The Brickton Weekly, November 29, 2012

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

Kerry Santefort, Physical Education Teacher

I enjoy working in a Montessori Environment because I learn something new each day I am there with the students. I see them enjoy freedom within limits in a Physical Environment and then observe the positive outcomes in their interactions and sportsmanship.  What inspires me is seeing that when independence is fostered, it motivates the students to work to their fullest potential.  It is truly an honor to work within a Montessori environment.

Inclement Weather/ Emergency Closing Notification
In case of bad weather or other emergency which might necessitate closing school, there are several ways for you to be informed.  First, an email will be sent to all our school families and staff members and the closing will be posted on the www.brickton.org website.  Second, teachers and assistants will attempt to contact all families via phone.  Third, you can go to the Emergency Closing Center website, www.emergencyclosingcenter.com, click on "Status Search" and put in "Brickton Montessori", "Chicago", or use the Phone number search "773-714-0646".  There is also a tab marked "E-mail Notification" which allows you to register and request an email notification if there is a change in Brickton's open/closed status.  If you do not have internet access, the phone number for the Emergency Closing Center is 847-238-1234.  You will be asked for Brickton's phone number, 773-714-0646.   The decision about closing school will be made by 6:00 am.  

Operation Childfind Rescheduled

Operation Childfind, the preschool screening team, was scheduled to come to Brickton next Tuesday, December 4.  A conflict on their end makes them unable to keep their appointment with us, so there will be no screenings done next week. We are working with them to establish a new date, and will advise as soon as there is news. 

Manna Orders

Manna's usual order deadline of this Friday, 11/30 has been extended to the morning of Monday, 12/3.  Card pick up will be Wednesday 12/5.  In addition to making terrific holiday gifts, Manna cards can help ease the stress of holiday travel -- stock up on gas cards and family restaurant cards (or fast food cards!) for upcoming road trips.  Need a hostess gift?  Check out Fannie May or the Hallmark Store.  Upcoming Manna due dates are Friday, 12/7 and Friday, 12/14.

Quick Reference Section

^·          Parent/Teacher Conferences and Club Day, Friday, December 7^th

·         Upper Elementary Book Fair Raffle starts next week.  During drop off and pick up times, Monday through Thursday, The Upper Elementary students will host a raffle contest.  On Friday they will draw two winners to receive $25 towards free books from the Scholastic Book Fair which begins Monday, December 10^th.

·         Innisbrook fundraising sales have been extended to this coming Monday, December 3^rd.

·         We are sending in a batch of Box Tops, please submit them by December 17^th to be included in this round.

·         Thank you to everyone who participated in the Move-a-Thon! Your support of our community is greatly valued.  Remember, it's not too late to turn in your sponsor money!

·         Middle School is going to Nature’s Classroom next week.  Have a wonderful time, and enjoy your time learning in nature. 

Breakfast With Santa is this Saturday

Saturday, December 1^st, 10:00-12:30

Hanging Gardens, 8301 W. Belmont, River Grove

Join us for a continental breakfast and a visit with Santa Claus! Tickets are $10 each, and children under 2 are free.  Stop by the main office to pick up your tickets today! And, if you would like to volunteer, it’s not too late to sign up!  Check out the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board for:

-          Bakers for the bake sale

-          Santa's Helpers (middle school aged or older)

-          Kid's craft table helpers

-          Bake sale table helpers

-          Set up and clean up helpers

Salvation Army Food Drive
Brickton will again be participating in the Salvation Army Holiday Food Drive, gathering non-perishable food.   This is a wonderful opportunity to have your children participate in charitable giving by bringing the food to school and placing in the community giving boxes located in the main entryway from November 26^th through the morning of December 11^th.  

The Brickton Weekly, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving from the Brickton Community
We hope everyone has Thanksgiving filled with family and friends.  Wishing you safe travels and a glorious extended weekend.  We’ll see you Monday morning.

Salvation Army Food Drive
Brickton will again be participating in the Salvation Army Holiday Food Drive, gathering non-perishable food.   This is a wonderful opportunity to have your children participate in charitable giving by bringing the food to school and placing in the community giving boxes located in the main entryway from November 26th through the morning of December 11th.  

