News
News
At Springmont, we’re proud of our school and like to share the accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Here you’ll find information about Springmont, including recent school news, articles about our curriculum, and other interesting items. For additional press or media information, please contact Julie Strickland jstrickland@springmont.com or 404.252.3910.
Archives - September 2018
Headlines
September 24, 2018
As I visited classrooms last week, I was struck by the level of independent engagement exhibited by our students. In each room, I had difficulty finding a single student who looked up from his or her work to see who opened the door. Though students were often clustered around tables, rarely were they working on the same task. The individual educational program students enjoy at Springmont is one of the biggest differences between our school and other non-Montessori schools that I have discovered. This cannot be achieved without a fundamental difference in the approach of the teacher. In fact, the use of the term “guide” rather than “teacher” in Montessori education speaks to this. Students are guided to learn independently and at their own pace and to follow their own passions while simultaneously learning core academics.
This concept of individualized learning was reinforced for me during our Parent Education Evening last Thursday. As I stopped by each presentation, I heard teachers at each level explaining how they carefully observe each student so that they can interpret his or her current learning and modify the environment to meet the needs and interests of each student. The goal of the teacher/guide is to intervene less and less as the child develops this unique, independent engagement. What has impressed me most about our faculty is their ability to respect their students’ independence while being supportive and their ability to motivate students without the use of rewards or punishment even as they provide more and more independent work.
As Dr. Montessori said, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.’”
Seeing is believing, so make sure to call the Front Office to schedule your own observation of your child’s classroom as well as one at the next level. I’m sure you will be as impressed as I have been!
Good News & Fun Plans!
September 24, 2018
We are so happy that the playground renovations are complete! Thank you to all who donated to the 2017-18 Springmont Fund - your generosity made the new equipment and additional site work possible.
October is Springmont Fund month! On Monday, October 1, we will host a fun gathering to kickoff the 2018-19 campaign, celebrating the many ways our donors have improved our campus. Pop by the Springmont Fund Kickoff Party in the Pavilion on Monday between 3:30 and 5:30 for popsicles, popcorn, games and fun!
Camp on Campus
September 24, 2018
The second annual fall Camp on Campus is coming up on October 20. Grab your tent and a picnic dinner and join other Primary and Lower Elementary families for a night under the stars! We’ll have games, crafts, s’mores and some special guests! Spaces are limited so click here for more information and to reserve your spot.
Apple Spice Lunch Program
September 24, 2018
We are excited offer a new Tuesday-Friday lunch option for Primary, Elementary & Middle School students beginning October 16. Click here to create an account, add your student(s), and place your orders. Orders for Oct 16-19 are due by October 9.
Questions? Call Apple Spice directly at 770-627-4108 or email them at northatlanta@applespice.com.
Georgia Tax Credit Scholarship Program
September 17, 2018
Don’t believe the old idiom it’s too good to be true. When it comes to Apogee and the Georgia Tax Credit Scholarship program it’s good and true!
Through the Georgia Tax Credit Scholarship program, you have the opportunity to boost Tuition Assistance at Springmont while receiving a dollar-for-dollar Georgia state tax credit for your contribution. The process is fast and easy and starts with a pre-application you can access here. Apply today and help support Tuition Assistance at Springmont at no cost to you! To learn more, check out this 100-second video.
Georgia Breathes Comes to Springmont
September 17, 2018
Springmont Elementary classes joined students across Georgia to kick-off the Georgia Breathes initiative. Springmont parent Dara Smith visited classrooms to introduce the program, speaking with students about focused breathing and how it can be used as a powerful tool to decrease negativity and promote happiness and well-being. The initiative calls for four breaths - Breath of Joy, Washing Machine, Wake Up Mountain and Lotus Breath – to be practiced for a total of 4 minutes for 40 consecutive school days. Click here to learn the breaths at home!
Ask a Division Head: Why Do Parents Choose a Montessori Education for their Children?
September 10, 2018
A 2017 study conducted by Association Montessori Internationle (AMI) investigating why parents chose Montessori education for their children found three key reasons why parents selected, and stayed with, Montessori:
1. An emphasis on developing moral, behavioral and emotional skills
2. Highly-qualified and knowledgeable faculty
3. The home-school partnership
What do these top priorities of Montessori families look like at Springmont?
We’re Not Raising Children…We’re Raising Adults
At Springmont, we work with children to develop responsibility, the skills needed to focus on and complete tasks, the value of cooperation, and a friendliness with failure that builds resilience. This enables Springmont students to become capable and competent individuals who are empowered, productive and connected to those around them. Today’s practical life lesson, ‘Going-Out’ trip, community meeting or micro-economy project translates to real-world readiness.
Experts in Content; Experts in Development
With an average of over 15 years’ experience, Springmont faculty are our greatest asset. Their specialized training emphasizes curricular content as well as a deep knowledge of child development. By knowing what children need to know and how they learn best, Springmont teachers guide each child to their highest learning potential.
All for One and One for All
Children do best when home and school work together in a partnership of mutual expertise. Opportunities to observe in the classroom, to help with special projects, to attend parent education evenings and special events are ways to learn more about what your child experiences during his/her school day. Springmont teachers invite questions and observations and will reach out to you with theirs as well.
Springmont delivers a progressive Montessori experience that guides your child towards meaningful discoveries, allowing him/her to become independent, effective and knowledgeable.
Muffins for Moms
September 10, 2018
Springmont moms are invited to start their mornings with muffins, coffee & conversation. Hear from Jon Alden, Head of School, and get a guided glimpse inside your child's classroom* before starting your workday! *Toddler moms will be shown a video in the Media Center rather than going into classrooms.
- Elementary & Middle School: Tuesday, September 25, 8:30 a.m.
- Toddler & Primary: Wednesday, September 26, 8:30 a.m.
Kindly click here to RSVP by Friday, September 21.
Springmont's Robotics Team
September 04, 2018
Springmont's Robotics Team of Upper Elementary students have begun designing, building and programming an autonomous robot using LEGO Mindstorms technology. This experiential, collaborative STEM program exposes students to science and engineering principles while fostering teamwork and building critical thinking skills. Students will attend two training sessions at Grady High School before participating in a tournament.
Sponsor the Mile!
September 04, 2018
The 24th Annual Springmont Festival & Montessori Mile is scheduled for Saturday, October 13! Put your company or family name on the fun! Yes, you can support Springmont while increasing awareness of your business. Sponsorships are available at 3 levels - Gold $500, Silver $350 and Bronze $200, and include various levels of benefits including complimentary race registrations and t-shirts. Click here for more info and to register your sponsorship online.
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