The Brickton Weekly, October 4, 2012

School Closed for Teacher In-Service Day

Fri, October 5

No Care Available

Club Day - Columbus Day

Mon, October 8

RSVP for care in the office or with Kelly

Taste of Montessori Events This Month

Please join us to get a taste of what it’s like in your child’s classroom and to meet other families.  With the exception of the Toddler community, 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    Tue, October 9, 5pm – Great Room, 6pm – classroom

Room 103                  Thu, October 11, 5pm – Great Room, 6pm – classroom

Room 107                  Tue, October 16, 5pm – Great Room, 6pm – classroom

Room 101                  Thu, October 18, 5pm – Great Room, 6pm – classroom

Lower Elementary    Tue, October 23, 5pm – Great Room, 6pm – classroom

Toddler                      Thu, October 25, 5pm - classroom

Pumpkin Farm Field Trip

Fri, October 12, 9:00am – 12:45pm  Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm

Kindergarteners and Lower Elementary students will take a school bus to Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm in Barrington, IL.  Please wear your Brickton t-shirt!  The students will have pizza lunch upon return to school.

Sports Club Cancelled This Week

Sports Club is cancelled on Friday, November 16.  A make up day has been scheduled for November 30.  Kerry will be attending the State PE Conference to get more great ideas for our physical education classes and sports club.

Move-A-Thon Update!

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Treasure Hunt!  It was a beautiful day for a trek through the woods - we logged some miles, searched and found hidden treasure and had a blast with our friends! A HUGE thank you to parent volunteer, Olina Dolly who championed the event and made it fun for all!

Only 8 days left to finish up your 26 miles and get some sponsors - the Move-A-Thon officially ends on Friday, October 12th. If every family gets 5 sponsors we can meet our goal of $5,000!  Thank you for your support!

A big thanks to the Treppa family, for hosting Move-a-thon bike ride on the Chicago North Branch Trail to the Chicago Botanic Garden.  They ordered up a beautiful day for a ride and a good time was had by all.

Parent Development Event - Modern Parenting : Tips, Tricks, and Traps

When: Thursday, October 25, 2012, 7:00pm

Where: JRC, 303 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL

Cost: Free!  

We have been graciously invited by our friends at Chiaravalle Montessori and Rogers Park Montessori, who are co-sponsoring the event.

Join Dr. Steven Hughes for a discussion on ways to best raise happy, successful children. What are the consequences of current trends in parenting behavior? We all want our children to be happy, successful, and to possess good self-esteem.  What are the best ways to achieve these goals? Are parents erring on the side of being too strict or too permissive? What do we know about what works? With the experience born of 15 years of clinical practice, Dr. Hughes reviews some of the surprising (and relieving) results of research examining modern parenting practices. He closes with a set of practical recommendation on how to “stay out of his clinic” by following sensible, research-proven strategies to raise happy, helpful children with authentic self-esteem.

Dr. Hughes, PhD, ABPdn, is Director of The Center of Research on Development Education and current president of the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology.  His research interests are in the areas of attention and executive functioning, and in the role of early childhood education in promoting the development of these capabilities.  He is an advocate for activity-based, developmental approaches to education, and is a frequent speaker and consultant to Montessori education organization around the world.

The Brickton Weekly, September 27, 2012

Volunteer Spotlight!

Our extracurricular activities have begun and the children are having so much fun!  We would like to extend a big thanks to Kristen Mull and Mary Disse for connecting the students with Lego Club, Joe Sommers and Jessica Casteel for drawing the students in during Art Club, and Molly Arnoldt, Agnes Guerra, and Diane Grassi for keeping the pace with Running Club.  And remember, it’s not too late to sign up for Art Club and Running Club!
And, thanks to Diane Grassi for her playground beautification and improvements.

 

Move-a-Thon Treasure Hunt!

Join Brickton parents and students on a real live Treasure Hunt!  Find hidden treasures along the walking path in the woods while you rack up your miles on Mov-a-thon form.   Don’t forget get your sponsors!

When: Fri, September 28, 3:15pm – 4:15pm

Where: Catherine Chevalier Woods

Olina Dolly put together an indoor treasure hunt for Thursday and Friday this week.  We paired the older classrooms to help the younger children.  Check out pictures in the slide show below.

Internet Safety Presentation, October 2, 5:00-6:00pm

Bring your upper elementary or middle school student to join us for an enlightening discussion about internet safety.  Care is available free of charge for those students in lower elementary and younger.

Manna is back!          

Our middle school students are managing the Manna program as a fundraiser again this year.  With Manna cards, you generate fundraising dollars for the middle school program and we split the generated revenue 50/50 with you and apply the amount towards your tuition bill next year, or you can donate all the revenue to the middle school program.

