Montessori School of Maui 2010-2011 Annual Report

Montessori School of Maui T H E AN N UAL : 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

Montessori School of Maui Aloha Families and Friends, faculty & staff 2010-2011

board of directors 2010-2011

Cynthia Winans-Burns, Head of School administration

Robert V. Pellettieri

Cheryl Kaupalolo, Business Manager Deborah Peterson, School Advancement Officer Maya Ross, Events & Marketing Coordinator Sue Schmidt, Admissions Officer Kasey Amuro, Business Office Assistant Alysha Asue-Kusunoki, Administrative Assistant

president

Tulasi Dennis vice president

Dennys Eymard secretary

TODDLER CLASSROOM

Sarah Bredhoff treasurer

René Anderson-Vorfeld, Toddler Teacher Meshay Dempsey, Toddler Assistant

Jeremy Baldwin

Primary CLASSROOMs

Susan Bendon Heather Haynes Drood Sheila Haynes DeBorah Hoopingarner William Jenkins Wendy Peterson Frederick Rawe Bart Santiago Klaus Simmer Christopher Smith David Spee Catherine Stephens Clay Sutherland Paul Turner

honorary board members Annie Nelson Cynthia Quisenberry Cherry Anne Sutherland

head of school Cynthia Winans-Burns

The Montessori School of Maui a is non-profit organization. We are a

The Montessori School of Maui proudly engages in Growing Global Citizens The Montessori School of Maui provides a comprehensive curriculum from early childhood into adolescence that employs a collaborative learning environment to stimulate a student’s critical thinking skills, to cultivate an inquisitive mind, and to empower children to actively participate in the rapidly changing environment of the twenty-first century.

The Montessori School of Maui promotes • Academic excellence • A love of learning • Mutual respect • Environmental awareness and responsibility • Individual accountability within a social framework

Nara: Judy Sterling, Teacher Cheryl Tabaco, Assistant Plumeria: Janie Kunin, Teacher Shana Driscoll, Assistant Monkeypod: Christine Lamore, Teacher Valerie Gobel, Assistant Kukui: Jeffrey Friedman, Teacher Emma Stoller-Whitney, Assistant Lower Elementary CLASSROOMs

Jacaranda: Gloria Del Rivo, Teacher Wiliwili: Jolyne Rego, Teacher Kamani: Emily Severson, Teacher Hidemi Hiraga, Department Assistant

resource Teachers

Art: Sandra Guerard Music: Ryan Duffy Organic Gardener: Craig Eckert Spanish: Elianne Santin & Silvia Millet Japanese: Hidemi Hiraga Physical Education: Nancy LaJoy & Hidemi Hiraga

Though our attention is always drawn to the new and unique, it is the children’s and faculty’s daily work in the classrooms that is the most impressive. Even after a hundred years, the Montessori approach is still relevant; an example of both the cutting-edge and enduring practices that define meaningful education.

Upper Elementary CLASSROOMs

‘Iliahi: Alastair Hebard, Teacher Banyan: Shirah Minagawa, Teacher Nancy LaJoy, Department Assistant Middle School CLASSROOM

Koa: Melinda Lyle-Javier, Teacher Kelani Feliciano, Assistant

Librarian & Field Trip Coordinator

Dheya Kealoha Student Support Specialist

Judy Evans Extended Care

co-educational school

Primary: Alejandra Carta Elementary: Amanda Asue

education to children without regard to race, nationality, gender, ethnic origins or religious beliefs.

This annual report is an opportunity to review the past year as we engage in the unfolding of the new. I believe that looking back has value—especially when it connects with the gift of the present and the promise of the future. Our students’ ongoing focus on philanthropic and sustainable projects is an example of this value.

Through such activities, they make a difference in the community while applying academic skills to real-life situations. MOMI’s annual events such as the Fire & Ice Gala, the PTO Holiday Fair, and Kupuna Day all raise awareness and funds to support the school’s continuing commitment to providing an outstanding Montessori educational experience for Maui’s children across the socioeconomic spectrum.

A notable highlight of the 2010-2011 school year was MOMI’s award of a six-year accreditation term. The process included a self-study and a site visit by an evaluation team from the Western Association of Independent Schools (WASC) and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS). Accreditation requires meeting the highest standards for independent schools. WASC and HAIS accredited schools are highly regarded by educators and parents.

