Welcome back to school, where new beginnings and endless possibilities await!
September 1, 2024

Dear Elementary Families,


Welcome to the new school year at TRIS! It is a pleasure to embark on another year of exploration, growth, and discovery with you and your children.

 

In our Montessori Elementary environment, we continue to build on the foundation laid in earlier years, nurturing your child's natural curiosity and love for learning. Students will have opportunities for hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and independent exploration. Our approach remains deeply rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy, focusing on each child's holistic development. We cultivate academic excellence, support our students' social and emotional development, and aim to create a community where children feel respected, valued, and empowered to take ownership of their learning journey.


Education is a vital partnership between the school and the home. We deeply appreciate your support and involvement. Throughout this year, we encourage you to stay informed and connected with us through our newsletters, community meetings, classroom updates, the school's website, conferences, and events. Please don't hesitate to contact the teaching teams with questions, concerns, or help. Together, we will support our students and create a nurturing environment that fosters every child's growth and development.


We look forward to welcoming you in person at our Welcome Event for Parents. It is an excellent opportunity to meet other parents and teachers and visit your child's classroom. We also host an Elementary Back-to-School Night to share details about the curriculum, classroom routines, school and classroom events, and more and answer any questions.


We eagerly anticipate the return of our students to the classroom and are excited about the many beautiful moments ahead. We are confident that this year will be filled with learning, laughter, and growth for all our students.


Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Your trust is a great honor, and we are excited to be part of their journey. We look forward to all the amazing things they will accomplish this year.


Warm regards,


Wellington Pontes

Elementary Program Director

Renaissance Reflections

By Renee Hites • September 23, 2025
This year we are beginning a series of lunchtime virtual sessions for Parent Education. Once a month we'll invite a host from our knowledgeable TRIS staff to present on a topic related to our school philosophies. Our first session was held in September and was hosted by our Head of School, Renee Hites.

Where Learning Meets the Great Outdoors

July 11, 2025
Exploring the Bay Area: A One-of-a-Kind Summer Camp Adventure Summer is a time for discovery, and at Exploring the Bay Area, our elementary Montessori students experienced a week like no other. Guided by the ever-enthusiastic wilderness guide and Montessori Elementary instructor, Nathalie Hites, the camp transformed each day into a journey across the diverse and stunning landscapes of the Bay Area. From riding buses and BART to catching the Ferry, students didn't just learn about the place they live — they lived it. Each day brought new ecosystems, unforgettable views, and hands-on experiences that made learning an exciting adventure. Monday: From Woodlands to Waves Students kicked off the week with a deep dive into the natural treasures, exploring oak woodlands, sand dunes, and the stunning ocean beaches — all in a single day! It was a perfect introduction to the varied ecosystems right in San Francisco’s backyard. Tuesday: Scaling Mt. Diablo Their journey continued with a trip east to Mt. Diablo, where students learned about the chaparral, grasslands, and fascinating local geology. A highlight of the day was climbing through Rock City, where students could physically interact with the landscape they were learning about. It was both educational and exhilarating! Wednesday: Wetlands and Water Fun at Brannan Island Midweek took them to Brannan Island State Recreation Area, where students explored the vital role of wetlands in our environment. The warm weather also provided a perfect excuse to cool off — and yes, a dip in the water was part of the day's fun. Thursday: Into the Redwoods at Muir Woods Students explored the awe-inspiring Muir Woods, home to the towering redwoods that define Northern California. Walking beneath the canopy, students were immersed in the unique ecosystem of the redwood forest — an experience that inspired both wonder and curiosity. Friday -Wonders at the Cull Canyon To wrap up our week, students headed to Cull Canyon, where they observed more oak woodlands and explored a riparian corridor — a lush, biodiverse area along the creek. And yes, the week ended the way it began: with sunshine, laughter, and a refreshing swim! Exploring the Bay Area wasn’t just about field trips — it was about connecting students to their environment, deepening their appreciation for nature, and fostering independence through real-world exploration. Whether hiking, swimming, or simply observing a new ecosystem, our students walked away with more than knowledge — they gained a sense of place and belonging in the world around them.  Stay tuned for more updates from our Montessori adventures — and until then, keep exploring!