Events & Gatherings
Parent Education
Creating Calm and Consistent Bedtime Routines
Join us for a thoughtful, practical Parent Education morning focused on one of the most important rhythms of family life: bedtime.
Together, we’ll explore how simple Montessori inspired routines can support smoother evenings, deeper rest, and greater independence for children. We’ll discuss how consistency, environment, and connection work together to create calm transitions from day to night for the whole family.
Who it’s for
Parents and caregivers of children of all ages. Currently enrolled families and prospective families are welcome. Feel free to invite a friend.
Topics We’ll Explore
• Why predictable routines help children feel safe and secure
• Creating a peaceful bedtime environment
• Montessori aligned strategies for independence at night
• Handling common bedtime challenges with calm and confidence
• How rest supports emotional regulation and learning
Why Families Love Parent Education Mornings
Practical ideas you can use right away at home
A supportive space to ask questions and share experiences
Guidance grounded in child development and Montessori principles
Connection with other families walking a similar journey
What to Expect
Warm conversation, real life examples, and time for questions.
Coffee will be waiting. ☕
Caregiver & Toddler Class
Supporting Toileting Independence
Join us for a warm, supportive morning designed for toddlers and their caregivers. Together, we’ll explore gentle Montessori practices that nurture toileting readiness, body awareness, and independence while connecting with other families in a calm, encouraging environment.
Rather than focusing on pressure or timelines, this class centers on observing readiness cues, preparing the home environment, and building confidence through simple daily routines that respect each child’s natural development.
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.
Topics We’ll Explore
• Recognizing toileting readiness cues and natural timing
• Practical life activities that support self care and coordination
• Creating a toileting friendly home environment
• Encouraging independence with calm routines
• Language and communication around body awareness
Why Families Love It
Gentle, respectful guidance during a big developmental milestone
Practical take home tools that reduce stress and build confidence
A supportive community of caregivers walking through the same season
What to Bring
Comfortable play clothes, a labeled water bottle, extra set of clothes or diapers, and indoor slippers.
Tuition
Free for currently enrolled families
Guest families: $25 participation fee (cash or donation on our Network For Good Page accepted at check in)
RSVP
Asha Gopi • agopi@crossway-community.org
Program Note
We will host three additional toddler focused classes in April, and June.
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 March topic will be announced soon!
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!
Winter Celebration & Family Gathering
Join us in the Great Room on our campus for a cozy evening filled with delicious food, music, and community cheer. We’ll enjoy two kinds of homemade chili (vegetarian and meat), salad, fresh cornbread, and assorted holiday cookies, and we’ll raise a glass to toast the coming new year together.
We’ll gather indoors and out, with firepits glowing on the patio, festive drinks in hand, and a joyful dance party across generations to end the night.
This is a time to slow down, share a meal, and celebrate the season alongside friends, neighbors, and residents. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of warmth, laughter, and connection before winter break.
Tickets & Registration
Ready to celebrate with us? Make a donation through our Network for Good page, and your donation will serve as your RSVP.
Children 12 and under are free.
$25 per adult (ages 13+).
When making your donation as your RSVP, please select Yes when answering:
Is this donation for the Winter Celebration & Family Gathering event?
Please select the donation amount that corresponds to the number of adults in your family:
$25 — 1 adult
$50 — 2 adults
$75 — 3 adults
$100 — 4 adults
Your contribution helps us cover the food, supplies, and staffing needed to host these meaningful community experiences. This celebration supports our school, garden, and intergenerational programming, allowing us to bring children, families, and residents together in ways that nurture belonging, creativity, and joy.
We are creating this vibrant community together.
RSVP with Your Donation Now →
Children's Winter Farmers Market
Join us in the Back Garden for a joyful, child-centered Winter Farmers Market filled with cozy food, handmade goods, and seasonal activities for the whole family.
Children and guides have been busy preparing a beautiful selection of winter offerings, gingerbread muffins, cinnamon ornaments, simmer pots, holiday cards, wreaths, rosemary trees, and more. All items are made with care and support our school.
Alongside the marketplace, families can enjoy:
All-you-can-eat waffles with fresh berries
Hot cocoa + complimentary coffee
S’mores around the firepits
Weaving activities and crafts
Books on blankets + outdoor play
Warm up by the fire, sip something sweet, make a s’more, and enjoy time together in community.
Proceeds from the market help fund our garden, outdoor classroom, and special events. Your participation keeps these experiences thriving, thank you for supporting our children and this unique model of learning and living together.
We hope to see you there! Bring your friends, neighbors, and grandparents for a cozy morning!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.