• Engage with classroom materials and see how the prepared environment supports children’s curiosity and independence.

• Discover how Montessori practices nurture each child’s social, emotional, and academic growth.

• Through guided discussion and shared reflection, we will explore how these practices are applied in the classroom and at home.

Event is open to the public!

What: Montessori: How and Why It Works
When: Wednesday, February 11, 5:45 to 7:30 PM
Where: 1608 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca NY

Each year, we host regular educational events or discussions for adults in our community. Many of these events are also open to the public. These “parent nights” offer opportunities for adults to meet other adults in the community and learn, and discuss aspects of Montessori philosophy.

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In order to support a high level of independence, parents and caregivers drop off their children at the door at Namaste Montessori School, much like most primary Montessori schools. This practice allows the child to have ownership of their time and space at school and have a clear separation from their parents and caregivers. However, this means that the parents and caregivers rarely get to see the classroom or their child in action, unless they come to observe. This event is meant to allow interaction and celebration of the children’s work/

During their visit, parents and caregivers followed their children around to watch them display their favorite tasks. The children were so proud to share their skills with their loved ones! They played games, described their activities, and answered questions. Several guests commented on how independent their children were and on their high level of understanding of their work. The morning visit ended with a gathering and songs. “Bring a caregiver to school day” was a great success!

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The children regularly use our library and the books are well loved and well used. Therefore, we need to replenish the library regularly. We are so grateful to the parents and caregivers who made purchases that helped to earn us credit! The classroom guides share the credit from the sale to purchase books on topics of interest and early reading books for beginning readers. Research shows that adults can support the development of literacy by reading to children, and having books at various levels available to children in their classroom and in their home. We are glad to be able to support the development of literacy for the children we serve.

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What: Montessori Education and Literacy – Panel Discussion
When: Thursday, March 13th, 6 to 7:30 PM
Where: Jacksonville Campus (1872 Trumansburg Rd), Elementary Classroom
The school will provide childcare with pizza for Namaste primary and elementary students.
Childcare space is limited, RSVP required.

Each year, we host regular educational events or discussions for adults in our community. Many of these events are also open to the public. These “parent nights” offer opportunities for adults to meet other adults in the community and learn, and discuss aspects of Montessori philosophy. Literacy is often an important topic as there is a lot of pressure on children and parents. But brain development supports the development of literacy and cannot be rushed! This evening will help caregivers know how to support their student and recognize if the child is struggling.

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For the last 4 years the toddler, primary, and elementary families plan and gather for this fall festival to build community and enjoy activities with each other. The children earn tickets for activities they participate in and then use their tickets to “purchase” treats as prizes! The parents supplied an impressive spread of delicious treats again this year, with everything from fruit and popcorn, to muffins and brownies. Activities included face painting, pumpkin painting, ball toss, and cornhole. Children could also decorate masks with paints and jewels. The pretzels on a string were a big hit as usual!

So many parent volunteers helped to make this event a success and the community is so grateful! The obstacle course and paper plane launching station required a lot of lugging and set up! The decorations made the pavilion inviting and the tables were set up beautifully. We are also grateful for the use of Jacksonville Community park again this year. The park now has a bathroom, which is a wonderful addition.

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The annual camping trip helps to solidify the community of older children and strengthens their friendships. The work they do together to plan, pack, set up, and make meals gives them opportunities to take responsibility for the care of their peers. They have many adventures, helping them build respect for each other’s strengths and abilities compassion for each others worries and fears. All of this in the context of a meaningful learning experience of being outside and exploring the natural world! We are thankful to our teaching and administrative teams and the parents and caregivers who support this important opportunity for the older elementary students!

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History

Bridgid and Stanley Beames founded Namaste Montessori School 20 years ago, in August of 2004. The initial licensed program was located in the Beames’ family home, 3011 Halseyville Road, Trumansburg, NY.  It has been Bridgid’s lifelong dream to open her own Montessori school. This dream, combined with the high need for day care and overwhelming community support inspired the Beames to open Namaste.

The need to expand

In response to overwhelming interest in the program and an extensive waiting list, the Beames expanded the program in the spring of 2005.