Manna orders are due this Friday, September 25^th and cards can be picked up on Wednesday, October 3rd.  You can order online if you have placed a previous order or stop by the Business Office and talk to Dotty who can give you a paper copy or get you set-up to order online.  You can order cards for your regular grocery shopping, gas purchases, home improvement projects and movie going, or plan presents for birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.  Manna offers cards for: Dominicks/Jewel, Home Depot/Menards, Sears, Dick's Sporting Goods, iTunes, Game Stop and many more.  Gas and hotel cards make travel plans a breeze.  Thanks for your participation in this great fund raiser!

Events Around Town:

Smithsonian Free Admission

In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free.

To see which museums are participating, use the drop down menu and select Illinois. 

Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-search/

When: Saturday, September 29, 2012

Where: Across Chicago

Circus in the Park

Features Chicago's Midnight Circus, a high-flying assortment of acrobats, aerialists, clowns, contortionists - and even a dog - that tour Chicago parks under a brand new purple and blue little big top.

When: September 29, 2012 - September 30, 2012

2 and 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Independence Park District

  3945 N. Springfield Ave., Chicago

  (312) 742-7590

Cost: $15, free 3 and under

Good for: Family/All Ages

The Brickton Weekly, September 20, 2012

Block Party!

Last week’s block party was full of fun for the whole family.  From the tricycle races to face painting, good food to great dance moves, the evening was action packed.  We even had a visit from the Chicago Police Department who brought along two mounted police officers and a SWAT team.  This evening could not have happened with out the work of the Block Party Committee and the many volunteers who donated their time, energy, and wonderful food to the event.  Thanks to everyone who helped support this community wide event.  

Volunteer Spotlight

Thanks to Tara Lienenweber and Olina Dolly for helping make picture day a smooth process and a day filled with smiles. 

Parent Alliance Meeting September 24:

The next meeting of the Parent Alliance is scheduled for September 24^th from 5:45-7:15 pm, at Brickton. Care will be provided free of charge. Come and see how you can get involved in the Parent Alliance!

Transition Breakfast 8:30-10:30 am

Explore global questions about the Montessori philosophy and Montessori education.

Meet and talk with parents currently in the next program and visit the classroom in action.

6-9 Transition Breakfast (for parents of rising 1st Graders) Tuesday, November 6th

9-12 Transition Breakfast (for parents of rising 4th Graders) Thursday, November 8th

Middle School Transition Breakfast (for parent of rising 7th Graders) Thursday, November 15th

Transition Night 5:30-7:30 pm

Meet the teachers and parents of current students. Learn about curriculum, assessment, goals and what a typical day looks like.  Meet alumni & alumni parents for their perspective on the transition to High School (Middle School only).

6-9 Transition Night (for parents of rising 1st graders) Thursday, January 17th

9-12 Transition Night (for parents of rising 4th graders) Tuesday, January 29th

Middle School Transition Night (for parents of rising 7th graders) Tuesday, February 5^th

Some Quick Reminders:

Parent Conferences & Club Day - Friday, September 21 (Tomorrow)

Care is available during your conference time at no expense.  We also provide

care for the entire day for Full Day students and anyone who is pre-registered and pre-paid.  The cost for non-Full Day students is $50 for the entire day.  Please stop in the office or register by email to Kelly (kelly.mcdermott@brickton.org). 

Move-a-Thon Bicycle Ride, Saturday, September 22nd

For all bicycle enthusiasts, please join Mark, Maggie and Andrew Treppa at the Chicago North Branch Trail for a jaunt to the Chicago Botanic Garden and lunch at the cafeteria.  The Treppas will leave from their house at (6670 N. Octavia) at 12:30 for a 1.5 – 2 hour ride (approximately 17 miles). Join the Treppas for as much or as little of the ride as you like.  

Internet Safety Presentation, October 2, 5:00-6:00pm

Bring your upper elementary or middle school student to join us for an enlightening discussion about internet safety.  Care is available free of charge for those students in lower elementary and younger.

Events Around Town:

Chicago Cultural Expo

Learn, Live and Embrace Chicago's cultural landscape! Connect with members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance and your community as Chicago museums and ethnic organizations come together for a great day of education, community building and multicultural expereince. See dance, live music, activities, info booths - even more ways to explore! September 21, 2012 - 6:00 pm

North Park University Gym

3205 W. Foster, Chicago

http://www.chicagoculturalalliance.org/events/eventDetails.asp?a=v&e=1485

The Brickton Weekly, September 13, 2012

First…A Few Reminders

This Friday, September 14, is a busy day at Brickton.  Here are some events and times to remember:

• Friday is Picture Day.  Bring your best smile.
• Back to School Block Party 5:00pm - 7:30pm.  Don’t forget to check the Bulletin Board to see what you signed up to bring.  
• Extracurricular Activities start after school with Sports Fun and the Running Club will help kick off the Mov-a-Thon.
• Move-a-Thon Kick Off is 3:15-4:15.  Let’s meet in the parking lot and get moving! Click here to read our FAQs.  Get a sample letter to send to family and friends here, your pledge form here and your tracking sheet here.

