At Creative Montessori Academy, a culture of community and care takes center stage, and nothing embodies that spirit more than the Care Closet. Created by Oak Room kindergarten students last year and their teacher Mrs. Anna Szczepaniak, the Care Closet provides essential items for students. Stocked with snacks, socks, extra uniforms, toiletries, brushes, and more, the Care Closet began as a kindergarten initiative but quickly grew into a school-wide effort.
The Care Closet reflects CMA’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment where students and staff work together to meet each other’s needs. Mrs. Anna shared how the atmosphere surrounding the Care Closet has flourished, with students embracing the opportunity to ask for help and support one another. Beyond serving the school community, the Care Closet has become a hub for collaboration as the broader community has aided in keeping the closet well-supplied.
For Mrs. Anna, the Care Closet aligns closely with the Montessori philosophy that CMA is built upon—caring for the whole child, following each child’s unique needs and pace, and fostering a sense of community. Anna’s passion for the school stems from her belief in CMA’s ability to nurture and develop students in ways that traditional school districts do not. With multi-grade classrooms, cross-grade collaboration, and the emphasis on practical life skills, CMA offers a unique educational experience that celebrates both individuality and teamwork, giving students the opportunity to shine and support one another in meaningful ways.
If you’d like to contribute to the Care Closet or learn more about CMA, we would love to have you connect with us on Facebook or visit our website.