News

The 29th annual Springmont Festival & Montessori Mile will be held on campus on Saturday, October 19! Even if you aren’t a runner, all families are invited to join us for the fun! The day begins with a warm-up in the Pavilion at 8:30, followed by one-mile fun runs on Long Island Drive for adults and children 6-14 years and then dashes for younger students (6 and under) on the Field.

Additional activities will take place around campus after the races and include:

•    Middle School-run Festival with cotton candy, face painting, balloon animals, and more!
•    Livia's Class Pesto Sale - homemade, organic, and nut-free for $7/jar
•    Pumpkin bread and other fall items handmade by Nathalie's Class
•    Scarecrow display
•    Alumni Brunch
•    Chili Cook-Off! (see entry instructions below)

Race Registration - now through noon on October 11!
All fun run and dash participants, and anyone who wants one of the long-sleeved commemorative t-shirts adorned with the student-designed logo pictured, are encouraged to register! Click here for race registration!

Volunteers Needed!
Volunteer opportunities are plentiful and varied and include tasks that can be done in advance of October 19 as well as during the event.  Many hands make light work!  Can we count on you? Click the link in Springmont Weekly News to view volunteer opportunities! 

Enter the Chili Cook-Off!
Do you have a great chili recipe? Enter Springmont’s 12th annual Chili Cook-Off for a chance to prove your recipe is Golden Ladle-worthy. You could win a fabulous prize basket! Chili of all varieties—black bean, red bean, spicy, mild, chicken, beef, vegetarian, and others are welcome. Email Tiffany Orem to enter!

Have questions? Email Tiffany Orem 

Individual Student Photos will be taken according to the class schedule below by A Focused Life Photography on October 8 and 9, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Ordering instructions will be provided.

Tuesday, October 8
Remzije’s Toddler Class
Toshia’s Toddler Class
Destiny’s Primary Class
Rinku’s Primary Class
Brenda’s Lower Elementary Class
Nathalie’s Upper Elementary Class    

Wednesday, October 9
Jeanie’s Primary Class
Rebecca Primary Class
Zaiba’s Toddler Class
Middle School
Livia’s Lower Elementary Class
Marianna’s Upper Elementary Class
 

Creativity is one of one of Springmont’s Core Values and our Yearbook Cover Art is an annual tradition! This year’s theme is “I am Inspired!”   Students are encouraged to think about what inspires them – a favorite lesson, activity, or area of campus. Perhaps it’s friends, a teacher, or our animals! How might that be depicted on our 2024-25 Yearbook cover?

Artwork should be on 8.5 x 11” paper and include full color, original drawings (no computer images, please). Collaboration is welcome! Entries should be submitted to Andrea Restifo by November 1. Artwork will not be returned and may be used for other Springmont publications.

Each student will receive a complimentary copy of the Yearbook in May! (Pictured is our 2023-24 cover!)
 

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, is a time to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the rich tapestry of the United States. While we celebrate this community's vibrant culture and heritage, addressing the gaps in historical narratives and elevating the voices of those often marginalized is crucial.

Springmont, like many communities across the country, likely holds a wealth of untold stories and unsung heroes within its Hispanic and Latino communities. This month presents an opportunity to reclaim and amplify their history by centering their stories, acknowledging their contributions, and learning about the wide range of cultures and geography connected to Hispanic and Latino Heritage.

By engaging in these actions, Springmont can move towards a more inclusive and accurate representation of its diverse history. This month catalyzes recognizing the powerful impact of the Hispanic community and ensures that their legacy is woven into the fabric of Springmont's identity.

This is not just about celebrating but about actively creating a future where every story is valued and every voice is heard.

Click here for resources from hispanicheritagemonth.gov. 

Please join Ann Van Buskirk and Katie Polanco for Coffee with the Counselors on Wednesday, October 2nd, beginning at 8:45 a.m.   

As students and families settle into the routine of the school year, Ann and Katie are pleased to offer an informal opportunity for connection. This month, we will focus on supporting our children and each other in the wake of recent tragedies, school shootings, elections, and other events in the news. How do we support resiliency in the face of trauma and sow seeds of hope in times of chaos?

