The Brickton Weekly, May 15, 2015

Thank You Corner

The Parent Alliance would like to thank all the families that contributed to making the Staff Appreciation Breakfast a success. 

Thank you ALL for the amazing Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Wednesday. What a delight to share a cup of coffee, have an individualized omelet, and indulge in fondue mid-week! Our gratitude goes out to all our amazing families for the food and monetary donations, as well as the preparation, and serving of such a wonderful meal.

Thank you for sharing your children, for collaborating with us,and for supporting Brickton Montessori School!

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A Note From Directress Kathleen Kasser

Dear friends,

As I write this to you, my heart is full.  Today I want to tell you that after 18 wonderful years here at Brickton, I am leaving at the end of this school year for an opportunity as Assistant Director at Park View Montessori School.   Megan White, my talented and esteemed co-directress, will be taking over direction of the classroom in the fall.

I have appreciated the camaraderie of the people with whom I’ve worked and the cordial relations I’ve enjoyed with parents.  The best part, though, has always been spending time with Brickton’s children, and those are the memories that seem dearest to me as I look back over the time I’ve spent here.

After 40 years in Montessori, I have taught hundreds of children as a directress and hundreds of adults as a teacher trainer. I am saddened to leave Brickton.  At the same time, I am looking forward to taking up this new adventure that life has offered me.  Thank you for your good wishes and support.

Yours faithfully,

Kathleen

Brickton will honor Kathleen at the Peace Picnic with a memento for Kathleen to remember Brickton and a second item to remain at the school for us to remember her.

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Brickton’s 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run • TOMORROW

Join us for a scenic trail run through the Catherine Chevalier Forest Preserve. The Brickton 5K was established to give a physical challenge to students and families while participating in a community activity to fundraise for the school. These funds augment the education Brickton provides for a lifetime of learning, curiosity and creativity. Registration forms are available in the office and participants can sign up at the race. If you have questions or would like to learn more about this event, please contact Kelly McDermott at kelly.mcdermott@brickton.org or call 773.714.0646.

Race Day Schedule:

9:30 AM         Kids Fun Run

10:00 AM        5K Run/Walk

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Peace Picnic

Mark your calendar for Friday, May 29^th from 5 – 7 pm for the annual Peace Picnic at nearby Catherine Chevalier Woods.  Pack your hamper with a hearty dinner and the Parent Alliance will provide the popcorn and bounce houses.  To round out the activities, staff will host softball and kickball games.  Come join the fun!

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Volunteers Needed!

Each year during the spring and summer, Brickton completes several beautification projects from planting to painting with the help of volunteers. Anyone with the desire to improve the school environment is welcome to volunteer. The time you give to Brickton, whether one or ten hours, will be a rewarding experience.  Please contact Kelly McDermott through the office or email at kelly.mcdermott@brickton.org with your availability.  Thank you.

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Brickton Reads

To Slide or Not to Slide:  That is the Question.

In the great summer sport of baseball, sliding is exciting to watch. We wait to see players slide. But something villainous, also called the slide, is waiting for many children every summer, and some parents don’t even know it’s out there. 

"It's called the "summer slide," and it describes what happens when young minds sit idle for three months. Children who do not read over the summer will lose up to three months of reading achievement. Summer reading loss is cumulative. By the end of fifth grade children who lose reading skills over the summer will be three years behind their classmates." (Reading is Fundamental)  There are many reasons and resources for parents to keep kids reading throughout the summer and beyond: library programs, book clubs, audio books, and much more.  Parents need to prevent this slide. So make sure to keep your eye on the ball and keep them reading at home base!  Enjoy the slide at baseball games and avoid the other kind at home plate!

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Looking Ahead…

Brickton Kids Fun Run and 5K, Saturday, May 16, 9:00 –11:30am

Board Meeting – Annual Meeting, Thursday, May 21, 7:00 – 9:00pm

Club Day – Records Day, Friday, May 22

School Closed – Memorial Day, Monday, May 25

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, May 29

Peace Picnic, Friday, May 29, 5:30pm

Last Day of School, Thursday, June 4

Graduation/Promotion Ceremony, Thursday, June 4, 7:00pm

Summer Camp! Camps run from June 8 through August 21