Montessori Matters
June 4, 2021
What a Year!
COVID’s arrival in Spring of 2020 led to many questions about what the 2020/2021 school year would look like. There was so much uncertainty around whether schools would begin the year on time or even in person. With feedback from our MSA parents and with guidance from health officials on safely re-opening schools, we decided to start school on schedule and in-person on August 17, 2020, with COVID-19 protocols in place.
Teachers added temperature screening, masking, social distancing, and extra cleaning to their duties. Parents were asked to follow our protocols and communicate any health concerns immediately. Our school nurse monitored illness-related absences and kept us informed about ways to mitigate risk. Our board of trustees worked diligently to keep our school fiscally sound during this period of limited enrollment and increased operating costs. Everyone did their part!
We are grateful for the trust you placed in us to provide a safe learning environment for your children this year. Our community did not escape COVID entirely, but we successfully mitigated the spread of the virus. We only had one case of COVID transmitted within our school. In addition, we had eight cases contracted outside of school that were identified early and managed so as to prevent community exposure. Working together we kept each other safe and through it all our students continued their learning… with passion!
Here are just some of the highlights from 2020/2021:
Summer Video Series
Spirit Week
Biography Book Character Day
Fall Fling
STEAM challenge
Festival of Lights
Scholastic Book Fair
Dr. Seuss Day
Field Day
Lower Elementary play - The Way to Start a Day
Upper Elementary play - Macbeth
SCISA Montessori accreditation
Friday, May 28, we concluded "this school year like no other" with the traditional end-of-year celebrations and promotion ceremonies. We were thrilled to be sharing these special moments together in person! We were able to end the year on such a positive note because of the partnership that we've had with you all year.
As we head into summer, we are hopeful that the worst is behind us and that we can begin to resume normal activities again. Our task force will continue to monitor the trends and the guidance so that we can be sure to have appropriate plans in place for our return in August. (Updates will be announced July 31.)
Currently, we have waiting lists for our toddler, primary, and lower elementary programs. We look forward to a full community again and resuming a full complement of related arts in the fall. We are finishing the year strong because of your trust, support, and partnership. It was truly a team effort! THANK YOU!
Wishing you and your families a safe and fun-filled summer,
Dr. Dana Hill
Dates to Remember
June 7 - Summer Camp begins (I/T, Primary, and Elementary)
June 12 - Summer Reading Kick-Off at the Anderson Main Library (see below)
June 14 - Yearbook Pick-Up at the front office
June 15 - Walking Tour (see below for more information)
June 24 - Walking Tour
July 5-9 - All Programs Closed
July 13 - Walking Tour
July 22 - Walking Tour
July 27 - Walking Tour
August 3 - Walking Tour
Summer Office Hours
Business office: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM, M-Th
Summer camp office (Infant/Toddler building): 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, M-F
Walking Tours
If you know any families that may be interested in Montessori School of Anderson, please share with them our summer Walking Tour dates listed below. On these days, someone will be available to take prospective families on a walking tour of campus.
Tuesdays: 6/15, 7/13, 7/27 at 9:00 AM
Thursdays: 6/24, 7/22, 8/3 at 9:00 AM
Summer Reading Kick-Off
The Anderson Main Library is hosting a drop-in festival to kick off summer reading on Saturday, June 12 from 10 AM to 1 PM. There will be games and crafts, Reedy Rip'It from the Greenville Drive, a prize wheel, and even some rabbits from TLC Rabbitry in addition to information and sign-ups for the library's summer reading program and upcoming events. Hope to see you there!
Yearbook Pick-Up
We have just received a delivery date from the yearbook company for this year's yearbooks, and they will be ready for pick-up during front office hours (7:30 AM - 2:30 PM) on Monday, June 14. There are still yearbooks remaining for purchase for $40 -- contact the front office at 864-226-5344 from 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM or email jemery@msasc.org to purchase yours today!
Giving Grid
Promotion
Piping Up and Upper Elementary Promotion
MSA's Eleventh Annual Graduation Ceremony
The Way to Start a Day
Macbeth
Pencil Pouches
Upper School Awards
Eighth Grade Retreat
Precalculus Exam Response
Congratulations!
Montessori School of Anderson
Email: mdabney@msasc.org
Website: msasc.org
Location: 280 Sam McGee Road, Anderson, SC, USA
Phone: 864-226-5344
Facebook: http://facebook.com/MontessoriSchoolofAnderson