August is here and the calendar is already full. I'm attending a meeting next week that will focus on school board elections. A group I'm becoming part of called Golden Beads supports public Montessori, and I'm excited to be part of it. I think we're going to host candidate forums for school board candidates.
We've also got a meeting coming up for our joint Site Councils. I'm glad we started the process of collaboration with the other public Montessori school in the district. I hope this is going to be the start of a strong relationship with them.
I haven't been there yet, but I hear the materials have been moved to the temporary school and are ready to be arranged on the shelves. Everything will be moved to this new location, and we expect to be there for the 2011-12 school year while our new school is under construction on our site. It is very exciting to see this happen.
In the meantime we're moving in to a new home, and I'm trying to deal with all of the necessary things that go along with my job as executive editor of the newspaper. My life is a schedule of meetings. I'm so glad we had a nice vacation in June, and that July was pretty laid back and easy. We had almost a week without kids in the house.
With this move I'll be selling some of our Primary (Children's House) and Lower El materials. I'm hoping to post the list soon on Montessori Swap.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Still going
I realized it had been a very long time since I posted anything on this blog. We are still Montessorians, and still in the public Montessori school. We got our letter from the district saying Sean is accepted, since we live out of district.
As the end of the school year approached things got ramped up quite a bit. Our site council meetings were focused on end of the year stuff, including a new logo, and the question of whether the school board would approve our new building.
Just as school was ending the board met and approved the construction to begin this summer. We will be moving temporarily to another school building that is currently empty. It is close by, so it won't be far to go. We are really happy that we get the building that was designed for our site. We had already chosen colors, etc. and it was designed by a guy who has a Master's Degree in Montessori school design. The idea of scrapping it and moving to a new site with a mega building was not appealing to any of us.
Our summer has begun, and we started with a bang. We took a long 10-day road trip. We drove to Nevada through Idaho, and we camped all along the way. On our return trip we took a different route and came back through a little bit of California and into Oregon. It was so much fun.
We saw all kinds of interesting things along the way. We spent a day at Silverwood theme park and water park and had a great time there.
As we made our way through Idaho we stopped at a visitor center in Grangeville and learned about the Tolo Lake Mammoth. We saw fields of yellow and it turns out they make canola oil from that plant.
We had never spent time in Idaho, so it was all new to us. We followed a winding road and stayed off the main highways. It was so beautiful.
Our map indicated small towns along the way through Nevada, but most of them were ghost towns. They consisted of one or two buildings that were either boarded up, had closed signs on them or were just abandoned.
I won't go into too much detail because I have blogged about the trip here on my other blog site.
It was so much fun!
We're enjoying the summer break. It's nice to have some time off from all of the responsibilities and meetings. I'm sure by the time school starts I'll be ready to jump back into it.
Sean is off on another vacation with his dad, and when he gets back we have a full July schedule with Vacation Bible School, and other events. August is already filling up, too.
As the end of the school year approached things got ramped up quite a bit. Our site council meetings were focused on end of the year stuff, including a new logo, and the question of whether the school board would approve our new building.
Just as school was ending the board met and approved the construction to begin this summer. We will be moving temporarily to another school building that is currently empty. It is close by, so it won't be far to go. We are really happy that we get the building that was designed for our site. We had already chosen colors, etc. and it was designed by a guy who has a Master's Degree in Montessori school design. The idea of scrapping it and moving to a new site with a mega building was not appealing to any of us.
Our summer has begun, and we started with a bang. We took a long 10-day road trip. We drove to Nevada through Idaho, and we camped all along the way. On our return trip we took a different route and came back through a little bit of California and into Oregon. It was so much fun.
We saw all kinds of interesting things along the way. We spent a day at Silverwood theme park and water park and had a great time there.
 |
| Chuck and Sean had fun on this ride. |
As we made our way through Idaho we stopped at a visitor center in Grangeville and learned about the Tolo Lake Mammoth. We saw fields of yellow and it turns out they make canola oil from that plant.
We had never spent time in Idaho, so it was all new to us. We followed a winding road and stayed off the main highways. It was so beautiful.
 |
| Idaho is gorgeous. |
Our map indicated small towns along the way through Nevada, but most of them were ghost towns. They consisted of one or two buildings that were either boarded up, had closed signs on them or were just abandoned.
I won't go into too much detail because I have blogged about the trip here on my other blog site.