MOMI’s accreditation is a perfect complement to our long-held commitment to the Montessori approach, which we believe adheres to the most exacting criteria in the world of education.

non-denominational, enrolling and providing

We are grateful to all of you for your ongoing support through gifts to the annual fund, fundraiser participation, contributions to tuition assistance, and funding for special projects. Whether motivated by your love for your child, your own past experience as a MOMI student, or your appreciation of an excellent Montessori education, we thank you sincerely for your generosity. Your gifts make it possible to help students develop traditional academic skills, sustainable practices, and philanthropic engagement. In other words, you promote the education of the whole child.

Maintenance

Tony Akina: Head of Maintenance Joe Planesi: Maintenance Assistant Joseph Santos Bras: Custodian Maria De la Luz Boudreau: Custodian

As you reflect on this past year and move through the present into the future, I invite you to look at our children’s experience at MOMI with a fresh perspective. While the timeless principles of Montessori remain constant every year, that sameness, when revealed through the unique development of each child, is found to be to be individually extraordinary.

Cynthia Winans-Burns Head of School

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Academic Literacy Academic literacy refers to the ability to read and write in many varied forms. Through research-based projects and an interdisciplinary, integrated, and relevant curriculum, students build their vocabulary, make meaning of and summarize content, express their ideas both orally and in writing, and create links across texts.

Academic literacy also includes a mathematical perspective that grows beyond basic calculations into true statistical analysis.

e x p lo r i n g an d un d e r stan d i n g Once the students determined how many people would fit in a certain amount of space, Alika helped them create a working drawing.

Setting the Stage for Growth Using mathematics, language, and problemsolving skills, students in a primary class worked with parent volunteer Alika Romanchak to build a small stage. The multi-step process of design and construction entailed measurement, reading, teamwork, concentration, and patience. These aspects of academic literacy and applied learning led to tangible results.

Meaningful Materials Montessori materials attract children to engage in learning activities of their own choice. These materials help students grasp solid academic concepts, building a foundation for more complex learning and application as they grow.

The completed stage is compact and portable, an ideal platform for developing confidence and performing in front of peers.

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Academic Literacy E xp lori n g and unde r stan d i n g

Kaho‘olawe MOMI parent and Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission natural resource specialist Paul Higashino led the upper elementary sixthyear students and middle school students on their restoration learning excursions to the island. Paul was recognized by Maui No Ka Oi magazine as a 2011 Environmental Hero. The adolescents of the middle school program also planted and grew a‘ali‘i seedlings that they took to plant on Kaho‘olawe.

Life Cycle of the Ipu Plant The lower elementary students developed a new vocabulary as they learned how to cultivate the ipu plant organically and measure and record its growth, integrating academic skills with the earth curriculum.

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Student Store and Hot Lunch Program Mathematics is the driving curriculum in operating the studentrun Koa Store and Friday Hot Lunch Program. From managing inventory, pricing, transactions, and customer consumption, students learn to project sales, create estimates, and analyze profit and loss.

Mentoring opportunities allow adolescents to work with younger students in the kitchen, teaching their peers measurement and ratios through food preparation for the school community.

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Sustainability Cultural Literacy

Lessons in

Appreciating and understanding the commonalities and differences in the customs, values, and beliefs of various cultures forms the basis of cultural literacy.

Montessori values the importance of sharing information as a way to empower students.

Gaining knowledge about one another’s cultures, the local culture, and cultures of the greater world is imperative to the growth of global citizens. Learning beyond functional literacy creates a society where growth and innovation can flourish.

what every Montessorian knows

Odyssey Trip to Washington, D.C.

Researching Our Roots Lower elementary students researched their individual family histories, made small maps with geographical identifiers for particular regions, and used fractions to create graphs with visual and mathematical representations of their cultural backgrounds. Sharing these studies with peers helps build an understanding of diversity within a small community of learners.

During MOMI’s 4th Odyssey Trip to Washington, D.C. in November, 24 students gained new insights into America’s history, lawmaking, and civil rights.

