Farm School students take on New York City

"Above all it is the education of adolescents that is important, because adolescence is the time when the child enters on the state of manhood and becomes a member of society...the adolescent needs an understanding of the society which he is about to enter to play his part." - Maria Montessori

As part of their study of the Industrial Revolution, Farm School students spent a week in New York City. Their Odyssey included visits to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a tour guided by staff of the Tenement Museum, and a visit to the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.

One Day Conference: "What's Next? The Adolescent in Montessori." 3/6/10, Flint Hill, VA

You are invited:

What's Next? The Adolescent in Montessori

A One Day Conference

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Mountain Laurel Montessori Farm School

Flint Hill, Virginia

$35 ($40 after February 27th)

Register on-line or by mail

Brochure and registration: http://www.mountainlaurelmontessori.org/

Featuring:
Student-Led Tours
Yummy food by the Thornton River Grille

Q&A with Farm School Alumni

 Keynote Speakers: Laurie & Jim Ewert-Krocker. Together they have more years of experience than almost anyone in Montessori adolescent work.  They founded and have continued to be the driving force behind the world renowned Hershey Montessori Adolescent Program on the Farm. 

Breakout Sessions: led by Mountain Laurel Montessori faculty

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  Sustainability: Integrating sustainable agriculture into education
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  Compassion and Community: Fostering civic responsibility through shared responsibility and decision-making
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  "The Erdkinder": Dr. Montessori's design for the adolescent.  What is it? How does it meet the adolescent's needs? Why do studenets love the Farm School environment? How does it support the academic and developmental needs of today's youth?
• 
  
  Montessori: An Education for Now and the Future.  What is the curriculum for the adolescent? Why does it work? How does it meet and exceed state standards?

For more information: (540) 675-1011, mlmfarmschool@earthlink.net, http://www.mountainlaurelmontessori.org/

Montessori on self-confidence and adaptation

"For success in life depends in every case on self-confidence and the knowledge of one's own capacity and many-sided powers of adaptation"

- Maria Montessori

MLK Day: A Day of Service

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is,

'What are you doing for others?'”

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On January 18th, the Farm School Community celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by doing service for those in need in our wider community.

One group cleaned up the grounds and garden of the Fauquier Family Shelter in Warrenton. The work inspired some of the students to suggest bringing vegetable seedlings grown by Farm School students to the Shelter's garden in the spring.

Another group helped to organize and price donated goods at the Fauquier Food Bank's Thrift Store. This group also enjoyed the work, and appreciated the element of recycling while also helping those who need access to lower cost household items and clothing.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often quoted as having said: "Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education." Setting aside time to recognize the needs of others around us, and to lend a hand to those in need, builds character.

The Farm School students returned from their service projects on Monday filled with optimism.

"Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.