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One of the components of the Alcuin Montessori middle school is Beyond the Classroom Walls. The Beyond the Classroom Walls program is designed to extend students’ learning into our broader communities and beyond. Each week, they take one afternoon and leave the campus for a trip into Oak Park or Chicago. These trips are designed to encourage independence, orienteering, and community building while enhancing and reinforcing the curriculum. The biggest BTCW outing is our biannual trip to San Jose, Costa Rica. During their time in Costa Rica, the students go on various day trips to see the Costa Rican sights, but they also participate in a Spanish immersion language program at the Costa Rican Language Academy. Additionally, they volunteer at the Ana Frank Day Care (a government-run day care) for the day where they work with children infant through ages ten. This allows the middle schoolers to work outside their community and truly become citizens of the world. The students compiled some journal entries from their time in San Jose. Here are some excerpts:  At 7:30, we got on the bus and headed to the Doka Coffee Estate. We got there around 9:00 and ate the provided breakfast. At breakfast, we sampled some coffee, and some of us even took espresso shots! After that, we got a tour of the plantation and learned how the coffee is made. A 46-kilogram bag of coffee (not from this estate) once sold for $30,000! After that we took another bus ride to La Paz Waterfall Garden. We saw toucans, butterflies, frogs, snakes, monkeys, and wild cats such as ocelot and jaguars. Next, we had a buffet lunch. After lunch, we went to see the waterfalls. They were beautiful! While we were touring the waterfalls, it started to pour. It made it even more fun. After a long beautiful day, we went back on the bus.  The drive to Braulio Carrillo National Park was long, but there were a lot of cool sights. People were all having their own little conversations, and eventually, we got there. We were in the middle of a rain forest (but it thankfully wasn’t raining), and it was quite hot out. Our tour guide showed us around, and right away, we saw some sloths, which had not been in the area recently. After this, we got on a tram in groups of six. It was great, and we went through the rain forest at several different levels of elevation. Then, we turned around and returned to where we started. At the beginning of the day we had our breakfast before heading off to CRLA. We had our usual classes and had a small break for 15 minutes before heading off to some more classes, before finally having lunch. After lunch, we headed out to the Ana Frank orphanage and daycare, where we played with the children, toddlers, and babies. We also brought our donations as they needed extra supplies. After our visit, we were taken to see the sorts of conditions that the children lived in once they went back to their families at the end of the day.  Today was a super fun day in Costa Rica! We learned a lot. Our classes at the CRLA were very interesting and I received a lot of homework. It is nice to learn some extra Spanish so we can talk with our host families. The classes helped, and I can talk more easily. After classes, we spent the rest of the day on tour. We visited Cartago, which is not as busy as San Jose. It was a former capital of Costa Rica. The tour consisted of traveling to different viewpoints in the surrounding mountains and looking around Cartago. The views were beautiful. We visited the famous basilica in Cartago that is very important to the Costa Rican community. Every August, Costa Ricans from all over the country walk, sometimes for days, to get to the basilica and pray to the virgin angel. After visiting the basilica, we headed to a very nice restaurant for dinner, and then returned to our host families.  Today was another fun and interesting day in Costa Rica. It began by waking up muy temprano or, very early. We had a delicious breakfast made by our host families and headed off on a tour of San Jose with one of the lovely people from CRLA. We saw many things such as the National Museum of Costa Rica, multiple homes of former presidents, the building where the congress meets, el Parque de España, lots of street art, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and many tiendas (stores). After our pleasant tour around the city, we made our way to CRLA for a relaxing lunch. We had Spanish classes followed by a sweet little graduation ceremony where we got a certificate of our participation. In the afternoon, we had our second Latin American dance class as well as a cooking class. At the end of the day, we said our goodbyes and hopped on the bus to go to the supermercado to buy snacks for the airplane. In the evening, we went back to our host families to share one last meal. For us, this was a bittersweet moment.  