Professional Documents
Culture Documents
winterEducationguide
EDUCATION
ENRICHMENT
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guide
Jan-2012
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Alcuin Montessori School 324 N. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 708-366-1882 www.alcuin.org
ounded in 1961, Alcuin Montessori School offers a cross-curricular learning environment successfully balancing academic and emotional intelligence. We partner with parents and provide students the tools to become highlyskilled 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 directress, 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. Families currently attending Alcuin come from Oak Park, as well as Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Chicago, Cicero, Elmhurst, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Riverside and River Grove.
We welcome all prospective parents tojoin 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 thetour we hold a question and answer session, andexplain our admissions process. Tours, for adults only, are held throughout the school year on Thursdays and take place 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Please check our Web site for dates, complete details and to RSVP.
Our programs for ages 0-14 include: Parent/Infant Fridays 8:45-10:30 a.m. Toddler 8:30-11:30 a.m. Primary 8:30-11:30 a.m. Full-Day Kindergarten 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Junior & Senior Elementary 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Middle School 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Before and After School Care Art, Theater, Orff and Spanish
To enroll in one of our tours, or for more information, please e-mail our Director of Advancement at avalera@alcuin.org or call 708.366.1882.
Visit our website, www.Ascension-School.com. For more information, or to schedule some time with us at Ascension, please call our Advancement Office, 708-434-1541.
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rofessionals struggle to better understand why some boys and girls succeed in school while others struggle. Those of us professionals with children needing special help know this struggle personally as much as most parents do. Like most special parents, I face each report card with the hope that my son has evaded the many problems and factors that go into an unsuccessful school day for most the past ninety or so days. We parents ask ourselves everyday what professionals and researchers can only plot out in numbers: will he be ok today? Will he pay attention in class more today? (Should we talk about the dreaded medication next doctor visit?) Will he like school, the teacher or himself today? Cant he find someone who wont get him into trouble to hang out with? Why cant we connect with each other the way we use to about school? Parents of failing students often say it is just too many things coming at their school children and teens, boys or girls. Its just too much to handle, they explain to us professionals. And, you know what? It is too much! That is where we professionals can help by first being honest: we can help with many but not all things! Why, because there is so much that can go wrong. But, we professional supporters can, and I try, help parents keep trying each day while hoping most days are good days by report card time.
What kind of professional am I? Im an educational rehabilitation specialist who finds traits, life experiences, and bad learning habits that can jeopardize your childs healthy development. I and my team of specialized tutors, motivators and clinicians use your familys own positive protective characteristics and life experiences with professional techniques that increases a young mans or young ladys chance of good grades and better self confidence. The caring and supportive adults at Dr Bills Learning Center help families help their young students understand their problems with school and take back control of handling problems instead of letting problems handle them. We help boys and girls, but we really understand the special hurdles that boys, especially boys of color must handle. We attend to them one-on-one when they have focusing problems, we motivate them when they have the school blues, and when their expectations are low we reach down and help them rise up to see their potential. We wont promise to fix everything, but we will promise to listen, to be honest, and try our best to bring the best out of your child. And perhaps, we can share special parent stories. (This marking period my ADHD son, J., is doing ok, and just graduated 8th grade yeah!) Best wishes from Dr. Bill (Dr. Bills Learning Center)
t St. Luke School we recognize that every child is unique and that each student learns in a different way. Thats why we dont teach to the middle of the classwe tailor each lesson to the level of the individual student. Our NEAYC-certified Early Childhood Program provides spiritual, social/emotional and academic growth all through a Catholic-centered education. We offer three-year and four-your-old preschool classes, as well as full and half-day kindergarten programs. The St. Luke Parish School enrichment program provides students with academically-grounded, hands-on learning situations designed to foster new interests and develop intellectual talents. We know that each student has untapped gifts that are best nurtured by a variety of creative approaches to learningour enrichment projects work in concert with the high academic standards of our curriculum and extend key concepts and ideas into more complex, interdisciplinary settings often outside the classroom environment. We offer our students a fully-integrated academic experience that employs the latest technology including a state-of-the art Apple computer lab used by preschool through 8th grade;MacBook laptops for middle school students, and in-classroom computers and Smartboards. We combine technological adeptness alongside the essential building blocks
of learningand we understand that technology is an essential link between the school classroom and the outside world. Technology also allows us to keep parents current with the activities in the classroom, access homework assignments, and track student performance. The St. Luke Parish School athletic program is open to students in grades 1 through 8, with younger students participating in intramural athletics in our After School Gym program. Students in grades 5 through 8 can participate in year-round organized team sports. And, we offer a wide variety of co-curricular activities to extend learning opportunities into social activities outside the classroom environmentfrom Green Club to Music to the Young Authors Club, theres something for everyone. Come and see for yourself what makes St. Luke Schooland its studentsso unique. Attend our Open House on Sunday January 29, from 10am 12pm. St. Luke School is located at 519 Ashland Avenue, River Forest. Contact principal Barbara Rasinski at 708.366.8587 and visit our website at www.school-stlukeparish.org St. Luke School 519 Ashland Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 (708) 366-8587 www.school-stlukeparish.org
NAEYC accredited 3- and 4-year-old preschool Full and half-day kindergarten Enrichment program After school clubs Academics and athletic teams Music program
Family mass at 9:00 am in the Gym Tours given from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Registration for the 2012/2013 school year opens at this event.
