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In the fall of 2008, children at Lakewood Montessori enjoyed the opening of the new school library.  The event was highly anticipated and would not have come to pass were it not for the tireless efforts of the Lakewood Montessori PTO.

 The library is named for Gwen Smith, a former teacher at the school.  When Gwen retired after 38 years of teaching, she donated her vast collection of books to the children of Lakewood Montessori.  Her donation was the beginning of a compilation that now boasts nearly 4,000 books.  
 
The library has a unique organization system that is specially designed to complement the Montessori curriculum.  This makes it easy for teachers and children to check out books that support classroom learning.  Consequently, the library and classroom work to support one another.  Besides curriculum areas, other sections include picture and board books, beginning readers, foreign language, and a sizable fiction section.  Additionally, there are extensive teacher resources, and a parent resource section.  
 
The library is always growing!  Teachers can request that certain books be purchased, and many families have donated good quality used books.  PTO Volunteers are on hand to check in and re-shelve books, as well as do book repair.  All children at Lakewood Montessori visit the library once a week during morning class time.  Each child is invited to choose a book to check out for a week at a time.  

Mary Clements
Lakewood Montessori, Boise, ID
 
 
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School history: founded in 2004, by Karen Dugmore and Mary Clements. The school has grown in response to community interest in Montessori education.

Programs available:  Pre-Primary classroom serves children ages 24-36 months.  Primary classrooms are multiaged, serving children ages 3-Kindergarten.  Classrooms are balanced by age and gender.  Summer Camp is available for elementary aged children, grades 1-3.

Teachers: Certified Montessori teachers in every classroom participate in continuing education classes yearly.  Assistant teachers are trained in Montessori philosophy and positive discipline techniques.

Classroom makeup:  Primary classrooms are multi-aged, ages 3-6.  Classes are balanced by age and gender.

Hours of operation:  
Morning Program        8:30-12:30
School Day Program        8:30-3:00    
Extended Day Childcare    (before school 7-8:30, after school 3-6)

Regular events/ traditions: 
Holiday Party - details >>
Global Picnic - details >>
Spring Party and Egg Hunt - details >>
Mother's Day Brunch - details >>
Breakfast with Dad - details >>


Enrichment classes:  Art, Kindermusic, and Spanish are offered weekly by qualified teachers to all Primary students.

Afterschool programs:  Electives are offered by private companies during extended day hours; see information in the entrance hall for more information.
School year:  September 1 through May 31

Summer programs:  June through August- Fun-filled summer days!  

Licensing:  Lakewood Montessori adheres to all requirements and codes of the City of Boise.

Field trips:  Kindergarteners benefit from monthly field trips. Occasionally on-site field trips are enjoyed by all students.

Lunch: Tuition is kept low by requiring all children to bring their own lunch.

Snacks:  Children take turns bringing morning snack to share with the group, afternoon snack is provided by Lakewood Montessori.

Nut policy:  Due to several severe peanut allergies, Lakewood Montessori is a peanut free school.

Parent involvement:  An active PTO provides classroom volunteers, art parents, reading parents, and help with school functions.  Participation is not mandatory, but can be very fulfilling and fun!

Tours and observations:  The optimum time to tour is in the morning, Monday-Thursday.  Call the office to schedule, 331-3888.

Enrollment:  approximately 112 students

Karen Dugmore and Mary Clements
Lakewood Montessori, Boise, Idaho