By: Tammy Swanson (1/26/12)   People have complimented me on many things throughout my life: my intelligence, ability to abstract, and creativity, to name a few. Yet, I have never heard a soul utter praise as to my practicality, coordination, or common sense. In fact, I’ve heard the opposite: “Seriously, Tammy? Doing it this…

By: Cass Aitken (12/15/11) There are so many awe inspiring and mind blowing activities that go on in the Elementary building.  I have had the opportunity to witness a few (the Great Lessons, and the children’s oral presentations about their research), and I hear about many more from my two daughters.  Most of the…

By:  Fred Henrichs   (12/1/11) Since my next article for the Compass is not due until next April (which will be too late for most of you), I will use my space this time for my second annual discussion of a topic no one wants to think about until at least next month:  TAXES!!!  In…

By:  April Powell   (11/17/11) Recently, Sra. Anna wrote about “The Peace Vibe,” (www.oakhavenmontessori.net/why-oakhaven/the-peace-vibe/) which is an essential component (and, in fact, the goal) of Montessori education.  It is quite impressive how this is, indeed, a common factor of all true Montessori schools worldwide.  This really got me thinking: given the current condition of our…

By:  Anna Schwind   (11/3/11) A few days ago, my reality shifted.  On October 20, 2011, a man who had been the tyrannical ruler of Libya for longer than I have been conscious of countries and rulers was killed.  Throughout my life, Ghadafi was synonymous with Libya.  It was a fixed point, immutable.  But now…

By:  Judy Henrichs   (9/22/11) It still bugs me that the instruction booklet must have been thrown away inadvertently with the packaging in the delivery room when our daughter was born.  So here we were, new parents, fumbling through trying to help this precious life construct herself.  So we did what everyone else does who…

By:  Heather Brostron   (October, 2011) It is that time of year again when we wish to invite you as parents to come and observe in your child’s classroom.  As we are inviting you to come and observe, it seems to me that it might be helpful for you to have some ideas as to…

 By: Sarah Ortmann The other morning I sat quietly at the door and greeted the children with a handshake and a smile. Some children immediately chose their work while other children greeted their friends as they arrived. My eyes quickly focused on an older child who, after greeting me, walked over to the flower…

Baking With a Cause –OakHaven Children Host Bake Sale to Benefit Japan Relief WHEN:  Friday, April 8  from 8-9am and from 11am-4pm WHERE:   OakHaven Montessori School 7267 Highway N,  Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 HOW TO HELP: Donate baked goods, packaged and ready for sale by bringing them to the school office on Thursday, April 7….

By: April Powell After a long and busy school year, I think we’re all looking forward to the slower pace of the upcoming summer break.  Just as we are ready for a little break and some sunshine, so are the children.  Whether you’ll be enjoying the awesome summer program at OakHaven, off to another…