On Friday afternoon, March 18 at 1:30 PM following our communal lunch, we will have a

special viewing of the documentary taking the world by storm: Race to Nowhere. Race to Nowhere is a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current

assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, con-

tributing and leading citizens.

Join us, the Montessori Foundation and the International Montessori Council,

March 17-21, 2011 at the lovely Dolce Hayes Mansion, San Jose, California, USA,

for a weekend retreat that will reaffirm your commitment to Montessori and the

guiding principles of what makes the method so universal and successful.

The 8th Annual West Coast Conference

Our full conference brochure is being mailed with this issue of Tomorrow’s Child magazine so

please ask the person who opened the envelope it came in to circulate it to the staff or go to our

website and see the little flip through version to read about our full program or contact me directly:

Margot@montessori.org | 800.632.4121 | Fax: 941.359.8166.

WE HAVE 2 SPECIAL EVENTS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL KEYNOTES THIS YEAR

On Saturday, March 19th, the Bowman International School’s*

Band will once again delight us with their incredible talents in a live

performance in the Westwood Room. Parents, grandparents and the

community are all invited to come hear these children play for us.

Don’t miss out on this delightful event. *The Bowman International School earned its IMC Accreditation 2 years ago.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG FAX: 941 359 8166 PHONE: 800 632 4121.

THE RACE TO NOWHERE For those attending the conference the

cost of the movie is included in the registration fee.

EXHIBITS But of course, there will be exhibitors in our main room. A full

list will be updated weekly and on the sidebar part of our Constant Contact

email blasts. Remember to read these blasts after you register as many

important and timely pieces of information will be posted here.

HOTEL INFORMATION The Dolce Hayes Mansion and

conference center is located

within a quiet San Jose, California

neighborhood that makes it the

perfect spot for our attendees

to “be totally present” while at the conference. We’ve

arranged a special conference rate this year of $129 per

night for a double occupancy room (no more than 2 in a

room) + prevailing CA taxes.

The conference code, when making your reservation is

MONTESSORI. The hotel is located at 200 Edenvale Ave,

San Jose, CA 95136. You will need to call the mansion

directly to make your reservation at 1.408.226.3200.

RESERVATIONS PROCESS & BOOKING WEBSITE

Online reservations began on 11/30/2010. A dedicated

booking website has been created for our event so our

guests will be able to make, modify and cancel their

hotel reservations online, as well as take advantage of

any room upgrades, amenities or other services offered

by the hotel. To preview the website, please paste the

following link into your web browser:

https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.

do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=3103853&utm_

source=20668&utm_medium=email&utm_

campaign=4026684

We only have a small block of rooms starting on

Wednesday night and ending on Monday night. Some

of you may want to come in a day early or stay a few

days after to visit some local Montessori Schools . The

hotel’s special rate for our group is for those dates as

well.

While the Foundation can make some suggestions as to

which schools are close by or accredited, we have not

coordinated with them, so you will need to call ahead

and make your plans accordingly.

FOOD As always, we will eat our breakfasts

and lunches at the mansion together. This is always

included in our conference fee and what makes the

Montessori Foundation’s conferences extra-ordinary. The

mansion has a set menu and there are many selections

for non meat entrees at each meal. You may make

arrangements to eat dinner at the mansion and pay that

amount directly to them. If you do not have a car to go

out this is an excellent alternative.

For those with cars, there are many places in San Jose

so invite a new friend that might be traveling alone

to join you as you explore the area. The hotel does

have a small shuttle bus that will take you as far as the

Westfield Mall where you are walking distance to many

eateries. All attendees must make their own dinner

arrangements.

Have a question about any of the conference details?

Email me, Margot@montessori.org or call me at

1.800.632.4121. Please fax your completed registration

form to 941 359.8166 as soon as possible. This smaller

conference has limited space and we sold out fast last

year.

We understand that traveling to the west coast of the US is often more

complicated for folks so we’ve condensed our main conference into

Thursday night’s meet and greet, and workshops and the two special

presentations into Friday and

Saturday; thus, leaving Sunday to

either relax and enjoy the amazing

spa or get an early start in traveling

home.

But, fear not, Tim Seldin, President and CEO of the Montessori Foundation

and the IMC has graciously agreed to stay onsite for Sunday. This is mainly

for those who sign up for Tim’s Montessori Leadership track. Tim will hold 2

morning sessions; then, you will have lunch together as a group and move into

a closing ceremony all your own.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG FAX: 941 359 8166 PHONE: 800 632 4121.

