The 2012 Spring Faculty Appreciation Luncheon-Total success!

Posted on May 8, 2012 by linseym

If you ever want to *feel* what true family feels like, show up at a Columbus Montessori faculty appreciation day luncheon.  Our first year at Columbus Montessori, I stepped back and watched my little boy flourish.  I volunteered, but my time was very limited.  I remember when November arrived, someone asked if I would help with the Faculty Appreciation luncheon.  I told them that I’d love to.  The night before the luncheon, I cooked pork barbeque, spinach artichoke dip, arranged a cheese tray and cut up lots of fruit.  I was nervous.  I wasn’t sure we would have enough food.  I kept thinking in the back of my head that I could always run to the grocery store if needed.

When I arrived at school at 8, I was greeted by many parents-some that I knew, others that I didn’t.  Everyone had something delicious in their hands.  I soon realized that I had absolutely nothing to worry about.  As the parents dropped the food off, they all wanted to write notes to the teachers or they would tell me “Make sure Patrice knows that we love and appreciate her!” or “We adore Duan Cannon!  Make sure she knows she is fabulous!”  This went on for about an hour and a half.  By 9:30, there were no more outlets to plug crock pots into.  There was not an inch of table left for the fabulous desserts, sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays.  There were flowers, notes of thanks and plenty of food to help show our appreciation to our fabulous faculty at Columbus Montessori.

Today, once again, our parents did not disappoint.  There were cakes, dips, sandwiches, fruit, candy, thank you notes and many smiling faces coming through the doors to room 10 this morning.

Our lives our busy.  Our parents have many responsibilities.  When we want to show our faculty how much we care, we come together-no matter what.  They mean so much to us.  We leave our children with them every day, so why wouldn’t we adore these fabulous people?  Thank you, Columbus Montessori faculty!  You are simply the best!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Also, thanks to Sasha Decree, our spring faculty appreciation luncheon coordinator.  Sasha is a new parent this year at Columbus Montessori and she stepped up and did a wonderful job with the luncheon.  Thanks, Sasha, for a job well done!

 

 

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The results are in!

Posted on May 4, 2012 by linseym

Last Saturday night Columbus Montessori held our annual Spring Gala.  Through ticket sales, a raffle, a silent auction and a live auction, we raised over $90,000!!!  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fabulous event!  Proof, once again, that Columbus Montessori’s faculty, parents, alumni, and friends always come together as a family to support the school.  Each year, I am blown away at the generosity of time and gifts that go into this event.  Thank you!  Suneeta Ganga and Fran Evans were Co-Chairs for the Gala and they did a fabulous job.  A special thank you to Suneeta and Fran!!

As we announced a few weeks ago, our George Award winner this year was Diane Preston.  I personally did not know Diane very well until the award was announced.  Through assembling a bulletin board in her honor, chatting with her a few times recently and hearing her speak at the gala, I am incredibly impressed by Diane.  We are extremely lucky to have her as one of our best volunteers.  Diane, Columbus Montessori is a better place because of you.  Thank you so much for all that you do!!!

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The day has arrived! The Spring Gala is TONIGHT!

Posted on April 28, 2012 by linseym

Are you ready? Spring Gala is almost here-6:30 pm TONIGHT at the LifeCare Alliance Event Center, 670 Harmon Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43223. Have you checked out the photo albums on our facebook page to see what you can bid on?  If not, please click here to check out just some of the wonderful things that will be up for auction tonight! Forgot to purchase tickets?  Not a problem.  We will be selling tickets at the door.  We would love to see you! 

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Columbus Montessori’s new lobby calendar!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by linseym

Have you stopped by the front lobby lately?  If not, please come take a look at our newest creation!  We have a magnetic AND chalkboard calendar!  We will put all major school events on the calendar on the first of every month.  We want to thank Steve, our facilities manager, for his fabulous help in this project!  THANK YOU STEVE!!!!

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Columbus Montessori on the front page of the Dispatch today!

Posted on April 13, 2012 by linseym

Have you seen the front page of the Columbus Dispatch today?

Click here to check it out!

Our very own Bria Ratliff with students Aba-Antwi-Woods, Vivian Demko-Garcha and Isabella Lestini are pictured!

 

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Congratulations to our 2012 George Award Winner!!

