DCS Montessori 311 E Castle Pines Parkway Castle Rock, Colorado 80108 Grades Preschool – 6 Calendar: Traditional www.dcsmontessori.org

Preschool at DCS Montessori

by Elean Gersack

Montessori education was developed in 1907 by Maria Montessori. It is based on the philosophy that children develop a love for learning independently if given the proper tools and environment. At DCS Montessori (DCS) in Castle Pines North, children ages three through sixth grade enjoy this love of learning through the schools primary, lower and upper elementary schools.

The primary school brings three, four and five year olds together into seven classes with approximately 29 students each. Each class has a Montessori-trained teacher and two assistants. Preschoolers arrive at 8:30 a.m. and leave at 11:30 a.m. The kindergarteners stay for the afternoon and enjoy a ratio of about ten students to one teacher during that time. The multi-aged classes enhance social development, self-paced learning and learning from one another.

The primary school curriculum includes language, culture, practical life, mathematics, sensory skills, music, art, and physical development. Although the DCS Montessori 2007-2008 school lottery deadline was in January, there may still be spaces available. Upcoming school tours are scheduled for Thursday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 13. For more information about the preschool program, visit www.dcsmontessori.org
or call 303-387-5625.

DCS Montessori Teacher Honored Guest of Japanese Government

Congratulations to DCS Montessori teacher Crystal Miyamoto. Miyamoto was selected to participate in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program in November, 2006. Miyamoto was selected from a national pool of 2,300 applicants by a panel of educators. The participants traveled in groups to 20 selected host cities where they had direct contact with Japanese teachers and students.

For more information, visit www.fulbrightmemorialfund.jp or call 1-888-527-2636.

Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction – March 10, 2007

Celebrate the tenth anniversary of DCS Montessori during the dinner, dance and silent auction on March 10, 2007. Check the website, www.dcsmontessori.org or ask at the front desk for more information.

Fundraisers – Box Tops and More!

Help the school raise money by participating in simple programs. Save Box tops or use a Target Visa to help bring proceeds to DCS Montessori. For a complete list of fundraising opportunities, visit www.dcsmontessori.org and click on “DCSM Info” and then on “How you can Help.”

DCS Montessori School Tours

Tours of the school are available by appointment. Please call 303-387-5625 to schedule a tour at one of the upcoming sessions held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.:

Thursday, February 8, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007

DCS Montessori Implements New Badge Access Entry System

At the end of 2006, DCS Montessori adopted a new security system for school access. A1 Security Systems has contracted with DCS to implement the new key card access system. The sign-in system at regular arrival and dismissal times will remain the same. Card access will be required for all other times. This measure will create a safer and more secure school environment. Proceeds from the school’s fall festival helped to pay for the new security system.