Montessori Philosophy
Between the ages of 12-18 we see a plane of creation. This is a time when the adolescent leaves behind the state of childhood and enters the state of adulthood, becoming a member of society in his or her own right. There is the transition from the child that has to live within the family to the adult that has to live within a society. These ages are a sensitive period when adolescents develop the most noble characteristics of humankind, that is to say, a sense of justice, moral conscience, responsibility, and personal dignity.
Maria Montessori understood that adolescents need protection and understanding, physical activity and variety, and to be given independence and responsibility. Adaptability and self-worth are among the most important qualities for an adolescent to learn. Her vision was to have students do “real” work and run a business, thus learning economic independence.
MacDowell Montessori will adapt Montessori’s vision to the twenty-first century by encouraging adolescents to develop business skills and apply these in ways consistent with nature, the environment, societal expectations, commercial principles and sustainable development, while also preparing students to enter the college or university of their choice.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Several MacDowell high school students have become involved in M3 (M Cubed), MPS Youth Apprenticeship, and Internship programs. Two of our students are spotlighted in this newsletter. Below is some information regarding these programs. If your child is interested, you can have them reach out to their school counselor for more information.
- M3 (pronounced m-cubed) College Pathways is a partnership between Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The program offers dual enrollment courses in select core subjects. Half-day program with free transportation through Milwaukee County Transit, take classes on MATC and UWM campuses, earn up to 20 college credits as a high school senior. Eligibility requirements apply.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) develops and supports career-themed curriculum, work-based learning, and community partnerships to prepare students for college and careers in the 21st century.
- What is a Youth Apprenticeship? The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program integrates school-based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills defined by Wisconsin industries. A youth apprenticeship coordinates high school student learning and training in the classroom and at a worksite using business-developed, state-standardized worksite skills. MPS YAs are paid an average of $10 per hour and receive one credit per semester for their work-based learning. Programs are available in Agriculture, Architecture & Construction, Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Health Science: Nursing Assistant (CNA), and much more.
- What is an internship? Milwaukee Public Schools internships allow high school students to work for employers for a limited period of time to learn about a particular industry or occupation. An internship is designed as an exchange in which the student agrees to complete work that will benefit the employer and, in return, has opportunities to learn new skills, expand his or her knowledge of a particular field, and explore career options. Activities undertaken by interns may include: Special projects, Samples of tasks from different jobs or Tasks related to a specific job. Programs are available through WE Energies, Milwaukee Public Schools, and others.