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Author: Montessori Admin

Updates to COVID Safety Measures, 4/11/22

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

The CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool designed to help guide a community’s decision on what preventative steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital bed usage, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Maps, charts, and data provided by CDC, updates every Thursday by 8 pm ET. Salt Lake County is currently showing as low (4/5/22).

We remain optimistic about the improving trend of COVID-19. Positive cases and exposures in our school community have greatly declined. We will continue to monitor the presence of COVID within our school community and be prepared to take action when needed.

In light of the current community levels, the following updates to our safety measures are being made:

Masks

  • While community levels are in the low to medium range, we will move to masking being *optional for students and staff.
  • All staff and students +2 years of age should always have a mask available to wear in their cubby/locker at school. In addition, parents are asked to help their child ensure they have a clean, spare mask packed daily in their backpack.
  • Note, should a classroom or school wide outbreak occur we will return to masking being required for an appropriate duration.
  • It is important to us that our community remains “mask-friendly”, those who still wish to wear masks are encouraged to do so.
  • * The 5 day isolation and quarantine protocols require 5 additional days of masking following the return to school. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 are expected to wear a mask per guidelines. 

Cohorts

For the remainder of the year we shall generally keep our classrooms separate from one another. Should an event or presentation require classes to gather together, masks may be required depending on the nature of the activity.

Field Trips/In School presentations

Masks are not required while on school transportation or while riding with parent chaperones. Depending on the destination’s venue or activity, masks may be required.

Drop Off

Drop-off outside the building has been a great success. We have seen an increase in the children’s confidence and independence and the transition into the school day has gone smoothly. Thus we have decided to continue this for the remainder of the current school year.

COVID Testing

When COVID symptoms occur it remains important that students not come to stay home and seek testing. The UDOH sponsored school testing program has resumed its supply of test kits to schools. These now include at home kits. While supplies last, we will be able to provide parents with an at-home test if they need one when their student is sent home from school with COVID symptoms.

These updates go into effect April 11th.​

In the weeks following April 11 we shall evaluate how these modifications impact our community. In addition, we will be examining the suitability of providing parents access to enter the school for pick-up and drop-off outside of school day arrival and dismissal times.

While many of us will be able to relax the safety precautions we have been taking since the start of the pandemic, we know others in our community do not have that option. The elderly, people who are immunocompromised, and those with disabilities are still at high risk for serious COVID-19 illness. We encourage all members of our community to keep their safety in mind.

Parent Volunteer Hours for 2021-2022

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Announcements, Blog, Get Involved (P.S.A).

Normally, this would be the time we would ask everyone to ensure that their Parent Volunteer Hours are logged in FACTS so that we can honor your service work. Due to the pandemic, we understand if you have not fulfilled all 10 hours. We do ask that you account for what time you have spent working in the classrooms or with the school. Please be sure to include any time serving on committees.

Donate Instead of Volunteering

If you did not complete your 10 hours we would normally ask parents to make up the balance with a monetary donation of $25/hour to MEF or another nonprofit. Again, this is not being required this year but your pledge to MEF and organizations with similar values is most appreciated.

Montessori Educational Foundation (MEF) is the sister organization of MCS. One of MEF’s functions is to raise funds for various projects. This year we were able to raise enough money to place HEPA filters in every class in the school. To donate to MEF please click the button below.

Give to MEF
Alternatively, here is a list of other great nonprofits we support:Adopt-A-Native-Elder​
Catholic Community Services
Children of Ethiopia Education Fund ​
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Salvation Army​
The Inn Between

Spring School-wide Survey

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

It is time to evaluate the school-wide Spring survey’s overall effectiveness and reestablish its function within our community. If you are interested in becoming involved in this project or have ideas that you feel would be helpful to the process please reach out to margaretmcdonald@mcsslc.com.

Historically, the Spring School-wide Survey has contained 6 sections. The pandemic necessitated modifications to some questions and others were eliminated as they were no longer relevant or deemed repetitive. However, in general, the questions in each section have been in place since the inception of the survey over 10 years ago. In its current format, the survey invites responses to 28 prompts and takes approximately 9 minutes to complete.

This year we want to consider the following

  1. Converting the survey to a Google form
  2. Determining which questions are most pertinent to contribute data for longitudinal study purposes
  3. The addition of sections or questions that will allow the community’s input on:
    1. Year specific events or issues
    2. Upcoming initiatives or planning
    3. School items of importance to our students

We want to ensure the length of time needed to complete the survey remains under 10 minutes and hope to increase the number of completed responses we receive.

Our goal is to have the survey ready to send to the community no later than May 19, 2022.

A Conversation – April 21 at 7pm

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

We are inviting our community to join us for conversation about supporting children in times of crisis, disaster or war.

