Mountaineer Montessori 2023 Annual Appeal

How far will your child go? At Mountaineer Montessori, there are no limits!

Since our founding in 1976, more than 1,000 children have created a foundation for a wide open future during their time with us.

No matter where their paths lead, the Montessori magic continues to empower their potential and inspire a bright future for themselves, their communities and our world.

As a community-based non-profit organization, MMS is grateful for the partnership of families, alumni and community friends to sustain this tradition and fuel tomorrows for today's students -- currently 182 ages 2-14.

"Learning Without Limits," the 2023 MMS Annual Appeal, provides essential funding that enables us to meet the growing demand for superior academic options in our community and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers, problem solvers, community builders and visionary leaders.

Your tax-deductible gift is an investment in:

• Faculty: teacher appreciation and training funds and ongoing AMS accreditation initiatives, including sponsorship of one guide from each level (Toddler, Primary, Elementary and Middle School) to the 2024 AMS Montessori Event, the largest gathering of Montessori educators in the world.

• Facilities: continuing indoor and outdoor learning environment enhancements for all students, including new signage and facade upgrades at Staunton and ongoing updates at 20th Street.

• Families: widening community access to our programs by providing $45,000 in financial aid and scholarships to local children.

Our goal this year's campaign is $20,000 and we count on 100 percent participation to reach it.

No gift is too small to make a difference. It's as easy as texting mmsnolimits to 76278!

The MMS experience in their own words...

As part of our Annual Appeal campaign, MMS students, families, teachers and alumni are sharing their Montessori stories.

Meet this year's Ambassadors!

Erica Smith-Woods and Amaya (Lower Elementary student):

 "The skills that Amaya is acquiring from MMS will last a lifetime because they are often forgotten in today's society such as empathy, communal responsibility, impactful communication, mental and emotional sustainability, and an overall yearning to be happy." Full story below

Alasha Al-Qudwah (Lead Guide) and Brittany Javins (Assistant), Upper Elementary II. Alasha and Brittany recently created student led dispute resolution tools that will be adapted for and introduced in all levels:

"Montessori takes a well-rounded approach to learning, which means we are paying attention to all the parts of the child, including their social-emotional wellness and learning... Through Positive Discipline lessons and other supportive processes, such as Conflict Resolution, we are attending to the full child to ensure their best chance at learning and growth." Full story below

The Holliday Family: Brad and Anna and Luke (Middle School), Kate (Upper Elementary) and Gwyn (Primary):

 "The growth of our children at MMS has been remarkable. At every level we have seen them be nurtured as an individual while promoting a love for learning through academic, social, and emotional development." Full story below

Sophia Kaufman: MMS alumna

"To this day, my favorite and most impactful teachers (spanning across an educational journey including seven different schools) were from Mountaineer Montessori. The bond I built with my teachers there transformed who I was and how I thought. They made me believe in my abilities and that there was no limit to what I could do."

Sophia Kaufman, senior research data analyst, Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs working on projects related to malaria control, zoonotic diseases, and water hygiene and sanitation. BA, Social Anthropology, Harvard University ('18); MPHIL Health, Medicine, and Society, University of Cambridge ('19); MPH in Humanitarian Health and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University ('22).  Full story below

The ReBrook Family: Naphtali (MMS Music Teacher), Edward (MMS alumnus), Ravenna (Primary) and Liam, (future student):

"Montessori taught me that the world was fascinating and that it was my job to explore it." Edward ReBrook, Full story below

As part of the 2023 MMS Annual Appeal, students, families, teachers and alumni are sharing their Montessori story to highlight the impact and gift of an MMS education.

This is the story of Erica Smith-Woods, an MMS parent and Board Member:

What drew you to MMS?

Amaya's daycare at the time let me know that she was more than ready to enter the school system. Like any parent, I began reading about what the next steps would be for public school enrollment. I discovered that Amaya's birthday would prevent her from enrolling until the following year. Thus, I began researching private schools and came across Mountaineer Montessori School and scheduled a tour. Amaya and I met with Director Jennifer Carriger, and she walked me through the process. She addressed all questions and concerns I had at the time. We toured the facilities and her genuine interest in my child and her future really impressed me. I could tell that Jennifer and her staff were dedicated to the school and the development of the children. After the tour, Amaya told me this was the school she wanted, and we have been here ever since. 

How do you see MMS impact Amaya?

