COMMUNITY

AQUINAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Mini–Walk–a–Thon for the Homeless
The Elementary Division and some Primary Students, along with several parents, continue to participate in The Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program which raises awareness of and funds for Washington metropolitan area organizations that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living.

Math–a–Thon® for St. Jude Research Hospital
The Elementary Division and Third Year Primary Students join more than 25,000 schools and thousands of students in grades K-9 each year participating in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math–a–Thon® program.

Salvation Army Holiday Project
The Upper Elementary Division participate at the Salvation Army location in Alexandria, VA each year. They participate in the “Fill-a-Stocking” program, help package gifts for needy children, gather winter coats, and pack boxes of food for hundreds of needy families.

Hearts to Seniors
Some Elementary Students visit seniors at Mount Vernon Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas time. The students bring gifts, and perform for the residents.

OLD TOWN MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Birthday in a Box
Few things are dearer to a child's heart than their birthday. Birthday in a Box allows children in need to experience the delight of being remembered on their special day- a feeling many have never had. OTMS students join with their families in shopping to provide all the components needed to give a child a joyful birthday celebration (cake mix, frosting, candles, cards, a little gift, etc.) while learning how important it is to help our neighbors.

A Thanksgiving Food Drive
This project is done in conjunction with the Lazarus Ministry of Christ Church, Alexandria. Following the completion of the drive, the Full Day Children (5 & 6 year olds) visit the Ministry's Food Pantry to see the results of their efforts and learn more about the program.

Holiday Gift Boxes
Carpenter's Shelter is the largest shelter for homeless individuals and families in Alexandria. Each holiday season the OTMS children and families compile individual Gift Boxes for children and adults residing in the Shelter. For many residents these boxes are the only gifts they will get and are received with joy and thanks.

Aid to Montessori Schools

Both the Aquinas Montessori and the Old Town Montessori Schools collect supplies and money to aid Montessori schools in need. Supplies and money are sent to a primary school in Tijuana, Mexico, and a school in Queensland, Australia for elementary children and older. Our teachers donate used teaching materials to students in Kenya, Africa.