November 4, 2025
Embedded Files
With Gratitude as We Plan for the Future
A Message from MSOW Administrative Team Members
As many of you know, I joined our school community as Head of School five years ago after being invited to step out of retirement to help “right the ship” during a time of transition. I originally agreed to serve for up to three years, but the work has been so meaningful - and the people so inspiring - that I accepted the Board's request to extend my commitment for two additional years. Now, after five fulfilling years as Head of School, I plan to retire at the end of this school year effective June 30, 2026. This decision was shared at the November 3rd MSOW Annual Meeting last night.
The Board of Trustees was aware of my plan and has had time over the past few months to develop a thoughtful and comprehensive Head of School search plan, which will be launched officially this week. They are committed to a process that will allow them to identify and select the very best person to lead our school into its next chapter.
It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated Board members, faculty, staff, and families. Together, we have all strengthened the foundation of our school, built a welcoming community, and established a shared child and family-centered culture filled with traditions and celebrations. As an accredited Montessori school, our primary focus remains on continuous improvement.
I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and confident in the school’s continued growth and success. The 2021 north expansion laid the groundwork for a future west expansion campaign to meet the needs of our growing student population. The Board and the Build the Vision Capital Campaign team have been, and are, working very hard on this effort.
I am also deeply grateful to Karen Driscoll, MSOW Director of Faculty and Staff who answered the call to join the leadership team in 2021 too - to help "right the ship" and set up MSOW for success in the future. Karen is a wise, collaborative, and thoughtful Montessorian and has focused her energy for the past five years on the fidelity of our Montessori program, support of the MSOW faculty and staff, and development of systems and processes. Her work is invaluable. Karen has shared that she too, will be concluding her time with MSOW at the end of this academic year. Karen and I, along with Director of Students Bethany Mueller will complete the selection process for Karen's successor.
It has been the honor of my career to serve this extraordinary community first as a teacher and then as Head of School. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering belief in our mission and in our students.
With Gratitude,
Brenda
Brenda Zellmer
Head of School
Montessori School of Waukesha
Karen Driscoll
Director of Faculty and Staff
Montessori School of Waukesha
MSOW's Annual Meeting
The Montessori School of Waukesha Board of Trustees met for their Annual Meeting last night to provide updates to members of the MSOW community in attendance. Topics covered updates to the MSOW Strategic Plan including the Build the Vision Capital Campaign progress, School Survey findings, School-Wide Standardized Testing results, Learning Outcomes, Global Montessori Educators Institute progress, Outreach programming updates, and more.
Over the coming weeks, many of these topics will be covered in the Newsfeed. Presenting at the meeting were Head of School Brenda Zellmer, Director of Faculty and Staff Karen Driscoll, Director of Students Bethany Mueller, Director of GMEI Linda Loomis, and Board members, Eric Buckhouse, Ashley Maher, Alex Barta, and Curtis Meins.
MSOW Parent Education Sessions
Elementary Parent Education Night
Elementary parents gathered for an evening focused on Montessori math in the Elementary Years last week. LE2 Lead Catherine Lecke and LE4 Lead Jenna Schuettpelz along with UE1 Lead Abbey Blunck and UE3 Lead Taylor Burczyk provided highlights from the elementary math continuum. Teachers demonstrated how hands-on materials like the Lower Elementary stamp game, bead frames, and racks and tubes and Upper Elementary peg board, checkerboard, and Pythagoras material support students’ growing understanding of abstract mathematical concepts. Parents explored how Montessori’s concrete-to-abstract approach helps children develop true number sense, problem-solving skills, and a lasting confidence in math. (MSOW teachers take turns presenting at these parent education evenings.)
Children’s House Parent Education Night
All MSOW families were invited to a Children’s House Parent Education evening last week. The focus of the evening was Montessori math at the early childhood level. Parents gathered in Children’s House 5 for an inspiring evening led by Children’s House 5 Lead Teacher, Anne Crneckiy. The event focused on the power of concrete learning in Montessori environments, with a special emphasis on the math materials. Parents had the opportunity to experience many of the lessons their children use daily, gain insight into the skills being developed, and take home practical strategies for supporting learning at home.
Historical Halloween
Historical Halloween
Lower Elementary students brought history to life during our annual Historical Halloween! Each student selected a historical figure to research, created an informative tri-fold display, and dressed in character to share what they learned with visitors at our “wax museum.” From inventors and explorers to artists and leaders, the students’ creativity, confidence, and depth of knowledge made for a truly memorable and educational celebration.
Classroom Community Gatherings
Children's House 3 Pumpkin Party
Children's House 3 families gathered at the home of Karri and David Spataro for a community celebration with a Halloween theme. Children decorated and played while parents conversed - everyone enjoyed refreshments. Thank you to CH3 Parent Ambassador, Karri Spataro for helping to organize this event!
MSOW's Food Drive Begins this Week!
Lower Elementary 2 students will again be heading up the annual food drive with all donations going to the Waukesha Food Pantry. The MSOW Food Drive will run from Monday, November 3 thru Friday, November 21st. Students are encouraged to bring in any non-perishable food items, especially cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits, veggies and meats. Please check for expiration dates as we cannot accept any expired foods. Collection boxes will be placed near the doors and in the hallways for easy collection.