Scholastic Book Club orders are due on Tuesday, September 18. 

Fliers and instructions to order books can be found in your parent folders.  Classrooms earn bonus points to order materials plus an extra $3.00 for every order placed online.

Scholastic Book Clubs are a convenient and affordable way to strengthen your child’s love for reading while supporting Brickton.  Every catalog has an exciting $1 book pick along with numerous books priced under $3.  Last year, Brickton received 247 free books as a result of parent ordering!

Club Day for Conferences

Friday, September 21, parent/teacher conferences will be held for all students, except Middle School.  Sign-up sheets will be outside your child’s classroom on the bulletin board.    

Middle School to Open Books

On Friday, September 21, the Middle School Program will be travelling to Open Books, an award-winning nonprofit social venture that provides literacy programs for Chicago youth.  They will participate in a 2-hour “Adventures in Creative Writing” experience where writing coaches work with students to develop their writing skills in meaningful and creative ways as a whole group, small group, and as individuals. At the end of the session, each student will share his or her polished work. Students will go home with a blank journal to continue to write, a free book from the award-winning bookstore, and will eventually receive published copies of the entire class's work, illustrated with photos of the day, to keep and share.  As always, families will be responsible for the cost of public transportation (about $5) and lunch money (about $10) to spend at Brett's Kitchen. Students can also bring a bagged lunch.

Move-a-Thon Opportunity

Bicycle Ride on Saturday, September 22 at 12:45pm

Please join Mark, Maggie and Andrew Treppa at the Chicago North Branch Trail on Milwaukee and Devon, Saturday, September 22, at 12:45pm.  Ride to the Chicago Botanical Gardens or as far as you want to go.  The Treppa’s will stop for lunch in the cafeteria at the Gardens before the return trip.   One-way from Milwaukee and Devon to the Gardens is approx. 17.5 miles, and takes 1.5 - 2 hours.  It’s a nice way to spend the afternoon and support the Move-a-Thon.  Hope to see you there!  Any questions, call Mark on his cell at 312-618-9444. 

Internet Safety Presentation, October 2, 5:00-6:00pm

Bring your upper elementary or middle school student to join us for an enlightening discussion about internet safety.  It’s a great way to begin or revisit the discussion about text messaging, social networking, skype and general internet safety guidelines for your family.  Care is available. RSVP to Kelly.  For more information about internet safety and the Illinois Attorney General’s Guidelines, read more here:  http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/children/internet.html.

Volunteer Spotlight

As a community, we could not function without the help of our many volunteers.  The weekly would like to express some appreciation to the individuals that help make the school such a special place.  This week we want to spotlight Parent Alliance Scholastic Committee:  Shashona Chau, Cindy Degand, Mary Disse, Tamara Kling and Lori Plier.  Thank you for encouraging a culture of reading and literacy here at Brickton with your efforts to make books more accessible to our families.  You hard work is much appreciated. 

Finally…A Big Thank You

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Facebook Target for School campaign.  We earned $200 for Brickton to spend at Target!  Don’t forget to friend us on Facebook, and let us know about any fundraising opportunities you might find.  http://www.facebook.com/bricktonmontessorischool

The Brickton Weekly, September 6, 2012

Welcome to the new school year! We’re happy to welcome new and familiar faces.  Keep reading to find out about the many exciting activities and events coming up in the next week. 

But First…A Big Thank You

Each year our school goes through a metamorphosis from summer camp to the start of a new school year.  This year proved no less of a challenge as we switched the classrooms for the Lower and Upper Elementary Programs.  As always, members of the Brickton community graciously volunteered their time, talents and lots of energy.  From moving classroom furniture to applying gallons of paint, we’d like to thank Diane Grassi, Blair and Elissa Sarkiss, Mike Messina, Kristin Mull, Janet Contursi, Tara Leinenweber, and Ivana Drazic Cunningham.  They did amazing work to beautify our school and ready the classrooms for our students.  Thank you for your tremendous efforts this summer.

 

Extracurricular Activities

Our line-up of extracurricular activities begins next week.  Contact Kelly McDermott (kelly.mcdermott@brickton.org) to register. 

Sports Fun:  Skill drills and competitive play including soccer, kickball, team handball and noodlemania.  This class is for Elementary age students.

Running Club:  Run for the fun of it!  Students in Upper Elementary and Middle School will learn the basics of running, including stretching, pace and nutrition.

Art Club:  Hands-on art class for students in 1^st – 8^th grades.

Lego Club:  Club members will build amazing Lego structures working both individually and as a group.  This club is open to all Elementary age students.

