Hi Mrs. Kulle,

Thanks for still sending us the newsletters. We do so miss Countryside and
there's not a week that goes by in which we do not have a Countryside
moment. Whether remembering a poem, song or music that was introduced at
CMS or observing moments of respect, responsibility or resourcefulness (or
possibly lack thereof) in our daily activities -- it always seems that we
can always harken back to a lesson learned at Countryside.

The most recent opportunity for a "teaching moment" was last Friday night
at the dedication of the Library/Media Center at Annika's school (there
were actually several teaching moments in this one short ceremony). The
first had to do with seating and respect. The second involved
inappropriate behavior.

In the first instance, gleeful and nimble young students dashed for the
front row chairs that had been set up for the ceremony. Other than the two
rows of chairs, the other available (and rather limited) seating in the
Center was on the carpeted stadium-type seating ledges behind the chairs;
beyond that, people stood at the rear of this small area. Not knowing the
agenda for the ceremony, I refrained from shooing them out of those chairs.
It became obvious, as the entire crowd filed in, that these children were
not part of any special presentation and were just seeking front row seats
for themselves. At this juncture the librarian did step forward and asked
these children to give up the chairs. Some kids did, some didn't, and some
just didn't get it. I explained to Annika the social graces regarding
public seating -- young people should respectfully offer their seats to
older people and those with special needs in these types of circumstances.

The second learning moment occurred during the ceremony when two youngsters
in the front row seats began leaning on each other and poking each other,
all of which was accompanied by audible commotion. Parental intervention
was late and minimal. We talked about it afterward and our conversation
was framed up this way: What Would Mrs. Kulle Do or What Would Mrs. Kulle
Say? Annika noted that Mrs. Kulle would have said something immediately to
them because their behavior was inappropriate and disruptive and that Mrs.
Kulle would probably have given the offenders a chance to quiet down. "If
that didn't work," Annika continued, "Mrs. Kulle would have given them a
small lecture."

It is with great affection that we acknowledge that "Mrs. Kulle" has
become, for us, what "Ms. Manners" or "Emily Post" was for prior
generations. "Mrs. Kulle" is the embodiment of social graces and
respectful behavior, a beacon for responsibility and resourcefulness and a
yardstick by which we measure our own actions as well as those of others.

As always, give our best to all at Countryside. We miss you and, as you
can tell, we think of you often.
_____________________

Lisa Olsen

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

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.

Jim and Jamie McNulty, Countryside Parents

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

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.

Barbara Stahl, Former Countryside Parent

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

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

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.

Stella Ullmann, Countryside Parent

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

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.

Linda Murakishi, Former Countryside Parent

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

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

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.

Andy Rogers, Countryside Parent

Testimonial - Fosters the development of real, individuated people

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.

Emily Hurd, Former CMS Faculty

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

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.

Carla Garfinkle, Countryside Parent

Testimonial - Great educational experience and a sanctuary of safety

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.

Gregory Terman, Countryside Parent

Testimonial - Offers everything we were looking for in a program

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 staff
• Focused on educationally sound individualized plans for each child balanced with meaningful group activity work
• Multi age classrooms
• Physical education offered daily
• Offers the standard school subjects (Science, Mathematics, Geography, Social Studies, English, Handwriting, Art, etc) in a valuable nontraditional way
• All year program with extended hours
• Promotes community, respect and responsibility.

Kalissa Hugger, Countryside Parent

Testimonial - Commitment is reflected in every aspect of the school

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.

Lisa Liang, Former CMS Parent

Testimonial - A place where children fulfill their highest potential

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.

Sanford Jones, Youth Opera International

Testimonial - Incredibly grateful for CMS teaching staff!

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

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

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!

Steve Cummings, Countryside Parent

Testimonial - From Venezuela

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.

Hector Garcia, Former Countryside Parent