A child learns best within a social environment
As those who have read my articles know, SUIMA follows the Montessori curriculum and method. It is a philosophy with the fundamental idea that a child learns best within a social environment that supports each child’s individual development. What makes Montessori education unique is the “whole child” approach. The goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach their full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of cognitive skills, social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination. This curriculum, under the guidance of specially prepared Montessori teachers, provides children with the opportunity to enjoy the process of learning as they create knowledge and develop their personalities.
At the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy, we are fortunate to also have trained Montessori teachers for our youngest students who are infants and toddlers. Generally, in most Montessori schools, the teaching method extends over a nine-year period beginning with three- to six-year-olds in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, extending into elementary through sixth grade. Classes are designed with mixed age groups: primary (3- to 6-year-olds), lower elementary (6- to 9-year-olds, and upper elementary (9- to 12-year-olds). In recent years, Montessori programs across our nation are continuing the method into middle school and high school. Hands-on didactic materials are available in learning areas such as practical life, sensorial, language, math (which includes geometry and algebra), and the content areas of biology, geography, history, and science.
School Board
After pumpkins were carved during the October Family Night, the SUIMA school board invited Southern Ute Tribal Council to choose the winners. Congratulations to all the students on creating some beautiful pumpkin art for the school!
Upcoming Events
- Every Friday – Early release at 2 p.m.
- Oct. 31 – Trick or treating throughout the Tribal campus
- Nov. 1 – No School for students – Teacher workday
- Nov. 4-8 – Parent Teacher conference week
- Nov. 8 – Health Fair and Coffee Shop
- Nov. 9 – Veterans Powwow/SUIMA bake sale
- Nov. 11 – No School
- Nov. 12 – Doe Field Dressing
- Nov. 20 – Thanksgiving meal
- Nov. 23-29 – Thanksgiving break