New this year - Food Drive Friday in carline - drop off food when you drop off your child. We will have the red wagons ready at the upper and lower levels!
This is a time of high need at the Waukesha Food Pantry - please help if you can. Thank you.
More Resources for Help Where it is Needed!
MSOW Community and Beyond
Friends With Food – friendswithfoodwi.org, (262) 409-9282
713 N Grandview Boulevard, Waukesha
Tuesdays: 11-11:45 am (9-11 by appointment)
Thursdays: 4:00-4:45 pm (2-4 by appointment)
Saturdays: 11:30 – 11:45 am (10-11:30 by appointment)
Waukesha Food Pantry* – waukeshafoodpantry.org – (262) 542-5300
1301 Sentry Drive, Waukesha
Monday-Friday: 1-3 pm
Monday: 6-8 pm
Saturday: 9:30-11:30 am
Hope Center – (262) 549-8726, hopecenterwi.org/programs
101 W Broadway, Waukesha
Free evening meals served Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 5:30 pm
Breakfast at 9:00 am and hot lunch at noon, served daily. Sunday meal served 2 pm.
The Stone Soup Project – (262) 696-9085
409 E Main St., Waukesha
Hot meal Tuesdays-Thursdays at 4:00 pm
The Salvation Army – (262) 547-7367
445 Madison Street, Waukesha
Meals served Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 5:00-5:40 pm
Heritage Folk Fair is November 8th
Sign Up Now to Share your Family's Favorite Traditional Dish!
Heritage Folk Fair: You’re invited to join us for the Heritage Folk Fair—a school-wide community celebration of family traditions and cultures—on Saturday, November 8th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
This year’s program is filled with entertainment, including dancers, storytellers, and music from across the globe. As a special highlight, Children’s House students will perform a traditional Māori welcome song.
While you enjoy the performances, treat yourself to delicious dishes lovingly prepared by members of our community. Admission is free, and food, drinks, and henna tattooing will be available for purchase with tickets during the event.
The Folk Fair is a potluck-style gathering, and we welcome MSOW families to share family favorites or heritage recipes. To see how you can contribute, please visit the sign-up here:
Please plan to come celebrate with the MSOW community and experience an afternoon of culture and connection. We can’t wait to see you there!
A New Sign is on the way!
What is going on with our sign? Well, in the process of receiving a fresh coat of paint - after the sanding and priming step - it was discovered that our wooden Montessori School of Waukesha sign located near the entrance of the Main Campus building at 2600 Summit Ave. had sections that were beyond repair. In the interim, we have ordered a replacement sign similar to the look and feel of existing signage on the Main Campus building. Watch for it to arrive in the coming weeks.
Dad's Night Out - Saturday, November 15th
RSVP by November 7th
Meals for Montessori
November 18th-Mark your calendar for a well deserved dinner out that benefits MSOW!
More delicious ways to support MSOW throughout the school year.
MSOW Family Skate Night Fundraiser!
Support the Middle School Trip to Washington D.C.
MSOW Makers Space
Our Art Room Makers Space is a place where creativity takes shape! Guided by our art teacher, Gina Viola students have the opportunity to dream up and propose their own projects that connect to what they’re learning in the classroom. This Makers Space is about imagination, exploration, and hands-on creation using traditional art materials. Whether building models, designing visual aids, or experimenting with new techniques, students learn to bring their ideas to life while developing problem-solving and artistic skills in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Highlights from the Classroom
Photos from Children's House 1
Photos from Lower Elementary 1 and Upper Elementary 3 Classrooms
For the past few weeks Community Building Activities have been a highlight for Upper Elementary 3 students. Classroom Elders, 6th year students, select an activity and lead the other students. It's an opportunity in our classroom for the elders to practice their leadership skills and support classroom bonding.
Fall Enrichment Slime Workshop
MSOW Gala Event - Saturday, March 14th
Save the Date for a "Polynesian Paradise"
Start gathering people for your Gala table! As you meet other parents at MSOW events, start to think about groups of 8 to 10 for a Gala table. You can also extend invitations to people in your work networks.
Remember, now is a great time to find a tropical themed outfit for the MSOW Gala if you'd like to dress to the theme, Polynesian Paradise! Most clothing sources have greatly reduced these warm weather / vacation tropical-print staples. Of course, you don't need to dress to the theme to attend, cocktail attire is fine too - just add a flower to your hair or a lei.
Thank You to our Generous Volunteers
Thank you to Chris Germain for repairing the loose threshold plate at our front entrance. It was clicking and had the potential to start tripping! Chris had to come in the evening to avoid disrupting foot traffic and gather supplies for the task.
Thank you to Eric Buckhouse for bringing his power tools to school to install a shelf to create a laptop kiosk by the front desk. The laptop is used by hourly employees to sign in and out and is now easily accessible and doesn't get unplugged by accident!
Bunny available from MSOW family due to allergies
Several months ago a MSOW family welcomed a well behaved black lopp eared bunny into their home. As time has gone on (and weather has had windows more closed up) the allergic reactions from all members of the family have become more serious. While the bunny is very nice, allergy medication is not sufficient and they need to find another kind family for the bunny. His name is currently Bruce. Bruce comes with a cage, a hay spot, water bottle, dish, and he is litter box trained. If you are interested, please text David at 414-467-1044.
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