News
News
Celebrating Neurodiversity this April!

Did you know that, like fingerprints, the human brain is so uniquely complex that no brain is exactly the same? This month, we join in celebrating neurodiversity, a term that emerged in the 1990s as part of a movement to “increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences.” Harvard Health Publishing Mind and Mood “What is Neurodiversity?” 11/23/2021
Neurodiversity embraces the ideas that each of us experiences, learns, and interacts with the world around us in different ways and that there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behavior. Some of the different ways of thinking, learning, and interacting that have been given labels include Autism (ASD), ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Social Anxiety Disorder.
Just like other human variations, differences in our brains make for a more beautiful and interesting world. Thinking “outside the box” is a hallmark of the neurodivergent brain, and many people who have made significant contributions to our world are neurodivergent. The climate change activist Greta Thunberg is autistic and has ADHD. Albert Einstein had dyslexia. As journalist Harvey Blume states, “Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general. Who can say what form of wiring will prove best at any given moment?”
Neurodiversity brings strengths as well as challenges. At Springmont, we support neurodiversity through multisensory learning, prepared environments, and individualized learning in a collaborative framework, as well as through specialized instruction in our Plus program and a wide variety of experiences in nature. As we celebrate this April, let’s support each other with kindness, patience, and understanding, knowing that while we each think, learn, and experience life differently, like the flowers that bloom across our campus, we are each a beautiful part of our community.
“We have a duty to focus
On the road before us-
To dream of the destination
But never forget
To Delight in the Drive.”
-Morgan Harper Nichols
Hotel Rooms Available!

Have You Purchased Your Tickets? Coordinated Your Outfits and Masks? What About Booking a Room?
The countdown to this year’s Masquerade Auction Gala is officially on, and we want to make sure you’re fully prepared for an unforgettable evening! Have you already secured your tickets for this highly anticipated event? If not, now is the perfect time to grab them before they sell out. And while you're at it, have you picked out the perfect outfit and mask to dazzle on the dance floor? Whether you go with something glamorous, mysterious, or whimsical, this year's masquerade theme offers endless possibilities for you to express your style and creativity!
Why not take your Masquerade Auction Gala experience to the next level by booking a room at the Grand Hyatt? With hotel rooms available for as low as $219 per night, it’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a luxurious date night or even make it a weekend staycation. Take advantage of the childcare you secured for the night; this is your chance to enjoy a memorable evening without the hassle of driving home afterward.
Let the Fun Begin!
From the excitement of the live auction to the elegance of the masquerade, this event promises to be a night filled with fun, fantasy, and unforgettable moments.
- Secure your tickets Springmont School - Event Tickets Home - Qtego Fundraising Service,
- Pick out your attire, and
- Treat yourself to a stay at the Grand Hyatt. Book your room here!
So, what are you waiting for? Let the fun begin, and make this year’s Masquerade Auction Gala an event to remember!
Last Call for Sponsors!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impression. As a sponsor, you’ll be making a tangible impact on our school community. In return, we offer you multiple benefits, including prominent recognition with all event promotions and the opportunity to connect with prospective customers who share your values. Whether you own a small local business or work for a large corporation, your sponsorship or donation will not only make a difference in the lives of our students but also position your brand as a supporter of Springmont.
Visit Annual Auction - Springmont School to learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities and Benefits.
Join us as a sponsor by April 4th and help make this year’s Auction Gala the best one yet!
Class Photos & Opportunity for Sibling Photos - April 9

Class Photos are scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th. Each student will receive a complimentary class photo, which will be distributed in May.
In addition, our photographer is offering sibling photos to those interested. Like the individual photos in the fall, these will be available to view and purchase within a couple of weeks. In order for the photographer to adequately plan her morning with us and for us to coordinate getting students from multiple classrooms, we need an accurate list of those interested in sibling photos. Please email Andrea Restifo no later than Tuesday, April 1st, if you would like to take advantage of this offer.
Elementary Parent Education: Exploring Geometry - April 9

