“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
In the same spirit, the importance of environmental consciousness and responsibility is woven into the children’s daily experiences at MINE, ME, & US Montessori School.
MINE, ME, & US strives to be green-centered in its philosophy, its approach, its practices, its curriculum, and its outreach.
“Character formation cannot be taught. It comes from experience and not from explanation.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
The children and teachers at MINE, ME, & US work together to create a deep respect for and honor of nature and our relationship with it. Being “Green” is a HABIT. The experience at MINE, ME, & US Montessori School for children, teachers, families and visitors is to participate in the habit being environmentally responsible.
This extends to their bodies as well, as in:
– An all organic and vegetarian menu
– All organic ointments (bug sprays, sun screens, etc.)
– The use of real forks, knives, spoons, and cups (not paper)*
– Cloth diapers
MINE, ME, & US Montessori School children and teachers engage in practices that are green-centered, like:
– Composting and recycling in every classroom
– Collecting water using rain buckets*
– Using recycled and up-cycled materials
At MINE, ME, & US Montessori School, our community is linked to the broader community in sustaining ways, for example:
– Supporting local farmer’s markets
Blacksburg Farmer’s Market
– Supporting local farms from CSAs and farmers market. We have CSA shares with
Den Hill Permaculture.
– Supporting local businesses (toy shops, natural food stores, etc.) We regularly support
Annie Kays Main Street Market
Our Daily Bread Bakery & Bistro
Blacksburg Bagels
Oasis World Market
Cafe Mekong
Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co.
Tuition also supports green-centered elements that are not seen, like: long-lasting light bulbs, automatic shut-off sinks and low-flow toilets, non-toxic paints throughout the building, low-energy appliances, green cleaning supplies for the entire school, green kitchen supplies, and leave room with lights out policies.*
“Children have an anxious concern for living beings, and the satisfaction of this instinct fills them with delight. It is therefore easy to interest them in taking care of plants and especially of animals. Nothing awakens foresight in a small child such as this. When he knows that animals have need of him, that little plants will dry up if he does not water them, he binds together with a new thread of love today’s passing moments with those of the morrow.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
The extensive and varied MINE, ME, & US Montessori School landscaping includes abundant daily opportunities to take care of plants, insects, and animals.
*MINE, ME & US Montessori School is relocating to 2470 Research Center Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060 in July 2017. The new school building and grounds will allow these initiatives to become a reality that is not possible in our current location.