April 10, 2026
Embedded Files
Spring is a natural season of transition and growth, and we see it unfolding across our MSOW community. Our campus is growing as our expansion project continues to take shape - an exciting investment in the future of our school and the children we serve.
At the same time, our students are preparing for their own next steps. In the coming weeks, transition visits will begin for those moving to new levels. This offers opportunities to explore new environments, build familiarity, and step forward with confidence in their Montessori journey. It is not lost on us that a child's transition is also a parent's transition! (The LE to UE Transition Meeting is April 22nd - see flyer below - and the UE to MS Meeting details will be announced soon.)
Growth is also reflected in our professional community. Our staff continue to build their skills and credentials, take meaningful next steps in their MSOW careers, and pursue new opportunities. While this can bring some changes, it also speaks to the strength and vitality of our school.
Transitions can affect each of us in different ways, but they also create space for new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and continued growth. At MSOW, we are grateful for the care and support within our community as we all move forward together.
“We must give him the means and encourage him. ‘Courage, my dear, courage! You are a new man that must adapt to this new world. Go on triumphantly. I am here to help you.’ This kind of encouragement is instinctive in those who love children.”
~Maria Montessori~
The 1946 London Lectures
Brenda Zellmer
Head of School
Montessori School of Waukesha
Author David A. Kelly Visits MSOW on April 28th
We are excited to share that, as a special guest of our Library Specialist, Eve Bruce, acclaimed children’s author David A. Kelly will be visiting our Lower Elementary students at MSOW on Tuesday, April 28!
Mr. Kelly is the author of the popular Ballpark Mysteries series—an engaging collection of chapter books that combine baseball, teamwork, and problem-solving into fast-paced adventures that young readers love. His books are especially appealing to emerging readers who enjoy a mix of sports and mystery, making them a wonderful bridge into longer chapter books.
During his visit, Mr. Kelly will talk with students about his writing process, the inspiration behind his stories, and what it’s like to be an author. It’s a special opportunity for our students to connect with literature in a meaningful and memorable way.
Even more exciting—two books in the Ballpark Mysteries series are set right here in Milwaukee:
The Sausage Race Chase
The Bobblehead Bunt
📖 Book Orders
Families have the opportunity to purchase these titles at a discounted price of $7 each (regularly $11.99) for our MSOW community.
Order by April 22 to receive books in time for Mr. Kelly’s visit
Final order deadline: May 5, 2026
This is a wonderful chance to encourage a love of reading, support student engagement, and perhaps even get a book signed by the author himself!
We look forward to a fun and inspiring visit!
Construction Continues
Meet our Project Manager
The Saturn Playground gets some exciting new additions!
(Above) The repurposed playground equipment on the Saturn Playground - moved from the West Playground due to construction. The children are especially enjoying the added sandbox under the gazebo. (Below) Children's House 1 students have a fascinating, up-close look at an excavator at work from the safety of their classroom!
Be sure to click the link - it may look like a photo, but it is a really great video!
IMG_7929.mov
Ben Adams
Project Manager
VJS Construction Services
Meet Ben Adams, our on-site construction manager! Ben serves as the central coordinator for the many building trades involved in creating the MSOW expansion and remodeling project. Using architectural and engineering plans, and with support from the broader VJS team, he helps guide the project from planning through completion.
In his role, Ben works closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and MSOW to ensure the project stays on schedule, within budget, and aligned with the original vision. He manages timelines, facilitates communication among partners, monitors progress on site, and proactively addresses challenges as they arise. Ben plays an important role in turning plans on paper into a well-executed, safe, and successful space for our students and community.
Thanks go out to Ben and the entire VJS team!
Staffing Updates & Transitions
As part of a strong and growing school community, we occasionally experience transitions that reflect both personal growth and new opportunities. There are a few staffing updates to share - some within MSOW and one beyond our school. Note: The Children's House 1 and Lower Elementary 1 communities were made aware of these updates in early March. - Brenda Zellmer, MSOW Head of School
Sam El-Azem
Sam El-Azem, current Children's House 1 Lead Teacher will transfer to be the Lower Elementary 1 Lead Teacher, effective August 2026. Sam holds her Early Childhood Montessori Credential and will complete her two-year long Elementary Montessori Credential in June. A strong candidate has been identified to be the new CH1 Lead Teacher and we look forward to her accepting our offer soon.
After Sam earned her Children's House credential, she began her service in CH1 as a paraprofessional. She later became the CH1 Lead Teacher. Teaching children ages six to nine has always been a professional goal of Sam's and now that she has a foundation in Children's House she is excited for this next step. Many of the advanced materials and concepts introduced in Children’s House are also part of the Lower Elementary scope and sequence. In preparation for next year, Sam will begin visiting Lower Elementary 1 at the end of April for a few hours each week to start getting to know the students.
As many of you may know, Sam's connection to MSOW is also personal. With four of her children attending the school (in CH, LE, UE, and MS) this community is an important part of her and her husband's family life.
