"Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create."  —Maria Montessori

Please scroll down for the list of important dates.

Current Families & Any Siblings (Preschool-8th)
Re-Enrollment: Feb. 19th - March 2nd

Preschool
Open Enrollment: March 5th, first-come, first-served basis

New Families
Open Enrollment: March 14th - March 28th

Lottery:
March 30th

A Montessori education embraces the aim of an education that encourages civil discourse starting with lessons related to grace and courtesy. I am deeply attracted to the Montessori Method because of this approach.  At our school we work with students every day on how to handle their emotions and their frustrations when their friends don’t agree with them or don’t want to do the same thing. Brain development research tells us that young children don’t naturally have qualities like empathy and impulse control, so we try to build those.

This is a core component of a Montessori education--it does not change with time. That is, while the things students and society as a whole may be discussing change, the peaceful approach to addressing our differences of opinion does not. Aggressive argument  (and fear, domination, intimidation, threats, and punishment) upsets the nervous system--it releases adrenaline that we understand as “fight or flight.” In this state, not only do we not feel physically well, our decision making capabilities are compromised.

I believe this is why a Montessori education is needed, now more than ever. We are often alarmed by the sophisticated language very young children use and the “aggression” they may exhibit. But this is where the role of adults comes in--we don’t shame children for these emotions and expressions because we know that they may not yet have the cognitive ability to empathize or the experience to judge right and wrong. In many respects, Montessori is aligned with Gandhi’s famous statement, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” So we counsel students that even though you may not feel like the “winner” in a confrontation, you will never be the winner if you employ tactics that don’t respect the other person’s integrity and dignity. Being a kind and forgiving friend will be repaid with long lasting and enriching relationships.

In our contemporary society where kids are exposed to a tremendous amount of images that don’t necessarily comport with our ideas of peace and grace, it is up to us as adults to modulate the messages kids receive.  We want you to know that in the classroom, we encourage peace and expect that at home parents will do the same. As kids get older, we work with students on when compromise is necessary--and when it is not--but to always communicate it with respect.  This is the lasting hallmark of a Montessori education and what we hew to as we make decisions about our program to ensure that FCMA students will ultimately be leaders by example. They will be the change we all wish to see.

Laura Moellering

Hello FCMA Community we need your help!

Each year FCMA’s 8th grade middle school students spend one week completing 30-40 hours of unpaid student internships at businesses in the community (see attached information and news article). This year, we have several responsible, mature students that need your assistance with securing an internship. Internship week is April 23rd - 27th, 2018. If you can help identify an internship, please email meghanvandenplas@choiceschools.com. Thank you so very much!

The goal of this internship is for students to gain knowledge about the business world and become career focused as they begin making college and career path decisions. We are confident that when you meet our 8th grade middle school student, you will find a very mature, helpful, eager, and observant person. 

Our students are open to any internship opportunity, however, some specific areas of interest include: sports and sports medicine, veterinarian, engineering, computers, photography, and a bakery/restaurant.

Internship supervisor tasks:

·        Identify work tasks for intern

·        Allow intern time for daily reflection

·        Act as a mentor for 5 days, approximately 8:00am – 3:00pm (time flexible)

·        Daily signature (student will ask you for this during internship)

·        Complete student evaluation at end of internship

Thank you for any assistance that you can provide.  
Meghan Vandenplas

Check out this video highlighting last year's internship program.

Mark your calendars for FMCA’s 8th Annual Art and Music Showcase on Saturday, May 5th. 
The proceeds from this event not only help to supplement the school’s art and music programs,
but fund art/musical guests and field trips as well. 

We are looking for adult artists to donate one art piece for the silent auction
portion of the art show.  Please email Mr. Michael, FCMA's Visual Art Teacher at michaelchabot@choiceschools.com if you or someone you know is interested. 

The staff and students thank you for your continued support!    

Poetry for Children

"All over the world, poetry touches the hearts and minds of adults and children alike. In Chile, everyone - from teachers to truck drivers - knows the poetry of their country's beloved poets. In Iran, the mystical poetry of Rumi and Hafez is recited by children in schools and woven into everyday conversation. In almost every country children, teens, and adults sing along to songs (often poems set to music) on the radio. Spoken word, hip hop, and rap are the poetry of today's youth."