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At Community Montessori we’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of learners, and we’re excited to share some amazing updates to our mental health services! Our Courage Cabin, a dedicated space for mental health support on campus, has recently undergone renovations to expand and enhance accessibility. Additionally, we’re thrilled to share our new partnership with The Mind Nest, bringing even more in-person mental health services to learners beginning in February 2025.  To better serve learners, we have made several key updates to the physical Courage Cabin space. Within the renovated space, there is now more room to provide a comfortable, supportive environment for learners.  And for convenience, there is now a dedicated bathroom and waiting area for learners and staff to use before or after their time at the Courage Cabin. These improvements allow for more options and opportunities for learners while maintaining a safe, inviting, and functional space for mental health support. Take a look through the gallery images to see the new renovations. As part of this expansion, we’re excited to work with our new partner, The Mind Nest, a trusted practice dedicated to providing accessible mental health services. Beginning in February 2025, The Mind Nest will offer additional in-person support on campus, expanding the options available to learners. Current CM Families received a welcome letter from The Mind Nest with more details and information about signing up for available services.   We are grateful for the continued support of our community that makes it possible for us to provide these resources and services to learners on campus. And we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact of these updates.   Current CM Families with questions or who would like more information about mental health services on campus, please visit this website  or reach out to the school. We’re so grateful to everyone in our community who prioritizes mental health and supports efforts to expand services available to learners.

Check out this VIDEO of many of the ways our learners celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day  At CM we believe in learning about the "why" behind the day, and we spend time immersed in learning opportunities that center around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.   This video  (put together by our own Michael Sylvester!) shows some of the ways learners celebrated the day and honored Dr. King's important work and legacy throughout the week before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day on Monday, January 20, 2025.   The following week, teens from Community Montessori participated in the annual Beloved Day of Service, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr through acts of service to self, family, school, and community.   Rooted in Dr. King’s vision of a “beloved community,” this initiative extends the celebration of MLK Day into meaningful service opportunities. Teens choose from various volunteer efforts including on-campus projects, independent service plans, and partnerships with local organizations.  This year’s Day of Service included partnerships with the following organizations:  New Albany White Flag Shelter: teens prepared meals for the soup kitchen and assisted with cleaning various spaces New Albany Public Library: Volunteers sorted items in the food pantry and cleaned toys in the children’s area St. Marks Clothing & Food Pantry: Teens sorted clothing donations, cleaned various spaces, and assisted with sorting and preparing food St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen: Volunteers cleaned and sanitized tables and chairs Floyd County YMCA: Teens cleaned, sorted and organized as needed.  Jeffersonville Public Library: Volunteers helped clean, sort, and organize library materials.  Hope Southern Indiana: Teens helped folks sign in and gather groceries as well as assisted with sorting and shelving items in the food pantry In addition to these partnerships, some teens created individual service plans to carry out projects approved by their advisors, and others participated in service projects on the school’s campus including meal preparation, supporting the CM Food Pantry, and other tasks.   Each year, Community Montessori seeks to expand partnerships with local organizations, focusing on supporting places with limited resources. Service is an integral part of the school’s philosophy, with students regularly participating in initiatives such as “Random Acts of Kindness” on campus and building philanthropy portfolios. These experiences cultivate a lifelong commitment to service and giving back.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024-25 Volunteer/Substitute Workshop in person on August 27, 2024!  To be eligible for subbing or volunteering for going out trips this school year, currently enrolled families must complete the workshop and the attached questionnaire, including a background check. This requirement also applies to Early Ed families who wish to observe at the window.  Even if you’ve subbed before, attending each year ensures you stay updated on the latest procedures. Remember, you'll always assist another teacher in the studio. For those unable to attend in person, we’ve provided the workshop video and key materials. These include: Presentation PDF  - Follow along with the video Communications Hints Handout Resources to Support Montessori Parenting Early Ed Adult Commitments Elementary Adult Commitments Adolescent Adult Commitments Community Montessori Glossary Please review the video and complete this questionnaire . After submission, it could take a few weeks to complete your background check before you will be added to our substitute/volunteer pool. Please note that completing these steps are required before you come in to observe your child in the early education program. If you signed up to be a substitute, our staff substitute coordinator, Tracey Pickman-Yates, will contact you once all your steps are completed.  We sincerely appreciate your support and involvement in our school community!

