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Assistant Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Approach the front door of the school and you're likely to hear the giggles of children carrying from the backyard. A'kala Chaires' voice contributed its fair share of laughter to the atmosphere and she, too, is saddened that two months from now the only thing left of the Montessori School of Springfield will be memories. Rani Jayatilaka's entire life has been dedicated to education. After 21 years of enriching young minds, the Montessori owner is closing the chapter on teaching and entering retirement. Unfortunately for the devoted parents of her students, present and past, the school will end with that final chapter. Twelve year-old A'kala is combining two of her loves, Montessori and Girl Scouts, by planning one last hurrah for the school in honor of Jayatilaka's retirement on May 31 and also fulfilling Girl Scout requirements for her Bronze Award at the same time. New and old friends alike are invited to come and send off a woman everyone affectionately calls, "Ms. Rani." The celebration is set for May 31, 2 p.m., at 1644 Allen St.. "She's an anomaly. She's an amazing woman who has dedicated her life to these kids," said Rosemarie Rice, parent of a past Montessori of Springfield student and an additional party planner. "She's very patient and is always involved with the kids. It's amazing to see the skills that she instills in these kids. I'm thrilled for her but disappointed [at the same time." Jayatilaka plans to return to her native country of Sri Lanka. But many years ago when she set her sights on the United States, she already had plans of directing her very own school. One of seven children, Jayatilaka told Reminder Publications her parents always instilled the importance of education in them. She taught at a Montessori school in Sri Lanka before opening hers here in 1986. "I had my mind set," Jayatilaka shared. "After working for 15 years I said 'I might as well open up my own school.' A lot of people helped me. I found an ideal place." That ideal place is a bright yellow house, that doubles as her home, and offers a spacious backyard with a pond where children can frolic while getting in touch with nature. Even though Montessori School of Springfield only deals with children pre-k through kindergarten, for many what is taught there continues on well past that stage. "I remember when we were little going outside and helping to feed the plants and the green beans and the tomatoes and all the little special plants," A'kala said. "I remember the first green beans that we saw, we each got to eat one. I'm going to miss just knowing that she's still there. It was like a home for us because she lived there." "With Montessori you really see the kid pull it all together," Velada Chaires, A'kala's mother, said. "I'm going to miss those things ... Ms. Rani is a gentle spirit with a whole lot of bang. " Jayatilaka has things that she'll miss as well. "I enjoy seeing children grow up. I love working with children. I know I get really close to the parents, so I am going to miss them," she said. She plans on coming back to the U.S. to visit and will stay busy in Sri Lanka by volunteering at several schools. And though the Montessori school has not sold as of yet, Jayatilaka is confident that it will. Getting everyone together for one last party at the Allen Street location is important to A'kala. "I decided if she's going to leave she should see all the people she hasn't seen in a while. We should do a reunion," A'kala said. Many surprises are in store for the May 31 event. There is a suggested $25 donation per family payable to The Rani Fund. It can be mailed to 455 Dipping Hole Road in Wilbraham, MA 01095. To RSVP by April 4 contact Rosemarie Rice at 565-4630. | ||||||
