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# Hilltop Montessori School
Hilltop Montessori School’s Mission is for students to practice responsible independence in a caring community of curious, critical learners and thoughtful citizens.
## Sitemaps
- [XML Sitemap](https://hilltopmontessori.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.
## Posts
- [HMS News](https://hilltopmontessori.org/?page_id=12)
- [The Middle School Society Project 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/the-middle-school-society-project/) - The Seeker in Community
- [River of Spirit - 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/river-of-spirit-2026-6/) - Day 7 - Wednesday A few last pictures fro our journey home.
- [River of Spirit - 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/river-of-spirit-2026-5/) - Day 6 - Tuesday Contemplative Drawing and Writing in Trinity Church Meet with Reverend Pamela Werntz & Deacon Bob Greiner, Emmanuel Church Lunch on the Muddy River Muddy River Walk with Lisa Kumf Community Dinner in Chinatown, Empire Garden Restaurant I had a great time everywhere today, but the transition from Emmanuel Church to the
- [River of Spirit - 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/river-of-spirit/) - Day 5 - Monday Ramakrishna Vedanta Society with Swami Tagyananda Meet with Ki Mahoney Humanist Chaplain Lunch and shopping at Faneuil Hall New England Holocaust Memorial King’s Chapel Crypt Tour Dinner at Sri Lakshmi Temple Conversation with a Brahman Priest of Sri Lakshmi Temple I feel as if the more I learn about religion, the
- [River of Spirit 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/river-of-spirit-2026-4/) - Day 4 - Sunday Emmanuel Church, service Quick lunch on Newbury Street Common Cathedral, Outdoor Service at Brewer Fountain in Boston Common House of Sufism Dinner, Prudential District The Outsiders at the Citizens Opera House I have really been enjoying the independent time. It feels really cool to be able to walk around the city
- [River of Spirit - 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/river-of-spirit-2026-3/) - Day 3 - Saturday Temple Ohabei Shalom, Talk with Cantor Silverman, 10am service Lunch - Coolidge Corner Fo Guang Buddhist Temple and met with the Buddhist nun The Venerable Miaoxi Dinner in Harvard Square Society of Saint John the Evangelist, talk with Brothers Jack and Jamie Compline at Society of Saint John the Evangelist The
- [River of Spirit - 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/river-of-spirit-2026-2/) - Day 2 - Friday 4-10 Islamic Society of Boston tour, 100 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge Temple Beth Zion, conversation with Rabbi Tiferet Berenbaum,Shabbat service Dinner near Coolidge Corner I really liked Temple Beth Zion. It felt super welcoming, and all the people there were really nice and friendly,
- [River of Spirit - 2026](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2026/04/river-of-spirit-2026/) - Day 1 - Thursday 4-9 Temple Forest Monastery - Temple, NH Community lunch at the Temple Drop gear at lodgings, 4 Belfort St., Boston ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) The Crossing, St. Paul's Cathedral Today was long. Already I feel like morning circle, the first bus ride, and that monastery were a million years
- [Spring Updates and Exciting Developments at Hilltop](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2025/05/spring-updates-and-exciting-developments-at-hilltop/) - Dear Hilltop Community, I am excited to give you all a quick update about some of the developments happening here at school. Many are related to actions identified in the Strategic Plan, and/or suggestions for continuous improvement that have come from our community (surveys, comments, conversations, and discussions). We have made great progress on: Community engagement
- [the Story of American Resilience - Day 6](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2025/04/the-story-of-american-resilience-day-6/) - - American Folk Art Museum - Pick up Lunch at Grand Central Station - 12:34 - Depart GCS on Metro North to New Haven, Ct. - Arrive New Haven Metro North Station - Pick-up by HMMS parent drivers, return to Hilltop 5:00ish - ARRIVE HMMS Retire home with families
- [the Story of American Resilience - Day 5](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2025/04/the-story-of-american-resilience-day-5/) - - 10:00 Ferry to Ellis Island @ the Battery - Ellis Island visit - African Burial Ground visit, Duane St. Between Center St. and Broadway/speeches - Samantha Mercado and the New Young Lords @ People's Church - Dinner @ El Nuevo Caribeño - Metropolitan Museum - WALK across Central Park to Cultural Connections Retire to
- [the Story of American Resilience - Day 4](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2025/04/the-story-of-american-resilience-day-4/) - - El Puente, Williamsburg meet with Dani Castillo, Adám, and Frank - LUNCH from L’Industrie Pizza - Weeksville Heritage Center meet with Erica Harper - Dinner and community @ Weeksville - Playtime in Central Park/speeches - Retire to Cultural Connections ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ El Puente is a community center. I love dhow there was art all around
- [the Story of American Resilience - Day 3](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2025/04/the-story-of-american-resilience-day-3/) - - Nuyorican Poets Cafe, @ Loisaida Center with Claudia Alvarez-Plaud (CAP) - LUNCH in Alphabet City - Visit with Peter Mendelsund and Honor Jones @ The Atlantic - Meet with Chauncey Dandridge @ Stonewall Monument/speeches - Dinner South of Washington Sq. Park - Cirque du Soleil: Luzia - Retire to Cultural Connections ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We wander
- [the Story of American Resilience - Day 2](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2025/04/the-story-of-american-resilience-day-2/) - - DNA Learning Center, 300 Jay Street, Brooklyn - LUNCH DeKalb Market Hall - Meet for a walking tour with Shawne’ Lee - African Dance class with Shawne’ Lee - Columbus Park/Sun Ya Sen Plaza/speeches - Dinner in Chinatown - Retire to Cultural Connections Something that was important to me was how, on the train,
- [the Story of American Resilience - Day 1](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2025/04/the-story-of-american-resilience-day-1/) - - Leave Hilltop - Depart from New Haven on Metro North, arrive at Grand Central Station - Arrive Cultural Connections Hostel, 38 W. 88th Street - Meet w/ Peggy King-Jorde - Pizza and dance party w/ Taj Campman @ Friends and Lovers, 641 Classon Ave, Brooklyn - Retire to Cultural Connections ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When we went
- [What's Ahead - 2024/2025 School Year](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/09/whats-ahead-2024-2025-school-year/) - Hello from the Hilltop Board! We began our September meeting by setting the direction for the year ahead, adopting both the 2024-25 Board and Head of School (HOS) goals. Our board goals this year include actively supporting fundraising efforts, increasing transparency with the Hilltop community, and generating a board handbook. We’re also working hard to begin
- [Board Transitions and New Horizons](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/06/board-transitions-and-new-horizons/) - As the school year winds to a close, so does the work of the 2023-2024 Hilltop Board of Trustees. It was a productive year of governance that included: revising the bylaws; completing development of a new strategic plan; creating a board code of conduct; strong committee work; the formalization of an investment committee; reviewing and
- [River of Spirit 2024](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/05/river-of-spirit-2024-6/) - Day 6 - May 7 :30 - Breakfast @ BB 8:15-ish departure Ramakrishna Vedanta Society, dialogue with Swami Tagyananda Burritos in Charlesgate Park Muddy River Walk w/ Lisa Kumf Society of Saint John the Evangelist, dialogue Brother Jack and Brother Lane Dinner @ Harvard Square 8:30 - 9:00 Compline @ Saint John the Evangelist Retire
- [River of Spirit 2024](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/05/river-of-spirit-2024-5/) - May 6 - Day 5 Drive to Center for the Study of World Religions Dialogue with Nicole and Carina of the Pluralism Project Lunch @ Harvard Square Auschwitz Exposition: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away Trinity Church Dinner @ American Flatbread Retire to BB I was really excited to hear what [graduate students] Nicole and
- [River of Spirit 2024](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/05/river-of-spirit-2024-4/) - May 5 - Day 4 Emmanuel Church, service/cantata Common Cathedral, Service for the unhoused at the Brewer Fountain in Boston Common - Dialogue with Rev. Carrington Moore Back to Emmanuel, dialogue with Rev. Pamela Werntz/Deacon Bob Greiner Sri Lakshmi Temple, tour and dialogue with Ganesh Krishnan Dinner @ Sri Lakshmi Cafe Retire to BB The
- [River of Spirit 2024](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/05/river-of-spirit-2024-3/) - May 4 - Day 3 10:00 Temple Beth Zion, morning Shabbat service and convo w/ Rabbi Tiferet Berenbaum; Lunch @ Temple Beth Zion 3:00 - 5:00 - Fo Guang Buddhist Temple meet with Venerable Miaox 8:00 Blue Man Group @ Charles Playhouse Retire to BB Today we visited Temple Beth Zion and attended a bat
- [River of Spirit 2024](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/05/river-of-spirit-2024-2/) - May 3 - Day 2 10:30- Islamic Society of Boston Lunch @ Islamic Society 1-1:45 Sermon @ Islamic Society 4:30 - 5:30 - Temple Israel of Boston, with Rabbi Zecher 6:00 - Shabbat service 7:30-ish - Dinner @ Zaftigs Deli Retire to BB Witnessing the prayers and the sermon [at the Islamic Society of Boston
- [River of Spirit 2024](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/05/river-of-spirit-2024/) - May 2 - Day 1 8:30 - Leave Hilltop Temple Forest Monastery Lunch at the Temple Check in @ Boston Backpackers Hostel Early dinner @ The Corner Mall Food Experience 5:30 - 6:30 Meet w/ Rev Tamra @ The Crossing 7:00 Worship with The Crossing Retire to Boston Backpackers Hostel I think I truly had
- [Productive Board Meeting Yields Varied Task Completions](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/04/productive-board-meeting-yields-varied-task-completions/) - Hello from the Hilltop Board! We held our April Board Meeting on Wednesday evening and were able to accomplish all kinds of important things over a delicious dinner made by Asher. On the financial side of things, we officially accepted the school’s proposed budget for 2024-2025, and approved a new Investment Policy and Investment Subcommittee.