OPTION 1 PANEL DISCUSSION: TECHNOLOGY IN

THE CLASSROOM Tim Seldin facilitator is joined by

panelists: Dr Ann Epstein, Michael Murphy, Lorna

McGrath and Hannelore Engmann

The huge world of technology holds remarkable

potential for children of all ages, if used appropriately.

We hope to set up an open discussion on a range of

ideas about computers in the Primary classroom.

OPTION 2 THE SHIFT: MOVING FROM TEACHING

CURRICULUM TO TEACHING CHILDREN-PT 1

Kathy Leitch

Maria Montessori wrote and spoke about the “spiritual

transformation of the teacher.” What does this mean

in practical terms? How does this transformation take

place? How does it effect your classrooms and whole

school? Who are you in the life of the child? Do these

questions interest you? In this 2 part workshop we will

explore and compare Montessori’s teachings with the

neuroscience of relationships, strengths and visions and

more.

OPTION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE

REFRESHER-PT 1 Kitty Bravo

A good Early Childhood Language program provides a

foundation that will enable children to develop strong

communication skills that will last a lifetime. This EC

review will help certified teachers better understand

the natural progression of the language curriculum

including, early language concept development,

enrichment of the vocabulary work, the sequence for

supporting the development of handwriting, moveable

alphabet both as a means of expressing ideas and for

supporting phonemic awareness, activities for early

and advanced readers, as well as the “Function of

Word” grammar lessons and a focus on how to enhance

language throughout the classroom. NOTE: This

series of 4 workshops is for certified and experienced

Montessori EC professionals and is not meant to be

used for those who are currently in a training program.

OPTION 4 LESSON PLANNING FOR ELEMENTARY--

WHY AND HOW-PT 1 Michael Dorer

Spend the entire day in this 3 part workshop. Here’s

what will be covered: Have you ever heard that planning

is not part of Montessori? Perhaps you have been told

that we should just follow the child and you discover

yourself pacing a step or two behind a six-year-old

as she traverse the classroom. Or, maybe you have

wondered just how you are supposed to get it all in.

Well, Michael will present the key to lesson planning in

the Montessori elementary programs that unlocks the

mystery. You will then work together to make those

plans fit your particular setting. This system offers a new

approach to organizing and offering the lessons, and a

new view of following the child!

OPTION 5 LANGUAGE IMMERSION: IS IT RIGHT

FOR YOUR SCHOOL?-PT 1 Leslie Hites

The Renaissance school of Oakland, CA has a long

tradition of being a French and Spanish language

immersion school. Our students also read and

understand music; each of which is integrated into

all parts of our multilingual curriculum. It is a large

project to manage with many considerations and

requirements including: staffing at each level, visas for

native speakers, getting the staff Montessori trained if

they aren’t already, housing and transitions in culture. In

this 2 part workshop we’ll navigate through some of the

challenges and paperwork we’ve faced over the years to

make this a very worthwhile program for the students,

their parents and the staff of our school.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

3:30 PM Registration and exhibits open

6:00-8:00 PM Join us for a light fare dinner and meet and greet while viewing and early shopping with exhibitors. Some conference announcements and a short opening talk by Tim Seldin. Then it’s early to bed for a full few days.

Friday, March 18, 20117:30-8:15 AM Breakfast in the exhibit area. Registration and Exhibits open

8:15-8:45 AM Opening Welcome by Tim Seldin

8:45-9:00 AM Short break

9:00-10:30 AM SESSION 1

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG FAX: 941 359 8166 PHONE: 800 632 4121.

OPTION 11 LEADERSHIP- MARKETING AND

HANGING ON TO FAMILIES-PT 2: ELECTRONIC

MARKETING * WEBSITE * EMAIL * ARCHIVE OF

PAST EMAILS * FLIP BOOKS * NEWSLETTER

Tim Seldin

OPTION 12 LET’S READ! RESEARCH-BASED

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR PRIMARY AND

LOWER ELEMENTARY LANGUAGE LESSONS

Ann Epstein

Despite decades of study, research has not determined

“the best way” to teach young children to read.

Research has found five essential elements for reading

success. Children need opportunities to develop oral

language, phonemic awareness, phonic understanding,

comprehension, and fluency. How do our Montessori

lessons stand up to these five components?

