From the Directors
Classroom Updates
Get Involved
Board of Directors

Woodland News

From the Directors
December 08

It’s hard to believe that winter break is almost here. Our school year is passing by very quickly. The children have done a nice job of adapting their routine to include winter gear!

On November 8th the Woodland Board of Directors and Staff met for our annual strategic planning meeting. It was a very successful day. We started with the history of Woodland, presented by Bernice. Woodland sure has come a long way over the years to become the great place it is today. Getting down to business, we set goals for the upcoming year, reflected on parent surveys, and discussed last year’s accomplishments. The day ended with our monthly board meeting.

If you are looking for children’s gift ideas during the holiday season, check out our website. There are links to companies that sell high quality Montessori Materials and children’s toys.

Heather and Jennifer


Classroom Updates

Music and dance bubble out of our classrooms on Fridays when Maelanie Kuzma comes to teach. Asking questions, she holds the children transfixed. When the exercise begins, the children take off in delight. We ran into her last week and asked her to talk about her philosophy.

What do children know about movement that we adults have forgotten?
Joy and freedom! I teach teenage pre-professional students the evenings and I see them get so caught up in technique and perfection that they forget many of the concepts we teach the 3- and 4-year-olds: energy, flow, and shape.

How do the songs fit into the movement program? The kids look so joyful when they sing.
Children remember movement better when it is tied to song and music. Songs also help them understand the concept of movement as visual music. Much of what we do with our bodies can be sung in some way.

What do you hope that children take away from this class?
In general, a love of music and movement. More specifically, confidence in gross motor skills and singing. Also, an understanding of opposites related to movement.

How can Woodland parents reinforce the learning that happens in dance?
Sing and dance along with your kids!”

Maelanie’s approach to dance supports our interdisciplinary teaching style. Dance develops self-confidence, musical skill; memory, flexibility, coordination, and creativity. We are very fortunate in having her share her gifts with us.

      Maelanie Kuzma trained at the Milwaukee Ballet School, The Joffrey Ballet, and Boston Ballet School


Get Involved

Woodland Montessori needs some helping hands both for regular tasks and for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Many parents have already signed up for volunteer slots for this academic year. Yet the school still needs help in the following areas:
   · Fundraising
   · Gardening/Weeding
   · Cooking with children once per month
   · Baking with children once per month
   · General Help

In the past parent volunteers say that volunteering gives them the opportunity to build community and friendships at Woodland Montessori School.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact one of the co-directors (Heather or Jennifer) at 256-8076 or at
directors@woodland-montessori.org


Board of Directors
Interested in helping to improve Woodland? Curious about the school’s decision-making and governance? Want to share good ideas with a group of fun Woodland community members?

The Woodland Board of Directors is seeking new members! The full board meets one evening per month and there are a variety of committees to get involved with.
In particular, we’re looking for people who’d enjoy getting involved with:
   · Fundraising
   · Marketing and parent outreach
   · Personnel
   · Parent representatives

For more information, contact board president
John Tedesco at: jtedesco@woodland-montessori.org