February 2020 E/85640201147

VOLUME 44, ISSUE 6 FEB © Montessori in Redlands 2020 LIC# 360910803-4-5

What it Means to be an RE-ENROLLMENT Independent School BEGAN FEBRUARY 1 Look for an email dated February 1 BY JENNY DAVIDSON, Head of School from [email protected] with your When people encounter Montessori edu- The vast majority of those are non-profit, invitation to re-enroll, or to communication for the first time, they often find it independent schools that have histories cate your intent to decline enrollment.... to be intuitive and responsive in a truly much like ours—a group of dedicated par- If you have not seen this email, look refreshing way. When they are introduced ents worked together to bring high-fidelity in your spam or junk folders. In Gmail, to a Montessori math material, we often Montessori education to children and look under your Promotions tab. hear, “I finally get it!” After discovering families in their hometown. If you still can't find the email, please such a gem, they also wonder why Mon- Historically, Montessori has found a contact the Admissions Office at tessori methods are not more widespread home in the world of independent [email protected] . in the educational world. schools. This organizational structure Only families of currently enrolled There are approximately 5,000 Mon- gives us the freedom to offer mixed-aged students may re-enroll in February. By tessori schools within the United States. (Continued on page 7) (Continued on page 6)

IN THIS ISSUE Board Report 2 Curriculum Matters 3 Child Development 5 PTM News 2 MIR Scrapbook 4 News & Events 6-7

It’s like chasing a wave at the beach—one Many practices can help foster cooper- Board Report moment we’re rushing forward to follow ation. At board meetings, we have an that leading edge, the next we’re beating a agenda and process that guide our deci- Collaborative hasty retreat to get out of the way. The sion making, and a number of practices Leadership wave edge is uneven—and our parenting that support participation. At home, we at this age (which parallels the toddler have family meetings and conversations to BY ANNE DESMARAIS, President stage of development, by the way) must share information and make decisions. My day job as a trainer is to help people be highly responsive and adaptive. Our And in both settings, we try to practice work together better. One skill I teach is ultimate goal is to help our kids take own- good communication skills that model Collaborative Leadership , which involves ership and responsibility for their own respect, invite participation, and build three elements: Inviting Participation, Fos- journey. trust. tering Cooperation, and Sharing Accom- Boards are also a form of collaborative Let’s not forget that ﬁnal element, plishments. We talk about them as the leadership. As board President, I am sharing accomplishments, the heart of Head, Hand, and Heart of collaboration. aware of the need to not only lead, but collaboration. Recognizing how far we Collaborative leadership has been on also to invite and encourage leadership in have come, and what we have accom- my mind lately, both for my work as MIR others. It is only by creating space, by plished individually and collectively, helps Board President, and as a parent of teen- stepping aside, that I can create room for us stay connected and moving forward in aged kids. others to step up and in. And it is that a collaborative mindset. After all, we’re all Growing up is hard to do, and helping diversity of voices in the room that keeps in this together. a young person grow up isn’t easy either. us strong.

with friends! The facility has 4,500 square This event is open to MIR and Grove fami- PTM News feet of bouldering and a 16-inch thick, mul- lies, friends, and staff. tilayered dual density memory foam floor- Shop Amazon Smile, Support PTM BY SHAWNDA ZOOK, President ing for safety. The cost is $10 to climb Shop through Amazon just like you (payable at the door) and includes the normally do by using Amazon Smile, and “Share the Love” Food Drive shoes. You may use Flowstone shoes or Amazon will donate a small percentage of This PTM community event helps those climb in your own gym shoes. Long socks your purchases to MIR. The key is to get in in need outside the MIR community. We encouraged. No experience necessary. the habit of using smile.amazon.com are holding a “Share the Love” food drive Snacks and drinks allowed. Please complete (rather than www.amazon.com ) as your to gather donations for Redlands Family waiver in advance at flowstoneclimbing.com default shopping page. Amazon Smile Services Wednesday, February 5 – to ensure a quick check-in. operates exactly like you expect Amazon Wednesday, February 12. They offer a Last Family Skate Night of the to, including preserving your shopping cart. walk-in food pantry to low income resi- School Year On your first visit to smile.amazon.com , dents. This month they are low on canned Friday, March 6, 5-7  is our next you will be asked to select a charitable vegetables, soup, and boxed meal kits. Skate Night at Cal (Continued on page 6) Please support this drive by bringing dona- Skate in Grand Ter- tions to school. Food can be dropped off race. PTM books a in classrooms or in the office. If you would two-hour private like more info on this organization visit party, which makes redlandsfamilyservices.org . it a safe environ- February FUN-Raiser to be held at ment for all ages Flowstone Climbing from beginners to Montessori students and parents of all experienced skaters. ages are invited to climb with PTM on Sat- Buy discounted urday, February 8, 8:30-11:30  at Flow- tickets for $6 at the stone Climbing in Redlands (1411 W State door (tickets in- St.). What a fun way to play and connect clude skate rentals).