As part of our Islands Occupations kick off week we were able to take our whole 12-14 level to Boxcar Acres, a real working, farm to gain information and experiences straight from the farm owners and staff. This trip was made possible and fully funded by a generous grant from the SARE organization who strive to develop innovation in agriculture, through research and engagement.  On this trip, learners were able to ask guided questions that delved into the nuance of economics, planning, and overall farm management. They rose to the occasion and were full of curiosity. They even got hands-on experience harvesting tomatoes and peppers.  This is just one of the ways that we try to give learners the space to practice life's many possible futures. A special thank you to Boxcar Acres for being willing to partner with us in this project.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2024-25 Volunteer/Substitute Workshop in person on August 27, 2024!  To be eligible for subbing or volunteering for going out trips this school year, currently enrolled families must complete the workshop and the attached questionnaire, including a background check. This requirement also applies to Early Ed families who wish to observe at the window.  Even if you’ve subbed before, attending each year ensures you stay updated on the latest procedures. Remember, you'll always assist another teacher in the studio. For those unable to attend in person, we’ve provided the workshop video and key materials. These include: Presentation PDF  - Follow along with the video Communications Hints Handout Resources to Support Montessori Parenting Early Ed Adult Commitments Elementary Adult Commitments Adolescent Adult Commitments Community Montessori Glossary Please review the video and complete this questionnaire . After submission, it could take a few weeks to complete your background check before you will be added to our substitute/volunteer pool. Please note that completing these steps are required before you come in to observe your child in the early education program. If you signed up to be a substitute, our staff substitute coordinator, Tracey Pickman-Yates, will contact you once all your steps are completed.  We sincerely appreciate your support and involvement in our school community!

Thank you to all our families who were able to attend our New Family Orientation on Tuesday!  For families unable to attend, we look forward to meeting with you soon, hopefully at our upcoming Sub/Volunteer Workshop  (for currently enrolled families) on August 27 at 5pm.  Download the slideshow below to follow along with the video presentation and access links to the materials mentioned in the conversation.

As we reflect on the first week’s success, we’re full of gratitude for the smooth transition and cheerful energy that filled our spaces.  Our heartfelt thanks go out to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and eager learners who make this week truly special every year. Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm and commitment, we couldn't have asked for a better kickoff to the year.  You may have noticed the new staff t-shirt, designed by a staff committee and some amazing staff artists (Thank you Sarah Horrar, Tundra studio)!  With all of the uncertainty and struggle in our country and on our globe, we even added a rainbow to our logo this year on our staff shirts to show the hope we have in this new start.   Check out this amazing video (Thank you Michael Sylvester!) with the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole).

Community Montessori is excited to announce our new partnership with Katelyn’s Place to provide in-person mental health services right on campus! Watch the video to learn more about these services that will be offered on campus starting August 2024 and meet the professionals from Katelyn's Place: Dr. Chandra Coles, PsyD Licensed BCBA therapist Cay Cruz You can start the process by completing the interest form here: https://form.jotform.com/241833740065151 The intake process will be coordinated by Katelyn’s Place and Community Montessori will provide the space for on campus therapy. Children and teens can receive in person therapy sessions right on campus All insurance providers are accepted! For general questions, contact Aimee Joy ( ajoy@shiningminds.com ) or Barbara Burke Fondren ( bfondren@shiningminds.com ) For Therapy questions, contact Katelyn's Place ( office@katelynsplace.com ) You can also visit their website: https://katelynsplace.com/ These services are in addition to our virtual services with Centerstone!

