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MUSIC PROGRAM?
... only appreciation, participation AND instruction!
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VOLUNTEERING?
... we need your ears, your heart and your talent in the classroom.
the 2013 NOVEMBER ISSUE
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KNOCK KNOCK?
... hello neighbor.
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THIS THURSDAY?
... see you at the OAUSD public vote on RMCS’ charter petition – 6:30.
RIVER CURRENT A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FROM RIVER MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL
Message from our Executive Director Dear River Montessori Families,
Parent
UNIVERSITY Community Conversation Meetings are a dedicated time to talk with River’s Montessorians about supporting children in their growth and learning! Come ask questions, give and share perspective, meet new people, and get a little support in the process. Each meeting is hosted by our administrator and/or a guide and includes a loose topic for inspiration and time for agendafree questions and discussion.
Children + Media:
November 21 When is the right time to get a cell-phone?
Community Conversation Meetings are held just before the Foundation meeting.
I am not just grateful for, but quite frankly, awed by, the River Montessori Charter School community. During the last few months of renewal, everyone has worked much harder to articulate the strengths of our school. In order to assist Old Adobe Union School District in understanding the uniqueness and benefits of RMCS, the RMCS Board, administration, faculty and staff, and our foundation have all given extra time and effort to the process. Our children have written beautiful letters to OAUSD advising of the specialness of their school and why RMCS should be renewed. Perhaps best points were made by RMCS parents at our Public Hearing who spoke about how River Montessori Charter School meets their children’s needs, that their children love coming to school, and the dynamic of a supportive community.
Why do we have to go back to district as opposed to the state? First, the law requires it. But it makes good sense… the local community understands their children best. A rural school would look very different from an inner city school. The needs of the community and children would be unique. It is our most earnest hope that we renew with Old Adobe Union School District in order to partner in serving our local community’s needs with local understanding and local support. Will we maintain our independence and uniqueness? Yes! RMCS is an independent charter school who works collaboratively with an authorizer to implement Montessori education.
For the past four years we have endeavored to create an authentic Montessori school within the public system. As a time-tested, evidence-based, developmental program, a Montessori education offers many benefits for children and the community. As a charter school we must demonstrate the benefits and our success in terms of state standards and accountability. This includes an authorizer, a charter, and the process of renewing the school’s charter every five years.
When will we find out? November 14, 2013, at the Old Adobe Union School District Meeting (time TBD) when the OAUSD Board will vote on approving the RMCS renewal charter. The OAUSD Board and Staff have been gracious in seeking to understand our school’s Montessori philosophy, educational model and implementation, as well as our community. We have worked hard to answer questions, demonstrate the success of our program, and work peaceably with the district and chartering requirements. I look forward to seeing that all the tandem efforts and collaboration will culminate in an approval. See you there!
What is renewal? Renewal is the process of having our charter granted another term of operation.
And for that, I give my second round of gratitude! My heart could not be more full…here’s to you River Montessori Charter School! Peace, peace, Kelly
MONTESSORI
Matters The Montessori Foundation’s Mary Conroy & Kitty Williams Bravo
This article was first published in Tomorrow’s Child magazine
The Montessori Approach to Discipline Upon visiting a Montessori classroom for the first time, one might wonder what magic spell has been cast upon these young children making them so calm and self directed. Another person might look at that same class and be confused by the children’s independence, wondering whereÂ’s the discipline, these children just do as they please. Visitors commonly issue such comments as, “I’ve heard Montessori is too free and chaotic” or “I’ve heard Montessori is too structured.” It does not seem possible that these two extreme opposites can both be true. Montessori is, however, all in the eyes of the beholder. This method or philosophy of education varies in interpretation from school to school, teacher to teacher, and parent to parent. There are certainly some Montessori classrooms that are very rigid and adult controlled, and there are also classroom that are disorderly and anything goes. Montessori when done well, however, is a beautiful blend and perfect balance of freedom and structure. The best Montessori teachers or facilitators understand that maintaining the delicate balance is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of their job. It is on that foundation of freedom and structure that the child builds discipline.
