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Events: Saturday
Events: Sunday

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 Saturday

Saturday, 7 AM – 1:30 PM
Registration


Saturday, 7 – 8:15 AM
Heads of Schools Networking Session

Marge Ellison, Facilitator
Administrators won’t want to miss this opportunity to seek camaraderie and support through the shared stories, practical information, and insights of their colleagues, who likely face professional situations similar to their own. After brief introductions, school leaders will divide into smaller groups, according to school size and type, to discuss topics of interest determined by the group. Heads are also invited to continue the networking experience with Continuing the Conversation: The Head of School’s Role in Creating and Maintaining Organizational Stability (Session 7). (ADM)


Saturday, 7 – 8:30 AM
Coffee & Tea


Saturday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Exhibit Hall Open

Come explore an enticing assortment of high-quality Montessori materials, classroom furniture, gift items, and more.


Saturday, 8:30 - 10 AM
Workshops: Session 4

The letters following each workshop description indicate target interest group(s):

I&T (Infant & Toddler) • EC (Early Childhood) • EL (Elementary) • SEC (Secondary) •
TE (Teacher Educators) • ADM (Heads & Administrators) • PUB (Public Schools) •
PAR (Parents) • ALL (All Audiences)

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: Taking Back Childhood
Nancy Carlsson-Paige

In just one generation, the experience of childhood has changed dramatically. Exposure to media and electronics, rampant consumerism, and overly structured school days are changing the day-to-day lives, and perhaps the long-term development, of children. Don’t miss this vital conversation about the ways these societal trends are impacting childhood and how we can counteract these challenges to restore childhood to the best it can be. Sponsored by Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. (ALL)

Upper Elementary Curriculum Planning
Christina M. Allen
The “prepared environment” often translates to the “prepared teacher”—your thoughtful organization gives your children the freedom to learn. If you are struggling to keep on top of it all, come discover how history, science, and grammar can be taught through a cyclical, three-year spiraled curriculum that leaves space for individual math and language instruction. Be prepared to be inspired, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle it all! (EL, TE, PAR)

The American Montessori Model: Considerations of Culture and Innovation
Louise Bogart , Jerry Richmond , Nanette (Sheri) Schonleber
Over the past 40 years, the American Montessori model has moved beyond the continental United States to take root in Hawaii and Pacific Rim countries, including the Philippines, Japan, and the island kingdoms of Tahiti and Samoa. Through video, activities, and explorations of innovative programs, examine the role of culture in Montessori settings, the universal nature of childhood, and the interconnectedness of life. (EC, EL, TE, ADM, PUB)

New Findings in Public Montessori Research
Michelle Cutler , Paul Epstein
Explore the findings from recent research conducted in Laurens 55, a South Carolinian public school district offering Montessori programs since 1997. This presentation will compare the academic and social experiences of Montessori and non-Montessori students as well as significant performance data contrasting outcomes for Montessori students with their non-Montessori counterparts. (EC, EL, SEC, ADM, PUB, PAR)

Celebrating Rites of Passage, Montessori-Style
Marta Donahoe
At graduations and other rites of passage, how do we celebrate achievements and honor the dignity of each individual? Can we do this without giving awards that might value one person over another? This workshop will help Montessorians clarify the philosophical struggle over these celebrations so that we can move on to creative, inspirational, and truly joyous ideas for Montessori celebrations! (EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB)

Don’t Recognize the Washboard? Reexamining Practical Life for the 21st Century
Maria Kaminstein
In Maria Montessori’s time, classic Practical Life exercises, such as cloth washing or silver polishing, would have been immediately recognizable to children; today, they seem outdated. This session will reexamine the tenets of proper Practical Life—“real” work that fosters independence through sequenced activity, honing the child’s ability to care for self and others—and then identify appropriate updates to keep the materials relevant and attractive. (EC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)

Observation: The Foundation of Parent Communication
Kathryn Kolata , Mary MacIntosh
Observation is the cornerstone of Montessori teaching, and it is the key to effective parent communication, giving teachers a concrete tool to provide in-depth knowledge about each individual child. Join this review of the elements of effective communication: respect, active listening, trust, and humility, and learn how to use observational tools to establish an annual communication plan that reinforces the mutually supportive parent–teacher partnership required for student success. (I&T, EC, EL, ADM, PUB, PAR)

