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Hershey Adolescents Masterfully Mural with Grant from Ohio Arts Council

Hershey Adolescents Masterfully Mural with Grant from Ohio Arts Council

Hershey Montessori School extends our gratitude and thanks to the Ohio Arts Council for approving a grant that will allow teaching artist Laurel Herbold to work directly with the 9th-12th grade students in our upper school community for a year-long residency. The yearlong project, titled Mastering Murals: Upper School Adolescent Mural Project at Hershey Montessori School, will provide students throughout our upper school community with the opportunity to learn, grow and mature in their understanding of mural arts. It will also help students develop their creative expression and build skills in areas such as filmmaking, photography, graphic arts, and entrepreneurship.

Laurel will be on campus for an average of 26 hours per week for 32 weeks. The residency will culminate in a permanent, large-scale wall mural with removable sections, videos, images, postcards, and posters that will be presented to the entire school community. For the project, Laurel will guide students through the entire mural creation process including the planning timeline, design, materials, paints and brushes, painting technique, and presentation.

Students working on this project will have the opportunity to share what they are learning with the Concord school community as part of community building and the mastery process, which includes students demonstrating their knowledge and growth through teaching others. Students may join this project throughout the year, and students who help Laurel through the first two quarters will lead a mural workshop for upper elementary (grades 4-6) during the fourth quarter.

This project will be accessible to students and families through both an in-person event and online communications and will be widely accessible from an ADA perspective. The success of the residency will be measured through student engagement, student articulation (the ability to clearly explain what was learned), and valorization (a Montessori term meaning that a student becomes strong and feels worthy, confident in their work, and capable of moving the work and themselves forward to pursue other ideologies) and guide observation.

Hershey is excited to share this opportunity with the adolescents and families in our community, and we are honored to have Laurel join us for the first two quarters of the 2021-2022 school year and the first 2 quarters of the 2022-2023 school year. Once again, we would like to thank the Ohio Arts Council for their generous grant and support for this project.

Hershey would also like to extend a special thanks to Martha Loughridge, a grant writer for Montessori Development Partnerships. Without her help, none of this would be possible. MDP was founded in 1990 by Debra Guren and David Kahn. MDP’s mission is to bring human and financial resources into a coordinated effort that results in greater support for Montessori schools in North America. Their vision is to bring more access to Montessori for more children. You can find more information about MDP by visiting their website, https://www.montessori-mdp.org/.

Adolescents Assess The Role of Police in Society

Adolescents Assess The Role of Police in Society

Preparing students for life after high school requires guiding them into and through critical thinking processes. Equipping students with research tools and the freedom to explore modern day issues allows them to participate in conversations that impact them and the society that surrounds them. This is a cornerstone of Montessori education at Hershey Montessori School. Shielding students from hot-button issues that our world faces can cause more stress than if we empower them with the freedom to gain knowledge and understanding of the issues and then allow them to formulate their own opinions. This is exactly what our Upper School students tackled in its latest Humanities project.

Hershey’s ninth and tenth year students embarked on a study on “The Role of the Police”. Students examined the history of policing in the world and in the United States. It posed the question, what should be the appropriate role of the police in society?

Each student participated in lectures and expert presentations from police officers Lieutenant Donna Holden and Officer Vashon Williams of the Euclid Police Department. They also met with  Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice, who made national news in 2014 when Tamir was tragically shot and killed by Cleveland police outside a local recreation center.

Students were responsible for their own research, and were asked to look at issues such as police accountability, police and community relationships, police training, SWAT techniques and tactics, and groups like Black Lives Matter that are active in seeking police reform.

Students were also divided into topic-based groups where each group developed ideas for artwork connected to what they were learning about their topic. Volunteer artists in the class were called upon to actualize the vision of each of these groups. The artwork would effectively become an expressive mural in the Upper School building at the school’s Huntsburg campus.

Additionally, students met in randomly organized groups to discuss police reform and police expectations. Much of this information is captured in interviews that are part of a documentary feature created by several of the students, with 9th year Willow Athens acting as lead and editor. The students shared their conclusions, which were as varied as their chosen topics revolving around the subject. Some of the takeaways included the need for additional police training pertaining to race, mental health, and de-escalation. Additional funding for training and mandates were also recommended by some.

