IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE:
Peacemaking (i.e. Social & Emotional Learning) is just as important as quality academics; taught and practised daily.
Children who see themselves as loveable and capable excel at learning and at life. Children who practice empathy, compassion and ultimately love, touch others in a truly human way. Children who come to embrace and value nature, recognize it as the home planet to us all.
The scientifically-based and proven Montessori method is utilized with its child-centered, developmental, hands-on and experiential approach to education.
“Striking the imagination” of the student is of the utmost importance. Learning for learning's sake is the ultimate motivation for creating lifelong learners.
The “Habits of Mind” will be intentionally taught. They “transcend all subject matters commonly taught in school. They are characteristic of peak performers whether they be in homes, schools, athletic fields, organizations, the military, governments, churches or corporations. They are what make marriages successful, learning continual, workplaces productive and democracies enduring. “ Costa & Kallick
On-target instruction, differentiation and accountability in the academic subjects of math, language and reading in elementary is achieved by giving pre-tests to ascertain concept and skill needs. A Personal Education Plan is then prepared for each student with an associated list of lessons that the student works through. Once completed, post-tests are given to objectively confirm mastery.
There is freedom within responsibility. Choice is the means by which we construct ourselves, build our relationships with others and develop our world perspective. Responsible choice means that we are cognizant of the needs of others, the needs of the situation, as well as our own and act accordingly.
Students work collaboratively in science teams to discover facts and critically examine theories utilizing the scientific method. Religious, spiritual and philosophical “truths” will examined in the context of the associated culture or person and will be respected, but not necessarily believed in, as long as they are loving and constructive and not hateful and destructive.
The teachers are empowered and respected by giving them a real voice in the programmatic decision making processes of the school. Instead of being at the bottom of the organizational chart, faculty is near the top as they are the ones that deal directly with the students. The student is at the top of the chart, because meeting their needs is paramount.
Co-Principals/Job-sharing Mary and Paul Bareis-Golumb will be the key leaders for the school. Mary has 25+ years as a lead primary teacher, is a Love & Logic certified instructor and has been responsible for training assistants. Paul has 25+ years as a lead elementary teacher, written “The Pax Curriculum”, been a teacher trainer and the inventor of the Montessori Plus Learning System. Both helped found Life Tree Montessori School.