Damariscotta Montessori School (DMS) learned in late May that it would be able to safely proceed with its annual summer program. The school adapted its popular program to fit the new safety recommendations made by the CDC. Changes included smaller group sizes, screening at drop off, new pick-up procedures, outdoor instruction and activities, and teaching the children about social distancing and masks.

The primary (preschool and kindergarten) students enjoyed eight different themes including sports, the ocean and big, messy art, while elementary students learned about the animals and plants of a different biome each week.

“Despite in-depth planning, not all concerns and challenges could be anticipated in advance. We had to maintain flexibity, so we could problem-solve as we went along. Developing new protocols always has a ripple effect. For example, we found that the parents of our younger students were not able to interact with their teachers naturally, because of the new pick-up routine that required social distancing. So we created daily communication practices such as written reports, phone calls to parents and email has increased,” shared Chip DeLorenzo, Head of School.

Staff also observed that students needed more social-emotional support as they reacclimated to a school environment after almost four months away from school. Staff members at DMS are all trained in Positive Discipline which supports students through practices such as reflective listening, cooperative problem-solving, and class meetings to navigate these new feelings and changes.

The Montessori philosophy encourages independence and resilience in children. “We’ve tried to look at the current circumstances as an opportunity to foster greater independence and responsibility in our students. The new protocols gave children the opportunity to take responsibility for their own masks, for handwashing, and for helping to keep other people safe. The youngest children can learn to apply their own sunscreen with coaching and follow distancing rules with guidance,” said DeLorenzo.

Through a grant award, DMS has also expanded its outdoor classroom spaces over the summer with more picnic tables, canopies, and a planned large deck space. These will be used well into the fall as an outdoor work and lessons space.

While the summer program has informed planning for the coming year, what hasn’t changed is Damariscotta Montessori’s ability to offer quality instruction while meeting the needs of the whole child. Damariscotta Montessori School is the only PreK through 8th grade Montessori school in the state of Maine, and is fully accredited American Montessori Society. DMS is certified with the Maine Department of Education.

For more information, please visit the school’s website: www.damariscottamontessori.com