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Tag: Montessori Community School Service Learning

Our Grandmothers We Sponsor

Written by Montessori Admin on . Posted in Blog.

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 a total of $2,239.94.

In addition to these items, MCS also sends each of our grandmothers $300 gift cards to Walmart. Please see this letter from the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program Head. We thank you all for your generosity and support in your student’s education of service and your example and spirit of love you generate and pass along to the world.

MCS & The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program

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

On Thursday, November 5th our Lower Elementary, 3rd Year students will have the opportunity to learn about the Navajo way of life at the Deer Valley Navajo Rug Show. For more than fifteen years, the Montessori Community School has sponsored our Navajo grandmothers through the Adopt-a-Native-Elder Program.

 

Grandmother Elvira Horseherder speaks to our students and tells them the meaning of the rug pattern she wove for them and our school.

The Program supports traditional Elders who live in the cultural and spiritual traditions of The Dine’ People. Most live in remote portions of the Dine’s (Navajo) reservation. As they have become elderly, it is difficult for them to support themselves on the Land in their traditional ways. The program provides food, simple medicines, clothing, firewood, fabric, and yarns to help these Elders live on the Land in their traditional lifestyle.

Our MCS community adopted Navajo grandmothers, Grandmother Emma Bahe, and Grandmother Elvira Horseherder. Each fall, Grandmother Elvira attends the rug show and spends some time with the children. She is a wonderful woman with a generous spirit and the children love the interaction with her. Though Grandmother Emma’s health keeps her from making the long journey to the annual Rug Show, she sends her love through the rugs she weaves, which we are able to see on our trip.

Grandmother Elvira Horseherder

 

Grandmother Emma Bahe

Our students, along with students from several other schools, are given the opportunity to watch a presentation given by Elvira and other elders on various aspects of the Navajo culture (i.e. hogans, weaving, corn grinding, etc.). In recent years, a few of our students have had the opportunity to try out the looms or have their hair tied up Navajo style (for those with long hair).   The elders travel hundreds of miles to the Rug Show and we are very grateful to have the rare opportunity to experience a first-hand glimpse of the Navajo way of life.

MCS students getting their hair tied in the traditional Navajo way.

We will be collecting dried and canned food, VISA gift cards, tools, toiletries, clothing, lightly used children’s coats, gloves, hats, backpacks, and school supplies (a more detailed list of items can be found clipped to the sign in the MCS lobby) to give to the Navajo elders. Watch for collection bins outside your student’s classroom.

 

 

Our students will deliver the donations to the Navajo elders on the day of the Rug Show. We really look forward to this wonderful tradition and love to learn more about and be immersed in the Dine’s rich culture.