Dear Parents,
During these last days of school I keep thinking of all the success we have experienced this school year. We owe that success to great Directresses who created environments that served the needs of the students. Of course, perfect classrooms are not enough. We know that teaching and supporting the needs of the child begins with the family. I have especially enjoyed seeing how positive our parents are with their own children and with the children of their friends and classmates. This dynamic has extended the reach of the Montessori philosophy well beyond the walls of Montessori Children's School.
As a school we can provide a formal education. But schools alone cannot ensure that children will reach their potential. We depend on the partnership with families. This continuity between the home and the school strengthens the quality of education. You help us to achieve this continuity by participating in the provisions for parent involvement.
Thank you for your involvement in school activities. Our families have done such a fabulous job of choosing ways to be involved. In our school setting parents have a choice in volunteering in school related and/or home related activities.
Some of the ways that our families have chosen are: a) participating in governance groups that establish policies and organize fundraising events such as the Board of Directors and the Parent Teacher Organization; b) attending parent-teacher conferences to gain information about the child's progress; c) observing the child in the classroom to obtain first- hand knowledge of his or her pattern of participation; d) volunteering services to the school such as participating in fundraising efforts or preparing instructional material; e) attending parent education sessions, parent-child evenings, International Night, etc. ; f) continuing exploration of the philosophy that supports the Montessori program.
Another category of participation consists of parents working directly with their children at home. In each case, the parent assumes the role of the teacher. Interactive situations at home are so vast that they are beyond comprehension. Some of these include the following: meal times , nutrition, grace and courtesy, dressing, lunches, safety rules, conversation, musical experience, sports and games, cultural activities, travel, gardening, chores and many, many more learning experiences. This attention given in the home environment translates into a child ready to learn in a school environment.
Participation increases parent knowledge of the Montessori program. Deeper understanding seems to lead to gains in support. Maria Montessori recognized that the only valid impulse to learning is the self-motivation of the child. Children move themselves toward learning. We may prepare the environment, may direct the activity, may offer the child stimulation, but it is the child who learns. Thank you for recognizing the need for a supportive environment to protect the child's right to become who they are meant to be.
On Friday we will have our "Bridge Ceremonies."This is another opportunity to recognize students who have come to a watermark in their development. We congratulate all of them on their extraordinary progress. What a pleasure to see this magnificent growth.
Thank you for all you do.
Peggy Higgins
