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Huntsburg Campus Fundraises for Geauga Hunger Task Force, Providing Over 1,000 Meals

Huntsburg Campus Fundraises for Geauga Hunger Task Force, Providing Over 1,000 Meals

Dec 15, 2025 | Featured Posts, School News | 0 comments


Students and staff exceed fundraising goal to fight food insecurity in Geauga County through a creative November challenge.

Students and staff at Hershey Montessori School’s Huntsburg Campus came together throughout November to raise funds for the Geauga County Hunger Task Force, and their efforts paid off in a big way. What began as a goal to raise $300 turned into a remarkable achievement—they raised $608, which is enough to provide more than 1,000 meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Geauga County.

 

 

 

A Creative Fundraising Challenge

The fundraiser was part of a month-long campaign to raise awareness about hunger in the community. Some staff members added a fun twist by pledging not to shave during November and agreeing to a playful challenge. They agreed to subjecting themselves to a pie in the face if they lost a point contest. Points were earned through pennies and bills, while nickels, dimes, and quarters subtracted points—making the competition lively and engaging!

 

Impact Beyond the Classroom

“While a contest may name a winner, the real victory is found in supporting the dignity and well-being of those who will receive meals,” said Diana Le Sieur, Interim Head of School and Admissions Director.

Every dollar raised provides two meals to the more than 10,000 people in Geauga County who face food insecurity.

Last week, students and staff proudly handed a check for $608 to Sue Juhasz, Director of the Geauga Hunger Task Force. “This far exceeded our $300 goal,” said the Huntsburg team. “We are thrilled to make a difference and grateful to everyone who contributed.”

Hershey Montessori School thanks all students, families, and staff who participated and supported this important cause. Together, we proved that small acts of kindness can create a big impact.

 

Grace and Courtesy: The Heart of a Montessori Community

Grace and Courtesy: The Heart of a Montessori Community

Dec 15, 2025 | Featured Posts, School Blog | 0 comments

At Hershey Montessori School, we go beyond academics—we nurture the whole child. One of the most beautiful aspects of the Montessori approach is Grace and Courtesy, a set of lessons that teach children to interact with kindness, respect, and confidence. Montessori education teaches empathy for others by being intentional in how we treat one another.

 

What is Grace and Courtesy?

Grace and Courtesy lessons give children practical, real-life skills to navigate social situations thoughtfully. These lessons empower students to communicate effectively, respect others, and contribute to a peaceful community. Teachers model these behaviors and guide students through role-playing and practice.

Learn more about Montessori Practical Life Lessons and how they build independence.

 

 

Why It Matters

Grace and Courtesy slows life down and reminds us of the importance of human connection. When children greet someone warmly, offer help, or listen attentively, they develop empathy and self-awareness—skills that last a lifetime.

See how Montessori schools educate for peace and how these lessons foster harmony.

 

Examples in Our Classrooms

  • Children greet friends and visitors politely.
  • They wait patiently for their turn.
  • They offer assistance when someone needs help.
  • They express gratitude and say “thank you.”
  • They move quietly and respectfully through shared spaces.

We weave these lessons into daily life at Hershey Montessori School at all grade/program levels, creating an environment where every child and adolescent feels valued and respected.

 

The Montessori Difference

Grace and Courtesy does not impose rigid rules—it cultivates a culture of respect and care. By practicing these skills, students learn that their actions impact others, and they gain confidence in their ability to contribute positively to their community.

“We must prepare the child for the forms of social life, and we must guide his attention toward these forms.”

— Maria Montessori

 

Join Us in Nurturing Grace

Grace and Courtesy thrives here—not through rigid rules, but through living examples and shared values.

By weaving Grace and Courtesy into every moment, Hershey Montessori empowers students to become caring, confident contributors to society—just as Dr. Maria Montessori envisioned.

We invite you to visit a classroom—see how our students practice grace with one another and with visitors. Talk with our guides about how you can reinforce these lessons at home – or share a photo or story of your child showing courtesy!

Cursive Handwriting Boosts Brain Development in Montessori Students 

Cursive Handwriting Boosts Brain Development in Montessori Students 

Nov 10, 2025 | Featured Posts, School Blog | 0 comments

Montessori Philosophy Meets Cursive Writing 

Montessori educators embrace cursive handwriting as a powerful tool for early childhood development. Guides at Hershey Montessori School integrate cursive into their curriculum as early as Children’s House where children ages three to six begin benefitting from its additional support of brain growth, literacy, and fine motor skills. 

Scientific Evidence of Brain Activation 

Scientific studies show that children who learn cursive activate important brain regions linked to memory, language, and coordination. This increased brain activity helps students retain information, express ideas more clearly, and develop stronger writing fluency. For example, a high-density EEG study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that cursive handwriting activates synchronized brain activity in regions critical for learning and memory formation (Frontiers Study). 

Fluid Motion Enhances Literacy 

Unlike print writing or typing, cursive encourages smooth, continuous motion. This fluidity allows children to write faster and focus more on their thoughts than on forming individual letters. It also helps reduce common letter reversals, such as confusing “b” and “d,” which supports early reading and spelling (The OT Toolbox). 

Motor Skills and Academic Performance 

Cursive writing strengthens hand-eye coordination and fine motor control—skills essential for academic success and everyday tasks. A study published in PLOS ONE showed that first-grade students who received cursive instruction performed better in reading and writing assessments than those who did not (PLOS ONE Study). 

Support for Diverse Learners 

For children with learning differences, cursive can offer a more accessible and effective way to communicate. Neuroscience research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology also confirms that handwriting—especially cursive—boosts brain connectivity more than typing, enhancing memory and learning (Neuroscience News). 