As Montessori educators, our mission is to cultivate an environment where children and teens can thrive independently, developing the confidence and resilience they need for lifelong success. We are excited to introduce the LetGrow  program as a component of our Wellness Initiative , perfectly aligning with the core principles of Montessori education.  The Montessori Approach to Independence Maria Montessori believed that fostering independence in children is crucial for their development. She famously said, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”  This philosophy underpins our educational approach, where we encourage learners to explore, experiment, and learn through their own experiences. By giving children the freedom to solve problems and make decisions, we prepare them to face real-world challenges with confidence.  Introducing LetGrow The LetGrow program champions the idea of stepping back so kids can step up. It emphasizes the importance of allowing children to navigate challenges independently, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. A recent story by Lenore Skenazy , shared on the LetGrow website , beautifully illustrates this concept. In the story, an adult’s well-meaning intervention disrupts the natural learning process, highlighting how important it is to let children figure things out on their own. You can read the brief, thought-provoking story here: A Boy Fell, An Adult Hurried Over. Too Bad . Integrating LetGrow into Our Wellness Initiative Starting next school year, we will be encouraging families to incorporate LetGrow activities into their daily routines at home. These activities are designed to help learners take on more responsibilities and face challenges independently, which is a cornerstone of our broader Wellness Initiative. This initiative  aims to support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our learners, ensuring they are equipped with the skills they need to thrive.  New Smartphone Protocol In line with our Tier Two wellness goals, we will be implementing a new smartphone protocol as part of our electronics etiquette  policy starting this coming school year. Learners will keep their phones in their Yondr Pouches  during school hours to reduce distractions, promote a focused learning environment, and improve overall health and wellbeing.  On-Site Therapy Services We are also thrilled to announce our partnership with Katelyn’s Place  for in-person mental health services on campus, in addition to our virtual sessions with Centerstone. Starting in August, 2024, these services will be available to support the mental health of our children and teens further enhancing our comprehensive approach to wellness. Teens and able elementary learners will be able to walk to the Courage Cabin for sessions, and younger learners will be accompanied by an adult, or will have sessions in a dedicated space within the main building. Why Community Montessori Stands OUT & and Stands FOR Innovative Education At Community Montessori, we are dedicated to nurturing independent, resilient learners. By integrating the LetGrow program into our Wellness Initiative, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring our children and teens develop the critical life skills they need for future success. We invite you to join us in this journey, supporting our learners as they grow and thrive.

