Lloyd Barbee Montessori

Please join us in congratulating Michelle Van Drisse on being named an MMABSE Teacher of the Year!

Michelle's passion for children, dedication to Montessori principles, and unwavering commitment to our school community inspire those around her every day. This recognition is a reflection of the difference she makes in the lives of her students, families, and colleagues.

We are so proud to have Michelle as part of the Lloyd Barbee Montessori family. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

https://www.mmabse.org

Our all day Primary students recently visited the Urban Ecology Center, where learning came to life in the natural world.

Through exploration, observation, and hands-on experiences, students connected with their environment in meaningful ways. They asked questions, noticed details, and engaged with nature using all of their senses—building curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Experiences like these support the development of the whole child—encouraging independence, responsibility, and a sense of stewardship for our environment.

💚 There is so much to learn when we step outside.

Our 4th and 5th grade students took to the field and showed us what teamwork, perseverance, and joy look like in real time. From running plays to cheering each other on, every moment was full of growth—physically, socially, and emotionally.

Montessori Monday 🌍
This week, in honor of Earth Day, our work is centered around understanding that we are part of the Earth—not separate from it. In Montessori, children learn that humans, plants, animals, and the environment are all connected and depend on one another.
Last week, during our Lemonade, Tea, and We garden event, this idea came to life. Students, families, and staff worked side by side—planting, preparing the soil, and caring for our shared space. It was a simple but powerful reminder that caring for the Earth is something we do together.
In the classroom, this continues through daily work: tending plants, learning about habitats, and exploring how our choices impact the world around us.
These small, meaningful experiences help children begin to understand their role in caring for something bigger than themselves.

🌎 Montessori Monday: Care of the Earth
In a Montessori classroom, we don’t just talk about caring for the Earth—we practice it every day.
From watering plants and tending our garden to noticing seasonal changes and caring for our classroom environment, children learn that they are a meaningful part of the world around them. These small, hands-on experiences build respect, responsibility, and connection.
Earth Day is a beautiful reminder that this work matters.
🌱 Ways to continue this at home:
Let your child help water plants or start seeds
Go on a nature walk and notice signs of spring
Pick up litter in your neighborhood
Talk about ways your family can reduce waste
When children care for their environment, they begin to understand that their actions matter—and that they have the power to make a difference.
💚 “The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” — Maria Montessori

Lloyd Barbee Montessori School is excited to announce that our principal, Catherine Loss, was honored April 8, when she received the 2026 Herb Kohl Leadership Award for Elementary School Principal of the Year from the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. Ms. Loss was nominated and awarded for her strong leadership, dedication to education, and positive influence on school culture. Primary students opened the all-school assembly for the surprise celebration with "Fanga Alafia," a West African song of peace and friendship and "This Little Light of Mine (Cosmic Ed)", which was led by Barbee music specialist, Sha Harvey. In addition to Ms. Loss, the other administrators and leaders who spoke were MPS Superintendent, Dr. Brenda Cassellius; MPS Montessori Coordinator, Abigail Rausch; MPS School Board Director, Darryl L. Jackson; MPS Academic Superintendent for Learning Community Six, Dr. Kurt Schneider; President of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, Stuart Russ; and Executive Director of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, Jim Lynch.

Spring is here 🌱

Across our school, we’re watching the garden come to life—both outside and inside with growing seedlings. Children are caring for plants, observing changes, and connecting with nature each day.

We can’t wait to see what blooms next 💚