Montessori Messenger | November 2023

m o n t e s s o r i

MESSENGER

Woodland Hill Montessori School

Volume 2 | Issue 3

N O V E M B E R

Step Together

Arts and Culture Night: Celebrating the Capital Region's African American Community

On November 3rd close to 200 WHMS community members, Capital Region residents, and performers joined the WHMS Diversity Committee for our first arts and culture night, Step Together. The event was designed to bring together members of all cultures and communities, to celebrate the Capital Area’s African American Community. The journey started with an amazing southern comfort food meal catered by Allie B.’s, followed by five extraordinary and interactive dance, music, song and spoken word performances. Many thanks to all the WHMS community members who helped make this event happen, and Global Albany for their sponsorship.

Jordan Taylor-Hill

The Elite BarBetts Latisia Johnson-Rivera

To learn more about the history of African American spoken word check out Say It Loud and Giving Voice from Smithsonian.

To learn more about African Drums check out this great piece from Contemporary African Art or learn how drums “talk” from Smithsonian. Click here to take a brief drumming lesson from The Kennedy Center To learn more about Stepping check out the History of Step from World of Step, More Than Dance from Essence, and The Art of Stepping from Dance Spirit. See what Essence has to say about the documentary STEP whose premiere at the Sundance Film Festival garnered a special jury prize for Alonzo Verbal

Barbara Howard

Affinity Groups The Diversity Committee is supporting the formation of affinity groups among the WHMS community.

While affinity groups can take on a life of their own, the intended purpose is to provide space for folks who share an identity (race, sexual orientation) or a common interest/goal (parents of neurodivergent children).

Members of the committee have volunteered to organize meetings among the affinity groups they identify with. If you are interested in creating another group, please reach out to Tanu Kumar who can walk you through the process.

Black Affinity Group Contact Ashley Bennett Parents of Neurodivergent Children Parents of Trans and Non-Binary Children Contact Robecca Koch

Participants of affinity groups are allowed to shape it into what they need.

At times, DEI topics are discussed. At other times, participants are simply sharing space and ideas without the weight of code switching. This is why it's important for participants to speak from the 'I' perspective.

We want to hear from you!

With the holiday season quickly approaching, we are hoping to share how families at Woodland Hill may celebrate different cultural or family traditions this time of year. We are looking for stories and photos from families to get a Glimpse of a Special Moment in your home.

The best way to build community, is by connecting with one another. Help us by sharing your story!

The hope is to display our diversity at the Woodland Hill Winter Concerts and in the December issue of The Messenger. Submissions taken until Friday, December 15.

The

Lantern Walk

One of WHMS long time traditions, the Lantern Walk took place on Thursday, November 9. The event partnered with FLOCKart for Jennifer Coleman's Gallery opening and the Book Fair. The WHMS Green Team helped to create an upcycled lantern making station. After checking out the artwork, families journeyed through the luminary lit pathway of the woods to the amphitheater where we gathered around the campfires, shared a few rounds of Light a Candle for Peace led by the Middle School students, and enjoyed time with one another.

A thank you to Jennifer Balrush for the photos, and Sarah Ward and Jim Besha for creating safe fires!

Check Out my New Toy Jennifer Maher Coleman

A beloved toy can become an artifact that represents a personal history.

When I'm trusted to paint a favorite childhood toy, my intent is to recognize and preserve a toy's significance in an unsentimental but painterly way, so that the artwork can be carried into the world of adult things even if the toy must be left behind, is lost, or decomposes beyond use. If I'm offered a glimpse of a toy’s history when I’m asked to paint it, the story fuels my work and I anticipate the emotions and memories that will be evoked by it for the years to come. I take seriously the task of creating an artwork that preserves and honors its subject. With my ongoing series of portraits of classic toys, I hope to evoke a broader nostalgia for the toys we share with each other in our memories.

Read more about Jennifer Coleman here.

The Voayge of Discovery was held on Saturday, November 18 with 20 participants in attendance.

This parent education journey is a hands-on experience to learn the wonders of Montessori materials. By stepping into the shoes of your child, you can see how valuable their educational experience at Woodland Hill is. This unique opportunity also offers the chance to see how cirriculum is built upon throughout the different levels.

Thank you for our teachers, Jessa, Olga, Melinda, and Alisa for their time and presentations of the Language materials.

The next Voyage of Discovery will be focused on the Math materials on Saturday, April 13.

See the line where the sky meets the sea?

You’ll love this thrilling and heartwarming stage adaptation of the coming-of-age tale of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. She and the demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as she learns to harness the power that lies within. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favorite songs

by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prizewinning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, such as “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.” With its empowering message of bravery, Moana JR. is sure to awaken your inner hero!

Behind the scenes of Mac and Cheese

HANGING AROUND!

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S The Upper Elementary has been gearing up for their big Volleyball Competition across the level!

The Volleyball Team has offically began their preseason practice with Coach Ben Kelts getting ready for the Winter Extracurricular season.

Your contribution will make a world of difference to your children.

MAKE YOUR GIFT NOW

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Make your contribution today and help us meet our goal!

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11/8/23 11:33 AM

WHMS WINTER CONCERTS

WHMS SPELLING BEE Wednesday, December 13 3:15 pm For 4th - 8th grade

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 PRIMARY STUDENTS & VIOLINISTS 9:30 AM LE-MS & VIOLINISTS 6 PM All Primary-Middle School students perform.

Students should wear concert attire.

Families and friends are invited to attend.

11/8/23 11:33 AM

Join us at the

State of Our School Address WHMS Annual Meeting

Wednesday, December 6 at 6 pm Hear from the adminitrative team for a year in review of 2023!

Festive drinks and treats.

Childcare available.

Win front row tickets to the Winter Concert of your choice for attending the meeting!