April 17, 2026
Embedded Files
In Montessori, we often focus on the prepared environment. That is why Move It Day efforts each year support MSOW's many and varied student environments. (Read more about Move It Day below.) But, just as important is the network of people who support each child. Growth happens through relationships - between teachers, staff, and families - all working together with a shared purpose.
What is our purpose as adults in a child's life? Maria Montessori wrote, “The child develops according to the laws of his being.” Our role is not to shape the child into something predetermined, but to remove obstacles and create the conditions that allow each child to reveal who they are becoming.
As we move into a season of transitions, our students are supported by many steady, caring adults at school and at home. This partnership creates the confidence children need to explore, adapt, and grow. This week, middle school students traveled to Washington D.C. and were provided conditions for exploring and growing - watch for photos next week.
Thank you for being an essential part of a child's work!
Brenda Zellmer
Head of School
Montessori School of Waukesha
MSOW Fine Arts Night is Coming April 29, 2026
More to See, More to Hear, More to Do!
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:30 PM, Montessori School of Waukesha celebrates our student’s artistic achievements at Fine Arts Night. The Main Campus Gymnasium becomes an art gallery, the Library becomes a Poetry Museum, the LE upstairs hallway welcomes visitors to see our new art installation. At Campus West, the Music Room and the Middle School classroom transform into recital halls! There will be so much to see and to do and we invite you to come take it all in.
Every student, 5 years old and older will have artwork in the gallery available to view anytime throughout the whole evening.
Shop for hand-crafted wares created by MSOW student vendors at our Montessori Marketplace in the MSOW gymnasium.
The Poetry Museum will be available to view throughout the entire evening as well. (More information about the Poetry Museum and a link to participate are included in the article below.) Also, poets have been invited to perform readings of poetry during the recital times at Campus West throughout the evening.
At Campus West, music recitals will take place at 30 minute intervals throughout the evening. Recitals take place concurrently in both the Music Room and the Middle School Room at 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, and 7:30 PM. There is a different slate of performers in every recital time slot! So, come sit, rest, relax, and enjoy some beautiful performances.
Recital programs, along with the specific performances during each time slot, will be posted on the doors of both the Main Campus and Campus West.
Young and old will find something to enjoy at Fine Arts Night. The entire MSOW community is encouraged to attend. If you have questions please contact Ms. Lygia Topolovec at ltopolovec@msow.org
Don't miss your chance to see the stunning mosaic art installation that was created by visiting artist, Sally Duback and MSOW Lower Elementary students this winter. The mosiac is inspired by Maria Montessori's Five Great Lessons. You can read more about the mosaic and the Five Great Lessons in our January 26, 2026 issue of The Newsfeed.
A photo display of the making of the mosaic will be part of Fine Arts Night.
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 Particiapte in MSOW Fine Arts Night.
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!
Helping Hands Needed - Spring Fix It Time
email info@msow.org if you can help
Item 1: Fix CH2 patio gate. (photo above)
Item 2: Fix Broken aftercare coat hook rack. (photo above)
Item 3: CH4 window screens need repair.
Item 4: CH2 table to be cut to remove drawer area for better student access when sitting. (photo above)
Item 5: North playground swings are squeaky and need lubrication so we don't drive our neighbors crazy.
Item 6: Sand and reseal a wood sensory bin and wash station for Pre Children's House.
Item 7: Wrestle into submission, the Pampas Grass clump on the berm (photo above). Cut back and remove all dead growth. If you still have energy, divide the clump and replant in other (predetermined) spots.
Item 8: Dig up bulbs around the Campus West building by the shovel-full and transplant in large clumps to other areas of campus before the end of May - because Campus West is being torn down in early June. Save the bulbs!
Item 9: Hang signs on fences in predetermined spots using zip ties. (photos above)
Item 10: Sand a wooden maple chair (or two) from Children's House classrooms. These little chairs are old, but still good! They may look ready for the trash but a sanding and sealing with clear polyurethane will make them look as good as their $200 replacements. (photo above) Some need a little glue at the joints - but who doesn't!
If you can help, please email info@msow.org and reference the Item number. Thank you!
Move It Day is May 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Move It Day?
What is Move It Day?
