May 19, 2013

En route!

Emerson Farm Middle School students departed BWI Airport headed for Chicago/Midway.  After getting to the gate, we found our flight delayed and took the time to eat and settle in.  It was wonderful to witness the students bonding as they played games and had discussions waiting for our flight to be called.  During the flight it was affirming watching the students help each other through some bouts of nervousness. By the time we landed in Cleveland, all was well and we were sorry to see our flight attendants leave, but the new crew who replaced them were just as welcoming.

The final leg of our flight into Midway was uneventful and many of the students slept. After claiming our baggage we traveled to our hostel, Urban Holiday and all settled in for the night.  We are looking forward to an exciting Monday start for our exploration of Chicago.

May 20, 2013

http://youtu.be/Ft_JVcGXIkI Emerson Farm Middle School Students pass the famous Flat Iron Building – famous as an architectural icon and home of art and artists – in the nerve center of the Wicker Park neighborhood – famous for its status as the hipster hub of Chicago – near their hostel.  Thanks to student M. Wiggin for the video!

DAY TWO IN THE WINDY CITY

“Hipster capital” – Ryan

“The street art here is really cool!”  – Chris

“Zoos are kind of depressing.” – Donovan

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Enjoying Chicago's Street Art.

After a long evening prior, Emerson Farm Middle School students were up early preparing for an exciting day exploring Chicago.  Splitting into two teams in the morning; one group – armed with a shopping list and street map – ventured to the local supermarket to obtain supplies for our Tuesday and Wednesday morning community service breakfast at the Lincoln Park shelter, while a second group set boldly forth throughout the revitalized Wicker Park neighborhood where we are staying in search of original street art.  (A shout out to Ms. Michelle from all of the students!)

Proceeding with their supplies to the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, our grocery group took stock of the facility, meeting the wonderful people who work there to help the less fortunate.  The three students – Hiya, Donovan, Becca – will be team leaders for our work in preparing and serving meals to the forty shelter residents tomorrow morning.

Students under the "el" tracks, where street art abounds.

Recording observations in their journals, all students in our street art expedition found something of worth to note.  Beginning a scrapbook – peeling off and saving quirky stickers and notices plastered on every vertical surface in the area – Chris is creating his own personal memento of the trip.  Observing and interpreting the found street art, Ally diligently recorded her impressions.  In gathering material for his video journal, Meritt climbed back steps and busy decks and searching alleys for the perfect angle to shoot art, individuals, the El and all of the unique sights in this vibrant neighborhood.

Students with Ms. Melanie on the Merry Go Round in Lincoln Park.

After a self-service lunch of sandwiches, we set out as a group for the Lincoln Park Zoo.  Stopping by the Lakeside trail to get in touch with nature, we were within sight of Lake Michigan to the east while the Sears Tower beckoned from the south.  Experiencing nature’s bounty at the zoo, students were able to get a peek at a swan’s clutch of eggs as she stood, peer into the wizened faces of endangered great apes and admire the sinewy predatory saunter of a rare snow leopard.  Seeing such animals in captivity engendered empathy in the students for the plight of these creatures.

Returning to our Urban Holiday Loft base, students organized themselves into groups; preparing, serving and cleaning-up a full dinner for sixteen.  With two very full days under our belts, time in flying by.  Tomorrow we hope to touch the lives of others at the Lincoln Park shelter before visiting the Hull House to encounter the activist spirit of Jane Addams.  Reflecting on our study of “What is Peace?” we find connections abounding.

May 21, 2013

Alison preparing breakfast at the shelter.

We had an early wake-up Tuesday morning in preparation for our service opportunity at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. Before piling into the vans, student leaders (Hiya, Donovan and Becca) divided the class into three teams (preparation, serving and clean-up) briefing them and rehearsing roles to better organize our efforts.

Putting food on plates at the shelter.

