Dear Parents,

Many exciting things are taking place at CTMS this fall. The students are settled into their routines, and are busy learning. October went by quickly. In November we will continue to study the geography and culture of North America, and talk about gratitude.

A special welcome to two new babies in the community born in October. Catherine Carrabba’s family welcomed a baby boy, Marco Angelo on October 19th and the Marchaj family also welcomed a baby boy, Landon, on October 16th.

The pie fundraiser was another big success this year! We sold 84 pies and raised almost $450. The pies will be delivered and available for pickup at the school on Monday, November 20th when you pick your child up from school.

We will be celebrating the upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 21st with Grandparents Day. The children learn about coming together and being thankful, while preparing a cooperative lunch and reading the story "Stone Soup." We encourage your child to bring a grandparent or special friend, so if you haven't already, please RSVP for your child's grandparent or special friend to the office by November 10th. The children will show their special guest the work they have been doing in their classroom and afterwards walk to the American Legion.

The Elementary and Kindergarten are looking forward to their upcoming field trips. They will be going to the Science Museum in Hartford on November 17th and seeing The Nutcracker at The Garde Arts Center in New London on December 8th.

CTMS families and alumni are encouraged to march in the Torch Light Parade this year with CTMS in "Whooville" attire or festive pajamas. The parade is on Saturday, December 9th on Main Street in Old Saybrook at 6pm. We are looking for volunteers to help plan and build our Whoville themed float and will be meeting at 9am on November 15th in the studio, or let the office know if you can help.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in ordering from Montessori Services, earning our school free supplies. There is still time to order for holiday delivery (www.forsmallhands.com, use school number 103433).

We are thankful for our families and your amazing children who fill our classrooms with curiosity, laughter, and love. Thank you for entrusting us with their education and for being part of CTMS.

Marci Martindale,
Head of School

The Willow Room has had another busy month! Firstly, we would like to welcome Abby to our classroom! We have all been enjoying getting to know her. Aside from grocery shopping and the library, the class has been to the soup kitchen drop off site, where they brought in 106 pounds of food, as well as Old Saybrook's Historical Society and the Gen. Hart House...
Read more...

Happy fall everyone! The month of October was busy and exciting! The primary children enjoyed some great introductory geography lessons with landforms and parts of the earth being a big focus. We have been learning all about the calendar and the seasons. The children have begun to study...
Read more...

We can't believe another month has gone by already!
This past month we have made applesauce and muffins; we asked students to bring in pumpkins for many uses, we have been cleaning them and painting them. We have even been learning some yoga in the classroom....
Read more...

Parents' Corner
Montessori Preschool Elevates and Equalizes Child Outcomes: A Longitudinal Study
Quality preschool programs that develop the whole child through age-appropriate socioemotional and cognitive skill-building hold promise for significantly improving child outcomes. However, preschool programs tend to either be teacher-led and didactic, or else to lack academic content. One preschool model that involves both child-directed, freely chosen activity and academic content is Montessori.
Read more...

Montessori Education Provides Better Outcomes Than Traditional Methods, Study Finds
A study comparing outcomes of children at a public inner-city Montessori school with children who attended traditional schools indicates that Montessori education leads to children with better social and academic skills.
Read more...