Bristow Montessori School
"BMS Buzz" - November 2017
Montessori Lense
Altruism Lives Here
I can still remember my initial reaction to spills and accidents in my early days as a Primary Guide, when they occurred in the classroom. Although it is still hard to admit, I have to say I was more concerned about maintaining order and concentration rather than recognizing and rejoicing at the spontaneous response and infectious displays of kindness that these spills evoked in the children.
Time and again, I watched as a hundred golden beads scattered across the classroom floor and the immediate reaction of the classmates, younger and older as they dove to the assistance and rescue of those pesky beads. No prompting required, just a spontaneous willingness by all the children to help their fellow classmate. This natural response seems to be deeply ingrained into a young child’s soul.
I have since learned to recognize and admire this altruistic trait that lives in its purest form within the child. Everyday in Montessori we teach by showing and modeling rather than telling and acts of kindness, respect and love for the natural world are the central pillars of our philosophy. A philosophy that underpins all that we do.
Recently, during a conversation with a parent, I discovered how one of our families is making a difference to the lives of many young children in Haiti. Upon learning that this family has a non-profit organization trying to fund a school, naturally my first response was to suggest a Montessori school! Next, how can we help? How can our small community of students help another group of children enjoy a Montessori education?
The idea of a BMS shop was born. We would have our students actively participate in raising funds for the school in Haiti by making and selling crafts at the BMS store.
I have been so impressed with all the enthusiasm and creativity of all our wonderful teachers. We are truly grateful for such talented and dedicated ladies who have embraced this idea. They are all working so hard creating wonderful crafts with the children to sell.
The Elementary students will run the shop for one week before Thanksgiving and again, for a week in December.
Their job will be to keep track of all the sales and the amount of money we raise. Life skills in action. All of the students will participate from every room and we hope their hard work will become treasures that give joy to parents, grandparents, and friends for the holiday season, but equally give a greater gift to children in Haiti.
Please, be on the lookout for more news about our Haiti mission in the coming weeks. We hope you will support our effort to make a difference!
In service,
Anita Ercole
New BMS Student Referral Program!
Added Bonus!! - If the referred family signs up before Feb 27, 2018, that family will receive 50% off their first month's tuition for joining us here at BMS. This is a promotion to all new families joining BMS by Feb 27th, 2018. Spread the word, and thank you for being an ambassador for Bristow Montessori School.
What's happening in November
PTO Meeting - Nov 15 - 6:30pm
Please Join Us for our PTO Meeting Wednesday, November 15th, 6:30 pm. Childcare (and Pizza) provided for children ages 3 and up. Meet other BMS Parents, chat about upcoming school news/events, & brainstorm ways to positively impact the BMS Community!
We are so grateful to the members of our Parent Teacher Organization for all their help in planning events and providing vital feedback to the school about topics parents are interested in. These parents contribute in many ways with their time, resources and expertise.
Let's CAN Hunger!- November 1- 22
Coat Drive - Nov 1 - 22
SCHOOL STORE - NOV 16 - 21
THANKSGIVING LUNCH - NOV 21st - 11:00am - 1:00pm
PARENT LESSON NIGHT - NOV 30
Parent lesson night is one of the best nights of the year, where you are invited to your child's classrooms to observe your child with their work inside the classroom. Teachers will provide the specified schedule of your child's time-slot for the evening, prior to this event.
Looking ahead....
BMS ORGANIC GARDEN - Dec 2, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Parent's Night Out! Dec. 9th from 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Winter Concert! Dec. 16 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Our favorite moment looking back at October...
Trunk or Treat
Everyone had such a great time at the Trunk or Treat! Thank you to all of our families for coming out, setting up your decorated trunks, and participating in this year's event. There were some fabulous costumes and elaborately decorated trunks!
Parent Reminders
BOOK DONATION BOX
We need your new and gently used children’s books to help grow our BMS Lending Library. Can you take a few minutes to clear your shelves of books the kids have outgrown, so they can be used for our students?
What to donate? Books for all ages: board books, picture books for the youngest readers, Chinese/Spanish/Bilingual books, fiction & non-fiction, young reader chapter books, early learning science and reference books, etc. Place your donated books throughout the year in the “Book Donation” collection bin located in the BMS front Lobby.
Want to join the Library Team of Volunteers? Talk to Niki at the BMS front desk.
BMS Parents - We are on Facebook!
Box Tops for Education
BMS Tuition Payment Options
If you provide a payment via written check. Please be advised check processing my take 2-3 weeks, should you decide to provide this form of payment.
Credit Card Payments can be processed but incurs a fee of 3%.
Late tuition payments have a significant negative impact on school operations. Thank you for your understanding. A late fee of $50 will be assessed for tuition payments received after the 5th of each month.
Contact Us
Email: info@bristowmontessori.com
Website: www.bristowmontessori.com
Location: 9050 Devlin Road, Bristow, VA, United States
Phone: 703-468-1191
Facebook: FaceBook.com/BristowMontessoriSchool