STAUNTON-On Friday, students from the Staunton Montessori School took a break from class to help the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Project. Each class at the school adopted a family, with students bringing in items like bikes, jackets, shoes or other clothes.

“The Angel Tree Project provides our school community the opportunity to come together and give back, which aligns with the core tenants of the Montessori method,” said Kelley Flanders, who serves as the Head of School at the Staunton facility. “Our teachers involve the students in every step of the process, including creating the Angel Tree for the school lobby, organizing the donations and of course, final delivery to the Salvation Army. We feel it’s important for them to take a leadership role throughout the entire process.”

Flanders added that the school was proud to take part in the project, with parents agreeing that it was a benefit for the kids.

“I love that my child’s classroom participates in this project each year,” said Sara Christopherson, who has a daughter in one of the primary classrooms. “It’s important to us that she learn about why it’s important to serve her community. We talk about it at home, but having it reinforced at school has been a great way for her to really understand the true meaning of helping others.”

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