Quaker Quaker

Quaker, Quaker, how are thee?

Very well I thank thee.

How’s my neighbor next to me?

I don’t know I’ll go and see.

Each year the students in the Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School classrooms get together sing these words in what we call the Quaker Dance.  The students arrange themselves in two circles in the Great Room.  With the outer circle rotating around the inner, each member of one circle sings the song and performs the hand movements with each member of the other circle.  In this way, members of all the grades interact and share in communal song and celebration.  The older students guide the younger, fostering a cooperative environment between the students here at Brickton.  

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

Charles Martin, Middle School Director

While in graduate school, I decided to return to teaching middle school. As a result, I became certified in middle level instruction and curriculum and adolescent development. The graduate courses were invigorating and inspiring, focusing on teaching professionals sharing in student-driven activities appropriate for adolescents. Best middle level teaching practices, I learned, required themed education, social-emotional and academic growth, service learning, collaboration across subject areas, self-discovery, rites of passage, and both inter- and independence. But where were the traditional schools that implemented all of these? When I shared my frustrations about traditional education, Erika Bolte, a former Brickton employee and classmate of mine, listened to my concerns and steered me toward Brickton – a special place that cherished all the characteristics in education that I hold dear.

Innisbrook Is Back!

Due to popular demand, we have brought back the Innisbrook giftwrap sale.  If you haven’t hear of Innisbrook before, tt is an exclusive designer gift wrap, printed on eco-friendly, recycled paper. Brickton will receive 50% profit on all gift wrap rolls and 45% profit on all other items sold. Check your parent folders for the catalog and order form. To purchase online go to www.innisbrook.com and enter our school code 103843. Share this web site with family and friends. Orders are due November 26th and will be delivered to school by December 20th. Orders can be dropped off in the main office with check made payable to Brickton Montessori School.

Spirit Wear For Sale

Stop by the bulletin board in the hall way to check out the Brickton Spirit Wear.  Support our community and look really cool at the same time.  There are winter hats, sweatshirts, sweatpants, tie-dyed t-shirts, bags, water bottles, and more.  Receive a FREE adult t-shirt with your order while supplies last.  Fill out and order form and turn it into Kelly in the main office.  These make great holiday gifts!

Breakfast With Santa

Saturday December 1st 10:00-12:30

Hanging Gardens, 8301 W. Belmont, River Grove

Join us for a continental breakfast and a visit with Santa Claus! Tickets are $10 each, and children under 2 are free.  Stop by the main office to pick up your tickets today! And, if you would like to help out, sign up sheets are on bulletin board for:

-          Bakers for the bake sale

-          Santa's Helpers (middle school aged or older)

-          Kid's craft table helpers

-          Bake sale table helpers

-          Set up and clean up helpers

The Brickton Weekly, November 16, 2012

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

Beth Peachey, Middle School Assistant Teacher and Children’s House/Lower Elementary Spanish Teacher

I enjoy working in a Montessori environment because of the emphasis placed on the learning community.  My own most exciting, challenging and joyful educational experiences have always been ones where I've been part of a vibrant community that values each individual member.  My inspiration to teach comes from my desire to help facilitate those types of experiences with students.  I am grateful for the way that Montessori education allows students and teachers to collaborate in creating communities that learn and grow together.

School Photo Up-Date

The photographers from Interstate Studios completed picture retakes on November 5^th.

Individual proofs from the original picture day in September were received and distributed in mid-October.  Proofs from Re-Take Day and the sibling shots which were taken in September should be delivered to school around November 26^th.  If you have returned your order from the first Picture Day, either by mail or by ordering on the internet, you should be receiving the final copies of your photos by about November 24^th.

The fastest way to get pictures processed is to order on the internet, but you can also send in your order via the US mail.  The finished pictures can be delivered to school, or directly to your home for an additional fee.  Please let the office know if you are having any problems ordering your photos.

A Big Thank You to the DeGand Family!

Brickton would like to give a special thank you to the Degand family for their generous donation of PE equipment. They donated a variety of balls, baseball bats, tennis racquets, and much more.  The students will have a lot of fun using the equipment which will enhance our PE curriculum.

