Wow, lot's of exciting (and time-consuming) things have been occurring on this front. I apologize for not updating this earlier as many of you may already know this information.
With much enthusiasm I can announce that Northeast Iowa Montessori Schools is offering a contract for a teaching position for 5-8 year olds next year. The classroom will be housed in First Lutheran Church near the current preschool classroom. There will be space for up to 14 students in this classroom. They have set next year’s tuition for the 5-8 year old room. They will allow families to choose one of the following payment schedules:
$235 / mo for 12 months (July – June)
$313.34 / mo for 9 months (September – May)
$1410 per semester (one payment in September and one in January)
$2820 per year (one payment in September)
I believe that Jane will be writing a press release soon to explain the classroom in more detail. Thank you to everyone who has been participating and reading along at home throughout this process. It has been a rewarding journey!
Blessings,
Alicia
Monday, May 5, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
On a Roll!?!?
NEIM is hosting a pre-registration meeting for families interested in enrolling their 5-8 (9?) yr olds into the primary classroom next fall. They are hoping to get a solid idea of how many students would be involved in the classroom. This information is necessary before they can comfortably begin the hiring process and/or offer a contract to a teacher. There is need for the hiring process to begin very soon as school districts will be extending contracts and expecting their completion in March and April.
However, some parents are hesitant to committ to sending their children to the primary classroom as information regarding the curriculum/direction of the classroom has not been established. The whole child education group is very excited about moving forward, and have asked NEIM director, Jane Busch, to draft her ideas on a curriculum and schedule that would be representative of where NEIM sees the classroom going. We are concurrently working on drafting the educational goals we would like included in the curriculum. We intend to focus on practical ideas that would infuse those goals into the curriculum. A great deal of our discussion on that will occur this Wednesday, March 19th at 3:30 at First Lutheran.
Please take a moment to write down any ideas you have on the curriculum for next year. This is your chance to get your voice heard (the meeting is another great opportunity)! I'm also including some comments from previous posts/emails on this subject. Please let me know if I missed any. Hope to hear your comments and see you on Wednesday!
Alicia
However, some parents are hesitant to committ to sending their children to the primary classroom as information regarding the curriculum/direction of the classroom has not been established. The whole child education group is very excited about moving forward, and have asked NEIM director, Jane Busch, to draft her ideas on a curriculum and schedule that would be representative of where NEIM sees the classroom going. We are concurrently working on drafting the educational goals we would like included in the curriculum. We intend to focus on practical ideas that would infuse those goals into the curriculum. A great deal of our discussion on that will occur this Wednesday, March 19th at 3:30 at First Lutheran.
Please take a moment to write down any ideas you have on the curriculum for next year. This is your chance to get your voice heard (the meeting is another great opportunity)! I'm also including some comments from previous posts/emails on this subject. Please let me know if I missed any. Hope to hear your comments and see you on Wednesday!
Alicia
Monday, March 3, 2008
Jane's Ideas on Future Directions
There was a meeting of the Alternative Education parent group Thursday evening. The discussion continues to be how the expansion will happen and who will the expansion be geared towards. Much good talk was thrown out for consideration and at the 6 pm hour it felt like no one knew where to go next- STILL! and frustrations continue. Below is my outline of ideas on where perhaps all interested parties could put their energies towards across the next several months.
Please let us not forget that there is already in existence, a functioning alternative educational corporation, which still has professionals under contract and debt which needs to be paid and people working feverishly behind the scenes to maintain its current status. This fact cannot be ignored. The Northeast Iowa Montessori school (NEIM) holds its monthly board meetings on the 2nd Monday of every month and ALL interested parties can attend. Meetings begin at 6:30 pm on the second floor of the Education wing at First Lutheran Church.
Perhaps here is where we all go to next:
-A capital campaign is set forth for the purpose of raising money to create a learning center. The money would be used mostly to rent/lease/buy a location where the expansion of 2 preschool classes -ages 3 - 6 yr olds- and one 6 -9 yr olds class share a building. Perhaps there would be 4-5 rooms, with the classrooms at least having natural lighting windows, the other 1 - 2 rooms could be internal to the classrooms simply used for lunch/resting/large group movement.
How does this help?
1. This would bring all monetary resources together for one common cause, thereby eliminating the nickel and dime effect of various groups holding fundraisers for various learning environments.
2. This money needs to act as the seed money to exist for the first year with someone in financial planning advising us on how to use it for return investment and use the dividends to help offset operating expenses that are unforeseen in any given year.
3. It would also help ensure tuition rates can be kept affordable for all families.
4. This large sum of money- $400,000 - $500,000 needs to be available for start - up, but to continue year after year and be a stable entity, each year at least $100,000 + would have to be raised yearly in fundraising efforts to sustain a firm foundation. If the learning center were fully accredited by the state, then possible state money could be available in various amounts, but otherwise relying on local grant opportunities and larger grant opportunities may not sustain the organization.
