Features and Traditions
Friday Morning Gatherings
Families are invited to join the NSM community for our longstanding tradition of Friday Morning Gatherings. Students, staff, and parents come together in the gym at 8:15 to say the pledge to the American flag and to the Earth, share announcements, and sing favorite songs in keeping with the Montessori tradition of education for peace. Classes occasionally share special performances to mark the seasons of the year. Students in our Middle School program take responsibility for choosing and leading the songs. Different songs are selected each month and classes are given the chance to learn the words ahead of time; visitors can sing along to the lyrics projected on the big screen courtesy of our Stage Crew. Some favorite songs include:
- “This Pretty Planet” by Tom Chapin
- “Kids’ Peace Song” (People come in different sizes) by Peter Alsop
- “Light up your Light” by Gary Lapow
Annual Traditions
Throughout the year, North Shoreview Montessori (NSM) observes a number of special events to build community spirit and enhance our curriculum.
Fall International Potluck
Kick off the new school year by attending the annual PTA Fall International Potluck. Join NSM families for an evening of socializing, eating, and dance entertainment. Because our school is rich in cultural diversity, the potluck has always had a delicious international flair. The evening is finished with an international performances put on by NSM’s own students. It’s an event not to be missed.
Historical Timeline
The Historical Timeline is a longtime favorite NSM tradition and is held in October before the morning Halloween parade. It is an opportunity for students in the elementary grades to choose a historical figure, living or dead, to do research on this person, and (optionally) come to school in costume as this person. Students give presentations in their classrooms about the historical figure they elected to represent, and then line up in chronological order to see history come alive.
Variety Show
On the last day of the school year, all NSM students are given an opportunity to demonstrate their talents before the whole school. The accomplishments of our students are amazing. Past performances have included singing, dancing, hula hoop, piano, drums, clarinet, puppets, poems, dramatic readings, karate, gymnastics, baton twirling, mime, skits, and magic, among many other talents.
Music Program
TK-4th grade students participate in the district provided music program where students learn to read music, enjoy singing and playing rhythm instruments. At 3rd grade, students begin to learn how to play the recorder.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC-5th and 6th grade students have the opportunity to choose from 4 instruments to learn to play-clarinet, violin, flute, trumpet, and voice.
STEEL DRUMS-Originating from Trinidad, steel drums are 55-gallon oil drums hammered to produce a whole range of chromatic tones. These unique pitched percussion instruments can be used to play a wide variety of music. NSM students in 7th and 8th grades learn and perform the steel drums. In after school offering, 5th-8th grade students and parents can participate in a community steel drum band.
Art Program
TK-8th grade students learn art fundamentals through the district provided program through Arts4All. At Open House in the spring, students work is showcased at NSM's Art Show.
Gardening
Our NSM students grow flowers and vegetables in their classroom garden beds. At harvest, students often get to eat what they have grown. Gardening is all part of the Montessori Practical Life curriculum, which provides students with a hands-on connection with nature, and learning of the life cycle of plants.
Children’s Annex
The Children’s Annex provides on-site before- and after-school care for NSM students in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Please see the SMFC School District website for more information.