Laurie Kovach and Melissa Mendoza offered to reopen the school in August.  “I was shocked at first, but understood. Laurie and I had discussed taking over the school when Ms. Ellen retired, so (when she announced her retirement), I said to Laurie, ‘Let’s just do it!’ Why stop something that works for the children and their families?” says Mendoza. After making several modifications to their plans, including keeping the school open through the summer with MacDonald’s assistance during a transition period, she reconsidered and decided to stay on.  “Loving and caring for the children of Amador County is my life,” says McDonald, who, along with her husband, is now fully recovered.  “I look forward to many more years at my wonderful school.”

Pioneer Montessori is a “child-directed” school that takes into account the “spirituality of the total child.”   Montessori teachings are based on involving the child in their own learning experience, with emphasis placed on self-reliance. MacDonald says that “creating a sense of self” is extremely important.  “After that, (academics) just fall into place.” As always, the school accepts children starting from age two.  The school offers an excellent kindergarten and pre-school program and has prepared hundreds of Amador County youth for grade school. The school is now enrolling students.  For more information, contact Ellen MacDonald at 295-4144.