Montessori for Flint
May 2019 Newsletter
"Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create." - Maria Montessori
We will offer pre-kindergarten through 4th grade in 2019-20.
Things to bear in mind regarding the Flint Montessori program for 2019-20:
• Our program is guided by a shared commitment between the Flint Community Schools,
Montessori for Flint community group, and families to have a true, public Montessori
program.
• In the coming school year, we anticipate that 100 percent of our teachers will have
completed their Montessori coursework and will have completed their Montessori
practicum or be on track to complete it within the year. This is consistent with
established practice for Montessori schools.
• In the coming year, Flint Community Schools and Montessori for Flint will invest in an
experienced Montessori consultant to serve as a mentor and guide for the program as
we focus on deeply rooting our program in Montessori practice.
The Flint Community Schools will be switching to a “balanced calendar” for 2019-20. This
means:
• The summer break will be shorter, with elementary classes starting in early August rather
than after Labor Day. There will be 2-week breaks (intercessions) every couple months
throughout the year.
• Freeman Elementary has been on a balanced calendar for the last two years, and that
change was associated with an increase in math and reading scores. This also means
that the school district has experience operating a balanced calendar.
• Some families have asked about what programming is available for students during
intercession. The Crim Fitness Foundation and YouthQuest program of the Flint &
Genesee Chamber of Commerce already partner with Flint Community Schools to
provide afterschool and summer programming. These programs have been adapted at
Freeman Elementary to fit a balanced calendar and will be adapted to serve the whole
district in the fall. In other words, Crim and YouthQuest activities will be available
during intercessions and summer break.
If you have questions about either the Flint Montessori program or the district’s switch to a
balanced calendar, please contact Pam Mosher, Supervisor of Early Literacy and Numeracy.
Seeking Montessori Teachers. Please help us spread the word.
Montessori for Flint (www.flintmontessori.org), in partnership with an urban school district, seeks a certified elementary teacher to join the staff of our public Montessori elementary program as a lead teacher. We believe that Montessori education should be available to all children. The ideal candidate will have a Montessori Elementary I or II credential, and at minimum must be willing to complete training to get a Montessori elementary credential from an approved program. Tuition support may be available for the right candidate. Please contact Elizabeth Jordan, Parent Liaison, at (810) 610-7209 for more information.
Montessori for Flint Advisory
A the Flint Montessori program grows and expands, we need additional parental/family involvement to help support clear and frequent communication. If you are able to assist with your "time, talent, or treasure" please contact Parent Liaison, Elizabeth Jordan at flintmontessori@yahoo.com or call (810) 610-7209 at your earliest possible convenience.
Montessori Term of the Month: Absorbent Mind
Absorbent mind – From birth through approximately age 6, the young child experiences a period of intense mental activity that allows her to “absorb” learning from her environment quickly and easily without conscious effort.
[From https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori/Terminology]
Substitute Teachers Needed
Resources & Community Calendar
Advocacy Opportunity: LEAP Parent Advisory
Healthy Start Lead Expansion Assistance Program Parent Advisory Group
Drive our work
Decide our direction
Shape recovery efforts
Share your story
Meetings every third Thursday.
Purpose: to connect lead-exposed children and families to screenings and support in order to minimize developmental delays.
Seeking parents of children exposed to lead from the Flint water system to be decision makers of our work to ensure L.E.A.P. is relevant and easily accessible to all.
Childcare and refreshments provided
Interested in joining? Call (810) 210-4316 or email flynn1m@yahoo.com
Flint Cycle Fest
Flint Cycle Fest 2019 will include Cycling Circles, a free bike party for young kids, presented by the Corridor Alliance Chapter of Flint River Watershed Coalition. Cycling Circles activities will take place in the gated lot across from GM's Factory One starting at 2pm. Kids are encouraged to bring their own bikes/tricycles/scooters to participate.
The Flint Cycle Fest is a fundraiser for Crim Active Communities. All proceeds from this event will go towards creating a more walkable and bikeable community in Flint and Genesee County through education, infrastructure, and policy change.
All rides start at 2pm
Start Location: Water Street east of Grand Traverse, and Lyon St. (in front of GM's historic Factory One)
Parking: Free one block away, at Atwood Stadium, 701 University Avenue.
All routes will be escorted by guides, with traffic assistance at major intersections.
2-3 mile course - great for beginners or people who aren't familiar with riding in the road.
10 mile course - perfect for people who want a bit of a challenge.
20 mile course - for more advanced riders who have experience riding with traffic and longer distances.
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/events/285893392342207/
Sunday, Jun 9, 2019, 02:00 PM
Water Street, Flint, MI, USA
Free Day at Flint Children's Museum
Sunday, Jun 23, 2019, 12:00 PM
1602 University Avenue, Flint, MI, USA
About Montessori for Flint
Montessori for Flint serves as the advisory group to the Flint Community Schools' Montessori program. To be added to the advisory group email list, or to get more information, call (810) 610-7209.
Email: flintmontessori@yahoo.com
Website: flintmontessori.org
Location: Durant-Tuuri-Mott Elementary, University Avenue, Flint, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 610-7209
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montessoriforflint/