7.1 SR 05-17-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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From: Rose Brinaus To: Sean Elder Cc: Leeseberg, Chris Subject: Re: FW: Neighboring Business Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021 2:54:33 PM Dear Chris: Three Rivers Montessori is committed to serving the Elk River area with an authentic Montessori program that meets the needs of individual children. We do this by providing manipulatives in the classroom that appeal to children's senses while allowing for freedom of movement and exploration both indoors and out. TRM is currently supported by our current school community of 83 students and their families. The school plans to double in size for the 2021-2022 school year and has approximately 150 students enrolled at this time. We are excited to continue to serve the families in our community by providing a free Montessori experience. Montessori programs are strongly rooted in respect of others and the environment. Staff and students have worked to be good neighbors both in the school building and outside on the playground. Each classroom has rules centered around respectful behavior as well and the school as a whole has playground rules that are reviewed with all staff and students regularly. Examples of some of these playground rules are: sticks and rocks stay on the ground; respect nature; respect others by using kind words and bodies; the fence is for safety rather than climbing; and all play happens inside the fence. There are typically 25-30 children on the playground three times a day (one recess for each classroom of 25-30 children). This "outside" time happens between 10:30am and 1:00pm, and 3-5 children are outside for about 45 minutes during aftercare from 3:00-3:45pm. Classroom assistants and special education paraprofessionals are supervising children on the playground as well as classroom teachers when appropriate. TRM considers all interactions as learning experiences. If we do harm to something or someone (intentional or not) we will look for how to rectify the situation. We very much welcome and appreciate open communication directly with the school and it's administration to help resolve matters. The TRM community is currently fundraising with the support of our families to add play structures to the field (current playground area). We are also exploring options to add this to the expansion project for the 2021-2022 school year. Not only do we believe this will help better serve the needs of our children, but will also promote engagement of the students in their play.