March 2026 Edition

Montessori Moment from Ms. Rachel

Misconceptions about Montessori Education Continued...

“Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur." ~Maria Montessori

Ironically, as often as I’ve heard the misconception that Montessori classrooms are chaotic, I have just as frequently heard that they are too structured or rigid.

Before addressing these misconceptions, let me step back and offer some big-picture context.

Maria Montessori wrote extensively about what she called human tendencies. These are the innate drives that compel us to construct, refine, and engage with our environment. They operate within all of us—especially children—unless they are intentionally suppressed.

In the Montessori classroom, children are given opportunities to satisfy their natural need for work, order, repetition, and exactness—all fundamental human tendencies.

Work gives us a sense of purpose; there is dignity in meaningful effort. Order provides predictability and security. Repetition allows us to refine skills and achieve mastery. Exactness helps us develop precision and care in what we do. When children are free to engage these drives within a thoughtfully prepared environment, they experience deep satisfaction—and their confidence grows.

With this in mind, the teacher carefully prepares the classroom environment and offers materials designed to support these natural drives.

So yes, the Montessori classroom has structure. There are clear and consistent ground rules that guide movement and the use of materials. For example, a child may work with a material for as long as they choose, provided it is being used appropriately.

Children are not told to “share” materials, nor are they required to stop working so another child can use them. This uninterrupted time allows them to satisfy their natural tendencies toward order, repetition, and precision. Through this process, mastery develops—and with mastery comes confidence.

Level Highlight - Lower Elementary

Lower Elementary has been busy, busy, busy this quarter! Last week, we traveled by bus downtown to the Charleston Music Hall to enjoy a live performance of The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. The children enjoyed watching these stories come to life! In ELA the 3rd graders and the 1st graders are studying the systems of the human body in our curriculum called "CKLA" (Core Knowledge Language Arts), while the 2nd graders read about Greek Myths! Over the years, Greek Myths have been a favorite of Lower Elementary students and pair nicely with our study of the first civilizations of the world (a Montessori Great Lesson). One of the many wonderful things about CKLA is how it beautifully weaves together ELA and science/social studies topics. The children are always asking, "What are we going to read next?" Math is exploding in many ways. The 1st and 2nd graders have been participating in math talks (problem strings) to strengthen mental math skills, while the 3rd graders have been busy working on area and perimeter. We are looking forward to more sunshine and warmer days, so we can spend more time outside and work on our gardens! 

The News You Need

Assessments

Spring iReady (K-5)

I-ready is an adaptive test used to identify students' strengths and weaknesses and to tailor instruction based on the diagnostic report. The results of this assessment are immediately available to show you what your students understand and what they don't understand, both for on-grade level skills and off-grade.

• Wed, Mar 25, 2026 - Math (Day 1/2)

• Thu, Mar 26, 2026 - Math (Day 2/2)

• Mon, Mar 30 2026 - Reading (Day 1/2)

• Tue, Mar 31, 2026 - Reading (Day 2/2)

Spring MAP (6-8)

MAP Growth Testing is used to measure student academic growth in reading, language usage, and mathematics. The test adjusts to each student’s performance level, providing personalized insights for teachers and parents to target instruction. 

• Wed, Mar 25, 2026 - Math

• Thu, Mar 26, 2026 - Reading

💡 How Families Can Help:

• Make sure students get plenty of rest the night before

• Arrive to school on time

• Eat a healthy breakfast (school breakfast is available!)

• Remind them to do their best—we’re proud of their hard work!

• Please avoid scheduling appointments, ensure students arrive on time, and help them get a good night’s sleep on testing days.

Front Office News  from Ms. Lori and Ms. Sandie

A quick reminder about what to do if your child is absent from Ms. Lori

Any time your child is absent, please let me know in any of the following ways. 

- Online: Log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal using a browser, not the app (you have a 7-day window for this).

https://ccsdschools.powerschool.com/public/home.html

- Quick Form: Click the Google Form link in my signature.

- Email/Paper: Email or send a handwritten parent note, or better yet, a doctor's note with your child to lori_gleaton@charleston.k12.sc.us

A quick tip: While our teachers appreciate hearing from you, they actually aren’t able to excuse absences themselves. To make sure your note doesn't get missed, please be sure to include me on any attendance messages! 

Save the Date for Fun and Wellness

Friday, May 1st is our annual Fun Run

Thursday, May 21st is Field Day followed by our Wellness Fair developed by Ms. Ruth.
Ms. Ruth is still inviting parents to help with the Wellness Fair. The more presenters we have, the more opportunities our students will have to be empowered to improve their physical health, mental resilience, and social skills. Click here to sign up to share your experience.

Important Dates

March

Mar. 2-6 - Book Fair
Mar. 8 - Daylight Saving Time Starts
Mar. 9 -  Upper El  In-House  Field Trip
Mar. 9-11 - Middle School Field Trip to Rock Eagle
Mar. 10 - Primary In-House Field Trip
Mar. 16 - Teacher Work Day (no students)
Mar  17 - Upper El Field Trip to Caw-Caw
Mar. 19 - International Festival (5:30-7 PM)
Mar. 23 - Report Cards distributed this week;
                    Spirit Night at Famulari's  (5-9 PM)
Mar. 24 - No Place for Hate Meeting (3:45-4:30)
Mar. 25-26 - Spring  iReady Math and MAP Testing
Mar. 30-31 - iReady Reading
Mar. 31 - No Place for Hate Meeting (3:45-4:30)

April

Apr. 6-10 - Spring Break (Schools are closed)
Apr. 14-15 - Spring Pictures
Apr. 16 - School Choice Lottery Decisions Announced, Makeup Pictures

Important Links

Daily Transportation Change Form 

Parent Portal

RevTrak  - School Store

Transportation Survey

 International Festival Table Sign-Up

PTO T-Shirt Order Form