Congratulations to the Recipients of AMS 2021 Peace Seed Grants

SEPTEMBER 02, 2021—The AMS Peace & Social Justice Committee awards annual Peace Seed Grants to help fund projects that promote peace and social justice education. The grants are presented in memory of educator Ursula Thrush, whose dedication to the concept of peace and social justice through children inspired many to advance this education in their classrooms and communities.

Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2021 Peace & Social Justice Seed Grants.

Jessica Davis

Bloomington Montessori School in Bloomington, IN, will provide a 3-year anti bias, antiracist training to the entire staff.

Kristy Sakai

Chaminade University Montessori Lab School in Honolulu, HI, will expand their existing garden into a Peace Garden by adding a seating area, prayer flags, and additional plants.

Mary Wagner

Craig Montessori School, part of Milwaukee Public School District in Milwaukee, WI, will create a community mural celebrating Black culture.

Kristen Ediger

Humboldt Park Montessori in Chicago, IL, will work with a local artist to produce 4 large banners for the school building displaying a statement of children’s rights and commitment to peace and social justice.

Jakki Kleinhans

Montessori School of Bowling Green in Bowling Green, OH, will engage with an anti bias, antiracist training for the entire staff and additional focused training for other staff members.

Eliza Hudson

Montessori School of Durham in Durham, NC, will establish a perennial garden around their World Peace Pole. In addition to creating a space where insects, birds, animals, and plants can thrive together, edible produce from the garden will be shared with the local food bank.

Erin Rand

Pioneer Valley Montessori School in Springfield, MA, will purchase new books and materials for each classroom level that more accurately represent—and are written by—diverse populations.

Nikki Conyers

Westside Montessori School in Houston, TX, will place a Little Free Library at the front of campus and fill it with diverse books that celebrate and incorporate experiences from all identities and educate students about issues related to social justice and racism.