The Brickton Weekly, April 19, 2012

Creating a Culture of Curiosity at Brickton Montessori School
Each month, Brickton has asked 25 people the same question and shown you their answers here in the Weekly. This month, we switched it up and decided to highlight some of the amazing questions our students ask. Curious children are learners. They explore their environment and are motivated to discover new information. What questions does your child ask?

Upcoming Open House
Tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Brickton will be hosting an Open House for prospective families Sunday, April 22nd, from 12:30 – 3:00 pm. It’s a chance to tour the school, talk with directresses, and learn more about the Montessori philosophy and our school.

Please join us…
You are invited to participate in a roundtable discussion with Principal Debbie Kelley and Dr. Sharon Damore, Montessori Educator and Curriculum & Instructional Specialist. You will gain a better understanding of:

• the student assessments we use and what the scores mean.

• how we, as a school, look at tests and what are we doing with the information.

• how we are working to improve the educational experience for your child and for our programs overall.

• Standardized Test Scores - - what does it all mean? Learn how to decipher your child's scores.

• how adults in the community can work together on behalf of your child.

When: Wednesday, May 2nd, 4:30-5:45 p.m. 
Care will be available at no charge .

Please RSVP to sara.gregory@brickton.org

Do you have related questions that you would like addressed at this meeting? Please send them to molly.arnoldt@brickton.org

We hope to see you there!

Invite Your Friends to Brickton
Grandparents and Special Friends weekend is coming up quickly! Last week you should have received two invitations (per family) in your parent folder to invite some special friends or grandparents to the school. In fact, we have a whole weekend of activities planned.
Thursday, May 10th, Band and Choir Concert, 7:00 – 8:30 pm (at the Salvation Army Building)
Friday, May 11th, Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Saturday, May 12th, Art Expo, 10:00 – 12:00 pm

Reading for Information
The students in Lower Elementary are doing some exciting things with the books they are reading. Reading a book is more than just saying the words on the page. Sometimes we read to explore new worlds, sometimes we read to meet new kinds of people, and sometimes we read to learn new information. Some students in Lower Elementary have been reading for information and organizing what they learn in various ways. When students are asked to compare and contrast information, they are using higher level thinking skills and make connections between the information they are learning and their everyday lives. Here are two examples of superior student thinking:

After reading the first chapter of Fantastic Mr. Fox and filling out a Venn Diagram about the three mean farmers (Boggis, Bunce, and Bean), Jolena, Frankie, and Cian decided to create their own Venn Diagram about themselves, filling in what they had in common and what was unique to each student.

Owen and Emmett read a book called Bizarre Dinosaurs and decided to organize some of the facts they learned about each one. They created a timeline from 161 million to 50 million years ago, drew pictures of some of the dinosaurs highlighting their unique features, and measured out the height of each dinosaur. The information was put together on the long paper you see here and is displayed on the wall outside Room 102. Check it out!

Brickton’s Authors
First graders Jackie, Charlie, and Gillian wrote and illustrated their very own story and published it this week. They have given the book to the Lower Elementary Classroom for the students to enjoy, but YOU can read it online here. (You will have to sign in to the family site.) Enjoy!

The Brickton Weekly, April 12, 2012

Featured Blog
Each month we will feature a couple of blogs so that you can see Montessori education in action at Brickton. Discover all the opportunities our students have to develop independence and self-confidence. At our school, students take ownership of their learning with joy. This week, we are featuring the Middle School Program Blog.

middleschoolprogram.posterous.com (password: brickton)

 

Club Day
Tomorrow, Friday, April 13th, is a Club Day at Brickton due to parent conferences. Please make sure you have signed up for a conference time with  your child’s directress and let us know if your child will be attending the Club Day by sending an email to sara.gregory@brickton.org. Care will be provided for children of parents during their conference time at no extra charge.

Off to Nature’s Classroom
The Middle School students are headed off to Nature’s Classroom for a week. Nature’s Classroom Institute is a residential environmental education facility where students participate in a variety of activities along with students from other Montessori schools across the Midwest. It is an exciting opportunity for Brickton Montessori School students who attend Nature’s Classroom for one week each year in the 9-12 program and 2 weeks each year in the Middle School Program.

A Special Project
Some students in the Lower Elementary program recently put pen to paper to write a story. They were inspired by the book Freefall by David Weisner, which is full of beautiful pictures, but has no words. They decided to write their own! Below is a special Voicethread presentation of the story with its pictures and original words written by Cian, Frankie, and Jolena. (If the video below doesn’t work, click here.)

 

 Upcoming Open House
Tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Brickton will be hosting an Open House for prospective families Sunday, April 22nd, from 12:30 – 3:00 pm. It’s a chance to tour the school, talk with directresses, and learn more about the Montessori philosophy and our school.

Will You Make a Pledge?
Earth Day is April 20th, and Brickton is celebrating with 25 ways to reduce your carbon footprint, featured on a bulletin board in the lobby. Please swing by and check out easy things you can do to make a difference. While you’re there, make a pledge. What will you do to help Brickton become a “greener” community?
 

