Summer Homework & Supply Lists - Wilmington Montessori School

Pre-Primary (Toddler)

2025-26 Pre-Primary (Toddler) Supply List

Dear Pre-Primary Families,

Below is a list of items you will need to bring to school on or before the first day. We will store them safely in the classroom and update you when your child’s supplies need to be replenished. Please be sure to label all belongings with your child’s first name and last initial.

All our best,
The Pre-Primary Teaching Team

Supply List

Extra clothing - Two or three complete changes of clothes that include seasonally appropriate shirts and pants, socks, underwear, and a light sweater or sweatshirt in case they feel cold. (Please send in additional pairs of pants and underwear for students learning how to use the toilet.)
Rain boots - For playing outside in the rain or exploring the creek.
Toddler-sized bookbag and a lunch box - The goal is that your child will be able to carry these items independently.
Package of diapers
Package of wipes
Washable cloth nap mat and non-permeable bag - Rest mats and bags can be purchased through WMS by clicking here and completing the form. Rest mats and bags purchased together are $40, and additional bags are $5.
Sunscreen, bug repellant, diaper cream, etc., if necessary - A Medication Administration Record (MAR) will need to be completed for these types of items.

Primary (3-6)

2025-26 Primary (3-6) Supply List

Dear Primary Families,

Below is a list of items that your child should bring to class on or before the first day of school. Please note that because your child’s classroom is a multi-age classroom, this request is split into three categories. Please be sure to label belongings with your child’s first name and last initial.

All our best,
The Primary Team

Supplies for ALL Primary Students

Backpack small enough to fit inside a locker (approx. 6 inches wide and 11 inches deep) or cubby, but large enough to hold a folder, lunchbox, water bottle and small miscellaneous items. Please keep in mind that some backpacks are difficult for children to use if they are too large for their bodies. Backpacks should comfortably fit a child according to their size. Here is a helpful sizing guide for children’s backpacks.
Lunchbox small enough to fit inside a locker or cubby (maximum width 10 inches and depth 5 inches)
Set of reusable eating utensils (include in their lunchbox every day)
Two complete changes of clothing including underwear, pants/shorts, shirt, socks, hat, a sweater or sweatshirt, and an extra pair of shoes (Velcro or slip-on preferred) to keep at school
Pair of rubber boots for the playground and for walks through the woods (to be kept at school)
Water bottle (for outdoor use) - Please make sure that your child is able to open and close their water bottle independently. Water bottles that provide a covered straw with a lid are the best options.

Supplies for Preschool-Age Students Only (Non-Kindergartners)

Supplies for Kindergartners Only

Lower Elementary (6-9)

2025-26 Lower Elementary Supply List & Summer Homework
(For students entering grades 1-3)

If you have questions, please contact Lower Elementary (6-9) Lead Teacher Melissa Connelly.

Human Innovation - Design or Create

During the 2025-26 school year, we will be considering some of the ideas found within Montessori’s Great Lesson “The Coming of Humans.”

Human innovation has come in many forms, from language and agriculture to architecture and city design, technology and economics to contributions to art and beauty. How do we stand on the footsteps of the many accomplished humans before us, and where are we headed in the future?

We are asking students to share something they were a part of designing or creating this summer. This could be a photo or another representation of a food item they helped make, a birthday cake they decorated, a sandcastle or Lego construction, a garden they helped plant, a painting or story they wrote, a craft, a song they’ve learned how to play on an instrument, or any other way they’ve used their creativity and knowledge to help make something.

Please bring at least one photo or easily-transported project your child has designed on the first day of school to share with the group as we learn more about each other!

Summer Reading

Each 6-9 student is expected to read or be read to for 20 minutes at least five times per week.

While children may choose any books that spark their interest, the New Castle County Library offers a list of suggested books, specific to grade. An updated list for K-12 schools can be found here. The public library is a wonderful place to find a great selection of books (for free!) and to participate in their summer reading programs. You can also borrow downloaded books in several formats, including Kindle and iPad. Scholastic Book Wizard is also a helpful tool for selecting books and determining the reading level.

Math Review

All incoming 6-9 students will benefit from continuing to practice addition and subtraction. Incoming third-years may also practice multiplication facts. Math facts can be practiced online, as a game, with flashcards, workbooks or however you prefer.