Soon after the expansion Bridgid and Stan created a long-range plan and blue print for the growth of school.  The next phase in the growth of the school required moving the program to a larger site. In December of 2006 the building and property at 1608 Trumansburg Road was purchased.  The completed renovations in the spring of 2007.

In the June of 2007, Namaste Montessori School became a NYS licensed day care center and moved  into their new facility. The program expanded from a capacity of fourteen students to two classrooms with a capacity of thirty-one students. The program now included a primary and toddler classroom.

Adding the Elementary Program

In 2010 the school took a close look at the needs of their families and the community. After careful reflection a decision was made to continue to expand the school. Therefore, they established a long-range plan to grow the school through middle school and add more primary and toddler classrooms.

In 2011, the Beames purchased and renovated the property located at 1872 Trumansburg Rd. This property became the Namaste Montessori School’s Elementary Campus.  The founding elementary class opened its doors in September of 2011.

Facing a Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Namaste Montessori School quickly re-openned, with careful health and safety measures in place. The school has been able to provide an essential childcare service to families of young children. They simultaneously provided a vibrant place to continue learning and being with peers for our school-age children!

Looking to the Future

In the future, the school hopes to build additional classrooms and a community space at the Primary campus. Long term goals include relocating the elementary classroom to the Primary campus, and establishing a Middle School program.

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Making a parade float is no easy task. Our community has to assemble the float at the last minute as there is no place to store it! The children share ideas and help design the float during their class time. Parents and staff help with the large physical tasks, like building and painting the base. Then the community makes a group effort to assemble the float, which involves lots of cooperation and efficiency! Parents help plan what people in the parade can carry or wear and the school sells shirts each year. The school also invites current and past families are invited to attend!

The Ithaca Festival Parade is a wonderful opportunity for our families to show their love and support for the school! It also raises awareness of the alternative education options in the area. The Ithaca Festival runs through the weekend and celebrates everything the community loves about our city – music, art, activities, goods and services… etc. The parade kicks of the festival!

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Each Spring, our 5th and 6th year elementary students plan a field trip to a nearby city. This year the students chose Philadelphia and planned for a very busy three days of activities. The activities included a visit to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum for a private tour and art lesson. The students visited the Philadelphia Mint to learn more about the minting of coins. Additionally, they chose to visit ‘The Art of the Brick’ exhibit at the Franklin Institute after their work with First Lego League Robotics. They ended their excursions with a visit to the Adventure Aquarium to further their research of ocean biomes for this year’s robotics competition.

The Importance of Going Out

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that learning is not limited to the classroom. The students need to explore the wider world to better understand and connect what they are learning with life. Each year the students help plan a city trip as part of their practice of “going out”. Through these excursions, the children apply practical math and language skills and deepen their understanding of topics they are studying. They also build confidence in speaking to adults, moving through public places, and managing time and money. They practice essential skills, like working with a group, compromising, and taking responsibility for themselves by planning and packing.

This is truly a student led and planned trip. The school provides the students with a budget and, with some adult guidance, plan for housing, meals, transportation, and sightseeing. This year, the students found a rental downtown and could shop and prepare meals in the apartment. This allowed them to accommodate dietary preferences and use budgeted money saved from not eating out for additional sightseeing activities.

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The spring festival is an opportunity for the children to share songs, rhythms, and dances from their music classes with their families. It is also an opportunity for our community to come together to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company. We were fortunate again this year to have some great music, and to do a little family-friendly dancing! The Ditch Lilies (Rosie Newton, Paul Martin, Lloyd and Valerie Graves) played traditional old-time string band music while Nancy Spero called some family-friendly dances. Special thanks to Jennifer Birnbaum for her work with the elementary children as their music teacher and to Valerie Graves for her work with the primary classes!

Namaste greatly values our community of families and all the positive energy and warmth they share. Events like the spring festival provide an opportunity to celebrate our community! Making food to share and joining hands to dance deepens our connections. Thank you to all our families for helping organize events such as these, and for prioritizing gathering with our community. There are so many activities calling to parents and children, we are happy to be one of the communities our families value in their lives as well.

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