Parent Education

Your children thrive when we are in partnership with each other. In support of this partnership we offer an array of parent education on topics including child development, Montessori, and parenting. It is our expectation that families will attend the parent education opportunities that are relevant to their child’s age.

In addition we highly recommend the Silent Journey & Discovery parent education event for all Toddler,
Primary, and Elementary families.

Please browse the Parent Education offerings below, RSVP, and Reserve Childcare. Thank you!

Whole School

Toddler

Primary

Elementary

Middle School

New Parent Orientation

New families who start in 2026 are welcome to come to an orientation in August. We will provide an orientation closer to your start date if you are not able to attend.

@ Milwaukie

  • Aug 25, 8:45-10:15 a.m.
  • New Milwaukie Toddler & Primary Parents Only
RSVP for Milwaukie – New Toddler & Primary Only

@ Woodstock

  • Aug 24, 8:45-10:15 a.m.
  • Aug 27, 3:15-4:45 p.m. (This session will be followed by an Open House Wine & Cheese Reception for all of our families.)
  • New Woodstock Toddler, Primary, and Elementary Parents Only
RSVP for Woodstock

Our New Parent Orientation is required for all new Toddler, Primary, and Elementary parents (adults only). Middle School orientation occurs at Back to School night.

New parents will meet with Cathy Head of School, and Caitlin S. Program Manager, for an orientation to Sunstone Montessori and our important policies and procedures.

We encourage both parents to attend if possible, however only one parent per family needs to attend. Sunstone is not able to provide childcare for this event. Please RSVP above for the session that works for you.

Going Out Chaperone Training

@ Woodstock

  • Sept 28, 2:30-3:00 p.m.
  • Oct 1, 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Sign Up for a Training– Coming Soon

Elementary children use their newly developing powers of reason and imagination to explore not only the world they can experience directly, but further, to explore everything that was too long ago or is too small, too big, or too abstract to observe, and to ask big questions such as: “How did it begin? Why? Where is it leading? What is its purpose?” Inspired by the evocative ‘Great Lessons’ from their Guide, students choose and carry out work independently and cooperatively, learning to balance freedom and responsibility as they track their work, set goals, follow their interests, and engage in explorations both inside and outside the classroom.

Explorations outside of the classroom are supported through our Going Out program. When a child or a small group of children has exhausted the classroom resources, they need to “go out” into the world to find more information. This could take the form of interviewing an expert, going to a museum, visiting a specific location, or going behind the scenes at a business, the zoo, or restaurant.

Throughout the year, parent drivers and chaperones are needed to support our Elementary Going Out program. Drivers and chaperones are required to attend a Going Out Chaperone Training session (good for three years), undergo a criminal background check, and submit a copy of their driver’s license and insurance.

Please click above to choose a training session that works with your schedule. Thank you!

Back to School Night for Toddler, Primary, & Elementary Parents

@ Woodstock & Milwaukie (Toddler, Primary, & Elementary)

  • Sept 17
    • 5:45-6:15 p.m. Pizza Dinner for adults (optional)
    • 6:15-7:15 p.m. Back to School Night in the classrooms
    • 5:45-7:15 p.m. Childcare by reservation, includes pizza dinner
RSVP Back to School Night & Pizza Dinner – Coming Soon
Reserve Childcare (ages 3+ only) – Coming Soon
  • Childcare
    • $10/currently enrolled Sunstone student, Primary (age 3) or older
    • We do not provide childcare for toddlers at our evening events.
    • Childcare includes pizza dinner.
    • Childcare space is limited. First-come, first-served.

Attendance at Back to School Night is expected of at least one parent/guardian per family (returning and new). Back to School Night is an important evening for parents that will give you an overview of the year from your child’s Guide. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet your room parents and other parents in your child’s classroom. We provide limited childcare by reservation, first-come, first-served.

Pizza Dinner: You are welcome to join us on campus for a slice of pizza before Back to School Night begins. Woodstock parents meet in the courtyard. Milwaukie parents meet in the Middle School outdoor patio.

RSVP and reserve childcare (above). Thank you!

Back to School Night for Middle School

@ Milwaukie

  • August 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
RSVP Middle School Back to School Night & Pizza Dinner- Coming Soon

Middle School parents please join Peter Oviatt and Kristen Sevier in the Middle School classroom for an important overview of the year, including our food program, tech policy, and daily logistics. This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents in your student’s classroom.

