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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE
January 17, 2018
WINTER 2018
&ENRICHMENT EDUCATION
GUIDE
• LOCAL SCHOOLS • TUTORING PROGRAMS • CAMPS
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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE
January 17, 2018
Special Advertising Section
Hello! ¡ Hola! 您好！
A Note from Intercultural Montessori Language School
F • Pioneers in Language Immersion Montessori Education • Ages 3-12 • Spanish/English, Japanese/English and Chinese Mandarin/English
LEArn MorE! nEW! After School Language Classes Oak Park Campus 708-848-6626 Chicago Campus 312-265-1514 info@interculturalmontessori.org InterculturalMontessori.org
or almost 30 years, Oak Park residents have been driving, biking, and walking by Intercultural Montessori on S. Ridgeland Avenue with smiles on their faces as they watch the children at play. But they might not be aware that Intercultural is the originator of our unique dual-language/Montessori approach to education, providing Spanish/English and Chinese Mandarin/English programs for children aged 3 to 6. It’s an approach that has been imitated but not reproduced, and it has gotten us a lot of positive attention with Montessori schools, teachers, and associations. That’s because it works, and I’m so happy to be a part of creating bilingual, bi-literate citizens of the world right here in Oak Park. As my third year at Intercultural begins, I would like to state how proud I am of the work that the teachers perform on a daily basis. That is where the magic happens, and I’ve found that it is true that the teachers are the soul of the school. As an Intercultural parent, I appreciated how hard the teachers work, but now as an administrator I understand and recognize the many subtle skills the job requires. For example: knowing how to observe constructively, and when, how, and how
Looking justaaahigh highschool? school? Looking for more just high school? Lookingfor formore more than than Looking for more than just a high school? Looking for more than just a high school?
YOU FOUND IT! YOU IT! YOU FOUND IT! YOU FOUND IT! YOU FOUND IT! Help your yourchild childget get Help
GiveWalther them the advantage of a education. Walther education. Walther education.
The Class of 2022HOUSE is forming NOW! OPEN HOUSE OPEN financial aid deadlines.
Come learn about scholarship learn about scholarshipand and Come Come learn about scholarship and Come learn about scholarship and financial aid deadlines. financial aid deadlines. SEE WHAT MORE THAN COLLEGEfinancial PREPfinancial LOOKS LIKE aid deadlines. aid deadlines.
SEE WHAT MORE THAN COLLEGE PREP LOOKS LIKE 900 CHICAGO AVE.MORE THAN COLLEGE PREP LOOKS LIKE SEE WHAT SEE WHAT MORE THANWWW.WALTHER.COM COLLEGE PREP LOOKS LIKE 900 CHICAGO AVE. MELROSE PARK, IL 60160 SEE WHAT MORE THAN COLLEGE PREP LOOKS LIKE WWW.WALTHER.COM
MELROSE PARK, IL 60160 (708) 344-0404
CHICAGO AVE. (708) 344-0404 900900 CHICAGO AVE. 900 CHICAGO AVE. MELROSE PARK, IL 60160 MELROSE PARK,PARK, IL 60160 MELROSE IL 60160 (708) 344-0404 (708)(708) 344-0404 344-0404
WWW.WALTHER.COM
WWW.WALTHER.COM WWW.WALTHER.COM
It is extremely fulfilling to see Intercultural’s continued growth. To me it means that Oak Park recognizes the value of the unique dual-language education we are providing. From all of us on the Intercultural team, it is our pleasure to serve you, and the children of this vibrant community. Thank you! ¡Gracias! 謝謝你！ Roderick Shaw, Oak Park Campus Manager Intercultural Montessori Language School 708-848-6626 rshaw@interculturalmontessori.org
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world, because like Walther alumni before them, our seniors excelling in college and many working and studying overseas. Fourth, our school’s diversity equips you with the empathy, communication skills and social been the chosen school for families looking awareness to connect with anyone, anywhere. for a superior college preparatory education Fifth, we ensure you develop the academic built on a Christian foundation. We are proud fundamentals, confidence and character to to have 100% college acceptance for our become the student you graduating seniors each are meant to be. Finally, no year with most students “Whenever I think matter your religion, you’ll earning significant merit scholarships and financial back about my years find Christ here, and He will find you, enlighten you, aid. Beyond that, what at Walther, I literally inspire you, and guide you, makes Walther MORE? First, your student will get a smile on my face. in good times and bad “Whenever I think back experience more