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 Adolescence is an age of rapid growth, emotional development, and the transformation of the child into an adult member of society. At this critical age, adolescents need more guidance as they develop key communication skills and a more mature and complex understanding of social interactions. They need creative and physical outlets, especially for processing complex emotional and psychological issues. They crave personal space, but they are also highly social! They still need to move on a regular basis, and being physically engaged in work that produces tangible results is rewarding to them.
The Middle School program at Alcuin Montessori School is designed to meet the very specific needs of children from 12 – 14 years of age and to support their families through this unique time in their development. The program incorporates both traditional Montessori philosophy and current “best practices” for middle school education. The program emphasizes independent, project-based and student-driven work. Students are encouraged to do high-level critical thinking and to consider themes and issues across all areas of the curriculum. Daily and weekly homework is given in addition to student-managed long-term projects with the goal of having students engaged in 1 – 1.5 hours of homework a night. Students are introduced to formal lectures along with interactive presentations, dynamic activities, student-led research, group projects and more. Students are given quizzes and tests, as well as alternative forms of assessment and informal observation. The program also includes weekly enrichment programs in art, theater and physical education led by child-focused specialists. They engage the students in learning about and through all areas of life (not just textbooks) by incorporating real-world applications of studied concepts. They discuss current events and their implications on all spheres of life and they contribute to our school and local communities through volunteering and service projects. The students take weekly trips into the Oak Park and Chicagoland area to facilitate curriculum enhancement, community engagement, and authentic orienteering and practical life experiences. Our curriculum has been carefully designed to meet or exceed state standards in all fundamental areas of study, as well as to align with the benchmark outcomes of local public schools, ensuring full preparation for a smooth transition into high school. Our units of study are theme-based and center around several essential questions. The curriculum includes mathematics, the sciences, social studies, literature, humanities, writing, Spanish and more. Alcuin Montessori’s teaching staff is fully committed to mentoring and coaching students through a sometimes complicated and confusing time in their lives. They facilitate appropriate, effective communication and problem-solving skills through one-on-one, small group, and large group interactions. Additionally, they support students in balancing their school and home lives, helping to plan homework around family time and extracurricular activities. With a clear understanding of the emotional, social, and academic needs of this formative developmental stage, Alcuin Montessori’s program is specifically designed to guide and nurture students as they transition into high school and their teenage years. Walking into an Alcuin Junior Elementary classroom, one is immediately struck by two things: there is a busy hum of activity, and the children are engaged and happy.
As children move through age six, they enter the second plane of development in which imagination and reasoning are used to gain knowledge and information. The Junior Elementary program gives these abilities priority in the child’s learning process, fostering an interest in facts and factual relationships. According to Dr. Maria Montessori, this is the time to sow the seeds of culture. “What I think is special is all the kids are so kind, all the good lessons are so cool, all the people are so nice, and all the peace.” “What I like about Junior Elementary is that I get to do handwriting and Spanish and landforms and small bead frame!” “I like Junior Elementary because we get to cook, use the microscope, and do experiments. We get to grow crystals and go on field trips. We get to have school pets and great lessons.” The above quotes are from Alcuin first, second, and third-grade members of our Junior Elementary program. Alcuin’s Junior Elementary teachers make sure the children’s academic work is balanced but also empower them to make their own choices. The children are taught independence and how to manage their time. They manage their daily goals and their week’s worth of work. They are positively challenged academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to a strong academic curriculum, the children's social skills are enhanced through an emphasis on independent learning, cooperative group relationships and personal responsibility. A sense of respect and collaboration creates a social community that encourages cooperation rather than competition. The children work collaboratively, showing that they can work well with peers and enjoy their time in the classroom. They are learning and having fun in the process. Self-discipline, independent work habits, and self-direction are required of the children in these classes. Junior Elementary teacher, Nicole Cochrane, states, “I love in Junior Elementary that we are teaching them how to maneuver the difficulty of socializing. At 6-9 years old the children are learning how to socialize, they care what others think of them, and they have a strong sense of justice. The teachers guide the children in standing up for what they believe but in a peaceful and respectful manner. When social mistakes are made, we teach the children how to request a peace talk and let someone know they are upset. We also teach the children how to give meaningful apologies and reflect on their behavior.” The Junior Elementary children also benefit from the strong peace curriculum offered. At Alcuin, there isn’t just one unit on peace. It is interwoven into everything the children do and equally as important as learning to read, write, or solve math equations. The children are taught how to be the best they can be, how to act and react in difficult situations, how to be a good friend and classmate, and how to have respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment. Resourcefulness, problem-solving, self-advocacy, compromise, listening skills, executive functioning, conflict resolution – the children in our Junior Elementary program are fortunate that along with great academic preparation, they are also given the skills they will need throughout their lives from childhood to adulthood. "Education begins at birth.”– Maria Montessori Did you know that Alcuin offers a parent/infant class which meets one day week? We invite everyone to come and discover our Parent/Infant class. The Parent/Infant class, on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., gives parents the opportunity to observe and interact with their child in a rich Montessori environment in which both can explore and discover. In the Parent/Infant class, children (ages birth to 18 months) can explore and develop social skills, concentration, coordination, and feel a sense of belonging to a group. It also gives parent and child a special time together — time that is all their own. Led by a Montessori-trained teacher, the class will provide helpful guidance and discussions on child development and how to incorporate the Montessori philosophy into the home. Grandparents and caregivers are welcome to attend in the place of parents. The class aims to distill and honor each child’s natural tendencies toward healthy, authentic, growth and development. We learn to observe, wait, and trust in the child’s natural ability to self-create.