-A policy making group for the smooth governance of such a corporation, this body of people historically would be called a Board of Directors or some such title would need to be developed. The current existing Northeast Iowa Montessori (NEIM) board of directors would disband. The existing debt for NEIM would need to be paid off before the disbanding occurred to insure the credit rating protection of those who signed for that loan in its origin to begin an alternative preschool 5 years ago.
Questions raised tonight and not clearly answered- but now thought about in the quiet of midnight hours:
1. How do parents continue to help voice their wants as to the curriculum? They would bring their concerns and large change ideas to the policy group for discussion.
2. Who gets to dictate what the teacher does in the classroom? (Not exact wording from the question but my interpretation) A group of parents tried to help form the curriculum during the first year of NEIM's existence. They went to the teacher directly- almost daily- asking if this and that could be implemented, kindly questioning why such and such was being done. The teacher would come to the Board/Director, which functioned as one and the same in the beginning, and ask for guidance. Suggestions were made and the teacher tried her hardest to please all groups and maintain what her professional contract stated. The result was that the poor teacher at the end of the year felt very confused and simply not able to transform it all and so she resigned. My hope is that an open voice would always be welcomed by a teacher, but decisions which are large and curriculum changing would need to be discussed by the director which in turn would take it to the policy making body and those changes may not be able to happen immediately, but slowly over time. I would hope we could learn from our mistakes.
3. Micro-managing issues?
A policy making group is set form with the charge of doing just that, setting good policy with clear vision and upholding the mission of that organization. Helping the general public understand protocol and who to bring concerns to in various situations is part of that policy making group in order to not confuse the professional staff, who are under contract to carry out their job in specifically stated terms. All voices are welcome, but change can be slow.
-A Director/Principal/CEO would be hired who understands the vision of this learning center and can help encourage it's positive existence and act as a liaison between the Board of Directors and the staff. Keep track of Dept. of Human Services requirements, public health/medical requirements, fire marshall code requirements, and inform staff of professional development/enhancement opportunities.
-Staffing needs would include 5 or 6 "teachers", custodian, and an office manager to assist the director. Substitute teachers are also needed for times when current staff are ill and unable to come to work.
It is very comforting and empowering to sit around a table and brainstorm ideas of a quality learning environment for our children. It is clearly something that many people in this community want to embrace. However, it becomes a large endeavor with lots of Governmental details involved. I am not trying to negate the hours which all 3 groups have invested, however, the reality of what all 3 groups are trying to do is build a quality learning environment and in reality that takes a lot of detailed organizing to truly make it successful. NEIM is the embryo from which this next wave can grow. Perhaps we can learn from it and move forward by knowing a bit of its history. (The 3 groups being: NEIM, the parents who want a 6-9 program and the parents of the 3+ children who are wondering what to do next fall if the long list of places they have their children on waiting lists doesn't happen)
The perfect pre-existing building does not live in Decorah's city limits at this time, in my opinion. As we look at property to rent/lease we need to keep the safety of our children first and foremost. (ie: Traffic external to the building: cars, strangers, fast moving water. Safe and appropriate green space within safe walking distance.)
Perhaps I am blowing this whole thing way bigger than anyone wants to see or has visions of doing. If it is simply a social gathering of like minded kids/parents that is wanted, then that can be done by individuals who will organize their children to do so and all of this can be tossed aside.
If it truly is an environment where guided learning takes place, then I think the items above have to be in place. If I could draw on this silly machine, I would give you the image of a circle which, in the beginning, was a nice spherical shape. But now it is feeling stretchy and is looking for new skin to expand into and so it needs to burst out of that circle and find a larger circle in which to exist. Isn't that called a metamorphosis in the natural world? I wonder if this uncomfortable feeling of where to go next is what a larvae feels like?
Jane Busch
Please let us not forget that there is already in existence, a functioning alternative educational corporation, which still has professionals under contract and debt which needs to be paid and people working feverishly behind the scenes to maintain its current status. This fact cannot be ignored. The Northeast Iowa Montessori school (NEIM) holds its monthly board meetings on the 2nd Monday of every month and ALL interested parties can attend. Meetings begin at 6:30 pm on the second floor of the Education wing at First Lutheran Church.
Perhaps here is where we all go to next:
-A capital campaign is set forth for the purpose of raising money to create a learning center. The money would be used mostly to rent/lease/buy a location where the expansion of 2 preschool classes -ages 3 - 6 yr olds- and one 6 -9 yr olds class share a building. Perhaps there would be 4-5 rooms, with the classrooms at least having natural lighting windows, the other 1 - 2 rooms could be internal to the classrooms simply used for lunch/resting/large group movement.
