Countryside Montessori School

How we measure schools

2010-02-03T12:22:00.002-06:00

The Obama administration is planning some big changes to how we measure the success or failure of schools and how we apportion federal money based on those assessments.To read the article, click here.

BRAIN POWER: Studying Young Minds, and How to Teach Them

2009-12-22T09:03:00.001-06:00

New research on when young brains are best able to grasp fundamental concepts could reshape early education.From the New York Times Click here to read.

Why Montessori?

2009-12-18T09:57:00.003-06:00

Enjoy this 2 part video, "Why Montessori"Part 1Part 2

Special Presentation by Dr. Steven Hughes on November 30th

2009-11-11T14:56:00.008-06:00

Join us the evening of November 30th as Countryside Montessori hosts a special presentation by World-Renowned Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Dr. Steven Hughes at the Glenbrook South High School auditorium.Dr. Steven Hughes will be coming to Northbrook to talk with parents about what the study of the brain tells us about learning environments for young children. Dr. Hughes says:“Children now in

How Schools Stifle Creativity

2009-11-03T15:21:00.001-06:00

Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D, an expert in creativity, innovation and human resources, gave this popular talk at the TED conference in 2006. In this article he explores why the message has resonated with audiences. Robinson is a best-selling author whose latest book is "The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything (Viking)." He received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his

Life 101

2009-11-02T15:11:00.001-06:00

What every child should learn before you let them fly the coop.To read the article, click here.

Life lessons: The learning never stops as kids grow up

2009-11-02T09:57:00.001-06:00

A recent story about instructing children in tasks they'll need for the rest of their lives -- using a screwdriver, loading a dishwasher and the like -- brought suggestions of other activities that kids should master before being launched into the world.Click here for article.

Baby Einsteins: No So Smart After All

2009-10-28T09:05:00.002-05:00

An article from TIME about Baby Einstein.To view, click here.

The Great Baby Einstein Scam

2009-10-28T09:03:00.001-05:00

An article from Yahoo on Baby Einstein.To view the article, click here.

2009-10-27T14:02:00.001-05:00

The latest figures from Nielsen have children's TV usage at an eight-year high. Children's health advocates warn of adverse effects.Click here for article.

Baby Einstein

2009-10-26T14:51:00.001-05:00

Here is a New York Times article worth reading.Click Here

2009-10-26T13:36:00.003-05:00

Nine month old Cecilia is eating a meal at a weaning table as suggested by Montessori philosophy. Notice her independence, coordination, and joy.Click Here For Video

2009-10-07T13:56:00.000-05:00

Hi Mrs. Kulle,Thanks for still sending us the newsletters. We do so miss Countryside andthere's not a week that goes by in which we do not have a Countrysidemoment. Whether remembering a poem, song or music that was introduced atCMS or observing moments of respect, responsibility or resourcefulness (orpossibly lack thereof) in our daily activities -- it always seems that wecan always harken

WHEN "THE END" IS JUST THE BEGINNING

2009-10-01T12:09:00.004-05:00

Reading The Hundred Dresses wasn’t enough for the girls at Countryside Montessori School. After completing the story, the girls analyzed the story by identifying the theme, plot, setting, protagonist, antagonist, conflict, climax and resolution. Had they had enough then? NO!They next decided to scour the text for all the information that helped them to learn about the characters. They then took

Open House - Thursday October 1st

2009-09-30T17:19:00.003-05:00

Please join us for an informal open house. Come see the school and learn more about Countryside Montessori.Open HouseThursday, October 1 at 6pmCall Karen to RSVP: (847)498-1105

Goal Setting

2009-09-24T09:01:00.002-05:00

There’s an old joke about a newly married couple thinking of the life they will have together. They foresee having children, the children growing up, going away to school, getting married, leaving them alone. Before they know it they’re crying and missing these children they don’t even have yet. Silly, but perhaps there’s something to be learned here. Parents need to think about what they really

Sanity in the Morning

2009-09-24T08:57:00.002-05:00

In the October issue of Real Simple, there is an article on how to get through the morning with your children. It features a series of vignettes from different families with different challenges. It asks the reader to imagine her morning hours: calm, peaceful and productive. And, they claim, it’s no pipe dream. One Mom’s motto is making the morning fun. After years of pleading with her children

Elementary Overnight

2009-09-22T10:58:00.004-05:00

Elementary class (1 - 6 graders) at Countryside Montessori School enjoys their annual school overnight. The overnight starts on Thursday afternoon and continues until Friday afternoon. The kids play together, have pizza, sleep in the gymnasium, and then walk to the Village Green Park. Countryside believes that a school is only as strong as its sense of community. The overnight is offered so that

Driekers Study Group Starting October 13th

2009-09-21T19:51:00.005-05:00

Join our free study group on the book "Children: The Challenge" by Dr. Rudolf Dreikur.Click here to learn more about this program.Begins October 13th. Everyone welcome - this study group is open to the public.Call or email the school to reserve a spot or for more information.info@countrysidemontessori.org(847)498-1105View Flyer

Montessori in the Home

2009-09-17T13:15:00.004-05:00

Children want to be part of the family.Come see how easy it is to make it happen.Join us for a parent education class - Thursday, October 1st, 2009.Everyone welcome. Call to reserve a space: (847)498-1105Click here to view flyer.

Stay At School Until 4:30?