Attendance at Back to School Night is expected of at least one parent/guardian per family. If possible, please find alternate plans for your child. If this isn’t possible, they can come with a book or an activity to do. The night is designed for parents/caregivers. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of our program, go over the handbook, and answer questions.

If you are unable to attend, please reach out to Peter. Thank you.

Conferences

@ Woodstock & Milwaukie

  • Fall: Thursday, October 29 & Friday, October 30
  • Spring: Thursday, March 11 & Friday, March 12
  • School Closures
    • Conference Thursdays: NO SCHOOL for Primary, Elementary, or Middle School programs. All Toddler programs will be open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
    • Conference Fridays: NO SCHOOL, All Programs Closed

Parent-Guide conferences are scheduled twice a year—once in the fall and again in the spring. Returning and new parents are expected to attend both conferences. Additional conferences can be scheduled with the Guide as the need arises.

The school provides a single conference time for each child. Please coordinate your schedules and sign up for one conference slot per child.

Conferences are for adults only (except Middle School where the parent(s) and student will meet with the Guides). There is NO SCHOOL during conference days as delineated above. Sunstone provides free childcare, for currently enrolled students, during your conference slot.

During the conferences, your child’s Guide may share your child’s work with you, report on his or her personal and academic development, and discuss any other relevant issues. Feel free to ask questions and bring up any issues or concerns you might have.

Conference sign-ups will be available in the Communications as the dates near.

Silent Journey and Discovery

@ Woodstock

  • Friday, Jan 22, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
  • & Saturday, Jan 23, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
  • Only 25 spaces!
  • Cost: $15 per person
  • Includes lunch on Saturday
  • Sorry, childcare is not available.
Reserve Your Spot – Coming Sooon

This is the NUMBER ONE, most recommended parent education event of the year!

Silent Journey & Discovery Parent Testimonials

Silent Journey & Discovery Photo Essay

The Silent Journey and Discovery is an unforgettable experience hosted by the Sunstone Guides, Program Director Caitlin Sweeney, and Head of School Cathy Elliott! This event brings an unparalleled understanding of what Montessori is, from the environment, to the materials, to the curriculum, to the culture of the classroom and, perhaps most intriguing, how Montessori meets your child exactly where they are and supports their individual growth and development over time from Toddler all the way through Upper Elementary! The Silent Journey & Discovery allows the adult to come as close as possible to seeing through the eyes of the child, understanding how the Montessori child spends their days in the classroom, and how they learn and develop academically, emotionally, and socially.

On Friday evening, parents take a “Silent Journey” of observation through the classroom environments, followed by group discussion. This evening is quite powerful in it’s simplicity and sets the stage and perspective for the “Discovery” portion on Saturday, when we return for a hands-on learning experience, at every program level. Participants are often surprised at what they discover about themselves, their child, and the social and cognitive frameworks of the Montessori environment.

Participants must plan to attend both sessions as it is an experience that builds upon itself. We hope you will treat yourself to the Silent Journey & Discovery. It’s a gift of clarity that keeps on giving.

Reserve Your Spot – Coming Soon

Primary Classroom Sharing

  • Oct 22 & Feb 10
  • @ Woodstock & Milwaukie, 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Primary Classroom Sharing is a window into your child’s experience at Sunstone.

Parents of students in Primary classrooms are welcome to come visit your child’s classroom with your child and let them be your guide. They may give you a tour, they may show you materials they enjoy working with, and they may even give you a lesson. Please come anytime in the event window, 4:00-6:00 p.m. We suggest allowing at least 30 minutes for your visit.

NO RSVP Required.

Elementary Presentation Day

  • April 16
    • Upper Elementary 1:00-3:00 p.m.
    • Lower Elementary 2:00-3:00 p.m.

This is a day you DO NOT want to miss! It’s truly one of the best days of the year. The elementary classrooms are like a fair and the elementary students present lessons to you!  You can go to as many “booths” as you like and get as many different lessons as you wish.

Elementary Presentation Day is a fantastic day of learning and fun. It is a great way to get your hands on some Montessori elementary materials as well as gain insight into the elementary curriculum’s vast spectrum of information and creativity. See you there!

NO RSVP Required.

Toddler Parent Education

@ Woodstock (Meet in the Green House next to the playground)

  • Nov 19, 3:30-5:00 p.m. – Topic TBD
  • May 19, 3:30-5:00 p.m. – Topic TBD

These events are recommended for families with Toddlers.

