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Hershey Shifts into Referral Drive!

Hershey Shifts into Referral Drive!

Sep 19, 2022 | Current Parents, Events, Featured Posts, School News | 0 comments

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!

  1. Share your child’s/grandchild’s education experiences with other parents and students
  2. Invite friends to attend a school open house, visitors’ day, or student shadow
  3. 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!

Ready-Set-Go to Hershey’s 2022 Cosmic Run!

Sep 13, 2022 | Events, Featured Posts, School News | 0 comments

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

2022-2023 Campus Visit Opportunities

Aug 9, 2022 | Events, Featured Posts, School News | 0 comments

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

Concord Campus, Birth-6th Grade: 10229 Prouty Road, Concord, Ohio 44077
 

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
Register Here
Huntsburg Campus, 7th-12th Grade: 11530 Madison Road, Huntsburg, Ohio 44046
 

Visitors’ Days

    • 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
Register Here

 

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!

Staff Spotlight: Luisa Mendez

Staff Spotlight: Luisa Mendez

May 23, 2022 | Featured Posts, School Blog | 0 comments

This month’s staff spotlight honors Luisa Mendez. Luisa has been with Hershey Montessori School since 2008. She started at Hershey as the Spanish teacher and Library coordinator. She then went on to earn her AMI diploma in Denver, Colorado. Luisa now works as a Young Child Community guide where she spends her days guiding and supporting young children in their development as well as supporting their parents in their journey of parenting.

 

Hi Luisa, do you have a nickname?

My family calls me by my middle name; Yanina and Lu. 🙂

 

Tell us what you do at Hershey that is unique to you.

This is really hard to answer! I guess that would be that I speak Spanish with the children and teach them songs in Spanish.

 

That is unique! I bet the children love it. What is your favorite part of your work at Hershey?

My favorite part is seeing how much the children change in such a short period of time. To see them discover the world through the material in the environment; to build relationships with their peers and the adults that support them; to be able to support them in developing the joy for work from a very young age. I love having fun with them by dancing and singing, going on our daily morning walks, and connecting with nature.

 

Tell us about your family. 

I am married to Patrick Lauriano. Patrick was born in Brazil. We met when I started working at his family restaurant while going to college. We have two daughters, Gabi and Isa, and they are both at Hershey’s Huntsburg campus. Gabi is 16 and is in her 10th year, and Isa is 12 in her 7th year. We also have a cat named Nalo.

 

Where are you from?

I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States with my mom and three sisters when I was 12 years old. I grew up on the west side of Cleveland and moved to Painesville to go to Lake Erie College. I have been living there ever since.

 

What did you do before coming to Hershey?                                                        

I was a Spanish teacher at another school and worked as a waitress in a Mexican restaurant.

 

What brought you to Hershey?                                

I came to interview for the Spanish position and felt so connected with the Montessori approach. I knew then that I wanted my daughter, Gabi (that was 2 at that time) to grow up with these principles.

 

So you were immediately drawn to Montessori?

Yes, during the interview, I was invited to observe a Children’s House community. I instantly fell in love with the joy I saw in the classrooms. The concentration and the collaboration between the children — all the grace and courtesy that happened during my observation was mind-blowing. I knew then that I wanted this way of life for all my children.

 

It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Do you have a favorite Hershey memory?                     

When I was the Spanish teacher, I used to come in quietly into each room. I used to greet every child that joined my lessons by shaking their hands and saying good morning in Spanish, “Buenos Dias.” I remember there was a child that used to always say and even share with all her friends, “Buenos Dias is here, Buenos Dias is here!” when I entered the classroom. She thought Buenos Dias was my name.

 

That is precious! Tell us where your love to go.

The beach is for sure my favorite place in the world. I love to visit the Dominican Republic every time I can and share my culture with my girls. The ocean and the sand have powerful ways of taking all my worries away, and bring me so much peace.

 

What is your favorite thing to do?

I love dancing to all types of music, but especially Latin music. I love cooking and sharing the food I make with others. I also love deep cleaning, especially the kitchen!

 

What is a little known fact about you?

I love snakes, especially the really big ones. I hope to one day be able to go to the Amazon River to see a big anaconda.

 

Oh my! What is your favorite book?

Holes by Louis Sachar.

 

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Be the change you want in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi.

 

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

My mom has made the biggest impact in my life. When we were growing up, she had to work so hard to provide for me and my sister. She instilled in me the value of working hard for our dreams.

 

How would your friends and family describe you and how would you describe yourself?

My closest friends would probably describe me as someone who is kind and always willing to lend a helping hand to those that need my help, that I probably put others before myself — and that I take too much on but somehow manage to accomplish most of those things and that I don’t know how to say no.

I would describe myself as someone who loves supporting and helping others; as someone with positive hopes for future generations. I love being with my family and sharing special moments with them.

 

Tell us about your happiest moments.

Going on vacation with family, to travel with them and share all the wonderful things this earth has to offer.

 

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

That we should always fight for our dreams with hard work and dedication; that we can be the difference and change in the world, but it must start with change in ourselves. There is nothing that kindness can’t make better.

 

So very true, Luisa. Thank you for sharing your time and your personal side of life with us. It is such a pleasure to get to know more about you. We truly appreciate what you bring to your classroom and are grateful for your presence and work in our community!

