Starting with this article, I’ve chosen to write some history of the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy based on written records, oral information, and my knowledge of being with the school since the beginning. I will be as accurate in my articles as possible, or at least fairly close.  

The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy opened its doors to students on Sept. 5, 2000. A lot of preparation had to take place before this could happen. The first thing had to be the idea of the Tribe creating their own school, and once that was approved, then the building site, the architects, the staff, the curriculum, and the name of the school had to be chosen. The first name of the school was ‘The Family Center’ but that changed as the school was being built. 

The targeted age was early childhood, which encompasses birth to eight years old with an awareness that upper elementary levels would be added on as the years went by. As the design of the school became a reality, a groundbreaking ceremony took place on Oct. 25, 1999, with their sights set on five buildings.  

As the Southern Ute language was to be the cornerstone of the school, those five buildings were named: Atukach (grasshopper-infants and toddler building); Tuk (mountain lion – administration building); Pawaa (bald eagle – primary building); Kuch (buffalo – elementary building); Paa’at (raven – dining hall).  

When the school first opened, we used the Charney system for our Ute language writing and lessons, we currently use the Tribal Council approved Ute Dictionary. Stay tuned for more tidbits of history about the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy. 

 

Reminders 

Send winter clothing for outside play: boots, snowpants, coat, gloves, hats. The students go outside every day when the temperature allows.  

 

Parent Advisory Group  

The next PAG meeting will be Jan. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. These meetings are typically held every third Tuesday of the month. Please consider helping with upcoming fundraiser opportunities as we are looking to make improvements to our playgrounds. 

 

Family Nights 

The January Family Night will be held on Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the dining hall. Plan on joining us for an evening of fun. Dinner will be served. Watch for chances to help raise money through concession stands during the basketball season. 

 

Events for January 

• Early Release at 2 p.m. every Friday! 
• Jan. 15 – No school in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King 
• Jan. 16 – PAG meeting 
• Jan. 24 – Family [Game] Night 
• Jan. 26 – No School – staff training day