Montessori Pre-K News

“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.”
— St. Francis de Sales

As friendships begin to blossom and children continue to explore boundaries within our classroom community, we are creating opportunities to practice patience, kindness, movement, and connection.

This week, the children practiced walking carefully along our line work on the floor, developing balance, coordination, concentration, and control of movement. We also took a peaceful walk to visit the peacocks, giving the children time to observe nature and reconnect with the world around them.

Our mud kitchen experience with their 5th-grade buddies brought opportunities for collaboration, creativity, sharing, and joyful connection across ages. We also slowed down for a piano listening exercise, practicing stillness, attention, and awareness as we listened carefully to the sounds around us.

These simple experiences reflect Dr. Maria Montessori’s belief that movement, the senses, nature, and meaningful relationships are essential to the child’s development. Each moment gives the children another opportunity to grow—not only as individuals, but as a caring and connected community.

Next week: Monday (SEL/SPANISH), Tuesday (SALESIAN/FRENCH), Wednesday (LIBRARY/CHINESE), Thursday (STEM/SPANISH), Friday (SALESIAN/FRENCH).

With Gratitude,

The Montessori Team

Harper brings joy and light to our classroom each day. She shows kindness and generosity by welcoming others into her workspace and activities, and she is always ready to serve her classmates with a cheerful heart.

Harper has also shown courage and openness as she embraced new experiences and found her place in the Visitation Montessori community.

We are very proud of Hayden and all she has accomplished during her first month at VIS! She is a pleasure to have in our classroom each day, and both teachers and students are naturally drawn to her joyful presence. Hayden is kind, patient, and generous, and she has shown great courage and confidence as she embraces her new school community. Congratulations, Hayden, on a wonderful first month at VIS!

It has been a joy getting to know Harper and Hayden and seeing their kindness, hospitality, and joyful spirit shine each day

"On Monday I had the opportunity to share a very special part of my culture: the Panamanian folkloric dance El Punto. It was an honor to perform this piece, which represents elegance, tradition, and deep connection to our roots.

As I danced, I felt the joy of bringing a little piece of Panama into this space, and it truly moved me to see how warmly everyone received the presentation".

- Ms. Marla Hughes

As part of our Global Citizens curriculum and inspired by our school’s hospitality virtue of the year, we invite families to share a little piece of their home culture with our class.

Each of us has unique family traditions, stories, celebrations, and customs. Sharing these with our children helps us celebrate our differences, build connections, and grow as welcoming global citizens. Please send us one page about a special family tradition or cultural practice, along with pictures if you’d like. Be creative! We will turn your contributions into a class culture book to enjoy during morning groups and add to our classroom library.

We also invite you to send a framed family photo to help make our classroom feel a little more like home. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where every family and culture is welcomed, celebrated, and valued!

This week, we celebrated Rafaella’s 4th birthday with a beautiful Montessori birthday ceremony. As she walked around the candle representing the sun four times, carrying the globe, we reflected on her wonderful first four years. From her joyful spirit and adventurous heart to her growing curiosity, love of nature, and contagious laughter, each year has brought new discoveries and so many beautiful moments to celebrate.

As her friends shared birthday wishes and filled her special sachet with colorful rice and lavender, we felt so grateful to celebrate the wonderful little girl Rafaella is becoming. This year has been especially special as we’ve watched her grow into such a loving and amazing big sister.

Rafaella, we are so proud of you and all the joy you bring to those around you. We can’t wait to watch you continue to explore, learn, blossom, and shine.

We love you, Raf! Happy 4th Birthday!

MEA Break. Extended Day available.

Montessori Christmas Party

When: December 16th, Wednesday.

Time: 10:00 - 10:45

Place: DeChantal (small auditorium)

All children will begin the day in Room 12. Please plan to arrive between 7:45–7:55 a.m. to allow your child time to settle in before the day begins. Check out the "Tips for Separation" link (below) with some helpful ideas for this process.

Morning prayer and instruction will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. Any children who arrive late will need to be signed in and enter through door 5.

What to Expect

Drop Off: Enter through door 4 and bring your child to the entrance of the Montessori Hallway where you can say goodbye. A classroom adult (Miss Lannette, Miss Jesse, Miss Rachelle, or Miss Marla) will be there in the hallway to greet your child and supervise the cubby area before they enter the classroom.

If an adult needs to escort a child into the building, they will need to enter through Door #5 and check in at the front desk using our Raptor security system. For the safety of our students, no visitors or guests will be permitted into the building without a name tag and badge.

Pick Up: For children leaving at 2:45 p.m. you can park and wait just outside of door number 4. At 2:45 p.m. those children will be brought to the door 4 entry as a group for dismissal. Anyone picking up a child should have a photo identification with them. Extended day pick up will be at the extended day classroom space (room 13).