Twice in two weeks, a few parents and Director Tricia Cossick have met to ponder an important question: Should Our Children's Center Montessori apply for a kindergarten "charter school"?
Now first off, what is a charter school? Pennsylvania and many other states have supported school choice by providing tuition dollars to schools -- called "charter schools" -- whose methods and operations are different from the public school at large. In our case, OCC Montessori kindergarten is certainly different from the State College kindergarten, and so we could apply to be a "charter school".
The advantage is clear: the tuition dollars walk with the student, meaning that OCC kindergarten would have no tuition. That also provides extra stability for the school. But of course, nothing is free. Not only is the application a fair bit of work, but when the school district provides money, they also add regulations and paperwork. Special types of teaching certificates, additional building codes, and other regulations would enter OCC doors.
Where do the conversations stand now? First off, the discussions have been very firm on one point: There will be no change to who we are as a Montessori community, and the Montessori teaching principles will not be sacrificed one bit.
Right now some big questions before us are these: 1) Will the regulations enable us to continue providing a Montessori education in the OCC community? If not, a charter is the wrong path. 2) When we charter, we become a "public school". How are admissions to the school handled? That will be a subject of a soon-to-come blog. 3) Should we apply for a K-only charter, or K-3 or even K-6? 4) For teachers who have changed the entire building just over a year ago, how much change is possible or good? 5) When to apply? The deadline is in November, and so this year is out. But we could apply for next year.
We hope that you'll participate in the conversation, perhaps in future meetings and perhaps by commenting on this blog. If you can help -- perhaps you know regulations or people or examples -- let Tricia know and she will pass it on, or come to a meeting. There are of course many concerns and complexities, and we'll continue to discuss those as a community and put them online.
Together as parents, we will make the best decision for the key participants -- our children. We will be moving our meeting times to the evenings to include more parents and staff and will let you know when the next meeting is, as soon as we know.
Darrell Velegol (Lauren's Dad)
Associate Professor (Charter Team Member)
Department of Chemical Engineering
The Pennsylvania State University (OCC)
Friday, September 28, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Why do we do what we do at OCC?
I would like to say everything we do at Our Children's Center is thoughtful and intentional but as you know a certain amount of unpredictability comes with working with children.
As a non-profit, Our Children's Center has a mission statement that includes building community among our families. One of the events we use to begin building that special school community is the Ice Cream Social.
Why do we have an Ice Cream Social?
Its original intent was to provide a kid-friendly opportunity for new and returning families to get to know one another and chat with the teachers. We hoped this early social contact would encourage families to get involved sooner rather than later in the school community.
Each year, several board members volunteer to coordinate the event. I am involved in the planning and the office staff provides support. What did I forget to mention to the event planners? Treats for children with special dietary needs. Several of our children have dairy allergies, and we didn't acknowledge that in the early stages of the planning. The announcement was distributed listing only ice cream and no other non-dairy alternatives.
Upon hearing that several families were not coming because there would be nothing for their child to eat, adjustments were made and Italian Ice and ice pops were included on the menu. School events must be safe and fun for all children to attend.
The Board of Directors invites families, new and returning, to this event to build the OCC community. Excluding families for any reason, tears away at community. We need to apply the same inclusive lens we use for the classrooms and the lunchroom to our out-of-school events. No matter how busy and unpredictable life becomes, we must always make time to thoughtfully plan and advertise our events so all families feel safe and welcome.
Thank you for your willingness to become a part of this special place. Please be sure to remind us when we miss the boat or the point. We are always learning especially from our mistakes. (I'm thinking we may want to rename this event?)
Take care,
Tricia
As a non-profit, Our Children's Center has a mission statement that includes building community among our families. One of the events we use to begin building that special school community is the Ice Cream Social.
Why do we have an Ice Cream Social?
Its original intent was to provide a kid-friendly opportunity for new and returning families to get to know one another and chat with the teachers. We hoped this early social contact would encourage families to get involved sooner rather than later in the school community.
Each year, several board members volunteer to coordinate the event. I am involved in the planning and the office staff provides support. What did I forget to mention to the event planners? Treats for children with special dietary needs. Several of our children have dairy allergies, and we didn't acknowledge that in the early stages of the planning. The announcement was distributed listing only ice cream and no other non-dairy alternatives.
Upon hearing that several families were not coming because there would be nothing for their child to eat, adjustments were made and Italian Ice and ice pops were included on the menu. School events must be safe and fun for all children to attend.
The Board of Directors invites families, new and returning, to this event to build the OCC community. Excluding families for any reason, tears away at community. We need to apply the same inclusive lens we use for the classrooms and the lunchroom to our out-of-school events. No matter how busy and unpredictable life becomes, we must always make time to thoughtfully plan and advertise our events so all families feel safe and welcome.
Thank you for your willingness to become a part of this special place. Please be sure to remind us when we miss the boat or the point. We are always learning especially from our mistakes. (I'm thinking we may want to rename this event?)
Take care,
Tricia
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Why Kindergarten at OCC?
"Why is it so important for my child to continue at OCC for Kindergarten?"
I usually field this question in the spring from a parent who likes our program but doesn't really fully understand it. I'd like to begin with the importance of finishing the Montessori three year cycle. This will give all of you with rising Kindergarten students, children who will be five on or before Aug. 31 2008, time to plan for your preschool child's educational future.