Earth Science for Every Age
Claudia Mann
Children of all ages love rocks and minerals. In this hands-on, experiential workshop, you will investigate geology and earth science principles and see how they connect to traditional Montessori Sensorial, Practical Life, and Great Lessons. You’ll also learn how to conduct simple, scientific tests using tools you already have. (EC, EL, SEC, TE, PUB, PAR)

Maintaining Authenticity in 21st-Century Children
Sonnie McFarland
What is the nature of the authentic child? This inspiring session will concretely examine how the child’s mind works and interfaces with the spirit; we’ll also explore Montessori philosophy and practices that affect self-construction and provide children guidance for a lifetime of authentic experience. (I&T, EC, EL, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)

Engaging Toddlers with the Project Approach
Nancy J. McNabb
The two-year-old is inquisitive and hungry for information. The Project Approach capitalizes on these inherent qualities to help children choose, explore, and engage in various topics using Montessori principles. Come explore the differences between the Project Approach and themes, centers, and units, and see how these projects help toddlers gain confidence and enthusiasm for learning. (I&T)

Brand Communications and Successful Marketing
Andrea Naddaff
What is your school’s identity? What are its unique features and benefits? Most importantly, how would the various constituents in your community answer the above questions? With rising tuitions and increased competition, schools need to present a concise, compelling, and consistent message. Examine both traditional and new marketing tools, including social media, that will help you hone and project an accurate, positive image. (ADM)

Authentic Montessori
Celma Pinho Perry
Join the AMS 2005 Living Legacy, Celma Pinho Perry, for an in-depth examination of the key elements of an authentic Montessori program. Learn how to create the ideal Montessori environment in your own school, with emphasis on the dimensions of leadership, the rituals of relationships, and the art of awareness and responsibility. (ALL)

Montessori Comes to America: The Leadership of Maria Montessori and Nancy McCormick Rambusch
Phyllis Povell
Celebrate AMS’s 50th anniversary with this look back at the history of the Montessori movement in America, from the beginning of the 20th century through the Montessori rebirth during the mid-1950s. This interactive presentation will emphasize women’s leadership, particularly that of Maria Montessori and AMS founder Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambusch. (ALL)

Essentials for New Montessori Administrators
Ginny Riga
When educators with little or no Montessori background are appointed to lead a Montessori program, an understanding of the Montessori philosophy and method is critical to effective leadership. This session will examine the basics of the role of a Montessori leader; provide specific strategies, including a classroom observation tool, for immediate use; and offer resources for further professional development for administrators. (EC, EL, ADM, PUB)

I'm Bored!
Biff Maier
How many times have we heard a talented underachiever cry, “I’m bored!”? It can be hard to know how to respond. Come discuss the causes of habitual boredom, how to avoid it, and strategies for resurrecting motivation, including inventive thinking, dynamic collaboration, and creative activities. (EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)


Saturday, 10:30 AMNOON
Stephanie Pace Marshall: Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambusch Lecture

Transforming Minds: Re-Imagining Learning and Schooling for the 21st Century

The cornerstone of Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall’s work is the recognition that “mind-shaping is world-shaping” and that our capacity to impact our world emerges from the nature and quality of how we think and how our minds are asked to learn. Dr. Marshall’s life-long commitment has been to engage individuals, institutions, and systems in recognizing that education is a moral enterprise and its fundamental purpose is to transform minds by igniting and nurturing the goodness, genius, and unknowable potentials within each child to advance the human condition.

Montessorians understand the importance of immersing children in holistic learning environments that enable them to become fearless, self-directed learners with a fluent command of the tools needed for thoughtful inquiry and innovation, complex and creative problem-finding and -solving, and ethical action in the world. Key to this educational empowerment is the teacher’s clear understanding of the broad global challenges facing children in the 21st century.

In this powerful presentation, Dr. Marshall will offer a “new” story, map, and landscape for re-imagining how we ask our children to learn and will illuminate the habits of mind needed to create a just and sustainable world for all.