Participants will engage in several language-based

line time activities that build the foundation for

reading comprehension. We will also investigate how

appropriate use of sand paper letters and the movable

alphabet assist children in developing both phonemic

awareness and an understanding of phonics. (Yes, these

are different and the difference is critical!) Finally, we

will study an alternative alphabet (Confusabet ©) to

appreciate the challenge of learning to read. Several

activities in this session are appropriate for both staff

development and parent education.

OPTION 13 LESSON PLANNING FOR

ELEMENTARY— WHY AND HOW-PT 3 Michael Dorer

OPTION 14 IMC ACCREDITATION: WHY YOU MAY

WANT IT FOR YOUR SCHOOL

Margot Garfield-Anderson

The IMC has 6 fully accredited schools. One right here

in the Silicon Valley. Our program is so much more than

an accreditation; it’s a living document. In this informal

discussion we’ll look at the Accreditation and the IMC’s

Seal of Recognition program so you can make the most

informed choice as to which is best for your school’s

community.

OPTION 15 THE INFANT AND TODDLER CENTER

Lorna McGrath

The Montessori Foundation has recently taken over the

day to day management of the NewGate-Field School

in Sarasota, Florida. One of our goals was to open an

Infant and Toddler Center that not only supported new

parents in the journey into parenthood but helped

create a sense of belonging to the school community

so that when the time came to choose a school for their

children these families would naturally select ours. In this

workshop, I will go over not only the logistics involved

in starting a center at your school but will review the

contents of the classes I'll lead new parents through.

10:30–10:45 AM Short break or shopping at exhibits

10:45-12:15 PM SESSION 2

OPTION 6 LEADERSHIP:MARKETING AND

HANGING ON TO FAMILIES Tim Seldin

Spend the weekend in a series of connected

workshops that explore the most effective marketing

tools to keep those families you’ve already enrolled

invested in staying at your school. Each section will

have a separate focus but we may cross over into

other areas as well so if you plan on attending we ask

that you commit to going to the entire series. Part 1:

Why do people come, why do people leave?

OPTION 7 THE SHIFT: MOVING FROM TEACHING

CURRICULUM TO TEACHING CHILDREN-PT 1

Kathy Leitch

OPTION 8 EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE

REFRESHER-PT 2 Kitty Bravo

OPTION 9 LESSON PLANNING FOR ELEMENTARY--

WHY AND HOW-PT 2 Michael Dorer

OPTION 10 LANGUAGE IMMERSION: IS IT RIGHT

FOR YOUR SCHOOL?-PT 2 Leslie Hites

12:15–1:00 PM Lunch downstairs

1:00-1:30 PM Take a short stroll through the walking park next to the mansion or shop in the exhibit hall

1:30-3:45 PM A Race to Nowhere with discussion afterwards

3:00-3:45 PM Exhibits open

3:45-5:15 PM Session 3

5:15-6:00 PM Exhibits open. Invite a new friend to join you for dinner.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG FAX: 941 359 8166 PHONE: 800 632 4121.

OPTION 21 COMMON SENSE MONTESSORI-PT

2--“SHOW HIM TO THE GARDEN”:SOCIAL BRAIN

DEVELOPMENT: PREPARING ENVIRONMENTS FOR

CONCENTRATION AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE

Paul Epstein

There are children in the classroom who readily

concentrate. However, there are also children who do

not concentrate very well. Montessori wrote that we

should bring children out to the garden when they are

not ready to concentrate. Current research on children’s

brain development supports Montessori’s counsel and

underscores the necessity for preparing environments

in which young children develop essential social skills

such as communication, problem solving, and empathy.

For all children, each of these is a vital 21st century

competency. The social brain development research

allows us to re-examine the central role concentration

has played in our guiding philosophy and how we

prepare for the work period. Specifically, the research

suggests the ability to concentrate is dependent on

developing the ability to socialize and collaborate.

Children who do not concentrate in the classical way

may instead attend socially. Given these findings, we can

consider how to prepare environments and materials to

support both concentration and collaboration.

OPTION 22 MARKETING AND HANGING ON TO

FAMILIES -LEADERSHIP PT 4: PRINT ADS Tim

Seldin

OPTION 23 PEACEKEEPERS-PT 2 Andrew Kutt

OPTION 24 PUBLIC POLICY-PT 2 Cindy Acker

The second half of this workshop will involve preparing

a ‘legislative voice’ via written and verbal information,

learning how to be a body with one voice and practice

legislative discussions. At the end, we will frame

Montessori needs for legislative action and develop a

legislative plan.

