OAK FARM MONTESSORI JULY 2020
We have a graduate! When we began this school year we were celebrating all the places we will go as a school, rooted in the vision and values that Oak Farm was built on 20 years ago. When we began this school year there was so much excitement around our past and our present as we prepare for the next 20 years. When we began this school year there was no way we could foresee what was ahead of us in this time of uncertainty that we find ourselves in now. But that’s just it, isn’t it? It is not about the past. It is not about the present. It is about the future. And you are the future, Abby, and all your fellow classmates around you. All three are important. We learn from our past. We live in the present. But you shape our future. Maria Montessori said that, “The child is both the hope and the promise of mankind.” Our world needs that hope right now. You and all the other 2020 graduates across the globe are that hope for a transformed world fueled by evaluation, reflection and inspiration. Abby, you will move mountains in your own way to make a greater impact on the world. As our school makes history by celebrating Oak Farm Montessori High School’s first graduate, she is ready to make her mark in our future!
Candice
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree... Nikole Albright, Community Relations Liaison
While interviewing our first Oak Farm Montessori High School graduate, Abby Murphy, she shared not only her reflections of her time here at school, but also from her personal life as well. Most who encounter Abby would immediately recognize her compassion and empathy for others; a soft spoken demeanor, genuine smile and laughing eyes. What you may not know about this inspiring young woman is that her plans to study counseling and psychology are deeply rooted in her life. She shared that, “I chose this path because I have been in a hard place myself and I know what it feels like to be judged. I don’t want anyone else to have to experience that.” Abby spent the majority of her schooling in a public school setting, only coming to OFMHS upon the recommendation of a family friend. “The thing I noticed most was the size and community aspect of the school. It feels like your family! The teachers support you and really want to help you succeed.” she added. While timid at first herself, Abby says that she would encourage all incoming Freshmen to know that everyone genuinely wants to get to know you; they are not superficial or intimidating. Some of the highlights of her senior year include the Suitcase Legacy and Capstone Project. The Suitcase Legacy happens twice a year, once at the beginning of the year when a letter is written by the individual students and then at the end of the year each student adds an item that represents their school year. “I think this tradition is the perfect way to see our growth as a group and our growth personally,” she commented. The Capstone Project is a culmination of work throughout their time in high school. Students choose a particular field of interest, research, interview role models or mentors in said field, and then present their findings publically to an audience. Abby shared that this particular project challenged her the most because it forced her to really narrow down her focus through hard work and study. Along the way, there have been other opportunities. Last year she attended a lunch and learn conference in Michigan where she and several classmates presented at the Stewardship Network Conference regarding their partnership with Blue Heron Ministries, intercessions, community service, business management with the bike shop and making connections with local businesses and owners. When asked how she thought OFMHS has prepared her for college and beyond, Abby shared, “Oak Farm has helped me become a better communicator! From emails to personal relationships, I’ve grown more than I ever could’ve expected. I’ve also had to learn to keep myself accountable with my work...I’ll definitely need that skill for college!” As the school year winds down and graduation approaches, many students have felt a sense of loss in missed events and celebrations. Abby shares that her plan was for a small, intimate gathering from the beginning and she wouldn’t want it any other way. “Although the end of the year is very different from what we expected, I appreciate everyone’s hard work to make my graduation very special.” She stated. When prompted to summarize her time at OFMHS in three words or less, Abby quickly replied: friends, growth and understanding. She is confident that her friendships developed here will remain strong because they aren’t just based on going to the same school; it’s because they care about each other and that won’t end with high school. So what was that old adage about the apple not falling far from the tree? When Abby shared her parents chosen professions; college professor and behavioral unit teacher working with special needs children she had an “Aha” moment when I pointed out that her desire to help others and teach them in a constructive and meaningful way was modeled all her life by her parents. Plant those seeds carefully, sow them and nurture with love and attention. At Oak Farm Montessori School we like to say, “Grow it tall” and this young world changer is prepared to do just that.