“.. WHAT we commonly refer to as misbehavior is often the side effect when children feel i n s e c u r e and disempowered.” 2
Freedom is not a word that is traditionally associated with discipline. Parents are often concerned that the Montessori child’s freedom to choose activities presupposes that discipline is something alien to our classrooms. Does freedom mean license to act as he or she chooses or does freedom of choice carry with it certain responsibilities in the classroom community? Are we, as some would claim, a place where children can do what they like or, as a young Montessori student once told a visitor, a place where children like what the do? To have any meaningful discussion of these questions, it would seem that our first priority should be to define this thing called discipline. Montessori herself held that discipline is “not ...a fact but a way.” True discipline comes more from within than without and is the result of steadily developing inner growth. Just as the very young child must first learn to stand before she can walk, she must develop an inward order through work before she is able
to choose and carry out her own acts. Surprisingly enough, Montessori found that it was through the very liberty inherent in her classrooms that the children were given the means to reveal their inner or self-discipline. Independence did not diminish respect for authority but rather deepened it. One of the things that aroused her greatest interest was that order and discipline seemed to be so closely united that they resulted in freedom. But, many people assume that discipline is something that is imposed from without by an authority figure who should be obeyed without question. Discipline in the Montessori environment is not something that is done to the child; nor is it a technique for controlling behavior. Our concern is with the development of the internal locus of control, which enables an individual to choose the right behavior because it is right for him or herself and right for the community.
If discipline comes from within, then what is the job of the teacher? Inner discipline is something, which evolves. It is not something that is automatically present within the child and it can not be taught. The role of the teacher, then, is to be a model and a guide while supporting the child as he develops to the point where he is able to choose to accept and to follow the “rules” of the classroom community. This level of obedience is the point where true inner discipline has been reached. One knows this level of discipline has been reached when children are able to make appropriate behavioral choices even when we are not present. Discipline presupposes a certain degree of obedience. Before the age of three a child is truly unable to obey unless what is asked of her happens to correspond with one of her vital urges. At this stage, her personality hasn’t formedto the level where she is capable of making a choice to obey. It is this level which Montessori termed the first level of obedience. A toddler can obey, but not always. The second level of obedience is reached when the child is capable of understanding another person’s wishes and can express them in her own behavior. When this second level of obedience is reached, most parents and teachers would think they had reached their goal. Most adults ask only that
children obey. The goals of Montessori reach beyond this, however, to the third level which Montessori called “joyful obedience”. At this stage the child has internalized obedience, or we might say, had developed self-discipline where he sees clearly the value of what is being offered to him by authority and rushes to obey. This is not blind obedience at all, but is a fully informed choice by a personality which has grown in freedom and developed to its fullest potential. This is what we want for our children. With this level of obedience or self-discipline comes a degree of self-respect in which a child cannot help but respect the rights and needs of others alongside her own. She is then able to learn and grow freely in the security of a community of respectful individuals. This of course, is a wonderful philosophy, but can Montessori truly deliver these results? Montessori can only benefit children when it moves beyond philosophy and takes a practical application. This involves the careful preparation of the teacher and the classroom environment. The teacher should be a specialist, trained in child development, as well as Montessori Philosophy and methodology for the age group with whom he or she will be working. Equally important, these Continued on page 6...
APPRECIATION, PERFORMANCE + INSTRUCTION
Music: The Montessori Way Thanks to the generosity of parents at last year’s auction our music program is thriving with an exciting new format! This year, in capitalizing on the very best that our music teachers have offered over the years, the children will experience rotations of music appreciation, performance, and instruction. In this way the children are exposed to a variety of music and movement to ensure their enthusiasm for all things music. Back by popular demand, Steve Minkin returned to continue his square dancing program with the children. Although at first glance it looks like just song and dance, the sessions include
both traditional and modern squares, the Virginia Reel, circle mixers, line dances, novelty dances and more, all done to a wide variety of music, and requires quite a bit of effort and practice. It is impressive watching the children master some of the complicated dances and I love that everyone is smiling and laughing as they accomplish the dances and even when they get a bit muddled. There is some interest in hosting a family square dancing event so if you haven’t been getting lessons from your children, I’d start to catch up now! Coming up… voice and ukulele lessons!
