King County Councilmember Larry Phillips presented the Maria Montessori Language and Cultural Center with a $3,000 donation from the council recently.

The center, located on the Ballard High campus, partners with the school's Department of Family and Consumer Services and the Seattle Public Schools' Community Alignment Initiative. Students, community services and the Montessori children come together to share a learning experience.

The money goes into bringing people from the organization Northwest Compassionate Communications to bring non-violent communications concepts to the Montessori program.

Montessori director Gail Longo said this is happening during the month we celebrate the birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ballard students from Marcia Lalonde's Child Development Class joined in the check ceremony.

"His words for non-violence are really important. The work of education is to teach peace. Now we have a method in which we can use it with families and children and with everyone to practice this together in the community here at Ballard High," said Longo.

"It is a great moment to be a part of what you are doing. My son was in Montessori. He learned great life lessons," said Phillips.

"Family science gives students one more thing to connect with at school. We look at the teaching experience and family health issues. High school kids can come in an work with younger kids," said principal Phil Brockman.

Parent Esther Kim has a three year old daughter, Ella, in the Montessori program at Ballard High.

"Coming here, she has matured a lot more. Being here with Gail and the teachers has helped with her development in only half a year. She has improved so much," said Kim.