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 As Montessorians in 2017 we are constantly facing pressure to prove that our method works, so it's always exciting when studies come out that support key components of the Montessori method. A recent study published in the January 2017 issue of the journal "Developmental Psychology," points to invented spelling as the best indicator to reading success.
Writing before reading, just as Dr. Montessori observed! Also, consider her brilliance in designing the moveable alphabet which removes a level of difficulty (letter formation) so that children can explode into writing as soon as they can identify sound and symbol. Genius!
- Syneva Barrett |
St. Catherine University Nursing Dept. is offering a FREE workshop:
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on the Health of Our Community May 4 from 7-9 pm
Understanding adverse stress and toxic trauma experiences impact on health, identifying common behaviors and triggers, avoiding of ACEs and promoting healthy communities.
Keynote Presentation by ACE Trainer Sameerah Bilal-Roby, Executive Director of the African American Babies Coalition (AABC), the Brains are Built Campaign, and Master ACE (trauma and toxic trauma awareness) trainer.
Two Workshops for Administrators
After May 19, $160 for two days of administrative workshops!
Co-Creating a Caring, Collegial Community
In our data-driven, results-oriented culture, it's easy to forget the human side of creating a community of adults focused on the greater good in our schools. In this workshop you will learn how to use a shared inquiry process and an appreciation of each other's gifts to cultivate deep engagement in members of your community to bring out the best in your staff your school community and yourself. You will gain practices and perspectives to make the essential business side of interactions more whole and satisfying.
Thursday, June 15 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Lunch will be provided
Cost: $100
Register by: June 8
 Staying Whole & Connected: An Administrator's Retreat
Regular reflection keeps us whole and connected. Using Parker Palmer's Five Habits of the Heart, renewing rituals and ceremony, we will spend the day contemplating, sharing and evolving our practice of leadership.
Instructors: Katie Ibes MAED, AMS 6-12, Professional Coach, Montessori Consultant and Director of Pedagogy at Great River School and Syneva Barrett MAED AMS 6-12, Program Director Advanced Montessori Programs.
Friday, June 16 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Lunch will be provided
Cost: $80
Register by: June 8
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Faculty Spotlight -
Last Chance to Join our Amazing Faculty for a Transformational Education!
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"I feel inspired to be the most caring, compassionate, patient, engaging, and supportive teacher I can, and I have such energy for the task ahead. I owe it all to these readings, these discussions, this cohort, and the work of the great thinkers, educators, and pedagogists who we are lucky enough to learn from." -Tim Schwartz '17
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Action Research Highlight
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Sara Cramer '16
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Maybe some of you have been following along with the 100 days of action lead by the Women's March movement. If not, check out the most recent call to action:
We Belong Together
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Sister Anne Harvey Visiting Professor, Liv Christensen and family March for Science
Earth Day, St. Paul, MN
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They list 4 ways to fulfill this community-oriented action, the first one beginning with encouraging children and young people to link arms and advocate for safety and inclusion in their local communities. It's time for the future generations to be heard!
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Laura Rasmussen AM2 '11, MSTEM '14
 What I Have Been Up To:
I have been a guide at Rochester Montessori School since 2011. Before that I was a guide at Sedona Charter School in Sedona, Arizona. While at RMS I was afforded the opportunity to gain my MSTEM certificate and my Montessori Model United Nations training. I was lucky enough to have the support of the administration to bring a group of students to Zhengzhou, China for the MMUN in November of 2014. I have also been able to present at the regional Montessori conference in La Crosse on three occasions. I also especially enjoy forming bonds with other staff members and have nominated myself as the "social committee" chair. I plan various outings each month for staff members to attend ranging from 5K races to painting classes. Next year, I have accepted a job at an international school in the Dominican Republic. My husband Ed will be working their too as the middle school science teacher. While it is not a Montessori school, it is a project-based school and I will have a lot of flexibility. I'm excited to live in the Caribbean, but I will really miss RMS. I will be part of a hiring committee and I am hoping there may be some interest from St. Kate's graduates!
Favorite Montessori Moment:
On of my E2 students was working on some math word problems. They got to a problem which asked something along the lines of, "If one textbook weighs 3 pounds and there are four textbooks, how much do they weigh all together?" The student came up to me and asked, "What is a textbook?" and I had to explain it to her. I just LOVED that feeling. It is so wonderful to know that we are not bound by textbooks and are able to use them as references when necessary or appropriate, but that we also follow the child and develop lessons and curriculum which is interesting and engaging for them.