While helping those in need, the students were able to put a face on the very real global problems of hunger, shelter and access to healthcare that we studied in Jimmy Carter’s “Talking Peace.”  Preparing and serving what may be the only meal many of these people ate today provided a tangible example of how one person can make a positive difference in the lives of others.  Taking part in an entire class effort, each student contributed to this worthwhile event.   When returning Wednesday to prepare and serve another breakfast, student teams will rotate responsibilities, ensuring all experience the multitude of opportunities to contribute.  A special note of appreciation for Ayris, who conceived this project and coordinated it prior to our trip.

Hiya, Ayris, and an interactive exhibit.

Proceeding from the shelter we journeyed to he University of Illinois – Chicago campus.  This striking venue is home of the Jane Addams Hull House Museum.  Our late morning arrival fortunately coinciding with the last “Rethinking Soup” series lecture for this term, we leapt at the opportunity to learn.  “Rethinking Soup” allowed us to experience a college level lecture in the same venue which played host to Upton Sinclair, W.E.B. DuBois and Gertrude Stein.  We were treated to a free bowl of asparagus soup - supplemented by bread – while watching a specially edited version of the recent PBS documentary “Soul Food Junkies.”  This exposure to food and fellowship complemented our earlier experience at the shelter.  Our class literally (and figuratively) ate it up.

Torey listens to another Hull House exhibit.

In further exploring the Hull House Museum students explored food insecurity, the challenges immigrants faced in America and the women’s suffrage movement – all complementing our last two cycle guiding questions; “Are all men created equal?” and “What is Peace?” The class was also able to examine historical evidence of the positive results of social activism as pioneered by Jane Addams and extended by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  From listening to a sound exhibit bringing the late 19th century back to life, working a manual sewing machine and reading journals from the poor and dispossessed; our class touched and experienced history.  An exhibit detailing the Hull House Montessori School brought a reminder of home and family.

Students stand in front of the Chicago Skyline on the peninsula of the Chicago Museum Campus, which stretches out into Lake Michigan.

Following Hull House, our intrepid crew visited the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan for lunch.  The expansive lake set the scene by providing a bucolic natural setting for the students while contrasting in the near distance with the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago reaching upwards towards a high Midwestern sky.  Eating sandwiches made by our student teams that morning, our class enjoyed the lakeside beach, fellowship and reflection upon the mornings activities.

Elise pets a ray at the Shedd Aquarium.

With the Shedd Aquarium beckoning, we ventured forth strolling up the marble steps and into a world of unique and exciting creatures and opportunities.  A 4-D experience of polar creatures including; polar bears, sea lions and penguins served as a warm up for an afternoon of wonder.  Viewing nature in carefully designed and presented exhibits, we were transported to the Amazon, Madagascar, the Philippines, the Okavango River Delta and even Australia (where we met a still living lungfish brought to Shedd in 1933).  Experiencing nature in a tactile manner, students visited the “Stingray touch” exhibit where an adventurous many were able to touch and pet the rays. James, Ally and Elise were among our students who attracted the sinuous creatures like magnets.  We ended up closing the museum, bidding a fond adieu to our new beluga whale friends.

Some well-earned exhaustion and Chicago deep dish pizza.

May 22, 2013

Ryan ladles out some oatmeal at the shelter.

Starting the morning with our second community service breakfast at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, we were up early and on the road.  The students decided to alter the menu for this morning, serving hearty bowls of oatmeal garnished with brown sugar, sausage and bacon complemented by a bowl of yogurt topped by fresh strawberries.  Changing roles from yesterday’s  breakfast, everyone got into the act and all students were able to serve food to the shelter residents; a great way to help others, feel good about oneself and examine in reality the issues we spent the past sixteen weeks exploring in the classroom. Amazing teamwork and fun helped make the experience a rousing success.

Students in front of the Field Museum of Natural History.