We all share the goal of providing our children a safe and healthy environment in which to grow and develop. Let’s lean into our collective experience and knowledge to provide teachers, school leaders and parents with considerations for how to talk with children about a crisis.

Prior to the forum you are invited to watch this video of a similar conversation between Kathy Minardi, Magdalena Ponurska and Dr. Mari T. Fernandez on their thoughts/nuggets on the topic of becoming “First Responders” to children at this time of conflict in the Ukraine. It was designed and shared with us to use as a model to get our own community together for this crucial conversation. The video is approximately one hour long.

It is our wish that our joint efforts can have the greatest impact for the child.

Our gratitude to Cherie Mockli for facilitating our talk. The following link will go live for the meeting.

Use the button below to join the meeting on April 21 at 7-8pm. The button will remain offline until 1 hour before the event.

Join Meeting

Is there a Lack of Socialization in Montessori?

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog, Parent Education.

It is ironic that one of Montessori education’s biggest strengths (socialization) is often misconstrued as a weakness. This misperception starts from another Montessori strength – individualization. The argument starts from a true premise (the individualization of education) and ends with a false conclusion that children don’t get a chance to socialize.

There is some vague, hazy notion that children in a traditional classroom (who operate as a group) have greater opportunities for socialization. The reality is, “How much socialization do you get with the back of the head of the child in front of you?” (If a student does turn around to socialize he can count on the ever present, “Turn around in your seat.”

So how does Montessori’s individualism intersect with its socialization? In traditional circles there seems to be a fear that if students work together, one of them will do the work and the other will coast. Reality, (especially in Montessori) holds that children will demand performance from their peers. The classroom is noted for its peer performance and peer regulation. Even in preschool children will tell their classmates, “We don’t do that here.” Montessori promotes individual accomplishment but also provides for collaborative activity. Life is built on both.

Effective socialization is built on a solid foundation of respect. The emphasis on grace and courtesy is a foundational principle of Montessori education. In Spanish the phrase for good manners is “bien educado” (well educated). Without grace and courtesy the effectiveness of a Montessori education (and socialization) is compromised. The social component is tremendously significant in the whole development of your child. Socialization (and grace and courtesy) are intertwined throughout the day – from circle time, to snacks, to the playground or just working together in the classroom. Real socialization is about respecting others, treating others the way we want to be treated, learning to cooperate, learning to do our share, learning to contribute to our project.

Good manners is a concern for others and that is the basis for not only classroom socialization but effective lifetime success with people. Montessori children, even while achieving success independently, learn the lessons of sharing and helping others and contributing to the well being of their society. Could there be any more successful outcome of socialization?

By Edward Fidellow 

COVID Two Years Later

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

Throughout the pandemic, our community has come together to keep each other safe! Our students, staff and parents have all rallied together behind our safety protocols, have been patient when information changes, and have been compassionate when members of our community have become sick or needed to take time to care for others in need.

When vaccines became available to front line individuals in 2021, including teachers, we were excited to report the news of staff participating in vaccines. There was a buzz of excitement when a few of our oldest students were eligible to become vaccinated and they served as examples to the other students, many wondering when it would finally be their turn. 2021-22 saw vaccines become available to 5-12 year olds. At this point, the majority of our community is eligible to be vaccinated!

We are so grateful for all our community members who have been able to take part in our collective efforts to end the pandemic through vaccination! As part of our ongoing efforts to keep the community informed, we wanted to share with you our current stats on COVID vaccination status:

  • Staff – 97%
  • Eligible students – 90%

Please remember that we rely on parent report to keep our numbers accurate. If your child has been recently vaccinated, please let us know.

It is exciting to see how the CDC is changing guidelines. At this point, we don’t have any changes in COVID precautions to report at MCS but as the number of cases decreases, our community vaccination rates increase, and as the youngest community members become closer to being eligible to become vaccinated, we are planning a gradual loosening of the guidelines. The HSC is scheduled to next meet on 4/5/22. Your questions can be submitted to margaretmcdonald@mcsslc.com for discussion in that meeting.

Our community has endured so much over the past 2+ years, and we are so grateful for the personal and collective responsibility that our community has demonstrated to keep our children and staff healthy and our school open! We know we are not at the very end of this, but it sure feels like we are going in the right direction.

Montessori and Entrepreneurship

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

The founders of Google contribute their success to their Montessori beginnings. (It doesn’t hurt that they also went to Stanford.) But what is it about their Montessori beginnings that so impacted their lives that they credit the Montessori experience for their phenomenal success?

We can pick five things out of the extensive list of Montessori benefits that can herald such accomplishment.