- [Open Board Meeting and Unveiling the New Strategic Plan](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/03/open-board-meeting-and-unveiling-the-new-strategic-plan/) - We loved seeing the turnout of staff, engaged parents, neighbors, and interested community members at our Pie Day Open Board Meeting. The pies were delicious and the opportunity to get to know each other further was so much fun! The content and direct purpose of the meeting involved two parts: Sharing information about board service
- [The Power of Choice](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2024/01/the-power-of-choice/) - Happy New Year! We are all back, though you won’t have seen me in person this week. I’m quarantined with COVID (my first time having it!), but am very much working on school projects. The staff had a great In-Service day meeting on Monday, including a lively discussion about “choice” in the Montessori classroom. We
- [Supporting the Transgender Community](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/04/supporting-the-transgender-community/) - As transgender rights are being threatened in many states, we want to acknowledge the stress andanxiety that this news can bring to the LGBTQI+ community and families who have personalconnections to this issue. Hilltop stands in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community andcondemns these transphobic discriminatory actions that go against the human rights oftransgender communities. Recently
- [In Solidarity with AAPI Families](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/03/in-solidarity-with-aapi-families-2/) - We were devastated to learn that a white man attacked and murdered eight people in Atlanta,six of whom were Asian American women. We want to express our solidarity with the families ofall Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from our community and in the country.We condemn these actions of hate and violence fed by white supremacy
- [Examining Black History Month](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/03/examining-black-history-month/) - Like every week, last week I talked to my family who lives in New York. My older brother, whohas been in this country for 24 years, has two kids who go to the public elementary school neartheir house. Usually my nine year old nephew and seven year old niece like to share the coolnew things
- [Black History Month](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/01/black-history-month/) - During the last two weeks, the staff has been having conversations aboutthe importance of celebrating Black History Month and how to integrate thiscelebration mindfully into our curriculum. We have discussed sensitive partsof our pasts and come face to face with the racist narrative that many of uswere taught in school. This “official American history” that
- [Sharing Language and Recognizing Biases](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/05/sharing-language-and-recognizing-biases/) - Six years ago, when I started working at Hilltop, helping Children’s House during lunchand nap, I sang softly in Spanish all the time. There was not much interest from myyoung audience in the beginning, but the more I sang, the more I got their attention.One of my sons was part of the group with whom
- [January 6th Capitol Attack](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/01/january-6th-capitol-attack/) - “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble” -Representative John Lewis On January 6th, the most representative expression of white supremacy in this countrywas carried out and witnessed by millions. I can’t say how this horrible action impactedmost people, but I can say that I was frightened and scared. At the exact moment thatthe Capitol, in Washington
- [Enjoying the Simple Things](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/05/enjoying-the-simple-things/) - The pleasure of enjoying simple things is not limited to a specific age. In addition to my role as EJIdirector, I am also the Children’s House Spanish and PE teacher. For the last two weeks, I have beenworking with the Olders from the Birch and Willow rooms making our own kites and gardening, inaddition to
- [Thank You to Staff](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/12/thank-you-to-staff/) - The snow is finally here, just in time for the much-anticipated winter break. The effortsand challenges that Hilltop staff have experienced during this first part of the year havebeen both remarkable and heartbreaking. Working in the middle of a pandemic will be,for many of us, one of the biggest achievements and challenges in our careers
- [Being an Ally During Pride Month and Beyond](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/07/being-an-ally-during-pride-month-and-beyond/) - A rainbow flag flies in the wind at Hilltop, while the person who proudly holds it parades throughthe audience that came to celebrate the 2021 graduation of the Middle Schoolers. Studentgraduation speeches have traditionally focused on the individual’s academic growth andcommunity experiences during their time at Hilltop Montessori School - this year, the speechesbrought many
- [The Single Story](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/12/the-single-story/) - Our lives are constructed by multiple stories, but sometimes we can’t, or aren’t, allowedto tell them all. Sometimes we have the power to lock up the stories that we don’t wantto remember, or simply can’t remember. Sometimes we hold on to the stories that helpus continue going with our days, or sometimes we tell the
- [Reintroduction and Welcoming](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/09/reintroduction-and-welcoming/) - I want to welcome all the new and returning Hilltop families! For those who see me at the trafficcircle and don’t know who I am, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Marco YungaTacuri, and I am the Equity, Justice, and Inclusion Director at Hilltop Montessori School, as wellas the Spanish and P.E.
- [Thanksgiving](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/11/thanksgiving/) - I remember that my first Thanksgiving in this country was celebrated in agas station in New Jersey, eating a turkey sandwich with a can of ginger ale.Of course, that didn’t mean anything to me - neither the food nor theholiday. I was not from this country, this culture, this history. Later on, Iunderstood that Thanksgiving
- [Guest Speakers Fuá Nascimento and Sandra Lamouche](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/11/guest-speakers-fua-nascimento-and-sandra-lamouche/) - Last Friday, during our In-Service Day, faculty and staff participated in the zoomworkshop “Capoeira as Cultural Competence Builder” with the Brazilian CapoeiraMestre, Fuá Nascimento. Mestre Fuá and the Hilltop staff discussed the history andphysical movement of capoeira, considered one of the largest Black resistancemovements. Capoeira is a cultural ritual practice that involves fighting, dancing, singing,rhythm,
- [Profiling in a Progressive City](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/09/profiling-in-a-progressive-city/) - Two weeks ago, my family and I decided to travel to Boston. We had purchased manythings from REI in preparation for our backpacking/hiking trip this summer, and neededto return certain items. We also wanted to visit some good friends and to visit a newcity. This was the first time I had been to Boston, a
- [Guest Teacher Judy Dow Visits With HMS](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/10/guest-teacher-judy-dow-visits-with-hms/) - Seeing our own biases can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience. When talkingabout biases we mean beliefs, ideologies, social patterns, and social structures thhave been directly or indirectly institutionalized as part of who “we” are and how webehave in society.The construction of individuals in society has long been determined by institutionswhich have developed laws to
- [Remembering and Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/10/remembering-and-celebrating-indigenous-peoples-day/) - During our Staff In-Service days in August we had the pleasure of sharing an afternoonwith Judy Dow on understanding the concept and construction of a LandAcknowledgement. Judy has been a tremendous support for our school inunderstanding the role that Indigenous people have in this country's history. For manyyears she worked alongside our Middle School program,
- [EJI Director Parent Education Series (PEd.S) Initiative 2021-2022](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/10/eji-director-parent-education-series-ped-s-initiative-2021-2022/) - We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and areconnected with each other to form one whole unity.-Maria Montessori During my first year as the Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (EJI) Director, I focused on workingwith the teachers and staff who have direct contact with the students.
- [What is Land Acknowledgement?](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/10/what-is-land-acknowledgement/) - A land acknowledgment is an act of conciliation, a statement that recognizes indigenouspeople as the traditional stewards of the lands. “When approached humbly, in authentic consultation with indigenouspeople as equals, land acknowledgments can help pave the way to honouringthose with whom we share this land” -Selena Mills Hilltop Montessori School, in the work for understanding
- [EJI-PEd.S. Locating Your Identity](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/02/eji-ped-s-locating-your-identity/) - The EJI-Parent Education Series has lots to say. While winter continues bringing more snow to the hill, our effort to construct an equitable, just,and inclusive community keeps us moving and transforming through the seasons.The biweekly Parent Education Series, an EJI initiative, aims to bring to the table deep,uncomfortable conversations about systemic forms of oppression and
- ["Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” formerly called "Columbus Day"](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/09/indigenous-peoples-day-formerly-called-columbus-day/) - The debates about what we should call or celebrate on October 12th are vast andhappen in different degrees. The request to eliminate "Columbus Day" from thecalendar and replace it with "Indigenous Peoples’ Day" (a more appropriate term, bustill not used everywhere) is not recent. In Vermont, governor Peter Shumlin signed in2016 a proclamation that rebranded
- [EJI Bookshelf](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/09/eji-bookshelf/) - At Hilltop Montessori School, understanding diversity with all of its social and culturalintersections is necessary to reveal and confront all forms of discrimination. Thecreation of an equitable, just, and inclusive community is only possible with thecommitment and awareness of all. The teachers and staff are working on educatingourselves on our biases and how they show
- [What do you lose when you cross a border?](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/03/what-do-you-lose-when-you-cross-a-border/) - On one side of Gate 23 at the Miami airport, my family and I are excitedly waiting forour flight to Ecuador. It has been three years for my kids and four for my wife sincethey last visited Ecuador. Lots of emotions, feelings, fears, and questions are filling ourminds while we wait. Our experience is one
- [How to Begin a Conversation about Disabilities](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/04/how-to-begin-a-conversation-about-disabilities/) - Addressing an inclusive conversation about disabilities can be uncomfortable for many people,not only because we don’t want to harm anyone, but also because often we don’t know muchabout the subject. There are many forms of disability, and, like race, gender, and culture,disabilities exist in diverse forms that are part of each individual's unique identity. Thereforeeducating
- [Compassion and Resilience Still Exists, Even in Dark Times](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/05/compassion-and-resilience-still-exists-even-in-dark-times/) - Another unusual school year is ending, and with it comes the hope for a great and restfulsummer shining behind the mountains of Vermont. It has not been an easy year for most;COVID has stubbornly stayed among our community and forced us to change or adapt ourplans, activities, and lessons throughout the year, week by week.
- [The Power of “Welcoming” to Develop a Sense of Belonging](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/09/the-power-of-welcoming-to-develop-a-sense-of-belonging/) - “Grace and Courtesy” are the foundation of Montessori pedagogy. It is the consistent practice of the teacher to welcome students into the classroom. Teachers are not just modeling the behavior they want the student to reproduce among each other, but a culture that fosters a sense of belonging and respect. Grace and Courtesy are a
- [Montessori and Antiracism: The Path Going Forward](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/03/montessori-and-antiracism-the-path-going-forward/) - "The goal of antiracism isn't to "erase" color differences but to detach harmful ideasabout race and racial groups from the colors we see."-Dr. Ibram X. Kendi We left Boston behind, but the excitement of sharing all the new things we learneduring our four days at the AMS conference is still fresh on our minds and
- [Developing Plans and Goals for the Future](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/09/developing-plans-and-goals-for-the-future/) - As teachers returned to school to welcome new community members and reflect on and prepare for the year ahead, the Hilltop Board of Trustees did the same. Trustee Shelley Lockyear generously hosted the board and their families at her inn (The Nutmeg Inn, in Wilmington) on Saturday, August 26. The Board is thrilled to welcome
- [Difficult Decisions and Looking to Financial Sustainability](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/difficult-decisions-and-looking-to-financial-sustainability/) - Dear HIlltop Families, After years of carefully expanding staffing and services, and broadening our support of equity and economic diversity through Indexed Tuition, we find ourselves needing to focus on financial sustainability - and specifically, to plan for some belt tightening around all of our programs for next year. The vast government grants and tax
