montessori MESSENGER
Woodland Hill Montessori School
Behind the Music
Selecting music for school concerts is a thoughtful and intentional process designed to enrich students' learning experiences while creating meaningful performances. At Woodland Hill Montessori, the music program integrates seamlessly with the broader Montessori curriculum, drawing on the themes and cultural studies happening in the classroom. Three key considerations guide the selection of concert music: continent area, language, and developmental appropriateness.
Aligning with Cultural Studies
One of the primary factors in choosing songs is the continents being studied by the students. A part of the Cosmic Montessori curriculum, classrooms follow a three-year cycle, with each level exploring different regions of the world through subjects like geography, people groups, biomes, and music. By selecting songs from the continent being studied, the music program helps to deepen students' cultural understanding. For instance, a past concert featured the beloved Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda," tying into studies of Oceania. This approach ensures the music is not only enjoyable but also meaningful and connected to the students' broader learning.
The Importance of Language
Language is another important element in the song selection process. Learning to sing in different languages allows students to experience the diversity and beauty of global cultures. While some groups are ready to tackle complex pronunciations, others benefit from simpler, more familiar sounds. Recent examples include Primary students learning a French song and Lower Elementary students singing a piece in Japanese. Whenever possible, songs are chosen in languages other than Spanish to broaden students’ exposure to linguistic diversity.
Tailored to Developmental Needs
Developmental appropriateness is also a key consideration. Songs are chosen to match the strengths and readiness of each group, allowing students to shine while still being challenged. For example, a rhythmically strong Lower Elementary group performed a drumming piece last spring,
highlighting their musical abilities. If a song presents challenges, it is adapted to maintain its integrity while ensuring it is accessible to the students. This approach helps students build confidence and enthusiasm for their musical growth.
A Reflection of Cosmic Education
This process is rooted in Montessori’s concept of Cosmic Education, which seeks to connect children to the world and universe. Music selections align with the cultural curriculum and provide students with opportunities to explore the richness of global traditions. Through these thoughtful choices, the concerts become celebrations of learning and cultural exploration, offering students and their families a chance to experience the beauty of interconnected traditions.
Each concert reflects the care and creativity that go into selecting pieces that inspire and educate, making these performances a true highlight of the school year.
Morning Concert
Watch the recording of the morning Primary, Box Violin, and Suzki Violin students here.
Evening Concert
Watch the recording of the Lower Elementary through Middle School concert here. Including the school Rock Band, Suzki Violins, and Chamber Ensemble.
The evening concert was emceed by Krrisha and Liam.
Frozen Jr
Woodland Hill’s Theater Club brought the magic of Arendelle to life with two dazzling performances of Disney’s Frozen Jr. in early December. The production featured a talented cast of 21 students, supported by a dedicated three-member stage crew. Together, they worked tirelessly to memorize lines, perfect choreography, and master the intricacies of quick costume changes and stage management.
Under the guidance of directors Nicholle Gregor, Danielle Hall, and Maria Germain, the students showcased incredible teamwork, creativity, and commitment to bringing this beloved story to the stage. The directors couldn’t be prouder of what the students accomplished, creating a truly unforgettable theatrical experience for everyone involved. Bravo to the entire cast and crew!
While there was a snafu with the recording equipment just before the show, Michelle Edwards captured Friday evening’s performance of Disney’s Frozen Jr. on her iPad. You can view the recording here.
A huge thank-you goes out to the student AV team, led by Ben Kelts, whose hard work and dedication ensured that the production ran smoothly. Their efforts behind the scenes were crucial in bringing this magical performance to life, and we are so grateful for their contribution. Without them, the show truly wouldn’t have been the spectacular success it was!
Kids Can Bulid
On December 9th, the Kids Can Build extracurricular team displayed their creativity and engineering skills at Crossgates Mall, constructing an impressive can sculpture of a tent and campfire. Their hard work earned them an award for structural integrity, and all cans used in the sculpture were donated to the Shalom Food Pantry, making the event a wonderful combination of innovation and community impact.
“Woodland Hill instilled and cultivated our child’s independence, love of learning, self-motivation, respect for others, and a deep creative and imaginative use of knowledge.”
Parent and Alumni Panel
January
Phsyical Education
Physical Education at Woodland Hill Montessori School is thoughtfully designed to nurture individual growth while fostering social and emotional development taught by Ben Kelts and Jodi Selzer. In the Primary program, students enhance motor skills and coordination through engaging activities that build physical abilities and self-confidence. The focus on positive sportsmanship, respect, and cooperation helps young learners develop essential life skills like taking turns, following directions, and valuing fairness.
In Lower and Upper Elementary, the emphasis expands to include teamwork and collaboration. Students participate in activities ranging from skill-building exercises to group sports such as soccer, volleyball, and handball. They also learn basic wilderness skills, including how to start a fire and outdoor safety practices, fostering a deeper connection with nature. These experiences not only improve physical fitness but also instill values like sportsmanship, respect, and personal responsibility. By working together, supporting one another, and celebrating both successes and challenges, students gain confidence, build meaningful connections, and develop a well-rounded understanding of teamwork and fair play.
Art and Makerspace
The Art and Makerspace programs have been buzzing with creativity and exploration across all levels and is taught by Megan Stasi. Upper Elementary students are creating detailed oil pastel drawings inspired by bird specimens borrowed from the New York State Museum, combining art with natural science. Lower Elementary students have been sculpting clay lily pads after studying Claude Monet’s iconic water lily paintings, blending hands-on artistry with an appreciation for Impressionist techniques. Primary art classes are embracing the season by painting lively depictions of owls and turkeys, encouraging young learners to connect with the natural world through their creativity.
Meanwhile, Middle School students are exploring value and contrast by using charcoal to draw three-dimensional forms, honing their technical skills while deepening their understanding of light and shadow. In the Makerspace, students in the kinetic sculpture elective are crafting interactive optical illusion artworks known as agamographs, which change appearance when viewed from different angles. Across all levels, these projects encourage artistic expression, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the intersection of art, nature, and movement.
Electives Session Two
Woodland Hill Middle School and Upper Elementary students are halfway through their second session of electives. This season, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of classes, including Photography, Songwriting, Soul Collage, Kinetic Sculpture, Computer Animation, Knitting, Herbalism, AV and Tech, Fitness, and Glee.
Each Wednesday afternoon, the halls are filled with the delightful aromas of fresh herbs and gingerbread cookies from the Herbalism class, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. In Photography, students have recently been experimenting with light and exposure to create illusions—such as jumping through portals or shooting lasers from their hands.
This session, we’re fortunate to have two parent instructors sharing their expertise with our older students. If you’re interested in teaching a class at Woodland Hill, please reach out to Nicholle Gregor.
Open House
Love WHMS? Join Eraena Fraites-Gonzalez at Woodland Hill’s next Open House on Saturday, January 25, from 10 AM to 12 PM! Parent volunteers will have the opportunity to give tours and share their stories about what WHMS means to them and their children with prospective families. It’s always a fun and welcoming morning here on the Hill. If you’d like to help, please email Eraena.
WHMS FUND
contribute to the WHMS Fund
accessible while providing the extra resources that enhance our students' learning experiences.
As of December 20, we’re thrilled to share that we’ve raised $54,000! Thank you to all the families who have contributed so far—your generosity makes a meaningful impact!
Make a donation today www.woodlandhill.org or scan this qr code
Makers and Mocktails
January 15 | 4 - 6 pm
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