ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this educational corporation shall be

THE MARIA MONTESSORI LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL CENTER (MMLCC).

 

ARTICLE II - ORGANIZATION

Section 1. State of Incorporation

The MMLCC was incorporated as a charitable non-profit organization in the State of Washington on March 31, 1999. UBI Number: 601 945 408.
 

Section 2. Federal Tax Status
The MMLCC qualifies as exempt from federal income tax as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 91-1954934.

 

Section 3. Office

The principal office of the corporation shall be located in King County, State of Washington, with such offices and places of business as the Board of Directors shall from time to time establish.

 

Section 4. Partnerships and Collaboration

The MMLCC is connected and enriched by our memberships and relationships with:
 

• United Way

• North American Montessori Teachers’ Association  (NAMTA)

• Pacific Northwest Montessori Association (PNMA)

• American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)

• Washington Affiliate of Family and Consumer Sciences (WAFCS)

• Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL)

• Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC)

• Seattle Public Schools Career and Technical Education Health and Human Services Pathway (HHS)

• Montessori Peace Centers (Bellingham, WA)

 

ARTICLE III - MISSION

 

To provide leadership and support for a Montessori Center, related educational events, and partnerships that benefit children, families, and communities in the greater Seattle area. 

 

ARTICLE IV - VISION

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An intergenerational community guided by the principles of Maria Montessori where an understanding of interconnectedness is both expressed and strengthened through cultural renewal, environmental restoration, and individual healing.

ARTICLE V - HISTORY

On January 6th, 1907, Dr. Maria Montessori established her first Children’s house in a public housing project in Rome, Italy. Further, she developed a scientific approach to understanding child development and is noted as the first female physician, pediatrician, and psychologist working for the health and educational benefit of children with special needs and those in orphanages and hospitals. 

 

Dr. Montessori pioneered a revolution in education rooted in her scientific observations of children. A century ago she focused attention on the spontaneous neurological development of brain and body influenced by the child’s experiences in the environment. Her discoveries led her to prepare a mixed-age early learning environment, suitable to the developing nature of the individual. 

 

She designed a comprehensive framework for education that today extends from infancy through adolescence. In this way she honored the inner rhythm and patterns of development in the child, and inspired a worldwide movement rooted in the discovery of the universal nature of the child.
 

The Montessori educational system came to the United States in 1959, and the MMLCC has been in place since 1999.

ARTICLE VI - PURPOSES

Section 1. Children

1. To maximize childrens’ learning and success through the lens of Dr. Maria Montessori’s teaching and research.

2. To foster the self development of children.

3. To prepare children through adolescence for functional and economic independence.
    

Section 2. Family

1. To promote an intergenerational community of support and mentoring for parents, caregivers, and families.
    

Section 3. Program

1. To empower others to be aware, thoughtful, resilient, and capable of addressing complex issues of our time through the principles of Montessori education.

2. To achieve and demonstrate an innovative model Montessori environment that guides children and young adults to become independent, capable and confident in practical life and daily living.

3. To explore the areas of learning: practical life (e.g. home living, nutrition, and relationships), sensorial (e.g. touch, sight, sound), dual language (e.g. Chinese, Spanish), math (e.g. metric system), science (e.g. scientific literacy, STEM), and cultural subjects (e.g. geography, history, the arts).

4. To promote healthy and peaceful living skills through social-emotional learning, and compassionate communication.

5. To experience nature and outdoor environments.

6. To value diversity through language and culture.

7. To encourage behaviors that are collaborative, cooperative, and harmonious.
    

Section 4. Partnerships & Collaboration

1. To partner with organizations, associations, and agencies with whom we share mutual goals.

2. To promote connection and collaboration with Early Learning communities.

3. To provide professional development opportunities.

4. To enhance and support international Montessori programs.

5. To secure grants and sponsorships for program development, outreach, and growth.

 

ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND COMMITTEES

Section 1. Board of Directors

1. The affairs of this corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors.

2. The Board of Directors shall consist of at least seven (7) and not more than eleven (11) members.

3. Directors shall be elected by a vote of the current Board of Directors. Directors shall attend board meetings and serve for a term of two (2) years.

4. Vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be filled by a vote of the majority of the remaining Directors. At the expiration of his or her term, any Director MAY be re-elected for an additional term.

5. There will be a minimum of two board meetings annually, which shall include a financial report. Additional meetings may be called by the President.

6. A simple majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. By unanimous decision, the board can approve decisions without a meeting.

7. Directors shall receive no compensation for their services as Board Members.

8. Conflict of Interest: No Board Member may vote on a matter coming before that body in which he or she has a direct financial interest. Immediately upon becoming aware that such a conflict may exist, a Board Member must disclose the existence of the potential conflict to the remaining Board Members and withdraw from further deliberation on the issue. Any such disclosure and withdrawal shall be fully documented in the organization minutes.

 

Section 2. Officers

1. The officers of this corporation shall be a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.

2. The Board of Directors shall elect all officers for a term of two years.

3. The President shall preside at all meetings, shall have general supervisory responsibility for the affairs of the corporation, and shall be authorized to sign all deeds, notes, mortgages, or other contracts of the corporation upon approval of the Board of Directors.

4. The Secretary shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, the official documents of the corporation, including corporate correspondence, minutes of the Board of Directors and committees, and membership and mailing lists.

5. The Treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of the receipts and disbursements of the corporation, shall deposit or cause to be deposited all money and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation, in banks or depositories chosen by the Board of Directors, shall disburse or cause to be disbursed the funds of the corporation in payment of the just demands against the corporation as directed by the Board of Directors, and shall render or cause to be rendered an accurate account of the financial condition of the corporation at regular meetings of the Board of Directors as needed.
    

Section 3. Committees

Committees shall be authorized by the board as deemed necessary and desirable.

 

ARTICLE VIII - BUDGET & FINANCE
 

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the FIRST day of SEPTEMBER and end on the 31st of AUGUST.

 

Section 2. Budget

A proposed budget should be prepared or caused to be prepared by the treasurer and distributed prior to the annual meeting.

 

ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted, by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, provided that written notice of any such amendment shall be given to each Director not less than 21 days prior to the meeting at which the vote is to be taken.

 

ARTICLE X - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY 

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the authority on questions of parliamentary rule.

 

ARTICLE XI - DISSOLUTION
In the event of a decision of dissolution or termination and after satisfactory payment of outstanding obligations and liabilities, the MMLCC board will determine donation of assets, possession and property transfer.

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ARTICLE XII - ADOPTION AND SIGNATURES
 

These bylaws adopted this 18th day of October, 2017

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Gail Longo, Director

Gary Tribble, Treasurer

Roxanne Trees

Yeon-Hee Yim

Tammy Tan

Wes Harman

Anthony Longo