A
fond farewell‌
We said goodbye to two long-term Oak Farm Montessori faculty members at the end of this year, and while we weren’t able to wish them well in person, many shared notes via email, snail mail and Padlet. Angie Black, Toddler 2 Teacher, started at OFMS prior to taking off for college the first summer the school opened. Our founder, Lorene Dekko Salsbery, was her aunt and encouraged her to help out and experience the Montessori life. She returned in 2013 to work in the Infant Room and later moved to the Toddler 2 environment. Pat Cole, Farm Manager and Oak Farm Montessori alumni parent, made the decision to retire after twelve years of working with the middle school students and guiding them in the Erdkinder program. It will be difficult to imagine the farm without Pat, but he has many plans to occupy his free time and lack of schedule. Thank you both for your commitment to the Montessori philosophy, the children of OFMS and for inspiring future generations to be lifelong learners.
Footsteps to follow... Nikole Albright, Community Relations Liaison
Do you remember your child going through the ‘terrible twos’? What about toilet training and finicky eating? Whether your child is currently two or twenty-two years old I am sure the memories are not all fondly remembered. So why would someone choose to work with other people’s children during this tumultuous time of development? Love! Angie shared that her favorite quote is, “They may forget what you said - but they will never forget how you made them feel” by Carl W. Buehner. She loves teachable moments and the little things that bring children so much joy. Her first mentor (and Aunt) was our founder, Lorene Dekko Salsbery. Angie watched her cousins grow up in a Montessori school and became intrigued by the philosophy. “Lorene introduced me to Montessori education with her own daughters, but made me fall in love with Montessori through Oak Farm.” she shared. “I have so many memories of Lorene, it would be hard to pick just one. Hearing her contagious laughter as she interacted with the children was the best! I remember how strong she was as people doubted her dream and flat out told her Oak Farm would never make it. At that time, Northeast Indiana was not ready for a Montessori school, but she didn’t let that interfere with her dream/vision.” Reflecting on the early years, Angie commented that, “Seeing the beginning of Oak Farm and watching it grow from a small, tight knit community to a large community with high school graduate(s) has been rewarding. I remember the first class of students putting their tiny handprints in the cement around the Redbarn, as it was being built.” There is no doubt that she has touched the lives of hundreds of children who have crossed her path over the last seven years, but it is what those children have taught her that guides her each day. “I have learned to have peace, patience, work hard/play hard, slow down and live in the moment (life goes fast).” Most days you would find Angie leading a group of Toddlers through the woods, her favorite place to be on campus, exploring plants, animals, flowers and birds. When asked what she would miss most about OFMS, Angie said, “I will miss the children and families of Oak Farm. I will miss seeing the children grow and receiving their hugs! I will also miss the friendships and connections with my colleagues. I wish Oak Farm all the best. Enjoy the little moments and laugh.” Great words of advice Angie, whether you’re two….or 102!
“They may forget what you said - but they will never forget how you made them feel” Carl W. Buehner.
A
colorful life Nikole Albright
The color orange is what I think of when I see Pat Cole. Why, you might ask? When our paths first crossed many moons ago we had to complete a personality test that assigned one of four colors to your style of teaching. I was on the far left of the spectrum, gold, while Pat was on the opposite side representing orange. The non-traditional, dynamic and big picture style seemed to fit his outward appearance, but could this spontaneous style of teaching work in a Montessori environment? Yes, most definitely it can and does. There are no desks, chairs or traditional trappings in the middle school barn during Pat’s lessons. Morning care includes feeding and watering the animals, providing fresh bedding and cleaning/mucking out of the stalls, collecting eggs and completing any unexpected tasks that may arise. Students work in pairs, but independently, to efficiently care for the animals. But the educational component encompasses far more than this. Pat describes his three-fold purpose for the Erdkinder program. “These young people will be the future consumers, civic leaders and policy makers for our society. I’d like to think that they will be informed decision makers. The farm gives them a glimpse of the food and fiber systems that surround us and the energy, expense and thoughtfulness that go into those commodities. Secondly, what we do on the farm is bigger than just food. It’s really about understanding the role of empathy and compassion and how the students eventually define those two ideas. As they learn to personalize what humane treatment is for livestock, I hope there will be transfer in the future for other creatures like me! The third leg of the program is that the daily activities of keeping a farm running smoothly and safely gives natural lessons every day. These random activities give many opportunities for soft skills such as problem solving, analytical thinking, communication, team building, group decision making, perseverance, responsibility and flexibility to just name a few. These lessons are naturally meaningful, usually give immediate feedback, are important to the point of life and death in some situations and ultimately give the student a sense of accomplishment and success. No lesson planning needed!”
