This past January, Montessori International Children’s House (Team MICH) in Annapolis withstood the rigors of a cold Chesapeake Bay to participate in the 2012 MSP Polar Bear Plunge. They were rewarded for their efforts by being the 2012 Top Polar Bear Plunge Cool School Team in the Private school division for their fundraising efforts, raising over $9000 for the Special Olympics Maryland.Colette Tettemer, Team MICH Captain, explained that the plunge “is a such a worthwhile cause for us to support and a wonderful example to our students on the importance of their community service efforts.”
Jean Burgess, MICH Administrative Director, indicated that it helps build the school’s sense of community when everyone works towards common goals. The concept of community service is very strong at MICH. This year we collected canned goods for holiday sharing, provided Thanksgiving Dinners, collected and sent books to the Lakota Indian Reservation library, and participated in the plunge. In each of these activities all our students have learned giving back to the community, concern for others, awareness of community needs, and the joy of working together to achieve a goal.”
Montessori International Children’s House, a coeducational Toddler through 6th grade school, inspires excellence, nurtures curiosity and enhances creativity. Accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale, MICH’s student centered learning community emphasizes hands-on experiential learning, respect for self and others, and the development of inquiry skills that enhance life-long learning. For more information about MICH, visit www.montessoriinternational.org or call 410-757-7789.
Photo: L-R–Colette Tettemer, Team Captain; Bernadette Bolte, MICH teacher; Skylar Deichmann, MICH 5th grade student (Courtesy Photo)
