While mothers and fathers are often celebrated around the world, there is also a special day that celebrates children. El Día de los Niños (Children's Day) is a celebration of children that takes place annually on April 30 in Mexico. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Why celebrate Children's Day? In the struggle to provide for their kids, parents may sometimes forget that confidence and creativity isn't nurtured by fear and discipline. It's a happy childhood that helps kids really succeed in their adult lives. Where is Children's Day celebrated? Today, 86 countries - or most of world's nations - celebrate Children's Day to publicly promote the idea that "children are our future". In Mexico, Children's Day is celebrated on April 30. In Japan, May 5th is recognized as Children's Day. In Canada, Egypt and Finland, November 20 is National Children's Day....

What to expect when Toddlers transition to Early Childhood Classroom Transition to any new classroom requires change for children, parents and even teachers, who are eager to meet and learn the unique personality and gifts of each child. But the change can be slightly different for different age groups. Here are some things you may notice about the environment of your child’s new classroom; the group sizes and ratios, staff communication and new education opportunities. At Montessori Community School the transition from our Toddler Classroom to Early Childhood Classroom takes place at two different times. If the toddler is enrolled for summer, is three years old by June 1st and the teachers consider him/her to be ready to enter the Early Childhood program he/she would transition on the first day of Summer Camp. All other toddlers who are scheduled to move to Early Childhood for the next Academic Year would move...

Science is defined as the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. It is so important to motivate elementary-aged students with science. A Montessori philosophy advocates that children between the ages of six through eleven are in a sensitive period for learning and testing new academic skills. They are looking at the world by assessing their own abilities and accomplishments by making comparisons between themselves and others.They are also learning about social relationships beyond the family through interaction with friends and fellow students.  A Science Fair creates a model of this idea, process, and system beginning with instruction as to the what the scientific method is (a systematic process for experimentation that is used to explore observations). A science fair cues and peaks an elementary-aged student's hunger for testing and comparing in a social setting. At the beginning of...

Our children are making a stand to put and hold todays leaders accountable. Last Friday, March 15th, 2019 children gathered at the Utah State Capitol to add pressure to their message: time is running out to protect our planet from a climate crisis. We hope the words from our youth will nudge leaders along to stop dragging their feet on such critical issues.  This event did not just take place in Utah but worldwide protests and strikes took place with the important message geared directly toward leaders and lawmakers. Their message is loud and clear, changes must be made. Our children are raising their voices and it is time adults start listening. 

Schools should plan for the rare possibility of an intruder as part of a comprehensive crisis/emergency preparedness effort; however, the nature and extent of those preparedness activities should be based upon a risk assessment of the crisis events a given school is most likely to confront. A Lock Down Drill is scheduled for February 12, 2019 .  This emergency procedure at MCS involves staff - Sweeping and clearing hallways Turning off classroom lights Locking doors Sheltering with children in our agreed upon secure areas Taking roll Waiting for the all clear We recognize that this drill in particular can sometimes cause anxiety and concern for parents and guardians, students, and educators too. For the adults, being familiar the procedure and ones responsibilities within that process can bring assurance and comfort. Practicing can prepare and be of comfort to the children with the fact that their teachers, parents and guardians, and the...

Montessori Community School offers an authentic Montessori education while supporting a charming and safe community for our students and their families. Choosing the right school can be a difficult task as increasing numbers in research show the impact of early education on the growing brain. So, beyond why a parent might choose a Montessori education for their child, I would like to answer some common questions about what sets Montessori Community School apart and how you will know if it is the right fit for your family. Tour, Admissions Meetings and Observation:  Inquiring parents are required to visit our facility prior to acceptance of their child. This allows parents to “get a feel” for our campus and to learn specifics about each program from a knowledgeable member of our staff. Following attendance at a tour or an admissions meeting, parents are invited to observe in one of our classrooms. While an...