here, Those four years were about my years at Walther, exploring their intellect, spirituality, leadership truly some of the best I literally get a smile on my face. Those four years were abilities, athleticism, years of my life.” truly some of the best years musicality, and artistry quote from a Walther Alum of my life,” quote from sometimes all in the same a Walther Alum. We are day. Second, our culture here to help your child grow. make us seem more a Choosing the right high school is an important university than high school with managed decision in not only the student’s life, but the class sizes, advanced courses, candid entire family. Choose MORE.www.walther.com discussions, and a collaborative faculty. Third, your student can someday change the
OPEN OPEN HOUSE HOUSE OPEN HOUSE Thursday, October20, 20,2016 2016 Thursday, October Thursday, October 20, Thursday, October 20,2016 2016 Don’t Miss the Special 7:00pm 7:00pm Placement Test/Visitation Day20, Thursday, October Come learn about scholarship and 7:00pm 7:00pm Come learn about scholarship and Fri., Jan.financial 26thaid• 2016 8am-2:45pm deadlines.
As we grow, we continue to improve our school infrastructure at the Oak Park campus, including the installation of a new state-of-the-art security system. This week, the students harvested their first vegetables from our new organic garden! And more upgrades are coming as this new school year begins.
Looking for More than Just a High School? You Found it at Walther Christian Academy!
Help your child get elp your student get more out of Help your child get high school by setting them up for out of high school. more out of high school. Help your child get more out of high school. success. Give them the advantage of more out of high school. Set up a Walther education. Since 1954, Walther has Set them them upfor forsuccess. success. more out of high school. Set them up for success. Give them the advantage ofofa a GiveSet them theup advantage them for success. Set them up for success. GiveWalther them the advantage of a education. education. GiveWalther them the advantage of a
much to intervene, is the key secret to a successful Montessori teacher. It’s a talent our teachers have acquired through their Montessori training and years of teaching at Intercultural. I would like to thank our teachers for their hard work, and congratulate them on the continued growth of our dual-language program.
EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE Special Advertising Section
January 17, 2018
Camp Program Exercises Mind and Body ith winter break over, kids are counting down the days until summer. Which means for parents, it’s time to start looking into summer camps.
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Together, this one-of-a-kind Sports & Coding Camp program gets kids to think creatively, reason systematically, work collaboratively, and have fun!
Code Play Learn and Legacy Sports are teaming up again to offer their popular, fullday Sports & Coding Camps this summer. This unique program offers an experience like no other, with STEM and sports activities that exercise kids minds and bodies.
Camps are open to kids who are currently in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Each weeklong camp runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Code Play Learn activities take place at 132 North Ridgeland and Legacy Sports activities take place right across the street at
The Tennis and Fitness Centre at 301 West Lake Street in Oak Park. Campers are walked between location by staff from Legacy Sports. For more information on these and other Code Play Learn summer camps and after school programs, please call 708-374-8286 or visit www.codeplaylearn.com. Register now and use the code SUMMER18 to receive a 10% multicamp discount.
Through Code Play Learn, kids can engage their brains across all kinds of camp offerings. New this summer, Chess Camp and Rube Goldberg Inventions Camp enable kids to apply strategy, critical thinking and creativity to their play. New STEAM camps spark imaginations by combining art with coding. Other returning favorites include Minecraft Modding, Kids Can Code where campers can explore the fundamentals of engineering and programming through play, and Battlebot Engineering where kids can build a variety of bots for competition. Through Legacy Sports, kids can spend the other half of the day playing multisport athletic activities like Hand Hockey, Countdown Dodgeball, Treasure Island, Battleship, Capture the Flag and Soccer. These physical activities teach campers how to communicate with each other and work as a team to accomplish their goals.
