Our Parent Orientation Night will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd at 7:00 pm. We will be welcoming our new parents, introducing our teachers and presenting our “Extra’s”. Maple Tree Montessori will be including Spanish, Yoga, Music and Art. In addition, Suzuki Violin, Guitar, Drama, Chinese and Drum Lessons will be a a part of our learning environment. Ms. Julie will be teaching after school classes in Project Read and Mr. Kyle will be tutoring in Montessori Elementary Math and Reading. Information about our optional classes will be available and teachers will be on hand to answer questions about their programs.

All parents are encouraged to attend our Parent Night; new Montessori parents will gain information and returning Montessori parents can share and give feedback about our programs. If you are a parent who is considering our Montessori preschool, kindergarten or elementary programs, you are also welcome to come. Meet our parents, our staff and learn more about our school and the wonderful, nurturing Montessori environments and programs that Maple Tree Montessori offers for your child…” a hope and a promise for mankind”.

In her book, “Montessori; The Science Behind the Genius,” Angeline Lillard refers to our nation’s current form of education as “factory education”. The research studies that are cited in this book establish the difference in results, both academically and socially between children educated by the “factory method” and the “Montessori method. Dr. Maria Montessori, over 100 years ago opened a “Children’s House” in the slums of Rome. What Dr. Montessori observed in that classroom, the “secret of childhood”, resulted in a revolution in thought and understanding about the importance of early education…and indeed, how children learn. Out of her observations and her research, came a most extraodinary educational method that is still a standard of excellence around the world. Montessori education, from infant to High School and beyond is still true to those observations. Planes of development and sensitive periods determine the structure of the environment and ensure that the child’s needs are met and nurtured. The teacher, observer of children and guardian of this environment, connects the child to the classroom in a hands-on, step-by-step way that both encourages and respects the child. Very individualized, very brain based, and not at all “factory”…we do not produce “robots”!

I discovered Montessori 30 years ago when my oldest son was 4 years old. I have been in awe ever since I first walked into a Montessori classroom. I am in awe of Dr. Maria Montessori’s insight, brilliance, progressiveness and courage. I am in awe of nature’s course of child development and of the teachers that learn how to respect and facilitate this incredible, miraculous process. I am in awe of this social movement that takes the form of a method of education so nurturing, so respectful and so expansive that it has earned recognition around the world. Dr. Maria Montessori was nominated for 3 Nobel Peace Prizes for her amazing work.

Should we rethink our priorities, as Bill Millett suggested? Does early childhood, the time of the “Absorbent Mind”, deserve our focus, our effort, our respect and financial support? How could anyone answer other than “YES” ? As Dr. Montessori said,  “A child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”

The Power of One Celebration is an excellent evening with hors d’oeurvers, music, raffles and auctions as well as the presentation of the 2011 Champion for Children Award.

Join us at the Johnson Center at Cleary University, 3750 Cleary Drive in Howell. Tickets are $35.00 for individuals and $300.00 for a table of 10. Phone (517)-548-2200 for reservations and more information.

More Information Available Here (pdf)