They finally concluded the Humanities project, their mural, and their project documentary by discussing policing and then took questions from peers, community leaders and experts, as well as Samaria Rice who joined the class virtually. The event included refreshments and gifts for the experts who participated through contribution to the work of the students.

“It was a great experience to see students wrestling with all sides of this complicated issue and coming to recognize the humanity of everyone — citizens and police — is critical,” says Humanities guide John Buzzard. “When we see all people as human, we want to support all and provide the resources and understanding needed for everyone to feel success and value.”

Hershey Launches Emerging Leaders Program

Hershey Launches Emerging Leaders Program

Hershey Montessori School is always reaching for new ways to advance the learning and interests of its adolescent community. Students in a Montessori education are encouraged to follow their interests, engage in deep intellectual inquiry, and expand self-assessment toward self- perfection within or beyond the national academic standards.

In an effort to continue guiding our students toward their goals and passions, Hershey is excited to announce the successful launch of our new Emerging Leaders Program. The Emerging Leaders program promotes dialogue and interactions with professionals, community and social leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs for the purpose of equipping students with the tools to become effective, impactful leaders of the future.

Middle School Director Tania Bertolone, who was instrumental in building the program said, “As Montessori students, these adolescents are primed for this kind of work. They already know how to follow their passions and independently engage in their work. The Emerging Leaders program allows them to expand on that knowledge and know-how and apply it to projects outside their regular academic classes and lessons. As an educator, the response and outcomes we are already seeing from our students is exciting – it’s truly rewarding.”

The Microeconomy, a long-standing essential commerce component of Hershey’s Adolescent Program, teaches students about production and exchange. Emerging Leaders takes those learned skills and experiences and brings them to the next level. The Emerging Leaders course allows students to explore an innovative mindset and gives them the opportunity, time, and space to explore their creativity. Students are encouraged to think as entrepreneurs and innovators. This allows them to generate ideas for creative problem-solving and business endeavors that will promote well-being and economic prosperity in our local communities and on our school’s campus.

The Emerging Leaders Program serves as a Business credit for Upper School students.

If you would like more information on Hershey’s Emerging Leaders program, please contact Tania Bertolone at tbertolone@hershey-montessori.org.

Hershey Adolescents Enjoy Wide Range of Extracurricular Options

Hershey Adolescents Enjoy Wide Range of Extracurricular Options

This year, Hershey Montessori School’s Adolescent Community is excited to offer additional programming and experiences for its students through extracurricular activities. By offering a wide variety of clubs and activities to the campus community, Hershey aims to provide additional opportunities for adolescents to gain and strengthen skills, build relationships, and take on leadership roles.

Hershey’s adolescent guides were busy over the summer planning the following opportunities: Chess Club, Mural Creation, Outdoor Club, Theater, Sci-Fi, Horror and Mystery, Envirothon, Golf, Martial Arts, Math Counts, Bee Club, and Trivial Pursuit that will be offered throughout the year. In addition to personal growth and skill development, involvement in these new extracurricular activities can reflect positively on the character and type of leader and learner a student may be in their next community after high school.

According to Valerie Raines, Hershey’s College Guidance Counselor, colleges in the United States typically prioritize the selection of students who will likely make an academic contribution and be active on campus or in the surrounding area. Raines said, “It is more important for a student to engage in activities that they might continue after high school or where they can play a meaningful role. A handful of authentic pursuits will help our students build skills for adulthood and be more likely to land on a college campus with valuable abilities, interests, and talents to succeed on-campus and beyond.”

Hershey guides are enjoying working alongside students as they explore these activities together. Their hope is to see these initial offerings spark student-initiated clubs and activities that will continue to develop and grow over the years. This will continue to foster exploration in each individual student’s true passions.

