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.
Back-to-School Night is a community-building event to kick off the new school year! The purpose of the evening is to create connections between all constituents and to offer an opportunity to learn a bit about the developmental stage of your child and ways you can partner with your child’s teacher. We are excited to welcome all parents to gather and connect first in their child’s classroom and then with the greater community in the middle school commons.
Limited childcare will be available at school for those who need it.
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.
The Voyage is a great way to learn more about the WMS curriculum and get your hands on our educational materials. For a half-day, you will play the role of a student, beginning at the YCC level and sequentially proceeding through Lower School, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and concluding as a Middle Schooler. All areas of the curriculum will be available. This experience is a very effective way to gain an understanding of our carefully constructed academic program. We encourage parents to attend The Voyage at least once during their children’s WMS careers.
Join us in the WMS Gymnasium for a three-day Book Fair! Find books for the whole family and help expand classroom libraries.
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 and the brave individuals who pay to plunge. Come on in, the water’s fine!
The purpose of Welcome to…Nights is to present our approach to teaching at each level and to help you, as parents, feel comfortable as you preview materials and learn about your child’s next step at WMS. The presentations are made by the teachers. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting if they have a child moving up, but anyone is welcome and encouraged to come to any and all of the sessions. These are a great way to see what lies ahead for your child, and to understand more about the continuity of a WMS education.
Childcare available.
The WMS Annual auction is a wonderful opportunity to gather with fellow members of our community in support of our school.
After the Annual Fund, the auction is our second largest fundraiser, helping meet our operating costs. And if you like parties or bidding on unique items, it’s a lot of fun! We also sell tickets to “gatherings,” which are parties hosted throughout the year by WMS families.
Save the date and stay tuned for more information on the 2025 Auction!
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.
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