All Springmont parents and caregivers are welcome to attend and bring questions or thoughts for discussion. 

If you can, kindly click the link in Springmont Weekly News to RSVP by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1st, so we can plan for seats and breakfast treats!
 

Upper Elementary parents/guardians are invited to join Upper Elementary Teachers Marianna Wildes and Nathalie Blanchard and School Counselor Ann Van Buskirk for Building Resilience, Fostering Independence, and Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills. This engaging session will be held in Marianna's Classroom on Tuesday, October 8, 4:30-6:00 p.m. and will explore:

• The unique social-emotional needs of Upper Elementary students and how Montessori environments support the development of social-emotional skills
• Practical strategies to cultivate resilience and independence and ways to partner with the school to nurture these skills at home

This is a wonderful opportunity to gain insights into the social-emotional learning journey of your Upper Elementary child, learn valuable strategies to support their growth and development, and connect with other parents and share experiences.

Complimentary childcare is available 4:30-6:00 p.m. for currently enrolled Upper Elementary students via the RSVP form. (All Day option students do not need to be pre-registered.)

• Lower Elementary & Middle School students may be registered for our fee-based Extended Day program.
• Unfortunately, Half Day & School Day Toddler and Primary students and non-enrolled siblings cannot be accommodated.

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 Upper Elementary childcare by 3 p.m. on Monday, October 7.
 

The 29th annual Springmont Festival & Montessori Mile will be held on campus on Saturday, October 19! Even if you aren’t a runner, all families are invited to join us for the fun! The day begins with a warm-up in the Pavilion at 8:30, followed by one-mile fun runs on Long Island Drive for adults and children 6-14 years and then dashes for younger students (6 and under) on the Field. Additional activities will take place around campus after the races and are still being finalized but will include a Middle School-run Festival, a scarecrow display, and a Chili Cook-Off!

Sponsorships
 

Would your company or family like to sponsor this event? This is a great way to increase awareness of your business within the Springmont community, show your support for our school, and have fun! 

To put your company’s (or your family’s) name on the fun and obtain sponsorship benefits, please click here to complete the online Sponsorship form by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25. Sponsorships are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

• We have TWO Platinum sponsorships, which include (2) on-campus parking places for October 19, (5) race registrations and t-shirts, your logo/family name on the back of the race t-shirts in a premium position, your logo/family name on the sponsor banner in a premium position and premium size, a coupon/flyer in race packets (if desired), and mention in our Annual Report
• Gold sponsorships are limited to FOUR and include (4) race registrations and t-shirts, your logo/family name on the back of the race t-shirts in a top position, your logo/family name on the sponsor banner in a top position and large size, a coupon/flyer in race packets (if desired), and mention in our Annual Report.
• Silver sponsorships are limited to SIX and include (2) race registrations and t-shirts, your logo/family name on the back of the race t-shirts, your logo/family name on the sponsor banner, a coupon/flyer in race packets (if desired), and mention in our Annual Report.
• Bronze sponsorships are limited to TEN and include (1) race registration and t-shirt, your logo/family name on the back of the race t-shirts, your logo/family name on the sponsor banner, and mention in our Annual Report.
• NEW - Race Bag Sponsorship! Are you looking for a unique way to market your business and sponsor the 29th Annual Springmont Festival & Montessori Mile? We are looking for one company to provide reusable bags for our event! Bags stuffed with race registration information, event t-shirts, and marketing materials from sponsors will go home with each family who registers. We will need 200 bags at least 16.5"h x 14"w, either drawstring or tote style, which you may imprint with your company logo or family name. This opportunity is first-come, first-served and limited to one sponsorship. Email Tiffany Orem for additional information or with questions! 

Early Bird Race Registration
 

All fun run and dash participants, and anyone who wants one of the long-sleeved commemorative t-shirts, are encouraged to register! Early Bird Race Registrations are $22 each and are due by 8 a.m. on Monday, September 30.  After this date, we cannot ensure your preferred t-shirt size, and each registration increases to $25. Click here for Early Bird Race Registration! 

Enter the Chili Cook-Off!
 

