Montessori Moment
May 2024
Dear Montessori Families,

April showers have indeed blessed us with vibrant May flowers, and the energy within our Montessori community is equally blossoming with excitement! As we embark on this journey through spring, we are thrilled to share some wonderful updates and plans with you.

Campout Season: Our outdoor education initiatives are in full swing as we dive into the campout season. It's delightful to witness the enthusiasm of our students as they collaborate and plan their grand adventures under the open sky. We believe that these experiences not only foster a deep appreciation for nature but also instill valuable life skills in our children.

Introducing Our New Community of Montessori Parent (CoMP) Board: We're proud to announce the selection of our new CoMP Board for the upcoming year. Remember, all parents are members of CoMP, and the dedicated individuals on the board work tirelessly to support our Montessori programming. From organizing events to fostering a sense of community and raising funds, their efforts are instrumental in making our school the nurturing environment it is. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parent volunteers who contribute their time and effort to enrich our community.

Exciting News: Public Montessori Primary Program! We are thrilled to share that our school district has extended its support to launch our first public Montessori Primary program for the 2024-2025 school year. This monumental step will see the hiring of an AMI Primary teacher and the initiation of a pilot program. With the successful completion of the inaugural year, we aim to expand our offerings further by adding another Primary classroom in the subsequent year. The foundation of the Montessori model lies in the Primary classroom, and we are ecstatic to extend this opportunity to our community and potentially broaden our program's reach in the future.

As we embrace the spirit of growth and exploration this season, we are deeply grateful for your continued support and involvement in our Montessori journey. Together, we nurture a thriving community where every child can flourish.

Warm regards,

Rhonda Turnipseed
Spokane Public Montessori Principal
A Farewell Message from our
Principal Assistant - Jennifer Huffaker
It is with a mixture of excitement and sadness that I share with our community that 4/30 was my final day as Principal Assistant at SPM. 

I have been in education since 2012, though not all in Spokane Public Schools. I have learned many lessons from my time in SPS, and from this year in administration. I have decided to return to my work as an attorney to pursue a more just future. 

From here on, I'll rejoin the parent community and cheer for the extraordinary work our teachers and staff do every day.

All my best,
Jennifer
We need one more Supervisor during the school day, starting immediately:

