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August 14, 2019
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
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Education Enrichment Fall 2019
and
guide
local schools | afterschool | tutoring programs
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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
August 14, 2019
AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROVIDER
Y-KIDS BEFORE & AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM K-8th Monday-Friday Before school care begins at 7 am After school care ends at 7 pm
PROGRAM LOCATION:
St. John Lutheran Church; 305 Circle Ave., Forest Park
2019-2020 FEES/MONTH M: $340 | PM: $450 Transportation: $70
TO REGISTER
The Y serves 9 million youth per year
WHY CHOOSE THE WEST COOK YMCA • • • • • •
Extended hours until 7 pm Trained, caring, and experienced teachers Transportation available for some area schools Financial assistance available Includes half days and early release days Homework time and tutoring available
Elizabeth Lopez 708-434-0205 youthdevelopment@westcookymca.org WEST COOK YMCA | 255 S. Marion St. , Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708-383-5200 | www.westcookymca.org
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August 14, 2019
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Kids Karate & Martial Arts Classes
Quality, year-round training • Traditional Martial Arts • Summer and Seasonal Camps • Ancient Swords • Artistic Weaponry
Enrollment is ongoing and our program runs year-round Kids Karate Classes Adult and Teen Martial Arts
KinderKarate: Preschool Karate Class Private Martial Arts Lessons • Kumdo Martial Arts 12 Week Martial Arts • Tae Kwon Do For any questions, please contact Master Wilson at (708) 383-3456 or e-mail directly at contact@master-sh-yu.com
Review by William Gale & Xue Tan Grand Master Yu Rating: 5HHHH
“It has been a blessing and life changing for our son to study with the Grand Master. Grand Master Yu truly values the “art” in martial arts, something we really appreciate our son learning. The dojo is a special place in our life, we feel so lucky to have found it.”
6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park
708-383-3456
www.master-sh-yu.com | Follow Us!
Entering our 26th year of service to Our Community
Co-oped with Sokol Spirit • 708-830-5150
msann@EliteDanceSchool.us
*Ballet *Pointe *Jazz/Hip-Hop *Tap *Lyrical/Modern * Private * Ballroom *Special Children’s Programs Ages 2 and Up Classes Age Specific
$10 OFF Paid in Full by 8/28/19 Coupon must accompany payment Not valid with any other offers • Excludes Ballroom
Sokol Spirit | 3909 Prairie Ave. | Brookfield, IL 60513
Discover The World of Dance at Elite Dance School lite Dance School is now Educating the World of Dance at Sokolspirit in Brookfield. Formerly in Brookfield, Broadway School of Dance and in Wheaton, Windy City Dance Studio/ Productions.
years experience in teaching and is especially successful in teaching beginner students. The month of September, she will be teaching the ChaCha. It is not necessary to be a couple-singles are welcome. For more information:rrk@aol.com
We have consistent classes all year round. Teacher’s with years of Education and Experience!
Elite Dance School is proud to partner with Sokolspirit in Brookfield to provide Ballet/Creative movement classes on Thursday nights. This Partnership will be expanded into the Fall of 2019 with a variety of other dance classes throughout the week at Sokolspirit. These classes are a wonderful compliment to the Fitness and Educational Classes that Sokolspirit has been providing in this community since 1929.
