I believe that communication is vital to the success of every organization. ASM is no exception! I write to our families frequently to inform them on a variety of topics that I consider important. These letters will give you a glimpse of who we are as a school community, what I value as a school leader, and the direction in which ASM is headed.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has been in the news and is causing great concern all over the world. Although the risk in our area is categorized as low, ASM’s Leadership Team and its Health and Safety Committee are meeting to develop contingency plans should the situation/risk/category/that change. ASM follows directives issued by the Andover Board of […]
Read more...What are the distinguishing characteristics of ASM students? Montessori students are given opportunities to practice skills that develop perseverance, independence and leadership. Inherent to the multi-age model, ASM students learn to be comfortable shaking hands, making eye contact, and conversing easily with adults. Building strong relationships with teachers and collaborating with peers is a natural […]
Read more...In educational nomenclature, “incremental intelligence theory” explains that intelligence can be increased with effort. The “entity theory” of intelligence describes intelligence as being fixed. Praise can be given to a child in a way that supports either the incremental or entity theory of intelligence. Incremental praise helps a student to reflect on the process of […]
Read more...ASM’s Coffee House is one of my favorite events of the school year! It is a time to gather with families and friends and to support our students’ artistic endeavors in a convivial environment! I love to watch our students, of every age, share their wonderful talents. The students gain confidence by performing in front […]
Read more...Ask, imagine, plan, create and improve! These are the problem-solving steps of the Engineering Design Process that students learn to follow. ASM introduces STEM in the Children’s House and continues with greater sophistication through middle school. It is fun to see our youngest learners so eagerly engage in STEM challenges and it is impressive to see […]
Read more...“The recipe for succeeding in any given field is hardly a mystery: good ideas, hard work, discipline, imagination, perseverance and maybe a little luck” writes David Noonan in Scientific American. Oh, and let’s not forget failure, which Dashun Wang and his colleagues at Northwestern University call “the essential prerequisite for success”. Five years ago one […]
Read more...Practical life is everywhere! Coordination, order, concentration and independence (COCI) are initially developed in the Practical Life area of the Children’s House classroom, though can be observed throughout our Montessori environment. Coordination – Fine and gross motor coordination are developed through the many works in a Montessori classroom. Pouring water from a teapot into a tiny […]
Read more...ASM is hosting its fifth American Red Cross Blood Drive today from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the American Room. I am thankful that ASM is able to assist the Red Cross in its efforts to save lives. Hosting a blood drive is supportive of our mission, philosophy and sense of who we are as a community. […]
Read more...The season of giving is upon us and I am grateful that the ASM community exemplifies this spirit in so many ways! Community service projects have been led by our parents, students, and faculty and staff. Our generosity will benefit those in need whether they are the recipient of a holiday toy or a warm […]
Read more...This is the time of year when we reflect upon all for which we are thankful. I am grateful each day to be among a community of learners where kindness, respect and gratitude are emphasized and part of our culture here at ASM. Lower Elementary students began the year by reading the book “Have You […]
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