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Staff
Keturah Collins
Keturah is the owner/director of Children’s House Montessori School, and is a classroom teacher.
Keturah’s career in early childhood education spans more than 20 years. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Child Development, and earned her Montessori teaching certificate from Montessori World Educational Institute in San Louis Obispo, California. In addition, she attended the Course for Montessori School Management at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in New York.
She has been in the Montessori classroom for more than 15 years, and has worked in a “traditional” preschool setting for several years as well. For most of her career, she has been a classroom teacher and Assistant Director at Reston Montessori School.
Keturah has been married to Henry Collins for 35 years and they have two grown children. Henry’s career in the US Army provided the opportunity to live in Germany, Korea, and Norway, and travel extensively in Europe and Asia. Keturah enjoys sharing these cultures and experiences with the children in her classroom. She also loves nature and teaching about animals and their environments.
Karen Disney
Karen is a classroom teacher at Children’s House Montessori School.
Karen has been in children’s education for 6 years. She received her Montessori training at the Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies in Silver Spring, MD, and is accredited by the American Montessori Society. Karen attended George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, where she earned a B.A. in English.
Karen was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to the United States in 1990. She is an enthusiastic nature lover and enjoys sharing in the wonders of the natural world with the children in her class.
General Information
Owner/Director – Keturah Collins
Location – 1625 Wiehle Ave., Reston, VA 20190 | Phone (703) 481-6678 | Click here for more details on our facility.
Hours of Operation – Children’s House Montessori School is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Pick-up time for full-day students is 5:00 PM.
Programs – Five programs are offered to meet your specific needs. The Part-Day and School-Day programs run from September to June with the last day of school coinciding with Fairfax County Public School’s last day. The Full-Day programs run from September to the end of June. A summer program is available to our full-time families, and on a space-available basis for our part-time families, during July and August for an additional fee. We follow the Fairfax County Public School calendar for holidays.
- Part-Day Preschool – for children 3 years old. These children should arrive at school at 8:30 AM, and be picked up at 11:45 AM.
- School-Day Preschool – for children 3 years old. These children should arrive at 8:30 AM, and be picked up at 3:00 PM. Children in this group bring their own lunch, and are required by state law to nap.
- School-Day Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten – for children 4 and 5 years old. These children should arrive at 8:30 AM, and be picked up at 3:00 PM. Children in this group bring their own lunch. Children between the ages of 4 and 5 are required by state law to rest for 30 minutes.
- Full-Day Preschool – for children 3 years old who need extended hours. Children may arrive as early as 8:00 AM and must be picked up by 5:00 PM. These children bring a packed lunch, and nap every day.
- Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten – for children 4 and 5 years old who need extended hours. Children may arrive as early as 8:00 AM and must be picked up by 5:00 PM. These children bring a packed lunch, and those under the age of 5 are required by state law to rest for 30 minutes.
Class Size – Classes usually average 20 students. We maintain a 1/10 teacher/student ratio.
Calendar – We follow the Fairfax County Public Schools calendar. Student holidays are used for Parent/Teacher conferences. In addition, school will be closed the last full week before Labor Day for Teacher Preparation Week, and 5 afternoons during the year at 1:00 PM for staff meetings and training.
Snow Policy – Children’s House Montessori School follows Fairfax County Public Schools for closures due to inclement weather. Please listen to the radio or television for information about closures. We will leave a message on the school telephone as well.
Snack – Morning snack is available to the children on an individual basis, as they are ready, from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM. Afternoon snack will be served to Full-Day children at 3:45 PM. Both snacks will be nutritionally balanced and consist of two food groups. Examples of daily snack are: cheese and crackers, fresh fruit and crackers, bread and apple butter, or crackers and peanut butter (if we have no peanut allergies).
Lunch – Full-Day and School-Day children who stay until 3:00 PM should bring a packed lunch in an insulated lunch bag you will be given at the start of the year. Because nutrition is so important in these growing years, we encourage parents to send a well-balanced lunch with items such as a sandwich, fresh fruit, yogurt or cheese stick, or crackers. Leftovers from dinner can be packed in an insulated container. Please include a box drink, or your child can have water at school. Regrettably, we do not have the ability to refrigerate or heat food for children.
Special Classes – Children’s House provides three special classes, free of charge, to children who attend our school. These classes take place during the morning school hours.
- Music – Children are exposed to the fun of music and movement classes. The teacher holds a degree in music, has had Orff training, and has taught music in Montessori schools in the area for over 10 years.
- Spanish – Classes are taught by a native Spanish speaker. Games, songs, and objects are used to build vocabulary and begin conversation.
- Yoga – A Yoga practitioner, trained in teaching Yoga to children, instructs the class on basic techniques for breathing, centering, and controlling both the body and mind.
After School Programs – An optional program is offered in the afternoon hours. Part-Day children can return to school at the scheduled time to participate. Parents contract directly with this program. Brochures are available at the parent bulletin board.