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Owner Ann Lenartson has a Professional background in the Performing World! This is an added plus for students and gives them exposure to the Performing Arts. Ann Lenartson born and raised in Brookfield continues to have Quality Educational Classes. Roberta Kulik teaches Ballroom and International dancing. Roberta has many
Classes offered: Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz/Hip-Hop, Lyrical/Modern, Ballroom, Special Children’s Programs, Private. All classes are age specific! Ages 3-up Registration for Fall has begun! Register Now to Secure your Position in Class. Early Bird Coupon Offer $10.00 Off with Full Payment. Offer expires Aug 28, 2019. Contact: msann@elitedanceschool.us or (708)830-5150
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E Special Advertising Section
August 14, 2019
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Learning Through All Aspects of Life at Keystone Montessori OPEN HOUSE: Thursday August 29th 4- 6 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
hildren come from far and wide to Keystone Montessori, a school that has gained the reputation as one of the country’s premier Montessori schools. “The beauty of Montessori education is that it takes into consideration the whole child,” says Vicki Shea, Keystone’s administrative coordinator. “The physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of children are nurtured as well as their academic development and each child is respected as an individual with unique abilities.” If you’re wondering what Montessori education is all about, it’s based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor who went on to become a renowned educator. From her observations of the natural development of children, she believed that a child’s independence, selfesteem and love of learning could flourish, given the right environment and with guidance from a properly trained teacher. Today, 100 years later, there are Montessori schools all over the world. Keystone has a class for two-year olds, primary classes for 3-6 year olds, junior elementary classes for 6-9 year olds, senior elementary classes for 9-12 year olds and a middle school. There are parent/infant classes also. One of the hallmarks of Montessori education is grouping together children
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of different ages. “In this way children learn from each other,” says Shea. “It also helps the older children learn a sense of responsibility toward the younger ones.” Children learn by working with specially designed ‘materials’ in an age-appropriate environment which stimulates the senses and encourages exploration. The children are busy, each one involved in doing something either individually or in small groups. In one of the primary classrooms a three-year old is mopping the floor, and a five-year old is counting with a bead chain. In the junior elementary classroom a student is researching snakes and in another part of the room, a group of students is analyzing the grammatical parts of a sentence with the teacher. “Many of Montessori’s observations about how children learn have been borne out by recent research showing that children have windows in their development when they can best absorb things like language, music and math,” explains Shea. The school is proud of its consistently high academic achievement but places great emphasis on helping children become well-rounded, responsible members of society. Keystone Montessori is holding an Open House on Thursday, August 29, 4–6 pm. The school is located at 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest. 708/366-1080.
FREE Family Programs 4 DAYS A WEEK Morning Glories Too young for school? Stop by Monday mornings with your little one! Mondays 10am - 12pm Wild Wednesdays Looking for a weeknight family activity? We’re open late for nature-based fun! Wednesdays 4 - 7pm Fiddleheads Need a weekend destination? Our nature education teachers have activities planned for the whole family! Saturdays + Sundays 12 - 4pm
Email about teen-docent led tours through our Urban Roots Program. *Valid only for visiting K - 12 field trips, Tuesday - Friday; 9am - 1pm
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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
August 14, 2019
The Foundation for a Lifetime of Success
Catholic School
Call today to visit and see for yourself what we can do for your child! 708-434-1558 www.school.ascensionoakpark.com
Compassionate, Comprehensive, Innovative, Exceptional
ASCENSION
From our youngest learners in preschool, to our eighth graders preparing for high school, we strive to recognize the individual gifts of each student, and celebrate the rich diversity of our unique community. The result is an exceptional learning experience in a nurturing environment.
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or generations, parents have chosen Ascension School for their children’s education because of our reputation for excellence. Today, we stand as a vibrant community, proud of our history and ready to serve the needs of each child who joins us.
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Ascension School offers a faith-based and comprehensive curriculum for students ages 3 through grade 8. At each level children are prepared and nurtured to ensure their success as they continue through their education. Their days are enriched through exposure to the fine arts, physical education, music, technology and Spanish language. Students can choose to participate in a variety of clubs, athletic teams and extracurricular activities to explore their individual interests. Our experienced faculty and dedicated parents are committed to providing Ascension students with a unique community that fosters our values of Love, Kindness and Respect.
601 Van Buren Street - Oak Park
In addition to an excellent education, Ascension School provides: • A wonderful preschool for 3 and 4 yearolds with half and full-day options • An outstanding Extended Day Program before and after school from 7 am to 6 pm • Two classes per grade with a 12:1 student – teacher ratio • Athletic teams, starting in grade 4 with a ‘no cut’ policy to encourage teamwork and collaboration • An emphasis on service and social justice • Participation at all grade levels in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program We know that parents have many wonderful options when choosing the right school for their children. When you choose Ascension School, be confident that you are providing your children with more than an academic experience, you are giving them a foundation for a lifetime of success.
Alcuin empowers children’s inherent love of learning here is no such thing as a conventional child, and Alcuin Montessori offers a safe, established, exciting, and highly effective alternative to conventional education. Alcuin empowers children’s inherent love of learning, inspiring and challenging them to engage the world as an independent thinker, creative problem solver, and compassionate citizen. Founded in 1961, Alcuin is one of the oldest Montessori schools in the country. Their programs are designed to help each child become confident, curious, self-disciplined, and motivated. Classrooms are filled with materials that develop creativity and emphasize sensory experiences while also encouraging participation in a community that emphasizes respect and cultural awareness.
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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. 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.
