The MacDowell Montessori Library Media Center is home to an extensive collection of materials and electronic resources. In addition to computers in every classroom, students have access to a fully-networked computer lab with current software programs that supplement regular classroom activities.
Technology is integrated into the MacDowell curriculum, ensuring that students are prepared to succeed in a globally-connected world. At an early age, students are instructed in technology using SMART Boards. These resources combine the classic whiteboard with digital projection and a computer, creating an interactive system of learning for students. As students develop their knowledge of technology, online researching skills are introduced and software applications allow students to reinforce key concepts, practice math calculations, build reading abilities and apply keyboarding skills.
MacDowell students are encouraged to explore educational sites on the Internet while being responsible Web surfers. The MacDowell staff educates students on Internet safety, recognizing that online safety is a crucial element of technological education.
Students are encouraged to explore educational sites in our computer lab or at home with their families.
Extracurricular Activities
At MacDowell Montessori School, students are encouraged to extend their education beyond the regular school day by participating in our many clubs and activities. Extracurricular enrichment gives students the opportunity to pursue their individual talents and interests while strengthening their relationships with their peers and developing self-confidence. Participation in these activities also teaches responsibility and allows students to explore new areas for personal growth and knowledge. Our extracurricular leaders motivate students to do their best and to respect one another.
The following extracurricular activities are offered:
K5
- Lego Club
Lower Elementary (grades 1-3)
- Children’s choir (1-3)
- Violin (3)
- Piano (3)
- Art studio (1-3)
- CrossFit kids (3)
- Co-ed basketball (1-3)
- Co-ed soccer (1-3)
- Co-ed tball (1-3)
- Chess Club (2-3)
- Lego Club
Upper Elementary (grades 4-6)
- Children’s choir (4-6)
- Violin (4-6)
- Piano (4-6)
- Art studio (4-6)
- CrossFit kids (4-6)
- Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap (5-6)
- Art Club (4-6)
- Co-ed basketball (4-6)
- Co-ed soccer (4-6)
- Co-ed softball (4-6)
- Cross Country (6)
- Chess Club (4-6)
Adolescent Level (grades 7-8)
- Chorus
- Art studio
- CrossFit
- Art Club
- Debate team
- Forensics
- Girls’ basketball
- Boys’ basketball
- Co-ed volleyball
- Co-ed Cross Country
High School Athletic Opportunities
- Boys JV and Varsity Basketball (Juneau)
- Girls Varsity Basketball (Juneau)
- Boys and Girls JV and Varsity Tennis (Juneau)
- Cross Country (Juneau)
- Boys and Girls Varsity Golf (Juneau)
- JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball (Juneau)
- Cooperative Athletic Opportunities
- Varsity Girls Softball (Pulaski)
- JV and Varsity Boys Baseball (Pulaski)
- Boys and Girls Varsity Swim (Pulaski)
- JV and Varsity Boys Wrestling (Tech)
- Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer (Pulaski)
- JV and Varsity Boys Football (Marshall)
- Boys and Girls Track and Field (Pulaski)
7-12th Grade Occupations
Occupations are student organizations that enrich the school environment and provide students with hands on real world learning experiences. Occupations are held during the school day two periods per week.
7-9 Occupations
Ms. Blaser- School Service
Students in this occupation will be working with a variety of teachers and staff to help make the school run more smoothly. These tutors will work closely with the younger students helping them with lunch or recess and may also help teachers with other work such as filing, making copies or running errands. They may also be involved in larger service projects for the school.
Mr. Eide- Robotics
In this occupation, students will build, program, and test their solutions based on real-life robotics technology as well as write programming code to create computer based games. They will also be responsible for designing and building programmable robots using motors, sensors, gears, wheels and axles, and other technical components. Students will gain practical, hands-on experience using mathematical concepts such as estimating and measuring distance, time, and speed. In addition, students will gain the ability to understand and interpret two-dimensional and three-dimensional models.
Ms. Geiger- Student Council
Students that participate in Student Council will act as leaders for their grade level. These students will be helping organize School Dances and Pep Rallies, making the hallways more inviting, coming up with other school events, and fundraising for those events. There are positions held for each grade level: Class President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Mr. Kainz – Pro-Diversity, Anti-Hate Coalition (PDAHC)
The PDAHC will give students an acute awareness of social, economic, political, and gender-based discrimination at the local, state, and political level. It will also provide them with an opportunity to become community organizers within the school and local community, helping to increase awareness and support for causes that might be overshadowed by popular culture and the media.
Mr. LoPresti- Stock Market Club
The stock market club will take part in two 10 week simulations. The simulations use real time market data from the major US Capital Markets. Students receive “100,000” in credits to invest. The students may invest in individual stocks, mutual funds, bonds etc. Much of the competition focuses on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) — It is a statewide competition against other grade schools, middle schools, and high schools. The club will meet to discuss trends in the U.S.A. Capital markets. In addition, the club will be a leader in the Montessori community at MacDowell educating the public and encouraging thoughtful, sound investments.
