Dear Montessori Parents,
 
All of the classrooms at Montessori are filled with exciting activities and a great deal of skill building lessons. One Junior Elementary mom told me about her daughter's desire to research "Ancient Architecture". The student went online to find pictures and information. When she compiled her project she even included a table of contents. Many of the parents have shared signs of growth that they have noticed in their children. It may be vocabulary, grace and courtesy, or indications of independence. Thank you for supporting our work.
 
We owe a great deal of our success this year to our experienced Montessorians. When we have a classroom directress like Maria Rock who has over 10 years of experience and partner her with Katie Beasley who attended Montessori School and has several more years of experience in the classroom, you have a treasure. It is also interesting that they still have an attitude of observing the children in their class to determine what they need in their environment for this particular group of children to succeed. Certainly it helps to have the vast knowledge that they have gained over the years. Thank you to Maria and Katie and all the experienced Montessorians who lead the way and set the pace.
 
Over the next weeks I would like to discuss some of our Montessori materials many of which were designed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago.  Montessori classrooms are divided into subject areas. These areas are filled with neatly arranged materials on low shelves that teach one particular area of education. There are approximately 500 scientifically designed materials that support our philosophy of introducing every concept in every curriculum area with concrete material. I look forward to taking a journey with you through this fascinating world that supports the education of your children.
 
I hope you have gained some insight into your child and his work in your Parent/Teacher conferences. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to spend time with you and your child.
 
Sincerely,
 
Peggy Higgins 

Vicki was originally born in the Philippines and grew up in Japan.  She moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina from San Diego with her wonderful husband who is a Navy Corpsman.  This is Vicki's second year working at MCS.  She holds both AMI primary diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego and birth to six diploma from St. Nicholas Centre in London.  Vicki has taught Montessori in Japan, Seattle and San Diego.  She is very passionate of her work and loves working with children.

Anita is originally from Florida and is now making North Carolina home after retiring from the USMC.  Ms. Anita is assisting Ms. Vicky this year in Primary South.  Since retiring, Ms. Anita has obtained Montessori certification for Primary level, North Carolina Early Childhood Teaching credentials and is currently pursuing her Master's in Education.  Mother of four and caretaker of many pets, Ms. Anita stays busy with various church and volunteer activities.

 

Mrs. Lu P.Amador - Primary South Assistant  

Mrs. Lu P.Amador is a part of Primary South and the after care program. Mrs. Lu grew up in the Philippines. She has been with the MCS for six years. Mrs. Lu has a Master's Degree in Education Administration and she has experience working with children of all ages. Not  only is Mrs. Lu an amazing teacher, she is also a wonderful chef. 

 

Dear Community,

 

I have decided to use my column this week to showcase the Elementary School. The students are doing amazing work and having incredible experiences.  This past week our Lower Elementary class was invited to the Daily News were they toured the facility and learned the interworkings of the Newspaper business.  Along with the newspaper tour the students tossed dough, spread sauce, and piled on cheese at Credo's Pizza.  Not only did they learn the masterful art of pizza making but they also had a lesson in measurement and fractions.  Our Lower elementary students are so excited about there new found freedoms inside and out of the classroom. 

 

The Upper Elementary class has been working incredibly hard this year.  They are currently studying native American heritage and history along with running The Upper Bakery Company.  Two of our students went on a research field trip this past week to the aquarium for a project on fish.  We are so happy that the students are going out into the community and experiencing things first hand.  This type of learning is such an important part of the Upper Elementary curriculum.

 

Thank you,

Shane Terzaken

a.k.a. Mr.T

Editor