Oxford's Magnolia Montessori School Hosts Annual Fundraiser

Oxford’s Magnolia Montessori school will be hosting its annual Oh, What a Night of Dreaming fundraiser tomorrow night at the Powerhouse in efforts to continue to fund the Montessori educational program and success of the school.

“It’s a way to raise money for our operating costs as well as celebrating our successes, engaging with the community and planning growth for the future,” Executive Director Margaret Seicshnaydre said.
This is the school’s fifth year to host a spring fundraiser. It’s the biggest one the school has put on thus far, Seicshnaydre said. Parent volunteers Anne Rhodes, Courtney Berry, Brooke Bridge and their team of parent helpers have been preparing for the event.
Fundraising is essential for the school’s operating costs such as teacher salaries, school materials and the growth of the school, Seicshnaydre said. The money raised will also help with new building structures and new teacher training.
The school raised over $25,000 last year and is hoping to replicate the success again this year. The event will host Jared Spears and The Cakewalkers as musical entertainment. The master of ceremonies will be conducted by Rory Ledbetter. Local restaurants Saint Leo, Ravine and The Neon Pig will provide food along with an open craft cocktail bar.
Attendees will have a chance to win $3,000 in a drawdown, which is a reverse raffle. There will also be various items for auction, which will include a weekend at The Chancellor’s House, artwork by Sonny Strauss and Debra Myers and a tailgate package.
The Montessori school was founded in 2009 as Plein Air Montessori in Taylor, Mississippi. The school’s growth led it to become a non-profit corporation and was later moved to its current location on College Hill Road in 2014.
Montessori education is a child-centered approach to learning that is deeply rooted in neuroscience.The Montessori method ensures that children meet their full potential cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically, and this model results in life-long learners who are self-reliant, confident and collaborative problem solvers, Seicshnaydre said.
“There’s a tremendous demand for high-quality, early childhood education in Oxford,” Seicshnaydre said. “We hope to expand our programming in the near future so that we can better meet the needs of the community.”
The event will be from 7-10 p.m. at the Powerhouse Friday, March 23. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased here. 

By Talbert Toole, associate editor of HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com.