Kinderdance:  Developmental dance and movement for children ages 3-5

Chess Scholars:  For beginner and experienced chess players ages 5+ 

Benefit Meeting

Get in on the fun of planning one of Brickton’s biggest fund raisers of the year.  On Thursday, September 13, join the committee to plan the annual Brickton benefit.  Contact Kelly McDermott (kelly.mcdermott@brickton.org) for more info.

Movathon

It’s time to kick-of our annual Movathon fundraiser.  Join us for our first group walk/run next Friday, September 14^th .  We’ll meet in the parking lot at 3:15 and we’ll head over to Chatherine Chevalier Woods for our excursion, ending up back at Brickton for the Block Party.  Click here for FAQs on theMovathon.

Brickton’s Annual Back-to-School Block Party

Next Friday, on September 14, from 5 to 7:30pm, Brickton’s Parent Alliance is hosting our annual Block Party.  Come join in the fun with bouncy houses, games, tie dying shirts, face painting, food, music, dancing, and more! Volunteers are still needed.  Please sign up on the bulletin board in the main lobby to bring food, drink, tables, coolers or to help out with the event.  Look forward to seeing you there!

Picture Day

Friday September 14 is picture day for all students.  Bring your best smile!

Club Day

September 21 is a Club Day.  Care is available for all Full Day students and anyone who is pre-registered and pre-paid.  The cost for non-Full Day students is $50.  Please stop in the office or register by email to Kelly (kelly.mcdermott@brickton.org).    

Parent Alliance Meeting

The next meeting of the Parent Alliance is scheduled for September 24^th from 5:45-7:15 pm, at Brickton.  Care will be provided free of charge.  Come and see how you can get involved in the Parent Alliance!

The Brickton Weekly, Graduate Edition

 

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2012!

 

 

 

Max Balster
Years at Brickton: 11
High School: Lane Tech College Prep
What are you most looking forward to in high school?
Meeting new people

 

JAC Caprile
Years at Brickton: 5
High School: St. Joseph High School
What are you most looking forward to in high school?
Bigger school

 

Jimmy Caprile
Years at Brickton: 5
High School: Oak Park River Forest High School
What are you most looking forward to in high school?
Football

 

 

Camden Cortes
Years at Brickton: 12
High School: Gordon Tech College Prep
What are you most looking forward to in high school?
Broadening my academic horizons

 

Patrick Criel
Years at Brickton: 8
High School: Notre Dame
What are you most looking forward to in high school?
Bigger classes

 

 

Isabelle Rowland Weisz
Years at Brickton: 12
High School: Loyola Academy
What are you most looking forward to in high school?
Meeting more people

 

 

A Fond Farewell
Lower Elementary Directress, Heather Rivera, will be moving on to a new school in the fall. Heather has been a wonderful asset to Brickton and we are sad to see her go. We wish her all the best in her new position and we hope she will come back often to visit us!

The Ribbit, A Student Newsletter

EDITION TWO

THE 9-12 LUNCHEON
by Mica (5th year) and Declan (3rd year)
The 9-12 Luncheon was on Thursday, May 31, this year. We ate lunch together and affirmed other students and staff members. An affirmation is a compliment you give to a person. We have the Luncheon in the Great Room. Students, teachers, and 9-12 parents join in and celebrate together. 

NEEDS OF PEOPLE
by Julia (5th year)
NOP stands for Needs of People. Every year in 6-9, the third graders choose a topic about an ancient civilization like Incans or Egyptians. Then, third graders go to the library to get their resources. After a couple of months of researching and writing about their topic, the third graders present their presentation in front of the whole 6-9 classroom with their board and research.

ROCK CEREMONY
by Alex (6th year) and Frankie (3rd year)
The rock ceremony is a ceremony we have in 6-9 and 9-12 towards the end of the year. We celebrate kids moving up. We sit in a circle with a lit candle at the center. The kids moving up pick a rock and receive acknowledgements from their classmates. It is the same procedure in 6-9 and 9-12, except when moving up from 9-12, the students receive all their work from 1st through 6th grade.

COMICS
Zombie Time was created by Lucas (4th year) and Jolena (3rd year)
A Bad Day was created by Aisuram (5th year) and Cooper (3rd year)
Timeline was created by Josh (5th year) and Berry (3rd year)
A Student Presents his Needs of People Project was created by Sammy (3rd year)

Timeline

 A Student Presents his Needs of People Project

 

PUZZLES
Word Search created by Diego (5th year) and Jack W. (3rd year)
Crossword Puzzle created by Ephraim (3rd year) and Jack L. (6th year)
Spot the Differences by Zach (4th year)

 

 

 PUZZLE ANSWERS

Word Search Answers

Crossword Answers
Across
3. PEOPLE
5. PLAYGROUND
Down
1. SUMMER
2. SCHOOL
3. PICNIC
4. YEARBOOK