Curriculum Matters: Montessori U My Experience with Journey & Discovery BY NATALIE HOHENSEE, Primary and Toddler parent

Montessori U is MIR’s program for parent education. Journey & Discovery is one of the most important parent events offered each year. It is an immersive experience that lets parents explore for themselves the full Montessori curriculum from 18 months to 18 years.

When my husband and I decided to at- would work out. Once I embarked on the work, speak with teachers, and experience tend Journey & Discovery this year at “journey” portion of the day, it became lessons in this space that truly must have Montessori in Redlands, I knew one of the clear how special it is to experience the been what Maria Montessori envisioned biggest hurdles would be finding child school in this way. By being silent myself, I for children. care for 5+ hours on a Saturday morning. was more clearly able to appreciate the There was plenty of time to explore the When I asked my Mom if she could watch vibrancy of this campus and to notice how work we so commonly hear our children our daughters, her response surprised thoughtfully each level of school is pre- reference and often don’t fully under- me. “Are they asking you to come work on pared for our children. The ability to be stand. Many times over, I heard a parent campus?” she asked. I laughed and present and mindful of the collective mo- exclaim that they wished they had learned shared that it is actually quite the oppo- ments we encountered on our “journey” this seemingly abstract concept the Montes- site. I just didn’t realize how opposite until through the school is a memory I will sori way. I was particularly taken by the visual we experienced this amazing offering. treasure for years to come. representations of complicated math formu- From the moment we arrived and helped ourselves to coffee and a plate of We had the opportunity to touch the work, speak with teachers, and delicious breakfast to when we finished experience lessons in this space that truly must have been what Maria our lunch and separated our trash and Montessori envisioned for children. dishes into the appropriate receptacles, it was remarkable to realize what time and For the “discovery” portion of the day, las into two- or three-dimensional objects. effort went into our experience. Part of my husband and I chose to do the lower This day was a true highlight among the “hidden curriculum” of MIR seems to grade track (Toddlers through 3 rd grade). many special days in the five years we’ve include significant and thoughtful acts of Both our daughters are young and will be been a part of the MIR Community. We service from the staff and faculty that transitioning within the year to new clas- now get to look forward to attending this make up our school. There were teachers ses in this age group. special event again when we’re ready for the of every level present, giving of their It is fascinating to see the consistency upper track. When that time comes, I might (precious) time to make this day happen. and growth from the Toddler classroom, need to find different childcare. I think my Behind the scenes, there were staff mem- into Primary and then to Lower Elemen- Mom might appreciate seeing what spend- bers ensuring that all went smoothly. In- tary. We had the opportunity to touch the ing a Saturday at MIR really looks like. stead of the parent work bee my Mom expected, it was a gift from our MIR family to us, its community. During the introduction, Mandy Shad- winkle, Assistant Head of School at MIR, and Andrew Christopherson, Head of School at The Grove School, explained how our day would proceed and what to expect. When they shared we would be starting the day with a silent walk through campus, I was dubious as to how this