Afternoon Bus Supervisor
Mondays - Wednesdays
2:45 - 3:15 PM

Morning Bus Supervisor
Tuesdays
8:00 - 8:30 AM


If you are interested fulfilling one of these paid opportunities,
please contact the Main Office at 354-6409
Meet our New CoMP Board Members!
(Community of Montessori Parents)
Outgoing President: Coreanna Riddell
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: My time at SPM began when my oldest began third grade in 2017. Currently my middle daughter, Reagan, is in Chris Carlsen's class.
What is your background and interests? I began working in a Montessori environment in 2013, and quickly fell in love with the philosophy. Since then I have worked in an infant room community, toddler room community, been an aide at SPM, and currently a guide in a primary classroom at Woodland Elementary.
What motivated you to volunteer on the CoMP Board? When our family came to SPM, I felt a desire to connect with other families- CoMP seemed like a no-brainer way to do that! My desire to continue to work with CoMP is because I believe wholeheartedly in the mission "to promote the values of AMI education to SPS students and to the Spokane community"! I hope to continue to expand and reach more children with the opportunities to have an authentic Montessori experience.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: My mother made it impossible for people to pronounce my name through reading it! It is pronounced "Cor-ee-nuh"!
Incoming Co-President: Victoria Carter-Imsland
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: 4 years- our daughter is currently a sixth year in Miss Claire’s (can’t believe we will have a MIDDLE SCHOOLER next year!) and our son is a fourth year in Pete’s class.
What is your background and interests? Our family found Montessori when our daughter started preschool and we were hooked! My husband is a helicopter mechanic and I’m a pharmacist, so we are pretty solid team at trivia games!
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? I missed getting to know the parents and students during Covid. I was so ready to get back to meeting students and families!
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I love wake surfing and can back a trailer into just about anywhere.
Incoming Co-President: Katie Storo
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: We have been with SPM for 11 years. Our oldest is an SPM alumnus and currently, a Junior at LC/Running Start, and our youngest is a 7th year in Mr. G’s room.
What is your background and interests? I am a retired Aircraft Accident Investigator. I’ve worked in government, and commercial airlines then finished my career with the Airline Pilots Association. If I am not at school volunteering or subbing, in the winter you can find me Nordic Skiing and in the nicer months you’ll find me riding my bike or knitting and watching British crime drama with my husband.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board: When we first moved here, It was a way of meeting people and now I can’t imagine not being involved with SPM
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I’ve fretted over this question (and I am the one that made them up LOL) so I’ll say that I once wasn’t fond of cats then I went to Kitty Cantina and now we have 5 AND I’ve seen Duran Duran at least 6 times. Long live the 80’s!
Incoming Co-Vice President: Kelly Morton
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: This is my second year as an SPM parent and my first year as
the Art Specialist. I have a second grader (Ari) here this year, and I will have a first grader here in the fall (Leo).
What is your background and interests? My background is in education, art, and writing. I've taught college and high school English and am so thrilled to be teaching art at SPM! I love animals, crafting, reading, spending time with my family, and traveling.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? I was motivated to join the CoMP Board because I wanted to be more involved in the SPM community and to meet other SPM families!
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I graduated from the Spokane Public Montessori program in 1999!
Incoming Co-Vice President: Natalie Grosser
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: 5 yrs - Hadley is in 5th and Torjsten is in 2nd
What is your background and interests? My background is pretty varied. I used to run middle school grant programs, my degree is in architecture, I currently design and implement business processes for a university. Outside of work, my interests include hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, camping, designing gardens, and solving the daily NYT puzzles.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? I've been exploring the Montessori philosophy since I was in college and knew that was something I wanted as an option for my kids education. Volunteering for CoMP seemed like the best way to use my skillset and passion to continue supporting a public Montessori option here in Spokane and being a part of the support system for SPM teachers, staff, and families.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I enjoy gardening and my oldest child enjoys animals, two passions we've turned into a growing hobby farm.
Treasurer: Jillian LaBelle
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: I've been at SPM for 4 years. I have a 4th grader in Ms. Whitney's class and an incoming 1st grader next year.
What is your background and interests? I am a CPA and am currently teaching accounting at Gonzaga University. I love being outdoors and going for hikes, walks and bike rides.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? I love being able to use my accounting skills to help our community. I plan to have my kids at SPM through middle school and I wanted a way to get to know the community better and be involved. I love being able to work with the teachers and staff and get to know other parents as well.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: Our family has a mini doodle puppy (in picture with me) and we plan to get another one this summer because she's the best dog ever.
Co-Secretary: Karen Petruska
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: Three years, Henry, Lower El, Kim Webster's room, 3rdgrade. Incoming kindergartener next year.
What is your background and interests? From the mid-west, but I've also lived in Louisville, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and Santa Barbara. Now a college prof at GU. Study media (TV, streaming media, kids media). Tell me about your favorite show or website. :) My favorite thing these days is sitting with the neighbors while our kids ride bikes.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? Entered the school last minute, so CoMP provided my main way to learn about the community, culture, and teachers.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I used to work in theatre as something called a "dramaturg."