Members of the class, some of whom had never been outside of Hawaii, said the group developed a team-like camaraderie through sharing travel logistics and discussing the colorful tapestry of our nation’s history.

Middle school teacher Melinda Lyle-Javier says, “My reward is seeing the students in awe of every site we visit. They can read about America online, but to see it full size and up close is to actually feel the pulse of our nation’s past, and how leaders define its future.”

The Odyssey Trip, which began in 2004, is a key component of the Montessori adolescent program. It provides both an educational and social experience for students, who build a sense of shared community by traveling far from home without parents, dining in the city’s restaurants, and managing relationships within the group.

“This trip was a great learning experience. It’s a stepping-stone that taught us there’s a greater social and intellectual level. Our class bond is strong because of this trip.”

– Alexander Muto, middle school student

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Cultural Literacy what e ve ry M ontess ori an kn ows

Greek, Native American and Hawaiian Cultural Studies When students in a lower elementary class expressed a great interest in learning Greek myths, what started as a few lessons turned into a full exploration of Greek, Native American, and Hawaiian mythology.

In this clear example of “following the child,” students began by drawing pictures of the characters in the stories. The challenge of interpreting and understanding Greek mythology quickly led to language-specific activities such as vocabulary enrichment, etymology, writing descriptive and declarative sentences, creating poems and stories, and understanding the difference between fact and opinion.

By integrating history, geography, language, and art, the children experienced the greater cultural relevance of the tales.

Our living campus nurtures The two main objectives of earth literacy are earth awareness and earth care. Our goal is to positively alter the way we view the world, in a manner that ensures our interactions are those of admirers rather than exploiters. Expanding the students’ sense of environment through an integrated curriculum of environmental ethics, sustainability, and hands-on gardening builds earth literacy.

Montessori students develop the skills to think and problem-solve in order to build their capacity to treat the environment—and each other—in responsible and reverent ways.

Earth Literacy

Continent habitat study

Exploring Animal Diversity By studying diverse animal life from different regions, students gain empathy and respect for the animal kingdom. Following the interests of the children along with seasonal changes leads to fascinating studies of migration patterns.

Integrating relevant topics such as geography, weather, time, biology, and zoology enhances the understanding of and compassion for the needs of animals that share our planet.

“A favorite outcome of the study was to gain insight into the similarities and differences of the migration patterns of the Humpback Whale and the Pacific Golden Plover.”

– Janie Kunin, Plumeria primary teacher

Medusa Medusa’s near, Medusa’s here, She’s going to whisper something in your ear, Turn your head, now you’re dead.

As the silvery scales slither away, Medusa’s turning to the end of the day.

You should have just turned your head away.

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Earth Awareness and Care The care of our environment is a fundamental aspect of Montessori education. It’s not something that we do every now and then; it’s part of daily life. From gardening to composting, from recycling to reusing and repurposing, from exploring nature to quietly admiring our surroundings, the children continually enhance their love of the earth.

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our living cam pus nurtur es

Earth Literacy

Wetlands, Watersheds, and Forest Wisdom The upper elementary students conducted an experiment to observe how forests protect watershed by preventing soil erosion and maintain the quality of surface water by reducing sediment and other pollutants. They learned how forests absorb water and slowly release it to plants, streams, and groundwater supplies. Students then visited Waikomoi Forest Preserve in Haleakala National Park to examine, firsthand, a native forest within one of Maui’s watersheds.

Bag Ban Study

Turtle Teachings A turtle study in one primary classroom was part of a larger project involving the examination of marine life in Hawaiian waters. The oldest children in the class participated in an excursion to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei.

Later in the year, Marine Biologist Cheryl King came to campus to share her knowledge about the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle. Students learned parts of the turtle, wrote stories about turtles, and expressed their lesson through watercolor paintings and stencil work.

Sparked by curiosity about the plastic bag ban on the island of Maui, a small group of lower and upper elementary students embarked on a full research project. They designed a survey and coordinated visits to stores that were affected by the change.

After polling store customers, the children found an overall positive attitude regarding the ban. Once the research was complete, students presented their findings to each classroom through oral reports.

