The Cobb School, Montessori in Simsbury has been under construction since its first day of summer break. Three projects at the school were simultaneously launched in June, and now all three are on target for completion by the end of August.
On September 4th The Cobb School will welcome both its Upper Elementary students and Young Children’s Community into brand new classrooms. The Upper Elementary has moved into two renovated spaces in the former gymnasium, creating for the first time in the history of the school two Upper Elementary sections and a science lab. This move has made room for a second Young Children’s Community, serving toddlers, as well as a Parent Infant Room, which will hold classes for new parents and their babies.
The Upper Elementary, serving grades 4 through 6, will be led by two experienced Montessorians, Mark Hilsdon and Johnnie Denton, as well as accomplished scientist and naturalist Barbara Friedland. Mark Hilsdon, who has taught Primary, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary in both public and private Montessori schools for two decades, returns to Cobb this September. Joining Mark is Johnnie Denton, recently moving to Simsbury from Austin, Texas to assume the second Upper Elementary position. She brings with her over 30 years of experience as a Montessori Elementary teacher, as well as Program Coordinator and Division Head. She has presented at Montessori conferences and has been published in Montessori journals all over the country. Barbara Friedland, a Granby resident and President of the Simsbury Grange, returns to Cobb to serve as science teacher, gardener, chef, naturalist and classroom assistant.
Cobb’s beloved Primary teacher Lhamo Pemba, hailing from Darjeeling, India and Montessori-trained in ages 0-6, will assume the role of Young Children’s Community teacher and will lead Cobb’s first ever all-day toddler class. Lhamo joins Director of the YCC, Sheryl MacInnis, to pilot a new program that will guide toddlers through their work, play, rest and practical life skills, such as food preparation, dressing and toileting, until 3:15pm, 4:30pm or 5:30pm. The Young Children’s Community educates children 15 months through age 3 in a nurturing, home-like environment that follows the child, according to the Montessori philosophy.
Stepping into Lhamo Pemba’s Primary shoes will be Kimberly Huot. Kimberly was Montessori-trained for ages 3-6 at the Montessori Training Center of Hartford and has worked in both private and public Montessori schools in the Greater Hartford area as well as in Simsbury and Granby public schools. The Cobb School looks forward to this wonderful, new addition to its staff.
Saws are buzzing at The Cobb School. New cabinetry, new appliances, new flooring, new windows and new doors are being fitted as the contractors roll toward the finish.
And new students are always welcome to apply. Prospective parents should contact Sallie Ann Jacobs at 860-658-1144 ext 107 to inquire about availability and to schedule a tour.
In 1974 The Cobb School, Montessori began with 9 students. On September 4th it will house 9 classrooms. Such growth is evidence of the Montessori movement and says so much about a small school in a small town in a big world. Call today.
