EMPA - Eliot Montessori Parents' Association
 The Eliot Montessori Parents' Association
facilitates connections among families, as well
as between families and the school's
administration. The Chairperson of EMPA is a member of the Eliot Montessori School Board of Trustees and serves as a liaison
between the community and the school. This
chairperson is appointed yearly by the Board.
All Eliot parents are members of EMPA, and their
active participation is strongly encouraged.
EMPA's primary goals are to:
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Present forums for parents to engage in
lifelong learning, one of Eliot's core
values |
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Fundraise, in tandem with the Development
Committee of the Board of Trustees, for the enrichment
of our children's school experience |
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Plan social and cultural events to enrich
community life |
EMPA also provides an overarching
organization for room parents, facilitating
their cohesion and efficacy. EMPA offers many
opportunities for parents to volunteer.
Throughout the years, parents have organized many activities,
including weekend family ski trips, campus
beautification, tag sales in conjunction with
Needham Parent Talk, and parent-oriented
lectures.
Some favorite EMPA-sponsored events include:
Welcome Coffee
On the first day of school, EMPA hosts a
welcome coffee for all new and returning
parents. It is held immediately after school
drop-off in the gym. It is a great opportunity
to reconnect with friends after the summer and
for new parents to meet others. Various items
with the Eliot logo are typically sold at this
event. The current Eliot Handbook with the annual
Directory and Calendar is also available.
Parent Reception
Each fall, shortly after classes begin, EMPA
hosts the all-school Parent Reception. It is
usually held at an Eliot parents' home. The
administration and faculty typically join the
group as well. The President of the Board, as
well as the Head of School, offer remarks
welcoming the community back for another school
year. The Parent Reception is also the Kick-Off for
the Annual Fund Drive, the school’s primary fundraising
activity.This event is very popular and a great way to
meet other parents.
Book Fair
In past years, EMPA has sponsored a Book Fair
along with the Wellesley Booksmith. Parents have
the opportunity to purchase books for each
classroom based upon selections made by all the
teachers. In addition, during a 4-day period,
purchases made via a special rebate card at the
Wellesley Booksmith earn a 20% gift to Eliot.
Many families have used this time to purchase
holiday and birthday gifts for friends and
family. Sign-up lists are usually available
during parent/teacher conferences in October. This
event earns more than $3,500, which is used to purchase
learning materials for the classrooms.
Fall Festival
The Fall Festival is a brand new Eliot event! Held
on the school grounds on a beautiful October afternoon
in 2007, Eliot parents and children enjoyed scavenger
hunts, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and
refreshments. What a wonderful way to spend a
glorious fall day!
Spring Concert
In May, the entire student body, under
the direction of our music teacher, presents a
musical production for families, alumni and
special friends. Often, Middle School students
who choose music as their elective are
responsible for the props, lighting, and
program. This event is usually held at the
Babson College Sorenson Center for the
Performing Arts in Wellesley. Light refreshments
are served. Don't forget the camera and
camcorder-this is a very special event!
Faculty & Administration Appreciation
Luncheon
Each February, the Eliot faculty has an
in-service day for professional development and
training. EMPA provides a catered lunch for all
participants.
Family Skating Party
Each April, as a final salute to our New England
winter, EMPA hosts an all-school family skating
party at the Babson Skating Center in Wellesley.
Eliot friends and family have the ice for two
hours. Rental skates are available at a minimal
charge and the snack bar is usually open for
treats. Skaters of all levels are welcome;
helmets are recommended. Bring your favorite
music on CD to get everyone moving!
Grandparent and Special Friends Day
Once each year, grandparents and special
visitors are invited to join and observe the
Eliot Montessori experience. This is usually a
two-hour event, beginning with coffee and
breakfast treats in the gym. A short program of
student performances and remarks from the Head
of School start the morning. Guests are
encouraged to visit the classrooms, see the
Montessori magic, and view the children's
artwork on display throughout the school.
Family Social
Together with the Admissions Committee, EMPA hosts
"Pizza and Popsicles" for all current
and newly-admitted families prior to the end of
the school year. This is a chance to say
good-bye to friends and graduates and to
welcome new families.
Box Tops for Education
Clip box tops from General Mills products and
place them in the box hanging in the EMPA area
of the brick building. Each box top is worth 10
cents to the school.
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