The Children's House

A Montessori environment is unique in many ways. From the child-size furniture to the art hanging just at their level, it is a truly special place. With such gratitude, I look forward to the year ahead getting to know each of your children and families, and watching them learn and grow. My goal for each child is to feel at home, empowered, and inspired to follow his or her own unique interests. Your partnership is so important in this journey and in building our classroom community! I look forward to a wonderful school year!  Best,  Kristi Johnson About Kristi Kristi@traversechildrenshouse.org "That humanity which is revealed in all its intellectual splendor during the tender age of childhood should be respected with a kind of religious veneration. It is like the sun which appears at dawn or a flower just beginning to bloom. Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child open himself up to life." - Maria Montessori   Room Parents Amy Labadie Kaitlyn Dow Raina Kessel   Back to School Parent Letter

Classroom Highlights

May 16, 2025

• May 23 – Grandparents and Special Friends Day 9am-11am (campus closes 11:30am) This is a heartwarming day when grandparents and special friends are treated to a musical performance, campus tours, and time spent in the classroom with their grandchildren. It is one of the best “feel-good” events of the year! Please let me know via e-mail if your child will go home with their grandparents or special friend or if they will go home via carline. 
• May 26 – No School – Memorial Day 
• May 30 – Kindergarten Sleeping Bear Dunes Field Trip 
• June 3 – FRIENDS CLUB ENDS at 4:30pm 
• June 3 – Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony at 5pm 
• June 5 – Field Day 
• June 6 – Dance of the Cosmos at 11am (campus closes immediately following) 

April 15, 2025

Good afternoon, Iris Families! 

Over the past few weeks, the children in the Iris Community have been bustling with excitement and new discoveries, and we are thrilled to share their progress and experiences. 

“Children indeed love flowers, but they need to do something more than remain among them and contemplate their coloured blossoms. They find their greatest pleasure in acting, in knowing, in exploring, even apart from the attraction of external beauty.” - Dr. Montessori, The Discovery of the Child, pg. 74 

Learning About Spring: 
As we transition from winter to spring, the children have been observing changes in weather, temperature, and the environment around them. They have been actively exploring: 

• The life cycle of plants—watching seeds germinate, sprout, and begin to flower. 
• Daffodils and crocuses have blossomed on campus! 
• Nature walks to spot blossoming trees and the different shades of green returning to the landscape. 
• In protest of snow, the children delightfully removed all evidence of snowflakes from the windows.  

Birds and Their Calls: 
Children are developing an interest in local wildlife, particularly the wide variety of birds that reappear during spring. We’ve focused on: 

• Identifying common bird species by their appearance and distinctive calls. 
• Encouraging children to listen carefully to bird songs and create their own “bird calls” through playful vocal exercises, enhancing both their observation skills and auditory awareness. 
• "see me!"
• Matching feathers to birds. 

Infection Control: 
With changing seasons also comes an increase in respiratory and seasonal illnesses. We place great importance on keeping our children healthy and safe: 

• We continue to reinforce proper handwashing techniques and hygiene practices throughout the day. 
• Classrooms are cleaned and sanitized regularly to help control the spread of germs. 
• We encourage children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and remind them to dispose of tissues properly. We have adopted the phrase “cough pocket” to help them remind one another. 
• Here is our Illness Policy for you all to review.  

Being a Caring Community Member: 
One of our core values in the Iris Community is kindness and empathy. The children have been practicing: 

• Helping classmates with tasks, respecting boundaries, and offering comforting words. 
• Expressing gratitude to one another and to the adults who help them. 
• Discussing ways we can contribute positively both in our classrooms and at home, such as picking up litter, caring for plants and animals, and showing respect to family members and friends. 

