We are delighted to release a special podcast episode featuring a conversation between some Greene Towne Lower Elementary students from our Elm Tree community and Assistant Teacher Gabby Vittor. 

Greene Towne's Lower Elementary program starts in 1st grade and ends in 3 grade. Our mixed-age classroom of 6 to 9 year olds provides an environment that supports their physical, social-emotional, and academic growth.

Wonder what children experience in Greene Towne's Lower Elementary? Listen to students from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, who share their experiences and insights.

Greene Towne Montessori School is proud to offer The Montessori Guide podcast where we share insights, stories, and guidance from our Montessori experts - our lead teachers! Tune in to explore how Montessori education nurtures independence, curiosity, and confidence in children, and gain valuable tips for applying these principles at home.

In this episode, Olivia Powers (Montessori & Me teacher), Michelle Nowacky (Montessori Leadership Coach & ADM Support Specialist), and Emily Bittner (Montessori Director & Dean of Faculty) dive into the theme of community building through the dual lenses of staff professional development and parent education. Together, these efforts create a shared foundation that supports children on their natural path of development. We explore how preparing both the adult and the environment is essential—not as isolated tasks, but as interconnected elements working in harmony to help each child thrive. Observation plays a central role in this process, allowing us to notice, reflect, and make meaningful adjustments along the way. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about how collaboration and community truly empower children’s success.

Resources:

The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies

The Montessori Child by Simone Davies & Junnifa Uzodike  

Montessori for Every Family: A practical parenting guide to living, loving, and learning by Tim Seldin & Lorna McGrath

Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom: Preparing an Environment that Fosters Respect, Kindness & Responsibility by Jane Nelsen & Chip DeLorenzo

 

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (6:30-8 p.m. @ 2121 Arch St.) 

Parent & Caregiver workshop: Montessori Positive Discipline with Chip DeLorenzo

Greene Towne Montessori School is proud to offer The Montessori Guide podcast where we share insights, stories, and guidance from our Montessori experts – our lead teachers! Combined, our lead teaching staff has well over 100 years of experience working at Greene Towne alone! Tune in to explore how Montessori education nurtures independence, curiosity, and confidence in children, and gain valuable tips for applying these principles at home.

This first episode for the 2025-2026 school year is a conversation between Olivia Powers, our Montessori & Me teacher, and Jess Rice, a parent here at GTMS, discussing the book Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans by Michaeleen Doucleff. This book was chosen by The Shared Shelf of the Greene Towne Parent Association, a 'don't read the book' book club.

Primary Lead Teacher Katie Brown is joined by parent Ashanti Obamwonyi Cierna and All Day Montessori Primary Lead Teacher Amanda Cunningham for a lively discussion on language explosions that happen in the classroom and the impact at home.

Join Lead Teachers Maggie McCaffrey, Desiree McNeill, and Cherise Sistrunk and they discuss the opportunities that practical life presents to both Toddler and Primary aged children.

In Building Community, our first episode, we discuss how Greene Towne Montessori goes beyond academics to cultivate meaningful connections. Learn how we nurture community in the classroom through collaboration and respect, engage parents in the Montessori journey, and partner with the broader community to create a supportive, enriching environment for everyone involved.