Millhopper Montessori School

🔬⚙️ Let’s Get S.T.E.M.y Camp: Design, Build & Create!

Our Let’s Get S.T.E.M.y campers with Mr. Richard Aslanian and Ms. Sherilyn Farris had an exciting day of engineering and innovation!

Students designed and built their own fidget spinners, applying creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on construction skills to bring their ideas to life. They also began planning and sketching designs for their upcoming challenge: building a sailboat to race! ⛵✨

We are also excited to have MMS alumnus Norris Ding supporting as a camp assistant, helping guide and encourage our young engineers throughout their projects.

It’s been a fantastic day of STEM learning, teamwork, and imagination in action! 🚀

🌿🪴 Garden Pals Camp – Creativity & Fun!

Our Garden Pals campers had a wonderful day of creativity and relaxation with Ms. Joanne McFarland and Ms. Shannon Flores!

Students painted their own terracotta pots, adding bright colors and personal designs as they prepared for future planting projects. They also enjoyed a fun and imaginative “Surprise Bug” activity—drawing half of a bug on folded paper, then opening it to reveal a creative and unexpected addition to their designs! 🐛✨

To wrap up the day, campers enjoyed a cozy movie and popcorn afternoon, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy time together. 🌿🍿

A perfect mix of art, imagination, and summer camp fun! 💛

🛡️ Safety Patrol Washington, D.C. Trip – Day 3 (June 10)

Our Safety Patrol students continued their unforgettable journey through Washington, DC Trip with the Alachua County Sheriff and had a full day of exploration, history, and learning.

With Mr. Ryan Bain (Safety Patrol Supervisor) and parent chaperones, students visited Mount Vernon, gaining insight into the life and legacy of George Washington. They also toured the U.S. Capitol Building, experienced hands-on learning at the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and explored the National Law Enforcement Museum, deepening their understanding of service and civic responsibility. The day concluded with a powerful visit to the Marine Corps War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of those who serve our country.

It was another meaningful day filled with reflection, gratitude, and unforgettable experiences for our student leaders. 🇺🇸✨

🔬⚙️ Let’s Get S.T.E.M.y!

Innovation, creativity, and problem-solving are taking center stage in Mr. Richard Aslanian and Ms. Sherilyn Farris’ "Let’s Get S.T.E.M.y!" Summer Camp for 4th–8th grade students!

Throughout the week, campers are tackling exciting STEM challenges that encourage them to think like scientists, engineers, and inventors. Through hands-on activities, teamwork, and experimentation, students are exploring how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics work together to solve real-world problems.

Whether they're designing, building, testing, or troubleshooting, campers are discovering that learning can be both challenging and fun. We can't wait to see what they create next! 🚀✨

🐾🖐️ Touch Summer Camp: Up Close with Animals!

Our Little House campers (ages 2–3) had a wonderful hands-on experience during this week’s TOUCH themed summer camp with Ms. Lizzy Levensohn!

Students had the opportunity to get up close to a variety of animals, exploring different textures, observing unique features, and learning through their senses. From soft fur to gentle scales, these special encounters sparked curiosity, excitement, and plenty of smiles.

For our youngest learners, experiences like these help build confidence, encourage observation, and foster a love of the natural world through direct exploration and discovery. What a memorable adventure! 🐢🐇🐍💛

🎨🖌️ Art Appreciation Summer Camp in Full Color!

Our preschool and kindergarten campers are exploring the wonderful world of art in Ms. Ashley Threm’s Art Appreciation Summer Camp!

Throughout the week, students are discovering different artistic styles, experimenting with a variety of materials, and expressing their creativity through hands-on projects. From painting and crafting to exploring color, texture, and design, campers are learning that art can be found all around us.

Most importantly, students are building confidence in their creativity while having fun creating their own masterpieces. We love seeing our young artists learn, imagine, and express themselves through art! 🌈✨

***Middle School PODCAST - Part 3***
As storied by The Spotlight Kids Performing Arts
In this episode of JN News, Noah and Jimena explore the lives of women and enslaved people in Ancient Athens. They discuss how Athenian society limited women—who were not considered official citizens—to household roles, blocked them from politics, and tied their independence to male family members. Then, Noah and Jimena turn to enslaved people, explaining how enslaved individuals carried out hard labor and essential work, often with few rights at all. Join them as they compare these disadvantages and reflect on what life in Athens may have felt like for those without power.
Hear the Podcast on Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rnEB7jt2N8lajS3gHNRjT?si=QuK9ISZ_Q7ydHW48tpk3hw

🛡️ Safety Patrol Washington, D.C. Trip – Day 2

Day 2 of our Safety Patrol trip to Washington DC with the Alachua County DC Trip was filled with meaningful experiences, reflection, and learning. Students visited Arlington National Cemetery, where they explored the rich history and significance of this national landmark. For one of our students, the visit was especially personal, as they had the opportunity to locate and pay respects at the gravesite of a family member.

The group also visited the Eternal Flame at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, toured the historic Arlington Memorial Amphitheater, and learned about the sacrifices made by generations of Americans who have served our country. After lunch, students continued their day with additional educational activities and sightseeing.

It was a powerful day of remembrance, gratitude, and connection to our nation’s history—one that our students will remember for years to come. 🇺🇸✨

🌿🌼 Garden Pals – Day 2!

Another wonderful day of creativity, nature, and discovery at our Garden Pals camp! 🌱✨

Campers got their hands busy making their own Sprout Houses, creating colorful bird feeders from popsicle sticks, and exploring their imaginations through journal writing. One of the day’s favorite prompts asked students: “What if the trees could talk to us?” The thoughtful and creative responses were as unique as the campers themselves!

Students also created beautiful flower collages using construction paper and enjoyed a round of Match Game, building observation and memory skills while having fun with friends.

From crafting and storytelling to games and gardening, Day 2 was filled with opportunities to learn, create, and connect with the natural world. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! 🌸🐦🍃

🎉Happy Birthday🍰 to our Little House (Beginners) Lead Teacher, Ms. Lizzy Levensohn!
😎 🎊 🎈 🎂