Stephanie Pace Marshall, PhD, is founding president and president emerita of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. Internationally recognized for her innovative, life-affirming ideas on leadership, learning, and talent development, Dr. Marshall has worked in every level of education, from elementary to graduate school to superintendent of schools.

Marshall’s book The Power to Transform: Leadership that Brings Learning and Schooling to Life, received the 2007 Educator’s Award from The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She served as an editor and author of Scientific Literacy for the 21st Century and was a contributing advisor to the National Academy of Science’s Learning and Understanding: Improving Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science in U. S. High Schools. She is featured in the book Leaders Who Dare: Pushing the Boundaries by Linda Lyman, Dianne Ashby, and Jenny Tripses, and she inspired the main character of Smart Alex, an empowering young adult novel by Ellen Langas Campbell.

A member of both the State of the World Forum (at the invitation of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev) and the Clinton Global Initiative (at the invitation of former U.S. President Bill Clinton), Dr. Marshall is a fellow of England’s Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers, and Commerce. She serves on numerous boards including the Queen Noor Foundation in Amman, Jordan; the Society for Science and the Public; Games for Change; and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology’s FutureMinds: Transforming American School Systems. Dr. Marshall is an advisor to many organizations including the Thornburg Center for Space Exploration and the American Psychological Association’s Study of Impact of Specialized Public High Schools of Science, Mathematics, and Technology.

Her past positions include founding president of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, and president of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Among Dr. Marshall’s many honors are recognition by the National Association of School Boards as one of North America’s “100 Top School Executives;” the Woman Extraordinaire Award from the International Women’s Association; the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from the Boy Scouts of America; and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Loyola University of Chicago. She has been recognized by the Chicago Sun Times as one of the ten most powerful women in education, is an inductee of the Illinois Hall of Fame, and is a recipient of the Pioneer Award from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and the Damen Award from the Graduate School of Loyola University. In 2005, Dr. Marshall was named a laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, the state’s highest award for achievement that “contributes to the betterment of mankind.”

Photo: Feltes


Saturday, NOON - 1:30 PM
Lunch Break

Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall and the AMS Hub.


Saturday, 12:15 - 1:15 PM
Teachers Networking Session

Heidi Larson, Facilitator
Teachers! Do you have a question you have always wanted to ask regarding the classroom? This is your opportunity to draw on the wisdom of AMS 2010 Living Legacy Judi Bauerlein, who was first introduced to Montessori education 50 years ago, as well as that of your other Montessori colleagues. In a roundtable environment, easels will be displayed to voice your specific question. Please bring a bag lunch to this informal and collaborative networking experience. (I&T, EC, EL, SEC, PUB)


Saturday, 1:30 – 3 PM
Workshops: Session 5

The letters following each workshop description indicate target interest group(s):

I&T (Infant & Toddler) • EC (Early Childhood) • EL (Elementary) • SEC (Secondary) •
TE (Teacher Educators) • ADM (Heads & Administrators) • PUB (Public Schools) •
PAR (Parents) • ALL (All Audiences)

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: Our Water, Our World: Bringing the Ocean Into the Montessori Classroom
Deborah Cramer

In discovery upon discovery, science is revealing countless ways in which all forms of life, including humans, depend on the sea. While the ocean has always provided sustenance for us, we now hold its future in our hands. Enhance your understanding of the pivotal connections between humans and the ocean that naturally dovetail with the different levels and disciplines of Montessori’s holistic curriculum. Shedding new light on the significance of the sea in our lives, this presentation, followed by a panel discussion with Montessori teachers and curriculum experts, will equip teachers to enrich Montessori cosmic education with cutting-edge ocean science; to incorporate the critical role of the sea in filling the fundamental needs of humans; to apply current research to the “big picture” view of evolution, essential to every Montessori elementary classroom; to fill the large empty space before the fossil record; and to knit the ocean’s growth into an evolutionary understanding of contemporary geologic time. Sponsored by Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. (ALL)