Upcoming Dates: 

• Apr 16: Coffee with Trisha, 8:30 a.m. in the Community Room or via Zoom Drop in for our LAST coffee with Trisha Short, MA, LPC, IMH-E (II), our Mental Health Consultant. We will be talking about cell phones! As part of our commitment to social and emotional learning for our students, these conversations surround topics on the emotional well-being and mental health of children, parenting, and supporting your child and yourself. 
• Apr 19: TART Trail Spring Clean Up, 10 a.m. to Noon 
• Were you aware that the Iris Community is historically the TART trail community? No, not officially! However, we have been so lucky to have three incredible families pass through this community!  
• Meet up at Hull Park behind the Library on Woodmere. TART Trails Ambassador, John Olds, will greet us and explain the tasks. Please bring rakes, trash bags, work gloves, blowers, grabbers, and any other yard tools that might be handy on the trail. Wear your Children’s House or Compass swag! Sign Up Here 
• Apr 25: Primary Visiting Day, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 
• Please remember to only send one parent (unless you are switching between multiple communities for siblings). 
• Preparing your child for your departure ahead of time goes a long way. You can even practice your good-byes. If you feel your child may struggle with this, reach out and we can come up with a plan that works best for your child. 
• May 1: May Day Celebration 
• May Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a joyful tradition that honors the arrival of spring! For young children, it's a time to connect with nature, celebrate new life, and enjoy simple, meaningful rituals like dancing around a Maypole. In our classroom, May Day is a beautiful opportunity to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and come together in celebration through music, movement, and community. We will prepare hats to celebrate spring and our Kindergartners participating in the dance around the Maypole. Angela has been helping us practice the May Day Carol that all of Primary will sing together on May Day.  
• Fun fact: Amy Labadie gifted us so much of her time and resources creating our one of a kind, beyond special May Day crowns that the children will decorate together! Thank you! 
• May 2: Iris End of the Year Picnic at Hop Lot @ 4 p.m. 
• May 9: Bright Futures Gala 
• May 23: Grandparents & Special Friends Day (½ day) 

Thank you for being an integral part of the Iris Community. We look forward to continued growth, curiosity, and togetherness this spring. 

March 14, 2025

Dear Iris Families, 

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me during conferences this week. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with each of you and celebrate your child’s progress. I’m truly grateful to partner with such supportive, caring, and dedicated families. Your involvement makes a world of difference, and I feel incredibly lucky to have your trust and collaboration as we work together toward your child’s success. 

Last week, our kindergartners visited the Boardman River Nature Center, where they discovered fascinating facts about how animals survive during the winter. They explored the subnivean zone (the space beneath the snow), how animals survive winters, and even had the chance to practice snowshoeing. It was an incredible hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and excitement about the natural world!  

With spring just around the corner, we can’t help but feel a surge of excitement for the brighter days ahead. Warmer weather, fresh blooms, and a renewed sense of energy give us plenty to look forward to. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, or simply enjoying longer afternoons, spring offers a chance for growth and discovery.  

Next week, we will celebrate Nowruz with Bnnar, and we’re looking forward to learning more about her wonderful traditions. Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and is a time of renewal, fresh starts, and meaningful family gatherings. We’ll explore some of the customs associated with this celebration, such as preparing special foods, sharing stories, and setting up the “haft-seen” table—an arrangement of symbolic items representing good fortune in the coming year. It promises to be a rich cultural experience for all of us, and we’re excited to share in the festivities and learn together! 

Thank you again for your time, openness, and ongoing support. We hope you all enjoy this beautiful sunshine!

February 19, 2025

Dear Iris Families, 

I hope you all enjoyed the long winter weekend! I know our family is grateful for every bit of snow we get this year. 

Over the past two months, one of our major focuses has been exploring the true meaning of love, and with that comes kindness. It is an important theme we incorporate into our community all year long, not just around Valentine's Day. The evolution of this conversation was profound.  

I want to share with you some of the beautiful books we read this month.   

This first book is a book that helped us dive a little deeper into the different ways we may show love. Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions is written by Randa Abdel-Fattah. I have attached a beautiful review of the book if you are interested in learning more. 

https://socialjusticebooks.org/eleven-words-for-love-review/#:~:text=Randa%20Abdel%2DFattah-,Eleven%20Words%20for%20Love%3A%20A%20Journey%20through%20Arabic%20Expressions%20of,eleven%20Arabic%20expressions%20of%20love. 