St. Luke School 519 Ashland Ave. River Forest www.school-stlukeparish.org 708.366.8587
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1034 North Linden Ave. Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Susan Poetzel, Principal 708.383.6279 www.stgilesschool.org
Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:30-2:15 pm Tuesday, January 31, 2012 6:30-8:30 pm
Tours begin at St. Giles Church (Corner of Greeneld and Columbian)
Applications will be accepted at all open houses. Copies of birth certicates and baptismal certicates are required for registration. Application Fee: $100 for preschool, $200 for Kindergarten through 8th grade.
t. Giles School offers a faith-based academic program for pre-school through 8th grade. In September 2010, St. Giles was named one of 304 National Blue Ribbon Schools for academic excellence by the US Department of Education. "Schools honored with the Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to achievement and to ensuring that students learn and succeed." Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education. St. Giles fosters the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual growth of our elementary school children. We believe students need to participate in a creative learning process amidst diversified teaching styles, nurturing the uniqueness of each child. Working individually and in community with others, our graduates develop a sense of personal responsibility toward self, school, parish and community. St. Giles provides its students with a challenging curriculum emphasizing core academic subjects balanced with opportunities for cultural activities. Each year at St. Giles, students in grades 3-7 take the Terra Nova Standardized Test. St. Giles students scored in the highest quartile in all curriculum content areas in 2011.
of the St. Giles curriculum. Students follow standards set by the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (ISTE). Grades 1-8 participate in a Spanish Language program. Band begins in 4th grade and weekly private lessons are available during school hours. Students have the opportunity to participate in one or more of St. Giles Schools five bands. St. Giles athletics feature competitive interscholastic sports for grades 5-8 with co-ed soccer, boys and girls volleyball, and boys and girls basketball. Intramural sports programs are available for grades K-8 throughout the school year and summer. St. Giles School is committed to providing a quality education that prepares students to be people of faith, lifelong learners, and to serve the broader community. New student applications can be submitted beginning January 29, 2012 after our Sunday Open House. Registration for current students continues through February 3rd. St. Giles School 1034 Linden Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-6279 www.stgilesschool.org
Recognized as a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
St. Giles emphasizes a wide range of enrichment opportunities. Technology instruction and integration is an important aspect
Grace Lutheran School helps students learn with hope and confidence
t different times throughout the school day at Grace Lutheran School, 7300 Division in River Forest, groups of three or four children gather up their books, pencils, and notebooks, leave their regular classroom, and walk through the school commons area to see Mrs. OConnor. They come to a smaller, quieter classroom, with fewer distractions, where they feel welcome and can get down to the business of learning. Maureen OConnor is Graces special education coordinator. Her job is to make sure that students who struggle in the classroom receive the support they need to succeed and feel confident and hopeful about learning. Children whose reading skills lag behind those of their peers may begin working in a small group setting with Mrs. OConnor at the beginning of first grade. We work very hard to help students learn to read in first, second and third grade, reports Mrs. OConnor. We dont wait. Most are back to regular reading classes with their peers by fourth or fifth grade. Grace School's attention to individual needs is also apparent in the junior high. Students who are ready for an accelerated math curriculum study ninth-grade algebra
All-S
as eighth graders. Junior high students who do not yet have the abstract thinking skills necessary for algebra have other options. A new language arts curriculum in grades 6-8 offers many choices for students with different learning styles, while it prepares them for the demands of reading and writing in tough high school classes. Grace School offers preschool and kindergarten classes for children age three, four and five, as well as classes for grades one through eight. The current enrollment is 237 students, with most classes averaging between 20 and 24 children. Sports, art, music and drama round out the academic program. After-school care is available, as well as a variety of after-school enrichment classes. Grace School nurtures its students faith and character development as well as their academic achievement. It shares the Grace congregations mission, "to bring in, build up and send out disciples for Jesus Christ." Families are invited to visit during the Early Childhood Open House on Jan. 20, noon1:00 p.m., or the All-School Open House, Feb. 7, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Visit www.graceriverforest.org, or call 708-366-6900 for more information or to arrange a tour of the school.
