Press Release in FB Advocate May 14

Fort Bragg, CA May 7, 2009 The Montessori del Mar Learning Center announces the formation of its non-profit parent run group “Friends of Montessori del Mar”. The organization will augment the learning center’s state budget allocation, while also providing support to the teachers and families. FMDM is supported by membership dues, public donations and community fundraising.

Friends of Montessori del Mar consists of a seven member board of directors including President, Treasurer, Secretary, Fundraising Chair and Site Planning Council Representative. These positions along with two general Director seats are the backbone of this organization.

“We envision a Montessori learning center where the active participation of family members supports the growing child’s awareness of his place in the world.” says Sharon Richardson, founder and Director of the center. “The Friends organization will help us to achieve this by drawing on the knowledge of the diverse group of parents and by raising much needed funds that will provide supplies, field trips and the like. This spring, we broke ground outside the center, creating a vibrant working garden for the children to experience the wonders of nature. We also built a fantastic playground that provides a fun outdoor space for the children to be together. This would not have been possible without the dedicated group of parents and children we have in our center.”

This passed school year, FMDM has had a number of fundraising events. There was a fundraising holiday card, A Day in the Park, Earth Day and a rummage sale, and upcoming, we have a concert with John Trudell and the Blushin’ Roulettes. This event is scheduled to take place Friday, May 22 at 5:30pm at Caspar Community Center.

Montessori del Mar is a dedicated community of educators agreeing with Dr Maria Montessori that each generation of children has the opportunity to create a united and peaceful world. Founded by Sharon Richardson in 2007, the center currently has 15 children enrolled in kindergarten through 3^rd grade. In addition, Sharon also runs Sprouts Montessori Children’s House, a private primary program for 3-6 year olds. Sharon is an accomplished and credentialed Montessori teacher who has taught in centers around the state and the world for over 15 years.

Follow our happenings on our blog: http://friendsofmontessoridelmar.blogspot.com/

Contact: Sharon Richardson montessoridelmar@att.net 964-7311