MMS has become engrained into Amaya. She would attend school seven days a week if possible. The summer Campessori program has become a way for her to get her fix of MMS all year long. She loves how approachable the administrators and teachers are when she needs them. Amaya started at MMS in primary and I have been able to witness her development from a sensorial, mental, and emotional standpoint. As she gets older, I can see a level of confidence growing within in her as a direct result of attending this school. She understands her responsibilities in the classroom and to her fellow classmates. 

Any favorite "Montessori moments" from your time at the school?

Surprisingly, my favorite Montessori moments came during 2020. The world was engrossed in COVID, and everyone was living in uncertainty. I feel like this was the time when I knew I trusted this school and its staff completely. There was constant communication pertaining to restrictions for the week. Notifications were consistent on cases and how that would affect your child's classroom. At the time I was a newer member of the Board of Directors and was able to witness the countless meetings that occurred to ensure that everyone was safe. Teachers rallied to create lesson plans that would give our children a sense of normalcy even though they were no longer in class but communicating via Zoom meetings. Administrators remaining up-to date on new CDC guidelines while partnering with local DHHR and creating an environment of calm during chaos. During this time, I was able to see how much these people genuinely care about our children and want to protect them as though they would their own. 

The theme of this year's campaign is "Learning without limits." What are your aspirations for Amaya and where do you think their time at MMS will lead her?

Amaya asks me all the time, "what is your job mommy?" I tell her my job is to ensure you grow up to become a good human. From an educational standpoint, Amaya has the drive to be successful and MMS supports that drive through the educational environment provided. From classroom materials, extracurricular activities to open conversations, she is in the best place for her educational and personal growth.

Thus, I aspire for her to become a person that does not look to others for validation but has developed the skills within herself to know her worth. The skills Amaya is acquiring from MMS will last a lifetime because they are often forgotten in today's society such as empathy, communal responsibility, impactful communication, mental and emotional sustainability, and an overall yearning to be happy. I feel my daughter will be a more well-rounded human because she attended this school. 

You've been very involved with the school. Why does that matter to you?

I am invested in my daughter's education. Many times, in public schools, the amount of influence a parent can have on their child's education is limited. MMS allows for the voices of parents to be heard. There are committees, volunteer opportunities, and positions on the Board of Directors available to parents to have a direct impact on the school and their child's education. Currently, I am the Vice President of the Board of Directors, but I started out as a member then moved to Secretary before my current position. MMS allows parents to be involved at the level in which they are comfortable and for some that is monetary and for others that is with your time. I love that involvement is encouraged and not hindered. 

Amaya, what is your favorite thing about MMS?

My favorite thing about MMS is helping my friends learn. I get to help younger students during work time and the older kids get to help me. We work as a team and Denessa and Sonji help us make sure we do the lessons right. Also, I love playground time, chess club and my ukulele classes too.

Alasha Al-Qudwah (Lead Guide) and Brittany Javins (Assistant), Upper Elementary II. They recently developed new student-led DIspute Resolution tools that will be adapted for and introduced to all levels at our school. 

What is the role of social-emotional learning in the Montessori environment? What do you think is different/unique to a Montessori classroom?

Montessori takes a well-rounded approach to learning, which means we are paying attention to all the parts of the child, including their social-emotional wellness and learning. If children's basic physical and emotional needs are not addressed, it is difficult for them to focus on anything academic. It is imperative students have a sense of belonging in order to feel successful in the classroom. By incorporating social-emotional learning into the curriculum through Positive Discipline lessons and other supportive processes, such as Conflict Resolution, we are attending to the full child to ensure their best chance at learning and growth. While it seems that many schools are beginning to pay more attention to this part of learning, what makes the Montessori classroom unique is that social-emotional learning is a specific part of our curriculum. MMS has been working to develop specific outcomes in relation to social-emotional learning. 

What was your inspiration for the new dispute resolution model? How was it introduced to the students and what has been their reaction? Any examples of a recent issue that has been addressed through this process?

MMS has been working on developing and increasing our social-emotional learning outcomes over the past several years. Conflict resolution has always been a part of this, however it has not always been student-led. This year, we took a process that was previously teacher-led and made it more tangible for our Upper Elementary students by printing emotions wheels and conflict resolution process cards. Without prompting, students began taking it upon themselves to utilize the materials. The combination of the new materials, ongoing Positive Discipline lessons, and our previous modeling of the Conflict Resolution process seemed to empower students to begin resolving conflicts on their own. As a result, students have seemed more confident and enthusiastic about addressing challenges in the community because now they have the language and shared process to do so. Students have also begun sharing the process with other classrooms and serving as facilitators for younger students that need extra support with the resolution model.

