March winds whistle as the year winds down, ushering in our first performance in a whirlwind of year-end events. 

The Wizard of Oz is our school play this year and students from early childhood through high school have been reading the book together in classrooms, studying the time period in which it was written, and learning more about the fascinating life of the author, L. Frank Baum. Spring events celebrate the culmination of a whole school year of learning at Elizabeth Academy, criss-crossing curriculum, and gathering students together as they have experienced their own version of this year’s theme: A Hero’s Journey. How apropos! Come join us at the end of the yellow brick road as they present The Wizard of Oz, Friday, March 21st, 6:00 pm at (please note the venue!) Evergreen Junior High School. 

Read on to hear about the incredible journey a group of our older students took in February to Montessori Model UN in New York City and mark your calendars for year-end events yet to come. Our Teacher Workday is Friday, March 7th and the only other “March” event to be aware of is Spring Break, beginning on Monday, March 31st and ending on Friday, April 4th. 

Marching on, 

Gail Williamsen
Executive Director

March Events

Staff Recognition- March 2025

Lauren Kurt- Primary School Campus

Lauren is just amazing! Her genuine smile and greeting when she sees the kids is so heartfelt and appreciated. Anyone who witnesses her with the kids can see how much she loves them, which in turn makes them all love her. Cyrus adores her. His life skills lessons with her are some of his favorite things to attend. The two people he talks about the most at home are always Lauren and Dani. They’re his people and he loves them fiercely, even when he’s being a stinker about showing it.

-Morgan Pilcher , Lower Elementary Parent

Take the time to recognize a staff member. We know how much they put into their jobs and to the education of the students. You can recognize a teacher, specialist, therapist or administrative staff member. We will do a monthly drawing of those submitted to feature in our newsletter. All who are recognized will be given a copy of these responses as well. Go to the school app to submit recognition for those staff members.

Submit Staff Recognition

Primary School

We hope that February was full of fun and enjoyment for everyone.  As we roll into March we wanted to take a little bit of a look outside of our school.  So much of our efforts are focused inside the classrooms and working with our parents and community. We wanted to highlight two things that happened off campus and one that will be happening in March that have a great impact on the school. 

Continual Growth

While we normally stay focused within the walls of the school, we also need the continual refresher of larger opportunities.  This is both for our students and our staff.  Being able to interact and ask questions and push ourselves outside of our own bubble allows us to see what the current best practices are and how to make sure that we are staying on the leading edge of education.  We support and stretch our students, but also do the same for our staff.  Growth for all.  

Cultural Night

Join us for our annual cultural night on Thursday, March 27th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Students and staff will showcase countries from Asia, Oceania and Antartica.

Sincerely,
Nate Abbott- Principal
Jess Grabe- Assistant Principal

Montessori Model United Nations

We had a group of 9 students (Birdie Hess, Margot Crapo, Bennet Peers, Katie Park, Virginia Sheridan, Isabelle Strutt, Sydney Eidman, Louisa Soisson, Soeyer Westwood, Autumn Peck) who went to New York City for the Montessori Model United Nations from February 19th through the 22nd. Ms. Sammi Nelson, from Upper Elementary, worked with the students for the past 5 months to study their countries, write speeches and prepare displays for the conference. During the conference they had the opportunity to join students from all over the world to debate global issues. They represented Elizabeth Academy well and they got to be on the floor of the UN plenary, presenting their resolutions to make the world a better place.

Jessica Grabe had the honor of interviewing most of the students who participated at the MMUN conference in  New York City. They truly are the ones who can share the best when it comes to their experience.

“It was well worth the effort.  Honesty, I was terrified to present but when done, I felt amazing. I have bragging rights now.” 

“I really liked that we went to the Stardust Diner.  We were able to bring our own money.  I was so excited to see a license plate that said number one dad and I got it for him.” 

“I got to meet new friends. I got to see what different people were like.”  

“We had to be there for 3 hours, have lunch and then (more) 3 hours.  I learned that a lot of people have the same ideas about the topic.  Some had different ideas but there were more that were in common.”

“I really liked the committee sessions.  It was so nice to be in NY after all of our hard work.  The hardest part was thinking of splitting into subtopics. We had to use certain words – preambulatory and obligatory questions. The last night we went to a big party to celebrate.”

“I would recommend others to go because you learn a lot.  It’s really hard but it’s super fun.” 

“This is my second time going to MMUN.  It is a lot of work but totally worth it.  Giving the speech wasn’t too bad. We met kids from Australia, China, Japan, everywhere actually.” 

“When you’re going through NY it’s kind of crazy but if you stick together and hold hands things are good.”