Move It Day is one of our students’ favorite, and most memorable, days of the year—it’s a high-energy, joy-filled field day where students participate in fun outdoor activities, games, and movement challenges with their classmates.
It is also our school's second largest fundraiser behind the Gala, making it a meaningful day of both fun and impact.
Why is Move It Day a fundraiser?
Why is Move It Day a fundraiser?
Move It Day directly supports the daily experience of our students.
100% of the funds raised go right back into the classrooms and specials areas, helping us purchase:
Montessori materials
Classroom furniture
Books and learning resources, including the Library
Materials for our Specials classes - (Art, Music, Gym, Wellness, Spanish)
Other items that enhance student experiences, including outdoor play equipment
This means every donation has a direct and visible impact on your child’s education.
How do students/families raise money?
How do students/families raise money?
Students participate as “Move It Day athletes” and invite friends and family to sponsor their efforts—similar to:
Charity Fun runs
Dance marathons
Polar plunges
Charity Golf Outings
Each student (or family) shares a fundraising link with potential supporters. (Link to be shared closer to event date.)
How do friends and family donate?
How do friends and family donate?
Donating is simple:
Click the student’s fundraising link
You’ll be taken to our secure platform, Give Cloud
Complete your sponsorship in just a few steps
Supporters can give from anywhere, making it easy to involve extended family and friends.
Is there a school-wide goal?
Is there a school-wide goal?
Yes! Move It Day is a community effort.
Each classroom tracks its progress, and together we work toward a shared school-wide fundraising goal of $30,000
This is a big goal but translates to about $80 from each of MSOW's 380 students - which is a little lower than last year's individual goal.
A $20 donation from each of 4 family or friends and the individual goal is met! Some families share their child's link through their personal social media accounts. Some older students work with their parents to send Move It Day links via personal email messages to family and friends.
What is my child's classroom goal?
Each classroom will be given a fundraising goal based on the number of children in that classroom. This creates a sense of teamwork, excitement, and shared purpose across the entire school.
Do students need to collect cash or handle money?
Do students need to collect cash or handle money?
No. All donations are made online through Give Cloud, which keeps the process simple, secure, and easy for families.
How can our family help?
How can our family help?
You can support Move It Day by:
Sharing your child’s fundraising link with friends and family
Encouraging your child to call or write their supporters with a thank you message
Celebrating their efforts when they come home from Move It Day - both on the field and in supporting their school community
Why does this matter?
Why does this matter?
Move It Day! supports children learning, moving, and contributing to something bigger than themselves.
It’s a day where fun, community, and purpose come together - and where students see firsthand how their individual efforts make a difference.
Can parents or family members come to watch Move It Day?
Can parents or family members come to watch Move It Day?
No. But, our Yearbook staff, along with admin staff, takes and shares hundreds of photos.
Move It Day takes place during the school day, outside on school grounds and is designed as a special experience for students to enjoy with their classmates. Many events are team oriented challenges.
To keep the event safe, structured, and fair for all students, attendance is limited to scheduled volunteers only, who are there to help with the events. Volunteers do not follow around their individual child.
Only volunteers wearing a wristband and/or volunteer t-shirt may be present at Move It Day during the event.
How does volunteering work?
How does volunteering work?
Move It Day is one of our most popular volunteer opportunities—and spots fill very quickly! Because this event happens during the school day and outdoors, we are not able to accommodate additional spectators.
As a result, we understand that volunteer roles are limited and highly sought after. If you’re interested in volunteering, we encourage you to sign up as soon as the opportunity is shared. The Move It Day Sign Up will be shared on Tuesday evening, April 21st at 7pm to the same email addresses that receive the MSOW Newsfeed.
Volunteers play an important role in helping the day run smoothly by:
Assisting with activity stations
Supporting transitions and organization
Encouraging students throughout the event
Volunteers do not follow their individual children.
Why can’t more people attend?
We know families would love to be there to watch! We limit attendance to approved volunteers only in order to:
Maintain a safe and well-supervised environment where it is very clear which adults should be there and which should not
Ensure equity and fairness across all classrooms
Keep the focus on the student experience and the students focused on the experience
Thank you for understanding and for supporting a day that is truly centered on your children.
