Welcome to Kumara School.
In 1983, with two small daughters in tow, I arrived at this abandoned school site and knew I had discovered a magical place. As I designed and let the program evolve, I took on two roles: one as an innovative educator with 10 years experience in open elementary schools, the other as a parent, as I always made decisions based on my wishes for my own children. Kumara School is based on the principles of loving kindness, compassion and mindfulness. Each day, before lunch, a group of children can be heard singing "Thank you for my Life." We have always held each child as special, gifted and perfect just the way s/he is.
There are guiding principles that are ever evolving and weaving throughout our program. We respect each child as a unique and capable learner, continually supporting each child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Teachers assist children in their construction of knowledge by providing them with meaningful, concrete and hands-on experiences. Children play, question, explore and discover. Children's interests are not only noticed and encouraged, but they become the sparks that ignite our curriculum. We believe that our method of guiding children encourages a healthy and complete self-concept, the key to becoming an independent, self-motivated learner.
Raising healthy children requires a team to hold each child's best interests, and parents are part of that team. Feel free to drop in for lunch, or to observe, read a story or play with the children. Kumara not only welcomes parents, but we encourage you to volunteer your time at school and attend parent meetings and workshops. Children benefit a great deal from seeing their parents involved in their school community. This link between home and school creates productive partnerships and allows parents and educators to better serve the needs and interests of children. Come spend time with us.
Today, Kumara graduates have a reputation for being empathetic to their peers, problem-solvers, negotiators, concerned about nature and excited about learning. Former students and parents tell us their Kumara experience was a time when they felt a strong sense of community, enjoyed a nurturing bond with teachers and had a great time!
Kumara is about spirit. The spirit of the different families, children and teachers that have come through, touched and changed the program. Their spirit never leaves. It is woven into a tapestry. There's always something new to learn. I am so honored to be part of Kumara School. And with that, I welcome you to a wonderful adventure.
My best wishes,
Wende Kumara
