Hershey News
Get an in-depth look at the rich learning experience of Hershey Montessori.
Middle School Students Thrive with Hershey’s Integrated Academics
Students Excel with Experiential Learning, Using a Global View, Whole Systems Approach
Nicole Lederle, Middle School Guide
It started in the classroom and then continued in the woodshop, where collaboration met conceptualization, which ultimately led students to a new marketable product.
Nicole Lederle, leading Hershey middle schooler’s Industrial Revolution Humanities class, invited collaboration with Sean Wheeler, Hershey’s Woodshop Manager.
Students were assigned readings about the historical context surrounding production in the late 19th century, including an analysis of quantity vs. quality with cottage industries and factory production, noting related working conditions for minors and adults. Nicole wanted students to have a sensorial experience of a working assembly line. Sean proposed a wooden cell phone amplifier for a case study.
After a thorough safety orientation, students took detailed observation notes in the Program Barn as Sean made a single amplifier as a craftsperson would. The process required seven different power tools and the application of polish to reveal the wood’s rich, cherry color. Students were trained at different workstations in the following class, and in a future class, they will run a real assembly line, including counting how many amplifiers can be produced in the time it took a craftsperson to make just one while working alone.
Additionally, the middle school Humanities class seamlessly linked to the campus Microeconomy program, a cornerstone of Montessori education, which is structured to provide adolescents with purposeful opportunities to participate in and manage small business endeavors in order to grow through the personal experience of economic activity. Students were tasked with conducting a cost analysis.
Student-crafted wooden phone amplifiers
They learned that the phone amplifier’s raw materials cost about $5 per unit. Each finished cell phone amplifier sells for approximately $30 at market.
After playing music 30% louder than the phone’s unaided speaker, Sean measured a flat board that had been milled from a felled tree on the school’s campus. Each board was long enough to make just over four amplifiers. Stacking the boards, he counted by increments of $120 as students’ eyes widened: “$120, $240, $360, $480, $600…”
As adolescents use their brains and hands, working and growing in responsibility, they gain respect for the value of labor and learn that they, too, are capable of it.
Dr. Maria Montessori advised that educators should not give more to the brain than we give to the hand, and Hershey’s middle school guides are doing an incredible job balancing that, while creating a collaborated, whole systems, experiential approach for their students.
The Sweet Flow of Maple – from One Generation to the Next
While the Hershey Montessori School’s 200-year-old sugarhouse was donated, dismantled, and reconstructed on the Huntsburg Campus in 2021, it wasn’t until this Spring 2023 that the sugarhouse would have its own maple syrup system.
Thanks to Martin Chabot, General Manager, and Jerad Sutton, Ohio Sales Representative, at CDL Sugaring Equipment, the students at the Huntsburg Campus, guided by HMS faculty Natalie Hudak, now have an 18” x 48” wood evaporator to learn the process, science, history, and fun of making their own maple syrup.
Butternut Maple Farm, Sugar Pines Farm, GTP Plumbing, Valley Hardwoods, and numerous other volunteers also contributed equipment, labor, and expertise. These donors are multi-generational maple syrup producers here in Northeast Ohio. Their reason for donating is to pass along their knowledge, passion, joy, and respect for the earth that comes from making pure maple syrup.
Thanks to these generous maple syrup producers and their forefathers, our students today have an opportunity to nurture their connection to the earth and carry on the historic art of making maple syrup.
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Visits Hershey
Hershey Montessori School would like to acknowledge and give gratitude to Mandy Orahood, Organization Director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, for coming out to visit the Hershey Montessori Huntsburg Campus.
Guided by Hershey Montessori School student tour guides, Brigid and Claire, Mandy was introduced to the agriculture-related microeconomies and learned how these tie to academics and entrepreneurism.
The Ohio Farm Bureau is focused on growing the next generation of farmers and producers in Ohio. Along with trusted organizations like The Ohio State University, FFA (Future Farmers of America), and 4-H, Farm Bureau helps to promote career pathways, agriculture literacy, and provide economic opportunity, networking opportunities, and leadership development for young farmers.
Claire and Brigid talk about the microeconomy work.
Joyce explains the work of the students on the farm.
The students led Jane, Joyce, and Mandy on the tour.
Claire explains the work of the students on the farm.
The HMS team included Brigid, Claire, HMS board member Jane Neubauer, HMS farm manager Joyce Cole, and Director of Development Yvonne Delgado Thomas.
