Message from the Head of School
“If freedom is understood as letting the children do as they like, using or more likely misusing, the things available, it is clear that only their ‘deviations’ are free to develop; their abnormalities will increase.”
~Maria Montessori
Dear RMS Parents,
“Freedom” is one of most popular, and sadly most widely misunderstood, concepts in our culture today. In our recent parent survey, the most popular suggested topic chosen by the participants was “Freedom and Discipline” in our Montessori context. In many ways it is the core of what our students are learning to handle, and that is why the quote above struck me as so perfect.
Please note, we continue to do everything we can to make Parent Nights easier to attend for everyone, so we are experimenting with a new earlier time for the meeting, and adding a child care option based on the results of the survey. A separate email with the details about these changes was sent yesterday, and PLEASE RSVP as soon as you are able so we can plan accordingly. We’re hoping for record turn out this time!
God bless,
Sean P. Garvey
Head of School
Renaissance Montessori School
Messages from the Environments
Message from the Young Children's Community
Grace and courtesy in the Young Children's Community is absorbed through modeling. In our environment the children are noticing! At snack we are passing our serving bowls and the children are serving themselves. One child said, "More bread, please." and another who was near responded, "I'll do it!" and got up from the table and served her friends more bread (with tongs)! Another time, one of our youngest in the community helped put on the shoes of a newer friend, who hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet. She said confidently, "I help!" These beautiful moments of Grace and Courtesy bring about peace in our day.
Message from the Children's House
We have been so happy to have Miss Sloan with us. She has begun baking bread with the children and we hope to continue this each day. We are looking forward to many new experiences with food preparation.
Message from Elementary
In Elementary this week the children saw a series of demonstrations on the Three States of Matter (solid, liquid, and gas). In this presentation, the children heard again how all the particles of the universe obey their Creator simply by doing what He designed them to do. During this plane of moral development, the children leap in their minds from creation obeying God to the rules we as humans follow - or choose not to follow - and how this framework is all part of God’s perfect design.
Message from the Erdkinder
The Erdkinder Community has its own business selling soy-free non-GMO pasture raised eggs from our flock of chickens. Our business teaches the students valuable skills and they become well acquainted with micro-economic principles. This year we have earned enough money to pay most of the expenses for our first overnight trip to the American Shakespeare Theater to seeRichard the Thirdand for two nights in a cabin in Douthat State Park. We are very excited planning the menus for our meals and look forward to seeing the play we have just read performed. All the students have opted to sit on the special "gallant" seats situated ON the stage of the Black Friars Theater in Staunton. Not surprisingly, the guides have opted for the more conventional seating. Please pray for safe travels November 28 - 30th. Thank you Mrs. Ashton and toddlers for covering the care of our flock during that time!
Parent Night Time Change Nov 30th
Thank you to all who participated in our latest survey on Parent Night; it was our highest interest survey to date!
The results of the survey are in and you overwhelmingly indicated that an earlier time with childcare available would help you attend these important colla sessions. So, we'd like to try it and our next Parent Night will become a Parent Afternoon.
Details:
Friday, November 30th, 3:30 - 5 pm
Later Pick-up will be extended until 5.
Charge for Later Pick-up will be the usual $5 per child or $15 for a family of 3 or more.
RVSP required. Please reply to this email to RSVP to attend this earlier session and indicate the number of children you will be putting in Later Pick-up.
School Photo Orders Deadline
School photo deadline has been extended to November 20th. All orders will be accepted via online proofing galleries (log in codes were sent home on picture day). If your missing your codes please feel free to contact Stacie directly at Stacie@artbystacie.com. Orders placed by November 20thdeadline will be delivered to school for ease of pick up. Any print orders placed after the deadline will be subject to shipping fees.
Upcoming Events
11/19/18 - Montessori Mondays 8:30 am
11/20/18 - NO ATRIUM - Thanksgiving Break
11/21/18 - NO ATRIUM - Thanksgiving Break
11/21 - 23 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
11/30/18 - Parent Night 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Reminders
Students Invited to Swim with Seton
Any student 7th grade or older at RMS is invited to join the RMS Swim team. They will be practicing and going to meets with the Seton Swim team. Register at www.setonswimming.org.
Seton purposely tries to keep their fees low so these fees don’t quite cover practice lane rental. The rest (meets, pizza, uniforms, swim bags, houses for states, buses to Richmond, officials training, coach and officials uniforms, computer and sound equipment, etc.) all come from donations. Parents will be asked to help where they can, at least committing to helping with timing at meets. They can also always use people who are willing to be trained as a stroke and turn judge.
Save the Date - Community Movie Night
On December 20th, the Elementary class is hosting a Movie Night! All proceeds will go to the Elementary spring production. The movies will be: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from 5:30 – 6:00 PM “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” from 6:10 – 6:40 PM and “It’s a Wonderful Life” from 6:50-9:05. More details to follow!
Volunteer Hours Opportunity
We are looking for some volunteers to give some of their time to an exterior campus clean up for Fall. The work would include weeding, clearing debris and trash, and some raking. This could be done on your own time whenever available. Please contact Kristina if you are available to help!
November/December Pizza Form Available
We ask that you please hand these in, with payment included, no later than the Wednesday before each Friday. You can order for the full two months or any week at a time.
PIZZA FRIDAY ORDER FORM