Montessori Radmoor School celebrates the beginning of its golden anniversary year with Founders’ Day on Friday, September 7, 2018. In a special program, the school will honor and recognize the contributions of the seven founding families with students, teachers, parents, alumni, and guests in attendance. Following the program, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held in the Radmoor Children’s Peace Garden to dedicate the installation of the Founders’ Pergola. Founders’ Day will conclude with a Cider Social hosted by Radmoor’s Parent Guardian Association.
Schedule
2:30 p.m. - Founders’ Day Program (Radmoor Gymnasium)
3:00 p.m. - Dedication of the Founders’ Pergola (Children’s Peace Garden)
3:15 p.m. - Cider Social (Elementary Playground)
Founding Families of Montessori Radmoor
Thomas and Barbara Astley
Leroy and Elizabeth Augenstein
John and Maxine Ferris
Samuel and Amelia Moore
Kenneth and Sarah Olsen
Louis and Karen Smith
George and Elizabeth Stranahan
BRIEF HISTORY
In May of 1968, seven founding families organized and led the effort to introduce Montessori education to the greater Lansing community. Originally coined the “Children’s House,” the school first opened its doors on September 4, 1968 in rented quarters at Okemos Community Church. This first class was led by directress (or teacher) Alice Hummel and comprised of 18 preschool-aged children. The following year, the school relocated to St. John’s East in East Lansing until the school found its current home on Mount Hope Road.
With the Board’s vision for expansion, land was purchased on Mount Hope Road in 1974. Construction commenced, and the school officially began classes in the new building on January 5, 1976. Since the initial construction, additions to the original structure have included elementary and toddler classrooms, a gymnasium, greenhouse, playgrounds, trails, and parking lot. In Spring of 2017 work on the Children’s Peace Garden, a new outdoor space, was constructed in recognition and honor of the 25 years of service given by Susie Hyatt, Head of School.
Originally incorporated as Michigan Montessori Internationale, the school adopted the name Okemos Montessori Radmoor in 1982 to honor the contributions of Board members Lila Radway and Pat Moore. In 2005 the school became known as Montessori Radmoor.
OTHER 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Montessori Radmoor will host several events throughout the academic year.
- 50th Anniversary Golden Gala - Saturday, September 29, 5:30-10:00 p.m. (University Club of MSU)
- 6th Annual Race for Radmoor - Sunday, September 30, 3:00 p.m. (Radmoor)
- Montessori Education Week - February 24-March 2, 2019
- Year-End-Picnic & Alumni Open House - Friday, June 7, 2019 (Radmoor)
Alumni are encouraged to check the website or contact the school regarding upcoming events and activities. For more information about Montessori Radmoor School or the Montessori curriculum, please contact Susie Hyatt, Head of School at (517) 351-3655 or visit www.montessoriradmoor.org
