Learn how Bridgeview Montessori School continues with its outreach during a pandemic.
A Circle of Giving Thank You from Two Board Members
Dear Bridgeview Montessori Community,
Wow, what a year the 2019-20 academic year was, and our community lived up to our Mission Statement:
At Bridgeview Montessori School, we learn to dig deep.
And, we all fully embraced our core values:
We cultivate creative process
We grow empowered and resilient people
We hold community close
Your loyalty and trust in the school under the leadership of Sandy was fully appreciated. Your Circle of Giving support and generous gifts allowed the school to shift and readjust to the needs of our students and faculty. These contributions will continue to allow us to keep the school a place where your children thrive.
Many thanks,
Ann E. Wolf
Board President & Alumni Parent
______________________
From a parent’s perspective, I couldn’t have been happier and prouder of the entire Bridgeview Team. I believe most people would agree that our school community was not designed for remote learning, and yet I couldn’t believe how quickly the faculty rallied to create and capitalize on the biggest curve ball you could ever throw at them. They even held fast to Art, school plays, physical fitness and other enrichment activities when other schools fell short. I haven’t heard of any other local schools where the teachers made regular deliveries to the homes of their students to ensure productive weeks. This kind of grit is the same that many of you have shown in your continued support of our Annual Circle of Giving. With our collective determination and willingness to do our parts, we can have confidence that Bridgeview Montessori will always provide a robust learning environment.
Thank You,
Peter Seward
Board Vice President & Alumni Parent
SEE OUR 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT FOR OUR 2019-2020 CIRCLE OF GIVING
Harmony Reigns
A colleague just told me that Maria Montessori was the answer (or question as it were) in final Jeopardy last week. This got me to thinking once again about Montessori’s legacy. I wrote this poem a few years back, and I thought I would share it again now as it seems appropriate for this time in our history. When I wrote the piece, I was intrigued when I learned that Montessori and Mahatma Gandhi met to discuss peace. I sure so wish these visionaries were with us today. Suzanne Lawson
True Peace by Sandy Nickerson
Voices from Home #5
Voices from Home #4, Jonah!
Voices from Home #3: Maura, a Montessori Person
Voices from Home: #2
Voices from Home: #1
As we continue in this unprecedented time in our School’s history, we simply miss the students. We have started a series where students send us videos entitled Voices from Home. We asked Maggie to be the first. As we receive more of these videos, we will post them here for everyone to see. Gosh…. it is nice to see this face. Pictured above is Maggie when she was in our Children’s House. She has been learning with us for many years.
How a Montessorian Sees Remote Learning
Elementary II co-teacher Kathleen Finucane is a Montessorian to the bone. She has taught all levels but is most compelled to teach Elementary II, the 9 to 12 year-olds. As we all work to find our place, our passions and our best teaching practice in these unprecedented times, Kathleen breaks it down for us in Montessori language. Her wisdom and commitment to lifelong learning is an inspiration for all of us.
The Montessori Milestone: The Three-Year Cycle and the Importance of the Third Year
'Proof is in the Pudding' by Kate Rickard
Kate Rickard, a parent of three former Bridgeview Montessori students, a current board member, and a local restaurateur, clearly sees the value of a Bridgeview Montesssori education. Similar to Kate’s experience, I speak with parents all the time who tell me stories of how their children’s poise, grace and inquisitiveness leave an impression of those they meet.
Elementary Family Night: A Wonderful Success.
Conversations with Children by Sandra Nickerson
Our Classrooms Are on Their Way to Normalization
10 Years in Montessori: Aubryn.... Amazing....Always
2019 graduate, Aubryn speaks out about her ten years at Bridgeview Montessori during her graduation speech. Aubryn has one of those fall birthdays that allowed her to spend four years in Children’s House. On a personal note, hers is one of the very first families I admitted to Bridgeview Montessori when I began in my role as Director of Admissions. We have been learning side by side for a long time.
Pictured above: A piece Aubryn created in the Art Studio when she was in fourth grade (4th Year).
A Stalwart Bridgeview Community Proponent: Sophia
As she explains in her graduation speech, Sophia joined us when she was just 2 years and 9 months. She left us after a few years only to come back to join our Elementary II. Her experience gives her a unique perspective through which to talk about our community of learners. During our Elementary Graduation, Sophia was able to articulately explain what makes us unique. We will miss Sophia and her mom and dad!
Pictured above: One of Sophia’s Sixth Year Art Projects.
An Artist and An Inspiration: Willa
This is Willa’s self portrait in cool colors created in her Sixth Year. Willa established herself as a gifted artist with her own unique point of view from the beginning.
Willa and her family joined our community five years ago, and their impact has been palpable. From Willa and her older sister being extraordinary role models, bake sale enthusiastic bakers, artists and welcoming faces to all new students to parents who volunteered for everything and consistently supported our annual fund, this family will be sorely missed as they head off into the world outside of Bridgeview Montessori. Their impact is significant. Enjoy Willa’s graduation speech.
