The Brickton Weekly, April 5, 2013

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

Kelly McDermott, Full-Day Montessori Coordinator   

Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and focused on child development classes in High School and College. When looking for a summer job, I came across an ad for a Montessori School. I went in for an interview and realized that I wanted to be part of this type of education.  I enrolled in the Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center, became certified and began working at Brickton in August of 1990.  I have three children, two daughters who attended Brickton and my son, Declan, is currently enrolled in the 9-12 program. I feel very lucky to be a part of the Brickton Community.

Four Brickton Students Nominated For Publication

The Elementary and Middle School students have all participated in the Adventures in Creative Writing field trips this year at Open Books.  Four students from Brickton who attended the Adventures in Creative Writing field trip at Open Books have been nominated for inclusion in Open Books' first-ever published anthology of field trip pieces from the 2012-2013 school year. Of the thousands of students who attended this year, only a handful has been selected for publication!Open Books nominated the following students: Amelia Dolly, Josh Plier, Niamh Duffy, and Tyler Flechs   

Congratulations to the students selected for nomination!

Oberweis Fundraiser, April 9^th

Louise Borre has shared a great fundraising opportunity for Brickton.  On Tuesday, April 9^th, print out and take this coupon to the Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store location 101 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge, IL 60068, and Brickton will get up to 30% back on everything you buy!  Copies of the coupon will be available in the office or just click the link to download and print the coupon.

In-School Celebration

Friday, April 9^th, Room 103 will host an In-School Celebration.  We hope parents of students in Room 103 can join us in the Great Room at 8:30 am for 15 minutes of skits and an all school sing-along accompanied by John Huber on guitar and Beth Peachey on piano.    

Brickton's Annual Bowling Bash

Join the Brickton community for a fun-filled afternoon of Cosmic Bowling!

Brunswick Zone - 7333 Milwaukee Avenue in Niles

Saturday, April 13^th, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

$15 per person - includes bowling, shoe rental and lunch.  Tickets can be purchased in the main office.

Summer Camp...

is just around the corner!  Brickton offers exciting summer camp programs for children from 2 years old to 8th grade.  Click here to find out more and to access registration forms. 

Check out what fun our Children's House students will be having!

Let’s Move! 6/10-6/14

Drawing inspiration from Michelle Obama, we'll build courses and mazes, move with long jump ropes and develop beginning ball skills.

Fun with Science 6/17-6/21

Budding scientists will work with gravity, color and chemistry experiments and begin working with the scientific method: observing, wondering what might happen, wondering why and replicating results.

Games Galore 6/24-6/28

We will discover activities for individuals and groups, having fun both indoors and outdoors. The emphasis will be on cooperation and team building, rather than competition.

America through the Ages 7/1-7/5 (No camp on July 4th)

Let's celebrate America's birthday by commemorating everything 4th of July!  Activities will include an apple pie bake, fireworks painting and field games.

Art Exploration - Inspired by the Sun 7/8-7/12

Art challenges us to look at what is in front of us and use our hands to create what we have seen.  This week will include developing skills in drawing, painting, sculpting and sewing while manipulating different materials.

Sports O-Rama 7/15-7/19

This week will focus on building developmentally appropriate sports skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and having FUN! If you are a sports fan, you don't want to miss this one!

Runaway Circus 7/22-7/26

The circus is coming to Brickton! While the Elementary campers are honing their circus skills, the Children’s House campers will be learning about circus animals, practicing basic acrobatics like rolling and balancing, and working on a circus themed mural. 

My Healthy Body 7/29-8/2

This week we will be learning about the human body.  The children will create life-size pictures of their bodies and conduct experiments that illustrate how our bodies work.  We will spend time learning about how to keep our bodies healthy and at the end of the week the children will participate in a fitness challenge.

Space Explorers 8/5-8/9

We will launch ourselves into space this week and explore our solar system.  Lessons on the planets, the moon, the sun and other stars will ignite our imaginations.  The children will learn a song called the Family of the Sun and work together to create a life size model of an astronaut.

Celebrating the Arts 8/11-8/19

The children will explore the visual and performing arts this week.  Stories will come alive as we act out classic fairy tales such as The Three Little Pigs.  We will dance to music from around the world, create collages, and form a marching band. 

Upcoming Events

Pizza Lunch, Friday, April 5^th

Oberweis Fundraiser, April 9^th

Board Meeting, Wednesday April 10^th, 7:00 pm

In-School Celebration, Room 103, April 12^th, 8:30 am

Bowling Bash, Saturday, April 13^th 11:30am – 2:00 p.m., Brunswick Zone, 7333 Milwaukee Ave, Niles

Middle School to Nature’s Classroom, April 15^th – 19^th

Information Coffee, Thursday, April 18^th, 9:00 – 10:00 am 

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, April 19^th

Open House, Sunday, April 21^st, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. 