"Each Kindness,” written by Jacqueline Woodson, is an incredible book about the importance of kindness and how every little act makes a difference in the world around us. This book was read with the older children in the afternoon, and we then acted out the same activity as the teacher in the book. The children took turns holding a small stone, dropping it into a bucket of water, and watching the ripples glide across the surface. Before dropping the stone into the water, the children shared one kind thing they did that day. For some children, this was really challenging. Even for us as adults, this practice can be so powerful. It is a great reminder to live beyond ourselves. 

I'm Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff is a thoughtful book that explores emotions, misunderstandings, and the complexities of apologies. The story follows two friends who have a disagreement, leading to hurt feelings. One character apologizes by saying, “I’m sorry you got mad,” but this response doesn’t feel quite right. 

Through their interaction, the book examines what it truly means to take responsibility for one’s actions and how to offer a meaningful apology. It highlights the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding other people's emotions rather than just trying to smooth things over. 

With its insightful storytelling and engaging illustrations, I'm Sorry You Got Mad encourages young readers to reflect on their words, actions, and the true meaning of making amends in friendships and relationships. 

Last week, a child turned to a group and asked, “What are the three parts to saying sorry?” They replied, “Saying sorry”, “saying what you did”, and “offering to help fix it.” How incredible it is to observe them work together to learn this skill! 

Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler explores themes of leadership, fairness, and cooperation. The story follows Jonah, who declares himself the ruler of the playground, expecting everyone to follow his rules. At first, the other children go along with it, but when another child, Lennox, also claims leadership, conflicts arise. Their struggle for control leads to chaos, and eventually, the kids grow tired of their rulers’ demands. 

In the end, Jonah and Lennox realize that true leadership is about kindness and inclusion rather than power. The story teaches an important lesson about sharing, respect, and the value of treating others fairly. With engaging illustrations and a relatable playground setting, the book encourages children to think about what it means to be a good leader and friend. 

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard is a picture book biography about Mary Walker, an African American woman born into slavery in 1848. Despite the hardships of slavery and later working tirelessly as a free woman, she always dreamed of learning to read. However, life’s demands—raising a family, working multiple jobs, and surviving through significant historical events like the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement—kept her from achieving this goal. 

Finally, at the age of 116, Mary Walker fulfilled her lifelong dream and learned to read. Her incredible perseverance and determination serve as an inspiration, showing that it is never too late to pursue education and personal growth. 

The book, beautifully illustrated by Oge Mora, emphasizes resilience, lifelong learning, and the power of never giving up on one’s dreams 

Here are a few upcoming dates: 

• Feb 26: Primary Visiting Day, 8:30-9:30 
• Mar 7: Deadline to order a Yearbook 
• Mar 13: Conferences, Half Day, School closes after lunch.  
• Carline: Nido/YCC 12:15; Primary and Elementary: 12:30 
• Mar 14: Conferences, No School on Friday 
• Mar 24-28: SPRING BREAK (campus closed) 

Be on the lookout for conference sign-ups here soon! 

January 22, 2025

Good afternoon, Iris Families! 

What an incredible landscape of snow-covered hills. How lucky we all are to live in such a beautiful place. While we have seen very cold temperatures this week I was reminded of the importance of these cold temperatures in controlling tick populations.  

Iris has survived an intense wave of illness. Today, we were fortunate enough to have 24 out of 25 children back to work. We hope to have all 25 healthy children reunited by the end of the week. With that said, please help keep our community healthy by continuing to keep sick children home. You have all been so wonderful about this, and we are grateful.  

Monday was the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. Last week we talked about the importance of his work. Many of the older children in the afternoons heard an abridged version of his I have a Dream speech as well as listened to a book called Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson.  