Now that the trip is coming to a close, we are thinking about our experiences from this past week. Zip-lining in the rain forest, climbing up lots and lots of stairs above waterfalls in the pouring rain, singing in the bus, buying chicharrones in the market, watching Costa Rican game shows, playing with children in the daycare, and drinking WAY too much cafe. All of which have contributed to this trip being an unforgettable learning experience, however, there are a couple that stick out as the highlights of the trip. For example, zip-lining. Our zip lining experience taught us many things about having to handle disappointment. This was because at first, we were told that we would be able to go zip-lining and were ecstatic about it, then, when we arrived in the rain forest, we learned that we would not be going zip-lining and would be going on a tram tour instead. We were determined not to let it ruin our day. This made it even more exciting when we actually were able to go zip-lining and ended up having lots of fun. It was one of our favorite parts of the trip! Another learning experience on the trip was going to the Ana Frank Day Care Center. We not only learned about taking care of babies and playing with children but also about different lifestyles. Although the children did not have as much as we did, such as parents, they were still happy. When they were at the daycare, they had food, water, teachers, and a safe place to play, which cannot be said about the neighborhoods that these children live in. They were very grateful for this sense of safety and community, especially those who lack parental figures. This shows that community and love are the most important things in life. Lessons that we have learned on this trip are important in being a culturally aware person and having a good perspective of the world. These skills will help us in whatever walk of life that we choose. This trip has been a fun, interesting, educational, and, most of all, an unforgettable experience.   It's been a busy few weeks over at 6942 W Roosevelt Road. It was such a great sight to see the crew from Bulley & Andrews plug away as walls were created right before our very eyes. Dave Hempfling, Sr. Project In addition to walls, we now have floors and windows as well. Bulley & Andrews have been working hard as they continue to drywall (tape, mud, and sand) in preparation for final touches and paint! Utilities are coming, tiles are being polished in the bathroom, and so much more—all of which brings us one step closer to completion.  Next, the exterior structural wall framing was erected. Within the next week or so, a joist will come to assist on the next part of the project as the B & A crew commences roof work. Construction demo on the Middle School has been completed and work will soon begin on renovations of that space. At the moment, Bulley & Andrews projects that all work will be completed by the end of June. We look forward to sharing more news and updates with you next month. It’s dismissal and apart from the buzz of busyness, jackets being pulled on, and shared laughter, there are also excited murmurs. “I can’t wait for Makerspace after school!” “Running Club is going to be crazy awesome. We’re running around all of Chicago!” “I signed up for cooking class because my mom wants me to make dinner from now on.” Our spring session of after school classes (for ages 5 to 14) is underway, and the children were ready to dive into a variety of activities including gardening, chess, cooking, running and set design. In the past, we've offered robotics, anime, ballet, hip-hop, and playwriting.   At Alcuin, our after school classes provide a wide variety of options whether the child wants to hone in on already developing skills, or try something new in a safe environment. We've heard the children exclaim, “This class is amazing!” or “I am getting so good at chess. I can now beat my dad.” Their happiness is palpable. The after school classes at Alcuin aren’t just about “something to do after school.” The children bring in their passion, energy, and creativity into each class. Children enjoy problem-solving, working with their hands, building and inventing while further developing their cooperative working skills. Oh, and did we also mention they also have fun?  "The road to success is always under construction." - Lily Tomlin It's been a busy few weeks over at 6942 W Roosevelt Road as our floor was poured. It was such a great sight to see the crew from Bulley & Andrews plug away as floors were created right before our very eyes. Dave Hempfling, Sr. Project Manager with Bulley & Andrews, hosted Sandra Simmons (our Toddler Directress) and Gina Gleason (our Executive Director) as the crew worked quickly and precisely on our floor. On our FB Live video, Dave informed us that eighteen trucks came in that morning, with approximately 8500 sq. feet of cement which were needed for our space, which will consist of two toddler classrooms, two infant classrooms, three garden spaces, a large multipurpose room, a full kitchen and much more. Next, the exterior structural wall framing was erected. Within the next week or so, a joist will come to assist on the next part of the project as the B & A crew commences roof work. Construction demo on the Middle School has been completed and work will soon begin on renovations of that space.  At the moment, Bulley & Andrews projects that all work will be completed by the end of June. We look forward to sharing more news and updates with you next month.