2009-09-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

“I get to stay at school until 4:30 every day? Awesome,” said a 3rd grade boy on hearing that new this year, Countryside Montessori School is offering a longer day for their Elementary class. The class consists of forty-seven children in 1st through 6th grade. They study together in one large, bright classroom at the school on the corner of Pfingsten and Techny in Northbrook. In the Elementary

School's Founders Prepare to Retire after 40+ Years

2009-08-31T12:57:00.000-05:00

One more first day of school. One more back to school picnic. One more parent orientation dinner. One final, exhilarating, exhausting, surprising, inspiring year. One last graduation day. Frank and Annette Kulle have been the guiding spirits at Countryside Montessori School since they opened their first classroom in Glenview 43 years ago. Each event they host at the school this year will feel

CHARACTER IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

2009-07-22T10:02:00.005-05:00

I was at a park recently and observed several small groups of children playing in the sand. As is always the case, there was a variety of behaviors: some children played cooperatively, some struggled, some were selfish and demanding. In addition to the children, I noticed the parents who went along with this group of frolickers. As is also usually the case, there was a variety of behaviors in

Educators explore all-year Montessori program in Northbrook

2009-07-22T09:57:00.002-05:00

More than 70 teachers travelled from 13 states, Chile and Brazil last weekend to learn about Countryside Montessori School’s All Year Montessori class. They came to listen to veteran Countryside teacher Michele Aspinall talk about the unique program she helped create a decade ago.Workshop attendees had the opportunity to tour the school and examine Aspinall’s famously beautiful indoor and outdoor

GRADUATION AND AWARDS ASSEMBLY AT COUNTRYSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL IN NORTHBROOK

2009-06-19T08:23:00.001-05:00

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

Testimonial - The quality of her education has surpassed our high expectations

2009-06-18T21:57:00.000-05:00

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"

Testimonial - Self-confidence, self-reliance, an excitement for learning, ambition, and independenc

2009-06-18T21:56:00.001-05:00

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

Testimonial - Our children have a love for learning as a result of CMS philosophy

2009-06-18T21:55:00.001-05:00

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.Zahra & Jay Jiwan, Countryside Parents

Testimonial - Promotes the highest standards of education

2009-06-18T21:54:00.001-05:00

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

Testimonial - Dedicated to a vision of childhood that is joyful, purposeful, and meaningful

2009-06-18T21:53:00.000-05:00

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

Testimonial - Passionate committment of the teachers and staff to instill the love of learning

2009-06-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

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.Lauren MacBlane, Countryside Parent

Testimonial - Where modern education and old fashioned values intersect

2009-06-18T21:50:00.000-05:00

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

Testimonial - Fosters the development of real, individuated people

2009-06-18T21:49:00.000-05:00

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

Testimonial - CMS has awakened her love of learning and ability to learn

2009-06-18T21:47:00.001-05:00

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

Testimonial - Great educational experience and a sanctuary of safety

2009-06-18T21:46:00.000-05:00

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

Testimonial - Offers everything we were looking for in a program

2009-06-18T21:45:00.002-05:00

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: They have an extremely well educated and very experienced staffFocused on educationally sound individualized plans for each child balanced with

Testimonial - Commitment is reflected in every aspect of the school

2009-06-18T21:45:00.000-05:00

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

Testimonial - A place where children fulfill their highest potential

2009-06-18T21:43:00.000-05:00

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

Good Neighbors

2009-06-18T10:49:00.007-05:00

Twenty-four piano students from Countryside Montessori School performed for their neighbors across Techny Road at the Covenant Village of Northbrook’s retirement community on Sunday, June 7th 2009. Their teacher Joseph Francavilla arranged the recital. He wanted to offer his students another opportunity to perform and to provide Covenant residents the pleasure of two dozen children on the stage

Testimonial - Incredibly grateful for CMS teaching staff!

2009-06-18T10:20:00.002-05:00

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

Opera Etiquette for 3-Year-Olds

2009-06-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

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

Testimonial - Joy for knowledge combined with a joy for giving and a sense of community

2009-06-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

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

Testimonial - From Venezuela

2009-06-17T19:52:00.000-05:00

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

Internationally Renowned Conductor Honors Countryside Montessori Elementary Students

2009-06-17T10:09:00.007-05:00

Students present funds raised for Venezuelan Music Program, El Sistema 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 concert at Chicago's Symphony Center and surprise award ceremony for Countryside Montessori students. Elementary children from Countryside Montessori had attended the

Countryside Montessori students perform in school Opera

2009-06-05T11:04:00.001-05:00

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

Hurray for the Red, White, and Blue

2009-05-28T10:59:00.001-05:00

Cars honked and people waved in Northbrook as Countryside Montessori students, teachers, and parents, wearing red, white, and blue marched in their annual Memorial Day Parade on Friday morning, May 22nd. The route went north on Pfingsten from the school at the corner of Techny to Koepke and back. Countryside has been marching to honor Memorial Day for over 40 years."I’m an old flag waver,” Head

Poetry Lives

2009-05-17T11:07:00.003-05:00

Tuesday afternoons this April are special for the eleven children at Countryside Montessori attending Jennifer Rodgers' after-school poetry enrichment class. The attendees are 3 to 6-years-old. They look forward to it, "with the enthusiasm you usually see associated with college football," Mrs. Rogers says. She's one of three primary teachers at Countryside, where children begin at 3 and stay

National Recognized Parenting Expert, John Rosemond, Gives Presentation at Countryside

2008-10-17T10:48:00.000-05:00

Countryside continued the tradition this fall of bringing in a well known speaker to present to Countryside parents and the community. We were educated and entertained by John Rosemond the author of "Bringing out the Best in your Child." John Rosemond is one of a handful of parenting experts who promote a truly traditional approach to raising children. John is a family psychologist with