Full Day
SPORTS & CODING CAMPS Summer Registration Is Now Open NEW
Chess Camp
NEWRube
Goldberg Inventions
NEW
STEAM
Chess Java Camp
Chess Battlebots Camp
Chess Minecraft Camp
For registration and information about all our programs visit www.codeplaylearn.com 708-374-8286 • 132 North Ridgeland, Oak Park, IL 60302
Kids Can Code
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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE
Learning From and With Each Other
Celebrating Over 55 Years of Montessori Excellence
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ounded in 1961, Alcuin Montessori School offers a cross-curricular learning environment balancing academic and emotional intelligence. We partner with parents and provide students the tools to become highly-skilled independent thinkers with a passion for knowledge. Our programs are designed to help each child become confident, curious, self-disciplined and motivated. At Alcuin, classrooms operate on the principle of freedom within limits. Children, under the guidance of a teacher, work at their own pace with materials of their choosing. Each student may work alone or with others; different levels of ability are expected and welcomed within each classroom. Education occurs in multi-aged classrooms where children of various stages of development learn from and with each other. Our programs for ages 0-14 include: • Parent/Infant - Fridays, 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. • Three to Five Day Toddler/Parent, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. • Primary, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. • Full-Day Kindergarten, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Junior and Senior Elementary, 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. • Middle School, 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. • Before/After School Care • Art • Musical Theater • Spanish Families currently attending Alcuin come from Oak Park, as well as Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Chicago, Cicero, Elmhurst, Forest Park, River Forest, Riverside, River Grove and more. We welcome all prospective parents to join us for our monthly informational Coffees. We will start with some good coffee, a short video on Montessori education and then take an in-depth look into all of our classrooms. At the end of the tour we hold a question and answer session, and explain our admissions process. Tours are held throughout the school year on Thursdays (9:00-11:00 a.m.) at the main Alcuin campus. Visit Alcuin.org for tour dates. To enroll in a tours please e-mail our Director of Advancement at avalera@alcuin.org or call 708.366.1882.
EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE Special Advertising Section
January 17, 2018
Join the Discussion
River Forest District 90, in partnership with its PTOs, will be hosting a One District/One Book initiative. All District 90 families, faculty, staff, students, and River Forest residents are encouraged to read and join in the discussion of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, February 3
An interactive presentation by Dr. Ann Batenburg of Mindset Works. • Roosevelt Middle School, 7560 Oak Avenue, River Forest • 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Continue the conversation following Dr. Ann Batenburg’s presentation by joining facilitated breakout sessions afterward. • Learn about the benefits of applying the growth mindset concepts to the workplace, community service, personal relationships, and students in the classroom.
Coming Soon -- Mid-February
An interactive webinar for anyone interested in understanding the benefits of the growth mindset concept. • Learn how to incorporate practical suggestions about the growth mindset approach as well as apply its tenets to all aspects of one’s life.
All events are free and open to the public.
River Forest Public Schools
The Mindset approach offers a framework to advance one’s efforts in the classroom (for students), at work, with personal relationships, and in the community.
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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE
Special Advertising Section
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! Extended Hours until 7 pm
HELPING YOUR CHILD BUILD A GREATER SENSE OF RELATIONSHIP, BELONGING, AND ACHIEVEMENT. Y-KIDS BEFORE & AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM K-8TH Monday-Friday Before-school program begins at 7 am After-school program ends at 7 pm • Follows District 97 school calendar • Includes half days and early release days • Homework time and tutoring available • Transportation available for some area schools • Flexible payment plans and scholarships available
NEW LOCATION
St. John’s Lutheran Church 305 Circle Ave., Forest Park OPENINGS AVAILABLE. REGISTER TODAY. Contact Lisa Gacki at 708-366-2764 or lgacki@westcookymca.org
EXTEND YOUR CHILD’S EXPERIENCE AND ADD ON SWIM LESSONS AND/OR SPORTS West Cook YMCA | 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60532 | 708.383.5200 | www.westcookymca.org/ykids
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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE
January 17, 2018
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We’re Here for You
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he West Cook YMCA Y-KIDS is a before and after-school program centered around our youth to extend learning beyond the school day. We are committed to nurturing the potential of every child from cradle to career through physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development. We offer extended hours until 7 pm to fit the needs of our families.
