions asked during the meeting.

Join us on Friday, April 1, at 9 am via Zoom (the link was shared in Monday's Springmont Weekly News)!

Class photos will be taken Wednesday, April 13, beginning immediately after the conclusion of arrival carpools.  We will use the same photographer who did our individual student pictures last October – Kristin Boyer Photography – and a complimentary copy of your child’s class photo is included in tuition.  Photos will be taken outdoors, weather permitting.  

Kristin is also offering to take photos of siblings!  If you have children in different classes/levels and would like to have photos of them taken together, please email Andrea Restifo by Friday, April 8. 

Springmont's Annual Registration is open, and we look forward to having current students return for the 2022-23 school year! Annual Registration allows parents to confirm their child(ren)’s enrollment for the next school year by reviewing and updating their family’s contact and personal information and paying their $1,000 non-refundable per student deposits.  Annual Registration and deposits are due by March 24 after which date online registration will be closed and remaining seats will be offered to new students.

Parents received individualized emails indicating their child(ren)'s program/academic level(s) and tuition rate(s) on March 1. Please note that Tuition Assistance applications were due February 15. If you completed your Tuition Assistance application (including uploading required tax documents) after February 15, your application is still being reviewed.

We are excited to invite parents of Primary and Elementary students* to observe in their child(ren)'s current classrooms!  Parent observations provide an authentic glimpse of your child’s day – his/her friends, teacher, environment, and learning – both academic and social/emotional. Observations are also a great way for parents to learn more about Montessori. 

Spring Observations will be independent (unguided) but parents may email Cara Friedline or their child's Teacher with any questions. Teachers and Assistants will remain focused on the students and will likely not engage in conversation with parents during this time. Likewise, students will be encouraged to continue their normal routines.

• Click the link in Springmont Weekly News to select your preferred timeslot. Times and dates vary by class. Please select a time and date to observe in your child's current classroom.  If you would like to observe at another academic level, please email Andrea Restifo.
• In order to make sure all families have an opportunity to observe, each child's parents are asked to select and share ONE timeslot per classroom.  
• As parking is very limited, we ask that parents make every effort to bring just one vehicle to campus. 
• Parents are asked to arrive promptly.  We will not be able to extend your 30-minute timeslot for late arrival. 
• Upon arrival on campus, please park in a space across from the Pavilion and come to the Front Office to check in.  

Hints for Observing - Please remember that your presence is unusual for your child and his/her classmates. The following will help minimize the disruption for your child and his/her classmates while allowing you to make the most of your time in the classroom:

• If children – yours or others – come to your chair, try not to engage them in conversation. Say a quick hello and then quietly ask the child to return to work. 
• If your own child clings or acts silly, remember that having you in the classroom is not part of your child’s normal routine. 
• If your child is aware of your presence when it is time for you to leave, you may wish to say a brief and positive goodbye. It is helpful to explain to your child that your visit to the classroom is limited and that you will leave and then see him or her at the usual dismissal time. Most children will take your leaving in stride, but some may cry and want to leave with you. Rest assured that even the most agitated child will calm down very shortly after you leave.

What Will I See? - Naturally, parents’ first tendency is to focus on their own child’s activity but observing the class as a whole is also valuable.

• Notice the placement, color, beauty, and order of the materials and the environment. Your child is attracted to learning in this specially prepared setting.
• Watch how your child’s teacher interacts with the children. Montessori teachers serve as guides, giving children lessons with the materials and then doing only what is necessary to allow them to work independently and allowing them as much time as they need to complete the task.
• Observe children learning in different ways. You may see groups of children working cooperatively, individual children working intensely, and some seemingly not engaged in any direct activity but rather actively absorbing through observing others’ work. 
• See the children interact with each other – offering assistance, resolving conflict, encouraging each other, enjoying each other’s company.
• Witness children taking responsibility for their environment - choosing work, taking it from the shelf, completing the work, and returning it so the next child can use it. 
• Listen to hear the normal murmur of children working and the special pitch of children excited about learning with success as their primary reward.