How does this help?
1. This would bring all monetary resources together for one common cause, thereby eliminating the nickel and dime effect of various groups holding fundraisers for various learning environments.
2. This money needs to act as the seed money to exist for the first year with someone in financial planning advising us on how to use it for return investment and use the dividends to help offset operating expenses that are unforeseen in any given year.
3. It would also help ensure tuition rates can be kept affordable for all families.
4. This large sum of money- $400,000 - $500,000 needs to be available for start - up, but to continue year after year and be a stable entity, each year at least $100,000 + would have to be raised yearly in fundraising efforts to sustain a firm foundation. If the learning center were fully accredited by the state, then possible state money could be available in various amounts, but otherwise relying on local grant opportunities and larger grant opportunities may not sustain the organization.
-A policy making group for the smooth governance of such a corporation, this body of people historically would be called a Board of Directors or some such title would need to be developed. The current existing Northeast Iowa Montessori (NEIM) board of directors would disband. The existing debt for NEIM would need to be paid off before the disbanding occurred to insure the credit rating protection of those who signed for that loan in its origin to begin an alternative preschool 5 years ago.
Questions raised tonight and not clearly answered- but now thought about in the quiet of midnight hours:
1. How do parents continue to help voice their wants as to the curriculum? They would bring their concerns and large change ideas to the policy group for discussion.
2. Who gets to dictate what the teacher does in the classroom? (Not exact wording from the question but my interpretation) A group of parents tried to help form the curriculum during the first year of NEIM's existence. They went to the teacher directly- almost daily- asking if this and that could be implemented, kindly questioning why such and such was being done. The teacher would come to the Board/Director, which functioned as one and the same in the beginning, and ask for guidance. Suggestions were made and the teacher tried her hardest to please all groups and maintain what her professional contract stated. The result was that the poor teacher at the end of the year felt very confused and simply not able to transform it all and so she resigned. My hope is that an open voice would always be welcomed by a teacher, but decisions which are large and curriculum changing would need to be discussed by the director which in turn would take it to the policy making body and those changes may not be able to happen immediately, but slowly over time. I would hope we could learn from our mistakes.
3. Micro-managing issues?
A policy making group is set form with the charge of doing just that, setting good policy with clear vision and upholding the mission of that organization. Helping the general public understand protocol and who to bring concerns to in various situations is part of that policy making group in order to not confuse the professional staff, who are under contract to carry out their job in specifically stated terms. All voices are welcome, but change can be slow.
-A Director/Principal/CEO would be hired who understands the vision of this learning center and can help encourage it's positive existence and act as a liaison between the Board of Directors and the staff. Keep track of Dept. of Human Services requirements, public health/medical requirements, fire marshall code requirements, and inform staff of professional development/enhancement opportunities.
-Staffing needs would include 5 or 6 "teachers", custodian, and an office manager to assist the director. Substitute teachers are also needed for times when current staff are ill and unable to come to work.
It is very comforting and empowering to sit around a table and brainstorm ideas of a quality learning environment for our children. It is clearly something that many people in this community want to embrace. However, it becomes a large endeavor with lots of Governmental details involved. I am not trying to negate the hours which all 3 groups have invested, however, the reality of what all 3 groups are trying to do is build a quality learning environment and in reality that takes a lot of detailed organizing to truly make it successful. NEIM is the embryo from which this next wave can grow. Perhaps we can learn from it and move forward by knowing a bit of its history. (The 3 groups being: NEIM, the parents who want a 6-9 program and the parents of the 3+ children who are wondering what to do next fall if the long list of places they have their children on waiting lists doesn't happen)
The perfect pre-existing building does not live in Decorah's city limits at this time, in my opinion. As we look at property to rent/lease we need to keep the safety of our children first and foremost. (ie: Traffic external to the building: cars, strangers, fast moving water. Safe and appropriate green space within safe walking distance.)
Perhaps I am blowing this whole thing way bigger than anyone wants to see or has visions of doing. If it is simply a social gathering of like minded kids/parents that is wanted, then that can be done by individuals who will organize their children to do so and all of this can be tossed aside.
If it truly is an environment where guided learning takes place, then I think the items above have to be in place. If I could draw on this silly machine, I would give you the image of a circle which, in the beginning, was a nice spherical shape. But now it is feeling stretchy and is looking for new skin to expand into and so it needs to burst out of that circle and find a larger circle in which to exist. Isn't that called a metamorphosis in the natural world? I wonder if this uncomfortable feeling of where to go next is what a larvae feels like?
Jane Busch
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Meeting changes and updates
Sunday, February 17th there will be a meeting at 3:00 at United Methodist Church on Broadway with the Montessori Board members.
