Sunrise Montessori School
Thousands of children have graced our classrooms over the last three decades and we are proud of each and every one of them! We know that they are making a difference in the world. If you are an alum, please let us know what you are up to and we may include your information on this website.
Congratulations to past Sunrise students!
Benjamin O'Dwyer, Natalie Teague, and Eduardo Teixeira have been recognized for their academic achievement at Silverado Middle School. Read more...
A.J. Diakon, Mikaela Dow, Samantha Glasson, Grace O'Brien, Samantha Wakerlin, Elise Dorame-Martinez, and Julia Hynote have all received high honors at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Read more...
Alumni Christopher Singer (class of 2006) Makes His Mark on Sunrise
In pursuit of the highest rank in Scouting, that of an Eagle
Scout, Sunrise alumni (2006) Christopher Singer decided he wanted to help his former
school in some way. The project he
chose was to create a much-needed concrete patio behind the Mulberry classroom.
"I learned how to get everything organized and about all the variables you have to take into consideration for a project like this including the weather, people's time, the equipment, arranging for the materials, etc."
Not only did Christopher make all of the arrangements, but he also helped pour the concrete and finish it. "Now I can get my Eagle rank next Spring", said Christopher.
Sunrise thanks Christopher and his father, Mark Singer, for creating a lasting outdoor education area for the current and future generations of Sunrise students!
Three Sunrise Grads Become "Indians of the Year"
Sunrise Montessori would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Napa High School's "Indians of the Year" and Sunrise graduates Robert Wakerlin (9th grade), Joshua Bronk (10th grade) and Ariel Cohen (11th grade) and their families. Every year there are only two "Indians" selected from each grade by their counselors based on input from their teachers. The highest achievement that Napa High confers on its students, this honor goes to well-rounded students who achieve academically, are involved in school activities, and contribute to the community.
We had the pleasure of watching these three young people grow from toddlers to adolescents during their time at Sunrise. They are fine examples of what we strive for at our school -- students who have a love of learning and a desire to make a difference in the world around them.
Here are a few previous and current Sunrise students who have been in the news recently:
Congratulations to 2009 graduate, Samantha Wakerlin, who placed in the top three for her grade in Napa County for an essay she wrote about the Transcontinental Railroad for the Daughters of the American Revolution national essay contest!
Former student, Emily Meehan, was the 2008 Second Place Winner in the Annual Napa County Crop Report Art Contest.
Above and Beyond (Kate Rubins)
Napan awarded scholarship (Leah Ewald)
'Hatters third in tourney (AJ Diakon)
Brown's all set (Lindsay Brown)
ESPN honors Sonoma State star Brown (Lindsay Brown)
Indians' Souza up for High School Heisman Award (Tatum Souza)
Giovannoni, Souza earn Indians' top track honors (Tatum Souza)
High hopes for Napa spikers (Tatum Souza)
Napa High's Souza signs with UCLA for track and field (Tatum Souza)
We recently received these letters from Sunrise graduates --
When I
think of Sunrise,
and the years I have spent there, there's only one thing that happens. A bright
grin appears on my face and in my heart. I can never forget what Sunrise has done for me.
Everything about the school is just fantastic! They helped me grow and give me
the water and sunlight I needed, but let me bloom as my own flower and no one
else's. It's more than just a school, you get to know the teachers and become
close with them so that you have a great relationship with all of them. The way
everything is taught inspired me to always want to be my best and do the best
work I could. Sunrise
finds ways to teach you to have inner peace and outer peace with the people
around you. I was so honored to be a part of the Sunrise philosophy. There was never a time I
felt out of place or uncomfortable because the environment was so open and
loving. They let everyone express themselves and bring out the best in people. Sunrise has changed my
life for the better, it's taught me to always be the best I can be, and to
enjoy the things in life that truly do count.
I will always be thankful to have had Sunrise as a school, and a close-knit
community.
Love,
Nadia Kako (Class of 2007)
Dear Kathy,
As I've grown up and experienced different communities and cultures (whether it be public school, college, or new parts of the country and world) my appreciation for the Montessori culture has grown. The strong emphasis on cooperation and peer mediation, friendship and celebrating our individual differences produces children who are confident in themselves and trust each other. I know that Warren's and my Sunrise peers demonstrate a maturity that is beyond their years, and approach the world with compassion and responsibility. Perhaps this is romanticizing the point, but I believe a Montessori grad has a firm handshake and looks you straight in the eye.
I have been fortunate in having very good teachers and professors throughout my academic life. The biggest difference I can articulate between public school and Montessori school is that Montessori teachers consistently approach the curriculum with excitement and wonder. Classroom work isn't drudgery - it's fun.
Warren has told the following story so many times, and I think it demonstrates the teachers' attitude better than anything. One day in upper elementary Eric Haugen had trouble finishing all of his work, and Sue Miller warned him that if he didn't finish it before recess he'd "have to do something bad." Poor Eric! During recess he was running around on the soccer field with other kids and heard Sue call, "Eric, come here, you have to do something bad." And as Eric approached, Sue opened her arms and said, "Give me a hug!"
I'm grateful for the education (both academic and social) I received at Sunrise. I still feel very connected to the Sunrise family and hope to send my own children to a Montessori school someday. Thank you for being such incredible teachers, role models, friends!
Where am I and what am I doing? At the moment I find myself bi-coastal, having graduated from the Univ of Pennsylvania last spring with a Masters of Architecture. I am working on a project in Napa with my dad while looking for a full-time job in an architecture office, preferably in New York or San Francisco. I am also in love! My boyfriend Eric currently lives on the east coast, but we imagine this year will see us moving to a new city and new adventures.
Best wishes to all of you (Kathy, Sue, Bonnie, Janice, Melanie) in the new year! I hope you are well and hope to see you soon.
Love,
Kirsten Shinnamon
Third Grade Class of 1993