Alcuin Montessori is the only school in the near Western suburbs dually accredited by AMS (American Montessori Society) and ISACS (Independent School Association of the Central States.) Currently, about 15% of AMS member schools are accredited, and accreditation by ISACS is a seven-yearlong process in which a school’s social responsibility, programs, and policies are examined. Every lead teacher at Alcuin is Montessoritrained and certified, and over 80% of them have their master’s degrees. With a full Montessori curriculum, programs for ages 0-14, Spanish, art, a variety of enrichment classes, afterschool activities, and before/ aftercare, Alcuin truly offers Education for Life. Each child is an individual, with their own personality, talents, interests, and learning style. Is cookie-cutter education, with its rigid curricula and standardized tests, the best way to develop that potential? Maybe it’s time to explore other options. Learn about Alcuin Montessori at www.alcuin.org.
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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Grace Lutheran School offers a nurturing and faith-filled environment race Lutheran School, at the corner of Division and Bonnie Brae in River Forest, offers a nurturing and faith-filled environment for students from preschool through eighth grade.
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Early childhood programs. Preschool and junior kindergarten classrooms at Grace provide flexible morning and afternoon options for families with young children. Three-year-old preschoolers attend morning classes two, three, or five days a week. Four-year-olds attend junior kindergarten every morning, Monday through Friday. An afternoon program is available 1-5 days per week for both 3- and 4-year-olds. Senior kindergarten, for children age 5, is a full-day program at Grace, focused on academics and social and emotional development. Grace’s elementary-age students consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests and go on to succeed at competitive high schools in the city and suburbs. A strong core curriculum challenges children academically while high expectations and appropriate supports help students achieve their best. The faculty includes a full-time resource
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Looking for a preschool program for your 3-year-old this fall? Consider Grace School!
teacher and a part-time certified reading specialist. Students of all ages learn about God’s word every day and are encouraged to live out their faith through service projects as well as in prayer and worship. Students in all grades participate in art, music and German classes. Band and orchestra lessons and ensembles are also available. After-school enrichment classes offer a variety of fun and creative learning experiences. Grace sports teams are open to all and include basketball, volleyball, track and cross country teams are open to students in grades 3–8. Extended care is available until 6 p.m. for children age four and up. Before-school care opens at 7 a.m. “We love our daughter’s school!” says the mother of a Grace fourth-grader. “I can’t think of any other place we’d rather have our girl being lovingly taught about the world God created and the people we share it with.” The 2019-20 school year begins on August 20. Openings are available in preschool and in grades 1-4. To schedule a visit call the school office (708-366-6900) or click on School at GraceRiverForest.org.
This School Year Make Math Fun! 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 preschool 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
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incorporates best practices through a combination of learning styles including written, mental, verbal, visual, and tactile. Frank emphasizes that the best time to start working on math is before problems begin. “Don’t wait until parent conferences in October,” she says, “Get a jump on the school year. It’s all about building confidence and helping kids believe in themselves and develop a willingness to try.” As an incentive to get started, Mathnasium is currently offering through September 15 a back-to-school special, $50 off on student assessments, as well as a free trial session. 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” Mathnasium OPRF is located at 1101 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park. Learn more at mathnasium. com/oakparkriverforest, or call 708.613.4007 to schedule a FREE TRIAL SESSION and take advantage of their Back-to-School Special.
▪ Three-year-olds prac0ce communica0on and social skills as they play and learn together. ▪ Teachers respond to children’s individual abili0es and interests. ▪ Half-day and full-day op0ons. ▪ We learn about God’s love!
7300 Division Street River Forest, Illinois
Call 708-366-6900 to schedule a visit today! Learn more at GraceRiverForest.org
PRE K-12TH GRADES
ACT/SAT/ISEE PREP
HOMEWORK HELP
REMEDIATION TO ENRICHMENT
INCREASE CONFIDENCE
We Make Math Make Sense
WE ARE EXPERIENCED MATH SPECIALISTS WE TEACH ALL LEVELS OF MATH ABILITY PROVEN RESULTS
Bring this ad and get $
50 OFF Assessments
from Aug. 15 - Sept. 15 Call Today for a FREE Trial Session
Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest 1101 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 oakparkriverforest@mathnasium.com
www.mathnasium.com/ oakparkriverforest
708.613.4007
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E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
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The District 90 Crosswalk: Striving Toward Excellence and Equity for All Learners
Striving Toward Equity and Excellence for All Learners
Striving Toward Equity and Striving Toward Equity and for All Learners Excellence forExcellence All Learners
hen the first iPads were exiting the assembly line in 2010, many of today’s 8th graders were just entering kindergarten. In those same 10 years, District 90 classrooms transitioned from the traditional use of paper and pens to where all students now have an iPad that advances the seamless integration of technology into classroom instruction.