If you'd like to get more information on our Middle School program or tour the main campus, please call 708-366-1882 or email our Director of Admission, Alex Valera, at avalera@alcuin.org. As always, videos, pictures, and more can be found on our Alcuin Facebook page, so be sure to like us! Paper plates were converted into something more exciting in eager anticipation of what was to come. The children smiled as they brushed green paint and the busy hum of happy activity swept through the classrooms. “I didn’t count on getting a green manicure today,” Primary classroom assistant, Ms. Gigi, laughed as she washed her hands after a productive morning. “I’m wearing my dragon scale because of China!” One primary student proudly proclaimed. And as they wore their paper plate scales, the children of Alcuin Montessori participated in an all-school parade celebrating the Chinese New Year and welcoming the Year of the Pig. “Let’s start our parade and go all the way to Senior Elementary,” Primary teacher, Mr. Mike, called out as he held the dragon head and called the “scales” into formation. We celebrate children’s awe of everything around them. Places, things, ideas — we help them explore it all. In ways both large and small, the children of Alcuin become aware of the greater world around them. We celebrate cultures, people, diversity, histories, and holidays across the curriculum. For the younger children, it may be via maps, storytelling, and art — for the older children this becomes more in-depth through literature, plays, music, timelines, guest speakers, field trips, and even more elaborate art studies. We follow children’s curiosities which lead to deeper knowledge and personal connection to what they learn, and then we help apply what they’ve learned continuously to other subjects, topics and life. We broaden the learning environment so our children can continually push the fence over to explore new territory and test their growing potential.  Finally, we inspire our children to question everything, express themselves and respect and consider diverse responses and ideas — so they can learn more holistically and inclusively. Alcuin children celebrate the world around them and the people in it, and get to march in a fun parade! It's all in a day's work at Alcuin.  We’re pleased to announce that the final step in our seven-year-long dual accreditation process with ISACS (Independent School Accreditation of the Central States) and AMS (American Montessori Society) is coming as we prepare for our team site visit at the end of the month.
We will be hosting nine education professionals which include teachers and administrators (both Montessorian and non-Montessorians alike) who will spend four days with us. During this visit, every aspect of the school is examined and documented, including governance, curriculum, fiscal and personnel policies, facilities, health and safety practices, teacher preparation, and learner outcomes. So, what exactly does this dual accreditation mean? Accreditation, for ISACS and AMS, begins with an intensive self-study, by the school, involving the school’s entire community. Our whopping almost-200-page self-study goes over every aspect of our school. At the end of the self-study period, a thorough onsite peer visit is conducted. In addition to determining whether the school meets the over 200 AMS and ISACS standards, the visiting team evaluates the school to see how well it is achieving its mission and goals—whether the school is what it says it is and does what it says it does. ISACS is a membership organization of more than 230 independent schools from 13 states in the Midwest region. The purpose of ISACS is to promote the development of active learning communities characterized by high achievements, social responsibility, and independence of governance, programs, and policies. This goal is achieved partly through a rigorous school accreditation process. While the United States Department of Education can only recognize accrediting bodies for higher and adult education, ISACS accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Government. AMS accreditation affirms that a school meets a standard of excellence recognized within the Montessori community and by educators worldwide. Because AMS is accredited by the National Council for Private School Accreditation, schools that are AMS-accredited also gain accreditation by the NCPSA. Additionally, accreditation assures families that their child's school is a quality one and that it is accountable to a larger body. Finally, we will receive a report with commendations and recommendations from the visiting team which will help us grow as a school. We will be in great company as our peer ISACS or AMS schools include: Near North Montessori, Brickton Montessori, Ancona School, Avery Coonley, Beacon Academy, The British School, The Latin School of Chicago, Francis W. Parker, Rogers Park Montessori, Countryside Day School, and University of Chicago Laboratory School. A special thanks to the Steering Committee: Roxy Krawczyk, Nicole Cochrane, Phoenix Holt, and Alex Valera. Thanks again to everyone who has supported this incredible journey, and we can’t wait to celebrate our final steps. Gina Gleason Executive Director  In the Spanish program, we build relationships through open and compassionate communication, creative collaborative work, and by valuing and respecting another’s perspective and input as well as our own. The program helps to develop essential life skills such as innovative and flexible thinking, cooperation, resilience in the face of challenges, and courage to attempt new endeavors --- all qualities to be found in contributing members of society.  To open the door to creative writing, storytelling, drawing and role playing, students heard the story of Pete the Cat. The moral of Pete’s story is that when there are challenges in your life, you can get upset and give up, or choose to continue working toward your goal. Telling stories is one of the best ways for children to not only learn the language but also learn meaning, cultural understanding, and how to solve everyday problems. Additionally, storytelling helps students acquire and develop individual reading tastes, skills, and creativity.  Or as Nohora Inés Porras González, author and former language coordinator at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia states, “Telling stories provides the opportunities for students to speak the foreign language creatively, integrate information and knowledge they learn from other sources, and become more confident in the ability to express themselves spontaneously.” In the upcoming months, the different levels of the Spanish Program will be participating in various projects, such as building a country, a poetry and poster competition, group creative writing, a Spanish spelling bee, musical composition, many cultural explorations, and of course, the Middle School trip to Costa Rica! Rita Cassiano Alcuin Spanish Coordinator  Last week was filled with learning a few different routines, as well as making new friends. For many of the toddlers, the classroom was a completely new environment, but they quickly jumped in. The children engaged in exploration, old friends got reacquainted, they practiced Grace and Courtesy during snack time and a lot of self-care. They are such independent little human beings. They spent their time building, chopping fruits and vegetables, helping one another, listening to music, climbing the playground structure, setting and busing tables. We are often amazed at what our toddlers can do, but they are too!  We also began our toilet learning routine; everyone is practicing dressing and undressing themselves with eagerness. Having consistent routines in place helps toddlers to develop a strong sense of security. Knowing that they will do the same thing at the same time every day brings a peaceful calm to their little souls and their growing sense of order.  Maria Montessori observed that there are “Sensitive periods” when a child has an especially strong sensitivity towards a particular piece of knowledge or skill. The article goes into more detail on that. I hope it is helpful!
