Montessori Model United Nations

Dear Families of 7th and 8th Grade students,

Last February a group of 5th and 6th year students attended a Montessori Model United Nations conference in New York City representing Australia and Cameroon.  It was an incredible experience for everyone involved.  We are pleased to announce that we are again offering this extracurricular program to Great River 7th and 8th grade students!  We plan to take a group to the Montessori Model United Nations conference in New York City on March 20-23, 2019.

Registration for the conference in New York City opened today, and it often closes quickly.  To ensure that Great River can register as soon as possible, we need to know how many students will be attending the conference by Friday, September 14, 2018.

You can learn a lot by checking out the following videos about the Montessori Model U.N. experience on Youtube:

        • Montessori Model U.N., New York City 2016: https://youtu.be/lvbgjY0UEaw

As you consider, please understand that participating in this amazing opportunity will require an investment of time and effort on the part of both students and their families.  To participate in Montessori Model UN we ask the following of students and families:

*a commitment to investing time to do the required research 

There is a great deal of research and writing that goes into preparing for the Conference.  Please plan on a twice-per-week before school commitment beginning in October as well as supporting your child at home with research and writing.

*a commitment to participate in fundraising activities throughout the year.

Traveling to New York is exciting, but expensive.  A preliminary estimate of the cost per student for airfare, conference, hotel, and food is about $1500.  We commit to supporting students in raising the money and expect that students and families participate in fundraising activities. Families will be responsible for costs not covered through fundraising.

If your family decides to take part, please do the following:

  • Thoroughly discuss all items on the Student-Parent Contract (attached) with your child.

  • Return the signed Student-Parent Contract as soon as possible along with a non-refundable $100 deposit. Make checks payable to “Great River Foundation, MMUN.” Please return these to the attention of Jean Peters (Elementary Director). *We understand that we are on the Odyssey! Please note that snail mail and drop-in work perfectly to ensure your student's spot!*