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This rapid adoption of technology as a tool for 21st-century learning enables the District to continue providing the high-quality and equitable educational experiences that are expected from our families and community. Yet, technology alone is insufficient to advance the District’s commitment to instructional excellence. Advancing this commitment requires the energetic introduction of multiple initiatives that are interdependent and interconnected. The District is currently engaged in several such actions.
for several years. All are interdependent and reinforce the District’s Vision for Equity that states, “To ensure that every student feels empowered to achieve to his or her full potential, we commit to provide equitable opportunities for all learners, grow an inclusive school community, and demonstrate we value diversity.” Ranging from new curriculum materials and a Standards-Based Learning approach to social-emotional learning and flexible classrooms, each initiative is grouped under one of three main elements – Teaching, Learning, and Innovation; Community and Culture; and Structures for Success. By design, the Crosswalk’s multiple elements are purposeful, integrated, and aligned. More important, they represent all the essential elements of the District’s commitment to access and equity: access to engaging and rigorous classroom experiences and striving toward equity for all learners. To learn more about the Crosswalk and its multiple initiatives, please visit the District 90 website at district90.org.
Striving Toward Equity and Excellence for All Lea Called the Crosswalk, this moniker describes the interconnection among 12 different initiatives: several are new to the District, while others have been underway
oakparkeats.com
For rates and more information, contact Dawn Ferencak at (708)613-3329 Served fresh by
dawn@oakpark.com
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E Special Advertising Section
August 14, 2019
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Swim with the Sharks This Fall! Camps will be held every Tuesday and Thursday @ The Roos September 10th - October 17th Baby Shark Camp (K-4 Co-Ed) $150 • 5–6pm th
Jr. King/Queen of the Ocean (4 –6 Co-Ed) $195 • 6-7:30pm th
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King of the Ocean (6th–9th Boys Only) $195 • 7:30-9pm
Each session will be composed of fun and competitive drills consisting of individual/team contests such as “Top Predator Tournament” and “33 Jumpstreet.” Each camp offers an opportunity to win prizes such as customized Sharks shoes and other Sharks gear. Prior basketball experience is not required.
Learn More at SharksBasketballAcademy.com Or Email Info@SharksbasketballAcademy.com
SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, MORE BUTSHE I STILL SHE SNORES SNORES MORE LOVEI DO, MY BUT HUMAN. THAN ITHAN STILLI DO, BUT I STILL — BANDIT LOVE MY HUMAN.LOVE MY HUMAN. adopted 11-26-09 — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09
— BANDIT adopted 11-26-09
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August 14, 2019
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Special Advertising Section
Oak Park String Academy, nurturing self-discipline, critical thinking, and character skills he Oak Park String Academy was founded in 2005 by Oak Park violinist, educator, and local mom, Meg Lanfear. A passionate visionary and innovator in the music education world, Meg had a clear vision for bringing a music program to the area that would demonstrate how joyful the learning process can be while nurturing the unlimited potential within each child. More than a decade later, OPSA has become a program known for the quality of training its students receive with regards to their playing as well as their joy in meeting challenges. Students attending OPSA receive awards and accolades throughout their studies for the hard work they do every day as they seek to master their craft. OPSA aims for all students to create a positive relationship with music that will last throughout their lives. Parents receive valuable tools for cooperation and joyful learning with their child which includes a step by step process tailored to each individual student’s needs. OPSA students develop a solid technical and musical foundation while nurturing their selfdiscipline, critical thinking, and character skills. As the founder of the Suzuki method, Japanese violinist and humanitarian, Shinichi Suzuki, said, “The real essence of art turned out to be
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not something high up and far off – it was right inside my ordinary daily self – if a musician wants to become a finer artist, he must first become a finer person.” OPSA includes three actively performing violinists, Meg Lanfear, Elizabeth Huffman and Angela Thompson, who have a variety of pedagogical training including specialized Suzuki training, and a chamber music program led by cellist Jean Hatmaker. Students take private and group classes, can play in a chamber group, and participate in many other fun concert events during the year. Come and join our lovely music community!
Need a helping of
Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit OakPark.com/subscribe
Did you know that Oak Park Friends School has a morning preschool and an afternoon preschool? Morning session: 8:15am - 11:15am Afternoon session: 12:15pm - 3:15pm Starts August 26th for kids ages 3- to 5-years-old Email info@opfs.org or call 708-247-5772 to learn more!
1192 S Cuyler Ave, Oak Park • www.opfs.org Oak Park Friends School | Learning Through Play