P a re n t
UNIVERSITY December 19 Montessori & the Future of Education. A Neuropsychologist’s Approach to What Children Need January 16 Life After RMCS: An Alumni Panel February 20 Vulnerability Creates Success March 20 Book Review: Montessori Madness: A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori by Trevor Eissler April 17 Bring on the Learning Revolution! May 15 The Happiness Advantage
Montessori
SAID “By leaving the children schools
in at
our liberty
we have been able with great clearness to follow them in their natural method of spnetaneous selfdevelopment.”
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COMMUNITY
Work Day Please join the next community work day on November 16. Hosted by Klamath.
CALLING ALL
SHIP
Shape Housekeeping, Reminders, Community Work Days
Arrival, Dismissal & Traffic TAKING CAUTION FOR ALL OF OUR CHILDREN BIG thanks to all the careful drivers on campus! And a special plea to everyone to be mindful of children and families during arrival and dismissal. Our crosswalks provide a safe space for children and families to cross the driveway and enter school. Please drive very slowly — carefully watching for small children. Driving quickly and talking on the phone have caused some families concern and may prevent you from allowing someone to cross safely. Please give your full attention during arrival and dismissal. Thanks!
Volunteers Looking for a way to get involved? GREAT…We need you! Please be sure to check with your guides first about
Attendance Awareness
help in the classroom or behind-the-
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DILIGENCE
scenes. What a community we have at RMCS! The story of our school begins with volunteers striving to provide the very best in time, resources, and connections, and continues to this day with huge participation in every aspect of
Attendance is up thanks to the diligence of our families in notifying the school of absences and completing Independent Studies when applicable (One day minimum, arranged in advance of absence.) This INCREASES our funding and “revenue” so please keep it up!
Also, please remember the importance of Signing-In if you are late or are picking up your child a bit early. It is the legal documentation of attendance which is audited to ensure our funding. Thank you for your continued support!
our school. Here are the latest needs… please let us know if you can help! One-on-One Listeners their math facts – a great help to the
New Office Coordinator
developing child!
WELCOME ANNE KIRVEN
Listen to children read or practice
Specialized Classroom Volunteers Spanish, Reading, etc. Let us know your experience and/or interest and we will train you to assist in the classroom!
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Please join us in welcoming our new Office Coordinator, Anne Kirven! Anne comes to us highly recommended, and with an extensive background in both non-profit and for-profit arenas, Anne will undoubtedly serve our school well. We are thrilled that Anne is bringing many years of administrative experience, organizational skills, computer savvy, and communication expertise to our office and we look forward to a wonderful new addition to administration. Please give Anne a warm welcome when you get the chance!
2013•2014
RMCS Board of Directors
thanks you for your support Thanks to all the supporters of River Montessori. With the money donated to the foundation the year is off and running with a new music program. This has given Kelly and the staff an opportunity to create a program that fits the Montessori philosophy.
Hopefully your children will learn to appreciate music by seeing people do what they love to do through performances and instruction. They’ll also be exposed to different types of music, who knows; maybe they will find something that will resonate with them for life! I hear there is a lot of dancing going on around the school the last couple of weeks! Thank you again for your continued support,
Sincerely, Julie Parnow, Board Chair
Our New Neighbors CYPRESS SCHOOL, AN ORGANization of United Cerebral Palsy.
BOD CHAIR
Julie Parnow, Community TREASURER
Tim Lohrentz, RMCS Founding Member SECRETARY
Ginny Hautau, Parent MEMBER
Norman Lorenz, M.Ed., Community MEMBER
Julie Petersen, Community MEMBER
Milagros Ott, Parent “Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.” That’s a quote from the Cypress School
and about in the community through service
website — doesn’t it fit our Montessori
and community-based opportunities. You
philosophy
our
might see Cypress friends occasionally
children may need our guidance in under-
enjoying our playground while we are not
standing the beauty in the diversity which
using it — a wonderful way to share space
Cypress will bring to our neighborhood.
and resources. Their staffing ratio is one
Many children may yet to have been
adult to two students and school hours
exposed
be
are 9 a.m. – 2:18 p.m. which coordinates
different in the way of cerebral palsy,
perfectly with our longer day and traffic
autism, or similar disabilities. Our global
times.
to
beautifully?
anyone
Certainly
who
might
Montessori philosophy and lessons of the Fundamental Needs of Humans and Human Tendencies are a great foundation for understanding and embracing our new friends at Cypress School.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 6:30pm Meetings are typically held on the
philosophies of meeting a child’s individual
2nd Wednesday of each month,
needs through context of the group, seem
but please check the RMCS web
to meld so well. I look forward to a great
site for any changes or additions.
