As you can see in the photo, students birthdays are acknowledged. I noticed outside of one classroom door a poster collage of a child's life and it read, "......is 6 today." I t was very nice. I don't know if the family made it or if it was constructed in the classroom. each room has a glass window in
the door so it's easy to observe without disturbing the students.
They have small round tables but also use Mats.
They have apple computers!
SOME TRADITIONS:
Community Service takes place in the Montessori community and the outside community. The day I visited the students were getting on buses for external community service.
The 8th grade makes a chair.
The 7th years undergo the (Based on Joseph Campbell) hero's journey. Students identify a personal challenge, pick a mentor, and get there -- wherever it is they need to be -- by year's end. They always camp out. There are 43 acres of gorgeous Connecticut mountains, hills, and valleys on campus.
The 5th years perform the "Sword Dance" with sticks as they step up to the MS. My host, Ginny, was particularly excited when she spoke of this tradition. No need for alarm. Students are quite careful with their sticks she assured me.
Each year there is a solstice celebration. The Solstice celebration is a celebration of light and brings together the MS students and their younger mentees. Each MS student is partnered with a younger student at the beginning of the year. During the solstice celebration they perform a candle walk through a spiral. (This led us to a discussion of Fibonacci). The MS student is responsible for holding the candle. It is quite beautiful.
All students refer to the teachers by their first names.
Everyone takes Latin.
The Latin room has two wonderful murals(here is one):
The library is the home of several finches and many Peace books.
The students have always had Yoga.
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