The Brickton Weekly, March 22, 2013

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

Sara Gregory, School Secretary

For the past 18 years, I have been the Senior Bell Dinger and School Secretary at Brickton Montessori School. My favorite part of my job is greeting the children and parents in the morning and keeping track of how everyone is doing.  I am especially fond of meeting people from all over the world and learning a little bit about their different cultures.  I am always amazed at how quickly the children from far away countries adapt and become part of the Brickton community.

I have two grown children who transferred to Brickton when they were in 4th and 5th grades.  After they had both attended various parochial and public schools, we all knew instantly that Brickton was really a special place.  They both say that Brickton was the best and most welcoming school that they ever attended, and after all these years, I certainly agree!

Trinity Irish Dancers

Thank you to Trinity Irish Dance School and all the Brickton students, past and present, who danced for our community on Friday, including The Sarkiss Family, Ellie Arnoldt, Callia Murray, and Tayler Sain, sharing their spirit and talents with us all.

Spring Break Club Days, Monday, March 25^th – Thursday, March 28^th

School Closed, Friday, March 29^th

Spring Break is just around the corner.  RSVP with Kelly to attend the Club Days Monday through Thursday.  Don’t forget, school is closed next Friday, March 29^th.   

Upper Elementary Harlem Shake Video

After a week of testing, the Upper Elementary class decided to burn off a little steam.  To do so, they made their own version of the Harlem Shake.  Enjoy!

Brickton's Annual Bowling Bash

Join the Brickton community for a fun-filled afternoon of Cosmic Bowling!

Brunswick Zone - 7333 Milwaukee Avenue in Niles

Saturday, April 13^th, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

$15 per person - includes bowling, shoe rental and lunch.

Tickets can be purchased in the main office.

Enroll Now For Summer Camp

Brickton offers exciting summer camp programs for children from 2 years old to 8^th grade.  Click here to find out more and to access registration forms.  To learn more about the age specific programs see below and follow the links! 

Our Summertime Wonder Camp for Toddlers and Children’s House Students (ages 2-6), is led by our Montessori certified Directresses, exploring the Montessori materials in the classroom. Each week features a different theme, supplemented with plenty of outside playtime and splashing in wading pools. 

Elementary and Middle School campers (entering 1st grade through completing 8th grade) participate in our Enrichment Camp, offering themed weeks designed to stimulate their interest.  Classes are taught by expert instructors in science, sports, art, circus performing and clowning, drama, music and dance - for boys and girls.  Afternoons are filled with fun activities related to the weekly theme, including games, sports, art projects, cooking and other activities inspired by the campers.  Click here for more info.

Our Discover Chicago program is a unique opportunity for campers from 6th through 8th grade to plan trips to explore downtown Chicago or anywhere public transportation can take them.  Past trips have included museums, Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Sears Tower, Hancock Building, North Beach, and Wrigley Field.  Find out more here.

Our Junior Counselor Program is offered for 6th - 12th graders that are current, future and past students of our Middle School Program.  This program is designed to offer leadership training and the opportunity to complete community service requirements for Middle School and High School.  More info?  Click here.

Upcoming Events:

Club Day, Friday, March 22^nd - Parent/Teacher Conferences       

Spring Break Club Days, Monday, March 25th – Thursday, March 28th

School Closed, Friday, March 29th

Pizza Lunch, Friday, April 5^th

Oberweis Fundraiser, April 9^th

Board Meeting, Wednesday April 10^th, 7:00 pm

In-School Celebration, Room 103, April 12^th, 8:30 am

Bowling Bash, Saturday, April 13^th 11:30am – 2:00 p.m., Brunswick Zone, 7333 Milwaukee Ave, Niles

Middle School to Nature’s Classroom, April 15^th – 19^th

Information Coffee, Thursday, April 18^th, 9:00 – 10:00 am 

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, April 19^th

Open House, Sunday, April 21^st, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. 

The Brickton Weekly, March 14, 2013

Manna Orders Due

Manna is a program that allows you to receive a discount off your tuition and while supporting the Middle School Program. You can use them for gas, groceries, clothes and gifts!  If you pay $25.00 for a gift card, you get the full $25.00 value of the card  - the Middle School makes a profit, and you get a discount on your tuition. Everybody wins!!! Just pick up your order forms from Dotty’s office and return them by Friday March 15^th. 