To register for Alcuin Montessori's Parent/Infant class, or for more information, please contact our Director of Advancement, Alex Valera. At some point in your child's life, whether they were two or even 11, you knew self-directed, hands-on learning and collaborative play were non-negotiable factors in picking their school. So, you opted for a Montessori program, which was developed with those principles in mind. However, as you began your search in the Oak Park River Forest area, you soon noticed that Montessori schools are popular educational choices, and therefore, they exist in great number.
"What sets a Montessori curriculum apart is the emphasis on the social and emotional growth of the student in tandem with their academic learning," explains Gina Gleason, head of Alcuin Montessori in Oak Park. "From birth through middle school, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about learning, while nurturing each child's individual strengths, challenging them to reach their fullest potential." With a number of Montessori schools in the Oak Park River Forest area, it is important to research and visit as many as possible to gain a very clear understanding of what school is the best fit for your child. Alejandra Valera, head of admissions for Alcuin Montessori, shares these tips for finding the best Montessori school suited for your child's unique needs. 1. What does the classroom's appearance say? If a picture is worth a thousand words, seeing a true Montessori classroom in action is worth volumes. It's one thing to read about a school online, but visiting a school in person will help you get a sense of what your child will experience on a daily basis. A few tips to prepare for your visit:
The term "Montessori" isn't trademarked, therefore, any program can call itself Montessori without being a true Montessori school. To be sure you are choosing an authentic program, explore the school's website and ask questions during the tour, such as:
In addition to being loved and nurtured, we all want our kids to be safe. During your tour, find out:
To get a sense of the school's culture, ask questions like:
Reading, writing, and arithmetic aren't the only things a child should learn - exposure to new ideas and experiences help children become well-rounded individuals. Ask how the following are integrated into the curriculum and whether extracurricular opportunities exist:
The admission process itself is a great indicator of how the school itself is run. Throughout the process, ask yourself:
This is the most important question of all. Follow your instinct in making a decision about what school is best for your child and your family. Can you picture your child in these classrooms? Is the faculty and staff warm, welcoming, and professional in their pursuit of Montessori excellence? Can you picture yourself and your family as a valued part of this community? Alcuin Montessori School in Oak Park, now in its 56th year in serving Oak Park, the western suburbs and Chicago, is hosting open enrollment for children ages 0-14. For questions, insights from Alcuin alumni, students or parents or for a guided tour, contact Alejandra Valera, Director of Admissions, at avalera@alcuin.org or 708-366-1882, and visit Alcuin.org. Alcuin Executive Director, Gina Gleason, was recently featured in Around Oak Park’s Know Your Neighbors segment. Thanks to Kelli Williams for the fun interview.
