Bylaws of the Maria Montessori Language and Cultural Center
Seattle, Washington - King County
Revised 1/18/2017
Testimonials
Christine O. Gregoire
Washington State Governor
“I commend Ballard High School, MMLCC and all of the Montessori teachers and supporters... for their commitment to developmentally-appropriate instruction. Your outstanding efforts lay the foundation for a student's success in work and in life, and I can't thank you enough for all that you do.”
Larry Phillips
King County Councilmember
"The Ballard Lab School works directy with BHS Family and Consumer Sciences Department, enhancing Seattle Public Schools' curriculum by providing high school students with an interactive learning experience in early child development. Students have the opportunity to learn about developmental psychology and physical and mental health through working with children at the center."
Mary Ellen Talley, MSPA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
"Gail Longo and Megan Menis provide a welcoming, developmentally appropriate, calm, structured and responsive environment in which I can provide language services. They are flexible regarding including me in their classroom, they generously share relevant anecdotes regarding the student, and they facilitate use of materials/strategies provided by the SLP or speical education teacher. For this reason, the student continues to make progress. The Casa Maria Montessori teachers also willingly participate in meetings to discuss student progress. Beyond that, the preschool teachers provide a nurturing and enriching play, interaction and language environment for all their students. It is a pleasure to provide SLP services in the Casa Maria Montessori classroom at Ballard High."
Connie Landeros
High School Student
"It has been a very nice experience working in the Montessori school. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to have worked there... I am glad that this program is available to children of this age, it is crucial for them to start their education early, and it is obvious they receive a rich education attending the Montessori preschool. I truly hope that this program continues to work its wonders on the children. Children gain so much more through this program compared to other typical preschools. It has been such an honor to have been introduced to this new style of learning and teaching. Thank you so much for everything."
Arielle Stewart
High School Student
"I have had many amazing experiences at the Montessori school. I was able to further my non-violent communication understanding with more training, watch how the teacher interacts with the students, read to the children (mother read, father read), I get to help children enrich their growing minds, I was also able to see the Dalai Lama speak at Seeds of Compassion.
I am so grateful to have been able to take part in this unique program at Ballard High School, I have gained knowledge and experiences that will follow with me for the rest of my life. This program has helped me decide my career. I have always wanted to be a teacher for young children, and I was lucky enough to be in a pre-school environment even if only an hour a day and learn and watch the children learn."
Mei-Ling Morrison-Beals
High School Student
"At MMLCC I was part of learning and growing community. There was a continual feel of comfort as well as an environment for all to learn children, teens, and adults alike. I was proud to be a part of this community and took as many opportunities to show this, writing articles for the school paper, talking to the Child Development class, and perfecting my portfolio. I left MMLCC at graduation knowing that I had had a unique opportunity being part of such an amazing program. I didn't realize how much of an effect MMLCC had on me until a year after I began college."
Marcia Lalonde
High School Teacher
"It has been my privilege to work with Gail Longo and the Maria Montessori Language and Cultural Center. My students in the Child Development classes observe and interact with the Montessori children... My students are developing real life work skills and enhancing their knowledge of human development. Comments from my students include:
"now I understand that each child has their own distinct personality,"
"I see now how independent and self sufficient these young children can be," and
"it made me feel good when the children enjoyed playing the game we made."
These experiences and opportunities will help my students become caring and responsible adults. I am grateful I am able to work with the Montessori school to provide this unique experience for both my students and the young children."
Joe Olson
Parent
"The Ballard High School Montessori Program has made a world of difference for my child. My family has several years of solid experience with the program."