Posted on April 5, 2012 by jpeffer

Congratulations and love aplenty going out to a shining example in our Columbus Montessori Education Center Community– Diane Preston!!! Congratulations on winning the 2012 George Award, well deserved!

2012 Annual Spring Gala

George Award Winner
Diane Preston
 

diane preston
“Never let it rest, until your good is your better and your better is your best”

  ”Diane has donated hundreds of hours to CMEC. She volunteers at the school almost everyday”

“Through her tireless efforts and strong leadership skills, she raised $3,000 for the Upper Elementary families to travel to Cincinnati.”

    Join us at the Gala on April, 28 to 

celebrate with Diane!

 

Saturday, April 28

6:30 – 11 p.m.
The Life Care Alliance Event Center
670 Harmon Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43223

    For more information about our Spring Gala and to purchase tickets, contact Stephanie Peddicord,
at gala@columbusmontessori.org

2012 SPRING GALA AND AUCTION

MORE THAN A SCHOOL…
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Columbus Montessori’s 2012 Spring Gala is just around the corner!

Posted on March 29, 2012 by linseym
Suneeta Ganga and Fran Evans, CMEC’s 2012 Spring Gala Co-Chairs

This week, our Gala co-chairs, Suneeta Ganga and Fran Evans took some time to answer questions that should help everyone know exactly what the Gala is all about.  If you have any more questions about this fabulous event, please use the contact information provided below!

This year the Gala will be held on April 28th, from 6:30PM until 11PM at the Lifecare Alliance Event Center located at:

670 Harmon Avenue

Columbus, OH, 43223

1.  Tell us about the Spring Gala event coming up on April 28th.  What is it?  What is its purpose?

This event is one of the two big annual fundraisers for the school.  We have the Annual Fund in the fall and Spring Gala in the spring. We successfully raised $90,000 last year to help provide financial assistance to students. The Gala is a fun, adult-only event where we really come together as a community.

Nearly 300 Columbus Montessori Education Center parents, teachers, staff, grandparents, alumni families, neighbors and friends will gather for our annual Spring Gala & Auction.  Guests will enjoy gourmet food stations as well as silent and live auctions. Auction items include donations from more than 200 local retailers and individuals in addition to projects crafted by our own children at Columbus Montessori. The George Award, named in honor of George Neugebauer, is presented annually at the Gala to a Columbus Montessori volunteer for outstanding service and commitment to children.

Tickets are $65 per person.

2.  Tell us about the sponsorship opportunities available with the Gala.

We have sponsorship opportunities at many price points, ranging from Individual Patron Sponsors at $150 a ticket to table sponsors at $1500 as well as presenting sponsors at $2500 and $5000.  Businesses can also buy ads in the Gala Program.  For more information, go to: http://columbusmontessori.org/support/spring-gala/ or email gala@columbusmontessori.org.

We are so pleased at the great sponsors who have committed their support this year!

3.  Tell me about the prep work involved in Gala.  What have you been doing lately to prepare?

The Gala committee has been very busy preparing for this fabulous event!  A few of the things we have been working hard on are:

  • Soliciting silent and live auction items from the community.  This is something we can still use help with.  If you know anyone in the community that would be willing to donate items or events to our auction, please let us know!
  • We have ordered, edited and sent out invitations.  They were delivered to cubbies this week!
  • We have been working on advertisements for the Gala within the school and in the community.
  • Closer to the event, we will be selling tickets, transporting all the items over to the event center, creating a seating chart, and assisting Susan Miller with the centerpieces for each table.

4.  Tell us about any help you still need.  How can volunteers help you out?

We still have many volunteer opportunities available this year and we would love some extra help!

  • We will need some volunteers to help with ticket sales.  There will be morning and afternoon shifts at the school.  They will need to setup the table to sell the tickets.  Short, one time shifts will be available.
  • We will also need some help the week April 23-27th with assembling baskets for the auction.  These shifts would be during the day at the school.
  • Event preparation volunteers for the entire week before Gala all the way up until the event are also needed.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Suneeta Ganga at: suneetaganga@yahoo.com.

5.  Suneeta, how did you become involved with Columbus Montessori’s Gala?

I love to help the community and school. My husband and I really believe that education is the foundation for a child, so I am actively involved in raising the funds which will provide the much needed financial help to students to attend CMEC. The school is our extended family.

