By Katherine Weadley

Redstone Review

LYONS – The only private school in Lyons is enjoying its recent expansion. The new preschool classroom is directly next to the original classroom on Main Street. The school added 1,000 square feet to its existing class room in back of what used to be Nick Angelo Fine Arts.  Nick Angelo Fine Arts has moved to 4089 Ute Hwy., across from the “Welcome to Lyons” sign. Nick Angelo Fine Arts is owned and operated by Nick Angelo, a twice-former mayor of Lyons.

Laurie Kennedy, Directress of Lyons Community Montessori, had originally hoped to open on Jan. 7. However, the first day of school for the kids in the expansion was Jan. 12, which was close enough for Kennedy. “It has been a positive move forward,” said Kennedy. According to Kennedy the new program has seven families enrolled. Originally, Kennedy considered adding a toddler program. However, the waiting lists for what she currently offered showed Kennedy that the need in the community was for another preschool program.

The expansion was a lot of work and Kennedy credits the volunteer hours, patience and optimism of the parents in the program. “This has been a lot of hard work, but completely worth it,” she said. “Obviously I believe strongly in the benefits of a Montessori education for the kids in our community and I’m thrilled with the results of and the support for the expansion,” said Kennedy.

There is no rest for Kennedy however as preparations for her Montessori’s Fourth Annual Earth Day are in full swing. This event, which highlights the activities the kids have been working on and showcases their talents, will be held in Sandstone Park on Sunday, April 18. The school is already accepting gently used children’s items for their “All About Kids” recycled garage sale, which has been a huge success in the past. “The kids learn a lot about recycling and repurposing items,” she said. “Items can be dropped off at the back of the school, upstairs on the deck at any time,” Kennedy said. “The focus is not on preschool items but on kids items in general including bikes, trikes, toys, games and furniture.”

Kennedy is already looking past spring to fall as the Montessori program is already filling up its spots for the 2010 fall session. “Last year we were completely full for fall by April,” Kennedy said. Lyons Community Montessori has tours and information on its program and operates several open houses every year.

Katherine Weadley is a freelance writer and was part of the Boulder Daily Camera newsroom staff for four years. She has a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Denver and used to work at the University of Colorado as a social sciences and humanities reference librarian. She lives in Lyons with her husband, two sons and her dog Winter and Wolfy, a new puppy.

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