At the 42nd commencement ceremony at Countryside Montessori School on June 10th, Elizabeth Shank, Jackie Cortopassi, Austin Doughty, Riley Delaney and Alex Alwan, received certificates attesting to their successful complettion of the Montessori elementary program.
Also honored at the ceremony, were Corianna Jensen, who received the Eleanor Jordan award given to the student making the most progress in physical education, and Alena Alwan, who received the Petrea Coelho award for sportsmanship.
Four years ago, when my wife and I thought about sending our almost 3 year old to school, we looked at a number of alternatives. We sought to do the best we could to help our daughter develop a life-long love of learning. We also hoped that she would learn core skills that would help her throughout her life. These skills could include confidence in mathematical problem solving or "sounding out" tough words that she had never seen. It could also be the type of life skill that makes you a good roommate, a trusted partner, a life-long friend, or an effective colleague.
We concluded quickly that schools that were heavily weighted towards "rules and requirements" would be less likely to meet our needs than a school whose focus was weighted more towards a "principals-driven education."
Then we met the dedicated family and staff of Countryside Montessori School in Northbrook, Illinois. When we drove into the parking lot the tag-line of the school was painted boldly above the front door: Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness. My heart jumped and I felt an enthusiasm I had not felt about other schools. Did they really mean to run a school based on these principals? How many wars or time wasting arguments and vendettas could be avoided by those who took the time to understand the importance of respect in human relationships? How many people and businesses and governments would perform better if they took responsibility for their own actions? There are so many bright people that we meet in our day to day lives, but so few are resourceful. Could a kindergarten and elementary school really focus on this concept? Could they teach people to "find a way" to solve difficult problems? Could it teach children to execute well and to be effective by being resourceful? If so, it would be an extraordinary opportunity for our daughter to establish a firm foundation in life skills from an early age.
After four years in Countryside Montessori we see that our hopes for our daughter are being fulfilled and that the quality of her education has surpassed our high expectations.
Our daughter is respectful of animals, friends and adults. She swallows her pride when she makes an error and knows how to take responsibility for her mistakes. She also shows great confidence when leading peers and adults. We often tell her to "show us the way," and she gladly takes that responsibility. She became a learning machine when she discovered that her reading and writing skills would allow her to communicate on the internet. She has cousins, friends, siblings and traveling parents that she communicates with all over the world. She figured out how to download software, open attachments and paint funny things on photographs because she has little fear of failure and a strong desire to be resourceful. She has sung and danced in a 2 hour opera, she is learning piano and Spanish. Outside of school she plays soccer and is learning Mandarin with a fearless attitude.
As parents we offer our deepest gratitude to the principals-driven, effective and warm hearted staff at Countryside Montessori School. Our only regret is that we did not attend CMS ourselves.
Countryside Montessori school was quite simply the best of all the education our daughter, Chloe, has received to this point in her 18 years. It was invaluable in setting her on a course of self-confidence, self-reliance, an excitement for learning, ambition, and independence. She has done very well in school her whole life and is regarded as an interesting and exceptional person in many ways by her teachers and her peers. We also as parents still treasure everything we learned there to help raise this fun, fascinating and wonderful girl. Thanks, Countryside.
We have been extremely pleased with the outcome of our children. If we were to sum it up in one sentence we would say that our children have a love for learning as a result of CMS philosophy and Montessori teaching. Thank you for this valuable lesson that should last a life time.
My husband and I have been extremely fortunate that our children are able to attend CMS. The curriculum along with the great staff have provided them with an environment which promotes the highest standards of education as reflected by their enthusiasm of their school life.CMS instills the values and ideals of independence, responsibility, and accountability within the school; as these same traits have been clearly exhibited within our home, thanks to CMS.We are confident with such a strong base provided by CMS ,that our children are fully prepared to meet the challenges of their future.
When our children entered CMS as toddlers, we were looking for a school where they could develop as unique individuals, guided by teachers and staff who really knew them, with continuity. We had to take it on faith that "the Montessori part" would be beneficial. Honestly, it was hard to change our family life. It was hard to go to all the seminars and school nights. But, now that our son is 17 and our daughter is 14, a senior and freshman in high school, we know, absolutely and without a doubt, that it was the best thing that ever happened to them - and to us.