Our further Chicago explorations began in earnest with the Field Museum.  Imagining the earth as it grew and humans began to use fire, hunt, gather, develop agriculture, and build cities, we previewed our studies for the fall.  Witnessing how people and mastodons co-existed for a brief time, we experienced the consequences of climate change, the extinction of a species and the handing of the torch of stewardship for the Earth to our species, which provided another preview of our middle school studies for the coming year.  Breaking into pairs, the class roamed the expanse of the Field museum; discovering Maori “whare” homes, scaling the height of the Himalayas to touch Tibetan culture and then traversing continents to Africa, walking the markets of Dakar.   Studying earth science; Hiya, Ally and Elise discovered how gems come into being in nature’s underground forges.

Students having fun while waiting to interact with exhibit at the Adler.

Pausing for lunch, we caught our breath and split into two groups.  The larger group headed for the Adler Planetarium for some hands-on science exploration.  In examining meteorites from Mars and Venus, comparing views from differing telescopes, manipulating scale models of the solar system and considering the problems posed by “space junk,” our adventurers pondered the Earth and its place in the universe.  Donovan held a scale model universe in his hands, pondering its mysteries like a latter day Kepler.

Frolicking near Buckingham Fountain on the way to the Art Institute.

Winding along Lakeshore Drive, through Grant Park and past Buckingham Fountain a smaller band of explorers walked to the Chicago Institute of Art.  Home of Grant Wood’s American Gothic and one of the best collections of Impressionist art in the world, the Institute is a massive venue which dominates the north end of Grant Park and serves as a gateway to downtown Chicago.  Closely studying the film and photography exhibits, Meritt was able to view masterpieces in his medium of interest.  The Immigrant Art section supplemented the learning from our previous day from Hull House Museum, providing Torey with a plethora of images to ponder while adding depth to the concept of life in a burgeoning and growing Chicago a century ago.  Illustrating the importance of creativity and craftsmanship, Chris and James regaled the group with stories of exquisitely detailed arms and armor.

Students study an image of a baby carriage rolling down stairs, stenciled by world-renowned street artist Banksy.

Detouring on the return from the museum campus, Chris and Meritt led a safari seeking an original famous street art composition.  Following clues from an online search, seeking one of Banksy’s Chicago works we departed, heading north.  Using the foursquare application, students guided our van into an industrial district brimming with street art.  After several passes, comparing the angles of the buildings and the skyscrapers in the background, we narrowed our search.  Finally sighting our quarry, our safari dismounted, negotiating an abandoned lot to approach the goal.  Hoisting cameras; Torey, Chris and Meritt completed their successful quest by capturing the moment and then taking time to reflect upon the piece they found and the process of searching for it.

Good food after another long day.

Our class ate a delicious dinner of roasted chicken breast marinated in Italian dressing, rice and salad prepared by Becca, Hiya, Sean, Ally and Ayris.  Ms. Stanson then took an interested group to North Avenue Beach, where Liam frolicked along the beach, Sean had a close encounter with Lake Michigan and everyone enjoyed the cool brisk air as the sun settled into the western sky.  Returning to our hostel, the group joined the entire class in a surprise Ice Cream Sundae dessert to close out our day.

The event featured an auction, which brought in a total of $12,532, with an additional $650 from the raffle and $2,205 from those who declined to attend, but sent a donation.  Our Technology & Security Fund (read on to learn more!) received $8,650 in donations.  All in all, we raised $24,037 over the course of the event!  Thanks so much to all who donated!

Technology & Security Fund 

Mid-way through the auction, we called out to our community for its financial support in funding our growing technology needs, as well as for funding a proposed campus-wide security system.

Our operating budget, coupled with the Annual Fund proceeds, covers our operating expenses from year-to-year, but generally cannot fund the bigger expenditures that arise.
We are committed to using technology to support the creativity and ingenuity of our students. To this end, we are raising funds to replace all of our computers in the computer lab, and to purchase laptops for the classrooms, as well as digital cameras, video equipment, and editing software.Currently, we are working on putting a new security system into place that will include magnetic doors and key code systems.  (We are currently interviewing security companies and hearing plans for how to best secure the building for the safety of our children).