Alasha, what drew you to MMS?

I have been part of Montessori education for over 10 years now, each year teaching me something deeper about the curriculum and model. I knew in my heart MMS was the best school for my daughter and I to grow in as we became more serious about our Montessori journey. In addition to academics that inspire the students' curiosity, Montessori education serves as a peace model for children to learn how to grow through their challenges and become positive role models for society. That is the type of education I am here to support and carry forth, which is why MMS continues to be my "home." 

How do you see MMS impact your students?

My students come to school each morning with the joy of learning, and continue to thrive through their challenges as we embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. The students support one another which is a big reason the Conflict Resolution process has been successful for our classroom. We use open and honest communication and have a loving atmosphere that promotes individuality, expressionism, and leadership. Our classroom reaches a beautiful rhythm each point in the year that brings alive the Maria Montessori quote, "The greatest sign of success for a teacher..is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'" - Maria Montessori.

Any favorite "Montessori moments" from your time at the school?

There are so many Montessori moments, but a favorite moment has been watching the children turn our classroom into what they call, "The Botany Hospital," which revolves around taking in sick plants to nurture them back to health. The students have such a warm regard for nature through these moments, and it is that beautiful appreciation for living things that I love seeing develop within them. 

The theme of this year's campaign is "Learning without limits." What are your aspirations for your children and where do you think their time at MMS will lead them?

My aspirations for my students are to feel confidence within themselves as they face challenges. I hope they continue to support and find compassion with others, and to never lose their love and joy of learning. I wish for them to keep cultivating and exploring their wonderment and curiosity of the world, and to embrace their mistakes as moments of growth. I hope they continue to use our self regulation skills of meditation and deep breathing as a way to manage their emotions when times are stressful, and Positive Discipline language when they are having conflicts or disagreements. Mostly, I aspire for them to always trust themselves and know their best is good enough, no matter what their best looks like on that specific day. 

Brittany, what drew you to MMS?

I value the open learning style of MMS that allows students to pursue their interests while still challenging them to develop skills in order to become well-rounded members of society. Students learn without limits, yet there is still a boundary that we as guides hold to support them along the way. I also value that we truly look at the child as a whole, supporting their natural tendencies as children, including their academic, social, and emotional well-being and growth. 

How do you see MMS impact your students?

While I have only been here for a couple years, I have had the opportunity to witness some tremendous growth in our students. I think one of the strongest impacts I have observed is that children feel like they have a safe place at MMS -- a place where their ideas and emotions can be heard and respected. Attending to social-emotional wellness does not take away from academic learning and growth. Instead, it is looked at as part of the bigger picture that helps support long term learning and growth. I believe that the students at MMS know this and feel this and that it supports their long term abilities to navigate the world around them. 

Any favorite "Montessori moments" from your time at the school?

Our trips to Spruce Knob with Upper Elementary are always a favorite. It is amazing to see how their leadership and curiosity flourishes in alternative settings. With regard to our social-emotional work, observing a student who was previously resistant to conflict resolution take leadership in the process this year with his peers and even students in younger levels was a very special moment. To me, it exemplifies the possibilities of the Montessori environment because in the long run it is that independent initiative that we hope to see in our students. We are only here to guide them along the way.

The theme of this year's campaign is "Learning without limits." What are your aspirations for your children and where do you think their time at MMS will lead them?

I hope that I have the opportunity to see where our current students end up one day. The possibilities are endless! No matter what they do, I know that the roots that they develop at MMS -- of curiosity, self-discipline, possibility, and care for themselves and the world around them -- will take them far. 

The Holliday family-Brad, Anna, Luke (Middle School), Kate (Upper Elementary) and Gwyn (Primary):

What drew you to MMS?

MMS offers all our children the opportunity for individualized learning in a peaceful environment. 

How do you see MMS impact your children?

The growth of our children at MMS has been remarkable. At every level we have seen them be nurtured as an individual while promoting a love for learning through academic, social, and emotional growth.

Any favorite "Montessori moments" from your time at the school?

For our children the outdoor learning experiences including field trips have been memorable to MMS. These opportunities have promoted leadership skills while nurturing their sense of community. 

The theme of this year's campaign is "Learning without limits." What are your aspirations for your children and where do you think their time at MMS will lead them?

MMS has encouraged our kids to be confident leaders while thinking outside the box often with a heart of service. 

What are your favorite things about MMS?

