Work. . .

I am fresh from another "Work Day" at Sun Grove Montessori School and it never ceases to amaze me how gathering for a common purpose can bring people together.  There is a certain bond that comes from not only gathering, but laboring together.

Over the years I've come to appreciate all the different types of adult volunteers.  We require 20 hours of annual service from each family so many are working for those hours, but I am particularly struck by how many grandparents and extended family members participate.  I also hear time and time again that people feel community work like this is a rare occurrence.

While working there are always volunteers who see what needs to be done and quietly do it.  There are others who look for direction and gladly go where needed.  Some bring special energy and enthusiasm that motivates when things get difficult and then there are those move back and forth between roles.

Every person with their own talents and gifts make the work a bit more tolerable and I can't help but relate this to the larger goals as we role model and teach our children.  That working together is sometimes better than working alone.  While everyone doesn't contribute the same thing or in the same way, everyone contributes.  That sometimes the best laid plans need flexibility.  That there is satisfaction in working for the greater good and in a job well done!

This type of work allows us to keep tuition down and I am really glad that work days are part of our school culture.  On this particular work day we had parents, grandparents, an aunt, and an alumni who attended Sun Grove Montessori School many years ago.  If it weren't for the work, sweat and labor of those who came before and had the vision, Sun Grove Montessori School might not be here today!