Family Involvement at Dandelion

At Dandelion Montessori, family involvement in the classroom, in family education and community events, and in committee work support a learning environment that moves fluidly between school, home and community.

Families will be invited to attend at least one in-class observation session (9:30am-11:30am) over the course of the school year. These sessions provide an opportunity for parents or family members to witness the Montessori environment in action, act as a guest of their child, and practice the art of Montessori observation.

​

Family education meetings with the teachers provide the opportunity for families to deepen their understanding of Montessori philosophy and how it informs their child’s experience at school and at home.

​

Each Dandelion family is also asked to participate in the life of the school to the extent that they are able. We recognize that families bring their own unique skill sets to our community, and we want to encourage them to either participate in a standing committee (technology, marketing & outreach, physical space, community building, board of directors) or share a talent, occupation or family tradition with the children during the school day. There is a rich tradition of this type of family participation at Dandelion and it is highly valued!

 

Community Program

Dandelion families are invited to participate in optional parent-led activities and discussions throughout the year to support open communication, to nurture and celebrate our shared passion for this school, and to strengthen our sense of community. Past events have included potlucks, after-school and weekend park meet-ups, community education evenings, and group visits to the Museum of Science. Dandelion families are also invited to participate in an optional community online discussion platform, giving families the opportunity to be a resource for each other and to support each other as our children develop and grow throughout the year.

​

Our goal is to provide opportunities for children and parents from different families to interact and bond with each other, and transforming our community into a big, extended family where we all care for each other. We also hope to create opportunities for families to support the Dandelion teachers and the school space itself, encouraging a community sense of ownership and stewardship of the school.

​

This program includes both formally scheduled events and spontaneous activities, guided organically by the interests and input of Dandelion families. New ideas are always welcome!