Middleburg Montessori School

06/17/2026

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The rumors are true!!!

Evan and Meaghan Malone, familiar to many as part of the family behind Magnolias at the Mill, Tuscarora Mill, and Fire Works Pizza, are bringing a new hospitality concept to downtown Leesburg. Alongside Evan’s mother, Kathleen Malone, they have officially purchased 5 & 7 N. King Street, the longtime home of Downtown Saloon and, before that, Payne’s Biker Bar. Following Downtown Saloon's final day of service after July 4, the property will undergo a full renovation to transform the space into a traditional Irish pub, with a name and additional details to be announced in the coming months.

The project fulfills a dream shared by Evan and his late father, Kevin Malone, who always envisioned opening an authentic Irish pub in the heart of Leesburg. Inspired by their shared love of Ireland, community, and genuine hospitality, the new pub will pay tribute to Kevin’s legacy while creating a welcoming gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Together, Evan, Meaghan, and Kathleen look forward to bringing a little piece of Ireland to downtown Leesburg and adding a new chapter to the Malone family's longstanding commitment to hospitality in Loudoun County.

Renovations are expected to take place throughout the summer, with plans to welcome guests in Fall 2026.

Learn more and sign up for email updates at magnoliasmill.com/irish-pub

06/17/2026

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06/17/2026

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A gentle reminder:
Toddlers say no.
They have big emotions.
And (although it’s difficult at times…) you don’t have to REACT when you respond.

Saying no is developmentally normal—it’s part of growing up, building identity, and learning they are separate from the adults.

Yes, it can be frustrating. I’ve been there too. As a guide, as a parent—we all feel it.

But here’s the thing: when we rephrase our language, offer choices, and meet the emotion without matching it… we help them grow and we keep our peace.

They’re not being difficult. They’re becoming.

06/16/2026

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Happy Summer! 🎉 The 2026-2027 school year is still open for opportunities! VAIS member schools don't just offer jobs—they offer community, continuous professional growth, a trusted standard of educational excellence, and the autonomy to truly make a difference in students' lives.

Ready to see what’s out there?
👇 Click the link below to browse our career center and take the next step in your journey!
🔗 https://careercenter.vais.org/jobseekers/

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

The Montessori three-year cycle is one of the most beautiful and important parts of the Children’s House (Primary) experience. Rather than moving children to a new classroom each year, Montessori allows them to remain with the same guide, community, and prepared environment for three full years. This consistency gives children time to settle deeply, build trust, repeat meaningful work, and grow at their own developmental pace.

In the first year, children are explorers. They are learning routines, building independence, and observing older classmates. In the second year, they become experimenters. Their confidence builds, choosing more complex work and deepening friendships. By the third year, they step into leadership. They are mastering skills, mentoring younger children, and moving toward more abstract academic understanding.

This final year is often when everything comes together. The lessons, repetition, concentration, and community life of the first two years blossom into confidence and responsibility. The three-year cycle is not just a classroom structure; it is a carefully designed path that honors the whole child and allows growth to unfold naturally over time.

06/12/2026

Creative expression through art is an important part of the Montessori experience. In the classroom, children are given opportunities to explore a variety of materials, colors, textures, and techniques in ways that encourage imagination and self-expression. Rather than focusing on perfect results, Montessori art invites children to enjoy the process of creating, experimenting, and discovering.

Through painting, drawing, sculpting, cutting, and other hands-on activities, children strengthen fine motor skills, concentration, and coordination. Art also allows children to communicate thoughts and emotions in meaningful ways while developing an appreciation for beauty and creativity in the world around them.

Each piece of artwork reflects the individuality of the child and reminds us that creativity flourishes when children are given the freedom to explore and create with joy.

06/11/2026

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Just a reminder:
The work you’re doing matters.
Sometimes we can feel uninspired. Sometimes it feels like we’re working on the same things over and over again. That’s normal.
The children change. The community changes. The needs of the classroom change.
Just because something isn’t going smoothly today doesn’t mean it won’t look different tomorrow. Every day is a new day.
Keep observing. Keep making adjustments. Keep moving forward.
The small things you do each day add up, and they make a difference.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

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The Lemonade Stand LIVE concert series kicks off at Franklin Regional Park on Thursday, June 25 at 10:30 am with Jumpin’ Jamie. Begin your day with this Kindie Rock concert for kids of all ages. Tickets are FREE; register in advance to get a FREE bucket hat and bring your own cups for free lemonade and water. After the concert, stay for activities. Questions? Call us 540-338-7603 or 540-338-7973.
https://bit.ly/LemonadeStandLive