Do you have a great chili recipe? Enter Springmont’s 12th annual Chili Cook-Off for a chance to prove your recipe is Golden Ladle-worthy. You could win a fabulous prize basket! Chili of all varieties—black bean, red bean, spicy, mild, chicken, beef, vegetarian, and others are welcome. Email Tiffany Orem to enter!
 

We are excited to offer Primary parents/guardians two ways to see their children's classrooms in action! All parents are encouraged to observe in their children's classrooms before Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences, which occur on November 1 and 8. Observations provide parents a glimpse of their child(ren)'s day as well as an overall picture of how a Montessori classroom allows children opportunities for creativity, engaged learning, authentic social interactions, and more.

Zoom Observations: So that parents/guardians may see the classroom without their child being aware and possibly upset when they must depart, we are offering one Zoom Observation opportunity for each Primary classroom. The class will proceed with their usual morning routines while Toddler/Primary Division Head Cara Friedline treats parents to a 20 to 30-minute peek at the lessons and activities happening during a typical morning work cycle. There is no need to RSVP; just join the Zoom for your child's class. Reminders, including the Zoom link, will be sent the day before each event!

• Destiny Class Zoom Observation - Tues, Sept 24, 2024, 9:00 AM
• Rebecca's Class Zoom Observation - Wed, Sept 25, 2024, 9:00 AM
• Rinku's Class Zoom Observation - Thurs, Sept 26, 2024, 9:00 AM
• Jeanie's Class Zoom Observation - Fri, Sept 27, 2024, 9:00 AM

On Campus Observations: Primary parents/guardians are also invited to sign up to observe their children's classrooms in person. Primary Observations will begin October 7 and continue on designated days through November 7. Sessions will be available 8:45-9:35 or 9:00-9:50. Parents will gather in the Media Center for a brief introduction led by Division Heads Cara Friedline and Patricia Jordan. After observing in classrooms, each session will conclude with an opportunity to debrief your observation in a small group. 
Springmont uses Sign-Up, an online reservation system that allows parents to select preferred dates and times. To allow each family an opportunity to observe, we ask that parents select just one date and time for each of their children's classes and make every effort to bring just one vehicle to campus. Click the link in Springmont Weekly News or the emailed invitation to select your preferred date and time.

Questions? Email Toddler/Primary Division Head Cara Friedline
 

Classroom Observations offer parents/guardians an opportunity to see their children's classrooms in action! All parents/guardians are encouraged to observe in their children's classrooms before Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences, which occur on November 1 and 8. Observations provide parents a glimpse of their own childr's day as well as an overall picture of how a Montessori classroom provides opportunities for creativity, engaged learning, authentic social interactions, and more.

Elementary Observations will begin on October 1 and continue on designated days through November 7. Sessions are available 8:45-9:35 or 9:00-9:50. Parents will gather in the Media Center for a brief introduction led by Division Heads Cara Friedline and Patricia Jordan. After observing in classrooms, each session will conclude with an opportunity to debrief your observation in a small group afterward.

Springmont uses Sign-Up, an online reservation system that allows parents to select preferred dates and times. To allow each family an opportunity to observe, we ask that parents select just one date and time for each of their children's classes and make every effort to bring just one vehicle to campus. Click the link in Springmont Weekly News or the emailed invitation to select your preferred date and time.

Questions? Email Elementary Division Head Patricia Jordan 
 

Parent observations provide an authentic glimpse of your children’s day – their friends, teacher, environment, and learning – and are a great way for parents to prepare for Parent/Teacher Conferences and to learn more about Montessori. Because our youngest students are less able to maintain concentration when parents/guardians visit their classroom in person and may feel distressed when parents/guardians depart, observations of Toddler classrooms are done via Zoom. 

Toddler/Primary Division Head Cara Friedline will host the Zooms, spending about 20 minutes in the classroom and leaving time at the end to answer questions. You may also email questions to her or your child’s Teacher.

There’s no need to RSVP - just join the Zoom for your child's class. Reminders containing the Zoom link will be sent the day before each scheduled observation. We kindly ask that you join the session promptly so that Cara does not have to stop her tour to admit parents to the Zoom meeting.