Sixth graders graduate with the core of their adult selves. They are secure in who they are. They know right from wrong. They are self-reliant, compassionate, and honest. They are socially and physically graceful. They know themselves. They are ahead academically. But more than that, they are curious and receptive to new experiences and learning. It's the difference between "fact stuffing" and a thinking, analytical and insightful way of life.
Not only are they prepared for the unknowns of junior high and high school, they are prepared for the world at large. CMS gave them the tools. CMS gave them the experience. CMS gave them the courage to be successful and the courage to try again when they fail. We don't worry about how our children will turn out or survive. We already know. CMS allowed our children to become people we admire and enjoy, as well as love, with futures full of promise.
There was a point, early on, when we felt that the expense and personal commitment were too much. We envied other parents who could drop their kids off and pick them up, nothing more. But now, we realize how it all fit together. There was no other way for CMS to provide the complete experience, a truthful "whole". They're not in it for the money. They're not interested in what's easy. CMS is dedicated to a vision of childhood that is joyful, purposeful, and meaningful. It's a miracle that continues to enrich our lives.
My children attend Countryside for so many reasons but there are two that drew me to the school four years ago when they were three. First, the school's goal of teaching my twins to be resourceful, responsible and respectful. Second, the passionate committment of the teachers and staff to instill the love of learning I see developing in my children every day.
CMS is a place where modern education and old fashioned values intersect. I appreciate the fact that not only are our children expected to live up to the school's principles, but we parents are as well. In this community, the parents are partners, not customers. And sometimes I feel like the parents learn as much as the kids do.
A word about achievement. We send our children to CMS not because we want them to be smarter than other kids, or because we want them reading or doing math earlier or better. This is not a race. We stretch ourselves to afford private Montessori school because we want our children to be happy and well-rounded, and to become lifelong learners who make a positive contribution to the world. We believe the 3 to 6 age range is the most important stage of this journey. Sure, in due time, they would have learned reading, writing, math, science, music, swimming, citizenship, cultural appreciation, responsibility. But there's nothing like seeing their faces light up with all of this learning, starting in preschool.
CMS does not attempt to churn out future high-profile alums; that is simply not the mission. CMS fosters the development of real, individuated people who believe themselves capable of achieving their personal bests. My experience assistant teaching for the school gave me the patience, kindness, self-respect, and self-discipline to help me appreciate my talents. Don't believe what you hear about Montessori schools being "work based." Montessori--particularly CMS--is about being both driven and simultaneously at peace with your unique ambitions.
Unlike most Montessori families, my daughter transitioned into Montessori when she was already in second grade. Although the public school in my area is considered exceptional, it was clearly not nurturing my daughter's innate desire to learn or cultivating her natural abilities. In addition, the public school was not addressing my daughter's social and emotional needs.
Countryside Montessori has made a profound difference to my daughter as a person and a learner. She has thrived in the stimulating, individualized and sensory learning environment that has awakened her love of learning and ability to learn. Since being part of the Countryside Montessori learning community, my daughter's progress has transcended even my most optimistic of hopes. Countryside Montessori also offers a positive social and emotional community that provides my daughter with a safe place to learn. It has been a profound privilege to be part of th is vibrant community and I am eternally grateful to have found such a special place for my daughter.
Our son has been enrolled at Countryside since 2002 and I feel that this is the greatest gift of awareness our family could of received . It has been both a great educational experience and a sanctuary of safety for him. If I had it within my power I would like to see the entire educational system in the word be managed and executed to the degree of perfection that the staff here has shown.
We transferred our Kindergarten daughter from a typical play based program to CMS seven months ago after looking at several Montessori programs. Of all the schools we visited, CMS offered everything we were looking for in a program. To name a few:
Countryside Montessori is special. We have moved several times and tried all different types of school (daycare, traditional preschool, public school, even different Montessori schools) for our three boys. We have yet to find a school that can compare to Countryside. Their commitment to developing responsible, respectful, and resourceful children is reflected in every aspect of the school. If we're lucky enough to move back to Illinois while the boys are still in grade school, my first call will be to Countryside to see if they have room for three independent-minded boys.
