Denison Montessori

Denison Montessori considers the library to be the heart and hearth of the school. It is complete with computers, science lab, solarium, small classroom, and the Grace and Courtesy Room where students learn to cook and create art projects as part of the curriculum.

The mission of the library is to nurture and guide each child’s innate need to explore and explain his universe by providing an environment for inquiry, facilitating access to current and accurate information, and assisting students to become independent, socially responsible, literate learners.

Denison’s certified teacher librarian plans and implements lessons and activities with teachers, blending information and technology skills with subject content to enhance student achievement and a love of learning.

The Denison collection supports the Montessori curriculum and district standards with books, online resources, and realia that create interest for individual research and leisure reading. Flexible hours allow children and adults to visit the library as often as they wish.

Denison Montessori Library Receives Two Awards!

In November 2007 the Denison Montessori library received the Exemplary Library Media Center Program Award. This award is presented by the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL), recognizing the school library media center at the elementary or secondary level that best exemplifies excellence in instruction and student achievement, management and innovation in services, and leadership in school and community.

Teacher librarian Maureen Arredondo successfully collaborated with a dedicated group of teachers, parents, and volunteers on two innovative projects designed to improve student achievement. In the words of Denison Montessori School principal Bethany Hamilton, “These two projects created an overwhelming amount of school spirit and a deep sense of commitment for a team effort – parents, students,teachers, and the teacher librarian – working together to promote learning.”

The Denison library was also chosen as a developing library for the prestigious Power Libraries Program for its critical role in student achievement. This award is part of the Power Libraries Program sponsored by the Colorado State Library (Colorado Department of Education).  This program is designed to recognize and encourage the important role that Colorado school libraries play in student achievement.  The Denison library was selected because of its dedication to giving students the information, technology, and content skills so essential in the 21st century.