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.