South Walton Montessori Parent Info

Dr. Montessori recognized parents as a child's first and most influential teachers. A child’s most formative life experiences take place within the family. We find that parents are eager to incorporate Montessori principles into their family lifestyle. Parents learn to teach and interact using positive language, or words that encourage.

They learn to offer their child meaningful choices, as well as to effectively establish rules and set limits. Parents provide meaningful ways for the child to become a responsible, contributing family member. Parents encourage children to make their own decisions whenever possible and allow them to experience natural consequences.

Parents learn to arrange the home so that children can enjoy a well-organized environment and function as independently as possible. The informed parent knows that the home environment will influence and encourage the child’s development unlike any other. Parents become informed Montessorians through regular participation in their child’s school, attending parent education classes and parent-teacher conferences, and self-education.Families are the foundation for South Walton Montessori Academy. Parents help govern the school, set policy, and oversee financial resources by serving on the Board of Trustees.

Do not erase the designs the child makes in the soft wax of his inner life.
- Maria Montessori

Parents also support the school by their commitment to the SWMA Parent Organization and its various committees. Fundraising activities are coordinated and conducted by many dedicated parents. A number of parents contribute volunteer work in the classrooms as needed, or serve as room parents to assist teachers in field trip coordination, constructing classroom materials, and helping with special class projects.

Parent participation is encouraged and expected, and truly makes a difference in the total educational experience provided at SWMA. Our families contribute a tremendous amount of time, talents and resources throughout the year to make our school an overwhelming success! Parent Volunteer Opportunities Parent volunteers are needed to support our classrooms throughout the year.

There are many ways for parents to get involved and help create the best learning environment possible. Working in your child’s classroom is the best way to educate yourself on Montessori method and philosophy. At the same time you will help the teachers implement many critical activities such as field trip planning and coordination, beautification of outdoor/deck/garden environments, maintaining supplies, preparing classroom materials, and working with children on special projects.

The child is much more spiritually elevated than is usually supposed.
He often suffers, not from too much work, but from work that is unworthy of him.
- Maria Montessori

Contact your child’s teacher to ask about volunteer opportunities in the classroom! Other parent volunteer opportunities: Experienced parents are needed to assist in the classroom on occasion when a teacher or staff is absent – ask your teacher about serving in this capacity. Be a parent volunteer in your child’s classroom.

Help to maintain the parent library at the school. Occasional heavy work such as moving furnishings or putting together new furnishings or materials Painting, décor, interior and exterior beautification of the school. Get involved in the Parent Organization and serve on one or more committees. Ask the School Director about urgent volunteer needs. Get involved with fundraising activities.

Parent Education

Every parent is required to complete a minimum of four (4) parent education meetings throughout the school year. Teachers prepare relevant topics to present and discuss with parents to include child development, Montessori principles, philosophy and educational methods, discipline/positive language, and specific areas of curriculum. For a schedule of parent education meetings, please refer to the school calendar.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are held twice a year for all classrooms. This gives parents and teachers an opportunity to discuss the child’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Both parents are encouraged to attend. Check the School Calendar for a schedule of conferences. Informal parent/teacher conferences can be arranged at anytime.

SWMA Parent Organization

Every parent is a member of the SWMA Parent Organization(PO). Parents support the school by their commitment to the SWMA Parent Organization and its various committees. Each committee consists of parents working throughout the school year to enhance the educational experiences of our children.

SWMA Parent Organization Committees

• Social Committee - Planning and hosting functions bringing parents, teachers and children together.
• Fundraising Committee - Community fundraising events.
• Classroom Support Committee - Book Fair, Science Fair, Art Show, etc.
• Teacher Appreciation Committee - Planning ways to thank teachers and staff for their dedication to the education of our children.
• Public Relations/Marketing Committee - Prepare and distribute items that help promote SWMA within the community.
• Community Outreach - Provide opportunities for our children to get involved in community service.