Cursive as a Gateway to Expression and Growth 

By teaching cursive, Montessori schools connect students to history, personal expression, and lifelong learning. Cursive handwriting is proven to be a powerful tool for early childhood development. At Hershey Montessori, we view cursive as more than handwriting—it’s a gateway to cognitive growth and creative confidence. 

Remembering Michael Bagiackas: A Foundational Guide for Hershey Montessori

Remembering Michael Bagiackas: A Foundational Guide for Hershey Montessori

Oct 30, 2025 | Featured Posts, School News | 2 comments

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Michael Bagiackas. Michael was not only a beloved Montessori guide but also Hershey Montessori’s first principal, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for our school.

From 1983 to 1995, Michael served as Teaching Principal, guiding students and families with wisdom, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to Montessori principles. He taught early and upper elementary, inspiring countless children while also leading the way in expanding our programs. Under his leadership, the school bought land and built the first phase of the Concord campus. The program by then had grown beyond its early beginnings by adding birth-to-three programs and the elementary classrooms that continue to thrive today.

Michael’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. He was a mentor to parents and educators alike, encouraging many to deepen their understanding of Montessori education. His passion for learning and his gentle, thoughtful approach left an indelible mark on our community.

Debbie Guren, Hershey board member, philanthropist, and long-time supporter, recalls:
“Michael taught all three of my children. He was a phenomenal guide who inspired me to learn more about Montessori. He helped grow our little school by adding elementary and birth-to-three programs. In 2013, I ran into him at the Montessori Congress in Portland, and it was like no time had passed—his warmth and passion for Montessori were as strong as ever.”

Others remember Michael’s quiet humor and his ability to make every child feel seen. He had a gift for turning everyday moments into lessons of independence and wonder. Alumni often share stories of Michael sitting cross-legged on the floor, listening intently to a child’s discovery, or guiding a group through a hands-on science experiment with contagious enthusiasm.

Michael’s leadership was visionary. At a time when Montessori education was still finding its footing in Northeast Ohio, he championed growth with courage and creativity. Under his guidance, Hershey Montessori expanded beyond its early beginnings, laying the foundation for the thriving community we know today.

Michael is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kaemaple Cotter; his children Maya May Holmes (and husband Brian), Ananda (and partner Jonathan DeVilbiss), and Emrys; his grandson Dylan Haviland; his siblings Claudia, Jean, Kat, and Thomas; and several generations of extended family.

Michael’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he taught and the programs he helped build. We invite alumni and friends to share their memories and reflections. Your stories will help us honor Michael’s life and celebrate the enduring impact of his work.

A gathering of remembrance will be held at the Plainfield Opera House in Plainfield, Vermont, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at noon. All are welcome. More information can be found here.

 

Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation: Hershey Montessori Huntsburg Campus Marks Milestone Anniversary

Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation: Hershey Montessori Huntsburg Campus Marks Milestone Anniversary

Oct 6, 2025 | Featured Posts, School News | 0 comments

HUNTSBURG, OH — Nestled among the wooded acres of Geauga County, Hershey Montessori School’s Huntsburg Campus is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 25 years of pioneering adolescent education rooted in the Montessori philosophy. Since its founding in 2000, the campus has grown into a globally recognized model for experiential learning, sustainability, and community-minded, project-based education.

A Vision Realized
The Huntsburg Campus was the first in the world to fully implement Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision for adolescent education. Built on 97 acres of farmland and forest, the campus integrates academics with purposeful work, including farming, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Students aged 12 to 18 live and learn in a setting designed to foster independence, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

“Twenty-five years ago, we planted a seed—an idea that adolescents could thrive in a place rooted in trust, purpose, and connection to the earth,” said Debra Hershey Guren, HMS board emeritus, major donor, alumni parent, and current grandparent. “Watching that vision grow into a vibrant, global community has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. Hershey’s Huntsburg Campus is more than a school—it’s a living expression of Montessori’s cosmic vision, where young people are truly seen, challenged, and inspired.”

From Seed to Legacy
What began as a bold experiment has flourished into a living community of growth and connection. For more than a quarter of a century, the Huntsburg Campus has welcomed adolescents from around the world, each bringing unique cultures, perspectives, and gifts.

“I still remember when I first visited the Huntsburg Campus. I saw students joyfully working in the garden—so confident, so connected. It was clear this was more than a school. For 25 years, Hershey has honored the adolescent journey with purpose, trust, and deep respect. Watching young people grow into themselves here has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said John Buzzard, Huntsburg Campus Director.

The intentional design of Hershey Montessori’s academic and social programs, open the door for students to engage in purposeful work that nurtures independence, responsibility, and care for others.

The Production & Exchange program is one example—an opportunity for adolescents to experience meaningful work and economic literacy through real-world practice. This essential program, and many others, have been supported and sustained through the generosity of a number of donors, among them The Hershey Foundation, the Rig III Foundation, The Dekko Foundation, and the Jerome T. Osborne and Georgeanne S. Osborne Charitable Trust.

Looking Ahead
With its foundation firmly rooted in Montessori principles and its gaze set on the future, Hershey Montessori’s Huntsburg Campus continues to evolve.

“As we celebrate 25 years of the Huntsburg Campus, we honor not just a milestone, but a movement—one that has redefined what adolescent education can be. This campus began as a bold vision rooted in Montessori’s Erdkinder principles, and today it stands as a living, breathing example of what happens when young people are trusted to lead, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their world,” said Diana LeSieur, Interim Head of School and Director of Admissions. “Looking ahead, our commitment is stronger than ever—to deepen our impact, expand access, and continue evolving with the needs of our students and the world they will inherit. The next 25 years hold extraordinary promise, and we are ready to meet them with purpose, passion, and possibility.”

For more about the Huntsburg Campus and its programs, visit the Hershey Montessori School website.