Luke: style of learning and wonderful teachers

Kate: PE and art

Gwyn: outdoor time and doing art 

Sophia Kaufman, senior research data analyst, Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs working on projects related to malaria control, zoonotic diseases, and water hygiene and sanitation. BA, Social Anthropology, Harvard University ('18); MPHIL Health, Medicine, and Society, University of Cambridge ('19); MPH in Humanitarian Health and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University ('22)

What stands out from your time at MMS? 

Thinking back to when I was a young student at MMS, I remember how fun and dynamic learning was. We learned traditional subject knowledge like science while also doing experimentation, deep problem solving, and team projects. With the MMS teaching methods, I was able to lean into my interests and use art, visuals, and hands-on methods to work through any educational deficits or difficulties without feeling unintelligent or incompetent. 

What impact did your Montessori education have on your subsequent education and career? 

My current work in epidemiology and public health requires I problem solve, work dynamically in a team, and be investigative. I learned all of these skills at Montessori from my teachers and classmates. I remember learning about diabetes and epilepsy from classmates' presentations on how they managed their diseases on a daily basis. This provided personal stories and context for something that may have otherwise seemed abstract and distant, while also creating support and understanding within our class. MMS taught us how important it was to help, have respect and compassion for others, forming morals and values that are integral to who I am and my work to this day. While I gravitated to art instead of science, Montessori showed me how I could use creativity in science and even represent and understand science visually. Now I make maps using health data and use anthropology to provide context for health research! 

Do you have a favorite MMS memory? 

I have always loved plants and animals, and Montessori always embraced learning about nature and its creatures. I remember in one class we watched for weeks as caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies. Another year, we hatched chickens from eggs. And one of my favorite teachers even brought newborn kittens to class that she was bottle feeding and let us help take care of them. One of my all time favorite memories was a class field trip at Spruce Knob where we learned about salamanders in the stream and had to do a large mountain hike using only a compass and a map. 

The theme of this year's campaign is "Learning without limits." What did you take with you from our school on your life journey? 

Montessori created a learning environment where you could sit on the floor and deep-dive into a topic for hours. You didn't just learn about France from a book, but you would pour over maps, learn about French history and art, and food through projects. No topic seemed too complex, vast , or distant. I remember a friend of mine in middle school, who went to another school, asking me why I did my homework or any assignments at all if we did not receive grades. At the time, that question seemed so strange and the answer so simple, because that's how you learn and learning is fun. A few years ago when I was in France, a friend turned to me and said "where did you learn French?" I laughed responding, "from my Montessori school in third grade. This cooking vocabulary specifically came from a group project where we had to develop a French menu for our own restaurant." 

Career/education/personal highlights: 

To this day, my favorite and most impactful teachers (spanning across an educational journey including seven different schools) were from Montessori. The bond I built with my teachers there transformed who I was and how I thought. They made me believe in my abilities and that there was no limit to what I could do.

The ReBrook Family: Naphtali (MMS Music Teacher), Edward (MMS alumnus), Ravenna (Primary) and Liam, (future student):

Naftali, what role do you think arts education plays in the Montessori mission?

Montessori nurtures the growth of the whole person. My first introduction to music and art was through Montessori as a student. It gave me an appreciation for creative expression and beauty that has shaped much of my worldview, particularly my openness to new experiences.

How are children responding to the new global music curriculum?

Wonderfully!! They have been so open and eager!! I'm often impressed with the thoughtful follow up questions they come to me with weeks later even.

I know you've just started, but do you have any special memories or moments that make it all worth it?

Not yet! But seeing the kids come out of their shells has been inspiring.

What drew you to MMS and what are your aspirations for your own children at our school and beyond?

Honestly, my husband. Several of his closest friends, including his best friend, are fellow MMS alumni and they're all incredible, interesting people. It's also been transformational for my daughter, who is always excited for school.

What stands out from your time at MMS, Edward? 

What I remember most is the genuine encouragement and support I received from the teachers. They wanted me to succeed, and they wanted the journey to be fun. Activities that piqued my curiosity were a frequent occurrence.

What impact did your Montessori education have on your subsequent education and career?

Montessori taught me that the world was fascinating, and it was my job to explore it.

Do you have a favorite MMS memory? 

Bill Rose teaching me how to draw Darth Vader through a simple series angles and curves. That and teaching myself to read out of pure envy of my two classmates that already knew how.

The theme of this year's campaign is "Learning without limits." What did you take with you from our school on your life journey? 

Being receptive to new experiences and not being afraid to approach challenges with creative ideas.

Career/education/personal highlights:

Attorney, former defense contractor, and Army Infantry Officer, combat wounded veteran, graduate of West Point.