Archive for May 2010
Child’s View Montessori School (OR)
Posted on: May 15, 2010
April 13, 2010 — We the Peacemakers brought me through the California desert, up the Pacific Coast and into the Beaver State to visit Child’s View Montessori School in Portland. Child’s View is a children’s house offering half-day, full-day and all-day programs for children 3-6 years old throughout the year. The school also offers a summer camp for elementary-aged children.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to interview students from two classrooms about their how they understood peace. The children also demonstrated how to solve a conflict in the classroom using a peace rug. The visit culminated with a tour of the peace garden adjacent to the play area. I also interviewed school founder and director Tamara Ulrich about her approach to founding a school based on educating for peace.
Ms. Ulrich introduced me to a movement called Season for Non-violence, a campaign for awareness about impact of non-violence to create positive change in individuals and society. The season lasts from January 30-April 4 each year. These dates commemorate the assassination dates of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the past, Ms. Ulrich has served on the Oregon Season for Non-violence Task Force.
Camino de Paz School and Farm (NM)
Posted on: May 13, 2010
MARCH 25, 2010 — Santa Cruz, New Mexico, is home to the Camino de Paz School and Farm, a working organic farm and private middle school. In addition to academic pursuits, sixth through ninth grade students are responsible for the care of fields, greenhouses and animals including goats, sheep, horses and chickens. Students attend the full-day school program during the weekdays. On weekends, students take turns traveling to a local farmer’s market where they sell farm-raised vegetables, eggs and hand-made cheeses and crafts.
During my visit, I spoke with students, staff and school founder Patricia Pantano about how the community of Camino de Paz School and Farm works and learns cooperatively with one another and with nature.
We the Peacemakers: How Montessori Makes Peace 