How about you, Fran?

I have always attended because it is a very important event for raising money to continue the great school we have. We really only have two main fundraising things every year- the Gala and the annual fund and my husband and I always have had a lot of fun. So when approached to help, I said of course!

Thank you, Suneeta and Fran, for your hard work and dedication to this fabulous event!

Have any questions about the Gala?  Please feel free to email Suneeta at: suneetaganga@yahoo.com or Fran at franevans3621@hotmail.com.

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Happy Pi Day! 3.14 – Explaining Pi the Montessori Way

Posted on March 13, 2012 by jpeffer

Touching, feeling, visually taking it all in–that’s Montessori and that’s why it’s beautiful and why it makes so much sense. How many of you parents out there implicitly understand this concept in this way?

 

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Don’t Forget that The Columbus Montessori Spring Gala is less than two months away!!

Posted on March 2, 2012 by jpeffer
Don't miss the Columbus Montessori Spring Gala on April 28!

Don't miss the Columbus Montessori Spring Gala on April 28!

Get your tickets soon!

Where can you get tickets? You can purchase tickets for the Columbus Montessori Spring Gala at the school anytime at the front desk.

Invitations will be mailed toward the end of the month but why wait!?

Thanks to our main sponsors this year:

 

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Learning to Fail – Did you know Montessori works are self correcting?

Posted on February 8, 2012 by jpeffer

This video is from a Montessori blog called Peaceful Parenting and showcases a derivation of the Montessori work called cylinders being done by a toddler.

In a recent article in Education Week titled ‘Want to Get Into College? Learn to Fail‘ (available to subscribers only) the author discusses the idea that failure, and the acceptance of failure, combined with learning from that failure is a key to eventual success.

While this isn’t a new notion, in fact the idea of learning from failure is quite old though very much in vogue in today’s business world, it’s an important one. Maria Montessori knew the importance of success for young learners and that’s why almost every single Montessori work is self-correcting.

Because the focus of activity in the Montessori setting is on children learning, not on teachers teaching, the Montessori child may gleam the ‘correct’ way to accomplish a work by doing it the ‘wrong’ way first. What a huge boost of self-esteem each work cycle must be for them!

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The Columbus Montessori Education Center is Now Accepting EdChoice Scholarships (Education Vouchers from the State of Ohio)

Posted on February 2, 2012 by jpeffer
We are a private, independent school in Columbus, Ohio now accepting EdChoice school vouchers from failing Columbus Public School districts We are a private, independent school in Columbus, Ohio now accepting EdChoice school vouchers from failing Columbus Public School districts

We are a private, independent school in Columbus, Ohio now accepting EdChoice school vouchers from failing Columbus Public School districts

The Columbus Montessori Board of Trustees has approved, and we have been accepted by the State Board of Education to accept students who wish to use the EdChoice Scholarship Program.

Much work has been spent selecting this program for Columbus Montessori, based on our mission, fit and culture. EdChoice will be applicable to our current, qualifying students who are entering Kindergarten next year if they live within an elementary school attendance area that has been in academic failure.

Current families with Kindergarten through 5th grade students are unfortunately not eligible to apply for a voucher due to the current status of the law.

EdChoice provides a limited number of scholarships to students who reside in the district of persistently under-performing public schools. Those who apply and are accepted will be allowed to use a voucher to attend CMEC. Visit the link below to for a list of under-performing schools.

For further information and to apply please visit here.

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Developing Leaders the Montessori Way – Harvard Business Review Article

Posted on January 27, 2012 by jpeffer

This is from a couple days ago and the Take-Away from this Harvard Business Review Article….”… but we believe this intrinsic motivation — an employee’s love for what she does — is better than money and promotions. We’ve already seen the results in terms of lower turnover among the entry-level employees who have been through the program. Our retention rates were noticeably higher in 2011 than they were in 2009-2010, and are trending steadily upward.”

“When it comes to employee development, most companies traditionally follow the 10/80/10 rule: The top 10 percent are promoted, the middle 80 percent are nurtured and the bottom 10 percent are let go.

At my company, Mu Sigma, we followed this advice at first too. But we found that we were losing too many from the middle 80 percent: people who had great potential were leaving because they weren’t getting promoted quickly enough. We had accidentally created a culture where promotions and raises — extrinsic rewards — trumped all the intrinsic factors that make a job worthwhile.

