New Citizens of the World Stop to Smell the Flowers

We are excited to return to school, just a few days after the 150th anniversary of Maria Montessori’s birthday. I would like to invite all parents, Montessori guides, Montessori associates, Crossway administrative support staff, and parents in our community to re-dedicate ourselves to the important work of creating new ‘citizens of the world’ as Dr. Montessori called young children. This will require unwavering dedication, hard work, ability to carefully observe and listen to our youngest children, and creativity to prepare an environment that allows children to freely explore this wonderful world we live in with respect for self, for others, and for the environment. 

This will also require patience - not a skill widely valued in our impatient, fast-paced world - the ability to adapt to a different rhythm (not one dominated by adults) and re-examine how we are living our lives, perhaps taking stock of our priorities and making hard decisions. 

This was Dr. Montessori’s ‘big work:’ to provide a grounded environment, designed and prepared for our youngest children, where they could explore the world around them, refine their senses as they take in information, and for the adults, to assist with each developmental challenge, and set them free to learn, associate with others, and follow their passion toward a fulfilling career and home life. To that end, the adults who care about children--parents and extended family for whom they are the family’s promise, and their Montessori guides and associates, for whom they are a constant source of learning and challenge—are reminded that our children are leading the process, not we adults! It is a huge commitment but one that everyone on the Crossway Community team embraces willingly and happily. We ask that all parents partner with our Montessori team to make this ‘big work’ a joyful learning adventure for everyone!

Here's to a wonderful year of Joyful Discovery - for your child and for you!

Warm regards,

Ann Byrne, Head of School

Deputy Director for Montessori Education