A big ‘thank you’ to ALL who supported our Technology & Security Fund on Saturday, with special thanks to lead donors, giving $1,000 and above, Dave and Aubree Chung, Mario and Nicole Armstrong, Bruce and Lisa Field and an anonymous giver.  You, too, may contribute to these important and worthy causes by clicking on this link, or by sending a check directly to the Main Office, Attention: Tamara.

The Unveiling!

And our new name is…well, for the general public, you’re going to have to wait until it becomes official this coming August! Look forward to new signs, new admissions materials, and a new website.

As a teaser in the meantime, Fred Brown, Vice-Chairman of the Board, shared that our name came from a love of our community, and pride in our location.  We are a spring of innovation, curiosity and purpose, and the name seems to fit us just right!

Mark and Kathie Wagner generously donated a magnificent rendering of the new name and logo in an Italian-wood frame to adorn the lobby of our Main Building.  We offer heartfelt thanks to the Wagner’s for their commitment to our new name and for their continued belief in our school.

During our event on Saturday, we raised our glasses to “The Montessori School”, which has served us so well for so many years, and toasted to the next 51 years!

If you’re dying to know what we’ll be called next year, the beautiful sign donated by the Wagner’s will be on display near the Main Office beginning tomorrow.  Stop by and see it!

Acknowledgements!

A very special thank you is extended to the 2013 Soiree Chairs, Trish Doxzen and Kay Smith, and to the Soiree Committee: Lori Baylin, Ana Goldseker, Rebecca Rawl and Mark Wagner. The committee worked diligently to put together this event. From soliciting donations to donating large ticket items themselves, to assembling and clean up.  Not a detail was overlooked in putting together this spectacular event!

We are full of gratitude for Dee Anna Sobczak, who shared her beautiful home with us for the evening.  Wow!  Everyone who attended was inspired and embraced by the beauty of her home and its surrounding pool and gardens.  Dee Anna is a wonderful hostess, and we are all so grateful!

We also send out a big thanks to our emcee extraordinaire, Mario Armstrong.  Mario brought his Emmy-Award Winning charm and humor, and inspired grand bidding wars.  Thank you, Mario!  You’re hired for next time!

A big thank you to our DVD team!  Photographer Matthew D’Agostino took photos of almost every child in the school in one day!  Students Naomi Fotenos and Rachel Lee interviewed students and staff around school about what they love about Montessori.  Singer/Song-writer Angela Taylor composed and provided the vocals and musical accompaniment for an original song for the soundtrack.  Student Meritt Wiggin compiled all the photographs, music and directed the DVD.  This team’s effort created a beautiful and inspiring DVD!

Also, our guest speakers were wonderful!  Fred Brown, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Neil Sandson, current parent of Upper Elementary student, and alumna ’94 Brandy Washington all gave great tribute to the school, and the value and importance of the Montessori experience.

We had a number of very generous in-kind gifts that allowed much of the income from the evening to go directly to funding the school.  For a list of the individuals and vendors who gave, please follow this link to the evening’s program – and please, support these organizations!

We also want to acknowledge the winner of the iPod raffle: Anthony Fotenos!

Finally, the evening would not have been as successful without the many volunteers and parents who assisted with supporting the children while they made classroom items, gave generous items to the auction, and, of course, attended (braving the chilly, spring evening!) and placed bids!

It really does take a village to pull together something like this. Honoring our beloved friends and colleagues, and benefiting our children and classrooms at The Montessori School — what a perfect reason to come together. Thank you all for joining with us in this fabulous evening!

Emerson Farm Middle School students with Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley in Annapolis.

Last week, Emerson Farm Middle school continued its an adventure to explore equality and our voice in government, visiting the Maryland State House.   Recently we have also visited historic landmarks in Maryland and hosted several speakers in our classroom in an attempt to understand the history of government and citizen’s rights here – and we invite learn more by visiting an album on our school’s Facebook page by following this link.

