Objective

The Montessori school system wanted to increase awareness in the community with the overall goal of increasing enrollment.

Strategy

One of the core values of the Montessori school system is freedom. The school considers its classroom a living laboratory. Students are able to touch, feel and manipulate their environment as they learn. To communicate their value to the community, the school developed a contest involving the teachers and students. Each class was given three months to create their own symbol of freedom. To stimulate involvement in the project, each participating classroom was awarded the crystal Pencil on Black Glass Base. The purpose of the crystal award was to help remind and motivate the classroom throughout the project. After three months, a group of judges chose the projects that best symbolized freedom. The winning classroom received a stunning crystal Performer Award.

Result

The project created a “buzz” in the local community. The press covered the progress of the program as well as the announcement of the winning classroom. The symbol that best represented freedom was the “Freedom Quilt.” The quilt was made of squares designed by the kindergarten class. As a result of the positive public relations, the community became more aware of the Montessori school system. The following year enrollment increased 18 percent.

*Case study provided by Crystal-D, a partner of Lipic’s.

Crystal Pencil and Performer Awards