- [Story of American Resilience - Day 3](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/story-of-american-resilience-day-3/) - Wednesday - May 3 Tenement Museum Walking tour of LES Drawing in Tompkins Square Park Nuyorican Poets Cafe and met and wrote with Claudia (CAP) Walk to Chinatown Dinner at Mott Street Eatery Staten Island Ferry ride - At the Tenement Museum, on our tour, there were so many unexplained things, Why were Dora the
- [Story of American Resilience - Day 7](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/story-of-american-resilience-day-7/) - May 7 Clean up and goodbye to Q4 Speeches at Bryant Park Talk with Chelsea MacMillan Interfaith minister and climate activist Depart from Grand Central Station to New Haven on Metro North Today has not yet ended But the gift and privilege I have Been handed Has made my thoughts extended People’s faith in humanity
- [Story of American Resilience – Day 6](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/story-of-american-resilience-day-6/) - May 6th Speeches at St. John the Devine Lunch in Central Park Meet with Jamal Joseph at IMPACT Theater Great Migration Exhibit at Brooklyn Museum Dinner at Hunter's Point with Singer / Songwriter / Historian Tom Shaner Speeches on the peer at Hunter's Point Jamal [Joseph] smiled the entire time, no matter what he was
- [Story of American Resilience - Day 5](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/story-of-american-resilience-day-5/) - May 5th - Stonewall Inn LGBTQ history scavenger hunt in the West Village The Center with Michael and Enrike Weeksville Heritage Center 158 Buffalo Ave., Brooklyn Dinner at the Fulton Street Food Court While we were at [the Stonewall Monument] park [in the West Village] we had a scavenger hunt that was so enthralling it
- [Story of American Resilience - Day 4](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/story-of-american-resilience-day-4/) - Thursday - May 4th Sugar Hill Creamery with Petruschka Bazin Larsen Lunch in Harlem Walk through Bryant Park New York Bar Association with Maria Cilente Dinner at Desi Galli with Zoe Timms and Pria Vanda Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ on Broadway, Music Box Theater At Sugar Hill Creamery, the work that was being done for the
- [Story of American Resilience Odyssey - Day 2](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/story-of-american-resilience-odyssey-day-2/) - Tuesday, May 2nd: Meet with Mickey Melendez at People's Church Walk w/ Mickey to Museum of the City of New York Lunch w/ Mickey at El Nuevo Caribeño Fire Lotus Temple with Sensei Hojin Kimmel Speeches in Prospect Park Dinner and dance party with Taj Campman at Friends and Lovers Why don’t people here smile
- [Story of American Resilience Odyssey - Day 1](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/05/story-of-american-resilience-odyssey-day-1/) - Monday, May 1st Leave Hilltop Depart from New Haven on Metro North Check in - Q4 Hostel in Queens Meet with Linda Machuca at La Hueca Manabita Dinner at La Hueca Manabita Fun in Flushing Meadows Park - Speeches Retire to Q4 When I go to a city or a place with a lot of
- [The Story of American Resilience Odyssey](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/04/the-story-of-american-resilience-odyssey/) - We are getting ready for our great journey. Stay tuned for daily updates on our adventures. Copy-of-Story-of-American-Resilience-Odyssey-Itinerary-student_parent-version-2023Download
- [Expanding on the role of the Board](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/04/expanding-on-the-role-of-the-board/) - Dear Hilltop Community; As we get a hint of summer and look towards the impending transitions at the end of a school year, the Board of Trustees is doing the same. Last month the board hosted an open board meeting with Cheese Boards Galore! Interested community members learned more about the work of the Hilltop
- [An Invitation from HMS Board - Committee on Trustees](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2023/02/an-invitation-from-hms-board-committee-on-trustees/) - Here we are in our second month of 2023, with a successful season of Mountain Days under our belts, and students and teachers digging into mid-year academics. This is also the time of year when the HMS Board begins its search for new trustees to join our work in the 2023-2024 academic year, either as a new trustee or
- [Praising Our Children: How we can be helpful ](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/09/praising-our-children-how-we-can-be-helpful/) - One of Montessori’s foundational principles is that all children should be treated with dignity and respect and that their internal drive to “work” should be valued over training them to want external rewards. As Montessorians, we get excited when psychologists and researchers prove her theories to be true and further enlighten us as to why
- [COVID Restrictions for the Coming Year](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/08/covid-restrictions-for-the-coming-year/) - Dear Hilltop Families, Just today Dan French and Mark Levine issued a memorandum regarding COVID 19 considerations for the coming school year. The plans that we have had in place are in compliance with these considerations. We have been proud of the careful navigation we have done through this pandemic and grateful for the understanding and cooperation from our
- [HMS COVID Policy as of 3/21/22](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/03/hms-covid-policy-as-of-3-21-22/) - In conjunction with the anticipated new state guidelines mentioned in this memo, I’ve been meeting with the HMS COVID Advisory Committee to develop a plan for our school as masking becomes optional in our state. While we have been told that the guidance would be out earlier this week and would go into effect on March 14, as
- [In appreciation for Rich Wolfe, who left a legacy as a Hilltop Montessori School Board Member](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/03/in-appreciation-for-rich-wolfe-who-left-a-legacy-as-a-hilltop-montessori-school-board-member/) - Former board member Rich Wolfe died suddenly on February 12th of heart complications. Administrators, teachers, alum, and past and present Board members have been devastated by the shocking news of this loss. He was a proud parent to Middle Student Greta/Grex and served on the Board for four years, including in the roles of Treasurer,
- [In Honor of Jessica Thomas](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/01/in-honor-of-jessica-thomas/) - In honor of Jessica Thomas, who dedicated her life’s work as Hilltop’s Lower Elementary Teacher, and passed away last week after a yearlong illness with cancer. Jessica Thomas grew up in London, England and in the 1980’s moved to Vermont with her son, Jed, who joined Hilltop at age three, and thus was her beginning
- [How We Manage Contact Tracing](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/11/how-we-manage-contact-tracing/) - The last couple of years really has been a whole new world. We have all found ourselves in situations that no one would have ever contemplated pre-pandemic. The ever-changing world during a pandemic can feel overwhelming, confusing, and scary as information changes or evolves. As we learned more about COVID-19 our day to day has
- [HMS Celebrates 50 Years](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/09/hms-celebrates-50-years/) - We are launching our 50th anniversary today! We look forward to celebrating this evening at our annual family picnic over good food, conversation, and music. Our gift to our students and faculty to commemorate our history are retro-designed t-shirts that harken back to our former rabbit logo as well as the ring tees of the
- [Preparation of the Adult](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/12/preparation-of-the-adult/) - Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of “The Spiritual Preparation of the Teacher” as critical to supporting children into developing into their true selves. She said that a teacher must notice and accept their faults and “must be willing to accept guidance if we wish to become effective teachers”. She speaks against being defensive about shortcomings,
- [2021-22 Year End Close Out](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/10/2021-22-year-end-close-out/) - The September Board meeting was heavy with finance! The Board reviewed the 2021-22 Year End Close Out, which will be finalized by our outside financial auditor. We ended the year almost exactly as anticipated, with a deficit that was made up for by our PPP loan forgiveness and a planned Endowment draw. Over the years,
- [Looking to the Future, Again!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/09/looking-to-the-future-again/) - Embarking on the Strategic Planning Process! Do you have insights to share about the future of HMS? What are we doing well as a school community, and what could we improve in the coming years? We would love to hear your opinions! The Board of Trustees is embarking on a new Strategic Planning process. The 2017-2021 Strategic
- [Emergency Preparedness in our Community](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/06/emergency-preparedness-in-our-community/) - Dear Hilltop Community, I want to acknowledge that school safety is on many of our minds currently. I know we all feel heartbroken and devastated over the recent tragedy in Texas, and it is easy to feel frightened and alarmed by what we’ve seen in the news. As some of you might know, the school
- [HMS Arts Barn Bathroom Renovation Project](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/06/hms-arts-barn-bathroom-renovation-project/) - In pursuing our mission and diversity statements, Hilltop works towards building a safer, more equitable, inclusive, and just environment for our community, with the priority being our students. The Arts Barn bathrooms were the last ones built on the campus (2014), yet they were the only ones that were multiple occupancies and gendered. In response
- [Final Board Meeting of 2021-22 School Year](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/06/final-board-meeting-of-2021-22-school-year/) - On Wednesday night the 2021-22 Board of Trustees held their last meeting of the school year. We were thrilled to be able to close out the year with our only in-person evening meeting. It was a beautiful night on the deck of the Middle School. During our meeting we completed the annual review of our
- [River of Spirit Odyssey - Day 5](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/05/river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-5-2/) - We are on Odyssey, running full and sometimes a bit raw. Pushing to understand the building blocks of spirit, the quiet intangibility of faith, the communities that move so many of us. We are reminded of how important this kind of journey is, how it is an essential part of of how we, the middle
- [River of Spirit Odyssey - Day 1](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/05/river-of-spirit-day-1/)
- [River of Spirit Odyssey - Day 4](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/05/river-of-spirit-day-4/)
- [River of Spirit Odyssey - Day 3](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/05/river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-3/)
- [River of Spirit Odyssey - Day 2](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/05/river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-2/)
- [River of Spirit Odyssey 2022](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/04/river-of-spirit-odyssey-2022/) - Preparations
- [Celebrating Changes, and Looking Forward to Next Year](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/05/celebrating-changes-and-looking-forward-to-next-year/) - The HMS Board of Trustees gathered via zoom on Wednesday for our penultimate meeting of the school year. We are wrapping up current year activities while also focusing on next year. We were so pleased with the turnout at the March Open Board Meeting - thank you so much to everybody who attended!! We hope
- [HMMS Society Project 2020](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/01/the-middle-school/) - The Society Project in the Time of Climate Change Wendell Berry wrote: “If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are.” A place is as much a community of shared values as it is a physical environment and the Middle School set out to discover how their community is responding to
- [A bright future, and seeking Board members](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/02/a-bright-future-and-seeking-board-members/) - The HMS Board of Trustees gathered via zoom on Tuesday evening for our monthly meeting. It was a rich, full meeting, with animated, thoughtful discussion regarding the endowment, leadership, Board transitions, and succession, and getting focused for some important upcoming events. First, we learned a great deal about the endowment from our former Treasurer and
- [January 5, 2018 / Middle School students present "Life in Brattleboro" - The Society Films Project](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/01/january-5-2018-middle-school-students-present-life-in-brattleboro-the-society-films-project/) - Hilltop Montessori Middle School presents - Life in Brattleboro The Society Films Project. Please join us for an evening of student films celebrating the work of individuals in the Brattleboro community January 5, 2018 Showings at 5:30 and 6:30 pm At The Brattleboro Museum and Art Center 10 Vernon St., Brattleboro, VT For more information: www.hilltopmontessori.org
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Day 3](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-day-3/) - Sorry for the delay-Internet has been a little sporadic ....but now in full color! Breakfast at Hargis Meet with LaQuita Middleton Holmes and Children’s March participants Janice Kelsey at the Bethel Baptist ChurchConfederate Memorial ParkOn to SelmaDinner with our hosts - Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation at Healing Waters Retreat Center. Retire to
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Prep](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-prep/) - The Middle School is in its final stages of preparation for their Alabama Odyssey. Bags packed, Maple Syrup stowed, Minds open. Stay tuned...
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Day 1](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-day-1/) - We Fly Meet with Reverend Thomas Wilder and Dr. Martha Bouyer at the Historic Bethel Baptist Church. Dinner catered at the new Bethel Baptist Church Retire to YMCA Hargis Retreat Center My focus and perception of my surrounding has changed and I am now noticing every detail that sticks out from the white travelers and
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Day 2](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-day-2/) - Breakfast at Hargis Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Kelly Ingram Park Lunch - Zoes Kitchen 16th Street Baptist Church Joe Minter –“Africa in America” Dinner at Dreamland Back to Hargis After we left Hargis, I though the park (Kelley Ingram) was really interesting. But once we got to the museum (The Civil Rights Institute) I was
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Day 4](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-day-4/) - Breakfast at 1412 Water AvenueBrown Chapel Charlie Lucas’s studioHistory Maker’s lunch with Lynda Blackmon LoweryJourneys for the Soul with Joanne Bland Dinner at Healing Waters Retreat Center and a visit with Dr. Bernard Lafayette.Retire to 1412 Water Avenue I thought that the time we had at Brown Chapel was just so amazing. I thought the
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Day 5](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-day-5/) - Church service at Ye Shall Know the Truth Baptist Church - Reverend Clinton Pettway Picnic with Mary Lee Bendolph and the folks of Gee’s Bend. Visit with Charlie Lucas Retire to 1412 Water Avenue Breaking down the walls of separation, two communities came together and sang one song. We sang, clapped, cheered, and prayed like
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Day 6](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-day-6/) - Day in Montgomery Legacy Museum National Memorial for Peace and Justice Lunch - Filet and Vine SPLC Memorial Alabama Statehouse Equal Justice Initiative Dinner at Martha’s Place Retire to 1412 Water Avenue The Memorial to the Confederacy at the State House was a beautiful place, but thinking of what happened there angered me. So many
- [Alabama Odyssey 2019: Day 7](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/04/middle-school-alabama-odyssey-day-7/) - Meet Sheryl Threadgill and other participants of the Voting Rights Movement in Wilcox County at the historic Antioch Baptist Church. Shoe Store Museum Miss Kitty’s Restaurant in Camden for lunch, Black Belt Treasures, Shoe Store Museum Conversation with the BAMA Kids Take the ferry from Camden to Gees Bend Evening of poetry, song with Ms
- [HMMS Society Project 2022](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2022/02/hmms-society-project-2022/)
- [Middle School Performance "Unclaimed" Monday 5/8 & Tuesday 5/9 at 7PM](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/05/middle-school-performance-unclaimed-monday-58-tuesday-59-7pm/) - The Middle School is busy writing and rehearsing its annual performance. The newly titled show, "Unclaimed", is a dramatic miracle that has taken shape. The creation of this show is like a bit of alchemy. The musings of individuals, small groups of collaborators, and full class brain storming stirs the pot and eventually turns to
- [October 12, 2017 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Montessori Outcomes, Discussion with HMS Alumni](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/09/october-12-2017-630-800-pm-montessori-outcomes-discussion-with-hms-alumni/) - High School students, college students and young professionals who attended Hilltop Montessori School, for middle school or starting in pre-school, return to share their Hilltop experiences. How did their education at HMS prepare them for their subsequent education and for life? Parents of our current students as well as prospective parents are encouraged to attend
- [Middle School / Love Hate/Curriculum Vitae performance on Monday, November 6 at 7pm](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/10/middle-school-love-hatecurriculum-vitae-performance-on-monday-november-6-at-7pm/) - The seventh graders are creating poetic lists of their loves and hates and the eighth graders are crafting their curricula vitae, their resume for life. They will be reciting these lovely and insightful pieces on Monday evening November 6 beginning at 7pm in the Arts Barn Theater. The recitation of these poems of identity is always fascinating,
- [Open House Wednesday, January 31, 2018 from 9 -11am A Look at the Montessori Environment and Experience](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/11/open-house-tues-dec-5-2017-from-9-11am-a-look-at-the-montessori-environment-and-experience/) - Current and prospective parents are invited to join us as we observe the classrooms in action and talk with students, current parents and teachers about the programs, the school and the Montessori method of learning. This is a great first step to learning about the school and hearing from our program directors and students. The
- [March 8 & 9 at 7 p.m.: Middle School Performance, "The Field"](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/03/march-8-9-at-7-p-m-middle-school-performance-the-field/) - This is a time when we reflect on the big ideas we have been exploring through the year and collaborate to craft a theatrical presentation. It is interesting that the theme for this year’s performance, The Field, was greatly inspired by an essay that the students read by the Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, and
- [Middle School River of Spirit Odyssey Day 3](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/05/middle-school-river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-3/) - Saturday, May 5th Morning Shabbat and Bar Mitzvah at Temple Ohabei Shalom Lunch in Coolidge Corner Thousand Buddha Temple Dinner at Eataly food court The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence by Step Afrika Dance Co. Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre Today was the first day I ever went to a Bar Mitzvah. It was a long
- [Middle School River of Spirit Odyssey Day 2](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/05/middle-school-river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-2/) - Friday, May 4 Head into Boston Ramakrishna Vedanta Society Swami Tyanananda Lunch in Harvard Square The Pluralism Project at Harvard University Alexis Salomone Dinner in Coolidge Corner Conversation with Reb Moshe Waldoks of Temple Beth Zion Kabbalat Shabbat at Temple Beth Zion At The RamakrishnaVedanta Society I had a feeling of peacefulness right when I
- [Middle School River of Spirit Odyssey - Get Ready](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/04/middle-school-river-of-spirit-odyssey-get-ready/) - Just a few days now until the Middle School heads to the greater Boston area on their River of Spirit Odyssey. During their seven day journey students will participate and observe 15 different spiritual services as they try to understand the nature of spirit and how it is integral in so many people's lives. Just
- [Middle School River of Spirit Day 4](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/05/middle-school-river-of-spirit-day-4/) - Sunday, May 6 Morning service at Emmanuel Church Bach Cantata BWV 225 Lunch on Newberry Street Common Cathedral – Outdoor service for the homeless A conversation with the Reverend Pamela Werntz of Emmanuel Church Speak with Reverend Randall Quackenbush Anchor Church Speak with Rev. Patrick Ward of Trinity Compline Service at Trinity Church At Emmanuel
- [Middle School River of Spirit Odyssey Day 6](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/05/middle-school-river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-6/) - Tuesday, May 8th Tour of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center with Barbara Sahli and students of Malik Academy Lunch at café with students of Malik Academy Salaat Prayers Meet with Brother David Vryhof from the monastery of the Society of St. John Eucharist Service, Society of St. John the Evangelist Last Supper in
- [Middle School River of Spirit Odyssey Day 5](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/05/middle-school-river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-5/) - Monday, May 7th Sri Lakshmi Hindu Temple Lunch in Harvard Square Harvard Art Museum Dinner – Harvard Square The Humanist Hub Discussion Group with Greg Epstein This morning we had a beautiful experience at the Sri Lakshmi Temple. Raju was our guide, and he was very welcoming. Rama, a volunteer at the temple, also was
- [Celebrating our 50th!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/10/celebrating-our-50th/) - THE BOARD NEEDS YOUR HELP! As we prepare to enter our 50th anniversary year, the Board is embarking on a few major projects, and we need community help! We are working on putting together two committees, and we are looking for enthusiastic people who would like to help us celebrate the past 50 years and develop a
- [Keeping our Community Healthy](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/10/keeping-our-community-healthy/) - Here we are navigating another year with COVID-19 in our midst. A huge debt of gratitude to you, our families, who are working to keep our community safe by not sending children to school if they have any symptoms of illness. We realise and appreciate the great inconvenience that keeping children home can be, and
- [Building Bridges at HMS](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/10/building-bridges-at-hms/) - The Hilltop Board of Trustees gathered via Zoom for our first official meeting of the school year. We are excited for the upcoming year! We have a dynamic, enthusiastic, multi-talented group of Trustees this year, and we have some big projects to tackle. Keep an eye out for opportunities to work with the Board! This year, the Board
- [Shared Responsibility](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/10/shared-responsibility/) - Having passed the 14 day mark for monitoring symptoms, we can now report that we fully managed through two cases of known COVID-19 patients in our Elementary programs and had NO COMMUNITY SPREAD! Our systems proved to be protective in these recent cases. Specifically we credit: Families keeping children home when there are symptoms or
- [No Community Spread](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/09/no-community-spread/) - We seem to have navigated a positive COVID case in both Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary with no community spread! We are at day 8 since exposure and will need to all continue to monitor for symptoms until day 14, but the negative tests have been flooding in and there were no symptoms among our
- [Back to School with Caution](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/09/back-to-school-with-caution/) - We have been informed of a COVID-19 positive student in Upper Elementary and a presumed case in the Lower Elementary program. We have closed those two classrooms and are following the “contact tracing” and “return to school” algorithm set by the Vermont Department of Health. Students and teachers who were with these two students on Monday and
- [Grateful to be Back](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/09/grateful-to-be-back/) - So gratifying! It has been wonderful to once again be able to walk the campus, both indoors and outdoors, and see the students and teachers in action as we settle into in-person learning. Last year our entire campus and community was strictly podded, both inside and outside, in a way that did not give me
- [Re-Entry 2021/2022: August 20, 2021](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/08/re-entry-2021-2022/) - Dear Hilltop Families,We wanted to give you a few updates and share more broadly information that has been asked by a few families in recent days. With the ventilation upgrades, outdoor spaces, consistent masking practice observed last year, and general conscientiousness of our community, we feel confident in opening again in person for this school
- [Planning for the 2021/22 School Year](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/07/planning-for-the-2021-22-school-year/) - Dear Families,We hope that you are enjoying this summer as a time to refresh and relax, and perhaps visit people that you haven’t been able to see during the time of COVID restrictions. Up on the hill, we are busy with summer projects including: reconfiguring space, painting, gardening, enhancing outdoor space, documenting emergency planning, furthering
- [Maximizing Use of Federal Funds to Keep us Whole!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/06/maximizing-use-of-federal-funds-to-keep-us-whole/) - In the Spring of 2020, the federal government rolled out the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help provide support for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial round of the plan was based on the desire to maintain employees on payroll regardless of the impact of COVID closures, rather than laying people off and
- [HMS Recognized as Unsung Heroes: July 14, 2021](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/06/hms-unsung-heroes/) - We are proud announce that Hilltop teachers were recognized as some of Windham County's Unsung Heroes for our efforts during the pandemic. Read the article from the Brattleboro Reformer here - you will find us on page 14!
- [Moving Up Day](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/05/moving-up-day/) - One of the hallmarks of an authentic Montessori school is the “three-year cycle.” We have students in the same program with the same teachers for three years to progress as Youngers to Middlers to Olders. We see so many benefits to this. Here are a few: Allowing for students to learn from and be leaders
- [Penultimate Board Meeting of 2020/21](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/04/penultimate-board-meeting-of-2020-21/) - The Hilltop Montessori School Board of Trustees gathered via Zoom on Wednesday evening for our penultimate meeting of the school year. It is hard to believe that we are almost at the conclusion of this school year! What an incredible year it has been, with so much amazing work from the whole school community to
- [School Guidance and Travel Clarifications: April 15, 2021](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/04/school-guidance-and-travel-clarifications-april-15-2021/) - Dear Families,We want to highlight the COVID protocol updates that we have provided in recent newsletters. We are sending this separately in hopes of having more families take note. This is also a reminder that we do communicate critical things in the newsletter and encourage all parents to read it consistently. We have noted the unfortunate
- [New State Covid Guidelines for Schools: April 9, 2021](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/04/new-state-covid-guidelines-for-schools-march-9-2021/) - Yesterday afternoon the Agency of Education (AOE) and Vermont Department of Health (VTDH) released new guidance for Vermont schools, in effect immediately and for the remainder of Spring 2021. There are a few changes from previous guidance, which we have outlined below. New Changes, in Effect for HMS on Monday, April 12 We will no longer take temperatures
- [Increasing Flexibility / Re-Entry Plan Updates: March 12, 2021](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/03/increasing-flexibility-re-entry-plan-updates/) - Dear Families, Spring is in the air! We are proud of how we’ve been able to meet in person all year and of how accurately our plans made last summer have worked out with few changes. And now, as we near April, we are ready to make some adjustments. We are feeling comfortable easing up
- [In Solidarity with AAPI Families](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/03/in-solidarity-with-aapi-families/) - We were devastated to learn that a white man attacked and murdered eight people in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian American women. We want to express our solidarity with the families of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from our community and in the country. We condemn these actions of hate and violence fed
- [Upcoming Events and Revised Diversity Statement](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/03/upcoming-events-and-revised-diversity-statement/) - We hope that everyone has had a good week back after the February Break. The teachers noted the enthusiasm and energy of the students returning ready to get to work!. These weeks between February and April break are typically a wonderfully focused time of academic progress for students, and we plan to have this year
- [March 24-26: Spring Parent Conferences](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/03/spring-parent-teacher-conferences/) - It's time for Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences! Depending on the program, conferences this year will be taking place on: Wednesday, March 24 Thursday, March 25Friday, March 26 You will get an email invitation through Mail Chimp early next week to sign up for a Zoom meeting with your student’s teacher(s). The classroom teachers will later send you
- [Sept 21-Sept 25: September Parent Meetings](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/09/september-parent-meetings/) - This is an evening meeting for all new and returning parents to learn about the upcoming year's curriculum, program, expectations of students, and ways to be involved in your child's education. This year, as with all of our community events, these meetings will be held over Zoom. With each program meeting taking place on a
- [Oct 21-23: October Parent Conferences](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/10/october-parent-conferences/) - It is already time for parent teacher conferences! October conferences are for all families, new and returning, from the Toddler Program through Middle School. Conferences will, like most things these days, happen over Zoom. Families will have received sign ups this week, and Zoom invitations will follow next week from your student's teachers. There will be
- [First Board Meeting of the 2020/21 School Year](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/09/first-board-meeting-of-the-year/) - The Hilltop Board of Trustees met for its first Board meeting of the school year this week, via Zoom. Even though we are still meeting remotely, there was an air of community and a genuine celebration knowing children and teachers are back in school. While 2020 has been full of challenges, thanks to the hard
- [Strategic Plan](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/01/strategic-plan/) - We on the Board have been enjoying this winter break. Even though it has been quieter, we did take some time to continue our conversation regarding our Strategic Plan. Hilltop is currently in the last year of our current Strategic Plan. This Plan has been a true guiding document for the Board and Tamara during
- [Reflections on Wednesday at the Capitol](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2021/01/reflections-on-wednesday-at-the-capitol-january-8-2020/) - Dear Families, After a year of troubling turmoil, 2021 started out with more. Our staff was in a staff meeting on Wednesday afternoon when the insurrection broke out at the capitol. Many of us had family or friends notifying us of what was happening. We have since talked, as program teams and as a full
- [Multi-Household Gathering Clarifications](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/12/multi-household-gathering-clarifications/) - Dear Hilltop Community, We have come to the close of yet another ever-changing week in a year of constant change and adjustment. Once again we would like to thank you for your support, cooperation, and understanding. As things are constantly evolving here at Hilltop, they are evolving beyond as well. The Vermont Department of Education
- [Winter Break 2020/21 Extended](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/10/winter-break-extended/) - New Winter Break Dates 12/21/20 - 1/8/21 Last day of school Friday, December 18 Students return on Monday, January 11 The main considerations for these changes are needing to: Allow for safe quarantine time after possible increased travel/visitors/socializing over winter breakClose the campus for the final HVAC updates (testing and balancing) However, we still need
- [Hilltop Montessori School COVID-19 Information](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/03/march-23-2020-covid-19-information/)
- [HMS: Learning from Home Handbook](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/04/hms-learning-from-home-handbook/) - We have been able to document what we are doing as a school and what each program is doing as we continue school remotely in our HMS: Learning from Home Handbook. This will also be provided in hard copy to every HMS family next week. We are working to translate both the sense of community
- [Re-Entry Plans: Fall 2020](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/07/re-entry-plans-fall-2020/) - Dear Families, I hope this letter finds you able to enjoy the summer, despite the uncertainty and ominous news from other parts of the country. We, as a school, have been working hard to develop our plan for Re-Entry in September. Here is Hilltop Montessori School’s Re-Entry Plan for the Fall of 2020. I have great
- [HMS Re-Entry Plan Updates](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/08/hms-re-entry-plan-updates/) - Dear Hilltop Families,The classrooms, indoors and outdoors, are coming into being in their new distanced forms. Teachers have been very busy! And, as we gear up to start our daily health checks during next week’s orientation, we wanted to remind you of a few things. Firstly, we are being very cautious and careful as we
- [Board Member Changes](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/07/board-member-changes/) - The Board gathered for our annual retreat on Saturday, June 29th. The annual retreat is an event of transitions, planning, and, of course, really good food! We welcomed and voted in our newest Board member, Andrea Lemon. Andreas connection to Hilltop is that she and her husband are neighbors on Summit Circle. Andrea has many
- [First Board Meeting of the 2019-2020 School Year](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/09/first-board-meeting-of-the-2019-2020-school-year/) - The HMS Board of Trustees gathered on Wednesday evening for our first meeting of the school year. We were first notified that Stephen Lowe, who has been the only Board member on the Buildings & Grounds Committee for the past year, has decided to step off the Board. Thanks, Stephen, for your service to Hilltop!
- [October Meeting Highlights](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/10/october-meeting-highlights/) - On Wednesday evening the HMS Board of Trustees gathered for our monthly Board meeting. Some highlights: We practiced our fiduciary responsibilities by listening to a presentation from our independent financial auditor regarding the full financial audit done this summer. We are happy to report that the school is in good financial standing, with no major
- [Anti-Bias and Proposed Budget](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/01/anti-bias-and-proposed-budget/) - The HMS Board of Trustees convened for our first meeting of the new year! We started the meeting with a presentation from the Upper Elementary teaching team, who graciously took some time from preparing student evaluations to discuss how they are incorporating anti-bias work into their curriculum. In particular, they mentioned bringing in local Abenaki
- [Remote Learning and Financial Implications During the Pandemic](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/03/remote-learning-and-financial-implications-during-the-pandemic/) - Dear Families, While so much has been upended in the last two weeks, Hilltop is very much not closed. Our faculty and families have spent many hours working together to provide meaningful education for the students. This impressive effort has brought success in providing curriculum to support Hilltop students’ development, and also success in keeping
- [Join the Board!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/05/join-the-board/) - We want to thank everybody who showed up for the Open Board meeting last night. The lucky pie winners were: Nestor Beckwith, Marta Bernbaum, and Shelley Lockyear! Beyond pies, though, we enjoyed the opportunity to share the work the Board does with the rest of the community, and we hope some of you were inspired
- [New Trustees](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/05/new-trustees/) - The HMS Board of Trustees convened via ZOOM for our final meeting of the school year. It is hard to believe how fast the year went, especially considering the past 3 months! We spent a good portion of this meeting expressing gratitude: for the fact that, despite the tumultuous past few months, the school is
- [Welcome from the Board](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/09/welcome-from-the-board/) - At this time each year, Hilltop typically joins together for its Back to School Picnic, providing an opportunity for the Hilltop Board of Trustees to run the grill and introduce new officers and new board members. This year, of course, we are not holding our spatulas, but we will not be waylaid. We take this
- [Faculty Summer Trainings](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/08/faculty-summer-trainings/) - The summer is a time for teachers to rest and rejuvenate. It is also often a time for thoughtful professional development, feeling less rushed than during the school year. Many of our teachers and staff were involved in different trainings and Professional Development over the summer. Below are a few highlights of information learned that
- [Hilltop Becomes AMS Accredited](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/09/hilltop-becomes-ams-accredited/) - We are proud to announce that Hilltop Montessori School is now fully accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). We are the first Montessori school in VT to become Montessori accredited. Only 15% of the Montessori schools in the country are accredited by AMS. Being accredited is an official certification and confirmation that we have
- [Professional Development](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/10/professional-development/) - As a staff, we continue to do “professional development” as one of our ways to grow further and to always improve as teachers and administrators. We invite you to further develop as a parent/caregiver by taking advantage of one of the outstanding workshop opportunities that we have arranged to offer at Hilltop this fall. None
- [Grant Application Awards](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2019/12/grant-application-awards/) - Every year, we participate in state programs and apply for grants that help to support our school activities. We’ve gotten notice of three successful grant application awards! - We received a “School Safety and Security Grant” from the state for almost $24,000! This has been two years in the making. Kegan applied for this last
- [Middle School Curriculum](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/01/middle-school-curriculum/) - This year the Middle School has been transforming their curriculum to have a focus on Climate Change, the challenging and critical topic of our times. There are many youth leaders across the globe and we are working to teach and learn information with an eye to action, while also supporting our students in developing all
- [Montessori at the State House!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/02/montessori-at-the-state-house/) - We are proud of our participation in Vermont’s state programs that have enabled us to be a part of public-private education partnerships. These programs enable us to support more families in attending Hilltop. The PreK Partnership Program we currently participate in requires that we have a state licensed teacher engaged in our program. This is
- [HMS Current Status and Plans for Continuing Student Engagement at Home](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/03/hms-current-status-and-plans-for-continuing-student-engagement-at-home/) - Dear Families, As soon as we have a plan for one scenario, we are dealing with the reality of another. As you heard, schools in our area are closed as of Monday, March 16, and all Vermont schools must be closed by Wednesday. The soonest we will be back is April 6th, and that is
- [In-person Activities Cancelled Until at Least April 6, as Directed by the State](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/03/in-person-activities-cancelled-until-at-least-april-6-as-directed-by-the-state/) - It is so strange for all of us to be working from home and not visit in person with you, each other on staff, and of course spend the days with your children. This has been a transition for us all, some more than others. . . I’ve been astounded by the work of the
- [Remote Learning for the Remainder of the Semester](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/03/remote-learning-for-the-remainder-of-the-semester/) - Have our individual and collective lives ever changed so much in two weeks? And we are here for the long haul. As most of you have probably heard, we will not be allowed to meet in person with students and families for the rest of the school year (with the exception of providing care to
- [HMS Learning from Home Handbook](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/04/hms-learning-from-home-handbook-2/) - Dear Families, I am very proud of how quickly, thoroughly, and thoughtfully the teachers have adapted the Hilltop Montessori School programs to this virtual learning environment. For an example, pretend you are at a Lower Elementary morning meeting and watch Amelia's The Months Macarena to celebrate the start of April! We have been able to
- [Remote Learning Updates and Goals](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/04/remote-learning-updates-and-goals/) - In the first few weeks of remote learning, we focussed on: Reaching out to students and families to support learning at home as quickly and thoroughly as we couldBalancing staff roles and responsibilities to distribute the immense new online workload and the diminished onsite workload, and keep all staff employedStrategizing for managing the school and
- [Leadership Update](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/04/leadership-update/) - Dear Hilltop Families, As many of you know, leaving Hilltop was a hard decision for me to make back in February. The prospect of having a new adventure in Massachusetts with my family just barely beat out the attachment, engagement, and satisfaction I feel in being at Hilltop. And now, COVID-19 has changed that. The
- [Support for the HMS Community During COVID-19](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/04/support-for-the-hms-community-during-covid-19/) - Dear Hilltop Community, The Hilltop Montessori School Administration and Board of Trustees have been working through many considerations to support families, staff, and students for the current crisis and for the long-term sustainability of the school. With so many unknowns regarding the COVID-19 crisis and how it will play out in the weeks, months, and
- [Balance](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/05/balance/) - Balancing - Our current situation has brought “balance” to the forefront in several areas at our school: Social/emotional connection and support balanced with academic needs - Teachers and staff have been giving lots of thought to the importance of supporting the emotional and social needs of our students and families during this time. Helping us
- [Possibilities For Toddler and Children’s House SummerFun!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/05/possibilities-for-toddler-and-childrens-house-summerfun/) - Wednesday night the guidance for childcare centers opening in the summer came out from Governor Scott. We are making plans to be able to care for Toddlers and Children’s House students. There are many components to take into consideration: Can our facilities and staff meet the requirements laid out?How many families might want to send
- [Plans for Re-Opening and a Remote Learning Workgroup](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/05/plans-for-re-opening-and-a-remote-learning-workgroup/) - As teachers are working to finish up the school year with students in remote learning, our school administration is working to plan for our in-person reopening in the fall. We have many pieces working simultaneously to prepare for being together next year. We have many options available to us at Hilltop Montessori School, and the
- [Furthering the Work of the Peace Table](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/06/furthering-the-work-of-the-peace-table/) - This has been a challenging week at the end of an unprecedentedly disrupted and difficult spring for our country and its people, and indeed around the world. The most recent incidents of racism and police brutality have made many of us anxious, pensive, heartbroken, and wanting to do more. At a predominantly white school in
- [Start Date Uncertain](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/08/start-date-uncertain/) - Dear Hilltop Families, As you may have heard, the Governor issued an executive order last week stating that schools must delay their start until September 8th. As you know, we at Hilltop Montessori School have been working full speed ahead for an August 31st start date. In fact, there are envelopes with “Summer Letters” in
- [Orientation week Aug 31-Sept 4th, Start date Sept 8th](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/08/orientation-week-aug-31-sept-4th-start-date-sept-8th/) - Dear Families/Caregivers, Our first day of school instruction has been mandated by the state to be Tuesday, September 8th. This new date has remained a requirement for independent schools. We will be moving some of the activities planned for August 27th and 28th and for the initial week of school into an orientation week August
- [First Week of School](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/09/first-week-of-school/) - Welcome back to school! We were so happy to see so many of our students during this week of orientation. This week, and over the next few weeks, teachers will be focusing on building community and renewing relationships that have been challenged by the time of separation. Teachers priorities will be: Keeping children safe (health
- [Progress Report and Reminders](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/09/progress-report-and-reminders/) - Dear Families, We are so grateful for the thoughtful cooperation with the health and safety procedures we have in place this year. Everyone has been so understanding and cooperative as we worked through the new drop-off procedures with the health checks and travel restrictions. You have also been keeping children home when they have even
- [Going Beyond Limits as a Community](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2020/10/going-beyond-limits-as-a-community/) - This has been a year with an emphasis on health and safety and on the actions of the individual impacting the community. Our community has done an amazing job. As a staff, we have been so careful and we have been thrilled with how seriously and responsibly all of our families are taking the commitment
- [Not So New to Us!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/05/not-so-new-to-us/) - So often things that are reported as new "discoveries" or trends in education are things that Maria Montessori observed 100 years ago and incorporated into the time tested, scientifically proven approach we use at Hilltop. Three such ideas are: the importance of movement in learning, the benefit of developing internal motivation rather than being given
- [October 5, Grandparent and Special Friend Day, Noon Dismissal](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/10/october-5th-grandparent-and-special-friend-day-noon-dismissal/) - 8:45-9:00 am - Coffee & Tea in the Arts Barn 9:00-9:30 am - Introduction by Tamara Mount, Head of School 9:30-10:00 am - Student/Teacher Panel Discussion 10:00-10:45 - Classroom Visits 10:45-11:45 - All School Sing in the Arts Barn NOON DISMISSAL
- [October 26, Annual FUNd Family Halloween Party](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/10/october-26-annual-fund-family-halloween-party/) - Friday, October 26, 5:30-7:30 Hilltop Montessori School Arts Barn Children and Adult Costumes Encouraged!
- [Friday, Aug 31/ Family Picnic 5-7pm](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/08/friday-august-31-5-7pm-family-picnic/) - Friday, August 31st 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Green Mountain Camp for Girls Bring a dish to share, we'll have the grill going! See the newsletter for more details!
- [Middle School River of Spirit Odyssey - Day 1](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2018/05/middle-school-river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-1/) - Thursday May 3rd New England Peace Pagoda Wat Boston Buddha Vararam (Thai Buddhist Temple) Lesson, chant, and meditation with monk from Theravada tradition. (questions) Friendly Crossways Hostel Drop off luggage and get tour. Head into Boston The Crossing - Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Dinner, service, and conversation with Reverend Marsha Hoecker Return to Friendly
- [](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/04/310/) - by Tamara Mount, April 15, 2014 Time and again, important components of the Montessori approach, developed one hundred years ago, are proven to be beneficial in a modern context. One of these is the benefits of integrating arts into other components of the curriculum. In most traditional schools, arts are self-contained “specials” taught only for
- [New Mailing Address for Hilltop](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/07/new-mailing-address-for-hilltop/) - July 22, 2014 We've been informed by the Town that because we now have 4 buildings on our property, we need to have our own distinct road name. The Middle School house was built in 1905. It was known as the Stafford Family Farm. We have chosen "Stafford Farm Hill" as the new name for
- [Summer Notes](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/08/summer-notes/) - by Tamara Mount, August 6, 2014 Well, I thought things might slow down in the summer, but they haven't . . . It has remained extremely busy and productive up here on top of the hill! The Arts Barn: The Barn is nearing completion. The community has pulled together and we have the resources to
- [The Importance of Blending the Three Years within a Program](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/09/the-importance-of-blending-the-three-years-within-a-program/) - by Tamara Mount, Sept 12, 2014 One of the critical components of an authentic Montessori program is mixed age groups, usually three years in the same classroom. Hilltop has always had three years together for Children's House, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary. At times labels for the three years within each grouping have been used.
- [Annual Fund](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/10/annual-fund/) - By Tamara Mount, October 17, 2014 I was recently reminded, by a parent, about how long Hilltop has dreamed of having a Learning Specialist on staff to assist teachers and students. Wendy's involvement with the children working hard to learn to read has indeed been a dream come true. We've also seen wonderful benefits, as
- [Hilltop Investments Moved to Socially Responsible Funds](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/11/hilltop-investments-moved-to-socially-responsible-funds/) - Hilltop Investments Moved to Socially Responsible Funds By Tamara Mount, November 7, 2014 The Hilltop board is pleased to announce that we have recently moved our investments into a socially responsible portfolio that will be managed by the local firm Prentiss Smith and Company. They evaluate companies from a variety of perspectives including environmental impact,
- [Let’s Grow Kids](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/11/test-news-item/) - By Tamara Mount, November 14, 2014 Time and time again, Dr. Maria Montessori’s ideas from 100 years ago are proven by modern science. Hilltop has been participating in the state-wide campaign, Let’s Grow Kids (http://www.letsgrowkids.org/), a public education campaign to raise the awareness of the importance of the early years in development. This campaign is to make
- [An Invitation to All](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2014/12/an-invitation-to-all/) - We realize and appreciate that you are trusting us to educate your child and to help her or him grow in a way that, for many of you, is very different from your schooling. We know that without grades and test scores, you are having to use other measures to know that your child is
- [Classism in the Classroom](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/04/classism-in-the-classroom/) - April 16, 2015 On Wednesday, Kerstin (Lower Elementary Teacher), Rebecca (Children's House - Willow Room Assistant) and I attended a training at the Vermont Learning Collaborative on "Classism in the Classroom" (http://www.learningcollaborative.org/classism). At Hilltop, we work consciously to address diversity and inclusion in many ways. In Southern Vermont, we do not have as much opportunity to
- [Guiding the Child at Work](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/09/3231/) - September 8, 2017 It is only week two and the classrooms are already settling in and getting “normalized”. As Montessorians we use the term normalized to describe when the students have the rhythm of the day and, together and independently, work and grow where they need to. Children are choosing their “work” and building their concentration. In Montessori classrooms
- [Peace Education Presentation on Grandparent and Special Friend Day](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/10/peace-education-presentation-by-tamara-mount/) - October 6, 2017 The national political rhetoric, climate, and actions of the past year have been disturbing to me. I could have been thrown into a deep depression, finding it hard to get out of bed each day, were it not for what we are doing here at Hilltop Montessori School. The events in Charlottesville,
- [Supporting Middle School Micro-Economies, A Real Life Experience!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/10/supporting-middle-school-micro-economies-a-real-life-experience/) - September 29, 2017 Co-authored by Lily Buren-Charkey, Middle School Entrepreneur, and Tamara Mount, Head of School Throughout the year the middle school takes on the daunting task of raising around ten thousand dollars for our odysseys! This year we are raising money for our River of Spirit Odyssey to Boston, a comparative world religion and science of
- [Graduates on Board of The Putney School!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/10/graduates-on-board-of-the-putney-school/) - April 7, 2017 We are proud to share that two of our 2015 graduates, Emmanuel Keppel and Greta Wolfe, have recently been elected to the Board of Trustees of The Putney School, a position of great responsibility and honor. Emmanuel graduated from Hilltop having started in the Children's House and Greta joined Hilltop for the
- [SummerFun Camps are open for enrollment](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/03/summerfun-camps-are-open-for-enrollment/) - Camps for ages 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 Click here to view Our camps offer the perfect balance of creative learning and FUN recreational activities in the fields and woods of our beautiful campus. We provide camp experiences for children form 3 to 12 years old that are designed to suit the specific needs of every
- [September 14, Parent - Meeting The Year Ahead and Supporting Home to School Life](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/09/september-14-parent-meeting-the-year-ahead-and-supporting-home-to-school-life/) - Lower School 5 - 6 pm, Toddler, Supporting Independence, Homelife and Boundaries, Lower El, How We Support Social Development & Extending Class Routines to Home & Children's House, How Parents Can Support What We Do Upper School 6 -7 pm Upper El, Family to School Communication, How We Support Executive Function Skills and Middle School,
- [Upper El Pinnacle Trip September 7 – 8](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/09/upper-el-pinnacle-trip-september-7-8/)
- [Middle School Upland Odyssey Sept 5-8](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/09/middle-school-upland-odyssey-sept-5-8/) - Students will be cooking, living, and learning in the outdoor classroom as well as getting to know their new community.
- [Family Picnic this Friday night 5 -7 pm](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/08/family-picnic-this-friday-night-5-7-pm/) - This Friday from 5 until 7 p.m., we'll be celebrating the start of school at our Annual Back to School Picnic Pot Luck at Green Mountain Camp in Dummerston. The weather looks good for Friday. Bring a favorite lawn game! We will have use of the Camp's pool with a life guard on duty and
- [Math Day at Hilltop, Sat. Feb 11, 9-11:30 am](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/02/math-day-at-hilltop-sat-feb-11-9-1130-am/) - Math Day at Hilltop, Saturday, Feb 11 from 9 -11:30 am. Bring a dish to share for lunch and we'll provide pizza. Learn how math is taught the Montessori way. Parents will be treated to a journey of our math curriculum through the years, from toddler to eighth grade, with ample opportunity to ask questions
- [OPEN HOUSE Tues, Jan 31](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/01/open-house-postponed-to-tues-jan-31/) - Hilltop Open House for Tuesday, January 31, 9- 11am.
- [Feb 7 at 7 pm Middle School Poetry Night](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2017/01/7-pm-middle-school-poetry-night/) - Join us for an evening of courage, elocution, and fine words. It's the Middle School Poetry Night, and you are invited. Students will share selections from their work written over the past 8 weeks of study as well as a selection of short poetic films.
- [OPEN HOUSE Dec 6 for Prospective Families Tuesday, 9 – 11 am](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/11/open-house-dec-6-for-prospective-families-tuesday-9-11-am/) - Open House Schedule 9am – Welcome 9:15 – Tour and observations 10 -10:30 – meet with program director for discussion and Q&A 10:30 – 11:00 wrap up session with representative students, Head of School and Admissions Director Reservations are not necessary for Open Houses, but please be sure to sign in when you arrive. We
- [Friday Nov 4 In-Service Day / NO SCHOOL](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/11/friday-nov-4-in-service-day-no-school/)
- [Stone Soup Nov 22 and Thanksgiving Break Nov 23-25](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/11/stone-soup-nov-22-and-thanksgiving-break-nov-23-25/) - On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving Break the students and faculty join to prepare the soup, set the tables and share a fall harvest as one big family. We also encourage students to bring in non-perishable foods for a local food pantry.
- [Thursday, Nov 10 Middle School Curriculum Vitae and Love/Hate readings in the Arts Barn](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/11/thursday-nov-10-middle-school-curriculum-vitae-and-lovehate-readings-in-the-arts-barn/) - All are welcome to join the middle school students for this year's Curriculum Vitae and Love/Hate night on Thursday, November 10 at 7pm. This revealing, poetic, and moving evening will take place in the Arts Barn theater.
- [Alumni Night Oct 13, 7pm](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/10/alumni-night-oct-13-7pm/) - Hilltop Invites you to Our High School/Alumni Night October 13th, 7-8:30pm Hilltop Montessori Middle School graduates who are currently in their sophomore, junior and senior years will be here to share their experiences. How HMS prepared them for high school, the transition to new schedules and environments, to name a few. Public and private schools will
- [Parent Conferences Oct 20 and 21](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/10/parent-conferences-oct-20-and-21/) - Thursday, Oct 20 is the first day of conferences with a noon dismissal. Friday, Oct 21 is a no school day with a full day of conferences
- [River of Spirit Odyssey - Day 4](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/05/river-of-spirit-odyssey-day-4/) - Sunday, May 8 Breakfast at Friendly Crossways 10:00 – Morning service at Emmanuel Church, Bach Cantata BWV 43 Lunch on the street 1:00 – Common Cathedral – Brewer Fountain in Boston Common, an outreach mass specifically for the large homeless population, many people attend. 2:30 – A conversation with the Reverend Pamela Werntz of Emmanuel
- [Middle School prepares for River of Spirit Odyssey](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/05/middle-school-prepares-for-river-of-spirit-odyssey/) - The Middle School is getting excited for the River of Spirit Odyssey. They will be experiencing many different kinds of worship in the greater Boston area. They have hosted several local spiritual leaders in order to prepare. The idea is for them to understand the power and influence of spiritual practice as it has
- [Physical Science: How the World Works](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/03/physical-science-how-the-world-works/) - We hope you can join us on April 7th from 5:30-7:30 pm for Curriculum Night! Come learn how the physical sciences are taught throughout the Montessori curriculum. You will have the opportunity to participate in a physical science lesson at each program level! At the end of the evening, the faculty will gather to answer your questions about this
- [January 15, 2016 Financial Aid Applications are due!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2016/01/january-15-2016-financial-aid-applications-are-due/) - How to Apply for Financial Aid 1. The completed Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) forms must be submitted to SSS (School and Student Service for Financial Aid), along with your most recent tax documents by January 15 for the coming academic year. Both parents need to complete the PFS online. Business/Farm Statement must be completed on line by owners
- [Gee's Bend, Alabama Comes to Vermont!](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/08/gees-bend-alabama-comes-to-vermont/) - For a schedule of events click here
- [Toddler Program, Lower El and Middle School Parent Orientation Night](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/08/toddler-program-lower-el-and-middle-school-parent-orientation-night/) - September 17, 6 - 7 pm
- [Children's House and Upper El Parent Orientation](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/08/childrens-house-and-upper-el-parent-orientation-2/) - Thursday, September 17, 7 - 8 pm
- [Field Day & Bead Ceremony June 11 8th grade Graduation June 12](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/06/field-day-bead-ceremony-june-11-8th-grade-graduation-june-12/) - Thursday, June 11th Field Day 1 p.m. - A celebration with Peace Buddies running around having fun together - sack races, obstacle courses, balloon toss and more! (No naps for the CH!) Parent volunteers and observers welcome. Bead Ceremony 2 p.m. - A ceremony acknowledging and including all students moving on to the next stage or
- [Register for SummerFun camps](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/04/register-for-summerfun-camps-now/) - Six weeks of camps for ages 3-5, 6-9,10-13 Summerfun brochure 2015 Registration Form 2015
- [Parent Teacher Conferences](https://hilltopmontessori.org/2015/02/parent-teacher-conferences/) - Thursday and Friday, March 19th and 20th. Reminder that Thursday is a half day and there is no school on Friday the 20th.
## Pages
- [Homepage](https://hilltopmontessori.org/)
- [Faculty & Staff](https://hilltopmontessori.org/faculty-staff/)
- [Employment Opportunities](https://hilltopmontessori.org/employment-opportunities/)
- [Head of School Search](https://hilltopmontessori.org/employment-opportunities/head-of-school-search/)
- [Board of Trustees](https://hilltopmontessori.org/board-of-trustees/)
- [Kahn Mason Award](https://hilltopmontessori.org/support-hilltop/kahn-mason-award/)
- [Application and Enrollment Process](https://hilltopmontessori.org/application-process/)
- [Facility Rentals](https://hilltopmontessori.org/facility-rentals/)
- [About Hilltop](https://hilltopmontessori.org/about-hilltop/)
- [Tuition](https://hilltopmontessori.org/tuition/)
- [Handbooks](https://hilltopmontessori.org/student-family-handbook/)
- [FACTS Family Portal](https://hilltopmontessori.org/facts-family-portal/)
- [Annual Report & Strategic Plan](https://hilltopmontessori.org/annual-report-strategic-plan/)
- [Upper Elementary](https://hilltopmontessori.org/upper-elementary/)
- [Lower Elementary](https://hilltopmontessori.org/lower-elementary/)
- [Children’s House](https://hilltopmontessori.org/childrens-house/)
- [Toddler Program](https://hilltopmontessori.org/toddler-program/)
- [Admissions FAQs](https://hilltopmontessori.org/admissions-faqs/)
- [Google Calendar](https://hilltopmontessori.org/google-calendar/)
- [The Three Year Cycle](https://hilltopmontessori.org/3-year-cycle/)
- [A Montessori Education](https://hilltopmontessori.org/parent-education/amontessorieducation/)
- [Middle School](https://hilltopmontessori.org/middle-school/)
- [Give](https://hilltopmontessori.org/give/)
- [Supplemental Programming](https://hilltopmontessori.org/supplemental-programming/)
- [Annual Fund](https://hilltopmontessori.org/annual-fund/)
- [Workshops](https://hilltopmontessori.org/workshops/)
- [Montessori FAQs](https://hilltopmontessori.org/montessori-faqs/)
- [HMS Middle School In Action](https://hilltopmontessori.org/hms-middle-school-in-action/)
- [50th Videos](https://hilltopmontessori.org/50th-videos/)
- [Support Hilltop](https://hilltopmontessori.org/support-hilltop/)
- [Parent Education](https://hilltopmontessori.org/parent-education/)
- [Alumni](https://hilltopmontessori.org/alumni/)
## Personnel
- [Mael March](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/mael-march/) - Mael grew up in Upstate NY, and even though he's fallen in love with Vermont, he still yearns for the Catskill Mountains sometimes. They moved to Guilford after graduating from Bennington College with a degree focused on collaborative storytelling, and simply can't imagine leaving. He spent most of his childhood outside, usually with a book, and strives
- [Laura Gypson](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/laura-gypson/) - When Laura moved to the Brattleboro area over eight years ago her goal was to teach at Hilltop Montessori School and her path led to our doors in 2020. As an early childhood educator of over twelve years now, she loves the respect that the Montessori model has for the work of every child and
- [Abbey Kropp](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/abbey-kropp/) - Abbey has been working in education for 5 years. This is her second year at Hilltop, where she is excited to be continuing her career in education. Abbey grew up in Brattleboro, and now resides in Keene, New Hampshire with her partner, son, three cats, and a hamster. Despite this ,she has always had a
- [Gregory Breckner](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/gregory-breckner/) - Gregory Breckner works as Hilltop's Facilities Assistant, helping care for the school's buildings, grounds, and learning environments. Whether he's painting, organizing spaces, tackling outdoor projects, or lending a hand wherever it's needed, Greg enjoys contributing to a campus where children can learn, explore, and thrive. Outside of Hilltop, Gregory is a snowboard instructor and supervisor
- [Tom Griffith](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/tom-griffith/) - Tom Griffith was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and still likes to visit regularly to see his family and to hear the orchestra. He met his wife while at Kenyon College and has been following her around ever since: to New Orleans, where he got his first job in a woodworking cabinet shop; to Brattleboro, where
- [Stella Silverman-McMahon](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/stella-mcmahon/) - Stella grew up in New York's Hudson Valley. She has happy memories of attending Montessori school as a kid, and she is so grateful to be part of the Hilltop community! Stella began working with infants and toddlers while studying at Hampshire College. She graduated in 2021 with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Stella
- [Will Alloway](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/will-alloway/) - William Alloway is the parent of Ronan, a student in Children’s House, who’s been at Hilltop since they were a small toddler. Will was raised in the Southern Vermont area and returned here with their wife, Eliza, before having Ronan. Will is an Architectural Designer by training with a focus on Sustainable Design and Intergenerational
- [Ashlyn Stephens](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/ashley-stephens/) - From a reading tutor to a ski instructor, Environment Educator at Nature Camps to teaching English as Another Language in Taiwan, Ashlyn has a passion for working with children in any capacity. Ashlyn completed her BS in Environmental Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and her MA in Education at Loyola University in Baltimore.
- [Jill Malin](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/jill-malin/) - Jill Malin brings years of experience as both a Montessori educator and a children’s music and movement specialist to Hilltop. She directed Blue Hills Music Together for 15 years before earning her Early Childhood Montessori certification from the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center - a transition inspired by witnessing the beauty and deep respect
- [Liv Reil](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/liv-reil/) - Liv grew up in the Brattleboro area attending local schools and eventually went to San Diego for college where she majored in Psychology with a focus on Child and Family Development. Her studies evoked a passion and goal of working with children. In 2020, both the pandemic and the arrival of her oldest son, Luca,
- [Haley Harris](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/haley-hopkins/) - Haley is an educator and poet originally from Los Angeles, living in western Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing from Washington University in St Louis, and an M.F.A. in Poetry from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Haley is joining the Hilltop community as an associate teacher in the Upper Elementary classroom. In
- [Rebecca Malin](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/rebecca-malin/) - A former Montessori child herself, Rebecca has been guiding children in Montessori Primary classrooms since 2020. She earned her Montessori Credential through the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in 2024 and is deeply committed to fostering children’s independence, curiosity, and awe through careful observation and developmentally informed practice. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts from
- [Bex Slattery](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/bex-slattery/) - Bex Slattery was born and raised on the coast of Massachusetts. She landed in Vermont in 2022 and began working at the Garland School in Brattleboro as their cook where she stayed for more than 3 years. Before that she worked at a daycare, in a bakery, as a caregiver, and in a life long
- [Nancy Vitale](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/nancy-vitale/) - Nancy Vitale is a strategic producer working at the intersection of storytelling and social change. Through her company, Eyes Up Here Productions, she has collaborated with leading artists and groundbreaking nonprofits across the country to change the narrative around historically excluded perspectives through the production of films, videos, podcasts, and live events. Partners include PEN
- [Allison Baum](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/allison-baum/) - Allison Baum is a lifelong educator who joined the Hilltop Montessori School Board of Trustees with enthusiasm for supporting the school's mission and community. She holds a B.S. in Conservation Biology and an M.S. in Biodiversity Informatics and currently works as a college counselor at The Putney School. Allison has lived in Putney, VT since
- [Laura Ridlehoover](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/laura-riddlehoover/) - Laura Ridlehoover is a former Director at Amazon and Google, where she led product and strategy teams for over fifteen years. With a background in technology and innovation, Laura is passionate about helping organizations grow thoughtfully and sustainably. She is currently focused on advising companies and teaching product management at Dartmouth College. Laura and her
- [Avery Schwenk](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/avery-schwenk/)
- [Courtney Deal](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/courtney-deal/) - Courtney Deal is the Director of Marketing at Dartmouth Health Children’s. With experience at some of the world’s leading brands, Courtney has established herself as a strategic partner to organizations and businesses, leveraging her expertise to develop innovative marketing approaches that align with organizational goals and objectives. Her strategic skill set has helped establish Dartmouth
- [Nancy Dickson](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/nancy-dickson/)
- [Emilia Seaver](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/miranda-sherman/) - Emilia grew up in Western Massachusetts, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for nature, lifelong learning, and being present in her surroundings. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Women & Gender Studies at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. This past year, she worked as a Restorative Practice Counselor, where she strengthened her
- [Akari Stimler](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/akari-stimler/) - Akari grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. and moved up to Vermont in 2021 to join the Hilltop community. Akari studied political science, education, and gender studies at Bates College for undergrad and completed AMI's 6-12 Elementary training program with the Montessori Training Center Northeast in August 2024. They are currently a co-teacher in the Lower Elementary
- [Kerstin Kjellberg](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/kerstin-kjellberg/) - Kerstin joined Hilltop in the Lower Elementary in 2010. She holds a BA in English Literature from Clark University and completed her 6-9 Montessori teacher training during the summer of 2013 at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education (now METTC). Kerstin also has her certification in elementary Waldorf education. She attended the Enfield Montessori School
- [Jade Newton](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/jade-newton/) - Jade grew up in Brattleboro, Vermont, just down the road from Hilltop. She graduated from Academy School, Brattleboro Area Middle School, and Brattleboro Union High School. She went on to study health science at CCV and attended an LPN Nursing Program at Vermont Technical College. Jade has a background working with young children as a
- [Lily Enchin](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/lily-enchin/) - Lily (she/her) was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and has a BA in East Asian Studies from York University with a focus on Chinese Language and Culture. Her studies of Asia have taken her to Cambodia, where she volunteered for an NGO offering free English classes to children in rural villages. She also
- [Sadie Jagoda](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/violet-mclaren/) - Sadie grew up in Putney, loving and living closely with the natural world. She has her associates degree from CCV in behavioral science with a focus in early education, and has been working with children since 2019 in many different ways. It’s always been a passion of Sadie's to guide children in ways that instill
- [Rachel Ellis](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/rachel-ellis/) - Rachel Ellis is excited to join Hilltop Montessori for the 2025-2026 school year. She grew up in Washington state, where she attended three different Montessori schools: one for preschool, one for elementary school (3rd-5th grades), and one for middle school (8th and 9th grades). She graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, with a Bachelor's
- [Ellie Lane](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/barb-beckwith/) - Ellie first connected with Hilltop as a toddler parent and is excited to support the school community as a staff member. She spent 10 years working in a combined administrative management and state policy role focused on increasing gender equity. Ellie grew up in Westminster and returned to the area in 2024. She lived with her partner, Jeff,
- [Jennifer Hed](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/jennifer-hed/) - Jennifer brings diverse experience and a love of both teaching and music making to her roles at Hilltop. She holds M.A.’s in Latin American Studies and Education, and she completed her Montessori AMI elementary training at the Washington Montessori Institute prior to moving from the DC area with her family. Jennifer taught music in both
- [Edward Barnes](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/edward-barnes/) - Violinist and educator Edward Barnes brings an encouraging, growth-focused approach to Hilltop Montessori School, helping students explore violin with confidence, curiosity, and joy. Holding music degrees from St. Olaf College and UMass Amherst, Edward is a Suzuki-trained violin instructor and a recipient of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s META (Music Educators and Teaching Artists) Fellowship. As
- [Ali Crivelli](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/ali-crivelli/) - Ali grew up in New Jersey and, as the daughter of a teacher, was always drawn to education. She attended Hamilton College, where she majored in Chinese Language and Literature in 2014. After graduating, she managed an after-school early literacy program in San Francisco, then taught 5th grade at an arts-based school in Brooklyn. In
- [Mel Farris](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/mel-farris/) - Mel first got involved at Hilltop Montessori School as a volunteer for Mountain Days, enthusiastically supporting students as they learned to ski and snowboard. That connection and involvement quickly grew into something deeper: now, as both a staff member and a Montessori parent to a daughter in the Children’s House, Mel is proud to support
- [Megan Werden](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/megan-werden/) - Megan is the mother of Quinn, an older in the Upper Elementary program. She and her husband, Mike, who was born and raised in Brattleboro, moved to Chesterfield four years ago after living in Western Massachusetts. She enjoys being involved in all aspects of her child’s life and is excited to support the school community
- [Carol Forsythe](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/carol-forsythe/) - Carol Forsythe moved to Vermont from a New Jersey dairy farm in 1979. In 1987 she received a Master in Library and Information Sciences and followed a career in project and information management, retiring from HP in 2005 and then from NewsBank, inc., in 2015. She has two children, Eleanor and Rob, and is the
- [Ani Schaeffer](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/ani-schaefer/) - Born and raised in Southern Vermont, Ani attended a constructivist alternative school as a child, eventually graduating from Sarah Lawrence College. She then moved to New York City to pursue a full career as a conceptual choreographer, dancer, yoga teacher, and massage therapist. After traveling extensively in Asia, Ani went on to receive a Masters
- [Lisa Scott](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/lisa-scott/) - Lisa has worked with children from one to fourteen years of age in a variety of settings over 30+ years. Most recently, Lisa has spent the last five years as a Lead Primary teacher in Keene, NH where she has lived for the past 16 years. Lisa began her Montessori journey as a
- [Doug Flood](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/doug-flood/)
- [Nora Gordon](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/nora-gordon/) - Nora (class of ’00) grew up in Brattleboro, and attended Hilltop for nine years. She completed her BA at Oberlin College and received a masters in environmental studies with a science teaching certificate from Antioch University New England. She returned to Hilltop in 2009 to care for the new campus and quickly found her
- [Finn Campman](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/finn-campman/) - Finn grew up in the Brattleboro area. He went to the Putney School and is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College where he focused on 19th-century Literature, Philosophy, and World Peace. After working in publishing and graphic design in New York City he moved back to Vermont where he worked at Sandglass Theater in Putney
- [Becky Eisenhandler](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/becky-eisenhandler/) - Becky joined the Hilltop Montessori staff in the summer of 2014 as an Elementary Assistant and AfterCare leader for Elementary aged children. In 2015, she joined the Middle school team, bringing an enthusiasm for math and health science. Becky has a BS in Mathematics-Physics from Keene State College and an MS in Leadership for
- [Megan Schrull](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/megan-schrull/) - Megan grew up in Southern Vermont and is rejoining the community by way of Rhode Island. She originally left the state to volunteer with AmeriCorps in a service learning program at a charter high school in Austin, Texas. There, she started taking classes at community college with an eye toward education. She completed her associate
- [Cristina Piergentili](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/cristina-peirgentili/) - Cristina grew up in Dummerston and eventually left for college at the University of Vermont, where she got her degree in Animal Science and eventually a Masters in Nutrition. She stayed in the Burlington area for 12 years where she ran her own business as a dog trainer and dog walker. Cristina also volunteered as
- [Juliette Carr](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/juliette-carr/)
- [Paul Dedell](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/13115/) - Now retired, Paul was Hilltop’s Middle School Director and Humanities Teacher from 2001 - 2022. These days he has the great privilege of continuing his connection with the Middle School through singing songs with students that deepen and enrich the humanities curriculum, a long standing Middle School tradition. He also assists musically with the
- [Lifei Osborne](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/lifei-osborne/) - Lifei and her family moved to Brattleboro in 2016 to be a part of the Hilltop Montessori School community! She is AMI credentialed in Infant/Toddler, Children’s House, and Elementary! She is dedicated to Montessori, not only as a teacher, but as a lifestyle. In Beijing, China, she was a Montessori school director and ran a
- [Joseph Lambert](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/joseph-lambert/) - Joseph Lambert and his wife, Caroline, have two children at Hilltop in the Children's House and Lower El. Joseph brings a diverse professional background in education, design, marketing, and student travel. He works as a creative director at an international organization focused on traveler safety and emergency rescue. His previous role as an Expedition Director
- [Marco Yunga Tacuri](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/marco-yunga-tacuri/) - Marco joined Hilltop in 2015 as an After Care and Children’s House assistant, after seeing what a positive effect Hilltop had on his two children, one a Hilltop graduate and one currently in the Upper Elementary program. He moved to Brattleboro in 2014 from his home country of Ecuador. In Ecuador he taught language through
- [Zoe Proctor](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/zoe-proctor/) - Hilltop has been an integral part of Zoe's life since birth. From staff kid (daughter to long-time LE teacher Jessica Thomas), to student (class of ’08), to Afternoon/AfterCare Assistant, to Administrative Coordinator, and now Admissions Director, Zoe feels a strong connection to Hilltop, Montessori pedagogy, and all that it entails. She is so grateful to
- [Desi Plumley](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/desi-plumley/) - Desi joined Hilltop in 2021 after 14 plus years at Grace Cottage Hospital. A local Vermonter, Desi had lived in various towns throughout the state before settling in Brattleboro, where she is happy to be close to family. Although Desi has deep roots in Southern VT, she loves traveling both internationally and domestically. So
- [Chloe Nordgren](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/chloe-nordgran/) - Chloe earned her Bachelor's degree in Photography and Fine Arts from Purdue University. Throughout college she nannied for two young boys from the age of two until they were five. She quickly realized her love for working with young children during this time. Shortly after college, she joined her family who had relocated to North Carolina,
- [Tamara Mount](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/tamara-mount/) - Tamara Mount joined Hilltop as Head of School in the Summer of 2013 excited to combine her management and Montessori experiences. She began in Montessori as a two year old and attended through Lower Elementary at a school where her mother was the Head of School. After transitioning to a traditional school she then went
- [Wendy Lynde](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/wendy-lynde/) - Wendy is our in-house Learning Specialist Director. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education and is a certified Wilson Reading Instructor. She has been teaching for over 30 years including more than 20 years working with children who need additional support in order for them to be successful in the classroom. Her Special Education
- [Jade Harmon](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/jade-harmon/) - Jade joined the Hilltop community as Elementary Art Teacher in 2018, joyously providing a TAB-inspired (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) studio space that resonates beautifully with Montessori philosophy. In their art studio, students behave as true artists: choosing their project and media, practicing techniques, and exploring their unique artistic voice. Students create in a supported, gently
- [Catherine Flannery](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/catherine-flannery/) - Catherine Flannery, a native Vermonter, returned to southern Vermont in the fall of 2019. Catherine grew up in Putney where she attended Putney Central School and Brattleboro Union High School. After high school, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-6) at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island and went on to complete her
- [Maya Sutton-Smith](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/maya-sutton-smith/) - Maya attended Hilltop starting in Lower Elementary. She graduated from the Middle School in 2010 and is excited to return to the Hilltop community as a board member. She has worked for Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Legislature, and the Vermont Land Trust. She is currently the pro bono coordinator at Legal Services Vermont. Maya
- [Kate Purwin](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel/kate-purwin/)
## Events
- [HMS Community Association Open Meeting](https://hilltopmontessori.org/event/hms-community-association-open-meeting/) - Open to all parents to join and participate and to learn more about what we have been working on.
- [Open Board Meeting](https://hilltopmontessori.org/event/open-board-meeting/) - Mark your calendars for a sweet and savory evening at our Annual Open Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 12, at 5:15 PM. This is your chance to connect with the Board of Trustees, fellow parents, and staff, all while enjoying delicious pies - because what’s a board meeting without a little Pi(e)? (Yes, we know it’s
- [OPEN HOUSE: ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL](https://hilltopmontessori.org/event/open-house-elementary-and-middle-school-2/) - An Open House is a wonderful, in-depth chance to see Hilltop in action, speak with teachers and students via group Q&A, and meet fellow applicants. An Open House is approximately 1.5 hours long. This Open House is for families interested in learning more about our Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School. You can RSVP
- [OPEN HOUSE: TODDLER PROGRAM & CHILDREN’S HOUSE](https://hilltopmontessori.org/event/open-house-toddler-program-childrens-house-3/) - This Open House is a wonderful, in-depth chance to see Hilltop in action, speak with teachers and students via a group Q&A, and meet fellow applicants. An Open House is approximately 1.5 hours long, are intended for adults only, and begin at 9:30am. RSVP HERE Parent/Guardian visits are the first step in our admissions process. Once a
## Categories
- [Uncategorized](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [The Toddler Program](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/the-toddler-program/)
- [Children’s House](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/childrens-house/)
- [Lower Elementary](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/lower-elementary/)
- [Upper Elementary](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/upper-elementary/)
- [Middle School](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/middle-school/)
- [School Announcements](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/school-announcements/)
- [Newsletter](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/newsletter/)
- [Notes from Head of School](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/notes-from-head-of-school/)
- [News & Events](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/news-events/)
- [Admissions Events](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/admissions-events/)
- [Notes from the Board of Trustees](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/notes-from-board-of-trustees/)
- [Middle School In Action](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/middle-school-in-action/)
- [EJI](https://hilltopmontessori.org/category/eji/)
## Tags
- [Middle School In Action](https://hilltopmontessori.org/tag/middle-school-in-action/)
## Personnel Category
- [Administration](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/administration/)
- [Facilities Team](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/facilities-team/)
- [Faculty](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/faculty/)
- [Toddler Program](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/toddler-program/)
- [Children's House](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/childrens-house/)
- [The Birch Room](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/the-birch-room/)
- [The Willow Room](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/the-willow-room/)
- [Elementary](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/elementary/)
- [Lower Elementary](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/lower-elementary/)
- [Upper Elementary](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/upper-elementary/)
- [Middle School](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/middle-school/)
- [Music](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/music/)
- [Learning Specialist](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/learning-specialist/)
- [Mobile Teachers](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/mobile-teachers/)
- [Board of Trustees](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/board-of-trustees/)
- [Staff](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/staff/)
- [Art](https://hilltopmontessori.org/personnel_category/art/)