In Montessori education, care of self and care of the environment are key components that help children build independence, responsibility, and respect for themselves and others.
From a very young age, children are encouraged to do things for themselves like feeding, dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and preparing simple snacks. These tasks may seem small, but they help children develop important life skills such as coordination, concentration, and confidence. As they grow, children take on more responsibility, like packing their own lunch, choosing their clothes, or helping a sibling.
Alongside self-care, children also learn to care for their environment. Even toddlers participate by setting the table, sweeping, watering plants, and tidying up. These activities teach children that their actions impact the shared spaces around them. For example, forgetting to water the plants can cause them to wilt, or not putting away materials can make it harder for others to work.
Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared to support these activities. Children learn that keeping things clean, organized, and beautiful benefits everyone. They experience a deep sense of belonging and pride in contributing to their community, skills that carry into life at home and beyond.
By encouraging care of self and the environment, Montessori education fosters capable, respectful, and thoughtful individuals who are empowered to make a positive impact in their world.
Garden and Building Volunteers
We’re excited to invite gardening and building volunteers to help us create our upcoming orchard! If you have a green thumb or simply want to lend a hand and contribute to our beautiful campus, we would love for you to get involved. Parents and family members are welcome to join our volunteer list. For more information, please email Vrodriguez@community-montessori.org.
Fall Conferences are coming up. Please sign up using the link in your guide's Friday email.
Parent Support Group
for Diverse Learners
Parents of diverse learners will be gathering at the Georgetown Library on October 20th for an informal support group to connect, share resources, and build community. All are welcome!
Staff Highlights
This year we will be introducing you to a different staff member each week. We look forward to sharing things like why they love CMS, how they were introduced to the Montessori philosophy, and what they enjoy doing when they are not at school.
Veronica Rodriguez
Academic Program Specialist
(at CMS since 2020)
Q) How long have you worked at CMS?
A) I have worked at CMS for 5 years. During this time, I have served in several roles including Lower Elementary Guide, Level Coordinator, Mixed Media in Art Enrichments and Creative Writer’s Workshop, Elementary Coach, and currently, Academic Program Specialist. Each position has given me opportunities to support students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to academic program development within the school.
Q) How did you come to discover Montessori and how has it impacted your life?
A) I discovered Montessori education while searching for a holistic, whole-child approach for my then 18-month-old daughter, Lourdes. What I found was a visionary philosophy rooted in the rich intersections of natural sciences, philosophy, and historical thought leaders. Maria Montessori’s methodology has evolved and expanded into a comprehensive framework of human development, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and discovery—through the eyes and hands of the child.
Experiencing Montessori from both the parental and educator sides has also supported a profoundly clear message: that our task still remains what it was for Dr. Montessori- to realize ourselves and to help the world to realize the powerful force for humanity’s salvation that lies in the child.
Q) What is something you would recommend for parents?
A) Head out and create alongside your child! Creativity isn’t limited to artistic talent or manual skills—it’s about nurturing the ability to imagine, solve everyday challenges in new ways, take risks, and express love and curiosity. Gather everyday materials, such as cardboard and objects from nature, and offer simple construction tools. Invite your child to collaborate and explore their creative ideas with you. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; instead, ask your child for help, and work together to find solutions. You’ll likely find your child guiding you beyond your usual boundaries and into a vibrant world full of endless possibilities!
Q) What do you do for fun outside of work?
A) Outside of work, I enjoy a wide mix of hobbies that keep me inspired—such as occasionally performing improv stand-up comedy, baking while perfecting my grandmother’s family recipes, cross-stitching, and creating entomology bell jars. Growing up as a self-proclaimed theatre kid and classically trained ballet folklórico dancer, I love to dance, sing, and perform. I’m also an avid fan of true crime shows! Above all is the time spent with my 19 year old daughter, Lourdes (now in medical school!), my mini dachshund, Hazel Rose Anna-Maria, and 3 male cats: Louie Cilantro, Charlie Bean, and Canelo Panelo.
CMS CALENDAR REMINDERS
- October 20th - Parent Support Group for Diverse Learners (Georgetown Library), 8:30-9:30am
- October 22-31st - Parent-Teacher Conferences
- November 8th - International Festival
Subscribe to our CMS Calendar: CLICK HERE
The mission of Community Montessori School is to provide authentic Montessori education
in a nature-rich environment that cultivates collaboration, curiosity,
love of learning, and respect for oneself, others, and the world.