OPTION 25 CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE REFRESHER-

PT 4 Kitty Bravo

Saturday, March 19, 20117:45-8:30 AM Breakfast in the exhibit area. Registration and Exhibits open.

8:30-8:45 AM Announcements and shopping in Exhibit area.

8:45-10:15 AM Session 4

OPTION 16 MARKETING AND HANGING ON

TO FAMILIES -LEADERSHIP-PT 3: COMMUNITY

MEETINGS Tim Seldin

OPTION 17 PEACEKEEPERS: A PROGRAM FOR

MONTESSORI YOUTH LEADERSHIP-PT 1

Andrew Kutt

This special Montessori youth leadership program

started at the Oneness Family school in Maryland

many years ago. Andrew will share the mission of the

organization in detail so that your school’s youth can

participate in this international program.

OPTION 18 PUBLIC POLICY – WHEN NOT

KNOWING IS COSTLY-PT 1 Cindy Acker

Public policy incorporates changing and binding laws,

child advocacy, budgetary action and regulations which

affect Montessori educators. What we do not know

about public policy and our role can and will affect us.

In this two part workshop, we will begin with Public

Policy 101 to learn how a bill becomes law, and how

players are critical in changing a bill before it becomes

law. We will use a bill which affects Montessorians and

see how our voice makes a difference.

OPTION 19 CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE REFRESHER-

PT 3 Kitty Bravo

OPTION 20 COMMON SENSE MONTESSORI-

PT 1: HOW DO WE BEST EXPLAIN THE “WHY

MONTESSORI”? Paul Epstein

This is an all day workshop. This is the first session of

the series and lays the foundation for the rest of the

day. Are your school’s parents totally results driven

or concerned way too much about their child’s ability

to get into a top 10 college by the end of the first

day of school? When administrators and teachers

can effectively explain the “why Montessori” they will

see that their parent body is more on board with the

“How Montessori” best serves the child.

10:15–10:45 AM Short break or Shopping at exhibits

10:45-12:15 PM Session 5

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG FAX: 941 359 8166 PHONE: 800 632 4121.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast down in the Silver Creek Dining room.

9:00-10:30 AM Special Leadership sessions 31 & 32: Marketing and Hanging On

To Families --Upset parents & Studio programs and bragging

rights.

Tim’s sessions will go until 12:15 PM with short breaks as

needed.

12:15-1:00 PM Lunch in Silver Creek Dining room.

1:00-2:00 PM Closing ceremony for those who stayed on.

OPTION 26 SHOPPING! TEACHING MONEY THE

MONTESSORI WAY! Pamela Rigg

Using the Montessori math sequence as the frame of

reference, this money curriculum presents no-fail self-

directed money activities. The child is introduced to

features on the coins - both heads and tails. The names

of the coins reflect their value (one cent, five cent, ten

cent, etc.) rather than alternate words (penny, nickel,

dime, etc). Symbols for money are introduced from

the beginning of the sequence along with....SHOPPING

activities to make money a practical life activity!

Suitable for EC and EI.

OPTION 27 ALL STRESSED OUT & NOWHERE TO

GO! Kathy Leitch

Stress has become one of the most prevalent childhood

concerns. Do you know children who are rushed,

overbooked, and under-focused? Are you generally

overwhelmed trying to teach, redirect and help? Are you

stuck in the vicious “stress cycle?” Come learn about

common childhood stressors, the physical, emotional

and cognitive impact of stress, and valuable research-

based strategies for renewing yourself and your

students.

OPTION 28 MARKETING AND HANGING ON TO

FAMILIES -LEADERSHIP-PT 5: PARENT ED Tim

Seldin

OPTION 29 COMMON SENSE MONTESSORI-PT 3

Paul EpsteinThe day concludes with the last part of the series.

OPTION 30 A.P.C.-ANTICIPATE, PARTICIPATE,

COOPERATE Lorna McGrath

Working with toddlers can be a heartwarming

experience as well as a challenging one at times. In

this workshop we will explore ways of communicating

and responding to toddlers that will allow them to

be independent while avoiding the pitfalls of power

struggles and tantrums. Discussions will focus on

expressive and receptive language development as well

as social/emotional development. Participants will have

opportunities for small group discussions in which they

will examine classroom scenarios and brainstorm ideas

for working with toddlers in those situations. APC is

an easy way to remember how adult interactions with

toddlers can be successful and productive for both the

child and the adult.