I have two children that are benefiting from the scholarship. I have seen extreme positive differences in my children as they are excited every day to be a part of the YMCA. Not only are they happy to be around the community at the YMCA, but they feel as though they are part of a bigger family when there. This gives me peace of mind and comfort as a single parent raising five children. I can trust that the YMCA is giving my children the type of love, care, and security that they would need to feel safe and
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protected. I have also noticed they are developing more of a worldview and a sensitivity to the suffering of others. My daughter often talks about wanting to help other people such as homeless or people who do not have enough food. While I understand and believe she has a good heart, I believe the YMCA is definitely playing a part in nurturing this side of her character. Often times, at home, I hear both my son and daughter speak of things that they have learned at the YMCA or conversations they have had with counselors and try to apply the lessons they’ve learned at home. For example, they recently got into an argument and I heard them agree that they would do what the Y had taught them and put aside their differences and come to an agreement. I am truly thankful for being a part of the West Cook YMCA as it has made a very big difference in the lives of my children. -Mom of 2 children in Y-Kids
The St. Luke Difference The St. Luke Difference
rom our early childhood program through rom our early childhood program through 8th grade, St. Luke Parish School, 8th grade, St. Luke Parish School, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School that consistently scores in the top School that consistently scores in the top 30th percentile in ACT/Aspire test scores, 30th percentile in ACT/Aspire test scores, prides itself on its ability to educate the whole prides itself on its ability to educate the whole child by promoting spiritual, academic, and child by promoting spiritual, academic, and emotional growth. We prepares our students emotional growth. We prepare our students for the best high schools in Chicagoland for the best high schools in Chicagoland Fenwick, Saint Ignatius, Trinity, and OPRF; Fenwick, Saint Ignatius, Trinity, and OPRF; recently we have made significant steps in recently we have made significant steps in advancing Math, Science/STEM curriculum, advancing Math, Science/STEM curriculum, and have expanded our learning center to and have expanded our learning center to meet the diverse needs of students and meet the diverse needs of students and families. families. At St. Luke, each child is encouraged to At St. Luke, each child is encouraged to learn at their own pace led by teachers who learn at their own pace led by teachers who are highly experienced and credentialed. With are highly experienced and credentialed. With this in mind, we provide a rigorous curriculum this in mind, we provide a rigorous curriculum that challenges our students to reach new that challenges our students to reach new heights in both their creative thinking and heights in both their creative thinking and academic skills base. academic skills base. Most recently, advancements in the areas Most recently, advancements in the areas of Math and STEM have marked St. Luke as of Math and STEM have marked St. Luke as an innovative and excellent Catholic school an innovative and excellent Catholic school seeking to evolve with the times. Our STEM seeking to evolve with the times. Our STEM program developed its standards using program developed its standards using national Common Core and NGSS (Next national Common Core and NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and seeks Generation Science Standards) and seeks to expose students in grades K-5 to project to expose students in grades K-5 to project based and inquiry-centered learning in their based and inquiry-centered learning in their earliest and most formative years. In grades earliest and most formative years. In grades 6-8, St. Luke students are using the Big 6-8, St. Luke students are using the Big
Ideas math curriculum, which fully integrates Ideas math curriculum, which fully integrates cooperative learning strategies and real-world cooperative learning strategies and real-world based problem solving. based problem solving. St. Luke seeks to support students with a St. Luke seeks to support students with a wide range of academic and extracurricular wide range of academic and extracurricular interests. We place an emphasis on the study interests. We place an emphasis on the study of Spanish for students in grades 1-8 and all of Spanish for students in grades 1-8 and all students have access to an advanced visual students have access to an advanced visual and performing arts curriculum, including and performing arts curriculum, including band and guitar. Over the course of the band and guitar. Over the course of the year, students hear from Chicago artists year, students hear from Chicago artists and authors, as we have sought to promote and authors, as we have sought to promote student voice and artwork from a curricular student voice and artwork from a curricular perspective. Our no cut sports program for perspective. Our no cut sports program for students in grades 4-8 promotes athletic students in grades 4-8 promotes athletic participation, personal growth, teamwork, and participation, personal growth, teamwork, and leadership. leadership. Over the course of the next 5-7 years, our Over the course of the next 5-7 years, our school community will continue to unfold school community will continue to unfold its Strategic Plan, focusing on continued its Strategic Plan, focusing on continued academic excellence, faith and formation in academic excellence, faith and formation in the Catholic tradition, and developing the the Catholic tradition, and developing the whole student; in our strategic plan, you whole student; in our strategic plan, you can find the key initiatives our school will can find the key initiatives our school will be developing for the future of our students. be developing for the future of our students. The plan can be viewed at www.schoolThe plan can be viewed at www.schoolstlukeparish.org. stlukeparish.org. We invite you to come and see for yourself We invite you to come and see for yourself what makes St. Luke School so special. what makes St. Luke School so special. Please come to our Open House on Sunday, Please come to our Open House on Sunday, January 28 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm or call January 28 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm or call 708.366.8587 to schedule a tour. 708.366.8587 to schedule a tour.
Extended Hours Until 7 pm Y-KIDS BEFORE & AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM NEW LOCATION: St. John’s Lutheran Church | Forest Park K-8TH Monday-Friday Before-school program begins at 7 am After-school program ends at 7 pm • Follows District 97 school calendar • Includes half days and early release days • Homework time and tutoring available • Transportation available for some area schools • Flexible payment plans and scholarships available
EXTEND YOUR CHILD’S EXPERIENCE AND ADD ON SWIM LESSONS AND/OR SPORTS. OPENINGS AVAILABLE. REGISTER TODAY. Contact Lisa Gacki at 708 366 2764 or lgacki@westcookymca.org
St. Luke Parish School
A Catholic School Cultivating Academic Rigor and Excellence
Open House Sunday, January 28, 2018 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Preschool through 8th grade
St. Luke Parish School
519 Ashland Avenue, River Forest, IL 708-366-8587 www.school-stlukeparish.org
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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE
January 17, 2018 K-12TH GRADE
SUMMER SAT, ACT & ISEE HOMEWORK ENRICHMENT TH TEST– 12 PREP HELP PRE-K GRADE SAT, ACT & ISEE TEST PREPPROGRAMS HOMEWORK HELP SUMMER PROGRAMS
Mathnasium Makes Math Fun!
A We Make Math Make Sense
WE ARE EXPERIENCED TRIAL SESSION MATH SPECIALISTS FREEFREE CONSULTATION
Call today to schedule An in-depth look at how the aMathnasium free session WE TEACH ALL LEVELS Method works andyour how we can meet your OF MATH ABILITY for child. family’s needs.
PROVEN RESULTS www.mathnasium.com/ Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest oakparkriverforest mathnasium.com/your web address Your Location 1101 Chicago Ave. 123 Any Street Rd. 708.613.4007 800-123-4567 Oak Park, IL 60302 Any Town, ST 90000 mathnasium.com/your web address oakparkriverforest@mathnasium.com
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t Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest, you can feel the buzz of activity and excitement as soon as you walk in the door. Students of all ages from kindergarten through high school are actively engaged in learning and understanding mathematics. Operating on the philosophy that every child can become great at math, Mathnasium has become the industry leader in supplementary math education. More than any other subject, math has a stigma of being boring and anxiety provoking. At Mathnasium, all the stress is taken out of the process as compassionate instructors work one on one with learners. As owner, Jana Frank explains, “We Make Math Make Sense. Kids don’t hate math, they hate being frustrated and intimidated by it. Our job is to help our students develop number sense so they aren’t just able to do it, but actually understand what they are doing and why. Since we individually assess each student and create a customized learning curriculum for them, we are able to set students up on a path to success.” The staff at Mathnasium works to ensure students are not just learning, but enjoying what they are learning. “Even more important than the math is the attitude and confidence,” says Frank. “We want to make sure every student feels welcome and encouraged to try their best. We will always adjust our teaching methods to
find the one that works for each child.” This personalized instruction incorporates best practices through a combination of learning styles including written, mental, verbal, visual, and tactile. Whether students are struggling to keep up or excelling in their classes, the proven Mathnasium Method™ can address and advance their knowledge and abilities. Mathnasium OPRF also offers private instruction, test prep, and homework help. Parents and students alike sing the praises of Mathnasium. A Hatch Elementary student says, “At Mathnasium, I’ve learned that I actually LIKE math!” A Julian Middle Schooler says, “I’ve learned how to understand why the solution to a problem works instead of just memorizing how to solve it.” From a parent’s perspective, “It is a great pleasure for my children to be part of Mathnasium OPRF. The attention paid to their needs is amazing. It has changed the way that they feel about school and greatly increased their confidence levels” To accommodate its ever-growing number of students, Mathnasium OPRF has recently moved to a much larger space at 1101 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park. Learn more at mathnasium.com/oakparkriverforest, or call 708.613.4007 to schedule a FREE TRIAL SESSION.
Learning Through AllAspects Aspectsofof Learning Through All Life at Keystone Montessori OPEN HOUSE: Sunday January 21st 2–4 pm 7415 W. North Ave. River Forest Call 708-366-1080 for more information
Parent/infant program • Toddler Class, ages 2-3 • Primary Class, ages 3-6 Elementary and Middle School • After school program for ages 5 and up You are welcome to observe a classroom. Call for an appointment.
A place where children love to learn KEYSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 7415 W. North Avenue, River Forest, IL
708/366-1080
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Life at Keystone Montessori
hildren come from far and wide to Keystone Montessori, a school hildren come from far and wide that to has gained the reputation as one Keystone Montessori, a school thatof the country’s premier Montessori has gained the reputation as schools. one of “The beauty of Montessori education is that the country’s premier Montessori schools. it takes into of consideration the whole is child,” “The beauty Montessori education that Vicki Keystone’s itsays takes intoShea, consideration theadministrative whole child,” coordinator. “The physical,administrative emotional and says Vicki Shea, Keystone’s spiritual aspects of children are nurtured coordinator. “The physical, emotional and as well as their academic development andaseach spiritual aspects of children are nurtured child respected as an individual with unique well asistheir academic development and each abilities.” child is respected as an individual with unique abilities.” If you’re wondering what Montessori education is all about, it’sMontessori based on the If you’re wondering what teachingsisofall Maria Montessori, education about, it’s basedItaly’s on thefirst woman doctor whoMontessori, went on to Italy’s become a teachings of Maria first renowned educator. From observataions woman doctor who went onher to become she of the natural development children, renowned educator. From herofobserva tions dence, that development a child’s indepen ofbelieved the natural of chil dren,selfshe esteem and of learning could flourish, believed that love a child’s indepen dence, selfesteem andright loveenvironment of learning could flourish, given the and with guidance given right environment and with guidance from the a properly trained teacher. Today, 100 from properly trained teacher. Today, 100 yearsa later, there are Montessori schools all years there are Montessori schools all over later, the world. over the world. Keystone has a class for two-year olds, Keystone has a class foryear two-year olds, primary classes for 3-6 olds, junior primary classes for 3-6 olds,olds, junior elementary classes for year 6-9 year senior elementary year olds, elementaryclasses classesfor for6-9 9-12 year oldssenior and a elementary classes for are 9-12 year olds and a middle school. There parent/infant classes middle school. There are parent/infant classes arks of Montessori also. One of the hallm also. One ofisthe hallimarks of Montessori ng together children of education group