Around Oak Park Where is home for you? And what brought you there? Gina Gleason I live in Oak Park and moved here about five years ago from Chicago. I wanted to be closer to Alcuin (where I work) and allow my kids the opportunity to be part of their school and neighborhood community. AOP What is Alcuin? What do you do there? How did you get your start? Gina Alcuin Montessori School is the second oldest Montessori school in the country and have a very long and proud history in the Oak Park community. We were founded in 1961 by six local OP families who were looking for a different way to educate their children. Alcuin is a very special place, with some of the most talented and committed teachers that I’ve ever met. Together with a strong sense of community and commitment to Montessori education we can really provide an exceptional experience for the children. I am the Executive Director at Alcuin. I started at Alcuin in 2003 as an intern in a Primary classroom (3-6 year olds) and have been there ever since. This is my 7th year leading the school. I was actually working at several graphic design shops in the beginning of my career out of college and learned about Montessori from a good friend. I visited a few schools to see what it was all about since I didn’t have children and hadn’t studied education. I instantly fell in love with the independence that such young children had and the endless learning opportunities and had to learn more myself. I took the training that summer to become a Montessori teacher and the rest is history. I love the fact that Alcuin has so much history and I have the great privilege of carrying on the legacy and dreams that our founders began so long ago. AOP Where in Oak Park is Alcuin located? Gina Alcuin is located in the heart of Oak Park so we have the opportunity to use the OP Public library and parks on a daily basis, our kids swim at the YMCA as part of our fitness program and our middle school kids use public transportation as part of their “beyond the classroom walls” learning. We are lucky to be so immersed in our community and the children have a lot of opportunities to feel connected outside of the classroom. AOP What inspires you most in your work? Gina The children (at Alcuin) are definitely are my daily inspiration. We have infants all the way through middle school children at the school, a great age range. It’s incredible when we get to see a child’s first steps or words; the first time they tie their shoe or learn how to do multiplication, or read their first book. It’s so great to be a part of that! Our graduation ceremony at the end of the school year is by far the most touching. The 8th grade students give speeches and show videos that include a short farewell to the younger students, and the younger students sing and give them gifts. It’s such a strong community and the younger students really look up to the graduates, and hold a very special place in their hearts for them. Knowing that we have such a positive impact on so many children is very meaningful. The world can be a tough place for both parents and kids but here at Alcuin, we’ve embraced the idea of respect, kindness, and meeting the children where they are in all their areas of development. AOP In your opinion, what are the top three things a parent should consider before enrolling their child at a school? Gina
AOP What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you in your career? Gina Weird things don’t always happen. But funny things happen all the time. We had a chicken get out of its coop come into our playground which caused quite a bit of fun and a cat tried to come into the school one day. Maybe we are meant to be part farm, too! Just kidding. I should write a book about all the “overheard” things that kids say. Strictly anonymous of course because it’s usually very funny things about their parents. AOP How would you quickly summarize the Montessori difference? Gina Parenting is one of the toughest jobs anyone will ever do, even with the relatively easy kids. We really are looking to partner with parents so that education and parenting really become more cohesive and everyone benefits, but especially the child. AOP What are some important and unique aspects of your school community that people may not know about? Gina At every level and in every classroom we are focused on peace education, problem solving/conflict resolution and practicing mindfulness. From the youngest toddlers to the oldest middle school student, there are endless opportunities to continue learning and developing these critical skills. It’s completely integrated into the classroom and the children take ownership and as they get older they eventually become, for the most part completely independent in resolving their conflicts. We also have a very strong commitment to providing opportunities for charitable work or to provide service. This can vary, but we think it’s incredibly important to role model the idea of giving back to our school community, Oak Park community, and the greater world. On the first Friday of every month, we have a parent/child community event at 8 a.m. that focuses on some type of giving back project. We’ve made hats for preemies, scarves for the homeless, holiday cards for seniors and shut-ins and a recent project called “kindness rocks” where we wrote messages on rocks and put them in and around Oak Park and the city. We do a variety of projects with Housing Forward, from blanket drives to making the lunches for the shelter guests on Thursday nights. Our middle school students volunteer at local places in Oak Park on a regular basis for the school year. Within our school community, the older students have programs for volunteering in the classrooms of the younger students so that they are helping with reading, editing or assisting the toddlers with snack and recess time. There are so many opportunities for all of the children and such a great life lesson. AOP What do you feel is the highlight of Alcuin’s program? Gina Our Middle School is definitely a shining star in our school program. It’s a perfect mix of preparation for high school, experienced-based learning, respect and nurturing of the young adolescent child, travel and more travel, independent learning and a huge amount of parent support. Junior High can be a really tough time for most kids and parents but at Alcuin, the experience is so meaningful and for many the highlight of their education. AOP And now for a few questions about YOU outside of work! When you’re not at Alcuin, where can we find you? Gina When I am not working I am spending the very early morning hours running with my friends. It’s the best way to start my day. Other than that I spend time with my two kids and friends exploring the city or finding a forest preserve or park to spend so we can spend as much time in nature as we possible. My kids are still young but I am finding myself at the Ridgeland Ice Rink quite a bit! AOP If you were magically given three more hours per day, what would you do with them? Gina Well, since it’s just magic I would cook, eat and read, in that order but the reality is I would probably just work more! AOP What does a typical day look like for you? Gina There is never a typical day, and that is one of the best parts about this job. Every day, every moment is something different, and it never quite goes the way you had planned. When you are dealing with kids, it’s always best to approach everything with a sense of calm and a lot of humor. I might be in the classroom helping the toddlers one moment or with middle school kids, or working on a budget the next, meeting with a parent and then back to a classroom. There’s never a dull moment. My job is all about helping the children, teachers, and parents first and then later after everyone is gone for the day I can work on the business side of running a school. AOP What is the first app, website or thing you open/do in the morning? Gina I check the weather and open my email. In celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace, the students at Alcuin Montessori School in Oak Park joined over 100,000 children from schools around the world to sing for peace on Wednesday, September 21st, 2016.
