August 2016
Dear MSN Families,
Welcome! It is hard to believe it is already August and we are building! Summer program is winding down and
soon staff will be returning to gear up for the fall.
So many things are happening as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of our school.
•
Our toddler program now is accepting students at 18 months and has been renamed Montessori
Toddler. We are excited to invite younger members of the Pioneer Valley to join us.
•
Our middle school program with Corey Hadden will begin the school year with six students. We are
thrilled to add this program to our school.
•
We are welcoming David Lukens as our new Director of Development. David has been part of the
Northampton community but most recently has been living in Alabama. I know you will join me in
welcoming David and his family to our school.
•
Work has begun across the street and it will be exciting to watch the building grow before our eyes this
fall. Derek Fowles, the wonderful photographer who takes pictures of our children, classrooms and
events, will be chronicling the progress.
•
Head of School Search
As I enter my last year, Kelly Minton, parent and board member, and her committee are reviewing
résumés of those interested in our wonderful school. You will be receiving regular updates as the
committee moves through this process.
Each year there are opportunities for us to get to know each other better! For those of you who have been
participating in Stepping Stones (a program for our youngest students) this summer, this is one of the great
ways to build relationships with the school and each other. There are three important events that I want to
make you aware of as they come up quickly.
!
New Parent Reception, August 31st, 5:30-6:30 pm
Laura Frogameni, Director of Admissions, and Elizabeth Dunaway, Board President, will join me in
welcoming new parents to our school. This is our chance to talk about the phase-in week and answer
any questions you may have about the school year. We look forward to having you join us.
!
All-School Parent Night, September 14th from 6:30-8:00 pm
Whether you are joining us for the first time or have been with us for years, this is an evening not to
miss! This is one of the few times we gather as a whole community. We start the evening by
introducing our staff and board as well as sharing some highlights of the coming year. Families then go
to their child’s classroom to hear more about the classroom and the curriculum. This year we will be
asking veteran parents of each classroom to share some of the nuts, bolts and traditions of their child’s
classroom (alumni parents, please let your classroom teacher know if you are interested in
participating). We hope you will think of it as the elders in the classroom sharing the lessons they have
already learned. Teachers are looking forward to talking more about philosophy and curriculum with
their parents. We look forward to everyone joining us.
!
Classroom Potlucks
Check the school calendar for the date of your class’s potluck. Families sign up to bring a dish for this
opportunity to meet and socialize with new and returning families. The whole family is invited. We
hold these potlucks either on our playground or at Northampton High School depending on weather and
the intensity of the bug season.
We look forward to seeing you at all of these events.
This is a wonderful community to be part of, and whether you are new or returning, we look forward to
working with you and your family. Have a great rest of the summer. See you in September!
Sincerely,
Susan Swift, Head of School
We have a few half and full day openings in our
Montessori Toddler (18 months to 2.9 years)
and Children’s House (2.9 to 6 years old)
Please share this news with friends or family who may be interested. Our Director of Admissions,
Laura Frogameni, is available to meet with families and can be reached at 586-4538 x103 or at
[email protected].