Season’s Greetings! WFMS students have experienced an incredible fall semester. Before we say good-bye for the winter break, I’d love to highlight some notable experiences and accomplishments this semester from around our campus.

After normalization ends (6-8 weeks after the start of school), our classrooms experience what Maria Montessori explained the “happy hum” of work. Students embrace the routine and expectations of the work-cycle and begin to more deeply engage in their work. It is remarkable to witness students eager to progress to new lessons and experience increased levels of focus and concentration. Many of our parents were able to observe their children and witness the classroom communities at work during guided observations. We are thankful for our Montessori teachers and assistants that make their learning environments ripe for the growth and development of each student.

In October, our WFMS Board of Trustees hosted Strategic Plan Review meetings. During these gatherings, our parents had the opportunity to understand the details the WFMS strategic plan, ask questions, and offer insight. We are thankful for our dedicated board members that volunteer countless hours and work diligently on behalf of WFMS.

Our WFMS Parent Association has continued to be such a great support to our school community. In October, a team of parent volunteers hosted our 1st Annual Walnut Farm Family Days. The activities were fun and interactive, the weather was perfect, and WFMS families were able to enjoy time with their children as well as other families. As a result of the collaborative efforts, this event raised $11,210.08 with over 75% school participation! As planned, the school was able to purchase 8 new picnic tables and a toddler/primary play structure! The picnic tables have already arrived on campus and the new play equipment is scheduled to be installed in January 2017. We want to extend a huge “Thank You” to our PA volunteers and all participating families that made this possible. These additions to our campus will be enjoyed by students now and for years to come!

After the family days event, our PA hosted an Imagine Studios family social and began preparations for a WFMS float in the Bentonville Christmas parade. Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Bentonville to watch the parade. WFMS was highlighted so creatively with a Polar Express float. To add to the fun, a WFMS family hosted a watch party on the parade route. There were many shouts of excitement as our Polar Express rolled in front of the WFMS watch party!

Be on the lookout for details about our 2nd Annual “Clubs and Crawfish” golf tournament and social to be held on Friday, April 28, 2017. This is another fantastic opportunity for WFMS parents to engage with our WFMS families and local NWA community members as we enjoy a day of golf and family fun while raising funds for our school!

We hope you enjoy the updates and pictures featured in each section of this newsletter. The students are excited to share with our parent community their Winter Solstice program. Make plans to join us this Tuesday, December 20, at 10:45 a.m. on the deck of our Lower Elementary building.

It is so wonderful to be a part of such a thriving community! As we put a period on 2016, we wish your family an abundance of peace, heaps of joy, and a generous portion of good health.

With a grateful heart,

Ellen Beach