TRAVERSE CITY — Michele Shane navigated a few corners as she strode through The Children's House halls.
She stopped near the doorway of the wood-paneled gymnasium where scores of children sat quietly in a circle. Shane waved to several.
"Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair," recited a small child in a small but clear voice.
April is National Poetry Month and the independent Montessori school in Traverse City held a jam to celebrate the spoken verse. A woman at the school's front desk called out to Shane as she passed by, telling Shane it's her child's favorite day.
Later, Shane returned to her office and a youngster poked her head in to ask a question, addressing the head of school as "Michele." The casual, familiar use of first names is one way adults and students show mutual respect for one another, Shane explained.
The open, well-windowed school off North Long Lake Road is like her second home. Shane is in her fourth year as head of school, where her 5-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter are enrolled.
"They took their first steps in the hallways of this building," she said.
She grew up on Orcas Island in Washington state and earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Washington. Her first major exposure to Montessori methods came as a nanny in Sun Valley, Idaho. She cared for children who were Montessori-schooled, and Shane was intrigued. She read about the educational philosophy and received Montessori training in Portland, Ore. When her fiance, a golf course superintendent, suggested a move to Michigan, Shane agreed. They relocated here in 1997.
She started working at the school a couple days a week until a teaching position opened up. She held the primary guide job for nine years, and then was tapped for head of school. Not that she's the typical principal-type. Shane picked up snowboarding in Sun Valley, and for a time even taught classes locally.
"It was kind of accidentally on purpose," Shane said, of her career path.
The school and its focus on "the individual's human development," clicked. "It was just a perfect match," she said.
Dr. Joan Griner, a parent and school board chairman, credited Shane for her commitment to the individual and the community.
"She brings a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and a dedication to the students ...," Griner said.
The Children's House has about 210 students ages 3 months to 12 years and about 40 people on staff. Kindergarten tuition is about $8,500, and financial aid is available.
Children are encouraged to take charge of their education and have a hand in choosing what they learn, with guidance from a teacher. The method stresses hands-on learning through the use of all the senses and working with classmates in a multi-age setting.
"As a result they love to learn," Shane said.
An onsite greenhouse grows food, and a recycling and composting program cut the school's garbage. Students go to physical education classes five days a week. Instead of focusing on testing, most assessment occurs through teacher observation.
"I think the school is successful for a couple of reasons. You drive onto campus, and you walk through the door and immediately you've got this beautiful physical structure that is so conducive to the Montessori learning process," Griner said.
Upon completing sixth grade, the school's highest level, most students attend one of Traverse City's public middle schools. Griner said the Montessori background gives students a "strong sense of themselves" and "fantastic tools for learning" that helps them succeed even in a larger school and different learning environment.
Shane, whose first group of kindergartners graduates from high school this year, finds time amid her administrative duties to spend with students.
"I do miss the classroom, and when I miss the classroom, I go sit in the classroom," she said. "I'm a teacher at heart, and I love what I do."
Christie Brinkley's Runway Slip
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
Lady Gaga's Battle With Bulimia
Evacuation at Sea
SJP Talks About Replacing Demi Moore in 'Lovelace'
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
Osama Bin Laden Zombie Movie: "Osombie" Teaser Released
Thomas' moratorium: 'I'm out, peace'
VS Model Quits Over Religion
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
NASCAR Drive for Diversity
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Androgynous Model Walks Runway As Man and Woman
Khloe Kardashian Responds to O.J. Rumors
Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2012
SportsTalk Live: Most hated athletes - 2/8
Louis Vuitton Condoms?!
Tiger Woods 13: Legacy mode
Michelle Obama vs. Jimmy Fallon
Buffalo Barges Into Car