Of the many Montessori schools with which I have been associated over the past forty years, my association with Countryside has been the most far-reaching and comprehensive. I have found in this community of children, staff and parents a special commitment to "do it right", to question present patterns, to experiment with new ones, and to judge impartially what works for the good of all concerned. Countryside is a place where a high standard of the academic side of learning is balanced with an equally high expectation of fine character development, a place where children fulfill their highest potential, and families grow in their wholeness.
l. He wanted to offer his students another opportunity to perform and to provide Covenant residents the pleasure of two dozen children on the stage of the Fellowship Center auditorium of their lovely facility.
At Corianna's other school she was always the slowest child when running and was not very physically active because she knew she didn't excel at it (something we see academically also and hope to help her develop skills to deal with this). When she was three and four, in dance class she would sit along the wall and play with the smaller children who didn't dance because the girls her age could do things better than she could. There was a special needs child in her class who had much difficulty in physical activities and Corianna would come home sad and say, but Mommy- even "so and so" runs faster than me.
Ms. Delany has done a FANTASTIC job working with her! Corianna had 2-3 years of swimming lessons and still couldn't swim when she came to Countryside. In one summer, Ms. Delany taught her how to swim. More importantly, she made Corianna feel comfortable with her abilities and was able to push her to do better without letting Corianna hide from trying new things. Corianna must feel safe and secure in her class and not feel intimidated by the fact that other people are doing better than she is otherwise she would not be doing as well! I would never have enrolled Corianna in gymnastics anywhere other than Countryside because I knew that Ms. Delany would create an emotionally safe learning environment, rich with excellent physical education training, in order for Corianna to develop her skills. Had she gone anywhere else, she would have tried to hide in the background and not push to improve. Her grandparents visited about a month ago and one of the first things they commented on was how much stronger she is and how amazed they were with her gross motor improvements!
Corianna was so excited about her award that she made a tower of boxes next to her bed for it to stand on and she fell asleep last night watching her trophy.
Once again, I find myself incredibly grateful for your teaching staff! Thank you!!!!
Countryside Parent
The professional soprano Genevieve Thiers enjoys singing for kids, because of the big smiles on their faces. On Wednesday evening, May 13th, Ms. Thiers along with Joseph Francavilla on piano performed for Countryside Montessori School kids and their parents in Northbrook. It was the final of three A Little Night Music concerts of the school year. Mr. Francavilla is Countryside's piano teacher as well as a soloist and seasoned performer.
Head of School, Annette Kulle, conceived of A Little Night Music more than five years ago. "My original idea was to expose the families to the talent of Mr. Francavilla." The concerts are free, made possible by the school's Jena G. Fund. Mr. Francavilla puts together a 45-minute program to appeal to children of all ages that teaches them "concert etiquette and exposes them to music from many eras in history. When I say of all ages," he explains, "I mean students as young as 2 or 3 are welcome." Before the concert begins, Annette Kulle clearly states expectations. All are welcome to stay as long as they are enjoying the concert and not disruptive. Front rows are reserved for the youngest children, who might get restless. If a child becomes unruly, all parents are encouraged to help.
When selecting the program for these concerts, Mr. Francavilla tries to "portray composers from long ago as real people. All of the world's most famous composers began as children attending their first performances," he says. Over the years, he has invited a cellist, harpist, oboist, flutist, and saxophonist. Wednesday evening's performance is the second vocalist.
More than one little girl's eyes widen when tall, elegant Ms. Thiers enters the gym-converted-into-theater, wearing a deep blue satin gown with a black boa draped across her shoulders, and a huge smile. How can the children and their parents not return that smile? The program consists of eight songs. Before beginning, "When I Have Sung My Songs" by Ernest Charles, Ms. Thiers explains it is a parlor song and says, "I hope you kids won't think it's too mushy." All are breathless at this soprano's strong, stunning voice.
Ms. Theirs takes a break for the third selection, in which Joseph Francavilla delights the audience with "Cosmic Wind" by George Crumb for amplified piano, in which he never once plays a key! Instead, after warning listeners not to try this on their own, he uses a wire brush on the strings inside the piano. It is an eerily beautiful song. "These are not typical children's concerts," Mr. Francavilla says, "I try to expose them to music not only by the great composers of previous eras like Bach and Mozart, but also more contemporary composers."
