Affiliate & Collaborator Events
Thoughtfully Planning the Year Ahead
Presented by Sarah Fondriest
In this workshop, Montessori administrators and program leaders will step back from the daily rush and look thoughtfully at the full school year ahead.
Even if the calendar is already set, this is a chance to look at the bigger vision for the year — what is working, what may be missing, what needs adjusting, and what — GASP — may need to be eliminated!
Together, we will review what is already on the calendar, including conferences, parent education, staff meetings, community events, school traditions, and key moments that shape teacher and family retention. We will consider what is working, what needs refinement, and what new ideas may better support teachers, families, and the whole school community.
We will also explore how to fit it all in without feeling overwhelmed, including practical systems such as weekly team meetings — yes, teachers and assistants need to meet weekly — regular administrator check-ins — yes, you need to meet with your teachers regularly — parent education opportunities, communication touch points, and simple planning tools.
Participants will leave with practical ideas for mapping the year ahead with more clarity, intention, and confidence — while creating a school year that supports connection, trust, and long-term community commitment.
Supporting the School Day: Transitions, Work Cycles, Lunch, Nap, Arrival, and Dismissal
Presented by Sarah Fondriest
In this workshop, Montessori administrators and program leaders will look closely at the moments in the school day that often create the most stress — arrivals, dismissal, work cycles, outdoor time, lunch, nap, and the transitions in between.
Together, we will consider how these parts of the day are currently working, where children and staff may need more support, and how adult preparation, clear expectations, thoughtful schedules, and consistent routines can create a calmer and more purposeful flow.
We will explore how to protect the work cycle, support children through daily transitions, clarify adult roles, student support, and create systems that help teachers and assistants move through the day with more confidence and less overwhelm.
Participants will leave with practical ideas for strengthening the routines and schedules of the school day so children, teachers, and classroom teams feel more supported throughout the daily grind.
Before They Arrive & Beyond: Supporting Teachers, Parents, and the School Community
Presented by Sarah Fondriest
In this workshop, Montessori administrators and program leaders will explore how to support teachers, parents, and the school community before the school year begins — and how that preparation shapes the experience of the children once they arrive.
Together, we will look at the systems, communication, and planning that help adults feel prepared, connected, and supported. This includes back-to-school preparation, staff training week, new family orientation, parent communication, community gatherings, and the practical details that need attention before the first day.
We will consider what teachers need in order to begin the year with confidence, what parents need in order to feel informed and welcomed, and what school leaders can do now to create a calmer, more connected start to the year.
Participants will leave with practical ideas for supporting the adults in the school community so everyone can begin the year with more clarity, trust, calm, and purpose.