MIR Scrapbook Gala Projects in Progress

Child Development Planning Outings with Your Child BY EMILY DRINKWINE, Upper Elementary Teacher As spring break approaches and summer Within the elementary curriculum, the is on the horizon, you may be thinking child is told stories to spark the imagina- about taking a family outing of some sort. tion and foster a deep understanding and Even the thought for some may be daunt- appreciation for humankind. One of the ing; it is a lot of work to plan such a thing humanity lessons they receive is called and with children it can be tricky. Fundamental Human Needs . Ultimately the goal of these trips is to In this lesson, children come to learn of be engaged, have fun, and perhaps learn a the five main necessities for one’s survival: bit. So, how might you reach this goal suc- food, shelter, transportation, clothing, cessfully? Regardless of your child’s age, and entertainment (spiritual + physical). In the best approach is to involve your child/ the elementary class, these categories with your elementary child? ren in the planning process. Allow them a have proven to provide a strong frame-  Have a family meeting and ask your voice and make it clear they are equally work to guide the children when planning child/ren if they are interested in going important in contributing to the family trip. an outing—whether to the local library for on an outing or vacation. ( The trip nev- This article focuses on how to engage further research or a cross-country trip to er has to have a cost—local libraries or your elementary child in this process. This Boston. The elementary child uses these art museums are equally as wonderful!) preparation can begin with earlier ages, and categories as a rubric to successfully de-  Solicit ideas from all family members teacher Sara Garcia will provide more infor- velop a blueprint for their trip. The child and consider each one out loud to- mation in the March issue of the . learns how to plan an outing. gether. As the parent, make the final At the Elementary age, the child merges Working well with others, using time choice. Show excitement and enthusi- into their second plane of development, wisely, and planning outings are just three asm for the other ideas that you will one in which they transform from being of the invaluable life skills children are possibly explore in the future. Some mostly an independent learner to that of a group learner who yearns to interact with [Maria Montessori] called this the homework of the elementary child: to peers. Maria Montessori called this the continue practicing life skills, while contributing to the work of the home. herding instinct in the elementary classroom, where there is a healthy “buzz” of developing in elementary that will assist you may need to save money for. Show collaboration, constructive debate, and them in their future endeavors. Maria your child the costs of such trips and talk consideration of logic within the group. Montessori felt this work should extend about putting money aside. Model this The child learns to work well with others. beyond school hours and into the home, real-life work. You also begin to see the child take so that all are contributing to the family Ask for your child’s help to plan the more ownership over the course of their unit and building independent lifetime trip and work with them. day, planning carefully to make effective skills. She called this the homework of the Plan ahead to allow an ample amount use of class time. The child is given trust elementary child: to continue practicing of time so the process is enjoyable. This from the teacher to do so, allowing for life skills, while contributing to the work of work can be done in small bits of time failure, learning opportunities, and growth. the home. Interacting well with family every night (spread out the work by cate- Frequent meetings between teachers and members, considering their thoughts, and gory, perhaps). Using the internet can be children allow for self-reflection and thinking about time and components helpful, as can making phone calls (which acknowledgement, as well as reasonable when planning outings—or vacations—are you can model for your child and encour- goal setting. Ultimately, the child realizes key factors in the discussion of any trip age them to make the next one, if the op- how valuable time is and how to balance you wish to plan together as a family, or portunity is there!). out their day for optimum performance. with friends. Following are the Fundamental Human The child learns how to use time wisely. So, what might planning a trip look like (Continued on page 6)