After "Cosmic Wind," Ms. Thiers returns to her position in front of the piano, ready to resume, when horrors, a cell phone rings. Annette Kulle later says she realized she didn't tell the audience to turn off their phones! But the phone doesn't belong to an audience member. It belongs to Ms. Thiers. So much for concert etiquette. The performer removes her cell phone from the piano, looks at the number of the caller, and with a glance of consternation to the audience says, "I'm sorry. I have to get this."
"Hello. Hello," she sings into the cell phone. "I'm not feeling very well." By the time Genevieve Thiers lightly coughs into the phone, the audience has caught on. This is the fourth selection, "Telephone Aria" by Gian Carlo Menotti, which includes the lyrics "How is the dog?" plus staccato singing that transforms into peals of laughter. After the song ends, Ms. Thiers, sporting a coy smile, says, "Sorry," to the audience. When she announces the song is part of the Menotti opera she will perform in Elgin the first two weekends in July, at least one eight-year-old begs, "Please, please, can we go?" of her mom.
The concert holds a full range of emotions. Ms. Thiers removes her fanciful boa and her expression is somber when she sings from the second movement of Henryk G�recki's Symphony No. 3, a piece composed in 1976 from a poem written during World War II. It is, Ms. Theirs says, the first song she's performed in Polish. In the audience is mom of two students, Majka Jaromin from Poland, who later says, "It was hard to tell that she's not a native. It brought up tears in my eyes."
After the final bow, children are encouraged to talk with the performers, and occasionally allowed to play instruments. An endnote to this last performance of the school year, aside from that one errant cell phone, etiquette was exemplary. All the children stayed the entire performance. Their only sounds were laughter and applause.
When my wife and I found Countryside five years ago, I had never heard of the Montessori method of teaching. Since then, I have come to value (and be amazed by!) these learning methods; their intuitive nature, their accessibility by young children, and their effectiveness. Even more impressive to me are the citizenship lessons my children have learned. They are willing teachers/coaches to younger children; they have a genuine and informed interest in their school, community, and nation; they delight in the natural world and in solving problems with their peers. All this by the ages of 6, 8, and 10! I couldn't ask for a better parenting partner than Countryside.
Two things stand out in my oldest child's first grade year at Countryside. The first was him begging (begging!) to be grilled on square roots (which he had just learned to do abstractly - that is, in his head). I threw out 9 and then 16, which he answered quickly and followed up with, "Dad, those are too easy!" Next came "40" from me, and after a moment, "Six, remainder 4!" from him. Even more memorable was his out-of-the-blue decision later that year to ask the children coming to his birthday party to bring a gift suitable for a local charity instead of a present for him. Nothing illustrates how our family has been touched by CMS better than those two anecdotes - a joy for knowledge combined with a joy for giving and a sense of community. Thank you Countryside!
On the local paper, here in Caracas - Venezuela, yesterday I read with great excitement the news about the participation of the children of the Countryside Montessori School on the occasion of the Venezuelan Youth Symphonic Orchestra and Dudamel's performance in Chicago this weekend.
Wow!! I got so excited telling my friends that my kids had attended that school!!
Allow me to give you a quick update:
I moved to Venezuela four years ago, long story behind such a move. I am busy managing the family's dairy farm.
Maria is graduating next year from Emerson in Boston, her major is English and her love is theater and creative writing. She will be doing an internship in stage management with the Goodman Theatre in Chicago this summer.
Rafael is graduating from Harvard this June with three degrees: Applied Mathematics, Economics, and Computer Science. He has already been hired by a trading firm in Chicago. Black Box trading and Econometrics are his love.
I have many reasons to be proud of my kids' accomplishments.
I must also give you thanks, Annette and Frank, because it was in your wonderful school that my children got their start in life. It was there that they acquired their love of learning. It was there that your genuine interest and love helped Josefina and I to be better parents.
NORTHBROOK, Illinois - April 2009 - The Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela conducted by renowned Maestro Dudamel ended it's U.S. Tour with a sold out conce
rt at Chicago's Symphony Center and surprise award ceremony for Countryside Montessori students. Elementary children from Countryside Montessori had attended the night-before open rehearsal, in the hopes that they would have the opportunity to present someone in the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra organization with funds they had raised to support El Sistema, a Venezuelan music-education program.