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Montessori Community News
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 4th Annual Montessori for Social Justice Conference
in Houston, Texas
This year's theme is creating anti-bias and anti-racist Montessori communities, a crucial topic in this day-and-age. The conference includes some especially unique options like a Montessorians of Color pre-conference retreat, all day anti-bias/anti-racist training, over 14 different workshops to choose from, and open-space sessions to allow people to connect based on interest, needs, and school contexts.
Registration is open
 Montessori classroom furniture and materials for sale.
Montessori classroom furniture and materials for sale.
Ages 3-6, all furniture, all materials. Owner is retiring.
There may be an opportunity to purchase the school with established clientele. Contact: Lynn Arnsdorf 763-234-9251 or email
MontessoriElkRiver@gmail.com
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Montessori Community Job Postings:
Children's House Guide - Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy in Eden Prairie, MN - Contact:
www.peacefulvalleymontessori.org
Infant Guide - Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy in Eden Prairie, MN - Contact:
www.peacefulvalleymontessori.org
Toddler Guide - Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy in Eden Prairie, MN - Contact:
www.peacefulvalleymontessori.org
Elementary Assistant - White Bear Montessori in White Bear, MN- Contact:
marnie@wbms.org
Summer Nanny for 3 Montessori kids in Cottage Grove, MN - Contact:
Nitika_7@hotmail.com
Primary Guide - Bright Water Montessori Charter School in Minneapolis, MN - Contact:
work@brightwatermontessori.org
Elementary Guide - Bright Water Montessori Charter School in Minneapolis, MN - Contact:
work@brightwatermontessori.org
Mandala Montessori preschool in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a full time permanent Assistant Montessori Guide to fulfill the duties as an assistant for the 2017 summer program beginning in June. Please send resume to
mandalamontessori@gmail.com.
Miniapple Int'l Montessori in Minneapolis, MN is interviewing for an experienced Children's House Lead Guide, a FT Assistant to Guide for our infant community, and a PT (2-6pm) Assistant to Guide for our toddler community at our Four-Star rated Montessori school. We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. To apply, please email resume to
udi.miniapple@gmail.com
Central Minnesota Montessori (CMM) is opening in September 2017 in St. Cloud, MN. CMM is seeking a Full-time Montessori Elementary Guide for E1 classroom (1st to 3rd grade- ages 6 to 9). If you would like to be considered for this position, please send cover letter, resume, and references to: Central Minnesota Montessori Attn: Hiring
P.O. Box 7952 St. Cloud, MN 56302
Phone: 320-200-7538 email:
centralMNmontessori@gmail.com
Primary Guide - Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, CO - Contact: jobs.bvsd.org
Upper Elementary Guide - Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, CO - Contact:
jobs.bvsd.org
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| Good News for a Good Planet |
Speaking Inconvenient Truth to Power: Kudos to all of you who marched for science this past Saturday! In honor of our earth, and those of you who are speaking truth to power, I offer this
article in Brainpickings. One of my fabulous students made me aware of Brainpickings and how awesome it was, and I have continued to be inspired by the newsletter. As an English undergraduate, I can't help but buy and read just about everything the newsletter covers. Feel the power of this particular post that features a poem by Jane Hirschfield regarding the assault on nature.
- Teresa Ripple, Associate Professor
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Amy Frazier '08 is pleased to share the birth of her son, Mateo Lawrence Brown. Born on March 7, 2017 at 8lbs, 7 ounces. Amy shares, "He came into this world wide awake, alert and ready to learn. He is growing so much each day and it's amazing how the littlest feet can leave the biggest footprints in our hearts."
Nicole Frary Perez '08 isn't the only one excited to share the birth of Emmy Kane was born on Good Friday 4/14 at 10:50 pm. She has a very proud big sister, Paisley. She weighed 6lbs 12ounces and was 19 inches long.
Lillianna Joy was born on March 30th at 4:41 am to Kristofer & Sarah (Smith) Zemek '11. She weighed 8 lbs. 8 ounces and was 21 inches long. We are loving every moment with her!
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Online Info Session - May 23rd
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Would you like to receive credit for your Montessori credential?
Join us for a free online information session!
Tuesday, May 23 at 8 pm Central Time
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This month we share these amazing views of our beautiful planet. Lets walk gently together and take care of our Earth.
With Gratitude,
Syneva,Teresa, Liv & Carol
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