Message from the Head of School
“We must help the child to act for himself, will for himself, think for himself; this is the art of those who aspire to serve the spirit.”
- Maria Montessori
Dear Parents,
The quote above captures, I think, one of the main paradoxes of parenting, and working with children in general. We have an indispensable role in a child’s development, but at the same time our aim must be to make ourselves less and less indispensable to the child, so that they can ultimately “act, will and think for themselves”. This is a delicate and difficult balance to strike, and takes an immense amount of prudence and patience, not to mention humility. But what rewarding work it is, as we see the children grow in independence and self-reliance!
Next week will be our second Parent Night, and we’re very excited to see you all there. The topic will be “Giving and Receiving Feedback” and we’ll be looking at how the children at each different stage of development are guided in learning this critical life-long skill. Also, don’t forget, if the content isn’t enough of an enticement to attend, we’ll have refreshments and good company starting at 6:30 pm, and you get $10 off your SCRIP target for each parent/care-giver attending! So even more of a reason to make the time.
Please RSVP so we are make sure to have enough goodies to go around!
God bless,
Sean P. Garvey
Head of School
Renaissance Montessori School
Messages from the Environments
Message from the Young Children's Community
In our Young Children's Community, our friends gather around the prayer table seated on a carpet square. I've been observing that when I start to hum or sing softly our Atrium gathering song, the children stop whatever else they are doing and come get their carpet square off the shelf, to sit around the table. Some of the older children are setting the prayer table, snuffing the candle is also a favorite, and all are enjoying their own relationship with the Good Shepherd.
Message from the Children's House
In the Children’s House, we have had a lot of practical life work happening. These whole body works have a beautiful settling and calming power. The children are entering work more deeply and beginning to develop concentration.
Message from Elementary
One highlight in Elementary this week has been analyzing poetry. The older children are engaging in lively discussions about how words are being used in particular sentences and how to classify them according to parts of speech. They are also diagramming sentences with delight. Who would have thought grammar could be such fun?
Message from the Erdkinder
Last Saturday, four of our students ran concessions for the antique auction in the RMS gym. They worked great as a team and had lots of practice in applied math!
Parent Night Next Tuesday
We are looking forward to seeing you all next Tuesday for our first Parent Night of the year. Our social time begins at 6:30, with the presentation beginning at 7:00. These nights are a critical part of collaborating with you and your families and are a great way to connect with other parents as well. AND, you will receive a credit of $10 off your SCRIP goal foreachparent that attends!
Please RSVP to admin@rmsmail.org.
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences occur twice a year; once in the fall and once in the spring. The conferences provide parents with one-on-one time with the teacher, to share our joint observations of the child, so we can best acknowledge who they are and what they need next. Conferences can be scheduled during “office hours”, which are unique to the environment and directress.
In order to make these as fruitful as possible, parents need to have observed at least once in the environment before their conference.
Use the links below to schedule a conference. If there is an emergency and you are not able to make your scheduled time, please contact the office to let us know. Then reschedule through the sign up below for an available time. Thank you in advance for your prompt arrival.
Toddler
Primary
Elementary
Erdkinder
Parents Guild Upcoming Events
The Parents Guild has been planning some fun outings for both parents and kids.
Farm Brew Live
On October 28, 2018 from 5-7 we invite you to join other RMS parents (and kids if you would like) at 2 Silos/Farm Brew Live in Manassas. Come enjoy the evening with us--Two Silos features an outdoor fireplace, a Peterson's ice cream truck with specialty ice cream and drinks, a playground, corn hole, fire pits and several different food options. They do ask that you do not bring in outside food and children must be with their parents the entire time. We will try to meet in the area near the fireplace. Check it out: http://farmbrewlive.com
Ticonderoga Farms
On November 2, a day off of school, we will head to Ticonderoga Farms for a fun and exciting day outside with family and friends. Beginning around noon we will gather (bring or buy lunch) at the farm and everyone can stay as long as they would like. Ticonderoga has goats, rolling tunnels and big slides, hayrides, giant jumping pillow, and all the usual farm festival fun. The cost is 10.95 for everyone 2 and older. No need to RSVP; just show up and bring a friend!
http://www.ticonderoga.com/
Lastly, please sendbox tops into the office. Michelle Clune will be sending them in by Oct. 26--thanks for collecting them!
If you'd like to catch up on what we covered at the last meeting, you can find the minutes HERE.
Donated Loom for Our Handcraft Studio
We are so excited about the new addition of the beautiful donated floor loom, with some of us in Elementary already with some ideas for weaving projects. The loom is a 45” wide four harness Nilus Leclerc floor loom made in July 1973 and in excellent condition. These looms and replacement parts are still in production, so it’s a very good one to have.
It will take a little time to do some cleaning, figuring out some of the ins and outs of the loom and weaving, and becoming familiar with warps, weaves, setts, dents, sleying and bearing and more. If you have any experience or know of anyone with weaving experience who would like to share their knowledge, please pass it on!
As in taking on any handcrafts there is always the need for supplies.We will always have need of yarn. If you are looking to reduce your stash, please keep our weavers in mind!
Upcoming Events
10/15/18 - Montessori Monday
10/16/19 - Regular Atrium Schedule Begins
10/16/18 - Parent Night #1 6:30 PM
10/29/18 - Picture Day
10/30/18 - First Holy Communion Parent Meeting
10/31/18 - Elementary Living Souls Museum 9 - 11 AM
11/1/18 - NO SCHOOL - All Saints Day
11/2/18 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service Day
Reminders
New After Hours Charge for Later Pick Up
Our Later Pick Up service after the 3:00 pick up begins at 3:15 when pick up is over andends at 4:30.All children need to be picked up from the school before 4:30 PM, as we do not have staff to cover childcare after that time. There is a $5 charge for every 5 minute interval we provide care after 4:30 PM.If you are going to be late, please call or email the absent line: 703-594-7032 or absent@rmsmail.org.
Open for Observations
Observation is the foundation of this entire way, i.e. the Montessori Method, and observation of the child is essential for everyone in the child’s life. This is the way we discover who the child is, where they are in their journey and what they need next. All staff members participate in daily observations in the classrooms. We cannot stress enough how important it is for parents to observe their child both in the home and in the classroom.
All of our environments are now open for parent observation. We schedule observations for all environments at 8:50 AM and encourage you to plan to stay about 30 minutes.
SCHEDULE A CLASSROOM OBSERVATION
RMS Absentee Line for Late Arrivals and Early Pick-Ups
The new RMS Absentee Line has been working great for when children will be out. Thanks so much to all the parents who have already used it!
We are asking that parents also begin to use this line to let the office know if you plan to be late or to pick up your children early. This notifies several us in the office so we can make sure to receive your message in time.
Call the RMS Absentee Line at 703-594-7032 and leave a message.
Send an email to the absent@rmsmail.org.
Load this contact information into your phone now!
Picture Day
Picture Day 2018 has been scheduled for Monday, October 29th. Please make sure to have your children here by 8:30 AM on as we will begin taking pictures immediately.
Elementary children should wear their uniform as usual.
Toddler is not in session that day but if you would like a picture and to have your child included in the class picture, please bring them at 8:30; we will begin with Toddlers.
Below are more details ordering.
Photo Packages and Order Information
FAQ
It's Time for Box Tops
Please collect any Box Tops you may have and submit them to anyone at drop off or pick up or put in the box in the office for collection. Deadline for submission is Monday, October 22nd. Please contact Michelle Clune at michelleclune@yahoo.com if you have any questions. Thank you!