Dear Parents,

I have the pleasure of seeing so many parents at our school do so many things so well! It is not a simple task in our modern world to be a parent.  What are these challenges?

·         Managing exposure to technology

·         Teaching self-discipline

·         Helping our children feel safe in the natural world

·         Choosing the right diet

·         Maintaining good health

·         Making choices about special interest or classes

·         Teaching grace and courtesy

One decision you have made is to be a Montessori family. This means that you recognize the importance of the child's environment at school and at home. At Montessori school we have a commitment to an environment that supports the child's physical, emotional, and social needs. We believe that this path will lead to the full development of intellect and will support a lifelong love of learning.

We discourage your child's excessive exposure to television, fast food, video games, and Ipods and believe it will hinder their success if not used in moderation.  We do know that true Montessori activities incorporate a child's ability to manipulate real objects in order to freely explore using all of his or her senses. In the Montessori community, both parents and teachers are divided on the appropriateness of young children using new technology activities rather than real hands-on materials that require physical movement and social interaction.

Dr. Montessori taught us the importance of educating the child's senses. We all are impacted by real life experiences whether it be hearing a beautiful symphony orchestra or having a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Both of these sensory experiences will forever be etched in our sensory memory.

It seems that the simple things in life that are available to all of us are the most important to children. Children want to have meaningful work that makes them important to the family unit. Folding laundry, helping set the table or raking leaves are all joyful tasks for the child. They want to be included in the responsibilities of family and school life. They are dependent on us to model and teach social responsibility and decorum. This paves the road to self-discipline and a happy life.

Our decisions affect the life of the child. I support you for all the decisions you make to meet the challenges of our modern life. I am made more hopeful about the future of the world when I see so many examples of children who are given extraordinary environments that support healthy and happy lives. Thank you for the time and energy you give to your family life.

Many thanks,

Peggy Higgins