Events & Gatherings
St. Martin's Day Lantern Walk
Join us for our annual St. Martin’s Day Celebration, an evening of light, song, and community.
Children will craft their own lanterns, then take part in a peaceful lantern walk through our campus, singing traditional songs and celebrating the spirit of kindness and generosity that St. Martin’s Day represents. After the walk, families will gather in the Gathering Place outside to share pizza.
Families who play instruments are especially welcome to bring them along and add to the music of the evening!
We look forward to celebrating together as the soft glow of lanterns fills the gardens, a beautiful reminder of light shared among friends.
Caregiver & Toddler Class
Join us for a warm, nature-centered morning designed for toddlers and their caregivers. Together, we’ll explore simple Montessori practices that nurture language, movement, and independence while connecting with other families in a calm, supportive environment.
Who it’s for: Toddlers (walkers up to 36 months) with a caregiver. Currently enrolled and new families are welcome. Feel free to invite a friend! Care for siblings is provided and infants may remain with their caregiver during class.
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 • 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Where: 3015 Upton Drive, Kensington, MD 20895
Sample Class Topics
Language development: Encouraging clear and rich vocabulary
Gross motor skills: Outdoor movement and purposeful activity; supporting core strength and the transition from running to controlled running.
Practical life: Simple ways toddlers can help in the kitchen and at home.
Rhythm and rest: How consistent routines and sleep patterns nurture confidence and calm.
Why Families Love It
Gentle, supportive guidance for this active, curious stage
Practical take-home ideas for language and independence
A growing community of caregivers in the same season of life
What to Bring
Comfortable play clothes, a labeled water bottle, extra set of clothes/diapers, and indoor slippers.
Tuition: Free for currently enrolled families. Guest families: $25 participation fee (cash or Venmo accepted at check-in).
RSVP: Stefanie Weber • sweber@crossway-community.org
Program Note: We will host three additional toddler focused classes in February, April, and June.
Children's Fall Farmers Market
Join us for a joyful autumn morning as our children share the fruits of their work and creativity at our Fall Farmers Market. Families and friends are invited to enjoy fresh waffles, warm coffee, seasonal crafts, and cozy books-on-blankets storytelling, along with harvest treats prepared by the children.
This special gathering celebrates the beauty of the season, the rhythms of nature, and the spirit of Montessori learning, where every detail, from the garden harvests to the children’s handmade creations, reflects care, curiosity, and connection.
All are welcome! Bring your friends, neighbors, and grandparents for a morning filled with community, creativity, and joy.
Thanksgiving Feast
Join us for a joyful Thanksgiving Feast, a beloved tradition celebrating community, gratitude, and togetherness.
Children, parents, and residents will gather for a shared meal prepared with care by our campus chef. This is a time to pause, give thanks, and enjoy the warmth of our intergenerational community before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Following the feast, children will be dismissed for Thanksgiving Break. Classes will resume on Monday, December 1.
We look forward to sharing this special morning with you, where gratitude, connection, and good food come together in our community.
Parent Education
Join us for our next Parent Education Morning, a relaxed and enriching opportunity to connect with our Montessori Guides, enjoy free coffee and treats, and learn more about the principles that shape your child’s experience in the classroom.
This informal gathering offers parents a chance to ask questions, share insights, and deepen understanding of Montessori philosophy and daily practice.
Stay tuned, our December topic will be announced soon!
Children's Winter Farmers Market
Join us for a joyful autumn morning as our children share the fruits of their work and creativity at our Fall Farmers Market. Families and friends are invited to enjoy fresh waffles, warm coffee, seasonal crafts, and cozy books-on-blankets storytelling, along with harvest treats prepared by the children.
This special gathering celebrates the beauty of the season, the rhythms of nature, and the spirit of Montessori learning, where every detail, from the garden harvests to the children’s handmade creations, reflects care, curiosity, and connection.
All are welcome! Bring your friends, neighbors, and grandparents for a morning filled with community, creativity, and joy.
Winter Celebration & Family Gathering
Join us for an evening of warmth, music, and community as we celebrate the close of the year at our Children’s Winter Celebration & Family Gathering.
Families are invited to enjoy a cozy night together featuring a children’s singing and dance performance, followed by a cheerful holiday party with pizza for the kids and festive drinks for adults.
This celebration is a chance to unwind, laugh, and reflect on the joy and growth our community has shared this season. Come for the music, stay for the company, and let’s welcome the winter season together!
Parent Education
Join us for our next Parent Education Morning, a relaxed and enriching opportunity to connect with our Montessori Guides, enjoy free coffee and treats, and learn more about the principles that shape your child’s experience in the classroom.
This informal gathering offers parents a chance to ask questions, share insights, and deepen understanding of Montessori philosophy and daily practice.
Stay tuned, our January topic will be announced soon!
Parent Education: Kindergarten Program
Join us for our next Parent Education Morning, a relaxed and enriching opportunity to connect with our Montessori Guides, enjoy free coffee and treats, and learn more about the principles that shape your child’s experience in the classroom.
Topic: Kindergarten Program Overview (Morning Session)
For families who weren’t able to attend our evening presentation two weeks ago, we invite you to join us for a morning overview of our Kindergarten Program.
This event offers an opportunity to learn more about our school’s vision for growth as we expand to serve children through lower elementary.
During our time together, we’ll highlight the many benefits of completing the full three-year cycle in the Children’s House and share our plans for launching an Elementary program (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade).
We warmly invite all families to join us as we take these next steps and consider becoming part of our founding Elementary families.
NOTE: The session will also be recorded and shared with families who are unable to attend in person.
Intergenerational Volunteering Coffee & Conversation
Come enjoy coffee, conversation, and connection as we share more about our intergenerational volunteer opportunities.
Grandparents, parents, neighbors, and friends are all welcome to join us for an informal morning gathering where we’ll introduce upcoming ways to get involved — from reading with children and gardening to helping with art, music, and seasonal events.
Whether you’re curious about volunteering once in a while or becoming part of our regular rhythm, this gathering is a chance to meet others, ask questions, and see how your time and talents can enrich our community.
Sign up now: Click Here to complete our Volunteer Form
RSVP: Not required — just bring your curiosity and love of community.
Questions? Contact Hafsah Bakri at hbakri@crossway-community.org for more details.
Speaker Adele Diamond
The Montessori Mind: Neuroscience & Resilience in a Changing World
Paula Lillard Preschlack and The Montessori Potential
Join us for a special event to meet Paula Lillard Preschlack and hear from her new book, The Montessori Potential, How to Foster Independence, Respect, and Joy in Every Child.