- Kinderdance – a planned developmental dance/movement and fitness program using ballet, tap, acrobatics, and creative dance. Please contact Tricia Schriver at (703) 471-1177. Visit www.kinderdance.net.
Summer Program – We offer a summer program that operates during July and August. Please note: school will be closed the last full week before Labor Day for Teacher Preparation Week. During the summer, we spend a lot of time outside enjoying nature activities, including outdoor arts and crafts, and gardening. Additional fees are assessed for this program. Click here to view our fees.
Communication - We feel an open channel of communication between parent and school is vitally important. We have two regularly scheduled parent/teacher conferences during the year, and are always available to talk when needed. A newsletter, which is available on this website, is also sent out by email on a regular basis to keep you informed of activities in the school. We also use email for updates and quick reminders. Our staff is always interested in talking with you about your child’s progress. Never hesitate to call!
Our Facility
Children’s House Montessori School is located in the lower level of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, 1625 Wiehle Ave., Reston, Virginia. The large classroom windows open onto the playground and a beautiful wooded lot.
Our fenced playground provides both sun and shade for the children’s comfort. It is equipped with a sandbox, climbing structures, and a garden area. Our schedule allows the children to play outside after lunch and in the afternoon after the school day is over.
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, in conjunction with Reston Association, has established a nature trail that is an accredited Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. UUCR is the first church in Reston to do this, and they are proud of their commitment to “help promote environmental consciousness and, more specifically, to foster development and maintenance of backyards in ways that help sustain indigenous wildlife.” (UUCR Nature Trail Brochure) Visitors are welcome to explore the Nature Trail; maps are available in the pamphlet rack in the foyer of UUCR.
FYI – UUCR is planning to expand their building, with construction to begin sometime in 2007. We have been assured that every effort will be made to accommodate the needs of Children’s House students, parents, and staff during this process.
Daily Schedule
We understand the importance of maintaining a fairly consistent schedule for the health and emotional well-being of your child. The following schedule is followed on a daily basis, with changes occurring on special days such as holidays and in-house program days.
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8:00 - 11:00 |
Great Period – Children spend this time working on individual activities at a table or on a rug on the floor. Snack is available until 10:30 AM. There is something on every shelf for every child. Many activities require a lesson from the teacher before a child can use them. Others, such as puzzles, can be used without a lesson. A child who chooses an activity that is too difficult for him is offered something that better matches his ability.
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11:00 - 1:00 |
Transition Activities
Circle Time – This group activity will include calling the roll, grace and courtesy lessons, stories, songs, games, or lessons on new activities in the classroom. One day a week is given over to a Peace Ceremony. Children help set the tables for lunch, feed the animals, water the plants and perform other chores.
Outside Play – Climbing on the play apparatus, sand play, and gardening are a few of the activities available on the playground. Part-Day Preschoolers are dismissed at 11:45 AM.
Lunch Time – The children wash their hands, wait until all are seated before beginning, concentrate on manners and pleasant conversations at the table, take a taste of everything, pack up leftovers, throw away trash, and remain seated until everyone is finished and excused. After lunch, children help clean the tables and sweep the floor.
Outside Play – Climbing on the play apparatus, sand play, and gardening are a few of the activities available on the playground.
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1:00 - 3:00 |
Separate Activities Depending on Age
Preschool – Children go to the bathroom, find their sleepy toy, lie down on a mat, and listen to a story. Then we turn off the light, play soft music, and rub children’s backs to help them fall asleep. This process takes about 30 minutes.
Pre-Kindergarten – Children who are not yet 5 years old will rest quietly for 30 minutes, and then join the kindergarten class to continue work begun in the morning.
Kindergarten – Children who are 5 years old by Sept. 30th, and are ready for the kindergarten experience, continue to work on the lessons that were begun in the morning; they also have lessons in geography, science, art appreciation, writing, and music.
School-Day children are picked up at 3:00. |
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3:00 - 5:00 |
After School Fun – Activities include snack, outside play, games, art, drama, music, movement, or cooking.
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5:00 |
End of Day – All children should be picked up by this time.
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2007 - 2008 School Year Calendar
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September 4, 2007 |
First Day of School |
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September 12, 2007 |
Parent Night - Back to School / Parent Involvement |
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September 24, 2007 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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September 30, 2007 (Sunday) |
Apple Picking Family Field Trip |
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October 8, 2007 |
Columbus Day Holiday (School Closed) |
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October 10, 2007 |
Portrait Day, 9:00 AM |
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October 14, 2007 |
Open House at Collins' (Adults only, please.)