Co-Secretary: Greg Jensen
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: My family has been with SPM for a year, when my sons Max and Vincent began attending and my wonderful wife Amy Jensen began teaching.
What is your background and interests? I graduated with a degree in Social Research and Data Analysis from WSU, and I worked as a preschool teacher for years, where I met my wife. I am currently a stay-at-home dad.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? An anonymous person recommended me for a secretary position on the CoMP board, and at the encouragement of Mrs. Jensen I accepted.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I taught myself how to juggle.
Parent Representative: Beth Spruill
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos:
This is my second year at SPM, my girls are in 6th and 8th
grade for the 2024-2025 year
What is your background and interests? I am an artist and photographer. I love to spend my time gardening and baking or
cooking.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? Being involved at school is important for me to stay in touch
with what is happening in my child's life. Schools are already so short on resources, and if I can help make things happen by
volunteering my time and talent, we are better for it!
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I was a college shot putter and hammer thrower. So if you see me limping around campus, it's from old injuries and being surgically put back together!
Parent Representative: Breann Babcock
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: I have been with Spokane public Montessori for 2 years. My children are currently 3rd year and kindergarten.
What is your background and interests? I grew up on a family farm. I Love working outside in my yard and garden. I study geography in school. In my spare time I enjoy puzzles/games with my family and geocaching.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? It's important to me to be part of my children's education. Being on the board gives me that opportunity to be involved with the school and families who attend.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I've always loved take long road trips.
Parent Representative: Amanda Wanrow
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: We started in the fall of 2019 in kindergarten! I currently have a 4th grade student in Claire's class and a kindergarten student.
What is your background and interests? I love being outside and spending time with my kids/family. We enjoy spending the summer at the lake and enjoying the outdoors.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? I LOVE MONTESSORI!!! I think...actually know how important volunteers are to the school and making sure our community can thrive. Covid took toll on our school community and the
way things operated. I think it is important to have a dedicated group of community members that are invested and care about SPM. This board serves so many purposes for the school, students and staff. It’s important to keep it running effective and smooth. With a wide range of community members serving, we can make anything happen!
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I love Disneyland!
Parent Representative: Brenna Stenberg
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: My son is in first grade and this is our first year at SPM.
What is your background and interests? I have a background in account and project management and in my free time I enjoy baking, gardening, and reading.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? Supporting the culture and community of the school. We want to be part of the community for years to come so I welcome the opportunity to positively make an impact.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I have five boys ranging in age from 25 to 4
Parent Representative: Tanya Aoyagi
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: We have been an SPM family for 5 years now. My 3 kids are currently in 2nd, 4th, and 6th grade. 
What is your background and interests? I've worked as a preschool teacher, customer analyst for an IT company, and much more! Now I work from home, which helps me volunteer at SPM for baking club and field trips. I love to bake, read, and spend time with friends and family exploring around Spokane. 
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? Our family loves the RaiseRight program and wants to help more SPM families fall in love with it too.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I am the oldest (and only girl) of 7 kids!
Parent Representative: Erin Neal
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: 5 years, kiddo is in 5th.
What is your background and interests? I’m a writer and used to be a filmmaker.
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? I wanted to try and be more involved.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I was once a Pony Express rider for the historic re-ride as a teenager.
Parent Representative: Tracy Hare
How long have you been at SPM and tell us about your kiddos: We came in fall of 2022. Bennett is in 2nd, Marlowe in K What is your background and interests? I’m a Registered Dietitian and love cooking and eating! All the things, not just “healthy”, hah. Love hiking, camping, being with people, and bargain shopping  
What motivated you to volunteer for the CoMP Board? I want to do what I can to make communication and community here even better! I LOVE finding ways to help families connect, especially because we were desperate for that when we joined.
Tell us a fun fact or something unique about yourself: I was an Air Force kid so moved all over as a child. A lot of my family is in Delaware.
not pictured
Parent Representative: Kevin Spohr
Parent Representative: Thomas Spieght
Upcoming Events:

  • May 6-8: Montessori Elementary Music Club 3:15 - 4:15 PM
  • Wednesdays: Montessori Middle School Music Club 3:15 - 4:15 PM
  • May 6-8: Carlsen Campout
  • Wednesday, May 8: Campout Volunteer Training 5:30 - 6:15 PM
  • Thursday May 9: New Family Dessert Night 5:30 PM
  • Friday May 10: Sprit Day - Dress like your teacher day
  • Friday May 17: Spirit Day - Mismatched shoes/socks day
  • May 20 - May 22: Andre, Goettert, Henning Campout
  • May 21 - 24: Mt. Rainier Middle School Trip
  • May 22 - 24: Wendt, Waner Campout
  • May 22 - 24: Hess. Marston Campout
  • Friday May 24: Spirit Day - Dress like a tourist
  • Monday May 27: Memorial Day NO SCHOOL
  • May 29 - 31: Orlando, Webster Campout
Want to learn more about Montessori? Here are some resources:
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