Fraser Woods Celebrates Grandparents’ And Special Persons’ Day

By Larissa Lytwyn

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the students of Fraser Woods Montessori School came together on November 22 to give thanks for their families and friends on Grandparents and Special Persons Day.

While many public schools celebrate Grandparents’ Day in the spring, some Montessori schools hold the day in the late fall, in accordance with the holiday season’s spirit of family and friendship, explained Head of School Myriam Woods.

“This year’s Grandparents and Special Persons Day reestablished a tradition we have not had since we were at our original location [on Route 302],” she said. “It is a very special and wonderful day.”

The morning began with a Harvest-themed breakfast prepared by volunteering parents.

The roughly 200 guests enjoyed a rich assortment of muffins, scones, strudels, and fresh fruit.

Under the direction of music teacher Laurie Haskins, students performed a unique musical selection for their guests, including the Quaker traditional “Simple Gifts,” “Kivuno,” a South African folk song celebrating the harvest, and “The Fraser Woods School Song,” composed by former Fraser Woods music instructor Todd Gorski.

“The school song really depicts our Montessori philosophy,” said Ms Woods.

The song reflects on every individual’s unique “road” of life, with paths crossing at Fraser Woods where “we make a circle, join together in work and play, with peace and joy and love in our hearts; We’re grateful for each day.”

In addition, the second year students performed “Do-Re-Mi” from Sound of Music in both English and French.

Newtown resident Junis Nicholson said she “absolutely thrilled” by how well her grandchildren, 6-year-old Kelsey and 3-year-old Kyle, have thrived at Fraser Woods.

“It’s wonderful, how they all learn at their own unique level,” she said.

Penny Olson, a Rockport, Mass., resident, said her daughter, Heidi DeGraw and son-in-law Ron DeGraw recently moved to Newtown.

“My daughter was looking for a strong primary school that would be a good fit for my granddaughter, Lizzie, and Fraser Woods was it,” said Ms Olson. “So far, they’ve been very pleased!”

She said she appreciated Fraser Woods’ “warm, intimate” environment, as well as the high amount of parent volunteerism.

“It’s not just, like, dropping your child off and picking them up and that’s it,” she said. “At Fraser Woods, there is a real sense of involvement. It’s great!”