The Brickton Weekly, October 11, 2013

Getting to Know You: Each week this section will highlight one staff member and their answer to the question: How do you express your creativity?

Kathy Hummel, Music Teacher

I am fortunate to be in a creative field and have many opportunities to express my creativity. As a performer I interpret the music of a variety of composers while playing solo, in a flute quartet, woodwind quintet, and in an orchestra. I express my creativity when I leave the notes on the written page and improvise.  As a music teacher using the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education I express my creativity through the movement and music activities I provide my students to help them reach their potential as musicians. I also express my creativity when I work with a group of colleagues at an Orff workshop developing a movement piece or a composition using the Orff Instrumentarium.

Birth Announcment

Sean Patrick McPartlin7 lbs, 13 oz,brother of RJ McPartlin in room 101 wasborn on October 7^th.  Welcome to the world Sean Patrick.

Cross Country Update!

Come out and cheer them on at the IESA Sectional competition, this coming Saturday, October 12th, 9:00 a.m. at Westmont High School: 909 Oakwood Drive in Westmont.  Best of luck to Brickton'sCross Country Team!

Spotlight on Volunteering

Many thanks to Kristen Olson, Julia Clifton’s mom, who has volunteered to buy crickets and worms for the school’s pets, which they gratefully devour each week.

Big Thank You

The extracurricular Art Club sends thanks to Tayler Sain’s family, Mary Disse, and Pat Moran for the donation of art supplies.  If you have any art supplies at home you no longer want, please drop them at the office and our young artists will put them to good use.

Taste of Montessori
Please join us to get a taste of what it’s like in your child’s classroom and to meet other families.  The families will meet in the Great Room for a potluck dinner from 5-6pm, then move into the classroom to join the students to work until 7pm. Toddler families will meet in the classroom for an hour of work and snack time with their child.  Check the list below to Save the Date for your child’s Taste of Montessori.  Sign-up sheets for each classroom will come from their Directress/Director, closer to the date.

Upper Elementary, Tuesday, October 15^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 101, Thursday, October 17^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 103, Thursday, October 24^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Save the date! Transition Night 2014

For parents of 2nd and 3rd year students in Children's House, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary, join us for an important information session about the next step in your child's educational journey here at Brickton.  The evening will provide an opportunity to learn about the curriculum, speak to the Director(s)/Directress(es) for the program and meet parents whose children have already made the transition.

Transition to Upper Elementary - for parents of current 2^nd and 3^rdgrade students

Wednesday, January 22^nd 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Transition to Middle School - for parents of current 5^th and 6^thgrade students

Wednesday, January 29^th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Transition to Lower Elementary - for parents of current Children's House 2^nd and 3^rdyear (Kindergarten) students - Wednesday, February 5^th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

School Closed – Columbus Day, Monday, October 14^th

Upper Elementary Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 15^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 16^th, 7:00pm

The Great American Shake Out, Thursday, October 17^th

Room 101 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 17^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Lower Elementary In-School Celebration, Friday, October 18^th, 8:30am

Room 103 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 24^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, October 25^th

HalloweenCelebration, Thursday, October 31^st

Pizza Lunch, Friday, October 8^th

Open House, Sunday, November 10^th, 10:00am – 12:30pm

Room 101 In-School Celebration, Friday, November 15^th, 8:30am

The Brickton Weekly, October 3, 2013

Getting to Know You: Each week this section will highlight one staff member and their answer to the question: How do you express your creativity?

Jen Cozad, Children’s House Directress

As a child, I enjoyed dancing and performing in theater productions.  I find that I draw on these skills and experiences frequently as a teacher, from leading Line Time to presenting a lesson on the planets, as teaching young children requires a bit of a dramatic flair.  I particularly enjoy using creative movement activities to engage children more fully in learning.  Teaching has been a wonderful way for me to use my creative energy.

Middle School Adopt-a-Beach:  Ohio Street Beach

Last week, our Middle School students participated in Adopt-a-Beach™ volunteer program with the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ More than just a beach sweep, Adopt-a-Beach™ teams conduct litter removal and monitoring as well as complete a beach health assessment that includes science-based observation and testing. The Brickton Middle School Team collects this information from the Ohio Street Beach and enters it into the Adopt-a-Beach™ online system, where it is used to educate the public, share with local beach authorities and improve beaches.

Spotlight on Volunteering

Thank you to our picture day volunteers, Ivana Drazic and Diane Grassi, for helping get students through the photo sessions wearing a smile.  Thanks to our volunteer arborist Dave Degand, for trimming our lovely tree at the entryway.  Thank you to Mirvette Badal for spearheading the Lego club.

Art Supplies Donation Request

Do you happen to have any spare art supplies at home?  Paint, paper, beads or any other items that you would be willing to donate to the extra-curricular art program would be greatly appreciated.  Donations can be left in the office.

Spread the Word

Help us spread the good word about Brickton!  Stop by the office today and pick up your FREE Brickton lawn sign.   Thank you!

