Preschool students Amelia Dydasco (masked), Julia Kline (rainbow skirt) and Alexandra Merino (gray shorts) check out the daily schedule at the Chaminade University Montessori Lab School on the first day of school Aug. 8. (HCH photo | Anna Weaver)
Pictures taken by Anna Weaver at the Chaminade University Montessori Lab School on the first day of school Aug. 8. Top, a happy moment during morning circle time, from left, Kawika Berry, teacher Kim Richmond, Thane Quevedo and Keanu Lee. Above, left, a big hug coming for Julia Kline from teacher Kim Richmond. Above, center, morning goodbyes, from left, Scott and Elle Nishimoto with school administrator, Kristy Sakai. Above, right, a consultation between teacher Claire Reddy and Phloem Ackerman in printed dress and Alexandra Merino.
Welcome back
There was some anxiety, a few tears, many hugs and lots of smiles from the returning students at Montessori Laboratory School on Chaminade University of Honolulu’s campus on Aug. 8 as they settled back in for a new school year.
School staff warmly greeted their preschool and kindergarten-aged charges at drop off, helping them find their hooks and cubbies for backpacks, shoes, lunchboxes and naptime mats. Then there was playtime outside followed by morning circle time. Teachers refreshed the children’s memories on school routines and got them thinking about ways they could welcome the new students coming to campus the next day. They then picked an activity to work on first whether that was reading, art, snack or other jobs.
Kristy Sakai, administrator of the Montessori Laboratory School, said this year’s enrollment including new students is at 34, the highest it’s been in a number of years. The school is accredited by the American Montessori Society and also trains future Montessori teachers who work at the campus.
(HCH Photos | Anna Weaver)