We have a stellar team of teachers in Flint's Montessori program, and will be featuring them over the next few months in this newsletter. This month, we have a profile of Michele Stinson

Ms. Stinson is the pre-Kindergarten teacher for Flint's Montessori program this year after serving as the K-1 teacher during our pilot year and working with students in grades 1-2 last year. In the picture above, she is working with a finger labyrinth in the Peace Area of the classroom. The finger labyrinth is an example of a material that kids (and adults!) can use to focus their attention and bring a sense of calm.

Ms. Stinson is a veteran teacher who has found a renewed sense of calling in the Montessori classroom. In her free time, she enjoys camping and the outdoors.

If you are new to Montessori for Flint you may have noticed your student isn't coming home with homework and you might be wondering why.

Montessori Schools do not usually assign homework. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that if the child's work is not dictated in class it follows that work not be sent home. For that reason, traditional homework is minimal and may vary at the discretion of the individual teacher. Our children spend their days in the classroom working and learning. Therefore in the evening they are encouraged to enjoy time with their family, helping around the house, and being outdoors.

We are looking to recruit up to two people to serve as paraprofessionals in the Montessori program. Please contact Pam Mosher for more information at (810) 760-5260 and see the posting at

https://www.applitrack.com/gcaps/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?district=724&category=Student+Support+Services&AppliTrackJobId=17323_724&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1

Montessori for Flint is still seeking talented, dedicated individuals who are interested in being available as substitute teachers for the Montessori classrooms at DTM in 2018-19. Having at least 90 hours of college credit is a requirement, and knowledge of Montessori philosophy is strongly preferred. To register, contact EduStaff (formerly PESG) at (877) 974-6338 if you or someone you know is potentially interested. Please register as soon as possible. If you could be a good fit for the program but do not yet have Montessori training there are training options available. Contact Elizabeth Jordan at jordanel19@yahoo.com or (810) 610-7209 for more info.

There may be times when parents/families have individual questions/concerns about the program or your child's class and we want to help them understand how to get assistance.

Concerns about specific student situations or classroom questions are best addressed first to teachers and, if not resolved, brought to the DTM Principal.

Teachers are unable to meet with families during arrival/dismissal—please arrange to meet with teachers before or after school.

Montessori for Flint can help families determine the right person to speak with if they are unsure or have questions about Montessori more generally.

The Flint Montessori program is a partnership between the Flint Community Schools and Montessori for Flint. The monthly advisory meetings are an opportunity for families, the school, and community supporters to come together to guide planning, coordinate logistics, and identify next steps to keep the program and the partnership moving forward. If you are interested in providing your valuable input with this group and are able to commit to at least one year of monthly 1-hour meetings for the purpose of giving input and assisting with decision-making please contact Parent Liaison, Elizabeth Jordan at jordanel19@yahoo.com or call (810) 610-7209.

Montessori is a learning method that can be used throughout elementary and secondary school. Families in Flint, Michigan now have a free, public option to access high-quality Montessori education in elementary school.

Montessori for Flint serves as the advisory group to the Flint Community Schools' Montessori program. To be added to the advisory group email list, or to get more information, call (810) 610-7209.

Email: jordanel19@yahoo.com
Website: www.flintmontessori.org
Location: Durant Tuuri Mott Elementary University Ave Flint, MI
Phone: (810) 610-7209
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montessoriforflint/