The year begins with the Summit Montessori Parents Association’s annual Back to School picnic – a lively potluck that brings the community back together again to kick off a new school year. Before June rolls around again, parents will have shared books as Friday morning readers, served up heaps of mashed potatoes at the Thanksgiving feast, laminated cards during Materials Committee, shadowed their child’s Montessori learning at Parent-Child work night, attended curriculum nights, level transitions meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and Head of School coffees, and so much more. Parents serve as an integral part of the community and opportunities for participation in the
daily life of the school abound.
As stated in our Core Values, we are committed to being “a respectful and inclusive community, embracing individuality with interest, excitement, and wonder.” This translates to a culture in which we:
• Welcome new families with openness.
• Accept and respect one another and ourselves.
• Approach our work and relationships with flexibility and appreciation of differences.
• Incorporate the cultures, languages, religions, and traditions of the world.
Summit Montessori Parent Association (SMPA)
A primary way that Summit partners with parents and family supporters is through the Summit Montessori Parent Association (SMPA). SMPA is a collaboration of parents and school staff to plan, organize, and mobilize our community’s volunteers in the most helpful way possible. They host picnics, holiday events, the annual Book Fair, and offer valuable support to teachers in so many ways.