Welcome to MSSA

MSSA Community and Friends,

I am excited to present this introduction to our 2021-2022 school year here at MSSA. The summer has offered us all a much-needed respite. I am honored to share with you some of the wonderful things happening on campus and introduce the talented people that will enrich the lives of your children and each of us as we return to school on August 16th.

Summer Maintenance

Our maintenance team has been busy working on several projects, including repairing the exterior fence, replacing snow-damaged landscaping, adding mulch in the play spaces, and deep cleaning the interior of the building. Jon has also replaced, repaired, and refinished much of the outdoor furniture.

Staffing

Chris Noel will be overseeing communications and marketing in addition to her duties as the middle school math teacher, and Lauren Talley is moving from childcare to Ms. Pranita’s room as a lower elementary assistant. Gmelyn Link is our new Primary guide, and her assistant is Jimena Hastings. They will make up the team for our fifth Primary Class. Gmelyn  (the G is silent) is originally from Fairmont, West Virginia. She has 15 years of experience working in Montessori education. Gmelyn has been an administrator and taught in both Primary and Lower Elementary. Jimena is a longtime friend to MSSA and started at MSSA as an Upper Elementary assistant for eight years and was one of our dependable substitutes for the last six years. We are excited to have them here and know that they will make a great team.

Programs

We are introducing two new programs this year. First, an environmental and technology program in Upper Elementary. Cynthia Mullet will be teaching the class in addition to her role as IT coordinator.   Second, MSSA is offering a string orchestra class for middle school and upper elementary as part of our Wednesday afternoon ensemble offerings. Steven Young, the father to Abraham and Lydia and excellent cellist and educator, will be instructing the class.

This year we are also welcoming many new families to MSSA. Please look for future communications regarding get to know you events as well as parent coffees, Parent Teacher Council (PTC) meetings, and updates from your classroom guides. I sincerely hope that everyone, returning and new families, faculty, and staff, are all as excited as I am about returning to in-person learning on our beautiful campus. Thank you for joining us. It’s going to be a great year!