“Peace education is a key component of the Montessori philosophy," explained Gina Gleason, executive director of Alcuin Montessori. "Peace isn't just taught as a one-time lesson; rather, it's integrated into the curriculum throughout the year for all of our students, from birth through middle school. It's just as important as math, language, and music in creating a well-rounded child." As part of the "Sing Peace Around the World" movement, the song Light a Candle for Peace was sung by schools around the world, starting on the shores of New Zealand and continuing from country to country until it reaches the shores of the Hawaiian Islands 24 hours later. Students at Alcuin Montessori sang their song and performed it in American Sign Language at 10:00 a.m. In preparation for the event, art teacher Sophia Lyman said, "The children have been busy practicing their performance and creating art relating to the theme of peace around the world in many forms, including the development of peace flags, quotes and inspirational messages, poems, drawing, and dance." Each year, the United Nations International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. It is a day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples, a vision that closely aligns with the Montessori philosophy. Day One
Yesterday, we woke up at 4 am, and we didn't know that a hard walking day was waiting for us. First, we got dropped off at the airport; all of us were excited about the trip. At the airport, some people got breakfast, and others just stayed reading. We were really tired! As we arrived in Washington, we got dropped off at the Smithsonian American History Museum. We stayed for an hour at the museum in which we were able to see exhibitions and learn about the American presidents, the First Ladies, and the wars that the US joined (among other things). The First Ladies dresses were gorgeous and elegant! As our trip finished at the museum, we walked back to the US Department of Agriculture building (and that was just the beginning of our walking day) and had lunch at their amazing cafeteria. After we recharged our batteries, we headed to the Holocaust Museum in which we saw a huge exhibition about the horrible genocide that happened during World War II. We recalled what we learned about World War II, saw heartbreaking photos about what the Jews suffered, learned facts about the Holocaust, and got to know stories from the ones who survived it. After that, we went to another beautiful but sad place: the Arlington National Cemetery. We marveled at its beauty and learned about its fascinating history, dating all the way back to George Washington and also being tied into Robert E. Lee and his family. We also saw the changing of the guards ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The guards who did it were very good at their jobs. They had very specific motions that they completed at the exact right time, and their uniforms were without a single spot or wrinkle. The other thing about the Arlington National Cemetery – it was a lot of walking uphill! We were exhausted by the end. Luckily, after a short stop at the Marine Corps memorial, we went to dinner. We went to a mall (not the national mall, just a mall) and got to eat in the food court and explore the stores (Surprise! They were just like the ones in malls everywhere.) We thought we were done after that, but it turned out there was more to see. We began by going to the Vietnam War memorial and the Korean War memorial, which were haunting in both their beauty and how sad they were. Seeing the names and faces of the people lost to those wars reflected in the black, glassy walls that each of them featured was a very sobering experience. However, from there we went to the Lincoln Memorial, and that was a different story. We approached the plaza with the Washington monument and the reflective pool before it on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other. As I stared up at the huge structure, I became so excited that when we were free to split up and take pictures, I raced up the steps. Inside it was warmly lit, and the huge stone statue of Lincoln and pillars made it feel sturdy. It was so beautiful, and it made my heart swell with love for this country and its history. Finally, we got to go to the hotel for the night. We were wiped out! It had been a long, eventful 17 hours. - Gabriela & Jojo A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Teen Years
Roxy Krawczyk, Middle School Teacher. Parenting a tween can be a daunting task. We often hear parents bemoaning the alien that seems to have taken over their sweet, darling child and left them with a moody, defiant teenager. They worry that this new phase will be permanent, and they worry even more that they are ill-equipped to deal with it. Never fear! The transition from childhood to adolescence is indeed a marked one, but it is simply another phase of normal human development. Knowing what changes are taking place inside your adolescent’s body and brain can help you understand what to expect, and being aware of their shifting needs and priorities can help you keep your own expectations in check. The tween years can look different for each child, but there are some developmental markers that are universal. Knowing what’s coming