We help our young students become:

Blank

 

Self-Directed Learners

Children have a natural love for learning. At WSMS, we focus on helping children learn how to learn, so they become intrinsically motivated to do so, and retain their zest for knowledge throughout their lives.

Read more...
Flexible Thinkers

Developing the ability to think in a flexible way, and to adapt to one’s surroundings, was something Maria Montessori valued greatly: “The person who is developing freely and naturally arrives at a spiritual equilibrium, in which he is master of his actions, just as one who has acquired physical poise can move freely. When he is master of himself he is also flexible in his attitude towards others, and capable of adaptation to the wishes and requirements of others, and of ‘give and take.’ ”

Read more...
Creative Problem Solvers

Montessori children are natural and confident problem solvers. They are resourceful, and can come up with imaginative solutions that adults might not think of. Rather than try and mold the child to our adult way of thinking, we believe that he can arrive at informed decisions by using his own innate reasoning skills. As Maria Montessori said, “Leave the child free to make use of his powers and he will show himself capable of success.”

Read more...
Empathic Citizens

At WSMS, it is important to us that children grow to be confident, successful, and self-assured individuals, but equally important that they possess empathy and respect for others. Children who develop a social conscience, compassion for others, and a sense of responsibility towards others will change the world for the better, and we work every day to ensure that happens.

Read more...
Resilient Individuals

Every child experiences disappointment and failure as he learns and grows, but the way he is helped to respond to these difficult times is key. A resilient child looks at mistakes and disappointments as opportunities to learn, rather than setbacks, and as a result, he approaches life with enthusiasm and confidence. Building resilience is an important part of our work at WSMS.

Read more...
Governance and Organization

BOARD OF TRUSTEES


The primary responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to see that the School operates in the best interests of its students, teachers, and parents. The Board sets the purpose and policies of the School, ensures its financial stability, plans for its future, and hires the Head of School. The Head of School, Mimi Basso, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the School.

 

TRUSTEES: 2010-2011

Mimi Donohue Basso, Head of School
Liz Canino, Secretary
Marie M. Dugan
Alex Evans, Vice President
Jocelyn Gooding Smith
Chad Gifford
Charles Harkless, Vice President
Alex Jarislowsky
Faith Kewfi, PA Co-President
Jae Lee
Liz Lowy, Faculty Representative
Bryan Mazlish
Alicia Mc Gill
Mike McLaughlin
Renan Pierre
Raul Pineda, Treasurer
Alison Schwartz, PA Co-President
Alex Southwell, Vice President
Valda Witt, President


The Board meets approximately five times during the school year. There are generally eighteen Trustees. Fifteen are elected by parents and staff; they serve a three-year term with five positions filled each year. A Faculty Trustee is elected by the teachers for a two-year term. The Head of School and the PA President serve as Ex Officio Trustees. The Board also appoints additional members as needed.

Most of the Board's work is done by committee. Committees explore issues and develop recommendations for consideration and action by the Board:The Executive Committee consists of the officers of the Board and the Head of School. It provides guidance and makes decisions on matters requiring immediate action.

  • The Finance Committee is responsible for budgets, financial reports, and management of the School's finances.
  • The Development Committee develops and implements fund raising goals and campaigns.
  • The Communications Committee strengthens the communication outreach to parents and the broader community.
  • The Nominating Committee canvasses the School community to find potential candidates for Board vacancies and conducts the annual election of Trustees.
  • The Trustee Committee facilitates governance issues, recruits potential Trustees and is responsible for the Board and Head of School's evaluation processes.


Committee membership (except for Executive and Finance Committees) is not limited to members of the Board. Parents and teachers provide valuable help by their involvement in the work of the Board. Parents interested in serving on a committee should contact the President of the Board.

Any person desiring to bring a matter before the Board of Trustees should initially discuss it with the Head of School. If this cannot be done, it should be brought to the attention of the President of the Board of Trustees or to another member of the Executive Committee. It will then be the responsibility of the Executive Committee to see that the matter is given proper consideration. Only in very unusual circumstances are matters brought directly to the Board of Trustees without first being considered by the appropriate committee.
 
West Side Montessori School | 309 West 92nd Street | New York, New York 10025 | Phone: 212-662-8000 | Fax: 212-662-8323