The SMC is open to all students and will allow students at MacDowell to learn about investing by “testing” the actual markets. Students will have an opportunity in a competitive environment to make mistakes, see success and “learn by doing” — something every investor will tell is the best way to learn.
Lastly, the knowledge gained by the students will allow them to educate classmates, friends, family and others to the advantages of investing and the real opportunities that exist.
Mr. Milich – School Newspaper
This year the MacDowell school newspaper is going digital! Students will write, edit, and layout multiple issues of the newspaper, both in print and in an online version. Students will have the opportunity to learn about and apply skills in journalistic writing, layout, audio/video production, illustration, photography, and web design. Becoming part of the school newspaper is a great way for students to keep their finger on the pulse of MacDowell’s school culture, express their creativity, and develop career oriented skills.
Mr. Monfils- Fantasy Sports
Students analyze statistical data to select teams of NFL and NBA players and compete with others in the occupation to see who really knows sports. Each week, students will look at box scores from professional games and add their total points to determine the winner. Math and strategy (and some luck) will all contribute to determining who has ultimate bragging rights.
Mrs. Werner- DIY
Do it yourself, also known as DIY, is the method of building, modifying, or repairing something without the direct aid of experts or professionals. Students will be able to produce a variety of different do-it-yourself projects throughout the semester. Students can customize their projects to reflect their own personality and taste.
Mrs. Ruchalski- Work Completion
This occupation is specifically designed for students who are seeking extra time to complete assigned work for their classes. Students are provided with a quiet workspace and access to a teacher to provide them with assistance with assigned work.
Mr. Spiering- Chess and Games of Strategy
Chess, and other games of strategy, require concentration, practice, and bit of sneakiness. Students will learn to challenge themselves and problem-solve during this occupation.
10-12 Occupations
Beermann- Urban Agriculture
This occupation is designed for students who are interested in finding solutions for providing city dwellers with fresh food grown locally. Students explore aspects of city gardening, composting and aquaponics. Students will learn while getting dirt under their fingernails!
Ford- Yearbook
Yearbook is a yearlong occupation designed to create, publish and distribute the school’s yearbook. Students will learn basic elements of design, layout and photography. Students will also become familiar with the programming being used including Photoshop programs; learn techniques of selling ads, create layouts and complete pages of the yearbook; and distribute the yearbook to the school population. Outside class time is often required for members of the yearbook staff.
Jimenez- Latin Culture
Latin culture will teach students about Hispanic music and dances such as bachata, merengue, salsa and contemporary singers. Students will also explore Hispanic food, cooking activities, cultural videos, Spanish table games, as well as social issues from the Hispanic continent and the Caribbean islands such as Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. In Latin Culture students are ready to be taught how “Hips don’t lie” by Shakira.
Johnston- CrossFit MPS
CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program where students engage in a combination of traditional weightlifting, Olympic weightlifting, basic gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning. The components of all workouts are measureable and are recorded by students to track changes in physical ability. In addition, students measure and track levels in a number of health indicators such as body measurements, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels.
It is NOT a requirement that students are a member of a school athletic team or have any prior athletic experience to join this program; however, students must be willing to do the following:
- Exercise regularly (twice per week)
- Track key health indicators regularly (once per month)
- Be challenged
- Be coached
- Be committed
Lippert- Work Completion
This occupation is specifically designed for students who are seeking extra time to complete assigned work for their classes. Students are provided with a quiet workspace and access to a teacher to provide them with assistance with assigned work.
Mathwig- Running Club
This occupation will help students get in shape through running while enjoying the outdoors in a relaxed way.
McElrone- School Beautification
This occupation will work on installing and maintaining public displays throughout the school building. It involves the installation of student artwork and other displays, and also the creation of original artwork specifically for display throughout the school. Original installations will include the display of an aquarium filled with tropical fish and will include care for the fish and maintenance of the aquarium.
Schenk – Athletic Aide
A students or students who participate as an Athletic Aide will act as an assistant to Ms. Schenk in her role as Athletic Director. This role will include a variety of tasks related to the maintenance of the Athletic Department that could include, but is not limited to; maintaining facilities and equipment, duplication and filing of documents, and retrieval of documents from both staff and students.
Exclusive Occupations- requires an interview
Roberts Washington- Crocheting
Students will learn how to make blankets through crocheting. This activity will give students a great opportunity to find some peace and focus, improve concentration and learn a practical skill.
Clark, Cook, Tutaj – Office Aide
A student or students who participate as an Office Aide will act as assistants to our school secretaries, Ms. Clark, Ms. Cook, and Ms. Tutaj. This role will include a variety of tasks related to the operation of the school that could include, but is not limited to; duplication and filing of documents, and delivery of documents and/or supplies from both staff and students. A person or people serving in this role should be comfortable working independently and could earn valuable work experience in terms of working in an office setting.