Your Giving Tuesday Gift Can Be Matched
Finally, Something Dangerous Book Launch with Hershey’s Doug Cornett
Hershey Upper School ELA Guide, Doug Cornett, has authored the second book in his One and Onlys mystery series. Finally, Something Dangerous: The One and Onlys and the Case of the Robot Crow will be released from Random House Children’s Books November 22 — just in time for the holidays!
Please join Doug in person at the Larchmere Holiday Stroll for his book launch at Loganberry Books in Cleveland on Saturday, November 26, at 1:00 pm.
Let’s congratulate Doug and celebrate this great accomplishment together!
About the Book
The mystery-solving trio, the One and Onlys, from Finally, Something Mysterious is back with another whodunit. Robot crows, a poetry-slash-wrestling Club, and a hamster infestation? This looks like another case to tackle!
As the excitement from the last mystery the One and Onlys solved is starting to dwindle, Shanks, Peephole, and Paul worry that their town is back to being boring old Bellwood. But as plans for a shiny town makeover get underway, they realize that the “old Bellwood” is anything but.
The glee over “New Bellwood” is palpable, and it’s hard not to get swept away by the flashy new milkshake joint and other developments that are quickly making their small town unrecognizable. But the One and Onlys can’t deny that something nefarious seems to be afoot–especially if the robot crow they stumbled upon is any indication.
Strange? Yes. Dangerous? Hopefully! Shanks doesn’t know how these things are connected, but she’s determined to find out—with the help of the One and Onlys.
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/.
Hershey Shifts into Referral Drive!
Our 2022-2023 Referral Drive is on and we are asking families, staff, and students to please join us in growing our Montessori community! We believe that it is in the best interest of children and the future, to empower young learners with the necessary tools and skills that Hershey provides to effectively navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. Help us ready this generation to impact their communities for years to come!
Why a Hershey Montessori education?
The outcomes observed in Montessori students include independence, confidence, adaptability, financial literacy, and life skills such as organization and self-direction, problem-solving, innovating solutions, and effectively communicating. Montessori students are college, career, and life ready, and they possess a desire to continually learn and grow through all circumstances.
What kind of students might be a great fit for Hershey Montessori School? Some characteristics may inlcude:
- Independent thinkers
- Scientifically minded
- Curious collaborators
- Lovers of peace and nature
- Desire to belong to an authentic community
What can Hershey offer students and families?
- Comprehensive education
- Sincere focus on the whole child
- Individualized attention
- Safe school environment
- Warm and caring community
- And so much more!
How can you participate? Just a few simple efforts can make a profound impact!
- Share your child’s/grandchild’s education experiences with other parents and students
- Invite friends to attend a school open house, visitors’ day, or student shadow
- Share Hershey’s social media posts with your friends and followers
What is in it for you?
- Free Hershey gear (items will vary by month) as gratitude for every referral that attends our school open house, visitors’ day, or shadows a Hershey student
- A $250 tuition credit for current families if their referral enrolls a student
- Peace in knowing you are positively impacting the most foundational years in education of both current and potential new students
The Referral Drive will run throughout the 2022-23 school year. If you have any questions, please contact Hershey’s Admissions Director, Lakisha Wingard, by calling 440-357-0918 or by email at admissions@hershey-montessori.org.
We look forward to a vibrant school year at Hershey and we thank you for being important contributors to our incredible community. We are grateful for you partnering with us in this year’s Referral Drive!
Ready-Set-Go to Hershey’s 2022 Cosmic Run!
Hershey Montessori School will host its 2022 Cosmic Run 5K and and 1-mile fun walk on Saturday, October 22, 2022. The event will be held at Observatory Park located at 10610 Clay St., Montville in the Geauga Park District.
Race start time is 9:00 am. Registration may be made at gcxcracing.com/hersheycosmic.
Participants can pick up their race packets between 4-7 pm on Friday, October 21 at Hershey Montessori School’s Concord Campus or at 8:15 am on the day of the race at Observatory Park.
This annual event has become a community favorite. It serves as a healthy, family-friendly event that provides great fun and connection. For many, it is a much anticipated autumn tradition.
More details can be found on our 5K page or by contacting the school at 440-357-0918.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2022-2023 Campus Visit Opportunities
What Is an Open House and Visitors’ Day?