Today, we read a book called I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff which I highly recommend. It is about what a genuine apology entails. I’m Sorry You Got Mad will be added to our rotation of regularly read books. In the afternoon, we read another book called Each Kindness by Jaqueline Woodson. This antibullying book talks about how the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in our world. At the end we each dropped a stone into a bucket of water naming an act of kindness we each did today. I strongly encourage us as adults to practice this because sometimes it can be harder than we think.  

Another theme of the Iris community is the diversity of language! We have put a lot of focus and emphasis on the Spanish language. The children are working on colors, body parts and various phrases. This work is supported by Angela’s music time each Thursday as we are working on various Spanish songs about numbers and salutations. It is fun with Anna around because we frequently compare Italian and Spanish and how similar the two languages are. In addition to Spanish and Italian in the Iris community we also have the Kurdish language presented by Bnnar. It is so much fun learning alongside the children! I am so grateful for all everyone brings to our community, both young and grown.  

A reminder about Boonli, please remember to sign up. It helps the kitchen plan their shopping if they have the closest possible numbers as possible. We appreciate your support.  

Here is a quick update from our incredible specialists: 

The kindergarten group has been working on learning some group games each afternoon. Many of them seem to enjoy the games we have played using the scooter boards. The entire class comes to the gym each week and have had fun riding balance bikes and tricycles this winter.
- Steve 

Kindergarten has had some wonderful lessons in the art room.  In the previous lesson last month, we worked on drawing snowmen in perspective to make them look giant!  We used colored construction paper and pastels for this work.  In our most recent time together, we discussed primary colors and how to mix them into secondary colors.  Each student drew six birds and painted them with the primary and secondary colors in watercolor.  
- Alison 

As always, we appreciate everything you all do. Stay warm and travel safely! 

December 16, 2024

Growing up in the southern United States, I have such a love and appreciation for snow. These past few storms have just left me in awe! There have been several moments over the past few weeks where everyone paused to admire the beautiful snowflakes. We have talked a lot about Snowflake Bently. He grew up in Vermont and dedicated his life to capturing photographs of individual snowflakes. His work has inspired many of us to learn the various names associated with the different types while also taking the time to try to create ones of our own. I have recently learned how to capture and preserve some of our own to admire, and I hope to make it happen before the end of the season. 

Back in November, our community gathered for the annual Harvest Feast. A huge thank you to each one of you who contributed behind the scenes and those who showed up in a big way to help us put our community back together and help us get all the children dressed and out the door. The children were all very proud of the food they brought. The kindergartners truly rose to the occasion and served their peers with grace, kindness, and patience! It was an honor to sit at the same table as many of these incredible humans.  

I look forward to ending the first half of the year together with a tradition I have grown to adore: the Seasonal Sing. That said, here are a few really important details about the event: 

• Friday, December 20 at 11:00 am 
• Primary children are invited to wear their pajamas (please keep in mind toileting/movement needs when choosing pajamas for your child) 
• Primary will be performing Jingle Bells (I have attached lyrics to this and Fire’s Burning) 
• Arrive early to snag a seat in front to have the best opportunity of seeing your child! 
• After the event, Michele asks the children to stay where they are, and you will send a family member up to where our class is sitting. Please confirm with one of the adults in our classroom that you have your child. 

Other important information: 

We like to send everything home during these breaks so you can check how things fit, change things out for the ever-changing seasons, and give it all a good solid wash. I recommend referring to our welcome letter to ensure you have everything you need for the start of school on Tuesday, January 7. Please ensure your child has their extra-large wet bag here at school this week so we can pack everything up on Thursday.  

We will also discontinue the use of water bottles until the weather warms again in late spring.  

I cannot say it enough, but I am grateful for this incredible community. I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and some level of rejuvenation. I look forward to seeing you all on Friday! 

November 26, 2024

Dear Iris Families, 

Is anyone else flabbergasted that we are nearing the end of November? As a parent myself, I'm begging for time to slow down. It is such a great reminder to pause and try to remember how precious these years are. With that said, I have spent some time reflecting on how lucky we are to get to enjoy so much intentional time with each of your sweet humans.  

A colleague recently shared a quote from Dr. Montessori that I want to share with all of you. Montessori said “Joy, feeling one’s own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul.”   

Throughout the past month, the children have been able to show off their work during Parent Visiting Day, enjoy Pumpkin Fun Day, welcome a new member from one of the toddler communities, gather for conferences, participate in Horizon Book Day, learn about Ruby Bridges, and now prepare for our Harvest Feast. We have been busy! 

Pumpkin Fun Day was a raging success. The children and I scooped out the insides of an enormous pumpkin which we then carved into a stegosaurus! The children enjoyed tasting our roasted pumpkin seeds. There were even children who were initially apprehensive about the culinary experience only to decide they actually really enjoyed it. In addition to the pumpkin, the community baked pumpkin spice muffins and enjoyed various fall-themed crafts. Can we all celebrate the fact that next year, Halloween falls on a Friday? 

Last week, a group of Upper Elementary members visited us during our morning gathering to share information about Ruby Bridges. We learned that at six years of age, she was the first African American to attend an all-white school in Louisiana. She was met with hateful protestors who were angry about the de-segregation of public schools. Ruby Bridges had to be escorted by four Federal Marshals. On November 14, 1960, when Ruby Bridges walked through the doors of William Frantz Elementary School, a mob of parents ran into the school and pulled their children out. That day, Ruby Bridges was the only child to attend school. As time passed and children returned to school, only one teacher was willing to teach Ruby. Her name was Barbra Henry—her class size was one child, Ruby Bridges. Not only did she learn alone, but she ate lunch alone and played at recess alone. Here is an article from The National Women’s History Museum if you want to know more: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ruby-bridges.

On November 14, we walked around the school property with our Elementary students, remembering Ruby Bridges' bravery! To support the children in understanding a little more about the importance of this event, we have been reading a book called “Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race” written by Megan Madison (Northern Michigan native), Jessica Ralli, and Isabel Roxas. 

Last week, I had the delightful opportunity to sit with many of you for our fall conferences. It was a pleasure celebrating all the growth that your children have endured already this year. While I know it is helpful to know what your child is doing inside the classroom, it is equally helpful for me to know what life looks like for your child beyond our doors. I learned new interests, strengths, areas of growth, and so much more. We laughed. Told stories. Laughed a little more and collaborated on various strategies to support your child’s development. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership.  

I also want to take the time to thank many of you. I received the sweetest card and gift for our beautiful downtown Traverse City. I also believe we received all of our books from the Horizon Book Day event! How unbelievably kind and generous of you all. I also want to thank our incredible team of Room Parents: Raini Kessel, Kaitlyn Dow and Amy Labadie. They have gone above and beyond to support our lovely community.  

Quick reminders: Please always remember to check out Waypoints for upcoming dates and further information about what is going on in our school. Fun fact, this week’s edition includes a blog I wrote about something near and dear to my heart, The Power of Social Stories.  

I hope you all get a chance to rest and enjoy time with loved ones during our little break. I look forward to hearing all of your littles' stories about their adventures! 

October 18, 2024

Hello Iris Families!

The many observable natural changes make autumn a lovely time with children. For example, the children notice the leaves on the trees changing colors and falling and the birds migrating. In addition to the changing season, we have discussed the water cycle, water filtration, and water conservation. Did you know the water we have today is the same water that was around when the dinosaurs were alive?  

Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed two new families into our community and will add two more over the next two weeks. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to grow and learn together!

We are growing our world of baking. This year, we have teamed up with the Birch Community (Lower Elementary). Every Tuesday, two elementary children come down and bake something special with a few of our children. Those same Elementary children later return to enjoy the snack with us. We are two weeks in, and it has been the sweetest experience.