So in 2010 we began to model our development afterMontessori schools, whose principals include “an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development, as well as technological advancements in society.” Since then we’ve applied these basic tenets to our workforce.

For example, new hires (most straight out of college) all come in with the same title — Business Analyst — and start at the same salary. They all go through a rigorous training course we call Mu Sigma University: a mini-MBA program where they learn not just about how we do business and service clients, but also review mathematical, communication, and business fundamentals to ensure they have the proper foundation for serving our clients. Then at the 18-month point, the new hires are promoted as a group to Senior Business Analyst, again all at the same salary.

During the first three years, managers regularly provide employees with one-on-one feedback, discussing areas for improvement and growth opportunities. It’s only after this period that ”

Read the rest here….

 

 

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Columbus Montessori Education Center Faculty Member Spotlighted in Other Paper

Posted on January 25, 2012 by jpeffer
Columbus Montessori Physical and Health Education Teacher Austin Eilbeck and his Band DELAY

Columbus Montessori Physical and Health Education Teacher Austin Eilbeck and his Band DELAY

In addition to his full time vocation of Physical Education Instructor at Columbus Montessori, Austin Eilbeck leads a school band experience for interested Columbus Montessori elementary school students. The student band’s premiere will be on Generations Day.

Excerpt from The Other Paper Article…

Delay is entering its 15th year as a Columbus DIY pop-punk band. Fans can help it celebrate by heading to Carabar Saturday for the release of the group’s new studio album, Rushing Ceremony.

Delay’s story began in 1997 in Berea, Ohio. Twins named Austin and Ryan Eilbeck, plus their childhood best friend, Jesse Wither, heard Nirvana and Green Day on the radio and decided they wanted to make music.

Ryan described the first Delay demo, made when they were still in seventh grade, as a bit on the rough side. Continue reading →

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Columbus Montessori Education Center Celebrates 100 Day!

Posted on January 20, 2012 by jpeffer

Children’s House and Lower Elementary School students at Columbus Montessori celebrated 100 day today by bringing in 100 ‘somethings’ from home to share with their classmates.

100 Day is one of many longstanding traditions at Columbus Montessori that the children look forward to with much anticipation.

This Lower Elementary Student brought 100 screws from home to help celebrate 100th day.

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Practical Life – the Bulletin Board. See it in Columbus Montessori’s Children’s House

Posted on January 19, 2012 by jpeffer

Have you seen this beautiful bulletin board featuring practical life works in the Children’s House hallway? Thanks so much to Kelly Smith, faculty member in our infant and toddler program for making such a gorgeous board.

Why put your child in a Columbus day care center when you can give them the gift of Montessori. We serve children from 6 weeks through 6th grade. Come visit our school. Once you see Montessori in action, you will understand why your child must take part in a Montessori education.

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This Thursday – Come Hear Dr Norman Shub Talk about Children and Self Esteem – No Cost

Posted on January 9, 2012 by jpeffer

All are welcome to Our Columbus Montessori Education Center Parent Education Night on January 12, 2012 which will  feature nationally known Norman Shub from the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio where he is the Director of Training.

The session will focus on “Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem”

From the Gestalt Institute Site…

Mr Norman Shub BCD, LISW, LPCC

Today, children and families are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and stress. As a result, children are experiencing depression, confusion, frustration, loss, acting out, alcohol/drug abuse, and violence.

The school is often the environment in which the child expresses his/her feelings. This leaves educators struggling with ways to balance the educational and emotional needs of their students.

Gestalt Associates recognizes the challenges facing school professionals. Our team of highly trained, caring professionals is committed to forming a partnership with schools to support, join, and develop effective treatment strategies unique to each family.

Our model is based on creating an atmosphere of safety and respect, which allows honest evaluation of one’s choices and personal responsibilities.

The Needs of the Child

  • A safe and confidential atmosphere to fully experience his or her life
  • A trusting, supportive relationship that promotes understanding of experiences, feelings, needs and the impact of his or her behavior on other people and situations

The Role of the Family

  • Involving the family system is paramount to treatment
  • Helping family members understand how their behavior affects each other, what promotes change, and how to support the growth of the child and the family as a whole

Team Oriented Approach

  • Define and implement the most effective treatment strategies
  • Ongoing staff meetings promote communication, evaluation and refinement of treatment goals
  • Develop partnerships with schools. Case management services link the support and communication essential to growth of the child and family.
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Learn More about our Partnership with Early Care and Learning Inc.

