WMS is a source of support and education for parents, family members, and caregivers. We believe that educating children requires partnership and trust among teachers, administrators, and families. With that in mind, we offer a variety of events throughout the year, including discussions and educational programs about Montessori philosophy and relevant parenting topics, community-building family gatherings, fundraising events that support WMS and its programs, and social opportunities for parents.
Please join us to meet admissions representatives from 15-20 boarding, parochial, and public schools. The schools are mostly from CT, but a few are from more northern parts of New England. If you have any questions, please reach out to Meredith Whitehouse.
The purpose of Welcome to…Nights is to present our approach to teaching at each level and to help parents understand both the curriculum and how WMS meets the needs of children at each developmental stage. We encourage you to attend more than one session if you’d like a more comprehensive understanding of the continuity of a WMS education.
The Montessori Voyage is a guided experience designed to help parents understand how the Montessori method works by placing them in a child’s shoes. It involves a visit to a classroom in each of five levels, where parents can observe and even participate in the kinds of activities children engage in every day. It’s structured as a hands-on event and includes opportunities to interact with Montessori materials, observe lessons, and engage with teachers.
By walking in a child’s shoes, parents come to see the beauty of Montessori education and not only how it nurtures curiosity, independence, and a love for learning, but also how its rigor prepares students for high school and beyond. It’s an eye-opening and deeply rewarding experience.
We are thrilled to announce two puppet shows coming to the WMS stage this winter:
Each of these shows is appropriate for all ages, though they are designed for young children ages 4 and up. The shows start in the morning at 10:30 AM and last approximately 45 minutes.
Tickets are $10. Children under 2 are free.
Please note: if you are attending “The Voyage” on 1.24.26, your child(ren) can attend “The Emperor’s New Clothes” free of charge.
In this interactive workshop series, parents will learn and practice Positive Discipline strategies grounded in respect, encouragement, and mutual dignity. Facilitated by Director of Education and Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Melissa Hay, the sessions will explore how to guide children with dignity and respect, model healthy self-care, and nurture the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.
Developed by renowned educator Jane Nelsen, Positive Discipline is a research-based approach that helps children grow into responsible, capable, and compassionate members of their communities. Rooted in principles that align closely with the Montessori philosophy, this workshop offers practical techniques to strengthen family relationships and support children’s independence and well-being.
This year’s Annual Auction promises to be a truly special evening, and it will be even better with you there! The auction brings together friends, families, and supporters for a night of connection, celebration, and fun, all in support of WMS. Guests can look forward to an exciting lineup of live auction items and gatherings, from memorable getaways to exclusive VIP tickets, and many other unique offerings you will not find anywhere else.
Your participation supports every part of our school’s daily work, from inspiring teachers to vibrant programs. And during our Raise the Paddle, we’ll take that celebration of play outdoors, helping to create a renewed playground where imagination and discovery can flourish!
“Restorative Justice” has become a buzzy term in the education landscape as schools grapple with how to respond to rapid cultural change and the subsequent necessity of nurturing and sustaining healthy communities. But, restorative justice is not a quick fix to deploy as a response to systemic failures. Rather, creating restorative communities requires a shift in mindset, one that promotes an alternative to punitive forms of accountability.
Meredith Whitehouse will facilitate this two-part exploration into practices that allow us to reenvision “discipline” and relationship building, practices that foster an environment of trust, meaningful accountability, and transparency. We hope you can join us at the Gunn Memorial Library (5 Wykeham Rd, Washington, CT 06793) as we imagine how to continue to create a thriving and interconnected community.
Join us at The Owl Wine Bar in New Preston for our first annual Parents’ Night Out!
We have reserved The Owl from 5:30 to closing on Thursday, March 26th. Wine, beer, salads, and pizza will be provided. Please RSVP here to join your WMS parent community for a night out on the town!
Join PhD and LCSW Dr. Barrie Birge for a facilitated, supportive parenting group. Seek advice and camaraderie from our community as we navigate the rollercoaster that is parenting! Open to parents with children of all ages.
The WMS Moving Up Ceremony recognizes the children moving up to a new level. All of our LS through MS students will gather in the gym together for this WMS tradition. If your child is moving up a level, we hope you can join us! If your child is not moving up, this is by no means a “command performance”; your child will be sitting with their classmates, so they won’t miss you if you don’t attend. Nevertheless, the beauty of the ceremony and the intention with which it kicks off the summer vacation is worth seeing if you have the time.
Students, parents, and caregivers are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy waterslides, Chet’s Italian Ice and each other’s company as we close out the school year together.
Everyone Welcome! Parenting Unplugged is a casual yet informative, supportive yet fun way to gather with fellow WMS parents and dish on the ups and downs of parenting. We all know parenting can be as stressful as it is joyful, as challenging as it is rewarding. Whether our children are in YCC or Middle School, we parents need all the help we can get, as it truly does take a village. Fortunately for us at WMS, we have one! Parenting Unplugged is a safe place to gather, unwind and talk. Whether you come weekly or just once in a while, whether you speak up, or just listen, there is always much to gain. We also laugh a lot! “Parenting, Unplugged” is facilitated by WMS past parent Martha Beck and certified life coach, Tal Fagin.
Every December the WMS community comes together to make a splash for a good cause. With all proceeds going to support tuition assistance and scholarship, the Polar Plunge is a fun and slightly crazy event where students, parents, teachers and, yes, even the Head of School jump into the frigid waters of Lake Waramaug. Support comes from a range of generous sponsors, brave adults who pay to plunge, and landlubber adults who pay a few dollars more — gladly — to stay warm and drink coffee. (Children plunge free.) Come on in, the water’s fine!
In-person registration begins at 10:00 am. The Plunge will take place promptly at 11:00 am.