• Remzije’s Class Zoom Observation - Tues, Oct 1, 9:30 AM
  Toshia’s Class Zoom Observation - Wed, Oct 2, 9:30 AM
  Zaiba’s Class Zoom Observation - Tues, Oct 8, 9:30 AM

We are excited to host Davis Vaughn of Parkaire Consultants, Inc., who will join us on Thursday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School Liberal Arts classroom to lead a discussion titled, “Helping Adolescents Find Success.”

Davis will talk to parents/guardians and students about topics such as Learning to Lean In, Current Culture and Parenting, and Managing Electronics. We hope Middle School parents/guardians and their students will join us to learn more about stress and task management and problem-solving.

Kindly click the link in Springmont Weekly News or the emailed invitation to RSVP by 3 p.m. on September 24.

Middle School parents who wish to observe may email Marsha Fleming.
 

Last year, we restarted our employee Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice and Belonging (DEIJB) group. One of the charges of this group is to bring greater awareness and understanding of these issues to the wider Springmont community. To that end, this year, we are interested in helping form a parent/guardian-led DEIJB group. This group would gather to discuss issues and shared readings, talk about their experiences at Springmont, promote community education, and help inform the work we do around these issues at school. If you are interested in becoming a member of this group or perhaps leading this group, please email Head of School Elizabeth Lener.

Parents/guardians of Primary students are invited to our first Primary Parent Education event of the school year, Parenting for Academic Success, on Wednesday, September 25, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Many parents worry about their children’s academic success and look for ways to help them succeed in school. While Springmont supports your child’s academic and social/emotional growth during the school day, there are many ways families can also help outside the classroom, starting at home!  Join Destiny, Jeanie, Rebecca, and Rinku, who will share the keys to academic success and ideas about how you can help prepare your children to bloom, including:

• How parents/guardians can help their children connect their minds to their bodies for fine and gross motor control.  
• How social skills promote positive relationships with peers, and how executive functioning leads to excelling in math and language.  
• Games you can play with your children to enhance the development of reading and writing skills as well as a mathematical mind.    

Complimentary childcare is available 4:30-5:30 p.m. for currently enrolled Half Day & School Day Primary students. (All Day Primary students do not need to be pre-registered.)

• Elementary & Middle School students may be registered for our fee-based Extended Day program by clicking here. 
• Unfortunately, Toddlers and non-enrolled siblings cannot be accommodated. 

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 or the emailed invitation to RSVP and reserve Primary childcare by 3 p.m. on Monday, September 23.
 

All parents/guardians are invited to join us beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, for a doubleheader! - our first 2024-25 Springmont Parent Association (SPA) Meeting AND Engage with Elizabeth & the Board!

All parents/guardians are automatically members of the Springmont Parent Association (SPA).  Based on parent feedback, rather than holding all of our SPA meetings on Friday mornings, we will host the first one in the late afternoon to allow for various family schedules. Pending feedback and participation this month, we may opt to host another SPA meeting in the late afternoon or evening. Parents can look forward to getting to know our new SPA Co-Chairs, Caro Werner and Steve Little. They will be sharing information about upcoming events and volunteer activities, and there will be time dedicated to taking questions. 

Engage with Elizabeth & the Board is an opportunity for Head of School Elizabeth Lener and Board Chair Will Johnson to share a few words about the work of the Board, their vision for the school, and some information about how families can engage in our upcoming Strategic Planning, a collaborative process designed to create an actionable plan for Springmont’s future.

• Complimentary childcare (including a light snack) is available 4:30-6:00 p.m. for currently enrolled students via the RSVP form linked below. (All Day option students do not need to be pre-registered.)
• Due to limited on-campus parking, we ask that each family bring just one vehicle to campus.
• Light refreshments will be served.

Kindly click the link in Springmont Weekly News to RSVP and reserve childcare by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18.

Individual Student Photos will be taken on October 8 and 9 (the class-by-class schedule will be announced in the coming weeks), but we are excited to announce Springmont's NEW FAMILY Photo Dayon Saturday, October 5!  Families are invited to pre-register for a 20-minute indoor photo session for up to 8 people. Photos will be taken by Score Photo and can be fun or formal. Autumn or holiday backdrops will be available, creating photos perfect for holiday cards or gifting! 

Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 24, so click the link in Springmont Weekly News to schedule your family's session now. The $50 per family sitting fee benefits the Springmont Fund!  

Please note that we must have 15 registrants by October 1, or the event may be canceled. Fees are non-refundable after October 1 unless Springmont must cancel.  Please arrive promptly, as late arrivals will be accommodated only if possible.

Questions? Email Director of Development & Alumni Relations Karen Poyser at kpoyser@springmont.com. 

Package 1 - $275

·        One 16x20 on Canvas
·        Two 8x10 prints
·        Two 5x7 prints
·        One email of your favorite pose 

Package 2 - $195

·        Two 8x10 prints
·        Two 5x7 prints
·        Four 3.5x 5 prints
·        One email of your favorite pose 

Package 3 - $175

·        One 8x10 print
·        Two 5x7 prints and
·        One email of your favorite pose   
 

Springmont looks forward to hosting illustrator AG Ford on Wednesday, October 2! Organized by Media Center Specialist Leslie Wachter and our partner bookstore, Little Shop of Stories, AG Ford will visit with Primary afternoon students.  

If you would like to buy a copy of Garbage Crew to the Rescue! for AG Ford to autograph, please click the link in Springmont Weekly News by September 17! 

Questions? Email Leslie Wachter at lwachter@springmont.com.

Lower Elementary parents/guardians are invited to Understanding Your Lower Elementary Child on Wednesday, September 11, 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Livia's Classroom.

Dr. Montessori believed children develop in four stages or "planes," each with its own defining characteristics. Lower Elementary students are beginning The Second Plane of Development, asking deeper questions and seeking the resources needed to answer them. They are able to carry out larger projects over longer periods of time, and learning is no longer a solitary activity! Students gravitate toward their classmates and prefer collaborative work as they develop their personal interests. The need for physical order seen in Primary students is replaced with a new need for moral order. Children begin to learn about social norms and form deep-rooted ideas of right and wrong. They hold very strong opinions on justice and perceived fairness and place emphasis on following rules, especially during games and play. This Second Plane of Development is also full of physical and mental growth. Lower Elementary students are eager to discover themselves and the world around them, and how they can carve out a place for themselves in it.

This session is designed to help parents/guardians better understand and support their Lower Elementary students. Don't miss it! 

• Complimentary childcare is available 4:30-6:00 p.m. for currently enrolled Lower Elementary students via the RSVP form linked below. (All Day option students do not need to be pre-registered.)
• Upper Elementary & Middle School students may be registered for our fee-based Extended Day program.
• Unfortunately, Half Day & School Day Toddler and Primary students and non-enrolled siblings cannot be accommodated.
• 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 or the emailed invitation to RSVP and reserve Lower Elementary childcare by 3 p.m. on Monday, September 9.
 

Toddler parents/guardians are invited to From Babble to Chatter: Unlocking Language in the Toddler Years on Tuesday, September 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Remzije's Classroom.           

Join Toddler Teachers Zaiba Farooqui, Toshia Johnson, and Remzije Shala for an insightful discussion about how children develop language, a powerful tool that toddlers are just beginning to master! 

As children grow, so does their ability to communicate, express themselves, and articulate their thoughts, feelings, and needs. At the same time, this developmental period can be challenging for the adults around them. Join the teachers to learn some of the tried-and-true strategies Montessori teachers use to support linguistic development and some practical tips for fostering a language-rich environment at home. Whether your child is already chatting away or just beginning to form words, parents/guardians will gain valuable insights into their children's language development journey. 

• Complimentary childcare is available 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Zaiba's classroom for currently enrolled Half Day & School Day Toddler students via the RSVP form linked below. (All Day Toddlers do not need to be pre-registered.)  
• Elementary & Middle School students may be registered for our fee-based Extended Day program. 
• Unfortunately, Primary students and non-enrolled siblings cannot be accommodated.
• 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 or the emailed invitation to RSVP and reserve Toddler childcare by 3 p.m. on Friday, September 13.