As American Montessori Academy and schools across the nation transition into the 2020-2021 school year, many unknowns remain in the educational world. However, in the midst of uncertainty, AMA knows that families and communities need schools to be ready to reopen as soon as possible with guidance from local health officials and other experts. This is a moment when each of us – educators, students and their families, and communities – must unite with one another to ensure that students re-enter schools with safety as a top priority so that learning can continue and students can develop the social and emotional connections necessary for their growth.
These past several months have served as a great reminder of the role that schools play in ensuring an equitable education for all students. Schools create conditions that support students with their social/emotional needs, develop lifelong friendships, explore their passions, and channel their energy into productive pursuits and activities. Reopening our school in a manner that is responsive to the needs of families and communities will involve novel challenges with many undetermined factors. AMA is prepared for any scenario that may arise.
As the world around us changes and evolves, it is imperative for American Montessori Academy to learn and grow, preparing our students to be successful and resilient regardless of the challenges AND opportunities that lie before them. As we prepare for the new school year, teams of AMA educators in partnership with local health organizations, medical professionals, education professionals in other organizations, and our Board collaborated to create this guide in an effort to organize a set of directions and protocols aligned to the guidance of medical experts to lead us as we strive to be champions for the students of American Montessori Academy.
The mission of American Montessori Academy is that “ We invite students to EXPLORE a Montessori environment through individualized, hands-on learning experiences. We ENGAGE students through a rigorous 21st-century curriculum. And we EMPOWER students to collaborate by communicating effectively and solve problems peacefully.” This is only accomplished in an environment of high expectations and in this pursuit, we will not waiver. We understand that there will be circumstances, those like we may never have experienced before, in which grace will be necessary to do what is in the best interest of our students, staff, and community. These circumstances will not be taken lightly, nor dismissed, in our efforts to ensure the enduring culture of high expectations that have been such an important aspect of the success of our students. Our collective commitment toward ensuring the health and well-being of our students is of utmost importance. American Montessori Academy is wholly committed to living our mission in preparation for the reopening of our schools for the fall semester, 2020 – no matter the circumstances put before us.