With the flakey weather lately we were really, really concerned about the possibility of having tonight’s picnic rained out. But with everything going on in the next few weeks it did not look promising to postpone, either. So we decided to go for it rain or shine.

And the weather was simply perfect. What a wonderful gathering of folks. Great food (although much was cleaned out by the time I got through the line). I did have some yummy hummus, tantalizing taco salad, and bodacious broccoli salad. Plus, someone brought some homemade chocolate chip cookies (I had two!). Besides the food, though, there were the ever-popular games and kids and grown-ups having a good time.

I was tired when we finished cleaning up. It was a mellow tired, though – a deep satisfaction that comes from knowing that we really do have something special here.

Thank you New Horizon families for making this community what it is – perfect for a picnic.

We have a new member of the elementary community. He is hearing impaired and could not hear human speech until he was eight. He has not been in a regular class with other students until now, either. Already, since Monday, we are seeing great progress.
Something truly lovely happened today, though.

Our new student exhibits uncontrolled laughter at times. Part of that stems from understandable nervousness. We are helping him learn to recognize that emotion and express it. Today when he started laughing I asked if he were nervous. “No, I’m laughing at her,” he said, pointing to a biracial student. I looked at her and said, “I don’t think he has ever seen beautiful brown skin like yours.”

She beamed with pleasure when he affirmed, “No, and I want beautiful brown skin,” as he placed his arm lovingly next to hers for comparison.

Yes, beautiful.

Last week an interesting e-mail arrived in my inbox. Someone who had read this blog contacted me about a book he had written for Montessori parents. Would I be interested in a copy to review? Sure. Why not?

A bubble-wrapped package containing the book arrived at school this week.

Oh my! I have not been able to put this book down. And now I’m trying to figure out how to get it into the hands of any parents who might be considering where to send their children to school. Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education is a gem. I am going to put this book front and center for prospective parents. It is readable, informative and impassioned about the benefits of Montessori education.

If you are interested, go to MontessoriMadness.com. Mention New Horizon Montessori when you order the book. I want Trevor to know that his gift will keep on giving! At $20 it is one of the best bargains in education. Enjoy.