EARLY RE-ENROLLMENT BEGINS (cont.) PLANNING OUTINGS (Continued from page 5) (cont.) (Continued from page 1) school year, you may submit your appli- Needs rubric we use for these discussions re-enrolling early, you secure your cation during February for a $150 dis- in the classroom: child's space for the 2020-21 school count on the application fee. You must re- year and you receive a $150 discount off enroll your currently enrolled student(s) Entertainment the enrollment fee. in February to complete an application for  What do we want to do? Is the trip Every stage in our educational program a sibling in February. for leisure, learning, both? is designed to match the changing devel- If you will be applying for a new sibling,  Is there anything we need to bring opmental needs of each child. Whether contact the Admissions Office at with us to be best prepared? Library your child is moving up or returning to the [email protected] after February 10 for card, etc. same classroom, they will be supported in instructions. The application instructions  Is there any research to do before- exploring new challenges and celebrating with a family-specific waiver code for the hand so that we are connected to the first-time accomplishments. We expect discounted fee will be emailed to you. activities? 2020-21 to be another wonderful year at Space cannot be guaranteed. MIR! You must submit an application during Shelter (if needed) Early Re-enrollment Deadlines February re-enrollment to receive the  Where shall we stay? Early re-enrollment began Saturday, $150 discount on the application fee.  Does the shelter location have ac- February 1 and ends Saturday, February While applications for siblings will still be cess to transportation and food? 29 at 6 . Early enrollment forms accepted after February 29, the fee will be cannot be accepted after February $500. Food (if needed) 29 at 6 . While enrollment for current  What and where shall we eat for students may be accepted after that date Contract Deadlines each meal? and time, the fee will be $500. Delays in The 2020-21 school year runs August  Develop a grocery list (if needed). re-enrollment may result in the lack of an 24, 2020 to June 4, 2021. The enroll- available space for your child. ment contract becomes absolute on Transportation Online Re-enrollment Using TADS June 1, 2020 at 5 . Any withdrawal  How do we get to and from the des- We are using TADS for online re- requests must be submitted before this tination? enrollment for the 2020-21 school year deadline. If a withdrawal request is re-  How do we travel throughout the (the same system you use to pay your ceived after the deadline, and it does not destination if we are staying for a invoices). You will log in using the same meet the two (2) exceptions outlined in length of time? username and password you use to pay the contract, you will be obligated to pay your tuition invoices. the contract in full. The annual payment or Clothing If you have any technical support first tuition installment payment will be due  Is there weather to consider? questions throughout this process, con- August 1, 2020.  What shall we wear the day of trav- tact TADS support at 800-477-8237 or Thank you in advance for continuing el? and pack if staying? Generate a [email protected] , M-F 7 -8  CST. your children’s education at Montessori in packing list with your child . TADS will help you with any technical Redlands!  Traveling by air? Familiarize your- difficulty you have with enrollment. selves with baggage and TSA regula- If you have questions for the school tions to be best prepared. about your specific child’s enrollment, PTM NEWS (cont.) Print out information and any confir- please contact the MIR Admissions Office mations. Organize this in a binder with directly at [email protected] . (Continued from page 2) tabs for each fundamental human need As per your enrollment contract, all ac- organization before you begin shopping. and if you are traveling, take it with you as counts must be current to re-enroll for the Search and select “Montessori in Red- a guide throughout the trip. next school year. lands” and you’ll give back to MIR with Enjoy the process of planning with your Applying for Enrollment for New every purchase. child. You’ll find that they will take greater Siblings If you have any suggestions or ques- pride and pleasure from the trip or outing If you intend to apply for a new sib- tions related to PTM please email me at when they’ve had the opportunity to par- ling(s) at any time during the 2020-21 [email protected] . ticipate in the planning and preparation!

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL (cont.) (Continued from page 1) classrooms, hire teachers with specialized training, choose our own learning assess- ments, and serve children from a very young age. It also means that we are independent from outside funding sources that public or parochial schools access, and costs are supported entirely by tuition, fees, and fundraising. Sponsor or Donate to the MIR Spring Gala Not all Montessori programs operate as independent schools. In fact, about 500 of The MIR Spring Gala is a fun-raiser and fundraiser. Funds raised from the the U.S. Montessori schools are public Gala will help MIR enhance its campus to make it more safe, functional, schools. While they have access to differ- and beautiful for the children. Last year's Gala raised almost $90,000. ent funding sources, they also have the Sponsoring, advertising in the program book, or donating to the Spring Gala significant challenge of meeting expecta- are great ways to support the goals of the gala and showcase your business or tions for both public schools in addition to skills. You can learn more at mir.org/gala or contact Jessica Bailiff in the MIR the pedagogical expectations of Montes- office. We are also looking for volunteers to help with preparations. sori education, which is not an easy feat!  Sponsorships are available at several levels, including Platinum, Gold, and As an independent school, MIR’s Silver options with several benefits. budget is carefully balanced to reflect our  Advertisements are available in the event program book including full-page, values. We prioritize the quality of our half-page, and business-card sized ads to meet your budget and reach more staff, learning environments, and student than 200 attendees and staff. activities, while still striving to keep our  Donations of goods, services, vacation homes, and more will help build a programs as financially accessible as pos- better auction! Not sure what to donate? We are looking for a variety of pre- sible. We are constantly adjusting for made baskets to be donated with fun themes including: “Summer Fun Pack,” changes including minimum wage increas- “Tailgater,” “Family Night Under the Stars,” “World of Wines,” “At-Home es and new expectations for creating a Chef,” “Pet Lover,” and “Shop Local Box.” Stop by the office to get the full responsible and safe campus. details. In a quickly changing landscape, we And of course, don’t forget to get your tickets! Early-bird individual (general continue our commitment to the things seating) tickets are on sale now for $75. After Friday, February 21, prices for in- MIR holds most dear—an excellent Mon- dividual tickets increase to $85. A limited number of Patrons Tables with re- tessori program guided by highly-trained served seating for 10 are available for $1,000. Learn more for buy your tickets at and caring staff. mir.org/gala.

