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OMA NEWS
September 2016
Back to School

With environments beautifully prepared, the new school year is underway!  New children (and their parents) are comforted.  Returning students excitedly find friends and their favorite work. The joy of guiding children to discover what lies within -- both the classroom and themselves -- has begun. Classrooms hum with activity.  Wishing each of you a wonderful new school year!
 
Fall Workshop -- October 29th

Examining the Role of Community in Early Childhood: Understanding the Diversity of Classrooms & Schools

J oin presenters Ingrid Anderson, EdD and Greg Baker for a highly interactive workshop where we will co-construct what it means to be a diverse community in the early childhood classroom and schools. Explore physiological safety in groups, link values and beliefs to actions, examine the types of communities found in early childhood, unpack the influences of community on our practice, and practice addressing issues of communities in your classrooms and schools. 

6 hours of professional development (step 2 pending)

Click HERE for information and registration.
 
School News

Welcome New Head of School, Shazia  Abdullah!

McMinnville Montessori's long time Head of School, Maria Eustrom, has stepped out of her role permanently. The school has hired Shazia Abdulla to be the new Head of School. Shazia grew up in Pakistan and has lived and worked for many years all around the United States, and even St. Croix, as a primary, assistant's to infancy, and, more recently, an elementary guide. She is very excited to expand her Montessori practice as a school administrator.  Maria, along with the McMinnville Montessori staff, Board, and families are looking forward to Shazia's talents and enthusiasm as she guides the school along its current path and into the future.
 
OMA Matters

Membership -- Join Now!

The new membership year has begun.  Thank you to all of our members who have already renewed their memberships!  OMA offers school, individual and student memberships.  If you haven't yet renewed or joined, now's the time!  You can find out more and do so right HERE.


Attention In-Home Programs

To all the Montessori Home Programs in our community (with 16 and fewer children):  We are planning to organize a  Meet and Greet in mid-October, and look forward to reaching out to programs that have not yet joined the OMA, as well as to those who are established and well-connected.  Jude Foster, at Chickadee Montessori, is serving as the OMA's In-Home liaison this year.  Please contact her via email to confirm the existence of your program - your name, your program's name, how many children.  She hopes to create an inclusive list.  Email: chickadeepdx@gmail.com.



Professional Development Opportunities


Songs in the Key of ABC: Writing in Cosmic Education

Friday, October 7, 7:00-9:00pm
Saturday, October 8, 9:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, October 9, 9:00am-12:00pm

More information HERE.


Getting Governance Right

October 8, 2016 / 9:00am to 3:30pm

More information HERE.


Culture, Character, Creativity

November 4th & 5th

More information HERE.
On the Calendar...

Toddler Summit -- September 26th / 6 - 7 pm
at Childpeace Montessori Community

Advocacy Committee Meeting -- September 27th / 5 - 7pm
at the Lucky Lab on Hawthorne

 

The Oregon Montessori Association is a group of schools and individuals who support vibrant Montessori education in Oregon and Southwest Washington
...and beyond.  

Visit www.oregonmontessori.org