Students from Shelton School joined others around the world September 21st in observing the United Nation’s International Day of Peace.  Montessori schools worldwide banded together for a special Sing Peace Around the World Celebration, singing in unison the song Light a Candle for Peace.  Shelton students in grades Early Childhood through second grade lit a candle for peace at 10:30 am and lifted their voices in song in the school’s atrium, with students from other grades lining the balconies of three other floors.

Says Shelton instructor Carla Ratcliff, who has organized Shelton’s event this year and in years prior, “This is one of the sweetest ceremonies for young children, and it has always held a special place in our heart.  We believe it is important for children to learn about peace-making efforts, and through the universal language of music, we can do just that.”

Shelton School uses the Montessori approach extensively with its younger students and is an accredited institution for the training of Montessori teachers.  Dr. Joyce Pickering, Shelton’s Executive Director Emerita, is currently the president of the American Montessori Society’s board of directors.  “If ever we needed a global message and song for peace, it is today.  I’m so pleased that we connect with others, from coast to coast, from time zone to time zone, on this one day.”