The Summer Math Skills Sharpener series is a good screen-free option for multi-skill math practice. This can be ordered online at www.summerskills.com. The book publishers recommend that parents/guardians purchase workbooks at the grade level the student just completed. If your child encounters a math problem or skill they do not know, please skip it.

Supply List

Below is a list of items that 6-9 students are expected to bring to school on the first day. Please write your child's name on each item.

Five folders with bottom pockets
Plastic clipboard with flat clip (found on Amazon or something similar)
Classroom sketchbook (can continue to use the one from last year)
Additional 9x12-inch sketchbook for art class (can continue to use the one from last year)
Plug-in headphones
Small backpack (lockers are 6 inches wide by 11 inches deep)

Outdoor Learning

Complete change of clothing (including underwear, pants, shirt and socks)
Extra sweater or sweatshirt to be left at school
Poncho or raincoat to be left at school
Mud boots or outdoor shoes for the playground

Lunch

Reusable lunch box
Reusable water bottle
Reusable silverware (available on Amazon)

Upper Elementary (9-12)

2025-26 Summer Homework & Supply List
(For students entering grades 4-6)

We hope your break is off to a great start! Summer is an excellent time to play and explore the world around you while also taking time to relax and rejuvenate. Keeping reading and math as part of your routine will help reinforce what you learned this past year and prepare you for next year.

Please contact Lauralee Derksen with any questions.

Summer Reading

Required Books

All students are required to read and be prepared to discuss:

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly
Winner of the Newbery Medal
2024 National Book Award Finalist
New York Times Bestseller
2025 Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable List

“When 12-year-old Michael Rosario meets a mysterious boy from the future, his life is changed forever. From bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly, also the winner of the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, this novel explores themes of family, friendship, trust, and forgiveness." - Amazon

The Story of Salt by Mark Kurlansky
"From the team that created the ALA Notable Book The Cod's Tale comes the fascinating history of salt, which has been the object of wars and revolutions and is vital for life. Based on Mark Kurlansky's critically acclaimed bestseller Salt: A World History, this handsome picture book explores every aspect of salt: The many ways it's gathered from the earth and sea; how ancient emperors in China, Egypt, and Rome used it to keep their subjects happy; why salt was key to the Age of Exploration; what salt meant to the American Revolution; and even how the search for salt eventually led to oil. Along the way, you'll meet a Celtic miner frozen in salt, learn how to make ketchup, and even experience salt's finest hour: Gandhi's famous Salt March." - Amazon

The Story of Salt will be a jumping off point for cultural lessons and discussions.

Two Additional Books / Book Presentation

In addition to The First State of Being and The Story of Salt, everyone must read two books from different genres. Students will choose one book to present to the class at the start of the school year. Books will be shared through creative presentations prepared during the first weeks of school. The book criteria are included in below. Books may be purchased or borrowed from the local library. It is highly recommended that students have the book with them while completing their projects at the start of the year. We encourage reading in any capacity, whether students read alone, with parents or siblings, with an audiobook or have books read to them.

Book Talk Criteria
Read two books from different genres. Possible genres include:

Autobiography
Biography
Classic
Fantasy
Historical fiction
Memoir
Mystery/suspense
Mythology
Poetry anthology/collection
Informational
Realistic fiction
Science fiction
Short-story collection
Sports novel
Adventure

For each of the two books, fill out an index card with the following information:

Title
Author
Genre
Main characters
Basic plot including the main problem and the most interesting parts - DO NOT ruin the ending!

Be prepared to present your books at the start of the year. You will choose ONE book to present in front of the class, but should have index cards for both. Think about why you loved or didn’t love the book. It is helpful to have the book available for others to see, if possible.

Practicing Math Facts

Practicing your math skills a few times weekly will help you retain what you have learned throughout the year and increase your math fact fluency. The focus for the summer should be multiplication facts, fours through nines. Practice math in everyday situations like calculating how much water ice will cost for the whole family or tallying and graphing how many snacks you eat in a week or month. Be creative and come up with your own ideas as well.

Lauralee has set up a classroom through Khan Academy. It includes individual practice for each grade level. The link and class code are listed below. Please go to the link, enter the class code, set up your account, and start practicing.

Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/join/EAMUM9AD
WMS Welcome to the 9-12 Class
Class code: EAMUM9AD

How to join a Khan Academy class:

1. Go to https://www.khanacademy.org/join
2. Enter your class code EAMUM9AD and press “Add.”
3. If you don’t already have an account, press “Create a new account.” Enter your date of birth, then sign up using Google, your school email or by creating a username.
4. Enter your grade and course. Now you’re ready to start learning!

Supply List

Below is a list of items that 9-12 students are expected to bring to school on the first day. Please write your child's name on each item.

Binder, Case-it or Trapper Keeper
Two graph-ruled composition books (for math and geometry
Protractor & compass for geometry
Two wide-ruled composition books (for writing, grammar and journaling)
Three two-pocket folders
Pencils for personal use
Pack of dry-erase markers (whichever size your child prefers)
Post-It Notes
Headphones (Students will have individual Chromebooks and shared iPads.)
Water bottle (daily)

Specials Classes

0.5-inch binder for Spanish
3x5-inch index cards (one pack) for Spanish
One-subject notebook for Spanish
9x12-inch sketchbook for art class (can continue to use one from last year)

Outdoor Learning

Complete set of extra clothes
An extra sweatshirt or jacket, depending on the season (to be left at school)
Seasonal boots (to be left at school)

Overnight Trip - Note for Parents

If you think you may be interested in chaperoning the 9-12 and Middle School overnight trip in late September, please consider completing your required fingerprints/background check during the summer. Our overnight trip will be September 25-26, and often it takes several weeks for clearances to come through.

For details on fingerprinting, please email Barb Trotto, Human Resources Specialist, at barb_trotto@wmsde.org.

Middle School

2025-26 Middle School Summer Homework & Supply List
(For students entering seventh and eighth grades)

Please contact Lead Middle School Teacher Emma Mulrine for further information.

Summer Reading

This summer, you will read two books:

1. Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
Synopsis: This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen. They were all too busy—Talking about boogers. Stealing pocket change. Skateboarding. Wiping out. Braving up. Executing complicated handshakes. Planning an escape. Making jokes. Lotioning up. Finding comfort. But mostly, too busy walking home. Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.

2. A personal choice novel
If you need suggestions for your choice novel, Emma has included a list of some of her favorite books and books that she is planning to read this summer. Remember, the public library is a great resource to find books, including audiobooks and books for a Kindle or iPad. The Middle School class went on a field trip to a library this past year, and all students got their own teen library card!

Please see below for the assignment directions for both novels.

Look Both Ways Directions
Personal Choice Novel Directions

Look Both Ways Directions

Personal Choice Novel Directions

You will read a novel of your choosing (suggestions below, but you are free to choose any book you'd like!) and complete a book project. Please see the attached project guide for a list of options. Be prepared to share your project and talk about the book you chose with the class when we return to school.

Books Emma loves:

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
The Book Thief by Markus Zusac
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jared Shusterman
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Books Emma plans to read this summer:

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

Summer Math Work

We recommend that you keep practicing your math skills this summer for short periods each week. Emma has set up a classroom in Khan Academy for the “Basic Geometry and Measurement” course: www.khanacademy.org/join/8NE6FQTU

If you come across material that is unfamiliar or too challenging, that’s OK. Just do your best with what you know, and we will jump back in when school begins again.

Join the class here.

Supply List

Five three-hole punched folders
One binder
One spiral-bound notebook with three sections
One notebook for math
3x5-inch index cards
Pens and pencils
Earbuds or headphones (students will be assigned Chromebooks and iPads)
Pack of dry-erase markers (whichever size your child prefers)

Specials

One notebook and one folder for Spanish
0.5-inch binder for Spanish
One composition notebook for music
0.5-inch binder for Maker (STEAM) Studio
9x12-inch sketchbook for art class (can continue to use one from last year)

Outdoor Learning

Complete set of extra clothes
Boots (to be left at school)

Overnight Trips - Note for Parents

If you think you may be interested in chaperoning the 9-12 and Middle School overnight trip in late September, or the Middle School trip later in the year, please consider completing your required fingerprints/background check during the summer. Our overnight trip will be September 25-26, and often it takes several weeks for clearances to come through.

For details on fingerprinting, please email Barb Trotto, Human Resources Specialist, at barb_trotto@wmsde.org.