Please join the Toddler Guides Kate, Peiyu, and Caitlin for discussions on topics relevant to every toddler parent such as toileting, power struggles, and facilitating independence.

We’ll explore what’s happening developmentally during this stage and share practical tips and strategies for navigating common toddler moments such as strong emotions and growing autonomy. There will also be plenty of time for questions and shared discussion.

This is a great opportunity to gain helpful tools, connect with other parents, and leave feeling more confident about the toddler years.

Toddler parent education events are held during the day while the toddlers are still in the classroom. No childcare needed.

Please click below to RSVP. Thank you!

RSVP for Toddler Parent Education – Coming Soon

Parent Education with the Primary Guides 

@ Woodstock

  • Oct 1, 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Topic TBD
  • May 20, 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Topic TBD

Please join the Primary Guides Peyton, Blair, Delia, and Lia for discussions on topics relevant to the Primary age child, their developmental needs and how to support them at home.

Topics will be announced as the dates near.

Please click below to RSVP and reserve childcare. Thank you!

  • For students not in Aftercare – childcare is provided at $5/currently enrolled Sunstone student, Primary or older (age 3+).
  • Childcare space is limited. First-come, first-served.
RSVP & Reserve Childcare – Coming Soon

Parent Education with the Elementary Guides

@ Woodstock

  • Feb 18, 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Topic TBD

Please join the Elementary Guides Brea, Daphney, and Pete for a discussion on topics relevant to the Elementary age child, their developmental needs and/or how to support them at home.

Topics will be announced as the dates near.

Please click below to RSVP and reserve childcare. Thank you!

  • Childcare space is limited. First-come, first-served.
  • For students not in Aftercare – childcare is provided at $5/currently enrolled Sunstone student, Primary or older (age 3+).
RSVP & Reserve Childcare – Coming Soon

Introduction to Montessori Elementary

@ Woodstock

  • Oct 15, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

This event is recommended for new Elementary parents and 2nd-3rd year Primary parents.

What is the Montessori Elementary program all about? Join our Elementary Guides, Brea, Daphney, and Pete, for an overview of the Montessori Elementary program. This is a great opportunity to learn why our Elementary program is perfectly suited to the developmental growth of your second plane child (ages 6-12).

Please click below to RSVP and reserve childcare. Thank you!

  • For students not in Aftercare – childcare is provided at $5/currently enrolled Sunstone student, Primary or older (age 3+).
  • Childcare space is limited. First-come, first-served.
RSVP & Reserve Childcare – Coming Soon

Transition and Intro to Montessori Middle School

@ Milwaukie

  • Nov 19, 6:00-7:15 p.m.

This presentation is recommended for all Elementary parents and new Middle School parents, but anyone interested is welcome to join.

What is the Montessori Middle School program all about? Join our Middle School Guides, Peter and Kristen for an overview of the Montessori Middle School program. This is a great opportunity to see the Middle School environment and learn why our Middle School is perfectly suited to the developmental growth of adolescents.

Please click below to RSVP and reserve childcare.

  • Childcare is provided at $5/currently enrolled Sunstone student, Primary or older (age 3+) . 
  • We do not provide childcare for toddlers at our evening events.
  • Childcare space is limited. First-come, first-served.
RSVP & Reserve Childcare -Coming Soon

Parent Education with the Middle School Guides

@ Milwaukie

  • Feb 25, 6:00-7:15 p.m.

Middle School parents are invited to join Guides, Peter and Kristen, for discussions on topics relevant to every Middle School parent. Topics and details will be emailed out as the dates near.

State of the School Address

On Zoom (link will be emailed out as the date nears)

  • December 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how the school operates behind the scenes—how decisions are made,
how resources are managed, or what guides our vision for the future? This is your chance to find
out.

Please join us on Zoom on Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. for our annual State of the
School Address, hosted by the Board of Trustees. Together, we’ll take a closer look at the
school’s finances, review short- and long-term goals, and learn more about who the Board
members are and the vital role they play in supporting our community.

This evening offers a meaningful opportunity to better understand the direction of the school and
to have your questions answered directly by those helping to guide its course.

A Zoom link will be emailed as the date approaches. We hope you’ll mark your calendars and plan
to join us for this important conversation about where we are and where we’re headed.