Page 8 - 2019 Observations ~ The Montessori School
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ur search began over seven years An Oasis looked her in the eyes and shook her hand. I im-
ago. Our little Christine was ready mediately felt that I had left her in good hands. As
for preschool, and we wanted a very of Learning the School year proceeded, I gained more of an
Ospecial school, that “checked all the understanding of how the class operated. Partici-
boxes” for all of us—her mom, Marlene, a licensed and Peace pating in various activities to which parents and
clinical social worker, her dad, David, an artist significant others were invited, I watched Chris-
and art teacher and her late grandmother, Roz, my A Grandparents’ Day tine pour water, cut bananas, wash her plate and
dear friend and mentor, who had been a teacher, Presentation participate in various learning activities. Christine
guidance counselor and prin- reported that each child had a
cipal. I, the doting godmother, job and that they would change
was enlisted to join the search. jobs every week. By Christine’s
Not to boast, but only to show second year in Primary, she was
that I was uniquely qualified an engaged learner, had started
for the task, my experience reading, and began to learn
lent itself to this exhaustive cursive writing.
project. As Director of Pupil Concurrently, since Chris-
Personnel in a region covering tine’s parents worked, she par-
four school districts in New ticipated in the “Nappers” and
York City, and Deputy Super- “Late Day” programs. Having
intendent, I had visited scores had the experience of picking
of schools and had continued her up on numerous occasions,
my career in education by su- what stood out for me was how
pervising student teachers for the State University Joan with goddaughter those programs maintained the same philosophy
of New York. Christine. that permeated the rest of the School. Consistently,
We all agreed on many aspects of what we whenever I came into the School, I was recognized
wanted. Primarily, we wanted Christine to feel Intergenerational and greeted. I got to know many Staff members
comfortable and feel valued for her own unique and parents.
relationships
talents. There would have to be a nurturing, It became a tradition for me to take Christine
learner-centered environment, with authentic help children to School on every first day and take a picture of
learning and emphasis on the basics. We all want- her sitting on the bench in front. She was in Tris-
understand, respect
ed Christine to be challenged, academically, on ta’s class for Lower Elementary, and she blossomed
her own level, and engaged in developmentally and value the into a dedicated learner. Her range of interests had
appropriate learning. Art and music would have clearly expanded. She had “nailed” the concepts of
wisdom of their
to be in place. Most important to all of us was east, west, north and south and was able to navi-
that social/emotional learning would be infused elders. Children gate easily around a map of the United States to
into the curriculum, not seen as an “add on.” Of find and name all the states. Christine developed
also gain an
course, the physical plant and grounds would a love for reading and enjoyed author studies.
have to support the learning we were looking for. appreciation for She became more observant and more of a critical
Together and apart, we visited many schools thinker. One afternoon, after participating in the
their place in the
seeking this “ideal.” To be honest, some of the Running Club with Jason, she reported that, while
schools contained some of the elements. However, continuity of the running in the woods, she had seen a cat carry-
only The Montessori School had everything we ing a bird in its mouth. I said, “That’s too bad.”
family.
were seeking. In addition, we, as adults felt wel- She corrected me by saying, “No. That’s the way
come, comfortable and respected from when we he survives.” Christine had many other enriching
first toured the School. When we were notified experiences in Lower Elementary. She had the ex-
that Christine had been accepted, we celebrated! perience of trying many different jobs. Her least fa-
I brought Christine to School on her first day vorite was pushing the Toddlers on the swings be-
in Betsy’s class. Betsy met Christine at the door, cause she would have to miss part of recess. With
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