The Brickton Weekly, October 25, 2012

Congratulations to  Midwest Area Talent Search (MATS) Honorees

Brickton extends congratulations to those students identified to participate in the 2013 Midwest Academic Talent Search (MATS) sponsored by the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University.  These students scored 90% or higher on selected subtests of the Terra Nova-CAT test administered in the Spring of 2012 or in prior years. The MATS program offers above-grade-level tests (EXPLORE, ACT and SAT) to qualified students in grades 4-9.  Congratulations to these students for their academic achievements.

Brickton can claim some of its very own as Midwest Talent Search Honorees.
Class of 2013: Sean Arnoldt, Kira Barrett, Joe Ergastolo, Tyler Flechs
Class of 2014: Alex Contursi, Tayler Sain, Morgan Wolfe
Class of 2015: Mica Barrett, Julia Deane, Simone Leinenweber
Class of 2016: Ellie Arnoldt, Zach Contursi, Lucas Hansen

Getting to Know You: Each week this section will highlight one staff member and what inspired them to pursue working in a Montessori environment.   

Agnes Guerra, Children’s House Directress

My inspiration came from the 3-6 environment.  I was very fortunate to stumble into a beautiful classroom filled with children who loved their work.  This classroom was for the children and for the most part was run by the children.  The third year students taught me how to properly work with the materials, how to care for the classroom, and how to properly form letters. The younger children taught me how to resolve conflicts and what it means to be truly engaged in an activity.  I am forever grateful to those children. 

Montessori Taking Hold in Public Schools
The popularity of Montessori education continues to grow in the US, with public education looking to Montessori to  help educate the whole child, understanding that is a key component to fostering engaged, lifelong learners. The Chicago Public School system has just launched a new Montessori program in the Englewood neighborhood.  Read about it here.

$25 + $25 = $62.50: A special note from Children’s House Directress Kathleen Kasser

Dear Brickton Community,

One day in the checkout line at Walgreen’s I overheard a customer who bought two Visa gift cards for $25 each.  Perfectly fine, of course, until purchasing each card involved a $6.25 fee.  Suddenly that $50 sale cost $62.50!  Manna gift cards attract no service fees; in fact, you get a tuition credit every time you purchase Manna cards!  Ordering is easy, whether you choose the online option or complete and return your order form to Dotty in the business office.  Unlike that Walgreen’s customer, you’d pay only $50 for a $50 Visa card, and you’d receive money back on your Brickton tuition.  Manna orders are due tomorrow, Friday, October 26.  Card pick up will be Wednesday, October 31.  The sale of Manna cards supports the Middle School’s overnight trips, and Manna helps pay your tuition.  Everybody wins!  Questions?  Please email me. 

Many thanks and take care.

Kathleen                                                                               

Kinderdance Rescheduled
The Kinderdance class scheduled for Wednesday, November 7 has been rescheduled for the following day, Thursday, November 8.  Please mark your calendars.

Nature’s Classroom Institute
Every school year Brickton sends the Upper Elementary and Middle School classrooms to Nature’s Classroom Institute in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, for five day educational retreats.  These trips are an integral part of our curriculum, and they help us achieve vital curricular goals in environmental science, botany, zoology, and history.  From the NCI website: “At Nature's Classroom Institute we work to have students come away from their experience with a greater awareness of environment, each other, and themselves. During our five-day residential program, students study environmental processes and resources, human impact on the world around them, and their role in preserving natural resources. This, in its simplest form, can be broken down to a matter of respect. Our teachers strive to nurture a sense of strong self-respect in every student. This carries through logically to a respect for each other, and from that a sense of concern for every living thing around them, from the smallest beetle to their peers and teachers. Through this respect, students gain confidence, cooperate with others, and develop wonder and love for the environment.”

Free Money Fundraisers!
Click this link to download a flyer to find out ways you can help raise money for Brickton.  They are easy and help us get FREE MONEY!
Quick Reminders:
Kindergarten and Lower Elementary Field Trip
Tuesday, October 30, 9:00am – 12:30pm
The Kindergarten and Lower Elementary students will travel via school bus to see "Duck for President" at Lifeline Theatre.  Lunch will be upon return to school.

Halloween and Trunker Treating
Wednesday, October 31, 9:00am – 10:00am 
Parents are invited to watch the all school parade and participate in Trunker Treating. Classroom parties for students will take place after the parade.