different ages. “In this way children learn from each other,” says ing Shea. “It also helps the education is group together children of older childrenages. learn “In a sense of responsibility toward different this way children learn from the younger ones.” Children learn by work each other,” says Shea. “It also helps the older ing withlearn specially designed ‘materials’toward in an children a sense of responsibility age-appropriate environment which the younger ones.” Children learn by stimulates workthewith senses and encourages exploration. ing specially designed ‘materials’ in The an children are busy, each one involved in doing age-appropriate environment which stimulates something either individually or in small the senses and encourages exploration. The groups. are In one of each the primary classrooms a children busy, one involved in doing something in small three-yeareither old is individually mopping theorfloor, and a groups. Inold oneisofcounting the primary a five-year withclassrooms a bead chain. three-year old elementary is mopping classroom the floor, and a In the junior a student five-year old is counting with bead chain. is researching snakes and inaanother part of Inthe theroom, juniora elementary classroom a student group of students is analyzing isthe researching snakes another part grammatical partsand of ainsentence withofthe the room, “Many a groupofofMontessori’s students is analyzing teacher. observations the grammatical partslearn of a have sentence theout about how children beenwith borne teacher. “Many of Montessori’s obser vations children have by recent research showing that about how children learn have been borne out windows in their development when they can by recent research showing that children have best absorb things like language, music and windows in their development when they can math,” explains Shea. The school is proud of best absorb things like language, music and its consistently high academic achievement math,” explains Shea. The school is proud of but places great emphasis on helping children its consistently high academic achievement s ible members become well-rounded, respon but places great emphasis on helping children of society. become well-rounded, responsible members of Keystone society. Montessori is holding an Open House on Sunday, January 21, 2–4anpm. Keystone Montessori is holding Open The school is located at 7415 House on Sunday, January 21, W. 2–4North pm.Ave., River Forest. The school is 708/366-1080. located at 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest. 708/366-1080.
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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE
January 17, 2018
St. Giles School: Outdoor Classroom Brings Learning to Life
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t St. Giles School, learning extends beyond the classroom, in part due to our outdoor learning space. Boasting planters for flowers, fruits, and vegetables, tables and seating, Wi-Fi within reach, composting bins, and solar panels, our outdoor classroom has inspired and engaged students in grades preschool through eight since its creation in fall 2016. As students dig in the dirt and watch seedlings develop, the learning is tangible. Hands-on discovery encourages students to think, rather than memorize; to question, rather than accept; and to rely on their own data rather than a textbook. This way of thinking stimulates brain development, builds curiosity, and cultivates leadership abilities, providing the groundwork for successful lifelong learning. For Sara Spencer, first grade teacher, the advantage is clear. “The outdoor classroom brings the curriculum to life. From studying the parts of a plant, to writing observations, to measuring and comparing, we touch on science, language arts, math and more in a single lesson.” It’s about connecting what
students learn to the world they live in. Some connections are practical – understanding where the food we eat comes from, discovering the importance of sustainability, and harvesting the vegetables for the school’s Smoothie of the Month. Other concepts are abstract: Caring for God’s living creatures. The importance of a quiet place to reflect. Health and wellness. Patience. Responsibility. Working together. But bottom line, it is fun, as learning should be. “I like being outside and working with my friends. We do things like run around gathering cherry tomatoes,” says student Mary Shea Gibbs. “And I love the smoothies.” At St. Giles School, we offer academic rigor, leadership development, and faith formation in grades preschool through eight. To learn more about our early childhood program, extended day and enrichment opportunities, and our vibrant school community, visit stgilesschool.org or attend our upcoming open house.
OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28TH 12:30-2:30PM Event begins with brief presentations by school leadership and parent representative in church; open house and school tours to follow. Scholarships available, including full scholarships for those who qualify through Empower Illinois. CALL 708.383.6279 OR APPLY AT stgilesschool.org
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January 17, 2018
Grace
Grace School Offers a Faith-Filled Learning Environment
AAll-llS-S co hooloOl pOepneHnoHous ch use e
Lutheran School
Wed edne W nesd sday ay,, Ja Jan. n. 24 25,, 6: 6:30 30-8 –8 p p..m m.. C al l 70 836 Call 708-3666-69 6900 00 fo ore informat ion for rmmor e informatio n
. . . where children grow in faith, academics and character. Early Childhood classrooms for children age 3 to 5 ▪︎ Develop social and academic skills in free play and structured activities ▪︎ Half-day and full-day options for 4- and 5-year-olds ▪︎ Learn about God’s love
Elementary grades 1–8 ▪︎ Experienced teachers ▪︎ Nurturing family environment ▪︎ Support for individual learning styles ▪︎ Music, art and sports teams ▪︎ Before and after-school care available Bill Koehne, principal 7300 Division St. ▪︎ River Forest, IL 60305 708-366-6900 ▪︎ www.GraceRiverForest.org
RiverForest ForestCommunity Community Center River Center EarlyChildhood Childhood Learning Learning Center Early Center **Please join us at our **
Early Childhood Open House
Wednesday, January 17th 6:30 pm —8:00 pm Half-Day & Full-Day: Preschool & Pre-K
Before and After School Care
Summer Camps Parent and Tot Programs Full-Day Infant—Preschool Programs at our OPRF HS 8020 Madison Street River Forest , IL 60305 (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your initial registration fee! wj18
Special Advertising Section
“W
e love our daughter’s school!” says the mother of a Grace Lutheran School fourth-grader. “I can’t think of any other place we’d rather have our girl being lovingly taught about the world God created, the people we share it with, and the integration of faith and life she experiences there every day!” In the elementary and junior high classrooms, a strong core curriculum challenges children academically. High expectations and appropriate supports help students achieve their best. The experienced faculty includes a full-time resource teacher and a part-time certified reading specialist. Grace School students consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests. Graduates succeed at competitive area high schools in the city and suburbs. Students of all ages participate in art, music and German classes. Band and orchestra lessons and ensembles are also available. Grace students study God’s word daily, in a nurturing Christian setting. They live out their faith through service projects as well as in weekly chapel worship. Parents appreciate the feeling of community at Grace School and the supportive family atmosphere.
After-school enrichment classes offer a variety of fun and creative learning experiences. Sports teams include basketball and volleyball teams for boys and girls in grades 5–8 and track and cross country teams open to students in grades 3–8. Early childhood programs at Grace provide flexible options for families with children age 3 through 5. Three-year-old preschoolers attend morning classes two, three, or five days a week. Junior and senior kindergarten classes for students age four and five meet in the morning, Monday through Friday; students may also attend the optional afternoon program which runs until 3 p.m. Extended care is available until 6 p.m. for children age four and up. Before-school care opens at 7 a.m. Grace School is currently accepting applications for the 2018–19 school year. Come to an Open House for prospective families on Wednesday evening, January 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tour the facility, meet the teachers and principal, and talk with Grace students and parents. For more information, call the school office (708-366-6900) or click on the Grace School tab at GraceRiverForest.org.
Join the Fun in the Early Childhood Program at the River Forest Community Center!
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he River Forest Community Center provides an age-appropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth. Our teachers thrive on creating a safe and fun learning environment through play in which children are encouraged to explore and develop their cognitive, language, socialintellectual and motor skills. Our mission is to provide a hands-on approach to learning which allows the children to explore their environment while enhancing their social, emotional, cognitive and motor development. Classes start as young as 15 months of age. The Early Childhood Programs include: • Munchkins • Playschool reschool (Half-Day & Full-Day) •P re-Kindergarten (Half-Day & •P Full-Day) efore & After School Programs •B
The River Forest Community Center is located at 8020 Madison Street in River Forest. For more information about the Early Childhood Programs, call 708-771-6159.