“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

When little children first come to the realization that they are helping another – another in the classroom, at home, or in the street – they most often do so by the help or direction of some adult. They give of their time, their snowflakes, their first homemade Christmas card without necessarily associating that gifting/giving with love. But slowly but surely, over a period of time, years, the joy of that making and giving, time spent and sharing, builds up to an internal sense of quiet joy translating itself to warm feelings in the heart felt as love.

Once that connection has been established, felt on its own, a child cannot help but want to make something special for his mother, to help his dad in the garage, to help the old man down the street sweep his sidewalk, to set aside some of his hard-earned allowance for Habitat for Humanity, Greenpeace, Red Cross. This takes time and frequent exposure to this way of “being in the world.”

At MSA, we too expose young children to the opportunities of giving. It is inherent in the Montessori system of education with the mixed age groups. The fives helping the threes tie their shoes; the third graders listening to a struggling first grader with his reading; the middle schooler teaching a 4th grader, a high schooler helping little ones in the Holiday Program.

It is inherent in Montessori with its emphasis on cooperation vs. competition. What can we do together to fix this problem vs. how can I beat everyone else out on the exam? Love slowly builds up until these things are no longer part of the curriculum, they are just a way to live a loving and meaning-filled life.

May your own holidays be blessed and full of love…

Karen Holt

Please reduce speed while traveling on MSA school property. Due to the increased amount of traffic on our campus, we respectfully request that you remain with your children at all times while on the MSA campus. Pedestrians (especially small ones) are difficult to see and we want to address this safety issue to protect the lives of our MSA students and visitors. Too often, drivers are in large vehicles, become distracted and may not see a little one who has gotten away from their caregiver. It is essential that all visitors and students use the sidewalks and remain in control of the children at all times.

All children should remain restrained in their cars at all times and until they have arrived at their respective classroom(s). If your child is in Primary, the teacher will assist in getting the child out of the restraints. SC State law regarding car seats/restraints still apply when on MSA's private property. Please make sure that children under age 13 are in the backseat, properly restrained and in car seat/booster seat if applicable. Please refrain from allowing children to place hands, feet and heads out of the windows and sunroofs. Aside from being unsafe practice, it poses a safety hazard and the behavior is quickly mimicked by other children.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Susanna Merriman, RN

About me:

I grew up in Pendleton. I now live in West Pelzer with my husband and son.

My education/experience:

• I graduated from Pendleton High School.
  
• I have an Associate’s Degree in Administrative Office Technology from Greenville Tech.
• MSA is the only place I have ever worked; this is my 14th year.
• I started out in Primary Stay Late and worked there five years.
• I have worked Elementary Summer Camp.
• I worked in Infant Toddler for five years.
• I was the Business Office Assistant for a few years.
• Now, I am the Administrative Assistant and Accounts Manager.

My favorite things:

• Book/Movie - The Blind Side
• Color - Pink
• Food/Snack - Tom's Wavy Salt and Vinegar Chips
• Sport/Team - South Carolina Gamecocks
• Activity/Hobby - Photography
• Vacation spot - Beach!
• Your favorite thing about teaching at MSA - I love my job! I love getting to know each of our families! I love getting to interact with all staff on different levels. I love getting to be part of our awesome administrative team!