It was so much fun!
We're enjoying the summer break. It's nice to have some time off from all of the responsibilities and meetings. I'm sure by the time school starts I'll be ready to jump back into it.
Sean is off on another vacation with his dad, and when he gets back we have a full July schedule with Vacation Bible School, and other events. August is already filling up, too.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
CASA Project wraps up
Monday was our last meeting for the CASA Project for the school district. We started out with several groups reading books and forming book clubs. We met three times and gave suggestions for ways the district can close the achievement gap based on the books we read. The fourth meeting was centered around an action plan, and specific ways to change what is happening in the district to better serve at-risk students.
I have learned a lot, and enjoyed sitting in those rooms with so many interesting, passionate, dedicated and intelligent people. My hope is that the work we did will make a difference in the lives of educators, administrators, and especially the children and youth who are struggling to achieve success.
I came away with a lot of insight and also some questions. I really believe we have to help students now who are having a hard time feeling a part of the school structure, and are not successful in school. But I also wonder if it's time to revisit who sets the standard for achievement and how it is measured.
Who decides what achievement is? Is the definition, which clearly is high test scores and good grades on a report card, still working for our children?
As a Montessori mom, and one who used the materials to homeschool, I have a different view of success and achievement. I really don't think a test score or report card is a true measure of a child's knowledge.
One of our suggestions for closing the achievement gap was to allow schools to make their own decisions about their needs. Districts want to make the most of the dollars they have, and I get that, but our children need a different approach from the cookie cutter mentality.
What works well for one school, such as an extended day, may not work at all for another school across town where the demographics are completely different. A recurring suggestion was student voice. It was one that came out early, and so the fourth meeting included students from a nearby high school. One of them sat in on my group the last night of the project.
I suggested that giving students a voice needs to happen early. It is already happening in Montessori schools, but the climate of the traditional classroom needs to change to be more of a collaboration between the teacher and the student, so the students feel empowered and responsible for their own education.
Another recommendation was to genuinely care about and accept each child. Everyone in a school must have a real interest in each child's background, culture, needs and abilities.
It's what I would hope for every child who walks into a school building. Unfortunately, I don't think it happens often enough.
There are so many things that can be done to right this wrong--students who are failing and dropping out. If I had to sum it up into a few words I'd say this: Always come from a position of love. When we come from a position of love into any situation the transformation that occurs is amazing.
I have learned a lot, and enjoyed sitting in those rooms with so many interesting, passionate, dedicated and intelligent people. My hope is that the work we did will make a difference in the lives of educators, administrators, and especially the children and youth who are struggling to achieve success.
I came away with a lot of insight and also some questions. I really believe we have to help students now who are having a hard time feeling a part of the school structure, and are not successful in school. But I also wonder if it's time to revisit who sets the standard for achievement and how it is measured.
Who decides what achievement is? Is the definition, which clearly is high test scores and good grades on a report card, still working for our children?
As a Montessori mom, and one who used the materials to homeschool, I have a different view of success and achievement. I really don't think a test score or report card is a true measure of a child's knowledge.
One of our suggestions for closing the achievement gap was to allow schools to make their own decisions about their needs. Districts want to make the most of the dollars they have, and I get that, but our children need a different approach from the cookie cutter mentality.
What works well for one school, such as an extended day, may not work at all for another school across town where the demographics are completely different. A recurring suggestion was student voice. It was one that came out early, and so the fourth meeting included students from a nearby high school. One of them sat in on my group the last night of the project.
I suggested that giving students a voice needs to happen early. It is already happening in Montessori schools, but the climate of the traditional classroom needs to change to be more of a collaboration between the teacher and the student, so the students feel empowered and responsible for their own education.
Another recommendation was to genuinely care about and accept each child. Everyone in a school must have a real interest in each child's background, culture, needs and abilities.
It's what I would hope for every child who walks into a school building. Unfortunately, I don't think it happens often enough.
There are so many things that can be done to right this wrong--students who are failing and dropping out. If I had to sum it up into a few words I'd say this: Always come from a position of love. When we come from a position of love into any situation the transformation that occurs is amazing.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Island Hop
So on Friday we took off for Vashon Island to see the bicycle in the tree.
We've been wanting to see this for a while. We've been reading a book by Berkeley Breathed, "Red Ranger Came Calling," for a few years. You can read about it and other Berkeley Breathed books here.