Music, art and sports Opportunities for parent involvement After-school care and enrichment activities For information call
708-366-6900
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Montessori works
photos by Paul Goyette
Open House
ith more than 30 years of teaching Montessori, Ms. Israel has taught hundreds of children who have graduated to further schooling and not only do very well academically, but also become well-rounded community citizens. Ms. Israel has a love for music a love she shares with her students, incorporating music into daily lessons through rhymes, games and songs. The families of her students both current and former, who come and visit often
admire how she instills leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility in her students, and they smile while recalling a favorite music lesson. Ms. Israel deserves an A+ for her dedication and infectious passion for teaching.
1039 South East Avenue Oak Park, IL 60304 | 708.848.2662 info@wsms.org | wsms.org | facebook.com/westsuburbanmontessori Accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale-USA. WSMS celebrates diversity. All are welcome.
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OPEn HOuSE:
Sunday January 22 2-4 pm
7415 W. north Avenue River Forest Call 708-366-1080
for more information
hildren come from far and wide to Keystone Montessori, a school that has gained the reputation as one of the countrys premier Montessori schools. The beauty of Montessori education is that it takes into consideration the whole child, says Vicki Shea, Keystones 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 youre wondering what Montessori education is all about, its based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, Italys first woman doctor who went on to become a renowned educator. From her observations of the natural development of children, she believed that a childs independence, self-esteem 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 of different ages. In this way
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.
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 ageappropriate 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 Montessoris obser vations 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 Sunday, January 22, 2-4 pm. The school is located at 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest. 708/366-1080.
important part of who we are. Students can continue musical interests by participating in choir, our instrumental or strings programs and summer offerings. Interscholastic athletics provide experiences in a variety of sports. Classroom groupings allow our teachers to meet individual student needs with personal attention. Academy partnerships allow for increased opportunities for student success. We are a Concordia University Partner School. Concordia professors and their students are active in our school. Concordia students serve as classroom aides, tutors, and student teachers enhancing the educational offerings we can provide. Our students compete in math, science, social studies, and athletic competitions hosted by Walther Lutheran High School. As a division of the high school, the majority of our eighth grade students continue their education at the Melrose Park campus. Join us at one of our Spring Open Houses and see how your child will benefit by being a member of our school family. Personal tours may be reserved by contacting the school office Walther Lutheran Academy 305 Circle Avenue Forest Park, IL 60130-1609 (708) 366-2774 www.waltheracademy.org
OPEN HOUSES
Tuesday January 31 6:30-8pm Tuesday February 21 6:30-8pm sunday march 18 1pm - 3pm
Curriculum night showcasing student projects from all grades
(708)366-2764
Register Now for 2012-2013
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ear Prospective Parent, For 95 years, St. Edmund Parish School has shaped the hearts and minds of children, preparing them to lead successful, faithful and happy lives. We offer a rigorous academic program, striking the right balance between a focus on the fundamentals of reading and writing, mathematics and science, and forming a well-rounded student who is exposed to culture and the arts. Included among these are Spanish classes, Art and Music studies. Along with scheduled field trips, we offer many enrichment opportunities including: Chess Club, Technol-ogy Camp, Student Council, school newspaper reporting, choir, band, Scouting, knitting, and so much more. Many students also enjoy participation in team sports (basketball, volleyball, and soccer) and cheerleading.
At St. Edmund Parish School, however, we are commit-ted to the physical, academic, spiritual and well-being of each student. This holistic approach in shaping the hearts and minds of our children is fundamental to our philoso-phy of learning. We think youll like the Edmund advantage. Come and see!
Constance Johnson
Early Childhood Educator
Voice: 773-237-7377 E-mail: granni07@sbcglobal.net www.grannyscorner.com
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a play library and resource center for young children with special needs and their families.
Domincan University Priory Campus Phone: 708-714-9150 www.educate.dom.edu Providing children with high quality care for more than 25 years Call today for a tour.
A program of West Suburban Special Recreation Association. 2915 Maple St. Franklin Park 847-455-2100
Ascension Preschool
Call our infant specialists. We are here to help. (888) 431-BABY (2229) www. fussybabynetwork. org/oakpark A program of Erikson Institute
At OakPark.com you can read parent comments, look at childcare photos, get directions and check map locations.
Type the following into your browser: http://www.oakpark.com/Directory/Resources Search for Early Childhood in the left column, and look for next to the resource listings. Interested in enhancing your profile as a daycare or early childcare provider? Call Sarah Corbin at 708-613-3342 for details.