List of 20 news stories.
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Staff Spotlight Post: Natalie Fisher
Natalie Fisher is a Lower Elementary teacher in the Goldfinch classroom and has been teaching at West Side for 27 years.Read More -
The Normalized Classroom
When normalization happens, the children are now working as if the teacher doesn't exist. Maria Montessori calls normalization the greatest sign of success for a teacher.Read More -
Staff Spotlight: Katie Bellman
Katie Bellman is a Children's House teacher in the Sycamore classroom.Read More -
Incorporating Peace Education in the Montessori Classroom
As International Day of Peace approaches, I think of my classroom, my students as individuals, and even myself and wonder, “Is there enough focus on Peace Education as much as I teach math and language?” To be honest, I, as a teacher, sometimes find it hard to find a good balance. Schools, administration, parents, and even teachers themselves can get hung up on the academics part and forget the true purpose of this education and what makes it special and important.Read More
For Montessori, peace was on the forefront of her mind when she created this model of education. Montessori said, “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.” (Education and Peace, p viii, Foreword) -
The Gift of Time
Child development is not a competition. It is a gradual unfolding of the human potential. Just as each child’s timetable for physical growth is unique, so is the timetable for emotional, social, and academic growth.Read More -
Peer Inspiration: A Glimpse into a Montessori Classroom
I was sitting next to Natalie (age 4) at a rug. We had just finished a lesson on the Montessori Continent Map. She was deciding whether or not she wanted to make a book of the continents, a pin-pushed map, or a painting. After much contemplation, Natalie decided on a book. She gathered the supplies she would need: a floor table, an art mat, paper, and her pencil box.Read More -
Crossing the Midline!
As your child develops, her brain is rapidly forming. Children require lots of sleep to process the immense amount of information the brain has absorbed. The midline is an invisible line that begins between the two hemispheres of the brain. When educators and physicians discuss “Crossing the Midline,” they are referring to any tasks that require bilateral movement- from reading across a page to swimming, alternating arms, and legs while moving through the water.Read More -
Adrienne (Sack) Gallagher
Former West Side student Adrienne (Sack) Gallagher was thrilled and honored to receive a Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Short Feature Category. Her winning piece was a 12-minute video, detailing the life of former Southern Methodist University men’s golf coach Jason Enloe as he dealt with losing his wife to cancer and his team’s subsequent run toward an NCAA Division I National Championship.Read More -
Focusing on our Students' Mental Health
As I was back to school shopping this year for face masks, I reflected on just how different this school year will be. As a school counselor, how can I best support students? In what ways can I support school staff? What can I do to help parents? So many questions and I do not have all the answers. So I started researching. What I discovered was that a lot of other mental health professionals are also trying to figure out the answers to these and so many other questions. And while there are many unknowns that we must cope with daily, here is what we do know...Read More -
Montessori classrooms have big feelings and even bigger outcomes!
Read MoreMontessori classrooms have big feelings and even bigger outcomes!Fact: Emotional intelligence (EQ) is like IQ in the way that we are all born with an innate starting point, and it can be strengthened or diminished with nourishment or neglect. EQ is often described as the ability to recognize, understand, cope with, and express our emotions in appropriate ways. -
The Fisher Outdoor Education Program Launches this Fall!
Read MoreAn interview with West Side Montessori’s Fisher Outdoor Education Program Coordinator, Cody Murnen -
Shohan Shetty (Class of 2012)
This past spring, WSM alum Shohan Shetty (‘12) graduated with College Honors from Washington University with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Anthropology.Read More -
We Respect the Dignity of Every Person
As I have reflected on the recent police killings and subsequent unrest in our community and across the globe, it is with utter heartache that I write this message. The tragedies reflect patterns of structural and institutional racism in our country. The West Side community stands on the side of social justice and condemns racism and violence.Read More -
Caring for the Environment
“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” - Maria MontessoriRead More -
Montessori is More Than a Classroom
The self-motivation, confidence, and compassion of West Side Montessori students are evident beyond the four walls of the classroom.Read More -
Learning from Home: Establishing Routines
"It may not seem like it right now, but this time together is a gift. Use it well."Read More
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Collaboration in the Montessori Classroom
At West Side Montessori, we teach our students to collaborate rather than to compete against one another.Read More -
Ellie Martin (Class of 2000)
Recognized in both the vocal jazz performance and scholarship worlds, Ellie Martin is a highly respected vocalist, educator, and Jazz studies scholar. She is currently the vocal jazz instructor and vocal jazz ensemble director at the University of Toledo, and Toledo School for the Arts. In addition to her teaching, Ellie continues to perform nationally as well as internationally.Read More -
Staff Spotlight: Morgan Aviña
Read MoreMorgan Aviña is a Lower Elementary Teacher in the Bluebird Room. -
Adolescent Montessori Education
Maria Montessori divided an individual’s development into four planes of development, each with different characteristics and needs.Read More
Toledo Campus
Perrysburg Campus
West Side Montessori is an independent, accredited Montessori school educating children 13 months through 8th grade (preschool, kindergarten, elementary school and middle school). We are one of the leading private schools in Toledo, and the nation.