Thank you

Montessori Life, Spring 2003 by Pendleton, Marie

PUTTING OUR HEADS TOGETHER

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the heads of schools for electing me to serve on the board of directors of the AMS. I've had a very interesting and enlightening 4 years in service to you. I enjoyed getting to know the leadership of the AMS and the privilege of participating in the interviewing and hiring of our new executive director, Eileen Ast.

My main goal was to set in place the opportunity for networking among heads of schools. I hope that I have succeeded in some small way through these activities::

* working with Bob Bates to encourage participation on our Heads Section Bulletin Board, as we've had needs and questions;

* getting information out to heads on a monthly basis through our AMS director's monthly online newsletters;

* hosting workshops at many of the seminars I attended, using the Open Space forum to encourage Heads to share information with one another;

* sharing information via this column from the discussions with heads at conferences, to widen the circle of those we have been able to assist; working with the very talented Penny Cichucki as she organized a wonderful Heads of Schools retreat in 2002;

* answering literally hundreds of questions via email and the telephone!

I started my service to you with a capital campaign running at my own school for a new addition and complete it as we kick off the next campaign and addition. I wish you all well as you continue to lead your schools. You have my gratitude and thanks.

MARIE PENDLETON, outgoing chair of the AMS Heads Section, heads the Montessori School of Bowling Green, OH, and teaches in MTEI/Bowling Green.