Unforgettable Experience
Following the open rehearsal, after the crowd of fans had dispersed, the students approached the stage to tell of the funds they had raised. They then had the opportunity to present their donation to both Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu (founder of El Sistema) and Maestro Gustavo Dudamel (a product of El Sistema and world renowned conductor). Touched by such generous and unexpected consideration of the El Sistema organization, Dr. Abreu invited the students back to Sympho
ny Center the following day where they were individually honored by Dr. Abreu, Mo. Dudamel and Jesus Rodrigues, Consul General of Venezuela and invited to attend the sold-out evening performance of the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra.
Dr. Abreu, founder of El Sistema, praised the students contribution as "this is a sample of the great thing which is the United States and of how to achieve the objectives of music in the children. For that reason we invite, the students to Venezuela, where they will be received with honors."
Inspired to Help Others
The Countryside elementary students were inspired to support the El Sistema program in Venezuela after watching an informative episode aired on CBS 60 Minutes. Learning that the core idea of El Sistema consists of the formation of community-based youth orchestras by provi
ding free instruments and tuition to children living in dangerous, poverty-stricken areas and children with disabilities, Countryside students wanted to reach out and help those children by raising money to buy instruments for them.
Starting in 2008, through a series of student planned and organized bake sales, pancake breakfasts, and school movie nights, to date, they have raised $2,512.
The story does not end here, however. A family in Caracas, Venezuela saw a story about Countryside Montessori's donation in their local Venezuelan newspaper, and immediately recognized the name of the school - both of their children had attended Countryside when the family lived in the Chicago area. This family has offered additional help for the Countryside students' efforts.
What began as a heartfelt fundraising for children thousands of miles away has brought the Countryside Montessori students closer than they ever thought they would be to this organization they sought to help. The final chapter of this story is perhaps yet to be written.
The purpose of El Sistema is to use music for the protection of childhood through training, rehabilitation and prevention of criminal behavior. The program is known for rescuing young people in extremely impoverished circumstances from the environment of drug abuse and crime into which they would likely otherwise be drawn.
On May 1, Countryside Montessori School students performed this year's opera, "Pearl," for classmates, staff and family members in the school's gymnasium. An annual tradition for the past 24 years, students push books and homework aside and work solely on their operatic performances, and for some, debuts.
Sanford and Judy Jones of Savannah, Ga., once again joined the students this year as the composer/accompanist and choreographer. The Joneses bring their experiences and accomplishments to the table, which include: Founding director of the American Montessori Teachers Association and director of 13 children's operas for Sanford Jones; an accomplished ballerina and director/owner of the Montclair Academy of Dance for Judy 
Jones.
The Joneses also brought Stacy Stephens with them to play the role of Sirenia. Stephens has performed as a soloist with the Savannah Symphony.
"Pearl," an underwater story, takes place in the colonial south. Sirenia, the river goddess and her daughter, Pearl, are returning to their "family" of underwater creatures (played by Countryside students) ranging from crayfish to river reeds to a worm.
Through song, the story of Pearl's kidnapping by the Oyster King and the underwater creatures step up to help, only to be defeated by the Oyster King and his evil sea currents. In the end, a water nymph rescues Pearl, leaving the story to end happily.
Around 60 students ranging in ages from 6 to 12-years-old performed a song and dance number in the opera. Cast members received compact discs of the opera's musical numbers a few months ago, and were able to listen and memorize the music/story before rehearsals, which began only four days before the performance.
The week of April 27-May 1 was solely dedicated to singing, dancing and rehearsing the show, which debuted on the evening of May 1. Costumes and set design were all results of the efforts of Countryside parents and faculty.
"The opera is not only an enjoyable part of the year, but it builds the childrens' confidence," Sanford Jones said. "It also teaches them to have an appreciation for the opera at a young age. For kids, singing is as natural as speaking, so it wasn't difficult to produce the show."
Countryside education director Wendy Calise said the opera is not only beneficial for the students, but for the faculty, staff and parents as well.
"It definitely builds community here, everyone pitches in," Calise said. "The older children are always eager to help the younger ones, which is something that's common here. They can show them the ropes since they've performed in the operas before."
By: Jessica Cantarelli/Triblocal.com staff reporter 05/01/09 04:42 PM
