In many western countries Montessori education has become an option only for those who can afford tuition prices that even exceed $15,000.00 per year (in Michigan alone). It is usually held in a “private school” context and rarely has the opportunity to serve the purpose of serving an economically diverse community, such as the world itself provides. This diversity has both a far reaching effect within our culture and our own individual experiences, shaping our perceptions and our ability to empathize with others.

We at Maple Tree Montessori are fully dedicated to Maria Montessori’s belief in “Education and Peace”. When you look at our enrollment, you can see that we attempt as a part of our sincere dedication to the philosophy, community and to the individual child, to reach beyond the limitations of the current concept of Private Montessori education and toward the goal of peace and inclusion.

It is toward this end, that we decide our tuition base. For example, there are currently no other fully Montessori elementary programs within Livingston County and the other private elementary school options are associated with parochial subsidizing so we must go to nearby counties to compare tuition rates. If you go to Washtenaw or Oakland Counties you will find rates that are almost double our tuition for Primary, Full Day, and Elementary Programs. Although these schools may have more “extras”, we would happily and effectively compare our Montessori Program to theirs and in fact, we believe that often these “extras” take away from their ability to implement Maria Montessori’s Philosophy…educationally as well as socially.

Our dedication to the continuation of Dr. Maria Montessori’s work also includes the development of a sense of community, within our classrooms, our school and our families. Montessori students are known for their appreciation of culture, ability to be socially responsible and for their compassion. Their parents are the first and most important teachers of a child’s sense of empathy, responsibility and all other social characteristics that contribute to a strong, peaceful and nurturing community.

We have several families in our school who, understanding the importance of supporting our work, our classrooms, their own child’s academic and social development have made fundraising for our school a part of their commitment and we thank them whole heartily. They contribute time for our Habitat Work Days and cleaning days; they laminate, make and organize materials. These parents are the ones that put together fundraisers that enable all families to join together, raising much needed funds to purchase materials and equipment, complete outdoor projects and expand our programs without increasing our tuition during these difficult economic times. With their hard work and dedication, they lead us by example to a stronger and more fruitful school community. We cannot thank them enough for their constant support and dedication. Though they ask for no recognition, you know who you are, Thank You!

Maple Tree Montessori Academy is a young school, full of heart and vision. Many schools are not enduring these tough economic times; schools are losing students, closing programs and closing their doors. We are struggling and growing…a challenging position at best and we appreciate all of the support and consideration you have given to us during our infancy stage. As we grow into our collective future, we are striving to carry on Dr. Montessori’s work to the best of our ability, to continue the development of our academic programs, to include all students and families in our community, to provide all children entrusted to us with an excellent education that ensures growth in all area’s of the child’s transition from toddler to adolescent, providing a peaceful, responsible, self motivated foundation for the emerging adult, our future.

THANKSGIVING FEAST

Wednesday, November 26th…Primary Class Thanksgiving Feast Day. All family and friends are welcome to attend. Morning Class Feast is 10:00 – 11:30. Afternoon  Class Feast is 2:00 - 3:30. There is NO regular Primary Class and NO Day Care on the Feast Day! Elementary students will be having class at their normal class times. The Primary Class children having been working hard to prepare the food for this event and we all look forward to sharing it with the people that we are most grateful for…such as you!!

If Maple Tree Montessori Academy is closed for the day, this will be announced at WHMI FM 93.5 and posted on this blog as soon as possible. If Brighton Area Schools close, due to poor weather conditions, we will be closed. However, since they take more days off during the year, you should always check the radio or the blog for current closings.

When you pull in to drop off, pull up as far as you can. Along the fence and in the north parking spaces, form 2 lines. Then blend into one line near the door by alternating cars. Always pull up as far as possible and when in doubt, be kind. Of. course there is not room for a double line between the island and U.S. 23 since we need to allow room for parents to safely leave after they have dropped off their child.

Ms Sherry will be out directing traffic this coming week, to help parents to learn this pattern. We will also have a Lower Elementary staff member out to work our drop off and several volunteer parents. I am sure that we can all work together to resolve our concerns and keep everyone safe. Thanks for your help, patience and cooperation.

Lower Elementary students are enjoying the new layout of the classroom and are busy welcoming their new classmates. They are also engaged in establishing the functioning structure of their classroom and their daily activities.

Primary classes are off to a wonderful start! The students have been in orientation week and they have been learning and practicing the ground rules. All classes have had their first work time and will be fully engaged this coming week.

We will be incorporating our special instruction areas of Spanish, Music, Outdoor Education, Locomotion, Yoga and Culinary Arts over the next couple of weeks. Suzuki Violin and Drama sign ups will begin on Monday! Maple Tree Montessori Academy is proud to be the only public or private elementary school in Brighton, in fact, in Livingston County to offer such diverse experiences to students. Suzuki Violin is known worldwide as a thoughtful and amazing method of music education and early drama experiences allow for a wonderful, creative process to emerge within the child. We are grateful to bring this holistic quality of education to the families of the Brighton area.

We are glad to have such supportive families, dedicated staff and interested, engaged students. We have an amazing community and we are off to a great start for 2008/2009!!!