Our next regular meeting will be Wednesday, February 20th at 3:30 at First Lutheran.
All are welcome and please bring a friend!
Alicia
Our next regular meeting will be Wednesday, February 20th at 3:30 at First Lutheran.
All are welcome and please bring a friend!
Alicia
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Blending Thoughts
Hi,
It seems that we are moving ahead with a primary classroom blending Montesorri and Waldorf. So, before we meet to discuss that with the Montessori board, I think we should brainstorm what that could look like. I was having a difficult time envisioning it, as the philosophies are so varied, but then someone presented this idea...
Perhaps Waldorf curriculum (involves much more teacher direction) could be utilized in the morning and the afternoon could be reserved for Montessori curriculum involving more student-directed choice or the afternoons could be reserved for projects, etc. (reflective of "unschooling").
This is would make sense with brain research (I believe) as the time in the morning, students are more able to focus on direct instruction, etc. Then, they would have the opportunity to choose their activities/progress at their own pace in the afternoon when they might need more flexibility. Of course, the afternoon "works" could also include Waldorf projects/handworks too.
I think it is a great idea, but I'd love to hear other ideas as well.
Thanks,
Alicia
It seems that we are moving ahead with a primary classroom blending Montesorri and Waldorf. So, before we meet to discuss that with the Montessori board, I think we should brainstorm what that could look like. I was having a difficult time envisioning it, as the philosophies are so varied, but then someone presented this idea...
Perhaps Waldorf curriculum (involves much more teacher direction) could be utilized in the morning and the afternoon could be reserved for Montessori curriculum involving more student-directed choice or the afternoons could be reserved for projects, etc. (reflective of "unschooling").
This is would make sense with brain research (I believe) as the time in the morning, students are more able to focus on direct instruction, etc. Then, they would have the opportunity to choose their activities/progress at their own pace in the afternoon when they might need more flexibility. Of course, the afternoon "works" could also include Waldorf projects/handworks too.
I think it is a great idea, but I'd love to hear other ideas as well.
Thanks,
Alicia
Friday, February 1, 2008
Name Chatter
Wow, the cool thing about the internet is that it teaches you how to use itself. So, I have placed a "shout box" to the right of the posts here. They are also called tag boxes or chatter boxes, etc. I had never heard of or used one before so this is actually a bit of an experiment, but what in this process isn't. Luckily we are all self-actualizing, life-long, reflective learners. It's like we all went to Montessori or Waldorf school. Anyway, hopefully this will work out well. My greatest fear is that it somehow will mess the entire blog up, but it doesn't seem to be yet, so I'm crossing my fingers on this.
The purpose here is to have a continuous discussion about a name. The group decided to table a decision on a name for the time being as nobody (including ourselves) was overly enthusiastic about the names we were suggesting. So, PLEASE help us out by lending us some of your creativity and responses to suggested names.
To use the Name Chatter box:
1)Enter your name and message at the bottom of the box. (I just ignore the URL, but if somebody knows that that is a bad idea, please let me know)
2)Click Shout!
3)Enter security code when it appears.
4)Click Submit
It is actually extremely easy. Have fun!
Thanks again!
Alicia
The purpose here is to have a continuous discussion about a name. The group decided to table a decision on a name for the time being as nobody (including ourselves) was overly enthusiastic about the names we were suggesting. So, PLEASE help us out by lending us some of your creativity and responses to suggested names.
To use the Name Chatter box:
1)Enter your name and message at the bottom of the box. (I just ignore the URL, but if somebody knows that that is a bad idea, please let me know)
2)Click Shout!
3)Enter security code when it appears.
4)Click Submit
It is actually extremely easy. Have fun!
Thanks again!
Alicia
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Call for Core Planning Committee Members
It seems that we have a fairly stable group of people attending our weekly meetings. Several of us have committed to being members of the Core Planning Committe for this process. This committment entails prioritizing attendance at a majority of the meetings. In addition, if there is a pending decision for an upcoming meeting that a committee member cannot attend, it is the member's responsibility to inform the committee of their preferences if they wish their voice to be heard. Please email Emily at nealem01@luther.edu if you would like to be on the Core Planning Committee.
Any and all interested people are invited and welcome to attend any of our meetings. We have decided that when decisions are made at the meetings, anyone in attendance will have an equal voice. Committment to the Core Planning Committee is not a prerequisite. So please, come, discuss, and help us shape the future classroom!
Any and all interested people are invited and welcome to attend any of our meetings. We have decided that when decisions are made at the meetings, anyone in attendance will have an equal voice. Committment to the Core Planning Committee is not a prerequisite. So please, come, discuss, and help us shape the future classroom!
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