Montessori Education Week
The formal recognition by the state Governors recognizing the last week in February as Montessori Education Week began in 2007. South Carolina was among states to immediately get on board with the idea of commemorating the important movement afoot across the world coined as the Montessori Movement. Here in South Carolina, The South Carolina Montessori Alliance files for the Governors’ Proclamtion, organizes Montessori Education Week events and provides information on how your school can participate. Our last two Governors have been huge supporters of Montessori education and we look forward to continued growth here in South Carolina. We invite you to memorialize your events and appreciation by sending a testimonial about Montessori education to the “Montessori Speaks” webpage. Your submission can be text, video or picture.
SCMA uses the opportunity to “Celebrate Service Learning in our Great State” annually at the South Carolina State Museum as well as observe a moment of silence on Monday beginning Montessori Education Week at noon.
2012 SCMA Montessori Education Week Plans
- Participation in Statewide Service Learning programs featured at the SCMA Conference in October and listed on SCMA website
- Participation in locally chosen service learning projects featured at your school and sent in to SCMA for slideshow for presentation at State Museum on February, 29, 2012 @ 10am contact – (Secretary@scmontessori.org.)
- Celebration at the State Museum in Columbia – 2012 Celebration of the Charities
- Even if you cannot attend, send your school photos honoring the 2012 Celebration of the Charities to Secretary@scmontessori.org. We are putting together a slideshow honoring South Carolina’s Montessori Schools and their contributions to charity and service learning. Send your photos with a title of each in JPEG format and make history. The slideshow will be available on the SCMA website after the MEW event. The video will be a great parent media opportunity to unite Montessori schools all over the state.
- Make reservations with SCMA (Secretary@scmontessori.org) and the museum (only if bringing a group and staying after event.)
Optional Ideas for Participation
At the School Level
- Create an exhibit at your school about your school’s history
- Create a photo montage about Montessori education in your area
- Hold a luncheon in honor of Dr. Montessori
- Celebrate the business sponsorships of your community and their contribution to education as a result of support
- Have the children write testimonials about the gifts Montessori Education has provided their family
- Have the parents and or staff write testimonials about the gifts Montessori Education has provided their family
- Send a press release to the local news and radio regarding your efforts (see link for template
- Create a People of Peace wall in your school having each class choose a person of peace
At the City Level
- Create an exhibit at the local museum
- Offer an open house at the county level
- Send a press release to local media
(see media kit http://www.montessori-opportunities.com/press_releases) - Conduct food drive
- Make a theme each day inviting a different kind of civil servant each such as Police Day
At the State Level
- Invite local legislators and leaders to events
- Organize speaking event
- Organize group to visit the legislators in session
The SCMA Board welcomes your input into how the state organizes the events surrounding this very important recognition of Montessori Education. Contact secretary@scmontessori.org for suggestions and questions.