The Beat

AUCTION 2012 Imagine...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:43:00 -0500

Our 2012 Auction, Imagine… is a fabulous night out as well as an important fund-raising event for our school. Reserve your baby-sitters and invite your friends and family now! You are guaranteed to have a wonderful evening at Imagine… on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 6:30 PM (black tie optional).

We encourage parents to get involved by donating items, services, airline and hotel points, vacation timeshares, or that “one-of-a-kind-something-special.” Or, make a monetary donation and let the Auction Committee do the shopping for you. Be creative! Imagine… the possibilities! All donations are requested by March 14, 2012.

I would like to donate an item or service Click here to donate your item or service.

I would like to make a monetary donation Click here to make a monetary donation. Monetary donations of $500+ (Auction Angels) receive two complimentary tickets to theAuction, a complimentary full-page advertisement in our auction catalog and your name added to the Auction Angel Plaque at the school.

Are you or someone you know interested in advertising in our Auction Catalog? Click here to reserve your ad space and upload your file.

Interested in other ways you can help? The Auction Committee is always looking for creative and enthusiastic volunteers. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, we welcome your contribution of time and expertise. Feel free to contact us directly at lcibbarelli@comcast.net or dfhuang@yahoo.com to find out how you can get involved.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. Please feel free to contact the AuctionCommittee at 609-924-4594, ext. 303, or email us at auction@pmonts.org with your questions.

Alum Gets Baseball Scholarship

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:45:00 -0500

James Bunn, Princeton Montessori School class of ‘08, has signed a letter of intent with Virginia Commonwealth University to play baseball with a full scholarship. Congratulations James - and his parents! Click below to watch the video. James is the 2nd Pennington School speaker on this clip.

Helping Hands

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:26:00 -0500

In the elementary programs, students earn acknowledgements for demonstrating responsible and harmonious behavior within the school community. These acknowledgements are then added up and students can select a priviledge that allows them to further demonstrate responsiblity throughout the school. Some examples are visiting a younger classroom to be a helper or read a story to a younger group. JRII students often come to JRI to be an assistant teacher and assist students with their lessons and classwork. Some other examples include making and delivering a card to a former teacher, or helping to run an errand to the office with a teacher. This system helps students develop pride in their efforts as well as build and maintain bridges between the programs throughout the school.

Junior II student, Alex, helps Junior I student, Celeste, with some math work. Junior I student, Daniel, visited the Rose Room (his old Primary classroom) and helped Jasper with his reading.

Junior I Decorates Cookies

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:25:00 -0500

The Junior I students decorated beautiful Valentine’s Day cookies with the help of Kerem’s mom, Ayse, Sophia’s mom, Virginia, and Primary students, William and Natalie’s mom, Marjorie.

Primary Birthday Celebrations

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:31:00 -0500

Shaan’s Mom and Dad, Disha and Nik, joined visited the pansy room to celebrate Shaan’s 5th birthday. Shaan and his Dad read a book to the class and everyone enjoyed Shaan’s Mom’s homemade cupcakes.

Harry’s mom and dad, Carley and James, visited the Sunflower Room to celebrate his 4th birthday. They read one of his favorite books and the children shared a snack of Munchkins and cupcakes.

Sonia’s mom and dad, Jaya and Franjo, visited the Sunflower Room to celebrate her birthday. Her uncle also joined the fun. They read a book to the class and made a Valentine’s Day craft.

SummerQuest Registration is Open!

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:29 -0500

Our SummerQuest program inspires children to build valuable life skills while enjoying healthy, creative and fun summertime activities!

Take a moment to browse the SummerQuest Brochure or visit the SummerQuest page on our website

Early bird discount! Register by April 15th and save 5%! Click here to register.

Feel free to call Joanne Hartnack, Director of Summer Programs, if you have any questions at 609-924-4594, ext. 227.
Register your child today! We are looking forward to an exciting summer ahead!

Junior II Night Out

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:31:00 -0500

Junior II students and parents are invited to join the Junior II teachers for a special night at school. The second annual pizza and volleyball night will be held in the Crescendo Room on Friday, February 24th from 6:00-8:00 PM. Don’t miss the fun! RSVP

2012 Society Friends Tour - Morocco!

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0500

Once again, the Princeton Montessori Society is sponsoring our annual Friends Tour – this year, to MOROCCO, November 9-17, 2012.

You are invited to join your fellow Princeton Montessori School and Princeton Center Teacher Education Friends (and their Friends, too!), Parents, Alumni, Grandparents and Trustees as we explore MOROCCO – one of the most beautiful countries in the world – a veritable feast of the senses! Feel free to extend this invitation to grandparents, family and friends.

Interested? Learn more at our website or contact Andrea O’Brian at aobrian@pmonts.org or 609-924-4594 x221.

Early Bird Savings! Register by March 1, 2012 and save $200 per person!

The Beat Goes On...

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:18:00 -0500

Matthew Weber attended Princeton Montessori through the end of Junior II when that was the highest level of the school at the time. He went on to graduate from Princeton Day School and then Amherst College before being awarded his PhD from Princeton University in psychology and neuroscience in 2009.

He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where he is still studying cognitive neuroscience, specifically how the maturation of higher cognitive functions like attention and short-term memory might make adults worse than children in some learning contexts. He is applying for a teaching/research post in cognitive research at Princeton, Rutgers, and some universities further afield.

