Magnolia Montessori School Hosts Spring Fundraiser at Powerhouse

Magnolia Montessori School

Spring is a season of renewal as bright greenery replaces the wintry grey. This season seems to be more than just flowers however as the Magnolia Montessori School hosts its second annual spring fundraiser tomorrow night at the Powerhouse to rejuvenate school materials and help the school expand its curriculum beyond the classroom.

Anne Rhodes, Magnolia Montessori Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President, said the auction proceeds are used to replace worn classroom materials and buy new materials for the school’s growing student body. The fundraising will also help the students and teachers go beyond routine classroom learning. The auction also holds even more potential for the Montessori school.

The joint elementary and primary schools project: the garden. (Photo courtesy of Magnolia Montessori School)

She said, “For example, our children garden, care of for animals and attend field trips. Aside from helping us fill a gap that tuition alone simply cannot cover, the auction gives us a chance to mingle with Oxford. New and prospective families have a chance to meet our current families and teachers. Of course we encourage anyone interested in a Montessori education to contact the school and schedule a visit, but meeting the parents with whom your child will attend school is wonderful.”

The Magnolia Montessori School, located on College Hill Road, follows late Dr. Maria Montessori who theorized that children have an immense capacity for learning, enjoy concentrating on work and are capable of inner discipline.

Children enjoying outdoors (courtesy of Magnolia Montessori School)

Her theory: “The Method of the Child” is based on a lifetime of scientific study and observation of children’s natural behavior all over the world. The school observes this method by allowing the children to move freely in a carefully ordered, prepared environment with practical, hands-on things that help teachers encourage active learning through self-directed discovery and repetition. More about the educational interpretation of the theory can be read here.

The school will be helped out by many in Oxford. Erin Abbott Kirkpatrick of Amelia Presents is one of them.

“Working with such a strong parent association is such a blessing. Seeing a group of parents come together and work so effortlessly with one another is wonderful, knowing we are all working for the same cause and that’s to bring awareness of Montessori education in the Oxford community,” said Erin Abbott Kirkpatrick

The businesses in Oxford donated a lot of items to be featured in the live and silent auctions: vacation packages, yoga sessions and gift certificates to local stores and restaurants as well as tailgating packages.

The Montessori children also contributed to the auction. “Each class has participated in making an item that will be in our live auction,” said Rhodes.

Round Table will provide the drinks, and catering will be provided by the school’s own Sarah and Adam Griffith whose lunches are popular with the Montessori children.

“Even our most ‘selective’ eaters enjoy her meals,” said Rhodes.

Greater Pyrenees, headed by guitarist Sean Kirkpatrick who spent a decade with the Colour Revolt, will be there. You can listen to a sample here. The Cakewalkers will also be playing that night!

For those who aren’t familiar with the Oxonian band can enjoy a quick listen here below, courtesy of Wayne Irby.

Thacker Mountain’s own Jim Dees will also be there!

The cost to attend the fun night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Powerhouse is $25, and the tickets are found either at Amelia Presents or online here.

Callie Daniels is a staff reporter for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.