Open House’s and Visitors’ Days are a set time for prospective parents to visit our school. They are structured to provide a clearer understanding of our Montessori approach to education, Hershey’s academic curriculum, and campus atmosphere. There are numerous benefits of attending an Open House or Visitors’ Day, many of which cannot be achieved by simply browsing our school website. By attending one of these events, you are able to experience Hershey Montessori School, our classrooms, and oftentimes our staff. You will gain valuable insight into the programs and culture of our school.
If you are ready to learn more and have your questions answered, please register to attend.
OPEN HOUSE, VISITORS’ DAYS & INFO SESSION DATES
Open Houses
2nd Wednesday of the following months:
- February 8th | 9:00 – 11:00 am
- March 8th | 9:00 – 11:00 am
- April 12th | 9:00 – 11:00 am
- May 10th | 9:00 – 11:00 am
Visitors’ Days
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- February 13, 2023 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- March 31, 2023 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm
- April 10, 2023 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- May 8, 2023 | 9:00 am – 11:00 am
What to Expect
You will be given a tour of the school building(s) and see our Montessori classrooms and our outdoor space that provides stress-reducing connections to nature. A presentation will be given, allowing time afterward for a question and answer session.
Takeaways
As you attend one of these visiting opportunities, you will be better informed and equipped to make the best decision for your child’s education. It will allow you to visualize your child in this specific school setting and determine whether it may be a good fit. The feeling you get from being on campus will be an important indicator of whether the school is a good choice for your child and family. Ask questions, be open-minded, and trust your parental instincts.
What Are the Benefits of In-Person Visits?
Prospective families and students benefit greatly by attending one of our visiting opportunities. There is only so much that can be learned from literature, browsing a website and its videos, or even peer reviews. An in-person visit provides greater understanding through physical experience.
When attending:
- You have face-to-face dialogue with school personnel and sometimes students.
- You experience authentic classroom settings.
- You learn more about the curriculum and will be able to differentiate between Hershey Montessori School and other school options.
- You gain a clearer understanding of the school’s values and its approach to education.
- You learn what outcomes can be expected from our Montessori education model.
- You learn how the school communicates with you about your child’s educational progress.
- You get a feel for the culture of the school.
- You learn things that help you in your decision-making process.
- You are given the opportunity to ask questions as they arise.
- You meet some really nice people!
We hope you will join us as you search out your child’s education options. We value families who value education. We sincerely look forward to meeting you!
Hershey Montessori School Third Grade Students Initiate Aid for Ukraine
Pictured back row from left to right: Anderson (grade 2), Boutros (grade 3). Front row from left to right: Graham (grade 3), Casimir (grade 3), Noah (grade 3), Karson (grade 3), Jude (grade 3).
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Hershey Montessori School third grade students recently initiated a medical supply collection to help support the people of Ukraine in their time of crisis.
The students came to school talking about their concerns for Ukraine after hearing stories on the news. As they shared among the class, they became motivated to do something to help. Third grade teacher Saren Peetz took notice of the students’ compassion for the Ukrainian people and recognized the educational opportunity at hand. She gave the students a basic history lesson about Russia and Ukraine relations and shared with them the geography of those countries. Together, the class became inspired to do something to help.
Motivated to action, the students began discussing possible ways to help the people of Ukraine, including holding a drive for food-based supplies. They found it difficult, however, to find anyone who would still be accepting food item donations by mid-March. After further exploration, they heard that local churches and MedWish were donating medical supplies. The students agreed on that as their mission and set their minds to initiate a medical supply drive right on their own school campus.
“The students organized everything themselves. They decided on dates, which organization to donate to, and they even called to ensure the organizations would accept their donations at the end of our supply drive. They made a list of action steps to accomplish the drive, created a flyer, made copies, and passed them out to all the students and to every family in the school at our Concord Campus. They even organized the supplies as they came in,” said Peetz. “They are now in the process of planning a student-led field trip (a “going out”) to MedWish International in Cleveland to drop off the supplies. That trip will include navigating for a staff driver using maps and making calls to MedWish again ahead of time.”
The supply drive ran from March 15th to April 15th and will benefit refugees of the Ukraine crisis. It was specifically to collect medical supplies and related items, including pain relievers, vitamins, bandages, and backpacks.
The students have worked hard and meticulously on this project to help the Ukrainian people. We are grateful for the tremendous community support and contributions to their project. We know that the people of Ukraine will be even more appreciative.