Alumni Spotlight: Makenna Venaleck

Alumni Spotlight: Makenna Venaleck

Apr 28, 2022 | Alumni Spotlight, Hershey Alumni, School Blog | 0 comments

This Alumni Spotlight is devoted to Makenna Venaleck. Makenna is in her fourth year as a full-time student at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she lives with her three roommates and Wybie, their “wonderful” cat. She will graduate in May with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Applied Mathematics. Makenna is originally from Concord, and upon graduation, she will be relocating back to the Cleveland area to begin working as a Systems Engineer for RoviSys, an automation engineering company in Aurora.

Enjoy our interview with Makenna, below.

 

Hi Makenna, thank you for your time today. Let’s start with first things first. What brought you to Hershey Montessori School and how long were you here? 

I came to Hershey because my mom worked/works there and used to bring me to school with her as a baby. I officially started Hershey in the YCC (Young Child Community). I spent all my school years at Hershey — From YCC to 12th grade — from 1 year to 18 years old!

 

How amazing. What did you like most about your Montessori education?

I liked the holistic approach to every topic of education. Being able to see the connection between the abstract concepts being taught and the physical land that was present was very valuable and kept me invested in my own education solely for the purpose of learning. I was able to dive deeper into every topic purely because it was interesting to me and because I felt the joy of learning.

 

Yes, it’s an incredible approach. Do you have a favorite Hershey memory?

My favorite Hershey memories are from community work and cooking in the kitchen. I loved the sense of community and feelings of accomplishment involved with community work — whether it was cleaning out the cow stalls or painting murals for the play. I also loved cooking in the kitchen because it was fun to get to know the people I was in the kitchen with, and it felt great to help provide something for the whole community.

 

What is one thing about Hershey you would like others to know?

The real power of Hershey is the community that is fostered and the compassion that it builds. I was able to care not only about the educational concepts I was learning but for the people that I was learning about as well. The designated seminar periods where everyone was encouraged to share their thoughts on a subject broadened my view on what a respectful discussion should consist of and how to listen to differing opinions. The genuine care that everyone (both the students and the guides) had for each other taught me to hold that compassion and maintain curiosity for everyone I encounter. All of these things, other than just the education, are what have really helped me as I’ve carried on in life.

 

Where is your favorite place to go?

When I’m home, I love going to Lake Erie. I love the sound of the waves and the serenity of the water.

 

We’re fortunate to be so close to the lake! So, what is your favorite thing to do?

I love to travel and experience new cultures, food, and activities. But on a day-to-day basis, I love getting outside and going on hikes with my family and friends!

 

I see the connections to nature Hershey provides has not been lost on you! Now, we know you have a mathematical mind by your chosen career path, but do you have hobbies or other specific interests?

I enjoy taking time off to do my creative hobbies like playing piano and drawing.

 

It’s great that you still make time for those creative expressions. Can you share a little-known fact about you?

My favorite bird is an indigo bunting.

 

How neat! Do you have a favorite book?

I love to read all book genres from Harry Potter to Pride and Prejudice. It’s too hard to pick!

 

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Life is available only in the present moment.” (Thic Nhat Hanh)

 

Excellent quote and reminder! What is your favorite movie?

I love a good documentary/docuseries about nature/culture/true crime, but also could re-watch any Marvel movie any day.

 

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

My mom impacts me every day through her constant example of intentional mindfulness. It has taught me patience, compassion, and given me tools to see joy in every day.

A previous Hershey legend, Jim Ewert-Krocker, has also impacted me by providing an example of diligence and hard work. His example motivates me to place my full effort into the work that I do so I can produce results that positively affect the people around me. Using this diligence, I can be proud of myself daily because I know that I did my best at whatever task, big or small.

 

That is beautiful, Makenna. How would your friends and family describe you, and how would you describe yourself?

This is a tough one, but probably that I’m driven, creative, and loyal.

I would say that I simply care a lot about what I contribute to the world, how I do that, and who that affects. I’m motivated by personal success but mostly by achieving the big picture goals. I also place a lot of value on the creation of interpersonal connections along the way.

 

Love your intentionality. What has been your happiest moment?

Any moment spent with my friends and family outside in the sun is where I am happiest.

 

That is perfection, isn’t it?! Do you have a life lesson you would like to share with others?

It’s not only okay but is essential to take breaks. We define what productivity and success mean to ourselves and sometimes that means actually taking a moment for ourselves. Stopping to take a breath, to cook a meal, or to get outside are all investments in yourself and are just as important to personal success as completing a physical task on your to-do list.

 

Perfectly stated. Is there anything else you’d like to share or let others know?

I really would not be the person I am today without Hershey and I am constantly grateful for the experience I had there. My sense of self and desire to cultivate community can be attributed to my time there. The small daily human connections I’m encouraged to make due to my experience in the close Hershey community directly impact the prioritization and achievement of my daily and long-term goals.

 

That is such a beautiful way to wrap up our interview. We are grateful for your time and continued contributions to school and community, Makenna. We are glad to know you and admire your continued growth and success in all areas of your life. Thank you for sharing with us today. We wish you all the best!