In Annapolis, by viewing sessions in both the state house and state senate, students witnessed the governmental process in all of its synergy.  We were fortunate to view the senate’s recognition of individual excellence by luminaries in the fields of business, science and education.  A spirited discussion concerning strengthening laws addressing the abuse of controlled substances was central to our exposure to the state house of representatives.

Following our experience with these august bodies, our class was treated to a tour of the Maryland State House.  Walking the halls of a building which briefly served as our nation’s capitol, we trod in the footsteps ofGeorge Washington, feeling almost a witness to his speech resigning as commander-in-chief.  We viewed the restored original chamber of the House of Delegates and traversed marble floors which have witnessed so much history.

This tour was followed by a stroll through the Government House, which is the governor’s residence.  This was as a trip through time, as the individual rooms are presented in period styles, ranging from colonial to the Gilded Age.  The students found value in expose to the tactile elements of history, such as period decor, silver sets, clocks and  portraiture.

Following our tour of Government House we gathered at the Thurgood Marshall memorial, reviewing his words and deeds and reflecting upon their contribution to equality.  During this portion of  our day, Governor Martin O’Malley took time to interact with our class, greeting the students and posing for several photographs before returning to the business of governing.

The afternoon was spent with a first hand exploration of the nuts and bolts of governing, where we viewed several committee hearings.  We heard expert testimony and testimony from concerned citizens, reveling in the give and take between legislators and their constituents.  The hearings we explored covered subjects ranging from such weighty matters as mercury pollution and union fees to the more mundane discussions of the merits of the Raven and the Oriole as state birds.

Overall, students ended the day with a much greater appreciation of the governmental process, the equality of our voices and the ease with which they can make their voices heard.

While our students were casting their ballots, we had guests from WBAL-TV, the local NBC affiliate, right here reporting to our Baltimore area neighbors about this exercise in good citizenship.

You can see video and read the transcript of their report by following this link.

We invite you to come and visit our school to learn more about the Montessori method, our historic campus, and the unique learning community that exists at The Montessori School and Emerson Farm Middle School!  If you are considering applying or are curious about the school, this is your best first step.  You can visit for one of our Open Houses or, if they do not occur at times that are convenient for you, we will help you to schedule a tour with our Head of School or an Admissions representative.

Each visit provides prospective parents and caregivers the opportunity to observe children working in the classroom, tour our beautiful campus, and ask questions during a discussion with the Head of School or Director of Admissions.  Please note that, to limit the disruption of current students’ classes, Open Houses and Tours are intended for adult visitors only.  In order to ensure that you have an opportunity to see our students in action, we almost always schedule Open Houses and tours on weekday mornings.

The Montessori School has rolling enrollment, which means that a child does not have to start school in September, but may begin at anytime during the school year up until our spring break in mid-March. We also accept applications for the Fall and Spring semesters on a rolling basis until space is full.

2012-13 School Year Open Houses:

Toddler & Primary
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
FULL – Thursday, March 7, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013

Elementary and Middle School
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, March 26, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013

All Levels, Toddler Through Middle School
Saturday, January 12, 2013, 10am-12pm

Please R.S.V.P. if you would like to come to an Open House by using the form below or calling the school office at 410-321-8555. You should expect to spend about two hours at the school.  

If you are having difficulty finding an Open House that works for your schedule, please let us know a range of dates when you are available to tour in the form below or call us at 410-321-8555.  We will then help you to set up a tour of our campus at another time.

We invite you to come and visit our school during the summer to learn more about all things Montessori and take a tour of our beautiful campus.  Please call the school office at 410-321-8555 to make an appointment today!

Education loans are also available through Tuition Solution, which offers low fixed-rate loans with no upfront fees.  Please call the Business Office, 410-321-8555, ext.104, for more information or to obtain an enrollment form if you are not applying for a payment plan online.