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March 21, 2014

Providence Montessori School’s upper elementary students attended a naturalization ceremony conducted by the United States District Court in special session at Transylvania University. 226 individuals from 71 counties became citizens while the students observed. The Honorable Karen K. Caldwell, Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, presided over the ceremony and extended a special greeting and welcome to the Providence students during her remarks.

In addition to witnessing the ceremony, the students were treated to a performance of patriotic music by Transylvania University’s organist, Richard Dwyer, and the University’s student a capella group.

Following the ceremony, the students participated in a question and answer session on the naturalization process led by Mary Ann Miranda, a career law clerk/staff attorney for the court and a Providence parent. Students were also greeted by Transylvania University admissions counselors Sarah Guinn and Meredith Norman, a graduate of Versailles Montessori and Montessori Middle School of Kentucky.

Ms. Miranda orchestrated the field trip with the upper elementary teachers following an invitation extended by Chief Judge Caldwell. This tied in beautifully with their current study of immigration and American government. Transylvania University’s Sustainability Director and Providence parent Angela Poe assisted the group during their time on campus, arranging for the use of a faculty-student meeting space for the lesson after the ceremony and helping the group maneuver through the crowds gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion. Many thanks to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Transylvania University for welcoming our students! Thanks also to the Providence parents who helped to make this happen!

March 10, 2014

Every year, Providence Montessori School students make their own contribution to the Providence ROCKS auction. These projects are perennially popular and well-received by bidders. You may recall the students’ colorfully painted rain barrels, flower pots, and Adirondack chairs from years past, or last year’s masterful weaving completed with art teacher and resident fiber artist, Sue Martin.

This year, the toddler, primary, and lower elementary students are working together with Mrs. Martin to create “artful” a-frame tents (constructed by the Klaene-Miranda family) to be sold at the event. The upper elementary students are working on a potting bench (donated by Rob and Janee Brown). Our students are crafting images on the canvas and wood that evoke the work of famous artists encountered during their work at Providence: Van Gogh, O’Keefe, and a variety of Impressionists. Click here to see some of those projects in progress. Be sure to check back. We’ll be updating this photo album as the projects are completed!

The Creation of “He Ping Shen Long,” the Peace Dragon

February 21, 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

Photo by David Fitts

His name means “Peace Dragon, mysterious and powerful.”

In orchestrating this school-wide project, Providence art teacher Sue Martin surely witnessed the mystery and power that are present when children focus as a group to accomplish a goal.

How did it start? According to Ms. Martin, the children were all fascinated with a dragon book she had in the art room — they became almost obsessed with drawing dragons. So she tied in their enthusiasm to a celebration of the Chinese New Year, and voila! The Peace Dragon project was ~~born~~ hatched!

From Upper Elementary all the way to the toddlers (they painted the belly!), every Providence student participated. The paper mache dragon made his debut at The Breakfast Cafe, and now resides in Haley Hall.

In case you ever wondered, it really does help to hold your tongue just right. Here’s proof:

To view the complete photo album of the project, click here. Many thanks to Sarah Carey for the pictures!

Providence Brownies Giving Back

November 24, 2013 / admin / 0 Comments

‘Tis the season…

Providence Brownie Troop 867 spent a recent Saturday morning at God’s Pantry, giving back to their community. They weighed and packaged cookies, then labeled them and boxed them up for distribution. It seems they didn’t mind the hair nets, but they found the gloves a bit cumbersome.

Check out this box! It was empty when their hard work was done.

Thanks to Brownie moms Bryna Reed and Jennifer Brocato for sharing these pictures. Click here to see a few more!

The Bibelot Project

November 22, 2013 / admin / 0 Comments

Recycled materials, discarded objects, pretty trinkets left-over from projects past… these are items our students brought from home to create their bibelots.

This Saturday, November 23, The Headley-Whitney Museum will host the opening reception for their new exhibit, “Improbable Baubles.” This exhibit features students from area schools, including 23 pieces from Providence Montessori elementary students. Judges have chosen the winners, and Providence is well represented among them. Congratulations James Baker, Anna Brocato, and Abby Purvis!

Photos of all of our students’ bibelots will be displayed, along with their artist statement. Here are a few to whet your appetite — click here to see more. Many thanks to Sarah Carey for the photos, and art teacher Sue Martin for coordinating our students’ participation. The exhibit runs November 23 through December 22. We hope to see lots of Providence families this Saturday from 2-4pm for the opening. Not only will you get to see these up close and in person, but there will be a candy buffet and rubber band bracelet weaving!

Math the Montessori Way!

November 15, 2013 / admin / 0 Comments

Our recent Parent Education night was all about Montessori math. Parents experienced hands-on lessons from the toddler level through high school. Many thanks to our teachers, as well as guest teachers from Montessori Middle School of Kentucky, Montessori High School, and Lexington Catholic High School.

Parents enjoyed the lessons — including one on Pi — with a slice of pie and gourmet coffee from Lexington’s own Magic Beans Coffee Roasters. Many thanks to all! (Click here to see the whole photo album.)

Grandparents’ Day 2013

October 23, 2013 / admin / 0 Comments

Beautiful weather set the stage for another enjoyable Open House!

Click here to see more photos from the day.

Thank you Providence Ambassadors!

September 30, 2013 / admin / 0 Comments

Last Thursday, September 26, The Maasai Warriors visited Providence Montessori School. Joining us were students from Montessori Middle School of Kentucky, Keystone Montessori, and The Sphinx Academy. It was a spectacular event! If you missed it, watch this short video to learn about the mission of these extraordinary young men.

Jackson Ntirkana and Wilson Meikyaya

We can thank Providence Ambassadors for arranging this. Providence teacher Chris Zachritz started this group 7 years ago. About 5 years ago it evolved from a classroom effort into an after school organization which currently boasts 22 student volunteers. This year’s group has set a goal to raise $4500.00. They work with Free The Children, the largest “children helping children” organization in the world. They also work with Me to We, and contribute to both local charities and global charities such as Unicef. Participating in We Day is a highlight for the students.

Ms. Zachritz said, “The students are empowered by the fact that this an organization for children only. Their faces light up when I share that with them.”

“What I Did Last Summer,” by Green Bean

September 13, 2013 / admin / 0 Comments

In the spirit of Flat Stanley, many families in our Providence Community participated in a photo-sharing project with Green Bean during the summer. As you can see in this album, he has had an amazing adventure!

He’s traveled far and wide to visit the Caribbean, Germany, Canada and Alaska; and enjoyed nature right here in the Bluegrass at Raven Run, Red River Gorge and other scenic places. Talk about National landmarks! Imagine seeing The Grand Canyon, The Space Needle, Fallingwater, and The Goonies house all in one summer! He’s been to Disney World several times, he’s taken lots of swimming lessons, and visited exciting cities like New York, Chicago, Hollywood, Charleston and Seattle. And because he’s a Montessori Life-Long Learner, he didn’t miss out on wonderful museums and great summer camps. He soaked up a fair share of American history at Monticello, Boston, and Washington D.C. while he was at it.

If you’re worried that his pace was too intense, fear not. There was awesome R & R on some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. Click on the slide show, or scroll through to read the captions. Thanks to all the families who participated!

Another FAABulous Bash!

October 18, 2012 / admin / 0 Comments

Perfect weather and a fun-loving crowd contributed to a wonderful day for all.

Many thanks again to Upsorn Hutchens for these wonderful photos. Come on, click on it!