Sports Club Rescheduled

Reminder that Sports Club for this Friday, November 16, 2012 has been rescheduled for November 30, 2012.  Our PE teacher, Kerry Santefort, will be attending the yearly state PE convention for two days for professional development. At the convention she will be able to collaborate with other PE instructors from around the state and learn exciting ideas to incorporate into our PE program here at Brickton.

Middle School Babysitting Fundraiser! (A Note From the Middle School Students)

Hop on down to the Brickton Pond Pals with your "Lil' Hoppers" to join the Middle School for a day of fun!

November 17th, between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM at Brickton Montessori School

Ages 3-12 are welcome at a cost of $10.  Don’t want to pack a lunch?  For an additional $5, your child can have pizza, carrots, ranch dip, and milk , or they can choose to bring their own lunch.  Forms are available in the lobby.

Kindergarten and Lower Elementary Field Trip

Students will travel via school bus to Chicago International Children’s Film Festival to see "Step It Up".  This is a great opportunity to see an extended showing of short films for children.  This cinematic trip should be an eye-opening experience.

Upcoming Events

9-12 Transition Breakfast (for parents of rising 4th Graders) Thursday, November 20^th

8:30 – 10:30 am.  (Rescheduled from November 8^th).  Explore global questions about the Montessori philosophy and Montessori education.  Meet and talk with parents currently in the next program and visit the classroom in action.

Club Day: November 21^st.

School Closed: November 22^nd and 23^rd for Thanksgiving.

Breakfast With Santa

Saturday December 1st 10:00-12:30

Hanging Gardens, 8301 W. Belmont, River Grove

Join us for a continental breakfast and a visit with Santa Claus! Tickets are $10 each, and children under 2 are free.  Stop by the main office to pick up your tickets today! And, if you would like to help out, sign up sheets are on bulletin board for:

-          Bakers for the bake sale

-          Santa's Helpers (middle school aged or older)

-          Kid's craft table helpers

-          Bake sale table helpers

-          Set up and clean up helpers

The Brickton Weekly, November 8, 2012

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

Selena Brosnan, Lower Elementary Intern

After eight years in the corporate arena, I wanted the opportunity to become an educator. The Montessori environment appealed to me because it allows the child to be inspired by real experience and knowledge through their own explorations. Being part of the Montessori community has allowed me to become the change I want to see in the world.

Day of the Dead Kite Flying Celebration

On November 1^st the Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School Spanish classes celebrated El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, or All Souls Day). Our celebration was modeled on a 100 year old tradition from the town of Santiago, Sacatepéquez in Guatemala.  In Santiago, teams of young people make beautiful, giant kites to fly and display in the town cemetery every November 1^st.  Citizens of Santiago and visitors from all over the country and the world fill the cemetery each year to view the beautiful kites.  The tradition is a way to honor family members who have passed away, and is a source of pride for the community.  Brickton students enjoyed learning about the traditions of Guatemala, making their own kite designs and flying them on a beautiful fall morning at the Forest Preserve.

In-School Celebration

This Friday, November 9, will be the first In-School Celebration of the 2012-13 school year with the Lower Elementary program hosting.  We hope parents of Lower Elementary students can join us in the Great Room at 8:30 am for 15 minutes of skits and all school sing-along accompanied by John Huber on guitar and Beth Peachey on piano.

Volunteer Spotlight

Thank you, Louise Borre for doing so much to benefit the Brickton community.  Louise oversees the Free Money Fundraising program which includes, Box Tops for Education, Labels for Education, Ink Cartridge Recycling and more!

Also, thank you, Mike Messina for spearheading the Viridian Energy Campaign and Fundraiser.  If you haven’t already switched to Viridian, talk to Mike about saving money on your electric bill while raising money for Brickton.

Upcoming Events

Manna Orders Due: November 9

Manna orders are due tomorrow.  This great gift card program gives you the opportunity to buy gift cards for everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, dining and department store purchases, and split the fundraising revenue with Brickton's Middle School as a credit towards next year’s Brickton tuition!  Ordering is easy, online or drop off your form at the business office.  When you order gift cards through Manna, everybody wins!

