Grae Baker

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!  It’s hard to believe that summer is winding down; the Austin heat certainly gives no indication of summer’s end.  Yet, a new school year is now upon us.  We sincerely hope everyone has enjoyed an adventurous and, hopefully, relaxing summer.  

We look forward to the start of school beginning on Monday, August 14, 2023.  Please refer to your child’s phase-in schedule sent with your classroom guide’s letter for your child’s specific start date.  This information is also available on the community bulletin boards and on the school calendar in your myAMS portal.  Also, please refer to these resources for the date and time of your classroom’s Back to School night.  We ask that all community families attend these, if possible, as important information will be shared at each.  Additionally, it’s the first opportunity of the year for fellowship and connection with your entire classroom community.  

New Programs

We are very excited to announce three new programs and positions at our school beginning this year.  

Ladybug Garden

In October we will open Ladybug Garden, a new Youngest Children’s Community at our Great Northern campus in the former Birdsong space.  Modifications are underway in the former Birdsong community to create a youngest children’s prepared environment including a separate nap space.  We are delighted to welcome Annie Sallans as the new Guide for Ladybug Garden.  Annie comes to us with many years of early childhood experience from St. Catherine’s Montessori School in Houston.  Annie’s bio can be found linked below.  

Inclusion and Support

We are also pleased to welcome Gina Polly Applegate to the AMS community as our new Inclusion and Support Specialist.  This new role will centralize and augment our school’s capacity to better support neurodiversity and different learning styles in our Montessori classrooms.  Gina has over 20 years of experience working in AMI Montessori classrooms and administration.  Gina’s bio is linked below.  More information will be forthcoming as this program develops.  

Movement, Physical Education, and Sports

Kelly Jarrell, former Rainsong Community Guide, is now our new Movement and Sports Coordinator.  Kelly, along with the Level Directors, will be creating and rolling out a new movement, physical education, and sports program for each level of the school.  This new program will begin when the children return in August and will be further developed over the course of the school year.  We will keep you updated with this new program’s offerings over the course of the school year.  

Please know that all permission and health forms must be submitted prior to your child’s first day of school if returning, or their first pre-visit if new to the school.

We are all excited for a great year and I look forward to seeing everyone in the coming days.  Reach out to us if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

Grae Baker
Head of School