July 1, 2009

Sea Pines Montessori Academy
9 Fox Grape Road
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928

Dear SPMA Community:
SPMA is a jewel of a Montessori program and school community. I am honored to have the opportunity to help the faculty; administrative team, parents, and the Board of Trustees polish your jewel to an even brighter luster, as well as help create some additional pearls on the necklace of SPMA’s educational services.
Over the past twelve years I served private and public Montessori schools around the world as an educational consultant. Now it is time to get off the road and focus my energies and skills on one or two authentic and growing Montessori school communities.
In my search for a high quality Montessori community on which to hang my professional hat I have found two schools that shine brightly, in terms of their commitment to the child, the family, genuine Montessori practice, and community outreach: Sea Pines Montessori Academy and The Renaissance School in Oakland, California. At present, due to family considerations, my wife Margaret and I are not able to make a full time commitment to one school or the other. We need some time to evaluate the benefits and risks of various relocation options.  Thus, for the 2009 – 2010 school year I will be sharing my time and energy with SPMA and The Renaissance School.
Does this mean that I am leaning toward a decision in favor of the California school? No, not necessarily. I absolutely love SPMA, all the people I have met who are associated with the school, and the Hilton Head community. Simply, it is less disruptive to my family to segue to the next chapter of my professional career in this manner. I want to assure you; however, Margaret and I have made no final decisions in this regard and are still deeply considering both options.
You may also be wondering “How is Jonathan going to stay on top of SPMA’s needs, programs, and projects when he is away in California working with the other school?” (A logical question that deserves an answer.) I have already shared with Darcie that I will be checking in everyday whenever I am off campus and will probably be having conversations (by phone and email) at least once a day with teachers, the administrative team, board members, and involved parents. I assure you this will not turn into a situation of SPMA “out of sight, out of mind.”
I believe that over the course of the next school year I will be able to help the people who serve your children move the SPMA program and school community to an even higher level of excellence and service outreach. This time will also give Margaret and me ample opportunity to learn what is best for our family in the long run. I want to thank you in advance for your faith and patience with our family’s learning and transition process.
I invite your thoughts on these plans and look forward to working with you personally in August when the new school year begins. I hope you and your family enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy summer together.
On Behalf the Children,
Jonathan Wolff