Parents of Elementary students are invited to our Elementary Parent Education event, Exploring Geometry, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m., in Nathalie’s Classroom.
Join the Elementary Teachers to explore the wonders of Montessori Geometry lessons! Teachers will give lessons, and there will also be time for hands-on work with the materials. Parents will learn about the sequence and breadth of the Elementary Geometry curriculum, which builds and expands significantly on the concepts learned in Primary classrooms. Parents will see how their children learn about points, lines, angles, perimeter, area, volume, polygons, congruency, similarity, and equivalency, as well as the numerical expressions and formulas that go with them, and most importantly, how it all relates to the real world! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the teachers and learn more about your child’s extraordinary educational experience!
Complimentary childcare is available 4:30-6:00 p.m. for currently enrolled and pre-registered Elementary students via the RSVP form linked below. (All Day Elementary students do not need to be pre-registered.)
- Middle School students may be registered for our fee-based Extended Day program.
- Unfortunately, Toddlers, Primary students, and non-enrolled siblings cannot be accommodated in complimentary care. (All Day students may remain in class as usual).
Due to limited on-campus parking, we ask that each family bring just one vehicle to campus.
Kindly click the link in Springmont Weekly News to RSVP and reserve Elementary childcare by 3 p.m. on Monday, April 7.
The Value of Silence in a Noisy World

In our modern era, silence has become increasingly rare and precious. Surrounded by the constant hum of technology, the chatter of social media, and the relentless noise of daily life, we often overlook the profound benefits of quiet or silence. Amid constant external stimuli, hearing our thoughts and feelings can be challenging. Silence provides a sanctuary where we can tune out distractions and listen to our inner voice. Quiet moments allow us to clarify our values, desires, and goals without external influences clouding our judgment. Silence allows us to reconnect with ourselves, fosters creativity, enhances inner peace, and cultivates a deeper understanding of our surroundings.
Maria Montessori recognized that children also need time for introspection and included the “silence game” in her classrooms. First introduced to the youngest children by asking them to silence one part of their body, like their feet, the silence game allows older children to independently seek moments of silence or quiet using a minute timer. Sometimes, the quiet spreads, allowing the whole class to notice the natural sounds of their environment. It’s almost magical!
Spring is the perfect time to find silence outdoors. The soothing sounds of nature, like birdsong, gently flowing water, or rustling leaves, also offer a serene space that encourages introspection. Whether a solitary walk in the woods or a quiet moment by a lake, spending time outdoors lets you and your children listen attentively to your inner dialogue.
In today's fast-paced world, boredom is often viewed as a negative state, but allowing and embracing moments of boredom can spark creativity and innovation. When we allow our minds to wander freely without constant stimulation, we create space for new ideas to emerge and connections to be made. Engaging in activities that promote mindful silence, such as breathing exercises or simply sitting quietly, helps build tolerance for boredom. Remember, parents do not need to entertain children at every moment. Leaving space for children to imagine, plan, and think through their own thoughts enables new ideas and passions to emerge.
Our modern world is noisy and often stressful, but intentionally finding moments of quiet or silence can reduce stress, increase resilience, and offer a sense of inner peace that transcends the chaos of the external world. I hope you and your child find a few moments of silence soon!
The Auction Committee is Calling on YOU!

As we gear up for this year’s highly anticipated Masquerade Auction Gala, the Auction Committee is reaching out to local business owners and executives to join us in making this event a huge success! This is your chance to shine a spotlight on your brand while supporting a great cause – Springmont School.
Spotlight Your Brand on Our Auction Page and Ticket Sales Site
Sponsorship opportunities are now available, offering businesses the unique chance to gain visibility before and during the event. When you choose to sponsor the Masquerade Auction Gala, your business will be prominently featured on our Annual Auction page and ticket sales site. These platforms attract many potential customers, making it an excellent opportunity to promote your brand and show your support for our school. With the reach of the auction, your business will gain exposure to a wide and engaged audience, including parents, staff, and community members who value companies that give back.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impression. Visit Annual Auction - Springmont School to learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities and Benefits.
Warm regards,
The Auction Committee
Professional Development Early Dismissal - Apr 2
On April 2nd, we will have our second and final Professional Development Early Dismissal Day this year. Having a few hours where everyone on our staff can come together for professional development training is essential for cohesive training and communication as well as community building. At this session, we will be learning how to use our new panic alarm system, revisiting some of last year’s dignity work, and continuing our study of Onward by Elena Aguilar.
- All Toddlers dismissed 12:00-12:15 (Please note that this time has been updated to better serve our youngest students.)
- Half Day Primary students dismiss as usual 11:45-12
- School Day & All Day Primary students dismissed 1:15-1:30
- Lower Elementary students dismissed 1:15-1:30
- Upper Elementary & Middle School students dismissed 1:30-1:45
Springmont Parent Association Meeting - Apr 4

Join Springmont Parent Association Co-Chairs Steve Little and Caro Werner on Friday, April 4, beginning at 8:45 a.m. in the Media Center to discuss upcoming school events, including the Auction in April and Field Day and the Employee Appreciation Luncheon in May. There's no need to RSVP, and all are welcome!
Women's History Month

March marks Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in history. As Montessori children, parents, educators, and advocates, it is important to instill an appreciation for those in our lives and in history who have overcome or are currently battling gender gap blockades, paving the way for future generations.
Women’s History Month, known originally as “Women’s History Week", was first petitioned in 1981. It was not until 1987 that the National Women’s History Project requested it be changed from one week to a month. Over the next six years, and officially in 1995, Congress issued and requested, under the authorization of the President, that March of each year would be deemed Women’s History Month.
Here are five women who accomplished great feats in American history:
- Susan La Flesche Picotte - As a member of the Omaha tribe, Picotte is widely accepted as the first Indigenous person and the first Indigenous woman to earn a medical degree. She worked not only for the health of her people but also as a social reformer advocating for public health and legal allotment of land to the Omaha tribe.
- Rita Moreno - Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress with a career spanning eight decades and is best known for her role as Anita in West Side Story (1961). She is one of the last remaining stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood and was the first Latina to receive EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards).
- Linda Martell - Martell became the first commercially successful Black female country artist and was the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. She has made a lasting influence on the country music world, even to this day. In March of 2024, Martell was even featured on two tracks of Beyoncé’s recent country record, Cowboy Carter.
- Chloé Zhao - Zhao is a Chinese-born filmmaker, primarily known for her directorial work on Nomadland (2020), a film that received numerous awards. In 2021, Zhao became the first woman of color to earn an Academy Award for Best Director.
- Ibtihaj Muhammad - Muhammad competed in sabre fencing on Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics. She became the first hijabi woman to compete in the Olympics, the first American Muslim woman to win an Olympic medal, and the first Black woman to win an Olympic medal for sabre fencing.
Masquerade Gala Auction

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of enchantment at our Masquerade Gala Auction! The annual auction is a time-honored Springmont tradition, allowing parents, grandparents, adult alumni, teachers, and friends to come together to party with a purpose.
This year, we're inviting you to don your finest mask and enjoy a night of fun and excitement that includes opportunities to bid on exclusive items, all in support of our school community.
When: Saturday, April 26th
Where: Grand Hyatt Atlanta - Buckhead
Theme: Masquerade: “Unmasking the Possibilities – A Night of Elegance and Giving”
It’s the perfect chance to dress up, enjoy tasty bites, and bid on amazing items—many of which will be made by your students - all while supporting Springmont. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical night.
Get your tickets now! Springmont School - Event Tickets Home - Qtego Fundraising Service Act quickly before they’re gone!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
