Dr. Maria Montessori’s work with children, although centered through observation and education transcended both these forms to a level of content that resulted in her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Montessori Philosophy is not just a method of education, but it is a broad reaching, indeed worldwide, social movement. It is an inspiration of the spirit of humankind, this idea that the child is to be revered as the hope for mankind and that within the child is the potential for a lasting peace, a “peace through education”. This inspiration of thought was radical 100 years ago and is importantly and hopefully as relevant and needed today.

Maria Montessori envisioned peace as much more than the cessation of war, in her understanding, peace was a positive state. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, it is a whole state that is naturally present and attained within the hearts of humankind through an amazing new definition of education. She was a visionary who had an incredible ability to take abstract conceptions and offer them to the world in a practical, effective manner that redefines all of our previous notions of peace and education. We proudly and humbly carry on her legacy to a hopeful future.

During this time of year, as we offer our wishes to all for a Peaceful Holiday Season, we also offer the hope that this is a lasting Peace, a true Peace that flourishes within all hearts this New Year. We also offer for reflection and consideration, Dr. Montessori’s hope and insight…

“Times have changed, and science has made great progress, and so has our work; but our principles have only been confirmed, and along with them our conviction that mankind can hope for a solution to it’s problems, among the most urgent are those of peace and unity, only by turning it’s attention and energies to the discovery of the child and to the development of the great potentialities of the human personality in the course of it’s formation.”

Dr. Maria Montessori    1948

Maple Tree Montessori’s first ever Celebration of the Performing Arts was a wonderful sharing of joyful, funny, relaxed and confident performances. Our goal was to provide a low stress and fun experience for our performers and their parents. A first time for most of our students, we wanted to build confidence and excitement about their abilities and about sharing their emerging talents with an audience.

The skits that were done by the Drama class were very well chosen and presented with talent, humor and focus. The students were confident and enjoyed their first stage experience. Thank you to Aric and Nicole for all their hard work and encouragement…these students loved being on the stage!

 The Suzuki Violin students were also very focused and played their violin’s with confidence. They showed us all how well they have been attending and practicing with their new insturments. The notes and postures were done very well, especially considering that they have been so recently introduced to the violin. The students were very proud of their abilitiy and we thank Jessica for her gifted teaching and Jackie for all her support during lessons and during the performance.

Lower and Upper Elementary Montessori Music students shared the joy of singing and dance. They were delighted to perform and showed ability and confidence as well as demonstrating just how much they enjoy music. Julie works with them every week and they are also developing a strong base in rhythm, notation, and an appreciation of music on many levels. Thanks, Julie!

Thanks also to all the parents who support us in this expansion of our curriculm to include these important expereinces for our children. Practicing, costumes, cookies, as welll as attending and ejoying our wonderful performers on the stage…all of these are important contributions to a succesful show! Thank you!