Research in the Montessori Classroom
Janet Bagby , Kathryn Carey , Carolyn J. Daoust , Linda S. Zankowsky
Montessori teachers model and experience exemplary learning on a daily basis: why not gather data to solve instructional challenges or to lend support to the promotion of Montessori? In this session, the AMS Research Committee will present the basics of research design and provide resources for ongoing support in understanding and conducting research. (I&T, EC, EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB)

Why Phonics Isn’t Enough: The Importance of a Balanced Literacy Program
Marlene Barron
There’s so much more to reading and writing than phonics! This session will look at modern literacy research from a Montessori perspective and identify instructional practices, including literacy- and print-rich physical environments and focused oral reading, as well as enhanced activities, such as storybook extensions and dramatic play, that best support emerging readers and writers. (I&T, EC, EL, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)

An Open Forum with AMS Elders
Moderated by John Blessington
Share a backward glance at the first 50 years of AMS with a panel of veteran Montessori storytellers. Connect the past to the present through recollections of the great joys—and the travails—of the work of firmly establishing Montessori in this country. By providing an understanding of the long road traveled, this unscripted forum will illuminate issues on the path ahead, providing inspiration as well as certain laughter. (ALL)

The Second Half of the Second Plane: Meeting the Developmental Needs of the Upper Elementary Child
Robyn Breiman , Sheila Reed
Upper elementary programs can get caught between the competing concerns of lower elementary and middle school. In this discussion of essential academic, social, and emotional components of a strong and successful upper elementary experience, learn how to maintain the integrity of a program based on the developmental characteristics of the “tween-ager.” (EL, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)

AMS School Accreditation Q & A
Marie Conti , Joanne Oh
Are you thinking about beginning, or are you midway through, the AMS school accreditation process? Are you preparing for reaccreditation? This is your opportunity to ask questions of AMS accreditation staff and school accreditation commissioners. Registrants will be contacted beforehand to schedule a 15-minute, one-on-one Q & A session; you may also purchase an accreditation information packet at this time. Note: If your school is currently MSAC-accredited, please attend the workshop specifically for MSAC schools (Session 2). (ADM, PUB)

The Arc of Cosmic Education
Gary Davidson
Explore the theory and implementation of Cosmic Education with beautiful visual examples and direct, practical applications for elementary children and beyond. Whether you are looking for an introduction to Cosmic Education or are in need of exciting new materials to refresh your Great Lessons, don’t miss this thoughtful exploration of a fundamental Montessori concept. (ALL)

Talking the Talk: Business Language for Effective School Management
Thomas M. Evans
As any school leader knows, schools are highly complex enterprises, and daily issues, such as budget, facilities, image, student and faculty behavior, and human resources, would give any corporate CEO a run for their money. This session will articulate school activity in business terms, such as “risk management,” so that your business-oriented board members can better understand what really happens—and their appropriate roles—in the daily life of your school. (TE, ADM, PAR)

Examining the World through Art
Dawn Fastiggi , Evan Clayton Horback
Art experiences are a major Practical Life activity in the elementary environment. In this engaging session, discover how to open your students’ eyes to the art around and within them with a cornucopia of hands-on, classroom art projects. Explore an art history time line to add geographical and cultural context to the study of art, and, from there, get ready to roll up your sleeves and play with pattern, color mixing, painting, and printing activities, as time allows. (EC, EL, SEC, TE, PUB, PAR)

Public Policy: The Movement for Universal Pre-K
Anna Perry
Is support for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) growing or waning? Hear about state-funded early childhood initiatives occurring around the country, and examine how the Montessori movement can become a stronger participant in this national dialogue. Resources for advocating for UPK in your own state as well as allies to help you in the cause will be provided. (I&T, EC, TE, ADM, PUB)

Great Musical Lessons and Why They Work
Larry Schanker
In this interactive session, experience five tried-and-true musical lessons: the science of sound, the musical lexicon, the shape of music, exploring our music selves, and the beat goes on and on and on. Through discussing why these lessons are so successful, you will discover a set of best practices for all Montessori teachers, with or without musical training, to fulfill the role of “transmitters of the largesse of music” to children. (EC, EL, SEC)

Best Practices for Infants and Toddlers: Integrating Montessori and “RIE”
Barbara Shuman
Magda Gerber’s Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) approach, which is based on respectful interactions between the child and his or her teachers, parents, and other caregivers, is a natural complement to the Montessori infant and toddler environment. Gain an understanding of how these two approaches work in synchrony to benefit children and families, and learn how to integrate the practical tools of RIE into your Montessori setting. (I&T, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)

3-D Geometry
Aniceta Skowron
Learn how to ignite enthusiasm for geometry and nurture skills for spatial thinking in this hands-on workshop, where you’ll build and examine nature’s favorite shapes. Take a closer look at symmetric solids, which have inspired artists, engineers, and scientists for centuries, and see how they will inspire you and your students, too! (EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)

Facilitating Learning for At-Risk and Learning Different Children, Part 1
Debbie Edwards , Amy Kelton
This two-part workshop will continue the work of Joyce S. Pickering’s seminar, Helping the At-Risk or Learning Different Child (Pre-Conference). Dr. Pickering’s colleagues will offer a thorough analysis of the needs of the learning disabled child and specific considerations for presenting Practical Life, Sensorial, and Montessori math activities to meet these needs. You’ll also learn how to help the at-risk or learning different child develop an effective individual work cycle and the self-discipline to successfully navigate the Montessori classroom environment. Continued in Session 6. (ALL)


Saturday, 3 - 5 PM
Silent Auction Preview

Enjoy a peek at the array of fabulous auction items before bidding begins at 5 PM.


Saturday, 3:30 – 5 PM
Workshops: Session 6

The letters following each workshop description indicate target interest group(s):

I&T (Infant & Toddler) • EC (Early Childhood) • EL (Elementary) • SEC (Secondary) •
TE (Teacher Educators) • ADM (Heads & Administrators) • PUB (Public Schools) •
PAR (Parents) • ALL (All Audiences)

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: Understanding the Reading Brain
Maryanne Wolf

How does the brain “learn” to read? By exploring the neurological science behind the brain’s remarkable ability to store, retrieve, and analyze the components of written language, we can shed new light on our understanding of each child’s developmental processes as he or she tackles the cultural phenomenon of decoding and achieving reading fluency. This revelatory session will discuss the implications of what we know about brain science on how we teach our students, including those with learning impediments, such as dyslexia and other processing disorders. Sponsored by Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. (ALL)

The Impact of Environment on Executive Functioning
Janet Bagby , Lucy Barnard-Brak , Tracey Sulak
Positive academic outcomes are often associated with strong executive function—the cognitive processes that guide, direct, and manage thinking. In this workshop, you will learn about a recent research study comparing Montessori and non-Montessori settings and how different environments may enhance students’ executive functions. (EL, TE, ADM, PUB)

Using Inquiry to Deepen the Elementary Math Experience  (Cancelled)
Teresa A. Behan
Thoughtful, open-ended questions about mathematics foster critical thinking and encourage students to make deep mathematical connections. This session will discuss how Montessori teachers can enhance students’ interactions with the math materials through this kind of questioning; we will also look at correlating Montessori math work to state standards. (EL, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)


Open Hearts, Open Minds: LGBT Issues in the Montessori Community
Misse Carolan , Nancy M. Rose
Montessorians have always been dedicated to providing safe and nurturing environments for all individuals; the gay, lesbian, and transgendered members of our communities require nothing less. This workshop will provide insights, information, and an opportunity to safely explore a sometimes sensitive issue. (ALL)

Authentic Montessori: The Critical Elements of Adolescent Programs
Penny HildeBrandt Cichucki , Betsy Coe , Marta Donahoe
Within a broad range of possibilities, there are some essentials to maintaining the integrity of the Montessori environment for older students. In both large and small breakout groups, three veteran founders of successful public and private programs for adolescents will share the key components that authenticate the Montessori experience for this age group. (SEC, TE, ADM, PUB)

Lesson Planning in the Montessori Elementary School
Michael J. Dorer
Who needs lesson plans, anyway? Well, if you want to cover the entire curriculum and be prepared every day, you do! In this detailed, practical workshop, you will learn how to incorporate higher order thinking skills, opportunities for choice, and appropriate follow-up work into a sound, thorough approach to classroom planning. You’ll leave with a template and all the other support materials needed for successful planning and record keeping. (EL, ADM, PUB)

Building—and Keeping—a Healthy Board
Robert Fricker , Dane Peters
A healthy board of trustees requires constant care and attention; taken for granted, even a great board will become ineffective. Come examine the critical elements of productive boards: the relationship of the trustees to school leadership, the utilization of professional resources, and the internal structure of the board itself. Through case studies and group participation, you will leave with a solid understanding of best practices and the tools to achieve them. (ADM)

Betwixt and Between: Toddler or Early Childhood?
Anita Gerner , Eugenia Gomez-Escobar , Lisa Van Horne
How can we best serve children growing out of toddlerhood? Where does a child of two years and ten months belong? In this discussion of strategies to address this particular developmental phase, learn about one school’s “Transition” program, its successes and challenges, and multiyear student tracking data that has helped shape the program’s philosophy. (I&T, EC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR)

Rhythm Band Jam!
Frank Leto
This session will leave plenty of time for playful experimentation . . . but first, the basics! Come get familiar with tambourines, triangles, rhythm sticks, maracas, hand drums, and cymbals, and explore a step-by-step curriculum, moving from ear training to more challenging activities. You will leave with the confidence to bring a rhythm band into your classroom and onstage for performances. (EC, TE, PUB)

Thrills and Chills: Montessori Leadership
Kathy L. Roemer , Marilyn E. Stewart
Do you have what it takes to be a leader in your school? What about a leader within AMS? This session with the president and vice president of AMS (who are also heads of Montessori schools) will allow you to examine your personal potential through a frank discussion of the rewards and responsibilities of various opportunities for Montessori leadership. If you’ve been thinking about assuming a greater leadership role, this is a fantastic opportunity to take stock. (ALL)

Making Spelling Fun and Easy
Catherine Varkas
The rules of spelling are not arbitrary; there is logic behind the system! In this fascinating session, see Montessori-style, Orton-Gillingham–based writing activities that will reveal this logic and give students confidence—and a sense of fun—about spelling. (EL, SEC, TE)

The Invisible Work of Normalization with Young Children
Julia Volkman
How do we foster normalization? In this workshop, you will see how to link the fundamental needs of young children directly with specific work of the adults in both public and private early childhood environments. Come learn presentations and best practices that you can implement immediately to make concentration, love of work, independence, cooperation, and compassion as appealing as a hot fudge sundae! (I&T, EC, TE, PUB, PAR)

Facilitating Learning for At-Risk and Learning Different Children, Part 2
Debbie Edwards , Amy Kelton
Please see Session 5 for workshop description. (ALL)


Saturday, 5 – 7 PM
Social Hour & Silent Auction

It’s 1960, Greenwich, CT, and Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambusch and friends have just set up shop for the fledgling American Montessori Society. On the radio, Elvis is crooning “It’s Now or Never.” From The Drifters, to The Beatles, The Doors, and The Supremes, some of the best music of all time came out of the decade in which AMS was founded! Come listen to the soundtrack to the AMS movement at this casual, come-as-you-are social hour before you head off to the Golden Bead Gala or other later-in-the-evening adventures. (Love beads and dashikis are strictly optional.)

This relaxed event will also include an opportunity to view, bid on, and take home groovy Silent Auction treasures and experiences, such as classroom furniture, vacations, and handmade jewelry. All proceeds from the auction go directly to funding scholarships for aspiring Montessori teachers.

It’s the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Be there—or be square!


Saturday, 7:30 – 11 PM
Golden Bead Gala: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of AMS

Please join us in the Grand Ballroom of the Boston Marriott Copley Place to commemorate AMS’s history—and make history of your own! In celebration of our Golden Anniversary, we will be gathering for a “spirited” dinner to honor AMS founder, Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambusch, and other pioneers integral to the history of our organization. With a live band, dancing, and several surprises, we guarantee you an evening to remember. Proceeds from the Golden Bead Gala will benefit AMS services that promote and support research on Montessori education. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event!

Attire: Black tie optional.

Individual tickets: $250

For information about sponsorships, purchasing tables, and more, contact gala@amshq.org.