“The conferences were not that hard.  The sitting was hard.  I wish there were more standing parts. I liked going souvenir shopping.  I would recommend people go next year.”

“I liked the flag bearing and the Stardust Diner.  There was karaoke and then we went to the dance party. We made a one minute speech and practice here and then presented in front. They read our position papers but the bureau read those and we didn’t have to read them. The prep work was a lot harder than being in NY. This time was more fun.”

“I learned a lot of things about my country and it was a very unique and fun experience. It was definitely worth doing.”

“It was pretty fun, I would say, when you looked out the window (at Time Square) people were dressed up as characters.”

Literacy Conference

While students were in New York, we sent a group of teachers and administrators to The National Symposium for Classical Education conference in Tempe, Arizona. The three day theme centered around Cultivating Wonder.  The conference included keynote speakers, panel discussions, K-12 workshops, and educational accessibility.  

Their learning will be shared throughout upcoming professional development sessions both this year and into the summer. 

American Montessori Conference (AMS)

In March, we have the opportunity to attend the American Montessori Conference, which brings together Montessori professionals from throughout the world. The conference will feature over 200 renowned speakers and 100+ insightful sessions focusing on Montessori at all stages of childhood.

Secondary School

Dear Elizabeth Academy Families,

As the chill of winter fades and spring paints our world in vibrant hues, we are reminded that change is a constant part of our journey. This school year has brought many emotions, and while I have experienced moments of grief, I have also found renewed hope and excitement.

I find hope when I look at our dedicated staff. Their resilience, passion, and unwavering optimism have lifted our spirits and inspired us all. Every day, they work as a cohesive team, striving to create an exceptional learning environment that nurtures our students and enriches our community.

I find hope in the collaborative spirit we share with other schools and educational leaders. When I visit and exchange ideas, I see a community of educators with similar goals—working together to support our students and ensure a smooth transition during times of change.

I find hope in our students themselves. Their growth, both academically and personally, is truly inspiring. Even as some of our students transition to new schools, I have heard from many parents how their children continue to thrive, embracing new challenges with confidence and empathy.

This spring also marks a bittersweet milestone as Elizabeth Academy Secondary prepares to celebrate its last seniors. I am incredibly proud of our graduates Wally Binegar, Levi Cheek-O’Donnell, Parker Garcia, Ethan Honbo, Jake McJoynt, and Matthew Mechem. Over the past three to four years, I have had the joy of watching them flourish, becoming leaders and role models who embody the strength and inclusivity of our community.

As we step into this season of renewal, let us embrace its mix of emotions with open hearts. There is so much to look forward to—from the excitement of the Wizard of Oz Musical and College and Career Week to the adventures of Spring Trips and the joy of Graduation. Together, we will make the most of every opportunity and celebrate all that this spring brings.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Elizabeth Academy family. I am filled with optimism for the future and confident that, together, we will continue to grow and thrive.

Warm regards,
Sofia Rigolon
Elizabeth Academy Secondary Principal

Student Council

Our clothing drive was a huge success. We will be donating the clothes to the Catholic Community Center.

March 14th is PI Day. The EAPO is helping support our PI Day activities with pizza and pie. Students from Soaring Wings International Montessori School in Park City will be here to help celebrate. Parents, if you would like to bring a pie, please sign up by using this link.

March 17th – 21st is Spirit Week, and each day will have a clothing theme. The week will end with a Spirit Bowl, a mini minute to win games between cohorts. 

On March 28th we will have a Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM at the Primary Campus. Purchasing the breakfast on the EA App is highly encouraged, because cash will be the only form of payment accepted during the event.

SPIRIT WEEK

Monday March 17th – Pajama Day

Tuesday March 18th – Dress like a teacher/student

Wednesday March 19th – Crazy Hat Day

Thursday March 20th – Tropical Shirt Day and Slushies/Ice Cream during lunch

Friday March 21st – Crazy Socks and Cohort color for World Down Syndrome Day

Sincerely,
The Elizabeth Academy Student Council

EAPO Corner

Campus Conversations

Primary School- Thursday, March 13th, 8:50 AM – 9:50 AM in the Black Box

Secondary School- Wednesday, March 26th, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM in the Life Skills Room

Campus Conversations are monthly meetings hosted by the Elizabeth Academy Parent Organization (EAPO). Lasting approximately one hour, Campus Conversations are the best way to stay informed about what is happening both on the Primary and Secondary Campuses, and to be in the loop about upcoming events and activities. Light refreshments are served.

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Pizza Wednesday

DATE

Our next pizza day is on Wednesday, March 26th. Both campuses will participate. To purchase the pizza meal, go to the school store in the app.