Montessori School of Evergreen
Montessori School of Evergreen Middle School - preschool through 8th grade. This 22-foot geodesic dome built in May, 2004 by the students, with the help of Global Children’s Gardens, is a lively place on most school days. Six years later the students are enthusiastically growing healthy radishes, chard, parsley, carrots, garlic, mint, beans, rosemary, ferns, and flowers. Each class level has planted their own area but all care for the plants. Harris explained how the water tank had just been cleaned to make a fresh home for Teddy, the koi fish, and Fred and Julia, the aquatic turtles, new residents just arrived after a generous donation from Lauren, another student at Montessori. The students have, also, created a dry land habitat for box and land turtles in the center of the dome under a large trellis. There were even a couple of visiting ferrets enjoying the warmth and humidity on this snowy Colorado day. Soon, Christian, a teacher with the school will introduce praying mantises as an interesting experiment in white fly control. And what is Samantha’s favorite thing about the greenhouse? It’s a great place for the students and her friends to get together.
To view a photo slide show of this greenhouse's original construction click here for a Flash Gallery and here for an html Gallery.
The Greenhouse Project is a multi-disciplinary project involving science, mathematics, cooking, humanities, computer, art and languages. It should be integrated whenever possible into classes throughout the greater school community.
SMAE is a public charter school in Colorado, Jeffco School District. A charter school is a public school of choice, founded by a group of parents, educators or community members. Charter schools are approved by the local school district. The district and charter school negotiate a contract or "charter" based upon a proposal by the originating group. The philosophy and operation of a charter school are independent of the school district, reflecting the beliefs of the founding members. Charter schools do, however, carry a public obligation and are accountable to the local school district and the Colorado Department of Education.
A Board of Directors governs the decisions of the school including curriculum, staffing, and fiscal affairs. Charter schools are non-religious, non-sectarian and do not discriminate in their admission policies. Student enrollment is limited only by space availability.