I've blogged about this before, and our excursion to Seattle to see the play based on the book put on by Book-It Theatre. (Lots of fun!!)
You can read more about Book-It Repertory Theatre here.
Since reading the book and seeing the play this Christmas we've talked about exploring Vashon to find the bicycle. Last week Chuck was off, I had a little bit of time, and Lilly was here for a few extra days. It was the perfect time to go.
The weather was awesome! We've had a lot of rain, but Friday was beautiful.
If you ever get to Vashon and want to see the bicycle, go to the left as you exit the ferry and keep going until you come to a stop sign. Stop at the little store on the left side of the road for directions.
We pulled into the parking lot of an old broken down building and the bicycle was in the forest behind that building.
Here's a little tour in pictures:
Almost ready to dock on Vashon Island.
A tiny creek, or wet area, you must pass over to get to the tree with the bike.
There it is. Real. And old.
Lunch break.
We went to see the lighthouse on Maury Island.
It was closed until May. We did enjoy the beach.
Sean loves it. He'd rather be on the beach than anywhere, I think.
He found some friends.
Lilly found some ladybugs.
I found this really cool log to photograph.
This container ship passed by and created big waves.
The kids played in the surf and got completely soaked and filthy.
Lilly opted out of that kind of fun.
We had a great day. We left the car below and went up on deck
to enjoy some scenery.
The ferry ride was short and a bit breezy.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
School business
Sean's teacher mentioned she was attending a seminar on children and trauma, and I was anxious to hear how it went. She sent a newsletter home with information about it, and asked for anyone who could teach the children stretching exercises. She said she learned in the seminar that it helps the children come back into their bodies.
So I suggested to Sean that he could teach some Yoga because he had it at his previous school. He wanted us to teach them together. So I cleared it with the teacher and we did an hour or so of Yoga with small groups last week. Some of them were more receptive than others.
I want to continue to do it as long as they are interested. I believe it is beneficial in so many ways.
We reached a crescendo last week so I was really ready for Spring Break.
We've been unsure of the status of the new school. We were scheduled to break ground on the new building on our site this month. Now there is talk of other alternatives, and it has everyone really stressed and concerned about where our kids will be attending school, and whether the public Montessori program will fail.
I really don't think it will fail, but I'm also concerned about too many moves for teachers and students.
As chair of the site council I invited another school's site council to join us for a joint meeting, and also invited the superintendent of the school district to come talk with us about dreams for Montessori in the district.
Both meetings went well, and I hope we can begin to collaborate more with the other Montessori public school. I also hope to invite the superintendent to more discussions as well. He is very approachable, open to suggestions and willing to explore new ideas.
It looks as if we will probably move to another school for a year, then hopefully move back to our site and into a new building.
So I suggested to Sean that he could teach some Yoga because he had it at his previous school. He wanted us to teach them together. So I cleared it with the teacher and we did an hour or so of Yoga with small groups last week. Some of them were more receptive than others.
I want to continue to do it as long as they are interested. I believe it is beneficial in so many ways.
We reached a crescendo last week so I was really ready for Spring Break.
We've been unsure of the status of the new school. We were scheduled to break ground on the new building on our site this month. Now there is talk of other alternatives, and it has everyone really stressed and concerned about where our kids will be attending school, and whether the public Montessori program will fail.
I really don't think it will fail, but I'm also concerned about too many moves for teachers and students.
As chair of the site council I invited another school's site council to join us for a joint meeting, and also invited the superintendent of the school district to come talk with us about dreams for Montessori in the district.
Both meetings went well, and I hope we can begin to collaborate more with the other Montessori public school. I also hope to invite the superintendent to more discussions as well. He is very approachable, open to suggestions and willing to explore new ideas.
It looks as if we will probably move to another school for a year, then hopefully move back to our site and into a new building.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"The Trouble with Black Boys"
I wanted to be part of it for a variety of reasons. First, I'm a white mom raising a biracial boy. I invited Chuck to do this with me because he has become a big part of Sean's life. He really is helping me raise him and I think it's important for both of us to know more about the issues facing biracial boys these days.
I'm also very passionate about education and believe we should all be doing more to figure out why these boys, especially, are falling through the cracks.
Last night was our first meeting at a high school in the city. We were served dinner, received our books and were put into book club groups. Child care was even provided by the YMCA.