At Community Montessori, our commitment to nurturing lifelong learners extends well beyond the early years.  Enter "The Woods," our dynamic high school program that redefines education for teens aged 14 to 18. Our teens program offers a unique and transformative educational experience that goes beyond traditional high school curricula. Grounded in the principles of Montessori pedagogy, our program is designed to cultivate independent, responsible, and environmentally conscious young adults. Rooted in Nature, Thriving Together   Our multi-age Woods studios, named after native tree species like Sequoia, Oak, Sycamore, and Cypress, embody the essence of Montessori education. Here, adolescents aged 14-18 (grades 9-12) come together to learn, collaborate, and grow. A new perspective on adolescence is fostered within our community, where mutual respect between adults and adolescents forms the foundation of our educational philosophy. We believe that everyone has something to teach and something to learn, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and growth. Woods’ Advisors   At CM, our high school advisors serve as mentors, guiding teens on their unique, individual paths of discovery and growth. With a focus on self-directed learning and personal responsibility, we empower teens to become active participants in their own education and beyond. Throughout their journey at Community Montessori, teens engage in a variety of experiences and opportunities aimed at preparing them for life beyond our school walls. From 9th and 10th grade, where they explore models of possibility and develop foundational skills, to 11th and 12th grade, where they embark on internships, college exploration, and career development, our teens are guided towards valorization and equipped with essential life skills. Cultivating Creativity & Entrepreneurial Spirit Through Creativity Inc., our teens unleash their artistic talents, from theatre productions by the CM Players to stunning works of art in painting, design, ceramics, and more. Our biannual Creativity Showcases celebrate their creativity and provide a platform for performances and exhibitions. Creativity Inc. plays a central role in our program, offering avenues for artistic expression and entrepreneurship. Our CM Players showcase their talents through theatrical productions, while other groups create works of art in various mediums. Entrepreneurial ventures like the Cosmic Café instill invaluable skills in responsibility, time management, and financial literacy, enriching both their learning experiences and our vibrant school community. Exploring Beyond Academics   Every Friday, our teens embark on Fitness Fridays, prioritizing holistic well-being through engaging activities, be it yoga, collaborative sports, or long walks through the surrounding neighborhoods and nearby park. Many also dive into real-world experiences through internships, forging pathways to future success beyond graduation. Celebrating Achievements   Big History marks the culmination of our teens' academic journey, showcasing their projects and senior capstones to family and friends. This grand event reflects their growth, achievements, and aspirations as they prepare to step into adulthood. At the heart of our teens program are the outcomes we aim to achieve for our graduates. Cognitive, social, moral, and emotional development are all integral components of our curriculum. Learners are encouraged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and advocate for themselves and others. They develop a strong sense of moral integrity and emotional resilience, feeling empowered to effect personal and social change. Ultimately, our goal is to nurture the whole child, fostering a sense of joy, purpose, and connection to humanity and the larger universe story. Through our holistic approach to education, we strive to prepare our teens to become compassionate, responsible, and environmentally conscious citizens of the world. Accelerating Futures With opportunities for dual credits and hands-on learning, our graduates leave CM equipped with college credits and real-world readiness. Our unique approach to education prepares them not just for academic success but for life beyond the bounds of school. Our teens benefit from a robust internship program, a highlight frequently praised by our alumni. Many spend Fridays off-campus, gaining real-world experience in fields they are passionate about. We encourage them to pursue internships aligned with their interests and also facilitate connections with businesses owned by school families.  In addition, our dual enrollment program allows learners to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their higher education journey. The graduating class of 2024 had four teens who completed the Indiana College Core certificate, which provides a set of general education college credits that are transferable to all Indiana public colleges and universities. This certificate enables learners to start college with a substantial number of credits already earned, saving time and money while easing the transition to higher education.  Our unique "seminars" replace traditional class periods, offering focused studies in subjects like writing, math, health and wellness, interpersonal relationships, critical thinking, and history. These seminars, which include both required courses and electives, allow teens to delve deeply into topics of interest and importance, fostering a comprehensive and personalized educational experience. Prioritizing Lifelong Wellness As a reflective community, we continuously strive to improve and adapt our practices for the benefit of all learners. Our holistic approach ensures that we are always evolving to meet the needs of our learners, from young children to adolescents.  At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, we announced our Tier 2 Teen Wellness Initiative, building upon our existing foundational wellness goals and agreements already in place. This comprehensive program is designed to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our teens. In response to growing concerns about teen mental health identified during one-on-one meetings, coursework, and fitness activities, this initiative introduces new programs to support teen goals such as more outdoor activities, consistent hydration, muscle building, and improved evening routines. You can read more about the multi-tiered Wellness Initiative here . Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, teens will keep their smartphones in pouches (learn more about the Yondr pouch here ) during the school day to eliminate distractions from social media and constant connectivity, fostering better focus on education and interpersonal interactions. Talk/text-only phones are allowed to remain out of the pouches, and will stay in backpacks during the day. You can learn more about this growing movement to address the effects of smartphones and social media on adolescents by watching this WDRB news story, featuring Community Montessori . All members of the CM community - be they teens or adults, parents or staff -  have commitments within this initiative, ensuring a collective and consistent effort towards better mental and emotional health. You can learn more by checking out our Electronics Etiquette , which is a part of our enrollment package. Join the Journey   Experience the transformative power of Montessori education firsthand. Join us for teen events throughout the year, such as our Creativity Showcases, Exhibitions, CM Players performances, Big History, and more. Together, let's continue to inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning in our teens! Apply today  to enroll your teen in a truly unique learning environment, designed to prepare them for a successful life after high school, whether that be college, vocational schools, apprenticeships, joining the workforce, being self-employed, or any other path they choose to pursue.

Please see a recording of the meeting that was held on campus on May 17, 2024 where we discussed important updates to our teens program for their mental health.

Understand Emotional dysregulation and it's impact. Explore mental health support strategies. Implement conscious parenting techniques. Establish consistent follow-through for behavioral support. Resources are linked in the order that they were shared during the workshop, so you can follow along. Additional Resources: Genetic Testing to Optimize ADHD Medication Resources to Support Montessori Parenting Eating Disorder Treatment in Jeff Media Plan for Families (page 9 of our Family Handbook) Janet Lansbury - RIE Parenting is Not About Rules Teen Parent Involvement Community Partners for Child Safety