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
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October 16, 2007 |
Parent Night - Using Montessori Concepts
in the Home, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
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October 26, 2007 |
Fall Festival and Pizza Lunch, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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November 5, 2007 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Preschool (School Closed) |
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November 6, 2007 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Pre-Kindergarten
(School Closed) |
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November 14, 2007 |
Picture Day |
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November 15, 2007 |
Parent Night - Guest Speaker: Parenting Topics
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
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November 20, 2007 (Tuesday) |
Thanksgiving Pot-Luck, 4:00 PM |
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November 21 – 23, 2007 |
Thanksgiving Holiday (School Closed) |
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December 3, 2007 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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December 19, 2007 (Wednesday) |
Holiday Program & Pot-Luck, 11:30 AM
(School Closes at 1:00 PM) |
December 20, 2007 to
January 1, 2008 |
Winter Vacation (School Closed) |
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January 15, 2008 |
Parent Night - Montessori Kindergarten, Elementary
Options, and Transitions, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
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January 21, 2008 |
Martin Luther King Day (School Closed) |
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January 25, 2008 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Kindergarten (School Closed) |
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January 28, 2008 |
Teacher In-service Day (School Closed) |
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February 13, 2008 |
Parent Night - Guest Speakers: Financial Advisor
and Nutritionist, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
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February 18, 2008 |
President’s Day Holiday (School Closed) |
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February 29, 2008 |
Parent’s Day, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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March 7, 2008 |
AMS Anual Conference in Washington DC (School Closed) |
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March 13, 2008 |
Parent Night - The Math and Sensorial Curricula,
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
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March 17 – 21, 2008 |
Spring Vacation (School Closed) |
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April 7, 2008 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Preschool (School Closed) |
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April 8, 2008 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Pre-Kindergarten (School Closed) |
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April 25, 2008 |
Spring Fling, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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May TBA, 2008 |
Kennedy Center Field Trip: Kindergarten |
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May TBA, 2008 |
National Gallery of Art Filed Trip: Kindergarten |
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May 11, 2008 (Sunday) |
National Zoo Family Fieldtrip |
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May 19, 2008 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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May 23 - 25, 2008 |
Family Camping Trip (Friday Evening to Sunday Afternoon) |
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May 26, 2008 |
Memorial Day Holiday (School Closed) |
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May 27 - 30, 2008 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Kindergarten
(Before and After School) |
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June 13, 2008 |
School Picnic,11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
(School Closes 1:00 PM)
Last Day of School |
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June 16 – 27, 2008 |
Summer Break (School Closed) |
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June 30, 2008 |
Summer Sessions Begin |
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July 4, 2008 |
July 4th Holiday (School Closed) |
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August 25 – 29, 2008 |
Teacher Preparation Week (School Closed) |
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September 1, 2008 |
Labor Day (School Closed) |
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September 2, 2008 |
First Day of School |
2008 - 2009 School Year Calendar
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September 2, 2008 |
First Day of School |
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September 3, 2008 |
Parent Night - Back to School / Parent Involvement
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
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September 14, 2008 |
Open House at Collins' (Adults only, please.)
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
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September 26, 2008 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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October 7, 2008 |
Parent Night - TBD |
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October 13, 2008 |
Columbus Day Holiday (School Closed) |
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October 24, 2008 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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November 3 - 4, 2008 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: (School Closed)
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Only |
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November 13, 2008 |
Parent Night - TBD |
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November 25, 2008 |
Thanksgiving Pot-Luck, 12:00 PM
(School Closes 1:00 PM) Staff Meeting |
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November 26 – 28, 2008 |
Thanksgiving Holiday (School Closed) |
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December 19, 2008 |
Holiday Program & Pot-Luck, 11:30 AM
(School Closes at 1:00 PM) |
December 22, 2008 to
January 2, 2009 |
Winter Vacation (School Closed) |
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January 14, 2009 |
Parent Night - TBD |
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January 19, 2009 |
Martin Luther King Day (School Closed) |
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January 20, 2009 |
Inauguration Day (School Closed) |
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January 26, 2009 |
Teacher In-service Day (School Closed) |
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January 27, 2009 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Kindergarten Only (School Closed) |
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February 10, 2009 |
Parent Night - TBD |
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February 16, 2009 |
President’s Day Holiday (School Closed) |
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February 20, 2009 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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March 12, 2009 |
Parent Night - TBD |
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March 20, 2009 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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April 3, 2009 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: (School Closed)
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Only |
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April 6 – 10, 2009 |
Spring Vacation (School Closed) |
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April 24, 2009 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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May 15, 2009 |
Staff Meeting (School Closes 1:00 PM) |
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May 25, 2009 |
Memorial Day Holiday (School Closed) |
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May 26 - 29, 2009 |
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Kindergarten Only
(Before and After School) |
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June 17, 2009 |
School Picnic,11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
(School Closes 1:00 PM)
Last Day of School |
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June 18 – July 2, 2009 |
Summer Break (School Closed) |
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July 3, 2009 |
Independance Day Observed (School Closed) |
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July 6, 2009 |
Summer Sessions Begin |
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August 31 – September 4, 2009 |
Teacher Preparation Week (School Closed) |
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September 7, 2009 |
Labor Day (School Closed) |
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September 8, 2009 |
First Day of School |
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