Invite Your Friends to Brickton
Grandparents and Special Friends weekend is coming up quickly! This week you should receive two invitations (per family) in your parent folder to invite some special friends or grandparents to the school. In fact, we have a whole weekend of activities planned.
Thursday, May 10th, Band and Choir Concert, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Friday,May 11th, Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Saturday, May 12th, Art Expo, 10:00 – 12:00 pm

Manna Orders
Manna orders are due this Friday, April 13th, with card pick up next Wednesday, April 18th. The next Manna order due date will be Friday, April 27th, with card pick up on Wednesday, May 2. Thanks for your support!

The Brickton Weekly, April 5, 2012

Featured Blog
Each month we will feature a couple of blogs so that you can see Montessori education in action at Brickton. Discover all the opportunities our students have to develop independence and self-confidence. At our school, students take ownership of their learning with joy. This week, we are featuring the Toddler Program Blog.

toddlerprogram.posterous.com (password: brickton)

Debbie Kelley receives Brickton’s Lifetime Achievement Award
  Debbie Kelley has been the Head of School at Brickton Montessori School for 25 years. During that time, Brickton has grown from a school of just 65 students to a current enrollment of 130. In the early 1990’s, Debbie led Brickton through the process of American Montessori Society (AMS) Accreditation. Brickton became the fourteenth school in the United States to achieve full AMS accreditation. Debbie served as the AMS School Accreditation Commissioner from 2001-2006, instrumental in helping to build a strong local and national presence of Montessori Education. She has always been committed to promoting the highest standard of Montessori pedagogy and philosophy.
Congratulations, Debbie!

Doodle 4 Google
If you’ve ever “Googled” something, then you’ve seen a Google Doodle. You can check out a museum of the doodles here. Each year, Google hosts a contest for kindergarten through 12th grade students to create their own Google Doodles. This year’s theme was, “If I could travel in time, I’d visit…” The winner of the contest not only gets his or her drawing on Google’s homepage as the Doodle for the day, the school wins $50,000! Students from Brickton were excited to participate. We sent off their drawings last week and here are some examples:

Save the Date
Grandparents and Special Friends Weekend
Thursday, May 10th, 7:00 – 8:30pm Band and Choir Concert
-- Please join us at the Salvation Army Headquarters for our annual Band and Choir concert.

Friday, May 11th, Grandparents & Special Friends Day
-- Invite grandparents, neighbors, or family friends to come and spend some time in the classroom with your child at Brickton. We will provide breakfast treats for your guests.

Saturday, May 12th, 10:00 – 12:00pm Art Expo  
-- Every student will have artwork on display. Join us for our Gallery in the Great Room.

Brickton’s Bowling Bash
Brickton’s Annual Bowling Bash is a fantastic family event you won’t want to miss.

When: Saturday, April 14th, from 11:30 – 2:00pm
Where: Niles Brunswick Bowling Alley
             7333 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Cost: $15 per person, which includes shoe rental, pizza, and drinks!

See you there!

The Brickton Weekly, March 22, 2012

25 People Answer 1 Important Question
Each month, Brickton will ask 25 people the same question and show you their answers here in the Weekly. It’s one of the great ways we are celebrating our 25th school year. This month’s question to students is What is your favorite work in the classroom?

Register now for Brickton Summertime Wonder Camp!
Programs for ages 2-14
Register by the week or for the whole summer

Field trips galore! Children ages 4 and up will visit water parks, museums, zoos and more! Children ages 3 and under will enjoy “swimming” in our playground splash pools and exciting in-school field trips.

Every week has a theme, including gardening, food preparation, music, and sports.

Click here for more details.

Thank You for Your Support
Many thanks to those of you who made the commitment to a greener energy supply by choosing Viridian! Brickton received its first fundraising check in the amount of $250 for the first 25 who enrolled – we will now receive funds on a  monthly basis from Viridian. If you have yet to enroll, please do so. With another 25 members, we will double the money Brickton receives.

Residual Fundraising Program saves YOU 27% on the cost of electricity supply to-date in ComEd market. Learn more here.

Become a customer at www.Viridian.com/Brickton (We recommend the 20% Everyday Green plan for the greatest savings!)

Questions? Call Mike (Brickton Lower Elementary Parent) at 773-458-8223 or email Molly in the Advancement Office at molly.arnoldt@brickton.org.

Save Money – Go Green – Support Brickton!

The Brickton Weekly, March 15, 2012

Featured Blog
Each month we will feature a couple of blogs so that you can see Montessori education in action at Brickton. Discover all the opportunities our students have to develop independence and self-confidence. At our school, students take ownership of their learning with joy. This week, we are featuring Room 107 Children’s House Blog.

childrenshouse107.posterous.com (password: brickton)

The Brickton Ribbit Premiere Issue
The Brickton Ribbit is a newsletter developed and carried out by some of Brickton’s Lower and Upper Elementary students. Check out their first issue, which is all about MONEY! (You will need to sign in to the Family Site.)

You’re Irish Today!
Tomorrow, the world famous Trinity Irish Dancers will be performing at Brickton in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Not only is this fun and entertaining for all the children, but they get to learn about another culture and learn a few of the moves!