Taste of Montessori
Please join us to get a taste of what it’s like in your child’s classroom and to meet other families.  The families will meet in the Great Room for a potluck dinner from 5-6pm, then move into the classroom to join the students to work until 7pm. Toddler families will meet in the classroom for an hour of work and snack time with their child.  Check the list below to Save the Date for your child’s Taste of Montessori.  Sign-up sheets for each classroom will come from their Directress/Director, closer to the date.

Room 107, Tuesday, October 8th, 5:00-7:00pm

Toddler, Wednesday, October 9th, 5:00-6:00pm

Upper Elementary, Tuesday, October 15th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 101, Thursday, October 17th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 103, Thursday, October 24th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Upcoming Events

Cross Country Meet, Saturday, October 5th, Niles West HS, check-in at 11:00am

Room 107 Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 8th, 5:00-7:00pm

Toddler Taste of Montessori, Wednesday, October 9th, 5:00-6:00pm

Pizza Lunch, Friday, October 11th

School Closed – Columbus Day, Monday, October 14th

Upper Elementary Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 15th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 16th, 7:00pm

The Great American Shake Out, Thursday, October 17th

Room 101 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 17th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Lower Elementary In-School Celebration, Friday, October 18th, 8:30am

Room 103 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 24th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, October 25th

Halloween Celebration, Thursday, October 31st

Pizza Lunch, Friday, October 8th

Open House, Sunday, November 10th, 10:00am – 12:30pm

The Brickton Weekly, September 27, 2013

Getting to Know You: Each week this section will highlight one staff member and their answer to the question: How do you express your creativity?

Marie Rodriguez, Toddler Directress

Once upon a time I spent a childhood baking, making ornaments, decorating the house for holidays, learning to crochet potholders,making an octopus from yarn, helping to make fishing poles - my family is crafty. With age my crafting has been tempered, but I do love learning about fashion and I also share my skill of gift wrapping with the many customers I have worked with through the years at Bloomingdale's, but it is daily when observing the Toddlers creative uses of the materials and interactions in the environment that remind me to always be open to creativeness in life.

Welcome Aria

Congratulations to big sister, Gloria Litwinczuk and her parents on the arrival of her new sister Aria. Welcome to the world!

Cross Country

Congratulations to our cross country runners who continue to achieve personal bests at practices and meets.  Last week, during the dual meet with Rogers Park Montessori, Liadan Sarkiss won 2^nd place in the Girls Junior Varsity, Baito Sarkiss won 1^st place and Sam Anthony won 3rd place in Boys Junior Varsity, Tayler Sain won 2^nd place and Mica Barrett won 3^rd place in Girls Varsity.  At the Guerin Prep Invitational on Wednesday, several runners placed in the top 25 for their age groups, with Baito Sarkiss for Boys Junior Varsity, Liadan Sarkiss for Girls Junior Varsity, Mica Barrett, Tayler Sain, Alex Contursi and Julia Deane for Girls Varsity and Josh Plier for Boys Varsity.  The Girls Varsity team won a third place trophy for teams.  Great running everyone!  If you’d like to cheer on the team, remaining meets are listed in upcoming events.

Art Supplies Donation Request

Do you happen to have any spare art supplies at home?  Paint, paper, beads or any other items that you would be willing to donate to the extra-curricular art program would be appreciated.  Donations can be left in the office.

Allergy Awareness

The safety of our students is of utmost importance to us, that is why years ago Brickton made the decision to become "a nut free school."  Over 15 million Americans have food allergies - 1 in 13 kids, or about 2 per classroom!  The Havens family is one of the many Brickton families affected by food allergies - below is a wonderful video they created to help spread awareness.

Taste of Montessori
Please join us to get a taste of what it’s like in your child’s classroom and to meet other families.  The families will meet in the Great Room for a potluck dinner from 5-6pm, then move into the classroom to join the students to work until 7pm. Toddler families will meet in the classroom for an hour of work and snack time with their child.  Check the list below to Save the Date for your child’s Taste of Montessori.  Sign-up sheets for each classroom will come from their Directress/Director, closer to the date.

Lower Elementary, Tuesday, October 1^st, 5:00 - 7:00pm

Room 107, Tuesday, October 8^th, 5:00-7:00pm

Toddler, Wednesday, October 9^th, 5:00-6:00pm

Upper Elementary, Tuesday, October 15^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 101, Thursday, October 17^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 103, Thursday, October 24^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Upcoming Events

Club Day – Fall Conferences, Friday, September 27^th

Cross Country Meet, Saturday, September 28^th, check-in at 12pm, Washington Park

Upper Elementary to Nature’s Classroom, Monday, September 30^th – Friday, October 4^th

Lower Elementary Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 1^st, 5:00 - 7:00pm

Cross Country Meet, Wednesday, October 2^nd, Horner Park, check-in at 4:00pm

Cross Country Meet, Saturday, October 5^th,Niles West HS, check-in at 11:00am

Room 107 Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 8^th, 5:00-7:00pm

Toddler Taste of Montessori, Wednesday, October 9^th, 5:00-6:00pm

Pizza Lunch, Friday, October 11^th

School Closed – Columbus Day, Monday, October 14^th

Upper Elementary Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 15^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 16^th, 7:00pm

The Great American Shake Out, Thursday, October 17^th

Room 101 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 17^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Lower Elementary In-School Celebration, Friday, October 18^th, 8:30am

Room 103 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 24^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, October 25^th

The Brickton Weekly, September 20, 2013

Volunteer Spotlight

Many thanks to the Parent Alliance, the Block Party Committee and the countless volunteers who donated their time, energy, and wonderful food to the event.The block party was full of fun for the whole family. From face painting to our community art project, dancing and Tae Kwon Do, the evening was action packed.  Thanks to everyone who helped support this community wide event.  Enjoy the photos courtesy of Mark Treppa!

