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History of The Community Roots School
One of the questions often asked at Community Roots is, “How did this school get started?” It was truly a grassroots movement. . .
The story began when parents in the Silverton community were introduced to the Montessori philosophy. The private elementary in a neighboring community closed and a small group of parents continued to dream big. Their idea was to have their children participate in a peaceful, child-centered educational system. Many parents in this small group embraced the Montessori philosophy but also struggled with the prospect of enrolling their children in private school for their elementary years. For other parents, they were very interested in the Montessori philosophy but private school was not an option for their families.
It seemed that there might be enough interest to have a local school in Silverton, but how? Through discussions about a shared passion for the Montessori philosophy and a desire to have a public school option, parents struck upon the charter school concept. After a few meetings over coffee it was decided that the concept should be explored with the other parents who were interested in a Montessori school in Silverton. A meeting at Home Place Restaurant was scheduled for December 2007. That was when the idea of Community Roots was hatched.
An application for a planning grant was submitted to the Oregon Department of Education in March 2008. In the spring of 2008, the Community Roots School was awarded a $55,000 planning grant. Along with that approval there was the potential for more than $100,000 for each of the next two years for the implementation of the school.
This planning grant funded many activities over the next year including: community meetings and outreach, consultation for the charter application to the school district, start-up materials for the school and recruiting. Over 1200 volunteer hours were needed to research, design and create a charter application. Support from other public charter Montessori schools including Ridgeline and Lewis and Clark was invaluable.
In November 2008, the founding members (now a team of twelve individuals) submitted their application for the charter to the Silver Falls School District Board.
The founding members are as follows: Bart Banks, Jacquie Curtis, Jennifer de Jong, Jennifer Kimball, Erika Lanning, Jennifer McCord, Matt Miller, Sarah Miller, Frank Petrik, Mandy Petrik, Jennifer Traeger and Miranda Traeger.
Some of the highlights of that first year:
- The charter contract was signed with the Silver Falls School District;
- Legal nonprofit status was achieved;
- A Board of Directors was established;
- Children were enrolled ;
- Two teachers were hired;
- A classroom’s worth of materials and furnishings were ordered and received;
- And the group moved into its site at Monitor School.
We are so happy to have traveled this road and have the interest and commitment of the families in our new community.
Mission Statement:
Rooted in our local community, we learn in an authentic Montessori environment, growing as conscientious and joyful learners, inspired to lead in the world community.
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CRS admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin. |
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