Last night's forecast promised rain (and snow!) for the weekend.  Today, I have noticed the forecast has shifted from snow to rain and back to snow in just a few short hours.  Ahhhh, Utah! While I love the weather and all it has to offer and am particularly pleased by how Utah weather can change on a dime, I feel fiercely protective of our children and their preparation for the weather.  Nature is a beautiful gift that is best enjoyed when it is respected.   Parents, please help your students develop a healthy respect for nature by encouraging them to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has to offer on any given day, especially here at school!  Children should come prepared to go outside in any circumstances.  Layers, good shoes, water resistant outer clothing, and extra options are a great start.  Montessori Community School has always made it a priority to...

We are absolutely gushing with gratitude! An MCS parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, contributed a generous donation today to our AED fund that helped us reach our goal! 

The intent behind our Winter Sports Program is that these lessons and experiences let our students have a real-life group driven experience where there is crossover between programs; where there are great opportunities for the students to practice the life skills they have been learning and practicing in such a safe environment here at MCS. It is an opportunity to let our students explore one of Utah's greatest beauties- the mountains and our incredible snow. Please keep in mind that these lessons are peer-oriented and group options are bound to contain a number of skill sets being presented, developed, and learned amongst the students. Some students are at the peak of that skill set and some are at the base of that skill set. However, those students are all within the same level. It can become very frustrating when friends ski/ board together on the weekends, but are grouped apart for the lessons....

MCS sponsors six girls through the COEEF Program. Each year we raise money for them through our annual Fun Run in the spring. Stay tuned for more information about our Fun Run this coming season. Please read this amazing clip from COEEF's January 2017 Newsletter: STUDENTS’ SUCCESS Great News!  In the last nine years, 90 COEEF students have completed high school. Of these students. 83 (92.2%) joined different universities throughout Ethiopia. Of the students who joined universities, seven of them have successfully completed their university education and started a career. COEEF students attending universities are enrolled in the following disciplines: (Please note that the number shown in the following table doesn’t include the seven students who have completed their university education.) Letters for Students The girls love to receive letters and photographs from their sponsors!   If you would like to send a letter or a small package to your student(s), please...

Thursday, January 19th, 2017 Meeting starts promptly at 6:30pm Adults only - sorry, no child care provided Bring a friend! Montessori Community School will be hosting an Admissions Information Meeting for all adults interested in learning more about any of our programs for 2017-2018 Admissions. Parents are invited to join us for a presentation about Montessori method, curriculum and philosophy and how they are implemented in our program to educate the whole child. Then, visit individual classrooms to learn more about each program and to meet and greet with our administrative and teaching staff.    2017-2018 Application Packets will be available. Montessori Community School serves children aged 18 months through 6th grade and we offer an extended day program, 7:30am - 6:00pm. Confirm your attendance or interest in coming on our Facebook event. Montessori Community School's mission is to provide a rich, individualized educational experience, which guides and nurtures the natural...

There is a power in preparing for future events by devising solutions and strategies for goals rather than emphasizing, simply, avoiding problems.  For example, having students identify what their best hopes are for their behavior during a field trip and asking them to identify those hopes in specific detail. If the student is unable to come up with their "best hope" we can ask them to think about what their teacher or parent would likely say if asked that question.  If you have a particular student anticipated in having more trouble than another, you could meet with a parent and/or teacher so they can hear the opinion of that other person word for word. The following is how our school plans to approach students in preparation for Winter Sports and we suggest parents take a similar approach as you start engaging in conversations about the Winter Sports Program and the ski/ snowboard lessons.  Sample...

As many of you know, Montessori Community School sponsors two grandmothers through the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program. This year, our 3rd Year Lower and 5th Year Upper Elementary students were able to attend the Navajo Rug Show at Deer Valley Resort in November.  In November, we did a light food, clothing, and supply drive for our Elders. However, each year around the holidays, we are able to send more directly to our grandmothers, Elvira Horseherder, and Anita Jackson. Funds raised during our annual Fun Run go directly toward our Service Learning objectives: Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program (our grandmothers) and our girls we sponsor through the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund, COEEF. Due to the success of last year's Fun Run, this holiday season, we have been able to send our grandmothers much needed supplies such as wool for weaving, bundles of firewood ($500 each), Fall and Spring Gift Packs, and Food Gift Certificates coming to...