Matt always showed a particular affinity for writing and was known among his friends as the one who would always immerse himself in writing or reading assignments in his classroom. Oftentimes he had to be coaxed away to complete other work. That trait is still evident as he has published several short stories and has also written a novel which he is hoping will soon be picked up by an agent.

His biggest accomplishment in the last few months, however, is becoming a father! He and his wife Shin-Yi welcomed baby Una in September of 2011. He reports that she is eating and sleeping well, and doing all the things a young infant is supposed to do. We wonder if she is already showing an affinity for books like her dad.

Middle School Ski Trip

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:48:00 -0500

The Middle School students had a great time on their recent over-night to Camelback in the Pocono Mountains.

Welcome New Students and Families

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:08:00 -0500

Several new students have enrolled in the last few months and we would like to give you an opportunity to extend a welcome, especially to those in your child’s program. You will find contact information in the student directory in the “By Classroom” section. The directory is accessible from the Parents Only section of our website.

Infants: Alexandra, Emmaline, Charles, Thomas, Theodora

Toddlers: Robin Room: Alexander, Ethan, Mae, Nicholas;

Goldfinch Room: Aidan, Neil, Parker

Primary: Sunflower Room: Yidan; Pansy Room: Connor, Zarah

Elementary: Junior II: Maheep

Primary Birthday Celebrations

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:07:00 -0500

Mari celebrated her 5th birthday with her Tulip room friends. Her mom, Rehana, read one of Mari’s favorite stories and everyone enjoyed delicious pink cupcakes.

Kabir’s Mom and Dad, Deepali and Ravi, joined the children in the Pansy Room to celebrate Kabir’s 5th birthday. Together they read a Curious George book, played a CD of Kabir’s favorite song and shared cupcakes.

“Wants–n-Wishes” - Close to our Goal!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:41:00 -0500

Your support is needed! We are so close to surpassing our goal of $100,000. Donations to date total just over $92,000. Each gift, no matter how large or small, is appreciated. Have you made your donation? Click here to donate online.

Thank you to all those families who have already donated. Your support of Princeton Montessori School is truly appreciated. See who’s already donated.

Many have asked if we have special requests from teachers. The answer is yes!

Requests for materials or program opportunities are included in the Annual Campaign “Wants-n-Wishes” list. You may sponsor a request by designating this in your donation to the campaign.

Quite a few wishes have already been fulfilled - Thank You!

Valentine's Day Celebration Details

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:00 -0500

Toddler Students: Teachers will recognize Valentine’s Day during the children’s snack time. There will not be a valentine exchange in the Toddler program.

Primary Students: Children should bring in one handmade Valentine card for reading at the Valentine’s Day celebration. The Valentine should express the child’s feelings of love for his/her family, school, teachers, animals or friends, etc. Personal valentines may be sent from home; they will not be distributed at school due to time limitations. Our celebration will consist of sharing healthy treats and reading the children’s Valentines. Special nutritious treats are welcome.

Junior I Students: Each child is invited to exchange Valentine cards, either handmade or purchased, within their homeroom group. Children should just sign their cards and not address them to specific children. Special nutritious treats are welcome.

Junior II Students: The Junior II students will make a Valentine for a family member.

Middle School Students: Middle School will not have a Valentine’s Day celebration. Instead, there will be a student presentation on the origin of Valentine’s Day. Middle School students should not bring Valentine’s Day cards to school.

Mexican Fiesta!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:47:45 -0500

Students in the Primary Sunflower Room enjoyed a Mexican lunch for Harrison’s birthday. His mother, Denise, brought all the fixings and the children enjoyed making their own tacos.

Starting the Day with a Song

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:47:00 -0500

Infant, Toddler and Primary parents and students started the day off with an upbeat sing along with Mr. Mitnick. The sing along was followed by an informal coffee for parents.

Primary Birthday Celebrations

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:43:00 -0500

Reagan’s parents, Randall and Caroline, came to the Pansy Room to celebrate her 4th birthday. They read Dr. Seuss’ book Green Eggs and Ham and the children snacked on cupcakes.

Joshua celebrated his 6th birthday with his Tulip room friends and his parents, Wayne and Victoria. Joshua’s mom read one of his favorite stories and then the children all enjoyed birthday cupcakes together.

Rayhaan’s mom, Sunitha, visited the Sunflower Room to help celebrated his 4th birthday! The children all enjoyed delicious cupcakes after helping Rayhaan count his times around the sun.

A Ton of Rhyming Fun

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:23:00 -0500

Philip’s dad, Sean, visited the Pansy Room to read to the children during circle time. Everyone enjoyed a few laughs while listening to a funny rhyming book of short stories.

Parent Visitation

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:21:00 -0500

Parents in the Primary and Junior I programs were invited to come with their child for a special sharing time in the classroom. It was great fun for the parents to see the classroom through their child’s eyes and for the children to share their favorite work. Below are photos from a Primary classroom.

Delicious Food, Warm Community

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:21:00 -0500

A very special thank you to Eve Golfinopoulos for hosting the Mediterranean luncheon for parents. It was a great chance for parents from all programs to mix and mingle over a delicious lunch in the Summit room.