You'll want to find out about the entire Montessori learning cycle as well as the special events and projects developed for our Kindergarten students. Miss Kassie, our Kindergarten families, and OCC alumni will also be sharing important information about the OCC Kindergarten experience this year. When you know the all of the facts, you won't want your child to miss this wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
Kassie and I will be able to answer additional questions during the upcoming parent-teacher conferences so be ready with your questions.
In OCC's Montessori Kindergarten environment, every child is presented with endless opportunities to develop advanced skills in language and literacy, problem-solving, mathematical concepts, and interpersonal relationships.
During the Kindergarten year, a child can not only engage with the Montessori materials in more depth, thus gaining more insight, but, using this base, has the confidence to invent and create unique ways to use the materials.
The OCC Kindergartner is a responsible leader in the classroom and throughout the school environment. Helping younger friends, acting as a teacher helper, and helping with school and office jobs benefits the school as well as the child. How many five year old have such an impressive resume?
Students engage in critical learning habits—concentration, risk-taking, self-discipline, a sense of order, persistence in completing a task, creative self-expression and a love for learning, (invaluable preparations for life) -- the child develops these behaviors in a supportive, exciting learning community.
All preparations for later academic work and for social and emotional development which have been so carefully nurtured in the three and four year old child are reinforced and expanded upon in the kindergarten year.
As one Montessori parent put it, “Everything my child had learned up to then seemed to fall into place, and he was ready to meet other challenges once he had this foundation.”
I usually field this question in the spring from a parent who likes our program but doesn't really fully understand it. I'd like to begin with the importance of finishing the Montessori three year cycle. This will give all of you with rising Kindergarten students, children who will be five on or before Aug. 31 2008, time to plan for your preschool child's educational future.
You'll want to find out about the entire Montessori learning cycle as well as the special events and projects developed for our Kindergarten students. Miss Kassie, our Kindergarten families, and OCC alumni will also be sharing important information about the OCC Kindergarten experience this year. When you know the all of the facts, you won't want your child to miss this wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
Kassie and I will be able to answer additional questions during the upcoming parent-teacher conferences so be ready with your questions.
In OCC's Montessori Kindergarten environment, every child is presented with endless opportunities to develop advanced skills in language and literacy, problem-solving, mathematical concepts, and interpersonal relationships.
During the Kindergarten year, a child can not only engage with the Montessori materials in more depth, thus gaining more insight, but, using this base, has the confidence to invent and create unique ways to use the materials.
The OCC Kindergartner is a responsible leader in the classroom and throughout the school environment. Helping younger friends, acting as a teacher helper, and helping with school and office jobs benefits the school as well as the child. How many five year old have such an impressive resume?
Students engage in critical learning habits—concentration, risk-taking, self-discipline, a sense of order, persistence in completing a task, creative self-expression and a love for learning, (invaluable preparations for life) -- the child develops these behaviors in a supportive, exciting learning community.
All preparations for later academic work and for social and emotional development which have been so carefully nurtured in the three and four year old child are reinforced and expanded upon in the kindergarten year.
As one Montessori parent put it, “Everything my child had learned up to then seemed to fall into place, and he was ready to meet other challenges once he had this foundation.”
Monday, September 10, 2007
On the Edge of Sleep-Deprivation
Sleep-deprivation is a given in our "open 24-hours a day" culture. As the daily pace increases, sleep is now considered a luxury rather than a necessity. Many of us under-sleep by choice, reasoning that more time awake will lead to greater productivity when, in fact, just the opposite occurs. After 17 hours of sustained wakefulness (6 a.m until 11 p.m.), our ability to react and respond equals someone with a .05% blood alcohol level.
Almost all adults need between 7 and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Teens need 9.25-10 hours, school-aged children need 10 hours and preschoolers require 12-14 hours of sleep each day. Parents must not only set a good example by getting enough sleep, but we must ensure that our children do as well.
But what does sleep, or lack of it, have to do with the children and parents of OCC? Consider what sleep deprivation does to the body. Many studies conclude that lack of sleep causes concentration problems, stress, and anxiety. As the sleep deficit increases, health deteriorates, learning suffers, and irritability increases. Is that what we want for our children, for ourselves?
How can we enjoy to our child's sense of wonder and excitement in the ordinary if we are too tired to show interest? Can we provide our children with meaningful real world connections if we are distracted and irritable?
Fall is the perfect time to reevaluate what we do, how we choose to spend our time, and what kind of example we wish to set. As we become well-rested families, we may all find time to see the dew drops clinging to a spider web and see the rainbow in the puddle. We might also savor the quiet comfort of a "Good night" hug.
As we join our children in the moment, let's not sleep through it!
Almost all adults need between 7 and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Teens need 9.25-10 hours, school-aged children need 10 hours and preschoolers require 12-14 hours of sleep each day. Parents must not only set a good example by getting enough sleep, but we must ensure that our children do as well.
But what does sleep, or lack of it, have to do with the children and parents of OCC? Consider what sleep deprivation does to the body. Many studies conclude that lack of sleep causes concentration problems, stress, and anxiety. As the sleep deficit increases, health deteriorates, learning suffers, and irritability increases. Is that what we want for our children, for ourselves?
How can we enjoy to our child's sense of wonder and excitement in the ordinary if we are too tired to show interest? Can we provide our children with meaningful real world connections if we are distracted and irritable?
Fall is the perfect time to reevaluate what we do, how we choose to spend our time, and what kind of example we wish to set. As we become well-rested families, we may all find time to see the dew drops clinging to a spider web and see the rainbow in the puddle. We might also savor the quiet comfort of a "Good night" hug.
As we join our children in the moment, let's not sleep through it!
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