Recently, " Little Bird " has been a favorite classroom song. Each round, we invite the children to choose a new bird to replace the “little bird.” Here are the lyrics for you to sing along:

Little Bird

 Little bird, little bird
Fly through my window
Little bird, little bird
Fly through my window

Little bird, little bird
Fly through my window
Find molasses candy

Through my window
My sugar lump
Fly through my window
My sugar lump
Find molasses candy 

Last week, we had a lovely parent education evening on the summer reading “How to Raise an Adult: Break free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare your Kid for Success” by Julie Lythcott-Haims. Here is a link to the TED Talk we all watched together before breaking into breakout groups:

 TED Talk

 I welcome your thoughts!

Tonight, we have another opportunity for Parent Education with our Primary Up Close: A Deep Dive into Primary. I adore talking about the work we do inside the classroom. This evening is like speed dating but in a Montessori style. The evening is led by our wonderful Alison Breithaupt. Parents will later break into four groups, rotating through each primary classroom to get a glimpse of our work. Here is a fun little hint: I am doing math!

Quite a bit is coming up, so please check Waypoints for the most up-to-date Calendar!

I have attached a sign-up for classroom observation. Observation is the best way to learn what children need, their interests, obstacles, and how we can best support their growth and development. We want to share these opportunities with you. I want to encourage each of you to try to come by during our morning work cycle to see what our day looks like. Children are more capable than we know!

A note from our incredible specialists:

Steve Mass: The kindergarten group has been practicing lots of throwing and catching both independently and with a partner. The 3- and 4-year-olds have spent their time in the gym on balance bikes and tricycles as well as balloon play. 

Alison Hoffman: Kindergarten art has its first lesson this Friday, I can’t wait to spend some time with those students!

Angela Lickiss-Aleo: In group time, we have been working on “Funga Alafia” with arm and leg motions. Eventually, this becomes a circle dance. It is a song of welcome and community. We have also started working on keeping a steady beat while singing “Senwa Dedenda.” We are also five instruments into our exploration of new sounds from African origins. Kindergarten music starts next Friday.

I am grateful to all of you for your trust, generosity, and support. I hope to see you tonight!

Warmly,
Kristi

September 16, 2024

Good morning, Iris Families! 

What an incredible kick-off to the 2024-25 school year! We had a lovely time at our back-to-school night, labeling clothing (and raffling off four gift certificates for Jacob’s Farm) and sharing funny stories with a few logistics sprinkled throughout. Then, we came together again for our classroom picnic at Jacob’s Farm. It was such an honor to see our little community mingling. A huge thank you to our classroom parents, Amy, Kaitlin, and Raini, who have worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure our year runs as smoothly as possible. 

A few reminders: 

• Please read through our back-to-school letter to familiarize yourself with the routines/procedures and supply list. If you have any additional questions, I am here to help! 
• I recently sent an email about Transparent Classroom to ensure everyone is signed in and has access to the information we are thrilled to share. I have heard from many of you; thank you! Those of you who have yet to respond, no worries! Lean on us if you need help! Through Transparent Classroom, we hope to share lessons, photos, individual needs (socks, new inside shoes, etc.), incident reports, and more.  
• Throughout the remainder of this month and into October, I will be reaching out to each family to touch base about the start of the school year and address any questions or concerns you may have.  

For the past two weeks, the children have been busy working, receiving new lessons, practicing kindness, connecting with their peers, and settling into the new year. We welcomed a few new children with open arms, worked outside in our outdoor environment, started learning about the flags on our labels, and learned quite a few new songs. A favorite of the children's songs is “Frisky Squirrel.”  

Frisky Squirrel 

Oh, the frisky squirrel 
He gathers nuts and seeds 
To save them for a winter day
So he’ll have all he needs. 

Oh, up, up he goes 
And down, down, down he comes 
He goes straight up and comes back down 
His work is never done. 

Oh, up, up he goes 
And down, down, down he comes 
He goes straight up and comes back down 
His work is never done. 

I also want to include a blog post written by a friend from back east about the start of school. In there, you will find helpful drop-offs tips that I hope will make for an easier transition for you and your child.

https://www.berkshiremontessori.org/msb-blog/back-to-school-in-five-steps 

As always, I welcome conversation. You all are incredible, and we look forward to another week filled with discoveries!  

Warmly, 
Kristi