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

Dotty Schweitzer, Bookkeeper

When I left Corporate Management Training and Consulting I wanted to return to accounting and be in a new environment that I would enjoy going to everyday. Montessori had always interested me and being around children all day was something new to me.  A few of my friends have had children in a Montessori school and the conversations with their children were always engaging and fascinating. I felt that I could hear their thought process.  I have learned something new every day that I have been at Brickton.  I truly love what I do, and this is where I want to be!

Brickton's Annual Bowling Bash

Join the Brickton community for a fun-filled afternoon of Cosmic Bowling!

Brunswick Zone - 7333 Milwaukee Avenue in Niles

Saturday, April 13^th, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

$15 per person - includes bowling, shoe rental and lunch.

Tickets can be purchased in the main office.

World’s Finest Chocolate

Only a few days left to gather up orders for World's Finest Chocolate. Orders and payments must be turned into the office by Friday, March 15^th, so that the chocolate can be delivered before Spring Break.  Stock up - chocolate always makes it a better day!

Enroll Now For Summer Camp

Brickton offers exciting summer camp programs for children from 2 years old to 8^th grade.  Click here to find out more and to access registration forms.  To learn more about the age specific programs see below and follow the links! 

Our Summertime Wonder Camp for Toddlers and Children’s House Students (aged 2-6), is led by our Montessori certified Directresses, exploring the Montessori materials in the classroom. Each week features a different theme, supplemented with plenty of outside playtime and splashing in wading pools. 

Elementary and Middle School campers (entering 1st grade through completing 8th grade) participate in our Enrichment Camp, offering themed weeks designed to stimulate their interest.  Classes are taught by expert instructors in science, sports, art, circus performing and clowning, drama, music and dance - for boys and girls.  Afternoons are filled with fun activities related to the weekly theme, including games, sports, art projects, cooking and other activities inspired by the campers.  Click here for more info.

Our Discover Chicago program is a unique opportunity for campers from 6th through 8th grade to plan trips to  explore downtown Chicago or anywhere public transportation can take them.  Past trips have included museums, Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Sears Tower, Hancock Building, North Beach, and Wrigley Field.  Find out more here.

Our Junior Counselor Program is offered for 6th - 12th graders that are current, future and past students of our Middle School Program.  This program is designed to offer leadership training and the opportunity to complete community service requirements for Middle School and High School.  More info?  Click here.

Manna Orders Due, Friday, March 15^th

Trinity Irish Dancers Live at Brickton, Friday, March 15^th, 8:30 am

Parent Alliance Meeting, Monday, March 18^th, 5:45 pm – Care and dinner provided.  Please RSVP to Sara in the office so we can plan accordingly.

Benefit Meeting, Monday, March 18^th, approximately 7:00 pm.  Will begin immediately after the Parent Alliance meeting. 

Club Day, Friday, March 22^nd - Parent/Teacher Conferences       

Spring Break: Club Days, Monday, March 25^th – Thursday, March 28^th

                        School Closed, Friday, March 29^th

Pizza Lunch, Friday, April 5^th

Board Meeting, Wednesday April 10^th, 7:00 pm

In-School Celebration, Room 103, April 12^th, 8:30 am

Bowling Bash, Saturday, April 13^th 11:30am – 2:00 p.m., Brunswick Zone, 7333 Milwaukee Ave, Niles

Middle School to Nature’s Classroom, April 15^th – 19^th

Information Coffee, Thursday, April 18^th, 9:00 – 10:00 am 

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, April 19^th

Open House, Sunday, April 21^st, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. 

The Brickton Weekly, March 7, 2013

Parent Development Night

Thursday, March 7th, 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Acclaimed licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Felix Casados, will discuss anxiety and provide tips and strategies for parents to help their child deal with anxiety. Care and pizza will be available for students at no cost.  Please RSVP to Sara so we may plan accordingly.

Thanks for a GREAT Big Leap!

Friday, March 2^nd, we came out to support Brickton Montessori School at the Big Leap benefit dinner and auction.  We had a ton of fun, and it was a very successful night.  Thanks again to the parents, teachers, and students that worked hard to make the night such a success and to Deb DeYoung and Maggie Bauer, co-chairs of the event.  A big thank you is due to Marie Rodriguez and Mark Treppa for taking pictures at the event.  You can view and download pictures here.

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

Liz Menczyski, After School/Office Assistant

I joined Brickton back in 1991 as a volunteer.  Then, sometime afterward, I expressed interest in a part-time position.  I worked from 1992 to 1998 as an assistant in Children’s House.  I left for about ten years and then came back to Chicago in 2007.  I came back to Brickton in 2008, and am very happy to be back.

