MSOW is a private, independent non-profit school (501c3) and the Board of Trustees holds a vital role in its success and sustainability. These dedicated volunteers' responsibilities center on governance, fiduciary oversight, strategic planning, and ensuring the school stays true to its mission and values. They hire the Head of School, approve the Strategic Plan, and approve the annual budget. Currently, all members are also active on the Build the Vision Capital Campaign Committee. Each board member is a current MSOW parent.

Four years after its relocation, Saturn's red paint had begun to fade. Thanks to MSOW parent and professional painter John Imig, this beloved piece of our school’s history has been freshly primed and painted. The fiberglass climbing structure—shaped like a planet with a slide as its ring—was originally purchased by MSOW founding families in the early 1970s and served generations of students. See the historic photo below. Today, Saturn stands as a colorful landmark at the school's Summit Avenue entrance and the centerpiece of the Saturn Galaxy Walkway - see the photo of the walkway's plaque below. 

Saturn had to be moved in 2021 to make way for the five classroom expansion to the north. While Saturn is no longer safe for climbing due to splintering fiberglass and structural damage from the move, it remains a cherished symbol of our past. A photo below shows Saturn wrapped in yellow caution tape after it was lifted from it's original location. From there, it was hoisted onto the back of a flatbed truck and moved down the driveway to what is now known as the Saturn Playground. It spent a year on it's side by the bushes. A team from a playground equipment company put a harness on Saturn and moved it to its current location using a skid steer (see the video below). 

Proceeds from Montestarry Night, our fall festival on September 26, will go toward upgrading playground equipment for current and future MSOW students to enjoy. Take some time to walk the Saturn Walkway at Montestarry Night and start planning for your family's commemorative paver. Orders will be taken in December for spring installation.

Video of Saturn on the move CLICK HERE

After seasons of planting, tending, and learning, the Lower Elementary Three Sisters Garden has blossomed into a vibrant teaching space for our students! This special project, part of the Wellness curriculum guided by MSOW Wellness Teacher Sara O'Reilly, connects students to both history and hands-on gardening.

Rooted in Indigenous agricultural traditions, the Three Sisters Garden features corn, beans, and squash planted together in a harmonious system. In this method—passed down by Native American communities for generations—corn provides a structure for the beans to climb, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash spreads out to shade the ground and prevent weeds. It's a beautiful example of how cooperation in nature supports growth and balance.

Our students have loved caring for the plants, harvesting food, and discovering the many lessons this garden has to offer. We are so proud of their curiosity, teamwork, and dedication to nurturing this meaningful space at MSOW!

Mickey O’Mara, MSOW parent, joined the Children’s House Extended Day students for their World Languages special last week. Fluent in French and having spent a year studying in France, Mickey shared engaging activities that brought the language and culture to life. A highlight for the children was learning how to tie scarves in the French style, which quickly became a favorite activity. Thank you Mickey!  

Click here to watch the video of CH students learning to sing Frere Jaques

Enjoy these photos from Children's House 

As we head into field trip season, here is a quick look at the process and what you can expect when your child's class is scheduled for a field trip.  The process begins with an informational email sent out to both the primary and secondary parent email addresses.  This Informational email will contain the basic, "when, where, and how" of the trip.  A link to the website of the venue or presenter will be provided when available.  Here are some details of the field trip that will be highlighted in the informational email:

• Destination (This will tell you if the field trip will take place at an off-site venue or if it will be a presentation at MSOW)

• Transportation:  Yellow School Bus if the field trip is off-site.

• Departure Time

• Return Time

• Cost

• Lunch (You will be told if your child is eating lunch at school or another location.  This section will also provide details about what to pack.  Examples might include: Completely disposable lunch or peanut and tree nut free lunch. )

• How to "dress for the day"  (This will provide information about whether the field trip will require dressing comfortably and appropriately for the great outdoors or dressing up for a day at the theater.)

To grant permission for your child to attend, the parent you designated as the “primary” parent when completing the student information form will receive a Field Trip Permission Form to complete shortly. It will arrive in a separate email. This form will require payment at the time of submission.  If you prefer to pay by check, please drop an envelope with your child's name, classroom and the name of the fieldtrip clearly marked, into the payment box near the elevator. The form and payment must both be submitted prior to the day of the field trip for the student to attend.  If you have multiple children invited to attend, please note that you will receive an email for each child, and the form must be completed and submitted separately for each one.  There are a number of fun, engaging, and educational field trip opportunities for MSOW students coming this Fall!   Watch your email for more information.