“It is exciting to see the students’ eagerness to participate, especially in our younger students,” says Director of Advancement Wesley Wilson. “It shows they have a curiosity and passion to expand their learning, engagement, and social interactions beyond the classroom. Additionally, we are already seeing new after school activities beginning to be formed organically from students. This is certainly a part of the program that the students have been asking for and I am happy to see it come to fruition for them; I am confident it will continue to grow and shape over the years as the students lead the way.”

If you have questions or would like to request more information, please contact Wesley Wilson at wwilson@hershey-montessori.org.

Staff Spotlight: John Buzzard

Staff Spotlight: John Buzzard

This month’s Staff Spotlight features Hershey’s Upper School Humanities Guide, John Buzzard. John grew up in Alabama and has lived in many places, but finally called Ohio home about 7 years ago. He is currently moving from Kamm’s Corner on the west side of Cleveland to Lyndhurst. He is in his fourth year at Hershey Montessori School where he loves having the opportunity to work on skills he wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else, like making maple syrup or carving wooden toy cars. His favorite part of working at Hershey is having the opportunity to work with thoughtful and courteous students every day. John is married and loves spending time with his wife and three children: Vivian, 12; Caroline, 11; Gideon, 5, and their dog, Mabel.

Below is our full interview with John:

What did you do before coming to Hershey?

I have worked at a number of small schools, almost always with a project-based, student-centered structure. I have been a Curriculum Director, a Division Head, and a Head of School, but teaching is and will always be the best job.

What brought you to Hershey?

An admiration for the program here, including Upper School Montessori education, which is a newly developing model. I love being a part of things that are new and growing, and despite being new to Montessori, I have grown in understanding and admiration for this pedagogy.

What drew you to Montessori?

The focus on students and letting them lead the way.

Can you tell us what it is like in your classroom or the topics you cover?

In my 9th and 10th year Humanities class, I present themes related to current issues such as elections, immigration, economics, and others. Currently, we are studying the role of the police in our society. Like with any issue we cover, we look at it historically, legally, and in comparison to other countries. Students then do independent research on their own topic related to that theme and ultimately present their learning and arguments in some fashion – a presentation, an event, a paper, etc. In the 11th and 12th year, students are given additional freedom to determine the topics we cover and the kind of presentations they do. This allows the students to stay engaged and they gain a global view to help form their perspective.

What is unique to you as far as your approach to teaching or interacting with your students?

I believe that part of my job as a guide is to make great, genuine experiences possible – above and beyond the usual. So, let’s meet someone really important or especially interesting. Let’s go on a trip to someplace where events actually happened. Let’s create a new experience for ourselves and for others. To me, things like this are memorable and that means what we learn will stay with us far longer.

What is you favorite Hershey memory?

I have always loved the pancake breakfast. Seeing the entire Huntsburg community come together to work this event, and with barely any ‘training’ or experience, suddenly we are running a restaurant like we had been doing it for years. It is so fascinating and it gives me such admiration for our students and staff.

Where is your favorite place to go?

Camping, wherever that may be.

What is your favorite thing to do?

I love cooking, I love music, and I love games so … singing while eating dinner around a game?

What is a little-known fact about you?

I briefly ran a cooking business where we hosted events in people’s homes.

Who has made the biggest impact in your life and what does that impact look like?

It is hard to pick just one person, but I would say my first boss, John Potter. He hired me (with very little reason to do so) and gave me the space and support and responsibility to improve quickly.

What is your favorite book?

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin

What is your favorite quote?

Moderation in all things, including moderation.

Tell us your favorite movie.

Whiplash

How would your friends and family describe you?

Probably as freakishly sane and boring.

How would you describe yourself?

A learner.

Can you share with us your happiest moment?

Every moment I get to be a dad – I know, cop out, but I’ll stick with it!

What is the biggest life lesson you would like to share with others?

Relationships matter more than policy, knowledge, or expectations. Learning and teaching are about relationships, not information.

Is there anything else you would like to share or let others know?

As a guide, I see my role as being one that supports students in creating great learning experiences for themselves.

We cannot thank John enough for his contributions to our Huntsburg campus. He is an inspiration to his fellow staff and students, and it is an honor to have him as a member of our Hershey family.