This morning, after spending several hours in one of our classrooms for a most lovely observation, I was lucky enough to open my email and find this beautifully inspiring message waiting for me from our Montessori friends at CGMS .  Written by Marc Seldin.  Click here to read full blog post on CGMS's site.  The four-year old girls were good friends, but now they’re angry. One said something to the other, tempers flared, and a friendship is in jeopardy. Fortunately, the children are in a Montessori classroom. Montessori schools use many techniques for harmony, but in this classroom they have a peace rose. One little girl retrieves the flower from its shelf, expresses her hurt, and passes the rose to her friend. Together they explore their feelings, and conflict is transmuted into understanding. The children have learned a process to maintain harmony. In a time of resurging intolerance, we may turn to our...

One of our school’s Service Learning Programs is the Adopt-a-Native Elder Program . During the next two weeks we will be doing a drive for items to take with us to the Navajo Rug Show, which our two Elders, Grandmother Anita Jackson and Elvira Horseherder weave rugs and make jewelry for. The items donated will go directly toward our grandmothers, other Elders, and children in need on the reservation. Please look for the donation bins throughout the school. We thank you for your support of this program and your continued involvement in your student's Service Learning experiences. We encourage you to talk with your students about the importance of service and helping those in need. 

Our school celebrated Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos. Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd, which coincides with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private alters honoring the deceased. The altars are adorned with sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. People often place the altars near graves of departed relatives. Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl. In Brazil, Día de Finados is a public holiday that many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. In Spain, there are festivals and parades, and at the end of the day, people gather at cemeteries and pray for their...

Montessori Community School's 2nd Annual Book Fair will begin next week: Monday, October 31st and run through Friday, November 4th. You will be able to browse various shelves stocked with books and other fun items in the MCS Lobby. This is a great opportunity to get a head start on gifts for the holiday season. The Fair offers an excellent selection with great prices. You are bound to find some fun items for your students, family, friends, and even yourself!  MCS' Teachers have also created a Wish List of books they would love to receive as Classroom/ Teacher gifts. Those lists can be found online or hard copies can be found on site by Wednesday, November 2nd.  You may also start shopping the Fair NOW! Scholastic Book Fairs offer the opportunity to shop the fair online as well- for added convenience, go to this link to browse and make purchases.    Online Book...

Toddler, Early Childhood, and Lower Elementary students received a For Small Hands catalog in their Take-Home Files. If your student did not receive a catalog, there are many copies in the lobby area for you to enjoy. Over the years, many of our families have purchased their holiday gifts from this catalog or have encouraged family members to purchase gifts from this catalog. If you do choose to place an order, our school will receive a percentage of the sales back as a credit for merchandise. The school customer number is 120274 and can also be found on a label on the catalog. For more information, check out their website: www.forsmallhands.com . We love to help provide you and your family further Montessori resources. Thank you for your support and work in sharing and being apart of the Montessori spirit.  

Montessori has a reputation for having its very own lingo and we are quick to assume that parents will interpret these terms with very little explanation or example giving.  Follow the child is one of the most common phrases you will hear in any Montessori circle.  I love Montessorium  for so many reasons and this short video  explaining what we REALLY mean when we say "follow the child" is spot on.  Enjoy!!!

"The education of our day is rich in methods, aims and social ends, but one must still say that it takes no account of life itself."                                                                                         —Maria Montessori , The Absorbent Mind I started my adult life as a teacher and I think I eventually grew in to a very good one.  So, you can imagine my bewilderment when each of my three children were "slow to read."  (Confession - I actually don't believe in "slow" or "quick" when it comes to the learning process...but I forgot about that when it was my kids!) I did all the right things.  We read books together from the time they...