Dealing with failure

First, dealing with the fear of failure. The fear of failure alone stops many from taking the first steps of success. Montessori children learn that making mistakes is not fatal or final but that it is a part of the learning process. And you pick yourself up and start all over again. No red exes, no frowny faces, no “poor” grades but the opportunity to try again and again if necessary. (Interestingly, the 3M Company created a multi-million dollar product line from a failure of glue that didn’t stick – Post-it Notes.)

Finishing what you start

The second entrepreneurial success skill that emerges from a Montessori education is the ability to finish what you start. There are no “F’s” to take and move on. You camp where the learning happens until the learning happens. There are no penalties for taking time to learn. Then you learn it and you learn it well. Mastery, rather than passing, is a skill set to be learned. You not only finish but you learn to finish well.

 

Confidence

The third benefit is a sense of confidence which is largely built on these first two. Whether you are a fast and furious learner or a steady as she goes learner your continued success builds a sense of confidence that permeates your life.

Taking initiative

The fourth benefit of this education is the development of initiative – to try new things, to try them on your own, to try them with friends but nevertheless to try. Initiative is not waiting for someone to always tell you the next step or give you permission to move but to see the next step, to see a new step or to see a whole new way and to adventure out. Having dealt with the fear of failure, taking initiative is not nearly as scary (or boring) as doing nothing.

Being independent

The fifth entrepreneurial benefit is independence. Independence does not mean just doing what you want (which is how teenagers look at it) but the ability to be “self-governed” – doing what is best without anybody having to tell you. Independence is a maturity factor that when started young leads to all kinds of success.​

Will your Montessori child have the astronomical financial success as the Google founders? Maybe. Possibly. But maybe more importantly they will have developed these skills that will give their life a sense of direction, of control, of purpose, of contentment, challenge, satisfaction and even happiness which is a tremendous return on your investment in Montessori and its entrepreneurial benefits.

By Edward Fidellow 

IMC Accreditation

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog, Community News.

Our gratitude to everyone who contributed to or participated in the IMC on-site visit to conclude the accreditation process.

We are grateful for the examination, feedback and guidance provided by the IMC team of Mary Beth Ricks and Robin Howe during their three day visit. They expressed their appreciation to our community for the warm welcome they received. Mary Beth and Robin gave us kudos for managing so well in the pandemic and working to get this long process over the finish line. They were delighted to see our school in person, the legacy Robyn has created, and hear about the hopes and dreams for the future!

Their exit report can be viewed here.

In May, the IMC School Accreditation Commission will convene to review our case. The on-site visit team has indicated they will propose the removal of our “provisional” status and the IMC board will then vote to accept their recommendation and grant us full accreditation status.

Strategic Planning

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

This academic year, MCS created a Strategic Planning Committee to ensure that the Montessori Community School continues to thrive and meet its mission in the future.

The Strategic Planning Committee is made up of MCS administrators and parents working together to address urgent and long term goals. Currently, the Strategic Planning Committee is prioritizing review of Facilities, Curriculum and Instruction, Authentic Montessori Philosophy, and Administrative Roles and Responsibilities.

By creating subcommittees of its members, the Strategic Planning Committee is reviewing current facilities – such as updating HVAC systems and potential expansive building renovations; working on reviewing current curriculum and instruction, working closely with MCS’s amazing teachers; and reviewing the roles and responsibilities of administrators.

The Strategic Planning Committee will provide updates to the MCS community through the newsletter on a regular basis and welcomes feedback, ideas, or other inspiration from our community!

If you are passionate about any of these issues and would like to participate on a subcommittee, or provide feedback, please contact strategicplanning@mcsslc.com.

Peace for Ukraine

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

Sometimes, the instinct is to avoid talking to children about tough stuff on the news because we don’t want to upset them or maybe we don’t know where to start.  It’s important to provide children:

  • Accurate, age-appropriate information
  • Time and opportunity to ask questions
  • Assurances that they are safe and they are loved

Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary. – Fred Rogers

How you can help your early childhood aged child to understand what they are hearing and seeing- from Natalie Carver, Montessori Guide

“I encourage you to tell them they are safe if they seem worried. You don’t need to use many words, and try to only answer the actual questions they ask. Be honest, concise, and speak as simply as possible. That is developmentally appropriate. Remember the world is so very new for these little ones, and they don’t have the perspective to understand that if it is really happening that it isn’t going to happen to them. They assume everyone lives down the street, including those who are in peril on the TV. I encourage all of you to save having the news on until after the little kids are in bed, or read the news on your phone instead. Children see these repeated images on the TV and their first impression is that they are actually happening over and over again (because the same clips of violence and destruction are going to be shown again and again). They do not know it is the same video being replayed. They also have a hard time knowing what is real and what is not real. You can help them understand this. Again, It is best to be honest and calm. They also naturally believe what adults say, including those adults on TV. It can be scary for them.“