As the seasons change and the world is new again we see the classroom atmosphere arrive at a level of harmony that is a pleasure to behold.  A vibrant, peaceful  hum continues through the morning work cycle.  Each classroom group of students has established relationships and shared experiences.

We see daily examples of children who act with regard to the needs of others before fulfilling their own personal needs.  We see students exercising patience and self-control when a sought after activity is already being used. We often see children helping a classmate. The children delight in celebrating their classmates' individual achievements.

The Montessori method teaches us to observe these examples of the child's true nature. Children have a strong need to show care and concern for one another. Children never hold a grudge. They are conciliatory and will absolve one another in an expression of unconditional love. We have much to learn from them about building peace and cooperative social relations. I learn something new from them everyday.

In the Stepping Stones and Children's House Primary classrooms the children internalize their motto, "be gentle with your friends and with yourself." In the curriculum for elementary students , Dr. Montessori gives us a beautiful lesson, "The Great River," the sixth Great Lesson, which can be the framework for the history of human cooperation. This lesson lays the groundwork forteachingthe value of social cooperation andsolidarity in the school and in the community.

I would like to thank you for the support you give to the spirit of Montessori Children's School and Montessori education. We appreciate the commitment you made to  participate fully in the experience and to support and subscribe to the procedures and policies of the school. We know we ask a great deal of you. We ask you to participate in orientation, international night , parent conferences, parent and child night and much more. Doing all of this so that you and your child will not only have wonderful memories of good times together but will benefit from being involved.

Another way in which we get to know each other is through our volunteer commitments. Your volunteer hours are essential to the smooth running and cost effective management of our school.We depend on you for our presence in the community. Our greatest marketing tool is word of mouth or having people in the community observe you and your children and knowing that you exemplify the qualities that they treasure.

This school year the efforts of our"Night Down in Motown" raised$54,000. We have had over $40,000 in donations.  We have full enrollmentand a stellar reputation in the community. These results are generated by a group of families whoare in full support of the school. These results  are generatedby people who knowhow to work together for a cause while respecting the needs of other.  These results are generated by families who have arrived at a level of harmony that is a pleasure to behold.

Thank you for understanding the importance of human cooperation in our community.

Sincerely,

Peggy Higgins

Congratulations to Bethany Palmer who just received her Teaching Diploma from International Montessori for Lower Elementary Teacher Training Program.

PTO Meeting

Thursday, April 22,2010

3:30 PM

Daycare provided-Sign up sheet in office