Extracurricular Classes
Are your children experiencing Spring Fever? Sign up now for Extracurricular activities!

The Spring session of extracurricular activities will begin after Spring Break. In addition to Dance and Chess classes, the Community Committee is happy to continue offering clubs. Running Club returns on Mondays now that the weather is warmer. Lego, Gym/Sports, and Art clubs return for another session. Please review the descriptions and register your children to ensure a space in these fun and popular extracurricular activities. See Sara Gregory in the office to register or to ask any questions.

Parent Education Opportunity
Brickton’s Parent Alliance presents a Parent Education Opportunity:

Author Alisa Weinstein will discuss her book Earn It Learn It. Teach your child about the value of money, work, and time well spent. Click here to learn more about the topic.

When: Wednesday, March 21, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Brickton, Room 105
Cost: $10 per adult (includes the price of the workshop, care for children, and pizza for all)
RSVP to Sara Gregory at sara.gregory@brickton.org

Manna
Manna orders are due this Friday, March 16, with card pick up next Wednesday, March 21. Remember your orders support the Middle School overnight trips while helping pay your tuition.

The Brickton Weekly, March 8, 2012

An Interview with one of Brickton’s Founding Members
25 years ago, when Brickton first opened its doors, it did so with the help and guidance of some very important people, the Founding Members. Each month, we highlight a Founding Member as someone who made a significant impact on our school. To them, we say thank you with appreciation for their courage and spirit.

Parent Education Opportunity
Brickton’s Parent Alliance presents a Parent Education Opportunity:

Author Alisa Weinstein will discuss her book Earn It Learn It. Teach your child about the value of money, work, and time well spent. Click here to learn more about the topic.

When: Wednesday, March 21, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Brickton, Room 105
Cost: $10 per adult (includes the price of the workshop, care for children, and pizza for all)

RSVP to Sara Gregory at sara.gregory@brickton.org

World’s Finest Chocolate!
Get your chocolate bunnies (Mint Meltaways and Caramel Whirls, too!) just in time for Spring! Check your parent folder today for a catalog and order forms. All items are $6 each and proceeds benefit student field trips.

Order deadline is Tuesday, March 20, and the chocolate will arrive by Monday, April 2.

Upcoming Club Days
Several Club Days are coming soon at the end of March:
Friday, March 23 – Records Day (Club Day)
Monday, March 26-Friday, March 30 – Spring Break (Club Days)

So that we can plan for staffing, please contact Sara Gregory in the main office (773-714-0646 OR sara.gregory@brickton.org) and let her know if your child will be attending these Club Days.

All Full Day students may attend at no additional cost. If your student is in the Core or Half Day program, he or she may attend with pre-registration and payment of $50 per day.

Calendar Change!
The Band and Choral Concert, originally scheduled for Friday, May 11, has been changed to Thursday, May 10, at 7:00 PM. Hope to see you there!

The Brickton Weekly, March 1, 2012

Featured Blog
Each month we will feature a couple of blogs so that you can see Montessori education in action at Brickton. Discover all the opportunities our students have to develop independence and self-confidence. At our school, students take ownership of their learning with joy. This week, we are featuring the Upper Elementary Blog. They have highlighted their project for this year’s Annual Benefit!

upperelementaryprogram.posterous.com (password: brickton)

Only TWO SHORT DAYS until the Big Leap!
There is still time to buy your tickets to this event. We have many surprises in store – you will NOT want to miss this fabulous evening!

• Wine and Dine is back! For $20 you will receive a lovely bottle of wine and a restaurant gift certificate valued at $20-$50. What a bargain!
• Play Heads or Tails and win an Apple iPad2! Or, other great prizes. Buy one “Happy Birthday Brickton” pin for $20 and play three times.
• Bid on your child’s Classroom Art Project (on display now in the main lobby) or the coveted Brickton Parking Space in the live auction.
• Great food, great company, what’s not to like?

Hate waiting in line at the end of the night? Take advantage of Express Checkout:

• Stop in the Business Office this week and authorize a one time charge to pay for your items. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
• OR, the night of the event, stop by the check in table when you arrive and give Dotty your credit card info  and at the end of the night just sail away without having to wait in a pesky line to pay.

We can’t wait to see you Saturday! And we checked: no major events in the area means no major traffic. Here are the details:

When: Saturday, March 3, 2012 (that’s THIS Saturday!), at 6:00 PM
Where: Victoria Rosemont, 6600 N. Mannheim, Rosemont, IL, 60016

Manna Orders Due
Manna orders are due this Friday, March 2, with card pick up Wednesday, March 7. The next Mannas due date will be Friday, March 16.

Parent Alliance “After the Benefit” Meeting
Tara Leinenweber and Maggie Bauer, co-chairs of the Parent Alliance, invite you to join in the “afterglow” of the Big Leap at the home of Maggie Bauer Treppa on March 8, 2012, at 7:00 PM for the next Parent Alliance meeting. Light food and soft drinks will be provided. Please feel free to bring a bottle of wine to share. More details will be coming via email.