The history of the school continues with this third article. Prior to the school being built, the curriculum was chosen. After researching various teaching ideas, Tribal Council settled on the Montessori method as it aligned with their beliefs of how to educate and care for the children. In conjunction with the construction of the buildings, and to be prepared for when the doors opened, teachers had to be trained in this method.
While educators go to school to get their teaching degrees and certifications, the Montessori training is an additional one – two more years of training. Which often requires teachers to be away from their families for eight weeks in the summer.
The first set of teachers were fortunate to have trainers come to them. These teachers – 19 of them – were the staff at the Head Start. They worked diligently through the summer, learning all they could to prepare for when the school would be open. Fortunately, they were able to use the method while working at the Head Start.
Once the construction of the school was complete, many of the trained Montessorians came to SUIMA. Some of the teachers, also known as guides, worked in the atukach building and others in the pawaa building.
The teachers who worked with the elementary students (1st – 3rd grade) in the kuch building, had to get additional Montessori training for that age group. This method of teaching can seem unusual to some as each classroom houses three grade levels. This is by design, as Maria Montessori saw how older students can teach younger students and be role models for their younger peers.
At the time, The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy offered the most complete continuum of Montessori education in the area, from infants up to sixth grade.
SUIMA School Board
The School Board is currently updating policies and procedures. If you’d like to bring something to their attention, you can find a tab on our school’s website (www.suima.org) to submit your concern. A board member will get in touch with you.
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 Feb. 20 from 6 – 7 p.m. via Zoom. These meetings are typically held every third Tuesday of the month.
Family Night group
Come join us on Feb. 13 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. for a night of good music, good food, and lots of fun as we celebrate Valentines Day.
Upcoming Events
- Early Release at 2 p.m. every Friday!
- 2/13 – Family Night activity
- 2/14 – School Board meeting at Noon
- 2/14 – Drum Group Practice
- 2/16 – No School – teacher workday
- 2/19 – No school in honor of Presidents Day
- 2/20 – PAG meeting
- 2/21 – Drum Group Practice
- 2/26-3/1 – Parent/family teacher/guide conferences
- 2/28 – Drum Group Practice