John Joyce, father of Children’s House student Stefan, brought in his guitar and sang for the students in Room 101.  The kids had a blast dancing, singing, and listening to the wonderful, up-beat songs John shared.  If your family would like to hear John and his band, they will have a CD Release Show at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29 at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, Chicago.

Picture Day

School Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, September 25.  All of the students will be photographed individually and class pictures will be taken.  Some sibling pictures may be taken on Picture Day if time permits, butthey are scheduled to take place on ReTake Day (not yet scheduled).This year, parents will have the option of pre-ordering and paying for their child's picture. The Inter-State photographers will choose the best shot for you and print the pictures up immediately.  Or, you can wait for proofs, and then place an order on line. A flyer explaining the process was placed in the parent folders on September 17^th. If you would like the Pre-Order option, please return your order form to the office by Tuesday, September 24.

If your child does not ordinarily attend school on Wednesday, please bring him/her to school on Wednesday morning so that s/he can be part of the class picture.

Getting to Know You: Each week this section will highlight one staff member and their answer to the question: How do you express your creativity?

Katie Rose, Upper Elementary Directress

I grew up with a father who absolutely, 100% delighted in stories and the telling of stories. The more ornate or flat out ridiculous the better. As a result, one of the modes of creativity I take the greatest joy in is the sharing of tales, be it over a cup of coffee or just in passing. The spoken word never ceases to tickle the mind and engage the heart!In addition to spinning yarns, I do dearly love printing on both paper and fabric, attractively organizing my portable natural history museum and drawing the world about me.

Recycled Paper Donations

Our supply of recycled paper is running low - the younger students use a lot of it for drawing and coloring.  If you have a supply of slightly used printer paper (clean on one side) or obsolete letterhead we could recycle, please drop it off in the office and it will be put to good use.

Club Day, Friday September 27^th

Friday, September 27th is a Club Day at Brickton - please help us plan for the day by telling us if your child will be attending.  For students currently registered for our Full Day program, there is no additional charge for the day - all others may attend if pre-registered, for a fee of $50.

Join Benefit Planning Committee

Join the fun! Be a part of the planning team for Brickton's annual gala - The Big Leap! Small tasks, large tasks so many to choose from. Our first meeting will be held on:Thursday, September 26^th, 7:30pm at the home of Maggie Bauer, 6670 N. Octavia, Chicago 60631.  Please bring an appetizer to share.

Taste of Montessori

Please join us to get a taste of what it’s like in your child’s classroom and to meet other families.  The families will meet in the Great Room for a potluck dinner from 5-6pm, then move into the classroom to join the students to work until 7pm. Toddler families will meet in the classroom for an hour of work and snack time with their child.  Check the list below to Save the Date for your child’s Taste of Montessori.  Sign-up sheets for each classroom will come from their Directress/Director, closer to the date.

Lower Elementary, Tuesday, October 1^st, 5:00 - 7:00pm

Room 107, Tuesday, October 8^th, 5:00-7:00pm

Toddler, Wednesday, October 9^th, 5:00-6:00pm

Upper Elementary, Tuesday, October 15^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 101, Thursday, October 17^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Room 103, Thursday, October 24^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Upcoming Events

Cross Country Meet (Dual), Saturday, September 21^st,Winnemac Park, check-in at 9:30am

Picture Day, Wednesday, September 25^th.

Cross Country Meet, Wednesday, September 25^th, Schiller Woods, check-in at 4:00pm

Club Day – Fall Conferences, Friday, September 27^th

Cross Country Meet, Saturday, September 28^th, check-in at 12pm, Washington Park

Upper Elementary to Nature’s Classroom, Monday, September 30^th – Friday, October 4^th

Lower Elementary Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 1^st, 5:00 - 7:00pm

Cross Country Meet, Wednesday, October 2^nd, Horner Park, check-in at 4:00pm

Cross Country Meet, Saturday, October 5^th,Niles West HS, check-in at 11:00am

Room 107 Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 8^th, 5:00-7:00pm

Toddler Taste of Montessori, Wednesday, October 9^th, 5:00-6:00pm

Pizza Lunch, Friday, October 11^th

School Closed – Columbus Day, Monday, October 14^th

Upper Elementary Taste of Montessori, Tuesday, October 15^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 16^th, 7:00pm

The Great American Shake Out, Thursday, October 17^th

Room 101 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 17^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Lower Elementary In-School Celebration, Friday, October 18^th, 8:30am

Room 103 Taste of Montessori, Thursday, October 24^th, 5:00 – 7:00pm

Hot Dog Lunch, Friday, October 25^th