We look forward to all the great things this week has to offer. Sandra Simmons Toddler Directress  Throughout the year, the art curriculum connects to subjects and themes, such as nature, the built environment, and community. Our recent theme of identity, which is always the focus during the first few months of the year, is a wonderful way for Alcuin students to develop their drawing skills while also exploring their interests, needs and personal lives. We have all been learning that making a great drawing isn’t all about having a steady hand or making things perfect, it’s about how you see and how you interpret the information that your eyes receive. I tell the students “draw what you see, not what you think you see.” Using mirrors and thinking about simple shapes and proportions, Junior and Senior Elementary students have been creating self-portrait drawings in their sketchbooks. These studies have developed into final compositions, some that include just the face and others that include the full figure drawn with colored pencils.  In addition to self-portrait studies, the Middle School students also composed an “I Am From” poem that includes meaningful imagery and sensory details connected to experiences from their own lives. The sketching exercises helped the students develop their realistic drawing skills and explore their personal style as they practiced contour drawing and shading techniques. Group drawing and writing activities also gave the students an opportunity to interact with one another and foster a sense of community in the classroom. A walking tour and visit to an artists studio in the Pilsen neighborhood gave the group a better understanding of how these complex issues of identity are being explored by professional artists in their own work as well as in public art projects with local communities in Chicago. As the year continues, idea sharing and experimentation will continue to be at the core of the artistic process as we explore how the visual arts connects to our everyday lives and the world around us. Sophia Lyman Alcuin Montessori Art Teacher  We are thrilled to share an update on our new Roosevelt Campus! As we relayed to you at the Spring All-Parent meeting, we had been completing the details of our financing and working toward final design drawings and permits for the new building, in preparation for our new campus. We are pleased to share that we closed on the construction loan and purchase of the property at 6936-6950 West Roosevelt Road. Now the real work and the fun begin.
Our groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 24th at 12:30 pm at the building site on Roosevelt Road. Our entire Alcuin community and the greater Oak Park community are invited to join us as we celebrate the incredible milestone in our school’s 56-year history. Bulley & Andrews will join us with their trucks and equipment so the children can climb in and get the construction work started. Shovels and hard hats will be on hand as we literally break ground on a new beginning. After the ceremony, parents, children, and friends are invited to Maple Park for a picnic and further celebration. Hot dogs and cake will be plentiful! Our building on Roosevelt will be home to a much needed All-Year Infant and Toddler program. We are excited to launch this new program designed to meet the needs of our youngest community members. It will serve as the bedrock of our Montessori program and the true beginning of a child's journey through Alcuin. In addition to the new construction, we will also be renovating the existing building on the new campus. The renovated one-story building will serve our ever-growing Middle School program. Construction on both buildings is set to begin in early September with a very tight construction schedule of seven months. The project is set to be completed in late April 2019, barring any major complications. If you have an infant or young toddler, or have friends and families with young children, please help spread the word about our upcoming program. Please contact the Alcuin office for more information. All of our current programs (Toddler – Senior Elementary) will remain at the Main Campus at 324 N Oak Park Avenue. We look forward to seeing you on August 24th for the groundbreaking ceremony and to celebrate this incredible time in Alcuin’s history. Best wishes for a bright future with the Alcuin Community! Gina Gleason Executive Director ggleason@alcuin.org |
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ALCUIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL | 324 North Oak Park Avenue | Oak Park, Illinois 60302 | 708.366.1882