Salt water investigation

Invasive species study

“There was historical relevance in the cultural literacy, Hawaiian model of an ahupua’a, and plant and species introduction that altered our native forests. Earth literacy was evident with respect to our sustainability guidelines.

The students’ collected work demonstrates academic literacy through gathering and recording data, comparing and contrasting native plants, and communicating what was learned through written narrative observations.”

– Shirah Minagawa, Banyan upper elementary teacher

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A field trip to the Humpback Whale National Marine Mammal Sanctuary in Kihei

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A Campus Full of Life Given the opportunity, a student will construct the foundation for making good choices throughout life. In Montessori school, the child gains a sense of community, merging an expanding sense of self with an awareness of surroundings, and developing into a citizen of service. Through an evolving spiral of rich and diverse experiences, a student’s feelings of confidence and skill can naturally flourish.

Sustainability Committee This year’s focus was to develop the committee’s mission statement and purpose. From there, the student-run committee led the school in the County of Maui’s recycling contest, a phone book recycling contest, and a spirit assembly hosted by guest speakers from the Jungle to Jungle Project—an interactive science and technology program that brings international exploration and biology, as well as a deeper understanding of digital tools, into classrooms.

After School Studios Throughout the year, children could choose from myriad after-school studios. Yoga, ceramics, hula, and baking were just a few of the enrichment classes offered.

School Plays With the help of Mary Lynn Goode, the lower elementary students presented three productions on biodiversity to the school community. Upper elementary students worked with Tom Althouse of Hawaii Educational Art Tours to present three scenes from Alice in Wonderland.

Tom also worked with adolescents in the middle school to produce a memorable version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Philanthropy Committee Tracy Kealoha, Program Director for Camp Imua and children’s services of Imua Family Services, and Victor Corpuz, Branch Manager of First Hawaiian Bank in Kihei and Board President of Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, were each presented with a $1,000 check from the student-run Philanthropy Committee. This year marks the largest sum the committee has ever raised.

Flatbread Pizza Night, plant sales, and donations are a few of the ways the students raise money. Each year, a mentor is chosen to help the student committee members understand the role of a philanthropist more fully. Honey Bun Haynes, Susan Graham, and Dr. Heather Haynes Drood have all served as mentors.

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Food Drives

Sports

MOMI lower elementary students spearheaded two annual food drives during the year. In the fall, they worked with the toddlers to gather food for Women Helping Women. The Maui Food Bank was the designated recipient of the spring food drive.

Go, Malolos, Go! Whether it’s our basketball Malolos or our cross-country Malolos, MOMI’s young athletes work hard for victory. A special mahalo to our volunteer parent coaches for making this year a success.

Allowance money donated to Women Helping Women

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Our MOMI Family Support

a campus full of l ife , c o n t i nue d

Poetry Contest and Slam

Spelling Bee

Winners of the annual Peace Poetry Contest, in honor of the late Martin Luther King Jr., were recognized at a community awards ceremony.

Ashley Tanga was the MOMI 2011 Spelling Bee Champion and Milo Turner was the runner-up. Both Ashley and Milo represented MOMI at the Maui District Spelling Bee.

The energy and strength that comes from our families, Board of Directors, Parent Teacher Organization, employees, and friends of Montessori fills our school community with love and celebration. The efforts of all are recognized and valued—most visibly through the growth and accomplishments of the children.

Kupuna Day The children are most excited to share their work, teachers, and classrooms with their kupuna.

A favorite on campus, grandparents come from far and wide to spend the day with their beloved grandchildren.

This year, students were able to work with a local poet to create their own on-campus Poetry Slam. The performances were hilarious, honest, and expressive of the voices of our Montessori children.

Gallery Night Artist in Residence Sandra Guerard curated MOMI students’ work for the second annual Gallery Night. Open to the entire community, the event showcased a yearlong culmination of artistic practice and theory. The wide range of work included two-dimensional pieces, self portraits, radial design, and a light and fashion show.

Fire & Ice Gala Hosted on campus for the second year, our annual fundraising gala raised one of the largest amounts to date. Featuring both live and silent auctions, a school video debut produced by three middle school students, delicious food, and beautiful cocktails, the evening was a huge success in benefitting the children of MOMI.