Oberweiss Fundraising Coupon

Louise Borre has shared a great fundraising opportunity for Brickton.  On Saturday, March 9^th, take this coupon to the Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store location 101 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge, IL 60068, and Brickton will get up to 30% back on everything you buy!  Copies of the coupon will be available in the office or just click the link to download and print the coupon.  

World's Finest Chocolate Flash Sale

Quick as a bunny, in just a FLASH, Brickton will be selling World's Finest Chocolate. The always popular Chocolate Rabbits will be available, as well as other spring candy favorites.  The sale will begin on Monday, March 11^th; orders must be returned to the office by Friday, March 15^th, so that they can be delivered before Spring Break. Order forms should be in parent folders on Friday.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Re-Enrollment Forms Due, Monday, March 11^th

Club Day, Friday, March 8^th

Information Coffee, Thursday, March 14^th, 9:00 – 10:00 am  Let people know that this is a great time to come learn more about Brickton.

Manna Orders Due, Friday, March 15^th

Trinity Irish Dancers Live at Brickton, Friday, March 15^th, 8:30 am

Middle School Mid Cycle Meeting – March 14^th, 5:30-7:00 pm

Club Days, Friday, March 8^th - Records Day

                    Friday, March 22^nd - Parent/Teacher Conferences       

Spring Break: Club Days, Monday, March 25^th – Thursday, March 28^th

                        School Closed, Friday, March 29^th

Board Meeting, Wednesday April 10^th, 7:00 pm

In-School Celebration, Room 103, April 12^th, 8:30 am

Information Coffee, Thursday, April 18^th, 9:00 – 10:00 am 

Open House, Sunday April 21^st, 10:00 am -12:30 pm.

The Brickton Weekly, March 1, 2013

The Big Leap is Saturday

  

      







      Brickton’s annual benefit dinner and auction is this Saturday! The staff, students, and room parents have been working very hard to pull everything together for this special night.  We hope to see you out in support of our great school! Tickets are on sale in the office and will be available at the door the night of the event.  Don’t miss out on this fun-filled night, and look out for these exciting auction items:

   ·         Terrific teacher outings for the students

   ·         Beautiful classroom art projects

   ·         Principal For A Day

   ·         VIP parking spot

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

Heather Wilcek, Lower Elementary Directress

Ever since I was a child myself, I knew I loved kids and wanted to work with them when I grew up.  During high school I worked for many years at Chicago Park District summer camps and had a blast. When it was time for college, it was easy for me to decide on my major (Early Childhood - Birth to Grade 3) and I was off.  The general education classes quickly passed and as I got into the core classes that would help me earn my Bachelor's degree, it was more evident that I had made the right choice.  I was (and still am) fascinated by how children learn.  I was working my way through college and I was interested in finding a part-time job at a school.  I saw an ad for an after school position at Brickton, interviewed for the position and have been here ever since.  At first, I thought it was a little different to ask children to "use slow feet" rather than shouting at them to "stop running".  I was used to using my big day camp voice to quiet the campers down with a big shout of "close your mouths" but at Brickton we were supposed to suggest the students "use inside voices".  I realized that I was entering into something that was unlike anything I was familiar with and I liked it.  After working in different positions around the school while I finished my degree, I decided to take the Lower Elementary Directress training.  Hearing about the philosophy in training made me feel very at home and it was easy for me to do what was required because that was how I lived my life anyway.  I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and I still feel that way today.  Having two children who are working their way through the ranks at Brickton has been an amazing experience.  It has helped me grow as a professional, as well as a person, and I feel very lucky that we all have such a special, supportive place to spend our days.

Parent Appreciation Breakfast Tomorrow

Friday, March 1st, 7:30a.m. – 9:30a.m.

Only a minute to spare?  Grab something to go!

Got a little more time? Sit down for a relaxing meal, a snack, or just coffee, and then come play in your child’s classroom.

You do whatever it takes to help make Brickton great and we couldn’t do our jobs without you!

Please join us in the Great Room for breakfast!

Parent Development Night

Thursday, March 7th, 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Acclaimed licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Felix Casados, will discuss anxiety and provide tips and strategies for parents to help their child deal with anxiety. Care and pizza will be available for students at no cost.  Please RSVP to Sara so we may plan accordingly.

Upcoming Events

Manna Orders Due – March 1^st

Pizza Lunch – March 1^st

Middle School Mid Cycle Meeting – March 14^th, 5:30-7:00 pm

Club Days, Friday, March 8^th - Records Day

                    Friday, March 22^nd - Parent/Teacher 
                    Conferences       

Spring Break: Club Days, Monday, March 25^th – 
                                           Thursday, March28^th

                        School Closed, Friday, March 29^th