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A Season of Thanks and GivingTuesday

A Season of Thanks and GivingTuesday

Nov 1, 2021 | School News | 0 comments

November ushers in a season of thanksgiving and gratitude. The staff, students, and administration of Hershey Montessori School are so grateful for our community and all who support it in all the various ways – whether it is through contribution of time, talent, finances, or voice, everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.

This month, we have the opportunity to participate in GivingTuesday. GivingTuesday is a global movement meant to unleash the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

If you love Montessori as much as we do, and it aligns with your values, we invite you to support Hershey Montessori School in our mission and approach to nurture the whole child. You can unleash the power of radical generosity and help grow our Montessori community this GivingTuesday. Join others across our community and across the globe by spreading the spirit of gratitude through your own personal action and generosity. You can make a direct impact by opening the Montessori door to exploration and learning for more children and adolescents.

Children and adolescents who attend Hershey Montessori School gain experience in self-discipline, deep focus, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and the development of advanced executive functioning skills, which builds autonomy throughout life. The Montessori Method has been proven to assist lifelong learning from as early as infancy and is even successfully used to aid the elderly by creating prepared environments, stimulating brain function and memory association that enables them to care for themselves, others, and their community. Montessori methods foster confidence and engagement at an individual pace, empowering creativity and independence to flourish.

At Hershey, we value each student’s journey through academic and personal growth. We invite you to help our mission reach across the globe and give the gift of more Montessori for more children with a donation to Hershey Montessori School today. Just click the GIVINGTUESDAY graphic below!

 

Staff Spotlight: John Buzzard

Staff Spotlight: John Buzzard

Oct 12, 2021 | Featured Posts, School Blog | 0 comments

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.

Head of Hershey Shares Insights on Developing Leaders and Global Education in a Pandemic

Head of Hershey Shares Insights on Developing Leaders and Global Education in a Pandemic

Sep 23, 2021 | School Blog, School News | 0 comments

Hershey Head of School, Paula Leigh-Doyle, was recently interviewed by Crain’s Cleveland Business. Leigh-Doyle shared perspectives that were incorporated in two news stories now published by Crain’s in its Crain’s 2021 Private School Planner. These articles include insights on developing future leaders and maintaining focus on global education during the pandemic.

In the article about developing tomorrow’s leaders, Leigh-Doyle was given a chance to share how a Montessori education helps students learn how to find leadership within themselves. “We’re student-led learning with adult guides,” says the Head of School. “Students are trained to be independent thinkers and interdependent collaborators.” You can read the rest of Crain’s article, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders, here.

In another article, Thinking Outside the Screen: Schools maintain focus on global education, experiential learning during a pandemic, Leigh-Doyle had the opportunity to speak about the importance of Hershey Montessori School’s international alumni during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. School enrollment dropped from 280 to about 250 students as boarders were unable to come to the school due to the COVID pandemic travel restrictions and health recommendations. “We’ve always had a framework for looking at education globally,” Leigh-Doyle says in the article. “And our international borders and alumni were really effective for us to connect globally when we couldn’t fly to those places.” Read the full article, Thinking Outside the Screen: Schools maintain focus on global education, experiential learning during a pandemic here.

Additionally, Hershey’s beautiful 13-acre Concord campus and 97-acre Huntsburg campus were featured in Crain’s Private School Planner. Importantly mentioned is the unique “microeconomy” at the Huntsburg campus, where academic concepts are integrated with economics and entrepreneurism, as students enhance their personal growth, along with their business, communication, and managerial skills. You can see this feature of Hershey Montessori School in Crain’s 2021 Private School Planner here.

Crain’s Cleveland Business journal is owned and operated by Crain Communications Inc. Crain is one of the most well recognized communications companies in the world, reaching over 78 million readers globally. Crain’s has 10 global locations with over 600 employees who manage Crain’s 20 industry-leading communication brands. It is an honor and pleasure to be able to share the lens of our Head of School and to share the examples of our Montessori institution with Crain’s Cleveland Business.

To schedule an interview or collaborative meeting with Paula Leigh-Doyle, contact Hershey Communications Director, Deanna Shrum, at dshrum@hershey-montessori.org.

Changing Minds in These Changing Times

Changing Minds in These Changing Times

Apr 21, 2021 | School Blog | 2 comments

By Kylie Golden-Appleton, Sophomore, Hershey Montessori School

 

This past year has been one of much change, both internally and externally, for me, and throughout the world. A growing consciousness of power systems and how they are perpetuated is emerging.

As I entered the Hershey community this year and met new friends, I found a shared interest and calling in exploring these current and historic issues, specifically regarding racism, as a community. Two of these friends, Lucy McNees and Cecilia Carney, and I were particularly inspired by Colorado College’s antiracism initiative. Borrowing from that model, the three of us have worked as co-conspirators with the guidance of Jacqui Miller, Director of Montessori Programming and Operations for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and friend to Hershey, to offer a space for learning and unlearning the truth about racism and equity.