Devin Veselenak
Linda Loomis
Devin Veselenak, current Lower Elementary 1 Lead Teacher will transfer to be the GMEI Program Director effective in June 2026. He will replace current Program Director Linda Loomis who will step into a new part time Compliance Coordinator position. Global Montessori Educators Institute (GMEI) is a program of MSOW and is a Montessori Teacher Education Program (TEP) that currently has about 35 adult learners studying to be Montessori teachers from the Infant/Toddler level to Elementary levels. Learn more about GMEI here www.gmeinstitute.org
Devin, has continued to grow in his professional journey as a Montessorian since his start in a Children's House classroom in Germany many years ago. He has completed coursework toward a master’s degree in Montessori education, earned his AMS Elementary credential, been selected to participate in an American Montessori Society Think Tank, secured opportunities to speak at Montessori conferences, and recently had an article published in a national Montessori magazine. Devin is currently attending the AMS Teacher Education Instructor Academy, a selective program for those who will teach future Montessori educators. These are just a few of Devin’s recent professional accomplishments that have helped prepare him for his new role as GMEI Program Director
Devin will be joining Linda Loomis, GMEI's current Program Director who is choosing to transition to a part time Compliance Coordinator role within GMEI beginning in June. Linda spent the past five years growing GMEI, establishing strong relationships with area school leaders, and working with adult learners drawn to this hybrid program. Collaborating with GMEI instructors is also an important part of this role. Linda guided Devin through hosting the GMEI 2025 Summer In Residency Program when he started exploring the idea of sharing his enthusiasm for teaching with future Montessori educators. Devin and Linda also worked together presenting GMEI at Montessori conferences.
Devin and his wife, Rachel, also have a personal connection to MSOW - their daughter Primrose is a Children's House student. Linda has three grandchildren currently attending MSOW and a recently graduated granddaughter.
Bethany Mueller
Bethany Mueller, MSOW’s Director of Students, accepted the role of Director of Early Learning at a Wauwatosa parochial school in early April and will begin that position in July 2026, following the completion of her contract here at MSOW.
As the first Director of Students at MSOW, Bethany played a foundational role in shaping how we support children across our community. She established thoughtful processes and systems to ensure students are supported with consistency, care, and respect for their individual development. Bethany also created and refined tools that have helped guide teachers in responding to student needs, strengthening our ability to partner with families and support each child’s growth.
Beyond systems and structures, Bethany brought a steady presence to her work by building relationships with students, families, and staff, and helping to navigate both everyday moments and more complex situations with care and professionalism. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on our school, and we are grateful for the foundation she has built.
We wish Bethany all the best as she steps into this new leadership role. We will continue to see Bethany and her family on campus at MSOW as her oldest son will continue to be an Upper Elementary student here.
Brenda Zellmer, MSOW Head of School
A message from Bethany to the MSOW Community:
Dear Staff, Families, and Friends,
It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter. After ten years of working at Montessori School of Waukesha I have made the decision to step away as the Director of Students at MSOW. This decision was not made lightly, however, at this time, it is what is best for me and my family.
My time at MSOW has been filled with countless memories and experiences that are filled with joy and wonder as I have watched students grow and learn in our school. MSOW is a special place. I know that I will never experience a community like the one at MSOW and look forward to continuing to be a part of it as my oldest continues to attend MSOW in Upper Elementary.
To staff, you are dedicated, highly qualified, highly educated, and amazing educators. You have prepared environments that help guide the students to reach their highest potential. This is one of the most amazing parts of the Montessori philosophy and the teachers at MSOW, that the educators don’t look to change the children, they find a way to make the environment work for the child and with the child.
To the families, as I said, there is no community that can rival the MSOW community. You are the center of that in so many ways. I have gotten to know so many of you so well. You have shown trust as you drop your child off with me in carline, have tough conversations when our children are in a hard spot, have celebrated together when we see the joy, wonder, and growth in your child each day, each month, each year, and when they graduate 8th grade.
To the children. They are the reason we all do what we do. I will miss their smiles each day, how they say “hello” to me when they see me in the hallway or when I walk in their classroom, the pictures that they draw and give to me, and how they turn into letters and cards as they get older. I do not have words to tell you, and them, how grateful I am for the lessons that they have taught me the last ten years.
Thank you for trusting me with your children each day. It has been an honor and one that I will not forget.
“The greatest gift we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” - Maria Montessori
Children's House World Languages: Chinese
During a recent World Languages session, Extended Day students were introduced to the Chinese language and culture by Weiwei Jiang, mother of William Han (LE 3).
Students explored Chinese language and traditions through a variety of hands-on activities. They listened to the legendary tale of the Ten Suns, learned Chinese number characters and symbols for common words, and discovered the art of traditional calligraphy.
Ms. Jiang shared authentic calligraphy tools, including brushes made from mink and sheep hair, solid ink blocks, special rice paper, and paper weights. She demonstrated how to prepare ink using an ink block and water, as well as proper brush techniques for creating Chinese characters.
