Parents play an integral role within the MacDowell Montessori learning community. We realize that parents are the first educators in a child’s life, teaching them daily tasks and encouraging an interest in learning long before children attend school. Parental support is needed throughout a child’s educational journey. By setting a positive example at home, students receive the extra motivation and self-confidence to pursue high levels of achievement.
MacDowell Montessori hosts parent information nights that help parents understand the Montessori teaching methods as well as school policies and programs. These sessions offer parents a glimpse at the materials and resources students use to complete their lessons. Parent information nights enable families to provide a helping hand as students complete assignments and projects. A strong support network at home encourages students to reach their maximum potential.
Family involvement is a crucial component to a complete and fulfilling Montessori education. With effective communication and shared knowledge, staff and family members work together to create an environment for students that is conducive to learning, supportive of their needs and beneficial to their emotional, mental, social and physical well-being. At MacDowell Montessori, we invite families to participate in their child’s learning and discovery.
PTO
MacDowell Montessori’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30. The PTO plans and coordinates special events for the entire school and organizes fundraising opportunities. More information about the PTO can be found here.
Parent Volunteers
Parents and guardians are encouraged to volunteer by providing literacy or math tutoring, work in the school library, assist teachers with material making, and organize school events in order to help the MacDowell Montessori staff complete tasks more efficiently. In addition, adult chaperones are often needed for field trips.
We appreciate and are extremely grateful for the wonderful parents who offer generous donations of their time and energy to making MacDowell Montessori such a great place. Please contact our Parent Coordinator, Claudine Nuetzel at (414) 935-1339 if you are interested in volunteering.
Family Programs
MacDowell Montessori provides numerous opportunities for families to learn, laugh and celebrate together. Some of these include:
- Open House
- Parent Education Nights
- Black History Program
- Ice Cream Social
- School Picnic
- Montessori Summit
- School Barbeque
- Family Dance
- Game Night
- School Movie Night
- Art Night
Community Resources
At MacDowell, we are continually strengthening our relationships with community organizations and businesses. Partnerships afford our students the opportunity to extend their education beyond the classroom. Knowing that community leaders and local organizations support our students and their achievements, MacDowell learners develop the motivation to continue their quest for new insight and knowledge. If your business or organization is interested in partnering with MacDowell, please contact our main office at (414) 935-1400.
Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are an important time for communication and feedback regarding each child’s academic progress. MacDowell Montessori’s teachers and staff are always available to meet with families. Conference discussions include updates on individual student strengths and triumphs as well as areas for improvement.
Please plan to attend MacDowell Montessori’s parent-teacher conferences. Your participation is integral to your child’s current and future academic achievement and progress. Students should accompany parents to the conference, as it is a valuable experience for everyone.
Here are some suggestions as you prepare for conferences:
- Consider what you want to know or ask about your child’s progress.
- Write down questions so you can be specific when talking with teachers and staff.
- Ask your child for his or her input on what is working, what areas are challenging and what needs to be in place for future success. Write these concerns and bring them to the conference.
- Conferences are intended to be positive and offer opportunities for good communications among the child, family and school. All students have strengths and talents as well as skills that require additional focus and development. At MacDowell Montessori, we affirm student accomplishments, address weaknesses and concentrate on future progress and growth.
- Ask for attendance and grade records. Consistent attendance is critical for school achievement.
Please understand that we care. At MacDowell Montessori, the entire staff works as a team to ensure your child receives a well-rounded education with the skills needed for success in the classroom and beyond. Please ask us about our own education, training, advanced degrees and teaching experience.
For more information or questions, please contact the MacDowell Montessori office at (414) 935-1400.