12:15 – 1:00 PM Lunch downstairs

1:00-1:30 PM Take a short stroll through the walking park next to the mansion or shop in the exhibit

1:30-2:30 PM The Bowman International School Band performance

2:30-3:00 PM Shopping and break

3:00-4:30 PM Session 6

4:30-6:00 PM Final shopping in Exhibit area and closing ceremony for those who are leaving

Saturday night. Dinner on your own.

Registration Form

PLEASE COMPLETE ENTIRE FORM AND FAX BACK TO (941) 359-8166. WE DO ASK THAT YOU FILL IN YOUR 1ST

AND 2ND WORKSHOP CHOICES. THIS AIDS THE PRESENTERS WHO PREPARE HANDOUTS AND HELPS US IN

CASE A PRESENTER NEEDS TO CANCEL.

Name:

Title: School Name:

Daytime Phone Number:

Mailing Address:

City: State: Country: Zip:

Credit Card (please circle): VISA MASTERCARD AMEX

Credit Card # Expiration Date:

Email (we need this for your confirmation and to inform you of any program changes):

IMC #:

If not a current member please add $45 to you registration for yearly individual dues or $250 for school level

dues.

I will attend the Thursday evening meal I will not attend the Thursday evening event

Full conference fee is $375 (this is for those staying on Sunday for workshops with Tim Seldin, only)

2 day attendance is $275

1 day (please circle Friday or Saturday) is $175

Total amount due:

FINAL REMINDERS

In order to receive hotel discount rate at the Dolce Hayes Mansion, your reservation must be in by

February 10, 2011.

Checks should be made payable to The Montessori Foundation.

Mailing address: 935 N. Beneva Rd, Suite 609, #56, Sarasota, Florida, 34232.

We do not accept bank debit cards.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast down in the Silver Creek Dining room.

9:00-10:30 AM Special Leadership sessions 31 & 32: Marketing and Hanging On

To Families --Upset parents & Studio programs and bragging

rights.

Tim’s sessions will go until 12:15 PM with short breaks as

needed.

12:15-1:00 PM Lunch in Silver Creek Dining room.

1:00-2:00 PM Closing ceremony for those who stayed on.

While at the Dolce Hayes, why not treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment?

Visit www.dolce-hayes-mansion-hotel.com or call 866.981.3300 for more information.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG FAX: 941 359 8166 PHONE: 800 632 4121.

SESSION CHOICES

Please give us your first and second choices for each session you will be here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 | SESSION 1 1st 2nd SATURDAY, MARCH 19 | SESSION 4 1st 2nd

Option 1: Panel Discussion/Group Option 16: Leadership/Seldin

Option 2: The Shift/Leitch Option 17: Peacekeepers/Kutt

Option 3: Lang Refresher/Bravo Option 18: Public Policy Pt 1/Acker

Option 4: El Lesson Planning/Dorer Option 19: EC Lang/Bravo

Option 5: Lang Immersion/Hites Option 20: Common Sense Pt 1/P. Epstein

SESSION 2 SESSION 5

Option 6: Leadership/Seldin Option 21: Common Sense Pt 2/P. Epstein

Option 7: The Shift/Leitch Option 22: Leadership/Seldin

Option 8: Lang Refresher/Bravo Option 23: Peacekeepers Pt 2/Kutt

Option 9: El Lesson Planning/Dorer Option 24: Public Policy Pt 2/Acker

Option 10: Lang Immersion/Hites Option 25: Lang Refresher/Bravo

SESSION 3 SESSION 6

Option 11: Leadership/Seldin Option 26: Montessori Math/Rigg

Option 12: Let's Read/A. Epstein Option 27: Stressed Out?/Leitch

Option 13: Lesson Planning/Dorer Option 28: Leadership Pt 5/Seldin

Option 14:IMC/Garfield-Anderson Option 29: Common Sense Pt 3/P. Epstein

Option 15: Infant Toddler/McGrath Option 30: APC/McGrath

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 | SPECIAL SESSIONS

Option 31: Leadership/Seldin Option 32: Leadership/Seldin

Registration Form (side 2)

Name:

Title: School Name: