Tempe Montessori School
Testimonials
“Tempe Montessori School has not only been the source of some of my favorite childhood memories but it has also given me lifelong skills. One of my favorite things about the school is the diversity and the ability to embrace and explore different cultures. It's still nice to visit as an alumnus on United Nations Day. Tempe Montessori School helped as a young child to develop social skills by teaching me to interact with others, use my voice and be heard! Something I know I still use. I remember a lot of my experiences in the classroom as a child especially, the first time I was shown the pink tower, learning to buckle and use zippers, great books and nature walks. I currently work as an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I believe Tempe Montessori School accelerated my math, problem solving and communication skills putting me ahead of the class throughout grade school and high school. These accelerated skills gave me the confidence in college and now in life to be successful in a career that I love and feel lucky to be a part of.”
Katherine Acedo
“My teaching career started at Tempe Montessori School in 2002. My first year was as a teacher's assistant. After observing the high level of commitment, passion, and dedication to the children and the Montessori Method of education, I went on to get my teaching degree so that I could become a head teacher at TMS. I then went on to get a masters degree in Montessori Education.
My years at Tempe Montessori School were without question the finest of my teaching career. I've had the great fortune to work at two great schools since then, but the level of service to children has yet to be matched. It was such a joy working with educators, parents and children who really worked as a team to allow the children to excel not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.”
Lauren Hruby
Preschool Teacher
St. Paul's Episcopal Day School
Kansas City, MO
“I attended TMS from the time I was potty trained at about 30 months old till the end of 4th grade. I have so many fond memories of TMS and still have a good percentage of my dreams at that school with my friends and teachers. I remember playing Baracade during recess (a capture and release game we all created and played for years there), International Children's Day, Halloween Party (Fall Festival), Graduation Ceremonies, School Pictures and the Luau for Parents. In class I remember My Record Book (which I still have), learning German (fluently, and translating nursery rhymes and stories), being able to choose my own projects and work to do (my favorite reports were Spiders and Trains), and Atrium Class. I loved going on our nature walks to the park. Seeing all the things in nature that we learned about was just amazing. I often fondly think of all of my teachers; Ms. Dorothy, Ms. Paula, Ms. Irma, Ms. Nazli, Ms. Nilo, and Ms. Pamela. It's amazing how I can remember each of them but can't remember more than 4 teachers by name from 5th grade on. Each of them were an essential part of my growth and development. I distinctly remember one particular day in Primary. I learned how to do an activity that taught me language using cards laid out on the floor. I did an amazing job, of course, and was able to bring the elementary class in to see my work and check it. This was huge and such a big deal for me I was just overjoyed. It was all correct. I felt so proud of myself and knew that I could do anything I wanted to. Going to TMS gave me the independence, skill, confidence, and self-satisfaction to grow into the woman I am today. I continued to a private Elementary and High School and then proceeded to attend MCC and ASU for College. The basic and natural skills I learned at TMS helped me go through school with enjoyment, understanding and ease. I was always seeking a challenge in my school work and constant discovery. After graduation I moved on to do Investments with a Commercial Bank and since having children, work with my Father doing the same. My oldest daughter is now in Ms. Cindy's Toddler program and I am able to achieve new heights in my work as well as with my children. I enjoy reliving my childhood as I help participate at the school in as many ways possible. ”
Libby Spanovich
To Irma,
…I have never had the opportunity to express how proud we are to be a part of such a wonderful community directly to you, about the school you have built. We tell everyone about TMS and how it has changed our lives and helped to develop our children into the wonderful people they are becoming. There is always the argument of sending the 5 year old off to public school (believe me, we have had it many times) because it is “free”. But we feel we would be taking away from our daughter's education by doing this. Megan is already so much more advanced that she would be bored in “regular” kindergarten. We are really trying to make it work for us because we owe that to our kids.
Many Thanks,
Christy & Simon
Thank you for all the great memories, and for the strong academic head-start.
I credit my experience at TMS as being the reason I enjoy learning, and as such, why I have been successful in academics. I fondly remember long division papers, letter blocks and writing sentences on mats, counting by 7’s using chains of beads….as well as dressing up in a kilt for those “world Day” celebrations.
I will be moving to Boston in the fall to begin PhD. work at MIT in biological engineering.
If there is anything I can help with, now or in the future, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thanks, TMS, for everything.
Christina
Note: Christina is graduating from The University of Arizona with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Mathematics, with a Minor in Spanish, May, 2008
To all those considering sending their child(ren) to TMS:
I can’t imagine how drastically different my life would be now, had I not been able to attend Tempe Montessori School for six years of my childhood. I thank my mom for being the staunch believer that she was in the necessity of the Montessori Method. I also thank Irma Letson and TMS for making my Montessori education possible, through scholarship funding. The difference in curriculum between Montessori and that of public schools was actually to my advantage. It helped me to flourish academically as well as socially. My grades were always high. I was on the honor roll for several years. By the time I reached college, I received a full scholarship for academic excellence in high school. I believe that my creativity today in areas of writing and art were definitely fostered by Tempe Montessori School. My time there gave me not only academic acceleration, but lifelong friends.
Elana
To Tempe Montessori, Ms. Irma, Therese, and the staff:
Thanks for all the wonderful years. You gave Shereena a good solid academic foundation along with good moral standards, and a tremendous love of learning. Your gift is invaluable! Thank you for all your love and Kindness.
Shereena S.
Dear Irma,
I've enclosed a contribution to TEMPE from Mike and me. I know it will be put to good use.
I've also enclosed a picture of Nora. She'll be graduating as valedictorian at McClintock and has been accepted at Harvard and Brown. TMS did a good job!
Best Wishes,
Beth L.
Dear Ms. Nilo,
What should I tell you first? Oh, I got accepted at Xavier College Prep. I was so happy when I found out. Another thing is I made the basketball team. Our record was 4-8 but that's fine with me. I had fun. It was such a great experience.
I am doing great in school! Straight A's. Kaitlin is doing GREAT! Right now she is on the school's and YMCA b-ball team. This year she also played football and soccer. She's the active one in the family. I still see former classmates: Dustin, Richard, Victoria and have been talking to Emma and Sebastian. I still can't believe it has been a whole two years since I was at TMS. I miss it so much. I can't wait until we all get together and I can't wait until I see every one again. I have especially missed all the teachers…most of all you!
Always,
Kelsey Q.
As the school year comes to a close, allow us to express our gratitude for another great
year!
First, TMS Teachers and Staff are AWESOME! Even during the most trying times and
saddest part of the year, your professionalism and dedication to the children prevailed. We
know each of you were challenged by the circumstances of Therese’s passing and yet the
children or school programs did not suffer. Your behavior continues to inspire us.
Another positive result of this year was the success that our son, Nicolas, experienced in 7th
grade. Nicolas graduated from TMS in May of 2006 after six wonderful years in the
Elementary program. Back in 2000, it was a leap of faith for us to continue his Montessori
education past the primary program. His years at TMS were enriching but it was difficult to
really know how it would all turn out.
Nicolas’ first year in a “non-Montessori” school was more than successful. The obvious way to see this is in his academic success – straight A’s and two semesters on the Dean’s List. The other ways to see his success is deeper and more meaningful than grades and excellent behavior reports can show.
Nicolas loves learning and is motivated and dedicated to his education. We never have to remind him to complete his homework or study for tests. His ability to research and write creatively is apparent. He is able to express his feelings and desires appropriately. He is able to make presentations and lead meetings. He is compassionate and service driven. He utilizes his time effectively and looks forward to going to school each day. Aside from his school success, Nicolas finished his Eagle Scout project in January and was required to manage almost 80 volunteers to complete 177 service hours at his school. He is also preparing to test for his Junior Black Belt in a few months. Additionally, he teaches children ages 4-15 at our dojo. He is active at church and prepares meals several times per week at home as well as chores and home projects. It is a pleasure to be his parent. We have no doubt that he will continue to be successful in all aspects of his life. The “realworld” skills he demonstrates did not magically appear. Quite simply, Nicolas developed these skills throughout his Elementary years at TMS. All the Montessori exercises, lessons, class trips, chores, animal care, projects and daily life have paid off ten-fold. Although we anticipate some hormonal bumps as he heads into the teenage years, it is obvious that these are innate character traits he has developed. Although his physical appearance will change and he will face challenges and trials in his life, we know that he will be a responsible, compassionate, hard-working and intelligent human being. Dr. Montessori promised that a “well-rounded adolescent” would emerge from an Elementary experience. She was right! TMS made this possible.
THANK YOU to each and every TMS Teacher, administrator and staff member for
maintaining the high standards that Dr. Montessori emphasized 100 years ago. We
appreciate your dedication to continuing your Montessori training. We appreciate all the
extra things you do for the students. We appreciate all the love and attention you give them
daily. It means so much! Not only are the students better for it, but the community as well.
The Corder Family will be forever grateful for the impact TMS Teachers and Staff have had
on us. Our family is stronger because of our association with you.
Sincerely, Kelly and Jennifer Corder
Tempe Montessori was the best environment to grow up in.
I was practically born there and was most definitely raised there. I have fond memories of playing in the yard, taking care of the barn animals, learning German and taking walks to the old folk’s home to visit and sing songs to them. Not only was I challenged in the classroom, I was able to explore everything I was interested in. Some of my fondest memories include watching the sheep being sheared and then washing the wool and weaving it, and the yearly Thanksgiving celebration. We would sit in circle time and shake the milk until it turned into butter. We would make either pilgrim or Indian hats and the entire school and their families would eat together. I also loved the ability to choose what I wanted to do. I enjoyed the geography maps in the classroom and the pin maps in the elementary classroom. The yearly science fairs were also very fun. The best part about growing up in a Montessori environment was the constant reminder that I could do anything I put my mind too. With hard work, concentration and dedication, I was able to be independent and learn at my own pace. Being in the Montessori classroom taught me to be a self starter, hard worker, responsible and to be able to work both by myself and with others in a group environment. I was able to see what I was learning rather than being told about it. I was able to have real world experiences and to love what I was doing rather feel confused and frustrated. Even as a child, I always felt respected in the classroom by the teacher and knew if I need something, I could speak to them as an individual and an equal.
My years at Tempe Montessori were spent exploring every facet of nature, working individually or in groups and in an environment where I was challenged to challenge myself. I believe this environment provided me with the foundation, to be independent, organized, and motivated. I was able to work at my own pace and correct my own mistakes. I learned by trial and error, and had a full experience of each lesson because it was always hands on. Along with this, the friends I had when I was 5 years old are still some of my best friends today. We would play together at lunch as a group- all 35 children as one group. Not one person felt left out or alone. We stuck together in the classroom and outside of it. We taught each other and learned from each other. The family environment created a closeness and trustworthy place for me to feel comfortable to work and grow in.
Today, I am a student at Arizona State University and am working towards a degree in Business Administration. After that, I will receive my AMI training for children 3- 6 years old. I work for Red rock Software Corporation as the office manager and executive assistant to the vice president. I know that my future success in my work and personal life is because of the foundation given to me from TMS and the teachers and staff there.
Lauren
Dear Mrs. Irma,
I loved TMS. I liked all the field trips, and the Mexico trips we took because they were fun I learned a lot about the ocean and the animals that live in it. It gave us a chance to see another culture. I liked our classroom because we had more privileges than children in other schools. I also liked our teachers because they treated us with respect. I will miss Tempe Montessori School, and thank you for letting participate in the after school program.
Love,
Natti
Hi Ms. Irma,
.....The girls are in a very good school and doing very well. I cannot thank you enough for all that you and TMS have provided for them. My regards to Therese, Mardie, Jim and all TMS Staff.
Love,
F.K. Doha, Qatar
Irma and Ms. Therese,
Thank you very much for providing such a wonderful school with a wonderful environment. Not only has Prescott learned and thrived, but so have I. I have learned much that I am able to practice at home and with Winston. As I have also mentioned before, I have been impressed with the organization in which the school has been run. We plan to keep in touch and we hope to bring our young ones back when we return from England.
Sincerely,
Lisa M.
Dear Ms. Irma,
Thank you for providing such a wonderful environment for our children and great staff such as Ms. Nilo firm, yet warm and loving. May God bless this school.
TMS has been a great blessing for my children. They will carry its memories throughout their lives. It has been more of a home than a school to them. Their performance at all other schools worldwide has been way above average.
F.K.
