Parent Education Program
At The Montessori School of Raleigh, we believe in lifelong learning. That's why we offer a parent education program designed to provide our parents with the information and resources they need to support their child's growth and learning.
The MSR Parent Education Program - commonly known as PEP, has two components: the Whole Child series offering programming relevant for parents with children of any age and the Montessori Parent series, offering grade-level content and information. The following is programming offered during the 2022-2023 academic year. Click here for an archive of past PEP programming at MSR.
2022-2023 PEP Series
The Whole Child Series | Spring 2023
Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 12-1 p.m. | Zoom
"The Value of Arts in Education"
Join us for this virtual PEP Lunch and Learn featuring guest speakers from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County who will discuss the many ways arts education enriches learning and life. This Zoom event is open to all MSR families as well as to the public, and is a great affirmation of the work our Lower and Upper Elementary students have been doing on the upcoming LMC Players' production of Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.
- MSR parents click here to register for "The Value of Arts in Education"
- Zoom link emailed with registration confirmation.
The Montessori Parent Series | Winter-Spring 2023
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
"Support the Toileting Experience"
MSR parents are invited to a special PEP event with MSR Toddler teachers focused on toilet learning. MSR teachers will share their expertise and insights on toilet-learning "dos and don'ts" and will answer parents' questions about toilet-learning generally and at MSR specifically.
- MSR parents click here to register for "Support the Toileting Experience"
Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 3:10-4:10 p.m. | Upper School Building, Brier Creek Campus
"The Upper School Experience at MSR"
MSR parents joined Upper School (US) students and faculty for a sneak peek into the academic experience at MSR. Upper School students guided Middle School students and their parents through a series of favorite Upper School classes and provided valuable insight into life and learning at the Upper School.
Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Watson Center, Lead Mine Campus
For Toddler through Grade 6 parents
"Developing the Mathematical Mind in Montessori"
MSR parents explored the brilliance of the Montessori math curriculum, from numbers to algebra. During this in-person event, parents engaged in a walk through the Montessori math curriculum and discovered the comprehensive and exciting way MSR’s students come to understand mathematical concepts: moving from working with concrete materials to abstract problem solving. Faculty from each grade level shared how children are invited into the amazing world of numbers and how concepts introduced to younger students create a foundation for learning as students grow. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents to deepen their understanding of the mathematical journey their children experience at The Montessori School of Raleigh. MSR parents should watch for a link to a video of this PEP event in Miner Details.
The Montessori Parent Series | Fall 2022
Zoom link provided with registration.
PEP Week offers programming specific to the different ages and developmental levels of MSR students. This fall's PEP Week is focused on healthy boundaries and safety. Parents are encouraged to attend their child's classroom-level program and all MSR parents are also invited to attend any of the PEP Week events. The following is the featured programming:
Monday, Oct. 24 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom
Toddler and Children's House
"Creating and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries"
A discussion on discipline and boundaries.
ALL MSR parents are invited to join this event. Toddler and Children's House parents are encouraged to attend.
Tuesday, Oct. 25 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom
Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)
"Funny Tummy Feelings"
A presentation by SAFEchild Advocacy Center
ALL MSR parents are invited to join this event. Lower Elementary parents are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, Oct. 26 | 7-8 p.m. | Zoom
Upper Elementary and Middle School (Grades 4-8)
"Your Voice Matters"
Presented by the POE Center for Health Education
ALL MSR parents are invited to join this event. Upper Elementary and Middle School parents are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, Oct. 26 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Zoom
Upper School (Grades 9-12)
Win at Social
Now, more than ever, students’ well-being is deeply shaped by their social world, including social media and technology, whether or not they own a device. In this presentation, The Social Institute’s Founder and CEO, Laura Tierney—a pioneer in positive social media education—will share actionable tips and best practices to help your child(ren) make healthy, high-character choices, online and off.
ALL MSR parents are invited to join this event. Upper School parents are encouraged to attend.
The Whole Child Series | Fall 2022
"How Montessori Fosters Every Child’s Potential" with Paula Lillard Preschlack, M.Ed.
On September 27, 20222, The Montessori School of Raleigh (MSR) welcomed Paula Lillard Preschlack, M.Ed., author of The Montessori Potential: How to Foster Independence, Respect, and Joy in Every Child , as its September PEP guest speaker. Paula presented How Montessori Fosters Every Child’s Potential via Zoom
This event was free and open to the public.
Paula was a Montessori teacher and the head of school at Forest Bluff School in Illinois for over 25 years. She has given over 100 talks at Forest Bluff, other Montessori schools, teacher training courses, and conferences. Her work focuses on the principles and benefits of the Montessori approach. Paula attended Hampshire College and holds a master’s degree in Education from Loyola College in Maryland, has diplomas from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) for Assistants to Infancy, Primary, and Elementary Levels, and has audited the NAMTA/AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies. Paula is married to Jim Preschlack and has two children, now 18 and 20 years old. She loves horses, standard poodles, nature, hiking, skiing, reading, and laughing really hard with friends!
Whether you are new to Montessori or have been practicing Montessori for years, you will come away from Paula Preschlack’s presentation with an appreciation for all Montessori can mean for your child.