will begin transitioning their youngest
close opportunity for our children to
students from their building two blocks
continue their understanding and respect
over, in January. The children are mostly
for all people in our world.
mental program where the learning is out
BOD
about their program, with which our
If all goes according to plan, Cypress School
educational program is a social and environ-
Meeting Dates
It has been particularly exciting learning
relationship with Cypress School and the
off-campus during their school day, as their
MEMBER
Carolyn Duffy, Parent
December 10 January 16 February 11 March 4 April 8 May 13 June 17
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Foundation S p e c i a l THANKS The Foundation Board gives special thanks to all the hard-working River volunteers who donate their time and services to River Montessori. We have a talen ted & gen e ro us community who continually step up to serve our children and the educational model we have all chosen for them.
RiverWear O N L I N E COMING SOON: River Wear will soon be available online through the RMF web site.
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NEWS + VIEWS River Montessori Foundation : Founded by Families : Funded with Love
RMF news will return next month. USE OUR WEB SITE TO STAY INFORMED UNTIL THEN... ... continued from page 3 adults will need to possess robust enthusiasm for learning, a deep respect for all life, kindness, and the patience of a saint. The classroom should be beautiful, orderly, and so inviting that the child cannot resist exploring. It should be steeped with a sense of wonder. Within this environment the child will be free to explore, but with this freedom comes responsibility. One of the secrets to success in the Montessori classroom is freedom within the limits of very clear ground rules. Every school’s ground rules will vary but the essence is generally the same. 1) Take care of all people and living things in our environment, and 2) Take care of all of the material things in our environment. If you think about it, every “do” or “don’t” one could wish to implore fits in these two rules, or could be narrowed even further to this one simple rule, “be respectful of everyone and everything.” The rules are kept simple, yet they are explored in great detail. It should never be assumed that the child understands what it means to be kind or respectful. A great amount of time and energy must be focused on teaching lessons that demonstrate socially acceptable behavior. Children don’t just automatically know how to be a friend, express anger, or how to solve problems. As a matter of fact, many adults are still learning how to cope with these issues. Yet, we often forget to teach children the everyday skills necessary for getting along with others. These special
skills are taught with the Grace and Courtesy lessons. These lessons are presented through demonstration and then practiced through role-playing, and modeled by teachers and older students. They are the foundation of the classroom, as they set a tone of respect and kindness. The child learns such important skills as, how to shake hands and greet a friend, how to properly interrupt someone who is busy, and how to tell someone to please move out of my way. The children love these lessons. They are always eager to take a turn playing the roles, and they are thrilled to know a better way to handle personal situations. Another important consideration, is that children have the same range and depth of emotions as adults, but they don’t have the maturity or experience to put these feelings in perspective. The goal of Grace and Courtesy lessons and conflict resolution techniques is to validate these feelings and give children the tools to successfully tackle them. Children learn what to do when someone is unkind or unfair and how to discuss conflicts when they occur. Teachers and children act as mediators, coaching children in conflict through a process of expressing their feelings and finding a way to fix their mistakes. In one such incident, a fiveyear-old acted as the peacemaker for two children engaged in an escalating disagreement. She linked the hands of the angry children and rubbed their backs as she encouraged their negotiations. In time, with modeling and consistency, children
become proficient at handling social difficulties. In fact, parents have reported incidents in which children have encouraged peaceful negotiations between mom and dad, as well as settling problems with siblings and neighborhood friends. In addition to lessons, which teach social graces, there is a lot of emphasis placed on developing practical life skills. What we commonly refer to as misbehavior is often the side effect when children feel insecure, and disempowered. Children who are happily engaged in self-satisfying activities with a clear purpose experience a great sense of accomplishment and power. When the child can do things for herself, she will feel confident and in control. These everyday living skills such as pouring, scrubbing tables, dish washing, and polishing, also help the child learn to focus his attention and complete a task. These lessons require the child to follow an orderly step by step process, which will further develop both self discipline and logical thinking, thus laying a foundation for the more abstract academic activities offered within the other areas of the classroom.