Additional questions may be sent to info@msow.org.
You are Invited to the MSOW Board of Trustees' Semester Meeting on May 26th 2026
From Board of Trustees Secretary, Kate Winchell
MSOW Parents, faculty, and staff are invited to attend Montessori School of Waukesha’s annual Board of Trustees' Semester Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM. This meeting offers a valuable opportunity to stay informed, hear updates on school initiatives, and connect with MSOW Board members as we continue working together to support our school community. We hope you’ll join us!
Construction Impacted by Rain
Construction made steady progress early in the week, but the recent stretch of heavy rain slowed down foundation pouring work as crews paused certain site work for safety and quality reasons. Low areas filled with water and the muddy site made it difficult for heavy equipment to move. While weather-related delays are a normal part of a project of this size, the VJS team is prepared to move quickly as conditions improve.
To help things along, several pumps ran over many hours to extract the water through hoses. This took the water off-site to the storm water system. Now, we need some sunny days to dry things out!
This kind of delay - those beyond our control - is one of the reasons we have planned a September 8th start date for the 2026–27 school year. Our first day of school will be Tuesday, September 8, which is the day after Labor Day. Many area public schools, including School District of Waukesha, are choosing to start the week before Labor Day. The September 8 start date allows for the natural variability of construction timelines and helps us toward the goal of having our spaces ready to welcome students and staff for the 2026-27 school year.
2026-2027 MSOW Calendar
Sept 8 start date 26-27 Final (Based off of 25/26 calendar).xlsxChildren's House World Languages: Laos
During a recent World Languages session, MSOW parent Nira Chanthavixay, mother of UE student Pailynn Chanthavixay, visited to introduce students to the language and culture of Laos. She began by showing students where Laos is located on a globe, helping them understand its place in the world. Students were excited to learn how to greet one another in Lao and practiced counting from one to ten, and then by tens up to one hundred.
Nira also shared aspects of daily life in Laos, including common foods and traditions. Students learned that sticky rice is a staple food, coconut water is a popular drink, and tamarind—a tropical fruit—offers a unique sweet-and-sour flavor, often compared to gummy candy when dried.
As part of the lesson, she read Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers!, a story that explores generational and cultural differences between a mother and daughter. Through engaging illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, students saw how childhood experiences can differ across cultures, sparking thoughtful conversations about family traditions and heritage.
To conclude the session, Ms. Chanthavixay, introduced the four-day Lao New Year celebration, known as Boun Pi Mai. She explained that this vibrant and spiritual holiday marks the transition into the new lunar year. Students had the opportunity to participate by dancing to traditional Lao music and learning about the Baci ceremony, in which water is used to cleanse away negativity and welcome blessings for the year ahead.
Access the MSOW Library Collection from Home
From MSOW Librarian, Eve Bruce
Parents, if you haven’t already, we encourage you to bookmark the MSOW databases and library catalog on your home devices: msow.follettdestiny.com.
This resource provides your family with year-round, 24/7 access to our library collection and digital databases. It’s a simple way to support your child’s classroom learning, nurture their personal interests, and help prevent the “summer slide.”
Highlights from the Classroom...and Beyond
MSOW Middle School Students spent the week in Washington D.C. and will arrive back late this evening. We look forward to hearing about their adventures and sharing photos in the Newsfeed next week. Thank you to the Middle School Chaperone Team, Lead Teachers Brian Bednarek and Luke Crotteau, Paraprofessional Jackie Kascht, and Director of Students Bethany Mueller.
Spring Enrichment Classes
Students dive into Create A Play class with Lead Instructor, Doug Jarecki from Waukesha Civic Theater.
Lego Creations construction zone with Lead Instructor, Crystal Thao MSOW UE Paraprofessional.
Transitioning from Lower to Upper Elementary Parent Information Event - April 22nd
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!
Muffins in the Morning with Mom or Special Guest
Thursday, May 7th 2026
Volunteer for Muffins in the Morning HERE
Save the Dates for Lower Elementary
Music Concert Nights
MSOW Golf Outing May 19th 2026:
Come to Play or Join Us for Dinner!
To Register as a golfer or a diner please click this link www.eventregisterpro.com/event/msow
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.
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