‘Have a great day’: School 51 welcomes students to the new year with cheers and high fives

Students at James Russell Lowell Montessori School 51 were greeted with cheers, high fives, and well wishes as they stepped off the bus for the first day of school on Monday, August 10, 2026. School and district staff, along with volunteers from the Edna Martin Christian Center, lined the sidewalks to welcome the young learners. Therapy dog MJ brought a festive atmosphere, as students gave high fives and hugs.

Principal Christine Rembert expressed excitement about the new school year, noting that staff had prepared diligently throughout the summer. Approximately 350 students, ranging from prekindergarten to fifth grade, are enrolled in the Montessori school. The new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, a board appointed by the mayor, will oversee the school's operations and finances moving forward.

The board is also proposing a tax increase for funding schools, which will be on the November ballot. However, IPS will face budget cuts regardless of the outcome.

Rembert emphasized the importance of creating a sense of belonging at the school, as students often pick up on the emotions of adults. In the early learning classrooms, building literacy skills was a priority. In Melisa Alkire's prekindergarten and kindergarten classroom, students practiced spelling their names using clothespins and cards.

In Mary Haste's early childhood classroom, students focused on writing their names to strengthen literacy skills and foster a love of reading. Haste considered the first week of school her favorite, as it allowed her to build strong relationships with her students and minimize tears. Beyond academics, Rembert highlighted the school's commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students.