What a year 2020 has been! We have all been challenged, felt anxious, and had to make adjustments to our everyday lives to accommodate our new reality. As a new member of the SJMS faculty, I am continually inspired by the creativity and care of our teachers, the resilience and persistence of our students, and the support and strength of our families. I brought my own daughter to SJMS last year because of the commitment to family and community that this school cultivates, and as a teacher, I have been so blessed to see this commitment close-up in all of our stakeholders. In this historical moment, confronting global health crises, political divisions, and environmental challenges, I am so proud of the work that this school and the community does to meet the moment and grow from it.

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Montessori and Catholic Education: Different Language, Same Mission
By Laura McCrady, Catechist

The root of the word Education is the latin educere, meaning “to lead out”. In Montessori Education, we clearly see this as the goal. We recognize that every child is a unique being, with individual gifts and talents, and an innate desire to learn and grow. Our role as guides is to lead the child to achieve their highest potential and prepare them for the full and amazing life they are to lead.

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5 Ways to Help Your Child Develop a Growth Mindset in Mathematics
By Hillary Seely, Middle School Teacher

Only 34% of U.S. 8th grade students scored at or above the proficient level on the nation’s report card (the National Assessment of Educational Progress) in math. As legislatures work to create new standards for mathematics and educators focus on developing class activities that best support students in their learning and understanding of mathematics, there is one research-backed way of helping students achieve in mathematics that often gets neglected- supporting the development of a growth mindset.

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The Importance of Caring for Pets and Plants in the Environment
By Becky Tanner, Lower Elementary Teacher

Upon entering a Montessori Environment, you may notice an abundance of plant life along with a classroom pet or two. Care of the Environment is an integral part of the Practical Life curriculum in Montessori. Caring for both plants and animals in our classroom is one way for children to take ownership of the environment in which they spend their time on a daily basis. Caring for plants and animals allows students to become aware that they can make a difference in the world around them.

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Grace and Courtesy In the Montessori Classroom
By Terro Orenchuk, Children´s House Teacher

In a world where there is often an absence of the awareness of others and their needs, one might wonder what has happened in our society. Grace and courtesy are the polite treatment of others and the proper expression of one’s feelings. There was a time when politeness and the voicing of one’s feelings and opinions were done in a respectful way in order to acknowledge the other person’s dignity as a fellow human being. In 2020, this is hard to observe and is often lacking in our culture and educational systems.

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Reading During Trying Times
by Jessica Appel, School Librarian

Routines have been paused, canceled, and redesigned during these last several months. During times of change, holding on to routines can help us feel stable. The list of reasons to read aloud to children is long: improving vocabulary, building connections between the spoken and written word, exploring new ideas and information, and reading to learn. But the biggest benefit of reading aloud to your child right now is that is one part of life that hasn’t been affected by social distancing. A book, a reader, and a listener can still be close enough together to enjoy this pre-COVID habit.

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