State representatives joined the Damariscotta Montessori School teachers, staff and students to inaugurate the school’s new addition in Nobleboro Friday morning.
Rural Rover, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development mascot, joined representatives from the USDA, the offices of Senator Olympia Snowe, Senator Susan Collins and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, 44 Degrees North architect Tor Glendinning, parents and children on the back lawn of the school on Oct. 30.
Executive Director Chip DeLorenzo helped two of the school’s children cut the ribbon strung between posts on the new addition after praise came from Congressional staff and others. Vera Rand, regional commercial officer for Camden National Bank, joined the architect, board members and Catalano Construction contractor Tom Catalano in remarks about the project.
Reading from a letter signed by Sen. Susan Collins, Collins staffer Bill Card said, “As the first accredited Montessori School in Maine, the Damariscotta Montessori School has a longstanding and proud tradition of teaching our young people by stimulating their curiosity and desire to learn, in a respectful and compassionate environment.”
A collaborative effort between the Camden National Bank and the USDA Rural Development provided direct and guaranteed funding through a community facility program.
According to the school website (www.damariscottamontessori.org), it has been accredited by the American Montessori Society. Their educational approach brings students of various ages together in a style of education DeLorenzo compares to the original one-room schoolhouse.
Flexibility in the curriculum allows for students to have individualized pacing in traditional courses like math and science, as well as in unique programs such as cultural studies and peace education.
