The Peace Bear Corner
The Denali Montessori News: October 2026 Edition
From the Principal:
Dear Denali Families,
We are at the part of the school year that we have taught routines and have a roadmap for individualized lessons based on benchmark skills. Our "What I Need" (or "WIN") groups have started. Those address the academic needs. As part of our commitment to supporting your child’s holistic growth—academically, socially, and emotionally—since you chose Montessori for your child's educational philosophy. One way we address this is through Advisory.
In a Montessori environment, we focus deeply on the development of the whole child. While our regular work periods dedicate uninterrupted time to academic exploration, Advisory provides a structured, nurturing space focused on community building, emotional intelligence, and life skills.
How Our Program Works
Our Advisory program unique blends our lower and upper elementary classrooms. This multi-age format allows older students to step into leadership and mentorship roles, while younger students benefit from the guidance and modeling of their older peers. It also provides our students with another consistent adult support for their lower and upper elementary years.
Advisory groups meet every other Monday. This intentional, bi-weekly rhythm gives students a "home base" to connect across age groups, build deep school-wide bonds, and start their week with focus and community.
Rooted in Montessori Peace Values
This year, our multi-age Advisory discussions and activities will be anchored in foundational Montessori peace values. Together, our lower and upper elementary students will explore what it looks like to live out these specific principles within our school and the broader world:
- Doing Right: Practicing integrity, accountability, and making choices that respect others.
- Gentleness: Approaching conflicts and interactions with a kind, soft, and considerate spirit.
- Truth: Cultivating honesty with oneself and authenticity in communication with peers.
- Love: Building deep empathy, inclusion, and a genuine care for our community.
- Joy: Finding delight in learning, celebrating growth, and sharing positivity.
- Peace: Cultivating internal calmness and practicing proactive harmony within the group.
Core Pillars of Our Advisory Program
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Students practice identifying their emotions, managing stress, navigating peer relationships, and developing empathy.
- Grace and Courtesy: We extend traditional Montessori principles across the elementary years by discussing community expectations, active listening, and collaborative conflict resolution.
- Mentorship & Community: Older students practice patience and guidance, while younger students experience a heightened sense of belonging and community care.
We look forward to partnering with you this year to support your child's journey. If you have any questions about our Advisory curriculum or goals, please feel free to reach out.
Also, I want to introduce you to Chantel Black (Ms. Black). Ms. Black will be the acting principal for Denali Montessori while I am out for about three weeks for surgery and recovery. Please welcome her when you see her.
For more upcoming dates, please see the upcoming dates area below and the district calendar.
If you need assistance with anything, please contact us via email (denali_office@asdk12.org) or phone (742-4500). We are here to help you.
Wishing you well,
Deanna Beck (Ms. Deanna - pronounced like Dean-Na)
About Denali Montessori
Mission Statement
Denali Montessori promotes the development of the whole child within a compassionate, diverse community.
Vision Statement
Within a compassionate, diverse community, Denali Montessori promotes socially responsible, resilient life-long learners who can advocate for themselves and others.
Anchorage School District Elementary Student Handbook
Denali Montessori PTSA: http://www.denaliptsa.org/
https://www.facebook.com/DenaliPTSA
Join the PTSA today: https://denalimontessori.memberhub.com/store
Buy Denali Montessori Spirit Gear: https://www.bonfire.com/store/denali-montessori-spirit-gear/
Email: denali_office@asdk12.org
Website: https://denali.asdk12.org/
Location: 952 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: 907-742-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenaliMontessori
