The Brickton Weekly, January 31, 2013

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An Alumni Visits Birckton

"Brickton is an incredible life changing place where life training and education meet to form a confident unique person who is ready to tackle the world." -Monika Chojnacka, Brickton Alum 2008. 

Monika is a Senior at Elk Grove High School.  She is a member of the National Honor Society and an ISAC Scholar as well as a member of the Varsity Water Polo and Swim Team.  When asked to describe her days at Brickton, here is what she said:

"Wow, where do I begin. Brickton taught me how to be a functional human being. I learned how to manage time, how to be efficient, how to interact with people kindly, how to be considerate, how to be responsible, how to ask for help, but most importantly it taught me to think outside the box. I do not know how to explain this, but I could see the efficiency of a Brickton classroom when I visited. The kids are not only taught the essentials, like geography and english, but they are learning how to be responsible open minded individuals. I value my Brickton education very much."

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

Molly Arnoldt, Director of Advancement

When my husband Rob and I began to research school options for our eldest child, Sean, we knew we wanted something different from Traditional Education.  A dear friend of mine had her children in a Montessori school and highly recommended it, so we found Brickton!  As soon as we walked into Agnes' classroom we knew it was the perfect place for our children to learn and grow - it felt so right to us!  Brickton became so much of a second home to us over the years that Sean was in Children's House, when the position became available, it seemed natural for me to apply!  I had spent the prior five years in the world of non-profit development, so I joined the Brickton staff and soon after that our daughter Ellie began in Children's House.  Like I always tell prospective families - Brickton is a good place for children and adults alike!

The Fun is Coming Soon!

The Big Leap - Brickton's Annual Benefit 2013

Saturday, March 2^nd,

Parents, teachers, staff, and students are scurrying around the school getting ready for Brickton’s biggest event of the year, The Big Leap. We’re finishing up classroom art projects, collecting items for the silent auction, and tracking RSVPs.  For more information on Brickton’s Fun-filled Annual Benefit event, stop by the Development Office and talk to Molly. 

What's new this year?

The Silent Auction will be Online via BiddingForGood.  Brickton will have its very own auction page loaded with amazing items! Sharing the love of Brickton will be so easy with this exciting change - simply share the link with family and friends and voila, they can support Brickton and find fabulous deals.   Stay tuned for more details.  The Live Auction items, including the Classroom Art Projects and Teacher Outings, will only be available the night of the event.

Volunteer Spotlight

We'd like to extend a big thank you to Skip Starmann for volunteering to clean our front sidewalk on our first snowy day in 336 days.

Elementary Ice Skating

Each year the Elementary program seeks to augment its physical education curriculum with special activities.  In the fall, the students take swimming instruction for eight weeks at the Lattoff YMCA.  This winter, both the Lower and Upper Elementary students will go for six weeks of ice skating lessons at the Skokie Skatium Ice Arena.  The students greatly enjoy this activity and are afforded time for lessons and free skating.  The first of six sessions is February 6^th. 

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Manna Orders Due Tomorrow, Friday, February 1^st

Middle School Transition Night for parents of rising 7th graders: Tuesday, February 5^th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Meet the teachers and parents of current students.  Learn about the curriculum, assessment, goals and what a typical day looks like.  Meet alumni and parents to hear their perspective on the transition to the next program.

School Closings: In-Service Day, Friday February 15^th

                             President’s Day, Monday, February 18^th

Montessori Education Week, Monday, February 25^th through Friday, March 1^st

Parent Appreciation Breakfast, Friday March 1^st