Study of Radial Design

Study of Movement

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Renaissance Self Portrait

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S upport of fami ly, c o n t i n u t ed

Staff Development

Journey and Discovery

David Wager, an internationally known speaker and author, gave the keynote address at this year’s annual Maui Independent Schools Organization (MISO) conference. He opened the conference with the idea of being a “day maker.” Montessori’s prepared environment ensures the best learning day, every day, for every child. To take the most active role in being that positive day maker for the students, MOMI staff members continue their studies both inside and outside the classroom.

For parents unfamiliar with Montessori teachings—and parents who simply love to participate in the lessons—Journey and Discovery enables adults to spend an evening exploring the Montessori curriculum from toddler through middle school.

PTO Pot Luck and Holiday Fair

Alysha Asue-Kusunoki Our beloved administrative assistant Alysha completed her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Early Childhood Development.

An advocate of the Montessori method of education, Alysha shared aspects of our philosophy with her fellow students, enhancing the curricular conversations of the program. Congratulations, Alysha, on your continued pursuit of excellence in learning.

Shana Driscoll

The Parent Teacher Organization potluck is a great way for new families to build relationships with returning families in a relaxed and joyful community setting.

Shana has worked at MOMI for longer than some of us might remember. Starting as the toddler assistant in 1994, she was the primary teacher assistant for both the Monkeypod and Plumeria classrooms for several years. Recently, Shana completed her Montessori Teacher Certification and will be head teacher in the Monkeypod room. “I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in all my years as an assistant in the toddler, primary, and upper elementary levels, and to bring my experience and energy to the Monkeypod children. I’m ready for this part of my MOMI adventure.”

First Full Cycle Complete

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Lovely wreaths, clever crafts, and artful gifts provide the backdrop for the annual Holiday Fair. This event is a marvelous opportunity for families to shop together for loved ones and feel the spirit of the holiday season.

Our two newest classrooms, Kukui (primary), and Kamani (lower elementary) have completed their first three-year cycle.

Both of these classes began with small numbers and built their communities with the addition of new children each year. It is with great fondness that each class bids farewell to its “pioneer” group of children as they move to new levels.

Our Alumni Write to Us It’s always a pleasure to receive news from our alumni.

Here’s a glimpse of some of our former students’ pursuits, including travels, work, education, and contributions to society. It isn’t what we want our alumni to become, but who we want them to become. We’re proud of their diverse paths and social mindedness.

Samantha Calo After graduating from King Kekaulike in May 2011, Samantha attended a summer program at Chaminade University and began her first fall semester there in late August.

She was a student at Montessori School of Maui for 10 years.

Kai Lenny “I’ve been traveling around the globe competing in two world tours since I finished Montessori School. I travel for about seven months a year, following my dream as a professional athlete. Last year I won my first World Title in Stand Up Paddling, and I am currently leading the SUP world tour. When I’m not busy competing, doing travel stories, or promotions, I’m at home training for upcoming events and for the Big Wave season at Peahi (Jaws).”

Laura Mayron A senior at Seabury Hall, Laura writes, “This summer I was lucky enough to go to Costa Rica for three weeks. I stayed with a host family and was a teacher’s assistant in a small school outside of

Atenas. I worked with the English teacher using flashcards, games, and songs to teach basic English words and phrases.

My students ranged from first to sixth grade. They were eager to hear about life in Hawaii, so I gave a presentation and taught them words like “aloha” and “mahalo.”

When I left, they all cried “Aloha!” and told me they want to come to Hawaii someday.

I’d recommend an experience like this to anybody: it’s so rewarding, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Lukas Nelson Currently touring with his band, Promise of the Real, Lukas took time from his busy schedule to visit the MOMI campus and perform for the staff and students, and also played with current student and budding musician, Jaxon Chester.

Montessori School of Maui Middle School 2011 Graduating Class

Eunice Yamada A college senior attending the Tokyo campus of Temple University, Eunice visited our school to work with students on making “Peace for Japan” necklaces.

The sale of each necklace helped raise relief funds that were donated to Japan to help those in need after the earthquake and tsunami.

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2933 Baldwin Avenue • Makawao, Hawaii 96768 808.573.0374 • fax 808.573.0389 • www.momi.org

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