Hello, Friends. I am writing this on a bus ride back from a 4-day trip to Washington D.C. with our 6th grade students. I’m tired. So are they. 🙂 Some are currently dozed off in their seats, while others giggle at almost anything said. We have seen a lot, walked a lot, and slept a little. Just to give you a quick understanding of how ambitious our itinerary has been, we traveled 8 hours by bus and visited the White House and the Supreme Court. We went on a Capitol building tour, walked the grounds and home of George Washington …
Hard Lessons
Hello Friends, I have a personal story to share. My hope is that it has broader appeal than just sharing my own experience. I also find sharing personal stories an exercise in vulnerability, which in my opinion is always a muscle worth stretching. As many of you know, my wife and I have two children. We have noticed our son (who turned 10 today) becoming more aware of the social dynamics at play during gatherings or sporting events. It seems to matter more if he wins or loses than it did a year ago. How he is “seen” by others …
TNSM’S ABAR Statement
Hello Friends, For the past two years, TNSM has been exploring how our strategic goals align with our mission related to equity and justice. With the help of our community, including staff, students, board, and the parent-led Diversity Committee, we have created an anti-bias/anti-racist statement that will be incorporated into our strategic plan. We are grateful for the time and energy our Diversity Committee chairs (Meredith Dixie/Sarah Corlett) and the rest of the committee members have put into this important work. As we begin our “self-study” for the accreditation process with the American Montessori Society and the Independent Schools of …
Bloom
Dear Friends, As you may have noticed, an email invitation was sent out for you to join the TNSM community at our annual auction party (March 11). This year we will be in Northside at the Factory. I absolutely love this TNSM event. Staff, along with current and alumni families, come together for a truly delightful evening. The insanely talented Montvales will be providing live music, and Eatwell will be serving up delicious bites. A free valet service will be provided as well, so you don’t have to worry about parking! So what are you waiting for? Secure your babysitter, …
“Do not look at my finger, look at the child.”
Hello Friends, At a recent AMS conference there was a lot of discussion around how the Montessori method is particularly suited to foster creativity and innovation during a time when we are asked less and less to think for ourselves (Google searches, AI platforms, etc). Children are naturally curious and creative, but it is imperative that we keep this flame alive into adulthood, not only for our success, but our personal fulfillment as well. At the New School Montessori, we believe that our culture fosters a spirit of discovery and exploration that we hope lasts a lifetime. Montessorians take a constructivist …
Learning Together/Growing Together
TNSM Gala: BLOOM (Saturday, March 11 @6:00 p.m.) Secure your babysitter, save the date, and be prepared to enjoy yourself! Let’s party like a Montessorian! ☺ Join us for one of TNSM’s social highlights of the year! You are invited to have a rockin’ good time while supporting one of your most cherished non-profit organizations; The New School Montessori! This year, we will gather in Northside at The Factory. This gorgeous (very cool) venue is only 10 minutes away from TNSM with valet parking. The event will be catered by Eat well (heavy/delicious apps) and includes the live musical stylings …
The Prepared Adult
Hello Friends, During my training as a Montessori educator, and the years that followed as a (9-12) teacher and lifelong learner, I have always appreciated the emphasis Maria Montessori put on the “Prepared Adult.” In her book The Absorbent Mind, Dr Montessori states, “the real preparation for education is the study of one’s self.” This same sentiment is echoed in educational theorist and author Parker Palmer who claims that it is of the utmost importance for a teacher to know themselves because we teach who we are whether we know it or not. When we become more aware of our …
“The earth goes ’round the sun, the earth goes ’round the sun…”
Hello Friends, I love the end of a calendar year. There is a collective invitation to reflect –to look back on the past 12 months and honor the journey. In our (3-9) programs, when students celebrate their birthday in class, a candle is lit to represent the sun, and the birthday student, holding a globe, walks around the candle as their peers sing, “the earth goes ’round the sun, the earth goes ’round the sun, it takes a year, your birthdays here, the earth goes ’round the sun.” Then for each year the student has been alive, the student pauses …
Our Community
Hello Friends, Our Home The New School Montessori has been serving children and families for 52 years. As an educator who has been a part of the Montessori community for over 20 years, part of which included traveling the country for 9 months, engaging with students and teachers, I have only become more confident that The New School Montessori is one of the best programs in the nation. Not only do we remain the only dually accredited school in the city, (Independent Schools of Associated Central States and the American Montessori Society) but the blended combination of our natural outdoor …
A joyful experience
Hello Friends, We hope everyone had a restorative Thanksgiving break. It was a joy to receive a few emails and texts from families who shared pictures of homemade menus or centerpieces designed by their children. I know I say it all the time, but this community is amazing! This week, in almost perfect timing, the weather has moved past Thanksgiving and definitely turned toward wintery temperatures. Be sure your child dresses appropriately and that you label everything! We could open a small second-hand store with all the lost and found items we will accumulate over the next few months. 🙂 …