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Public comment is being accepted on the Washington Administrative Code (WACs) regarding early childhood programs. These are being updated as the Department of Early Learning prepares to become part of the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families next July. This is a great opportunity for Montessorians to change WACS that are incompatible with Montessori and ensure new ones aren’t created. Hilary Prentice and Janet Lillella, from Sammamish Montessori, have been advocating for all of us during this process.
Suzie Hanson, Executive Director of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools, has also had our backs throughout the process. She recommends that we visit DEL’s website and comment on the proposed changes, particularly the environmental and credentialing areas. https://del.wa.gov/PolicyProposalComment/Detail.aspx
Suzie also cautions us to keep a united front with the DEL and not air grievances to them. For example, licensed Montessori programs need not fear competition from unlicensed, four-hour programs but could do real damage by complaining to the DEL. Try asking unlicensed programs why they made the decision to go that route rather than seeking to destroy the option.
Washington Federation of Independent Schools Private Schools Day is Friday, October 27 from 8:30 am-3:15 pm. Learn more and register at www.wfis.org.
MACTE accredited Montessori Teacher Education Courses starting this Fall:
Early Childhood (2.5 - 6 years) Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Elementary I-II ( 6 - 12 years) Saturday, September 9, 2017. Please contact 253-874-0563 or justus@springvalley.org; www.springvalley.org
Private, non-profit, OSPI approved Montessori Elementary schools qualify for Federal Programs benefits. Your school may benefit from Title I -I V : help for reading programs, for ELL (English learners), and for Professional development, workshops, etc. The Federal funding is distributed through each school's District. Attend OSPI webinar on March 13 that will explain the process and benefits. If interested contact Julie Chase at OSPI "Julie.chace@k.12.wa.us" or Tony Brownell " customercare@gotowebinar.com" or you can contact Federal Programs Department at you local School District.
Saturday, March 4 from 10am – 2pm: Two events at Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR
Saturday, March 11 from 1-3pm: Two events at Montessori Northwest in Portland , OR
Saturday, March 18 from 9am – 3pm: Elementary Orton-Gillingham Literacy Workshop Join Elementary Guide Lorelea McAfee for an overview of the Orton-Gillingham Approach and how she has used it to support young readers in her classroom. Participants will learn why this multi-sensory, sequential approach rewires the brains of students with dyslexia and benefits all emerging or non-fluent readers in your classroom. Lorelea will also share strategies for targeted practice and assessments(not diagnoses) that will engage your students and help them to become successful readers, writers, and spellers. Pre-registration required.
School Choice Week at the end of January has been celebrated around the Nation for the last 5 years. This is a good time to remind the parents about the choice they are making and the benefits of a Montessori education. Schools can have an Open House during the National School Choice week and have activities with the children to celebrate the School Choice week. More information can be found at www.schoolchoiceweek.com and free scarfs for children and publicity items and ideas can be obtained.
www.schoolchoiceweek.com
Open House, Friday, January 27th, 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm at Montessori Academy at Spring Valley. Please come and visit the classrooms: Toddlers - Middle School. Science Fair Displays/ Physics - Upper El. and Middle schoolers; Ancient Civilizations displays - Lower Elementary.
www.springvalley.org; 36605 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, WA 98003; 253-874-0563
Much time and deliberation has gone into making a final decision regarding our fall event and the current weather forecast. With respect to the traveling safety of our speaker and attendees, the PNMA Event Team has decided to reschedule tomorrow’s event with Ginni Sackett. She is available on Saturday, November 19; the event location has yet to be finalized.
We will refund event registration fees should you be unable to attend the rescheduled event.
Thank you for understanding, PNMA Event Team
February 25: Adele Diamond at the Shoreline Conference Center
May 6: Spring Sharing Fair at Three Tree Montessori School
Plan now to attend these events we are planning for you!
