Island Montessori School is Unique
What makes our specials program just so special?
We are a special place!
Island Montessori School features a robust specials program including art, environmental education (EE), music, and physical education (PE)/health. Ms. Mackenzie, our guidance counselor, also guides weekly lessons for social and emotional learning (SEL). Additionally, Ms. Blair guides students in external and internal service learning projects. Read on to learn about our exciting specials program at IMS!
ART
Ms. Elizabeth is our art teacher! Her lessons model Maria Montessori’s belief that, “What the hand does, the mind remembers.” The fruits of the students’ handiwork are treasured by not only the students but by Ms. Elizabeth, too. To impart other Montessori principles like caring for others, Ms. Elizabeth incorporates service learning projects. For example, her students knit scarves for Vigilant Hope, made bandanas for Paws4People, and built and painted bee boxes for Harrison’s Healthy Honeybees. Overall, art lessons guided by Ms. Elizabeth are an extension of the behaviors and values students learn in each of our environments. Ms. Elizabeth’s ingenuity sparks students’ excitement in lifelong -- and creative -- learning!
Environmental Education (EE)
Ms. Tara is our EE teacher! On social media, you might have seen pictures of the squid and flower dissections that fascinated her students. Maybe you heard about the birdwatching activities her classes are enjoying. Do you also know about the many ways Ms. Tara’s lessons connect to service learning? For example, she is guiding lower elementary students to seed and grow plants for a fundraiser they are calling Seeds for Change. Also, she guided middle school students to stain the school’s garden boxes. Overall, Ms. Tara imparts the understanding that learning in EE is a long-term project like the long-term commitment to being a steward of the earth. Whether she’s leading explorations on campus or during field trips, Ms. Tara’s passion for the environment leaves a lasting impression on IMS students!
Music
Ms. Kristin is our music teacher! She’s also our choir director. Besides guiding lessons about rhythm and notes, Ms. Kristin inspires students to think outside the box. For example, she guided middle school students in creating their own podcast. Also, she led our elementary choir students in caroling at Morningside. The fun doesn’t stop there, though! At the Children’s School, the students walked along a line (a hallmark lesson at the primary level), increasing their marching pace to the rising beat of "In the Hall of the Mountain King." Overall, Ms. Kristin guides musical activities that inspire a love of music and empower students’ holistic development. The music Ms. Kristin brings to IMS makes our campus a musical wonderland!
Physical Education (PE) and Health
Ms. Joscelyn is our PE/health teacher! She guides exciting and diverse activities. Her students explore many sports -- from the usual (e.g., soccer) to the extraordinary (e.g., coneball). She even put a unique spin on dodgeball when she guided classes in playing Pumpkin Blast. Such sports and activities help students develop practical skills and understand consequences. Overall, Ms. Joscelyn incorporates differentiation that empowers students to follow their interests, listen to their bodies, and give each other the grace to persevere. From guiding an intriguing nutrition lesson about avocados to participating in the Turkey Trot, Ms. Joscelyn's bright smile makes IMS feel like a community of friends!
Guidance
Ms. Mackenzie is our guidance counselor! Throughout this school year, she visits each classroom to guide students in social emotional learning (SEL). They explore topics like conflict resolution, self-awareness, and coping skills. Ms. Mackenzie is also instrumental in preparing our graduating students to transition to high school. She guides them to complete their applications and prepare for essay questions on entrance exams. Overall, Ms. Mackenzie guides students to bond with each other and love themselves as whole people. From supporting students in fulfilling their dreams to practicing courtesy for all, Ms. Mackenzie’s model imparts peace -- a central feature of our mission!
Service Learning
Ms. Blair is our service learning coordinator! Students join Ms. Blair in giving back to our community both on and off campus. Middle school students participate in external service learning projects, an elective that enables them to follow their passions. While serving the community, they realize the importance of being active citizens. Additionally, elementary students partake in service learning to beautify our environment, donate goods, and create meaningful crafts. The students’ interests grow as they actualize their own ideas. Overall, Ms. Blair makes service learning an authentic experience. Ms. Blair follows IMS students as their leader, from guiding them in writing grants to connecting with their cosmic purpose!
Conclusion
Discoveries in specials areas as well as social emotional and service learning enliven our school mission statement. IMS students adapt and flourish, empowered by the graceful influence and creativity of our special teachers, guidance counselor, and service learning coordinator. From developmentally appropriate challenges to diverse explorations, special opportunities root and grow our collective mission as Island Montessori School!
2021-2022: Year of Roots
Each school year, Island Montessori School (IMS) focuses on a school-wide theme. This year, IMS is reflecting upon our roots: our school mission and Montessori practices. You can join us by visiting the school website and reading the head of school's newsletter and instructional coordinator's academic blog.
Island Montessori School
The mission of Island Montessori Charter School is to enable children of diverse backgrounds to learn and grow at their own pace by offering a developmentally appropriate and challenging academic Montessori environment that models grace and courtesy and fosters a peaceful community of lifelong learners.
Email: savenengo@islandmontessorischool.com
Website: im.school
Location: 6339 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC, USA
Phone: (910)795-4860