7 The Armantrout Montessori Education Founda- is required to guarantee your spot. tion is hosting t he 11 th annual Grove Monopoly Want to participate but don’t want to play? Tournament on Saturday, February 29. Pro- We need volunteers to serve as “bankers.” Con- ceeds from this event support college scholar- tact Doug Claflin at dmclafl[email protected] . ships for Grove students. Interested in sponsoring the tournament? The Grove School Model The tournament has two divisions: a junior Sponsorships start at only $25. United Nations Club invites division for grades 4-12, and a senior division If you have questions, contact tournament co Elementary and Primary fami- for ages 18+. (Students may play in the senior -coordinator Amber Claflin at amber.claflin lies to “Sweetheart Dance” on division if they wish.) Top players in each divi- @gmail.com or 909-322-5569. Saturday, February 8, 3-5  sion receive a $100 prize! Plus there are lots of For more information about the tournament, in the Barton School House. other prizes too! sponsorship, or for registration forms, visit Attendees will be treated to The tournament is open to ALL students in https://sites.google.com/view/grovemonopoly/ special activities, an ice cream grades 4 and up and ALL adults. Preregistration home . sundae bar, a commemorative Polaroid, and of course danc- ing! The cost is $30 per Calendar child+adult. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/ February 2020 e/85640201147 . Grove School Model UN Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri will use proceeds to travel to University of California, Berke- 1 Early Re-enrollment 4 5 6 7 Box Top Friday begins PTM Meeting, 6  Share the Love Drive Share the Love Drive Share the Love Drive ley Model UN conference. begins Emily field trip, 9 -2  Friendly Grams Valentines 3 Nikki field trip, 9 -3  sales begin, 8-9:15  Childcare reservations due for Feb. 14 Makerspace

Sportball 8 Flowstone Climbing FUN UE Digital Storytelling Soccer UE Digital Storytelling Elementary Math Games -raiser, 8:30-11:30  10 11 12 13 14 Share the Love Drive Share the Love Drive Share the Love Drive ends Friendly Grams Valentines School closed, childcare sales end, 8-9:15 pm available by reservation Friendly Grams Valentines Friendly Grams Valentines Friendly Grams Valentines Teesie ﬁeld trip, 8:30 - sales, 8-9:15  sales, 8-9:15  sales, 8-9:15  2  Nikki’s Valentine’s Day Tea, Sara’s Parent Tea, 10-11  9-10  th MIR's 6 year students are Sportball selling valentines called UE Digital Storytelling Soccer UE Digital Storytelling Elementary Math Games “Friendly Grams” February 7- 17 18 19 20 21 Box Top Friday 13, 8-9:15  on the north and School and childcare Bluebird Assembly, 9:15  closed for Presidents Day. south campuses.

Friendly Grams are home- made valentines that you can customize, or the students can Sportball Soccer UE Digital Storytelling Elementary Math Games Makerspace customize for you. Students will deliver them to recipients 24 25 26 27 28 Box Top Friday Kara/Jenny ﬁeld trip, 9 .- Jean/Maryhelen ﬁeld trip, at MIR and The Grove School 3  11 -4  on Thursday, February 13. Makerspace Grams are $1 each and 29 Early Re-enrollment make a great option for class ends Sportball valentine exchanges. UE Digital Storytelling Soccer UE Digital Storytelling Elementary Math Games