Students then had the opportunity to practice these skills themselves, mixing ink and painting number characters on rice paper—an engaging and memorable cultural experience for all.
Highlights from the Classroom
Children's House 1 - Lead Teacher, Sam El-Azem
Children’s House 1 was filled with excitement (and a bit of wonder!) as students cared for caterpillars right in their classroom, watching up close as they transformed through each stage of the butterfly life cycle. Day by day, the children observed, asked questions, and eagerly checked in on their tiny guests - building both knowledge and a sense of responsibility along the way.
On Thursday, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. With great care, the students released their butterflies into the open air, celebrating the end of one journey and the beginning of another. It was a beautiful, hands-on experience that brought science to life in a truly memorable way.
Upper Elementary 3 - Lead Teacher, Taylor Burczyk
UE 3 students work together to care for their classroom at the end of the school day.
Transitioning from Lower to Upper Elementary Parent Information Event - April 22nd
Be a Part of the 3rd Annual MSOW Poetry Museum
Library Specialist, Eve Bruce is once again offering a delightful way for students to celebrate National Poetry Month and cultivate their own personal connection with poetry here at MSOW.
Here is how students can participate:
Make a copy of a poem that you enjoy.
or
Write an original poem of your own.
Next, they have two options to create an "artifact" which will be displayed in the MSOW Library.
Create a poster of the poem and illustrate what it means to you.
Make a copy of the poem and put it in a plastic jar so that it can be seen from the outside. Place items in the jar that are related to the poem or remind you of it. (Like a diorama in a jar)
Fill out the form below by clicking the link (paper forms are available in the MSOW Library) and make sure to label your jar or poster with your name and classroom on the back of the poster or bottom of the jar. Bring your "artifact" to the MSOW Library to be part of our National Poetry Month display.
Then, come to the POET-TEA event at lunchtime on Thursday, April 30th!
MSOW Fine Arts Night: April 29, 2026
M.S.O.W. celebrates the Fine Arts on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5-8 P.M. The Gymnasium at Main Campus is transformed into an Art Gallery that shows the work of every single Elementary and Middle School student. While Elementary and Middle School students who participate in M.S.O.W. Orchestra classes or private music instruction will be performing throughout the evening in the Campus West classrooms.
The Art Gallery in the gymnasium is open continuously from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. Every elementary and middle school student will have a work showing in the gallery. Our Makers Marketplace will also be open in the gallery throughout the evening. While enjoying the gallery, you will also notice a pictorial story of how our newest art installation was created. This amazing piece was inspired by the Montessori Great Lessons. We invite you to go upstairs and enjoy the piece in person. You will find it in the North Expansion hallway between the LE 2 and LE 3 classrooms.
Music performances are scheduled to begin every 30 minutes to facilitate audiences moving in and out while still providing a good performance situation for the student performers. Recitals feature students performing on voice and various musical instruments. Recitals take place in the Middle School classroom and the Campus West Music classroom at 5:00-5:30, 5:30-6:00, 6:00-6:30, 6:30-7:00, 7:00-7:30, and 7:30-8:00 (if needed.) Schedules are posted on the doors at Campus West. Rest your feet for 30 minutes and enjoy the music provided by our students.
Students in Elementary and Middle School who take private lessons on an instrument or voice are invited to register to perform at Fine Arts Night. If you have a student interested in performing in one of the recitals contact Ms. Lygia (ltopolovec@msow.org) or Ms. Sara (sschmitz@msow.org) directly.
We invite you all to celebrate the arts with M.S.O.W. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5:00-8:00 P.M.
The POD Squad - Consider Joining!
We'll need help loading items into/out of PODs. Link to Sign Up Below!
Sign Up for the POD Squad Here! The people on the POD squad list will be contacted when it is time to ACTIVATE! The upcoming days and times will be identified in these contact emails and then POD Squad members can check their schedules to see if they are available for an hour or two.
The first of several PODS was placed in front of Campus West. Additional PODS will be delivered before the end of the school year. Campus West must be fully emptied by early June in advance of demolition.
As classrooms and offices wrap up the year, items that will not be needed before June are being carefully packed and stored. This includes furniture designated for future expansion spaces, event materials from completed 2025–26 programs, surplus office supplies, and other resources that will be reused in our newly renovated and expanded areas. Thoughtful organization now will make our transition into the new spaces smoother and more efficient.
The “POD Squad” effort will intensify at the close of the school year. May 30 - June 7 will be especially important work days, and the more hands we have, the better. Tasks will include packing, labeling, moving lightweight furniture, organizing materials, and helping prepare spaces for the next phase of construction. Middle School, Music Room, Administration Offices, GMEI, CH5, LE4, and the Library are all impacted during this timeframe. UE2 needs to serve GMEI in July so will not be loaded into a POD until after that.
This is truly a community moment. Whether you can give an hour or a full day, your participation makes a meaningful difference. It reduces moving costs, supports our staff, and helps us steward resources wisely as we build for the future.
Save the Dates for Lower Elementary
Music Concert Nights
Save the Date for MSOW Golf Outing
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