Pat has experienced too many memorable moments with students to list them all, but the common thread is that students conquered fear, gained invaluable knowledge and discovered confidence in themselves through the meaningful work. Whether it’s learning to unplug a jammed garbage disposal, rewiring a lamp cord, loading 400 pound pigs onto a trailer, milking an uncooperative goat or running for your life while a hungry turkey chases you through the field; life on the farm is never dull! Perhaps you’ve heard one of his famous ‘Patisms’? “The more miserable the experience, the more memorable.” “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices.” or “What were you thinking....exactly?” It will be difficult to think of Oak Farm Montessori Middle School and not think of Pat. Our alumni have even been known to volunteer at the farm during college breaks just to spend more time with their favorite teacher, Pat. From his humble beginnings of volunteering to help build a stage at the Art Center that led to a job offer three days later, without even realizing he had applied or submitted an application, to beloved farm manager to all, Pat will forever be an icon to our school. When asked what he will miss most about being on the farm each day, he quickly replied, “Laughing! With the staff, students, parents, families, alumni and animals. I’ve loved each and every minute of being here.” And while you are still more orange than gold, we wouldn’t want you any other way. Best wishes in retirement and future plans.
“The more miserable the experience, the more memorable.” Pat Cole
Making a
Difference
This past spring, most of us found ourselves spending more time at home, making homemade meals, binge watching Netflix and discovering what is really important in life. Whether you dropped off meals to a neighbor, played board games with the kiddos or learned new ways to help your community; we all were touched by the mandatory quarantine and shut down. While this is just a small sampling of some of the ways our Oak Farm families and students made a difference, we wanted to say “Thank you” and encourage you to remember “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
A Pantry for the People The Witt family
Melissa Witt and her daughter Tinley (P4)are always looking for ways to make a difference for others. They have picked up trash along trails, made homemade jam and art work to raise money for their community playground and during the onset of COVID they started a local pantry to provide for those in need. “We live on a cul de sac in an addition. We decided to make it when the government shut down started. We talked about how some people would not be able to work and that some kids depend on school to get their meals. I explained what the pantry was for and Tinley helped pick out some things to put in it (hence the goldfish crackers. Tinley helps take it to the end of our driveway every morning and back in to the house every evening. Our lovely mail lady dropped some things off for Tinley to add.” shared Melissa. They also posted in their addition’s community Facebook page so their neighbors knew it was here.
Masks for the Masses
The Stuckey and Routsong families When the decision was made that Oak Farm Montessori was moving forward with offering summer camps, the next thing we had to figure out was how to make sure the campers and staff were all safe with protective gear and cleaning supplies. The call went out to see if any of our families would be willing to help make the150 masks we would need for our campers. Two families answered the call and split up the task of measuring, cutting and sewing all of those much needed masks. In true Montessori fashion, it was the students who did the bulk of the work. Not only did they learn sewing skills that will last a lifetime, but they also discovered that working together can be a lot of fun. (Including choosing all sorts of themed fabric to give campers a choice to match their personalities!) All four of the Stuckey kiddos (Max, Laila, Jude and Lucy) jumped into action. Not only did they sew 75 masks for OFMS, but mom, Emily, shared that they have made over 400 masks to give to friends and others who didn’t have one availalbe. The three older Routsong kiddos (Jaxton, Kaylee and Dawson) did the majority of the work for their family. Dawson helped cut the elastic, Jaxton measured and cut the fabric , and Kaylee took to the sewing machine like a pro. Mom, Tara, shared that Kaylee now loves sewing and can’t wait to start new projects!
Whether you donated time, talent or treasure this year; you are appreciated. Oak Farm Montessori School was established to serve the families of Northeast Indiana, but it’s success is rooted in the commitment of the community we serve. Each hour, dollar or act of service you give empowers our students, continues our existence and helps us reach our mission of providing a Montessori environment that inspires children to reach their potential through meaningful work.