Posted on January 5, 2012 by jpeffer

Did you know that the Columbus Montessori Education Center is a Partner of ECAL – Early Care and Learning Inc.?  Linda Neugebauer is the Founder of ECAL as well as a founder of Columbus Montessori and our programs both advocated for similar child-centered goals.

Past Columbus Montessori President and CMEC parent Laurel Dawson sits on ECAL’s Advisory Board and Past Executive Director Ann Boston Timm is the President of ECAL’s Board of Trustees.

Early Care and Learning Inc. (ECAL)  is a vehicle to advocate for innovative programs that offer mixed-age grouping, continuity of care and primary caregiving for infants and toddlers. To implement its mission, ECAL, along with its partners, has established a special initiative, Caring Communities: Birth to Three (CC:B-3) with major funding from American Electric Power(AEP).

ECAL has a small, diverse working board with experience in the following areas: educational management and leadership, teaching, public policy, child psychology, early childhood program administration, medicine, business and law.

The CC:B-3 initiative is based on state and national best practice goals and standards, developed by the following organizations:

ECAL, and its project partner, Action for Children, collaborate with its
advocacy partner, Voices for Ohio’s Children, and these five child care centers:

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Happy New Year Columbus Montessori Families

Posted on January 2, 2012 by jpeffer

Welcome back from the Holiday break to all of our families. We have some very exciting events coming up in the next month here at The Columbus Montessori Education Center and we hope you’ll be participating.

Watch your Friday Notes and our hallway bulletin boards for more information!

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Can’t Miss – December 8 is Move Up Night for Columbus Montessori Children’s House Parents

Posted on December 7, 2011 by jpeffer

Children’s House Moving Up Night:  December 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

  • For current JKC and Toddler Preschool parents whose children will be three by the start of next school year
  • For current Children’s House parents whose children will begin their 3rd year/ kindergarten year in Children’s House next year

Child care will be provided

We would like to encourage parents to observe in the classrooms prior to the meeting.  Rekha will have a sign up sheet for parents to visit elementary classrooms.  Parents can ask to be let into the CHP observation booths at any time.  Between 8:45 and 10:45 is the best time to see the morning work cycle in action. If you have any questions, please contact Beth Henney, Director of Admissions, at bhenney@columbusmontessori.org or 614.231.3790.

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Columbus Montessori’s Inclement Weather and Outdoor Play Reminder

Posted on December 6, 2011 by jpeffer
  Inclement Weather and Outdoor Play Reminder

Now that we are well into December, it’s a good time to review our closing policy and recess guidelines.  In the event of inclement weather, it is important for families to check the TV/radio for school closing announcements or delayed opening.  A delayed opening means we will be on a 2 hour time delay; that is, we will open at 9:30 AM.  This ensures the appropriate number of staff members make it safely to school to care for our children.  The Columbus Montessori closing or delayed opening announcements may not come as early as Columbus Public Schools, so keep listening as late as 7:00 AM to make sure you know whether there will be a delayed opening or closing for the day.

Resources to check include:

  •    ABC, NBC, CBS ( 10 TV )TV News
  •    School Voice Mail
  •    Email via Constant Contact (same source as Friday Notes)

Our philosophy at Columbus Montessori is that if your child is at school, he/she is well enough to participate fully in all activities including outdoor play. The following weather guidelines are observed by Columbus Montessori to ensure safe play outside.

Winter outdoor play:  Children who are appropriately dressed for the winter weather (including boots, snow pants, and several light layers of clothing) can enjoy the outdoors as part of their day at the center.  During this season, wealways check the temperature and wind chill factor before taking the children outdoors.  We don’t go out if it is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  We understand that some of our older students think they can “make this choice” for themselves. Our roles as adults are to help our children make safe choices which include dressing appropriately in freezing temperatures.

 

We very much appreciate your support as you encourage your children to bring and wear their mittens, hats and scarves, as needed.  Please make sure that all your children’s clothing is clearly labeled with your child’s name so that we can make sure that they wear it and we can return lost items.
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