Our Antiracism Initiative offers weekly seminars, programs for significant events and historical dates, and various resources for sharing. This work prompts all of us for personal reflection.

We set up lunch-time seminars, which have created a space for anyone who chooses, students and staff alike, to hold deeper conversations.

Earlier this year, we planned many opportunities for community engagement in honor of Black History Month. The topics of focus were:

  • Why We Have Black History Month
  • Black History in the U.S.
  • African Folklore and Culture
  • History of Medical Racism

Students and guides have gotten involved in various ways, such as doing individual research of specific events and topics, exploring folklore, discussing medical charts, reflecting on the significance of history and how we can carry this energy forward throughout every month.

In March, to honor Women’s History and acknowledge the intersectionality of race and gender, we continued independent research and discussions.

As a book workshop, we are beginning Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be an Antiracist and will meet weekly to process as a group.

I have learned that there is no right way to do this work or right path to take, and it has been beautiful to watch how each individual community member approaches this complex question of how to truly embody Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in a meaningful, practical way.

There is much work to do to make this intention — antiracism — a reality, and I hope the momentum from this past month can fuel our growth. 

 

Staff Spotlight: Valerie Raines

Staff Spotlight: Valerie Raines

Apr 14, 2021 | Featured Posts, School Blog | 0 comments

 

We created a Staff Spotlight series to bring recognition of the many amazing guides and administrators while connecting with them in a personal way.

This month, we honor

Valerie Raines

 

Valerie Raines has been with Hershey Montessori School since 2015. She serves as our College Counselor to Upper School students and families. She works with students from grades ten through twelve as they make plans for their life after high school. Valerie provides advice and support in navigating college selections, college admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.

Valerie’s career includes three decades of service in education and philanthropy with positions at Laurel School, Oberlin College, Connecticut College, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, United Way, and KeyBank Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University and her master’s degree at Case Western Reserve University. She is also president of VRaines Consulting.

Her knowledge, expertise, and passion for what she does makes for an invaluable gift we are all grateful for at Hershey.

Check out our interview with Valerie below.

 

Where are you from and where do you now live?

I grew up in Cleveland, and lived in Illinois and Connecticut. I have traveled to most U.S. states and across Canada. I’ve also been to South America, Africa, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

What did you do before coming to Hershey?

I worked in admissions at Connecticut College and Oberlin College. I was college counselor at Laurel School (my alma mater). At KeyBank Foundation, I facilitated grants for education programs.

 

What brought you to Hershey?

I met Laurie and Jim Ewert-Krocker at a gala for Montessori High School in Cleveland. At the time, Hershey was looking for a college counselor for the new Upper School.

 

What drew you to Montessori?

My son attended Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights. As a college admissions recruiter, I visited hundreds of schools that felt like cinderblock tunnels where students had factory-like experiences. I knew I didn’t want that for my child and that all children deserved better learning environments and experiences.

 

What is your favorite part of your work at Hershey?

I love celebrating with 12th graders when college acceptances arrive. I also love getting started with 10th graders because we begin earlier than other schools and the students are so excited!

 

What is your favorite Hershey memory?

Our day trips on the Hershey bus to visit nearby colleges with our students: Allegheny, Wooster, Kent State, Hiram, Cleveland State, Case Western Reserve, Lakeland Community College, Oberlin, John Carroll, and Mount Union. I love hearing their oohs and aahs as they discover what is possible at colleges.

 

Where is your favorite place to go?

I long for the spectacular fireworks in Sydney, Australia every New Year’s Eve!

 

What is your favorite thing to do?

I love summer festivals for jazz and theater in Canada.

 

What is a little-known fact about you?

I’ve been cutting my own hair during COVID (don’t inspect too closely).

 

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

I have benefited from a loving family and strong network of educators my whole life. I am inspired by how they have gone extra miles to foster and celebrate my successes.

 

What is your favorite book?

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I still wonder about those characters.

 

What is your favorite quote?

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Dr. Martin Luther King in “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”

 

What is your favorite movie?

Fences, based upon the play by August Wilson, starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

 

How would your friends and family describe you?

Caring, determined, always learning.

 

How would you describe yourself?

Always looking for ways to address big problems.

 

What is your happiest moment?

Seeing my son graduate (high school and college).

 

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

Adapt to what life calls upon you to do and find the lessons in each situation you are in.

 

That is great advice and profound wisdom, Valerie.

Thank you for taking time to share with us. On behalf of students, families, and all Hershey staff, we appreciate you and greatly value what you bring to our community!