Montessori School of Northampton

A Bit About Our School:

In the fall of 2003, Susan Swift rejoined us as Head of School. She brings with her twenty-eight years of Montessori teaching and administrative experience and expertise. Susan and her highly-trained, dedicated staff continue the school's excellent reputation for its caring, comprehensive educational practices and for its spirit of involvement among parents.

The Montessori School of Northampton was established as a model of quality education based on the Montessori Method, which involves parents of the students in the life of the school and promulgates this well-developed system of education throughout the Pioneer Valley's Five College community. The original school was located at 321 Locust Street in Florence, MA, and moved to its present location in September, 1987.

The Children's House is a program for children between the ages of 2 years 9 months and six years. The Elementary Program was added in the fall of 1993. It now serves children who are in the first through sixth grades.

The school is now operated by the Northampton Montessori Society, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, which is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of parents and community members. All parents and/or guardians become regular members of the corporation upon their child's entrance into the school. All members vote to elect the Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting each spring.

MSN is licensed by the Office of Child Care Services and its elementary program is approved by the Northampton School Department.

Mission Statement
The Montessori School of Northampton is firmly rooted in Maria Montessori's philosophy as it applies to today's world. The school provides an exceptional education with a comprehensive curriculum, covered at a pace and sequence adapted for a variety of learning styles; emphasizes compassion, inclusiveness and respectful resolution of conflict; and promotes the interrelatedness of everything in the world and its peoples. By following this mission, the Montessori School of Northampton strives to prepare:

tWell-educated inquisitive students

tEffective, self-directed learners

tCaring and confident human beings participating in their home communities

tEngaged, informed and responsible citizens of the global community

Goals

• To promote and encourage the optimum intellectual, social, physical and spiritual development of children through a contemporary Montessori approach to education for children from 2.9 years through elementary age.

• To establish and maintain a nonsectarian Montessori school to be known as The Montessori School of Northampton that does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, creed, sexual preference, gender, national/ethnic origins , or disabilities in either its admission or employment policies.

• To provide and maintain a well-equipped, safe, and purposeful learning environment, staffed with fully trained and caring personnel for all families in the Northampton area and surrounding communities.

• To educate the community as to the value of the Montessori philosophy of education and act as a resource within the broader professional educational network.

Nondiscrimination Policy
The Northampton Montessori Society, Inc., maintains a nonsectarian Montessori school, called The Montessori School of Northampton, which is dedicated to the service of all children. We encourage families of different races, creeds, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, sexual preferences, national/ethnic origins and disabilities to join us.

Admission is based on the ability of our school to meet each child's needs within the context of the needs of the whole group, and to maintain an appropriate balance of ages and genders.

Program Calendar
The school year goes from early September to early June and follows the calendar of many other independent schools. There are several staff development and curriculum days during the school year. The school offers optional vacation mini-sessions at additional cost to assist parents with coverage during long vacations and on half-day conference days. There will be no coverage available on full-day staff curriculum days, thus allowing all staff members to attend our workshops and to revitalize every classroom. A separate and optional Summer Program is available. Please post the calendar which is sent to you prior to each new school year, and record these dates in your family calendar so you will be aware of school events and holidays.

The school year begins with a staggered admission to allow both new and returning children to "phase in" to a regular school day schedule. We know this may be inconvenient to parents and appreciate your support.

Administration
The Head of the Montessori School of Northampton reports directly to the Board of Trustees of the Northampton Montessori Society, Inc., and is responsible for the overall management and administration of the school. S/he is the primary liaison between the school, the community and the Board of Trustees. The Head's focus includes fostering a Montessori community of professionals and parents as well as creating awareness of Montessori philosophy and respect for children in the broader community.

The Head works with the Trustees to develop policy for the school. In the absence of established Board policy, the Head confers with the President of the Board to determine appropriate action until an official policy can be established. The Head reports to the Board of Trustees through the Board President and the Executive Committee.

The Business Manager is responsible for all financial aspects of the school and is the liaison with licensing agencies. S/he establishes the budget in collaboration with the Head of School and the Finance Committee. The Business Manager is assisted by the Bookkeeper.

The Registrar/Office Manager is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the school.
The Admissions Officer assists with admissions.

The Head¹s door is always open to parents, staff, and children. Our goal is to maintain a strong, inter-supportive community.

Parent Involvement and Input
Our school is supported by a group of dedicated and committed parents, volunteers, and community members. Our Parent Volunteer Program provides a variety of opportunities for all families to become involved in their child's school.

Parents are invited to share special interests and talents in the classrooms. There are parent work days, social events, fundraising events, parent meetings, celebrations, etc. Parents are expected to participate in "Parent Support Days," which is held on a Saturday in November, the annual auction or other events.

School Traditions
The school respects and welcomes the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity of our students and their families. The school encourages parents to share important customs and celebrations with the teachers and the children. Holidays will be celebrated in school with sensitivity to diversity.

There are some wonderful old and new traditions at MSN. Each November we hold a "Harvest Gathering." In mid-December we have an evening Solstice Celebration of candle-lighting and song. Grandparents and Special Friends Day takes place in the spring.

Parents, grandparents and families are invited to attend both gatherings.

Parent Education
The school has several evening and morning events scheduled during the school year. Topics covered include parenting issues and Montessori education. Many materials, including books about and by Maria Montessori, are available on loan from the school library. In addition, parents are encouraged to attend our Parent Education evenings for information on Montessori philosophy, child development, and current issues relevant to parenting in the 21st century.

What Happens When a Child Leaves Montessori?
Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they've been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make choices and manage their time well. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and discuss their work freely with others and good communication skills ease the way in new settings.

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs based on self-directed, noncompetitive activities, help children develop good self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism. Whether they leave Montessori School of Northampton after 6th grade or kindergarten, our students are well-prepared and enthusiastic learners who value community and make important contribution to their new schools.