Montessori Messenger | February + March 2024

montessori MESSENGER

Volume 2 | Issue 5 FEBRUARY|MARCH

Woodland Hill Montessori School

Parent-Child Night

On Wednesday, March 27, families gathered in the halls and classrooms of Woodland Hill for Parent-Child Night, a cherished event for everyone involved. The students led their families through their classrooms, showcasing their work and offering lessons with pride.

Our students show a strong enthusiasm for mathematics, evident in their engagement with the range of materials available to support their learning and skill development. To dive deeper into the Montessori Math curriculum, here is an excerpt from Math Works by Michael Duffy:

"Mathematics, perhaps more than any of the other subjects, is directed to pure intellectual developmentalthough, in a Montessori context and with the Montessori approach, it also promotes emotional, social, and spiritual development as well.

The intellectual development envisioned by a Montessori education is not limited to academic achievement - or event directed primarily to that end. Most people tend to think of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, the main mathematical disciplines in an elementary program, as ways to teach children to find answers to problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. That's certainly the way most of the parents of Montessori children were taught, and it's the way children are tested in our society to see if they are making acceptable progress.

Montessori mathematics is different. The focus is not on the answer- it's on how your child gets the answer. This is contrary to the usual way we operate in the adult world, where results are the primary goal, to be reached as quickly as possible."

Michelle has a copy of the book available to borrow if you'd like to continue reading. We hope that you will be able to join our faculty on Saturday, April 13 for the Voyage of Discovery on the Mathematics Curriculum!

History and Heroes Learning Fair

On Friday, March 15 our Lower Elementary students' enthusiasm was evident as they presented their research projects on their chosen heroes to their peers and parents. With themes for the learning fair varying each year from science to history - the projects allow the children to delve into subjects of their interest and explore various research and presentation methods. For Black History Month, our Upper Elementary students wrote biographies and painted portraits of significant historical figures of their choice, which were proudly displayed in the center of the fair.

Our Lower El plays have begun!

Sara and Hannah's Class just finished two performances of Tacky the Penguin. The students put on an excellent production and their teachers could not be more proud.

Save the Date | WHMS Talent Show | April 26 at 6 p.m.

Experiential Learning in Upper El

and Middle School

Students in Upper El traveled to a the Maciel Family Farm, a current Woodland Hill family to witness sheep shearing of their flock. Once the wool arrived on campus, our Middle School students stepped into the process of cleaning, carding, and dying the wool for use! The goal is to process all of the wool for a project at Grandparents and Special Friends Day later this school year.

Sheep shearing is a traditional practice for harvesting wool, a valuable natural fiber. After shearing, the wool is cleaned to remove dirt, grease, and debris. Next, the wool undergoes carding, a process where the fibers are aligned and separated to prepare them for spinning into yarn or other textile applications. This process ensures that the wool retains its softness, warmth, and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of products from clothing to blankets and beyond!

PhysEd Fun

This winter, our students have been immersed in exciting activities that promote health and wellness. From spirited pickelball competitions in Upper El and Middle School to outdoor adventures exploring nature in Primary and Lower El, and engaging in a variety of games and skills to enhance balance, coordination, and overall well-being, our students are thoroughly enjoying their time in P.E. with Ben and Jodi!

Our alumni are an integral part of our community, representing the impact of a Woodland Hill education. As they graduate and move forward, our school remains a foundational element in their growth and adolescence. This June, 24 students are set to graduate, with four originating from our very first Toddler Class where Michelle Edwards' as their teacher and half of the Class of 2024 starting their journey in Primary.

Woodland Hill is a home that students love returning to, having played a vital role not only in their academics but also in the development of the whole child. Here are some testimonials from our recent graduating families:

"You supported my child's love of math and science, you supported her talents for writing, even though public school would have crushed it because she needs extra time to read, process, and then to write her essays. You gave her the space she needed for that. Teachers supported her love of science by including subjects she loved to learn about."

"We came to WHMS because we wanted a school that nurtured self-motivation and cultivated a deep love of learning. It was not one thing that pulled us here, but the whole atmosphere and experience from Primary to Middle School that benefited our child."

These quotes exemplify the personalized support and nurturing environment that Woodland Hill offers, fostering a love for learning and helping students thrive academically and personally.

For a deeper insight into the family perspective, we invite you to watch the recording of WHMS Outcomes: A Parent Panel.

This insightful event took place in January on Zoom, hosted by Rex Tien, a current WHMS Board Member and Alumni of the Class of 2002. The panel featured parents of graduates spanning from the Class of 2014 to 2023. They discussed their experiences, their children's journeys, and what they find most valuable about Woodland Hill.

Take the time to hear from current and former Woodland Hill families and gain valuable insights into the lasting impact of a WHMS education.

Myths and Legends of Solar Eclipse from Around the World

Solar eclipse has been mostly feared and sometimes celebrated around the world since the beginning of history. In many cultures -- Australian Aborigines, some Native Americans, West Africans of Benin, and Tahitians -- people thought that eclipse happened when the Sun and Moon came together.

Animals are also responsible for solar eclipse. In Hindu stories a creature named Rahu sometimes swallows the sun and moon. In Vietnam there is a story about a giant frog that eats the sun, but a wise master persuades the frog to spit it back out. In Chinese myths a dragon eats the sun, but the arrow of a god causes the dragon to vomit the sun back out. In other parts of China, and Mongolia and Siberia, beheaded mythical characters chased and consumed the sun and moon to cause the eclipse. In Norse culture the trickster Loki creates wolf-like giants that swallows the Sun.

But more often, people were afraid of solar eclipse. Ancient Greeks thought the eclipse happened when the gods were upset. The Inca people, who worshiped the sun, also believed their god was angry and people appeased the god by offering sacrifices. In Transylvanian folklore eclipse is when the angry sun turns away in response to men’s bad behavior.

So, who was the first to discover that solar eclipses are natural phenomena? It is suspected that Babylonians understood it as an 18-year cycle (later known as a Saros cycle) almost 3000 years ago!

Sources:

Exploratorium | Smithsonian Magazine | Time and Date | Almanac | Ancient Origins

The total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024. Woodland

early dismissal on this day. Students have been sent home with solar

eclipse safely. If you need more, please visit the main office.

If your family is traveling to be in full totality, we would love to see your photos and videos!

Resources from the WHMS Library

Sun, Earth, and Moon Spinning Model Project | Pinhole Projector for Viewing

(The Wolves Pursuing Sól and Máni by J. C. Dollman, 1909) Approaching a total eclipse in Queensland, Australia, November 2012 In Hindu mythology, Rahu is known for swallowing the sun and causing eclipses. Hill will have an glasses for viewing the

Shaky Ground Art Show

Currently on display is the Middle School student art show in the FLOCKart gallery. Our Curator Club elective partnered with Parker Middle School students to present a show with the theme "Shaky Ground." Inspired by the work of Edvard Munch, students painted emotional landscapes and created posters depicting something they feel is endangered.

If you'd like to stop by and see the artwork, please reach out to Megan Stasi!

Teddy Bear Clinic

On March 9, Woodland Hill partnered with the South End Children's Cafe to host a Teddy Bear Clinic. This event served as a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about visiting the doctor's office in a positive environment and offered the opportunity to learn the importance of compassion and care for others. The event was organized by WHMS parent Shaun Connor, alongside medical students from Albany Med.

The South End Children's Cafe, provides a safe place and meals for local kids in need. Every student who participated was able to bring a donation of a shelf stable food item for the cafe.

In our Primary and Toddler programs, students have been actively learning new concepts and building upon familiar ones. In Nicole's classroom, students had the pleasure of welcoming several parent visitors who have led collaborative art projects (shown in the left photo) and shared their knowledge on topics like Holi, European countries, and soon beekeeping, tying experiences to our curriculum.

Additionally, our Toddler students have enjoyed visits from members of their classroom community who've taught them about the solar eclipse, Ramadan and Eid, and participated in baking lessons with Marion.

The Toddler students have also been a big help to caring for our school chickens!

More than 210 guests gathered for a magical evening on Friday, March 1 at our annual Soiree, Enchanted. The Soiree was held at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in downtown Troy and more than $68,000 was raised for Woodland Hill Montessori School, including $35,000 toward new equipment for our playground. Thank you to Jenny Wainman and Mark BobbSemple, this year’s co-chairs, and all the members of the planning committee, for creating an enchanted evening!

We are so grateful for our corporate sponsors, honorary committee members, donors, and auction supporters.

Corporate Sponsors

Enchanted Forest

The Massry and Knox Families, Tri City

Rentals

Wainschaf Associates, Inc.

Magical Meadow

JP Dow Custom Woodcrafts

Krum Marketing*

New Leaf Tree Services*

Friend of the Forest

Global NEP