Happy August!  It is the time of year when feelings of excitement, hope, and expectations of possibility fill us as we plan for the new school year to begin.  It is also the beginning of the 2013-14 OMA membership year.  Remember to renew  your membership on our OMA Shop Page or send in your renewal form via mail to continue to receive member benefits throughout the year.  Even if your school is not a member, you can become an individual member.   And, if you would like to volunteer, or if you have an article you would like included in OMA's Forza Vitale! publication please contact OMA - we would love to hear from you.

Corvallis Montessori School is hosting the Willamette Valley area workshop on Monday, August 26th.  Register through OMA here.

Portland Montessori School is hosting the Portland area Assistant Workshop

Saturday, September 21st at the Providence Childcare Center. 
Register through OMA here.

This year we are encouraging schools to send their staff in teams - as guide and assistant - so that they may participate in breakout sessions for planning their strategies for their working relationship in the classroom.  All teaching levels are welcome!

Melissa Harbert, Executive Director of Lewis and Clark Public Charter Montessori School, was interviewed by Dave Miller for Oregon Public Broadcasting's program "Think Out Loud."  The program was aired on Friday, August 2nd in conjunction with the 2013 International Montessori Congress.  Click here to listen.
 
Read Vina Kay's latest post, "What is Education For?", from her blog, Opine Season.  Vina is one of the co-collaborators for the in-progress documentary, "Building the Pink Tower."

~ School Update: Submitted by Regional Representative, Louise Wilson ~
 
Sunnyside Montessori in Bend, currently the only lower elementary program in Bend, is collaborating with Bend Montessori to expand their program for ages 3 - 9.  This was a very easy and and natural way to grow because Bend Montessori is two blocks away, and both programs are committed to an authentic Montessori experience for all children.  Bend Montessori was founded in 1999 and has become one of area's most popular pre-school programs.  It offers a half-day and full-day programs.  Sunnyside Montessori began two years ago, has doubled in enrollment, and will begin offering a program for ages 6 - 9 this fall.  The school is moving to a larger space in the First United Methodist Church in downtown Bend.  If you are ever in the area, please come by and visit either program.  Call Jessica Born at Sunnyside Montessori:  541.678.3248.