There are nine in our group. We met our facilitator and went to a classroom and got to know a little bit about each other. We then decided to divide the book into chapters, with a couple of people taking each chapter as a focus. Our next meeting will focus on the first half of the book. We will meet one more time to finish up the book.
These nine people are from different ethnic and professional backgrounds. I think we all have a unique perspective and it's exciting to be part of this project. Our facilitator was in high school during desegregation in the South. There are two biracial participants, one is a teacher and the other works with at-risk youth ages 16 to 24. There's a woman from Cambodia who works with at-risk students, an Asian principal of an elementary school, a white principal, a white nutritionist who visits elementary schools to teach nutrition, Chuck who grew up in a diverse environment with friends of all colors, and sees all types of family situations as a firefighter, and myself.
We will read this book as other groups read other titles: "Teaching with Poverty in Mind," "Can We Talk About Race," "The Global Achievement Gap," "Lessons from High Performing Hispanic Schools," and "Whatever it Takes."
Each group will share how new ideas from these books can be incorporated into the way the district educates students.
This district does seem to be very forward thinking and willing to embrace new ways of teaching. There is a renowned psychologist and doctor who is talking tonight about the differences between girls and boys and how best to educate them, and this idea has been implemented at one school in the district.
I won't be able to attend, but I'm hoping to hear from either a parent or teacher who is going.
Maybe it's a coincidence, but it does seem to me the movie, "Waiting for Superman," has gotten the attention of educators and parents. This district, at least, is trying to look at ways to improve.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A glimpse into a Montessori Classroom
Every week Sean's teacher sends home a newsletter of what they've been doing in class that week.
It's really amazing. I've shared my amazement before and liken it to a Christmas letter every week. I always feel like I've been there when I read these newsletters.
So here's a little taste of what's been happening in Sean's class:
Africa:
To officially start our Africa unit we danced to South African music. I was so happy when I saw a large group of students grab hands and dance in a circle together. They did this without my prompting. This pleased me to see the high level of cooperation. Caleb also wanted to model to us some Ehtiopia dance moves and many I remembered from my travels. We mirrored what he taught us with big smiles of joy spread on our faces.
We started by looking at a piece of fabric I bought while vacationing in Accra, Ghana. As we passed it around we took time to smell, touch and examine it.
Later in the week we combined our counselor topics of needs and wants with our African study. After reading part of a book and talking about the deserts in Africa we brainstormed which kind of needs and wants they would have.
We got some great penpal letters in the mail from Nigeria and separated in the class to silently read them and cherish the words we read. Afterward we talked about what type of needs they might have. Jayla suggested an envelope because they sent their letters in our envelope that Rowan had decorated.
She always includes something on each subject, and provided a lot of information on what she has presented for math.
Most of the children have not had Montessori before, so she is teaching small group lessons about the geometric solids. She also introduced fractions.
They worked on poetry, sentence structure, wrote letters to their penpals and did a lot of work with water through a science program and played in the snow.
It's really amazing. I've shared my amazement before and liken it to a Christmas letter every week. I always feel like I've been there when I read these newsletters.
So here's a little taste of what's been happening in Sean's class:
Africa:
To officially start our Africa unit we danced to South African music. I was so happy when I saw a large group of students grab hands and dance in a circle together. They did this without my prompting. This pleased me to see the high level of cooperation. Caleb also wanted to model to us some Ehtiopia dance moves and many I remembered from my travels. We mirrored what he taught us with big smiles of joy spread on our faces.
We started by looking at a piece of fabric I bought while vacationing in Accra, Ghana. As we passed it around we took time to smell, touch and examine it.
Later in the week we combined our counselor topics of needs and wants with our African study. After reading part of a book and talking about the deserts in Africa we brainstormed which kind of needs and wants they would have.
We got some great penpal letters in the mail from Nigeria and separated in the class to silently read them and cherish the words we read. Afterward we talked about what type of needs they might have. Jayla suggested an envelope because they sent their letters in our envelope that Rowan had decorated.
She always includes something on each subject, and provided a lot of information on what she has presented for math.
Most of the children have not had Montessori before, so she is teaching small group lessons about the geometric solids. She also introduced fractions.
They worked on poetry, sentence structure, wrote letters to their penpals and did a lot of work with water through a science program and played in the snow.
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