Open House: Sunday, November 11, 12:30pm – 3:00pm. An Open House for prospective parents to learn more about the Montessori philosophy, tour the school and ask lots of questions.

Guest Speaker: Monday, November 12, 6:30pm – 8:00pm.  Nutritionist, Melissa Graham, from Purple Asparagus, will speak about healthy eating for kids!

Middle School Transition Breakfast: Thursday, November 15, 8:30am – 10:30am

Explore global questions about the Montessori philosophy and Montessori education.

Meet and talk with parents currently in the next program and visit the classroom in action.

Club Day: November 21.

School Closed: November 22 and 23 for Thanksgiving.

Breakfast With Santa: Saturday, December 1, 10:00am – 12:30pm at Hanging Gardens Restaurant.

The Brickton Weekly, November 1, 2012

Halloween Celebrations

Yesterday, we celebrated Halloween with a fun filled day.  The Halloween Parade was so much fun, with students decked out in their costumes, followed by festive Trunker Treating and classroom celebrations.  The day was wrapped up with a “terrifyingly successful” Haunted House experience for elementary students.  The Haunted House is designed entirely by the upper elementary students each year.  Way to go 9-12 students!  Thanks to all the families that participated and volunteered to help on this fun-filled day.

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

 

Jen Cozad, Children’s House Directress

Even as a young child I knew I wanted to be a teacher.  I would play school for hours, lining up all of my stuffed animals and teaching them lessons on a chalk board in my room.  My father is an educator, and I greatly admired the passion and creativity he brought to his work.  When I learned about Montessori philosophy, I felt an immediate connection.  I knew that was the kind of teacher and person I wanted to be.  I am particularly inspired by Maria Montessori’s quote from Nurturing the Spirit, “Let us give the child a vision of the whole universe…for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other.”

Upcoming Events:
School Picture Re-take Day, Monday, November 5 
If your child was absent on the first Picture Day or if you did not like the original photo and want a re-take, let the office know.  In addition to re-takes, the class photos for Rooms 103 and 101 will be taken as will photos of the 8th grade graduates in their caps and gowns.
Transition Breakfast 8:30-10:30 am

Explore global questions about the Montessori philosophy and Montessori education.

Meet and talk with parents currently in the next program and visit the classroom in action.

6-9 Transition Breakfast (for parents of rising 1st Graders) Tuesday, November 6th

9-12 Transition Breakfast (for parents of rising 4th Graders) Thursday, November 8th

Middle School Transition Breakfast (for parent of rising 7th Graders) Thursday, November 15^th

Guest Speaker: Monday, November 12, 6:30pm – 8:00pm.  Nutritionist, Melissa Graham, from Purple Asparagus, will speak about healthy eating for kids!

Breakfast With Santa

Saturday, December 1, 10:00am – 12:30pm at Hanging Gardens Restaurant.

Halloween Candy Buy Back

Today, November 1, 2012, Dr. Sal’s Dental Office at 8524 W Lawrence, Norridge 60706, is paying $1 per pound of candy for up to five pounds from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

November Scholastic Book Club Orders are due on Monday, November 5^th!

During September, Scholastic Book Clubs earned 84 free books for the school!  With your support, we hope we can earn even more this month.

Remember, online ordering is the best option.

v     Directors/Directresses earn $3.00 to spend every time a parent orders online!

v     You earn a free book coupon (up to $5.00) to use on a future order!

Simply log onto www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and place your order using the information below and a credit card by midnight on 11/5/12. 

Directress	Class Activation Code
Marie	GQFRH
Agnes	GQFRJ
Jen	HL9FY
Kathleen	GQFV4
Heather	GQFV7
Erica	GQFV8
Charles	GQFVB

If you prefer, paper order forms are still available and can be found in your parent folder.  Please turn in your order forms to the main office by 11/5/12 with your payment by check (payable to Scholastic Book Clubs) or cash.  Please remember to include your child’s name on each form.

Move-a-Thon Money Due

The miles are logged.  They money is collected.  The bikes, running shoes, skates, scooters, and paddle boats(?) are all put away for the season.  That means it is time to turn in the funds you have raised for the Move-a-Thon.  Please stop by the office with your tracking sheets or email Kelly with any questions.