The magical spell that enables the Montessori Child to become disciplined is his love for meaningful activity. When the environment provides consistency, nurturing adults and stimulating work, the child can go about his most important work, creating the adult he will become. Montessori offers him valuable tools for this great task: independence, order, coordination, cooperation and confidence. Montessori, however, is only one component in the child’s life. A child’s home environment and parents’ love are the most critical factors in his development. Unfortunately, our children are not born with an owner’s manual. Parents generally rely on the wisdom of grandparents and doctors educators, as well as their own instincts to determine the right parenting style for their family. Parents should be able to find within their Montessori school, a family friendly environment that is ready to offer support. When schools and families develop a partnership there is greater opportunity for consistency and continuity.
How can parents bring this type of discipline home from the classroom? A democratic parenting style is recommended, rather than the authoritarian style with which most of us grew up. We learn to be obedient “or else.” Discipline was imposed from without rather than allowed to grow from within. Threats, bribes or withdrawal of privileges were expected to make us comply with our parents’ wishes. To be consistent with the “discipline” used in the classroom the parenting style at home should emphasize respect for the child’s feelings, choices within acceptable limits, encouragement, conflict resolution, and natural and logical consequences for behavior. There are many parenting courses, which encourage this style of parenting. Such courses as Redirecting Children’s Behavior, Active Parenting, or STEP, dove tail the Montessori approach to discipline. These courses are based on theories of psychologists, Rudolf Dreikurs and Alfred Adler. Adler was a contemporary and a colleague of Dr. Montessori and they shared many ideas about children’s behavior. Parenting
“These children have free choice all day long. Life is based on choice, so they learn to make their own decisions. They must decide and choose for themselves all the time... They cannot learn through obedience to the commands of another.” - D r. Maria Montessori, 1949 courses and parent support networks are a wonderful way to create bridges between the classroom and family environments. Whether in the home or the classroom it is important to keep in mind the ultimate goal of discipline. Too often we discipline for the moment, hastily solving the present problem, but possibly creating future ones. Disciplining with the long-range goal means keeping in mind the independent adult you want your child to become. The goal of the Montessori classroom whether it is a prepared environment for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, elementary, or secondary students, is first and foremost the development of skills
necessary for a productive and fulfilling life. The best of the academic curriculums are useless if the child does not develop inner discipline, integrity, and respect for others and oneself. In today’s world of moral degeneracy, these goals may seem out of reach, but they are more important than ever before. The young person who faces the world of tomorrow armed with selfconfidence and self - discipline is far more likely to achieve success and happiness. They will be prepared to meet any challenges that the “real world” may present, and will hopefully bring to that world a bit of the peace and joy they experienced in the Montessori environment.
Meeting Dates
RMF NEXT MEETING: November 21, 2013 @ 7:00 Meetings are typically held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, but please check the RMF web site for any changes or additions.
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GRATITUDE Many Thanks Bear MCGuiness Dave Vincent Ginny Hautau Eric Haslet John Zimmerman Mike Mannion for creating the new Peace Pole garden in the front of the school!
River Montessori CHARTER SCHOOL
November Calendar NOVEMBER 1 Professional Development Day. No School. River Crew Open. NOVEMBER 4 Pizza Monday NOVEMBER 5 RMCS Board of Directors Finance Committee Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Pasta Tuesday NOVEMBER 6 Photo Retakes NOVEMBER 7 Burrito Thursday NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day Holiday. No School.
Bear MCGuinesS for coordinating the free Mulch Madness program from the City of Petaluma. TERESA STRELL
NOVEMBER 12 RMCS Board of Directors Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Pasta Tuesday RMF Skate and Donate. Cal Skate. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. NOVEMBER 14 Sixth Year Science Fair RMCS Charter Petition VOTE @ Old Abode Union School District at 6:00 p.m. Burrito Thursday NOVEMBER 18 Pizza Monday NOVEMBER 19 Pasta Tuesday
RIVER
Montessori C H A RT E R S C H O O L
NOVEMBER 21 Community Conversation at 6:00 p.m. RMF Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Burrito Thursday NOVEMBER 25 Thanksgiving Break begins. No school. DECEMBER 2 School Resumes Pizza Monday
3880 Cypress Street Petaluma, CA 94954 www.rivermontessoricharter.org
ADDRESS LABEL HERE
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