will help you maintain your sanity, and theirs. Models of Psychological Development Jean Piaget (1896-1980) One of the first scientists to propose that human development happened in stages, as opposed to a singular, uninterrupted progression, was the Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget. Still prominently studied in child development education today, Piaget’s theory suggests that children progress through four distinct stages of development: sensorimotor (0-2 years), preoperational (2-6 years), concrete operational (7-11 years), and formal operational (11 years-adult). In each of these periods, the individual develops a specific set of skills and becomes capable of new levels of thought which were previously inaccessible. The adolescent falls into Piaget’s final stage of formal operational thought. In this stage, Piaget proposed, adolescents begin to reason abstractly and think in hypothetical terms. Erik Erikson (1902-1994) Another leading developmental psychologist was the German-born American scientist, Erik Erikson, known for his theory on psychosocial development. According to Erikson, people go through eight stages, confronting (and hopefully mastering) a new personal and/or social challenge in each. Erikson is perhaps most famous for coining the phrase “identity crisis,” and in no other stage is this particular challenge more evident in the adolescent stage. During this period, the adolescent is working on developing his or her personal identity. This is a critical time for individuals to determine who they are, where their values lie, and in what ways they can contribute to the communities around them. It’s a crisp fall day in October and on Friday we began our morning making cards for Color Give Smile, a non-profit organization that provides artwork to senior citizens. The cards usually accompany a meal that is being delivered. I love these events because it really gets the children asking questions about the world outside of their home, their beloved school and classrooms. I had beautiful and meaningful conversations with the children as we sat together making cards and I know that this event will continue to support the ideas that we work on every day in the classroom.
The Montessori philosophy is based on respect: of self, for others, the environment, and for the world. At Alcuin, everything we do as a school community focuses on these values. From the moment the children come through our doors we welcome them and greet them like a member of our family because they are truly part of the Alcuin family. What does that mean and why is it so special or different? It means that we accept each individual child for who they are and we work together as a team to help them grow and develop into the person they are striving to become. There are a million lovely moments along that journey and there are bumps along the road -- but that’s just it, it is the journey that is most important to us. It’s about the partnership with the families, and sharing in the joys and ah-ha moments that happen for each child. It’s about meeting and talking, problem solving and trusting in the partnership of home and school, and above all knowing that the child will not only get through the challenging moments but will come out on the other side a much stronger, peaceful and independent person. What makes Alcuin so different is its people. I know you’ve heard me say this many times before, but we truly have an exceptional staff. They love and respect each and every child in this community, and spend their days and nights thinking, planning and preparing for the children. They appreciate the partnership they have with the families and know that together they can support and guide the students in a meaningful way. As you know we are beginning the writing portion of our self-study with ISACS. We officially kicked off this process with the faculty, staff, and board last week. What this ultimately means for the children and the community is an even stronger set of guiding principles; every aspect of Alcuin will be peeled apart, examined and evaluated. You may be wondering what your role will be in this process or how you can best support our community. Montessori is based on observation, feedback, collaboration, evaluation, and flexibility. My door is always open to the community and I am constantly engaged with teachers and children about ways to improve and how to solve problems. Montessori is about working together for the common good. Shortly you will be receiving a survey from ISACS as part of the accreditation process. Your honest and thoughtful feedback is critical for the self-evaluation of our school. Together we can ensure that our children, parents, faculty and staff are part of a community that believes in the support and development of each individual child, while truly creating a community based on respect for each individual, the environment, and the world. Together we can create the change we dream of. Together we can see the joy in the eyes of our children as they discover the never ending curriculum the world has to offer. And together we can prepare the children of our community to be the adults that we dream they will become. Gina Gleason Executive Director |
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