DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Michigan – More than 300 students from Dearborn Heights Montessori Center (DHMC) participated in the school’s third annual Peace Day celebration in recognition of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, which is held each year on September 21.
Fifth grade students display their specially made peace symbols in the school gym as they gather with classmates to sing “Light a Candle for Peace.”
In preparation for the celebration, students made symbols of peace in their classrooms. According to the school’s founder Kay Neff, peace is an integral part of their year-round curriculum and the Montessori philosophy.
Sixth grade students Aliyah Moline-Freeman, at left, and Abby Mills carry symbols of peace during the Peace Day celebration at Dearborn Heights Montessori Center.
Parents were invited to share in the celebration as students paraded from their classrooms to the school gym, carrying specially made peace symbols. Students then joined voices to sing “Light a Candle for Peace.” The special song was written by Shelley Murley, an accomplished musician and Montessori educator who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
About Dearborn Heights Montessori Center
Dearborn Heights Montessori Center (DHMC) is a non-profit educational community founded in 1972. Now beginning its 40th school year, DHMC is the largest and longest-established Montessori school in western Wayne County. Programs include toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school as well as summer programs and academic tutoring. Day care and latchkey are also available for enrolled children. DHMC has received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, Michigan Montessori Society, and the Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS). DHMC preschool and latchkey programs, along with its satellites Livonia Montessori Center and Plymouth-Canton Montessori School, are licensed by the Michigan Division of Child and Adult Licensing.