Westside schools: Montessori night at Buena Vista; Ivywild knitters seek help

       Parents interested in a Montessori education for their children are invited to attend an informational meeting Thursday, March 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Buena Vista Elementary School, 1620 West Bijou.
       This school year, Buena Vista added two Montessori classrooms, one preschool/ kindergarten (ages 3-6) and one lower elementary (ages 6-9). The school still has one traditional class at each grade level; however, over the coming years there will be more Montessori classrooms and fewer traditional classrooms until all of Buena Vista offers the Montessori method, according to the school.
       During school year 2005-06, Buena Vista will offer Montessori preschool half-days and full days and kindergarten full days, as well as classes for ages 6-9 and 9-12.
       There are costs for the preschool and kindergarten Montessori classes. Tuition scholarships are available for neighborhood families who qualify.
       For more information, call the school at 328-4100 or go to the website: www.d11.org/buenavista/montessori.
      
       A before-school knitting/crocheting club has started meeting twice a week at Ivywild School (grades K-8).
       Sponsored by staff members, the group has become more popular than expected, with about 30 students taking part, and even working on their projects during lunch.
       Because of the unexpectedly high amount of interest in Ivywild is asking for donations from the public of yarn, crochet hooks and knitting needles.
       “It would be most helpful to our students,” said school staff member Marilyn Eggleston. “I would also be willing to pick up any donations.”
       For more information, call Ivywild School at 328-4300.
       Two students each from Coronado and Bijou high schools are scheduled to attend the Student Legislative Education Day Friday, Feb. 25 at the Capitol building in Denver.
       From Coronado will be Julian Ciampa and Susan Knoeckel. From Bijou will be Aaron Holloway and Dakota Olachea.
       They will be among students from high schools across the state who will be meeting state legislators, participating in mock- committee hearings and watching floor debates.
      
       Jackson Elementary plans to install a traverse climbing wall. P.E. teacher Robert Morris writes in the school newsletter, “This 8-foot high, 28-foot long wall should be installed in the gym before the end of the school year.”
       The cost is being paid with $1,000 each from Jackson Boosters and District 11, plus $300 for the tarp covering and other accessories.
       Such walls are used to teach youngsters safe rock climbing at lower heights.
      
       Ivywild School will conduct its annual Dr. Seuss Read-a-Thon the morning of Tuesday, March 1, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., in celebration of the birthday of the late, popular children's author. There will also be an evening activity for students and parents, beginning at 6 p.m. with dinner.
      
       A week ahead of Seuss' birthday, Howbert Elementary will have an all-day “Hooked on Books” event Friday, Feb. 25. During the day, local readers from different walks of life will read to the students, according to Howbert librarian Leanne Graves. These will include a World War II veteran, the Independence Institute (serving disabled people), Pikes Peak Library District, a radio station employee, former hockey players, police officers and some former teachers. There will also be a local illustrator and a Dr. Seuss-related show by Performing Arts for Youth Organization (PAYO).

Westside Pioneer article/press releases