by Celine Hundt

Because DCS Montessori School is a charter school, it relies heavily on its fundraising efforts to finance its school foundation - the Montessori Educational Foundation (MEF). Proceeds from school fundraisers go directly to buy computers and supplies.

One such fundraising event is the school’s Fall Festival which will be held this year on September 16 on the school grounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several local sponsors are already signed up to participate. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy a huge line up of activities, games and raffles - as well as the usual bounce houses and a giant slide.

All families in the CPN community are welcome to attend. Parking for the event will be available in the retail area across the street from the school. Tickets to the event are available at the school or on the day of the event. There is still plenty of time to sponsor or volunteer to help with the festival. Interested participants should contact Kathy Kinch at 303-814-1568 or e-mail her at Love4lifeDC@earthlink.net. DCS Montessori is located at 311 East Castle Pines Parkway, 303-387-5625.

Other DCS Montessori Announcements:

The first day of school for grades K - 6 is Monday, August 14. Preschoolers will begin school on either August 15 or 16 (with the exception of 3-year-old preschoolers who will begin school on August 17, 18 or 21). Specific start dates for preschoolers should be confirmed by mail in an information packet which was sent out in mid-July.

Check the school’s website at www.dcsmontessori.com for updates on other recurring events including:

Monthly Ice-Cream Socials: Usually occur on the last Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Coldstone Creamery in Castle Rock (just off Founder’s Parkway near Target.) Ice Cream socials for the fall are scheduled for August 30, Sept. 27, and October 25. An added incentive to come is that the teachers themselves serve the ice cream!

Family Movie Nights: Always G-rated and only $5 for the whole family; check the website for upcoming dates and details.

Wednesday Morning Play Dates: When school is in session, the play dates are geared towards children three years and under. When school is out, the whole family is welcome to attend. Call the school directly for details 303-387-5625.