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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!

Hershey Montessori School Third Grade Students Initiate Aid for Ukraine

Hershey Montessori School Third Grade Students Initiate Aid for Ukraine

Apr 25, 2022 | Events, School News | 0 comments

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.

 

Staff Spotlight: Johan van der Wee

Staff Spotlight: Johan van der Wee

Jun 1, 2021 | Featured Posts, School Blog | 2 comments

 

Our Staff Spotlight series is intended to bring recognition to Hershey’s amazing guides and administrators while connecting us with them in a personal way.

This month, we honor

Johan van der Wee

 

Johan van der Wee is a Children’s House guide at our Concord campus where he has been for six years. Johan and his wife, Katie Bodnovich, are the proud parents of their beloved dog, Betsy, who came from Rescue Village.

Johan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the International Agricultural College in the Netherlands, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Dayton. Wanting to further explore a career in education, he enrolled in the Ohio Montessori Training Institute and earned his AMI Primary diploma. 

Here is our interview with Johan:

 

Where are you from and where do you now live?

I was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands and am now living in Mayfield Village. 

 

What did you do before coming to Hershey?

I did outdoor gardening programs and nature hikes with children and families for Five Rivers MetroParks in Dayton, OH and for the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

 

What brought you to Hershey?

I was an assistant in one of the lower elementary classrooms in 2001. I loved the Hershey community and was very excited when there was a position for a Children’s House guide many years later.

 

What drew you to Montessori?

Children learn to make independent choices and are able to excel in areas of strength while working on skills that need more practice. The multiple age group creates an atmosphere for development of leadership and cooperation.

 

What is your favorite part of your work at Hershey?

Helping children to connect with activities they enjoy doing. It is always a joy to see a child beginning to write their own thoughts. 

 

What do you do at Hershey that is unique to you?

My education in, and love of, the outdoors combined with my experience working on farms and in outdoor education brings great passion and knowledge to my students. We spend our recess time exploring in the woods rather than on the playground. We see animals and creatures from deer and hawks to toads and salamanders. The connection I’m able to facilitate between my students and nature brings a calm and greater connection in the classroom.

 

What is your favorite Hershey memory?

Cheering on our parents and children at the “beginning of summer” parade at the end of last school [pandemic] year.

 

Where is your favorite place to go?

North Chagrin Metro Park and River.

 

What is your favorite thing to do?

I like running, fishing, biking, gardening, and oil painting.

 

What is a little-known fact about you?

During my 15 months as a Conscientious Objector from the Dutch army, I worked for an environmental education organization writing brochures and making educational materials for farmers.

 

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

Spirited children have taught me the most as they encourage me to learn more about myself and how I’m doing things. They cause me to draw deeper from my Montessori training to build and apply myself and to reach the highest challenges. I’m a better guide to all the children because they inspire me to continually grow and be better equipped to handle all learning styles. 

 

What is your favorite book?

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse and Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer and Christian Johnson.

 

What is your favorite quote?

 “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” Max Ehrmann.

 

What is your favorite movie?

Gandhi

 

How would your friends and family describe you?

My friends and family will describe me as a kind, patient, and tenacious person who likes to bring happiness and joy to others.

 

How would you describe yourself?

Always looking for ways to improve a situation.

 

What is your happiest moment?

Hiking in the Pyrenees by myself.

 

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

Be flexible. Have an open mind in everything you’re doing. Montessori is very prescribed and you follow the method, but I still keep my eyes open to other views out there that may contribute even greater benefit when combined with the Montessori approach.

 

Is there anything else you would like to share with others?

My years spent in outdoor education and visiting other schools is what led me to Montessori. When I visited Holy Rosary — now Cleveland Montessori — I was invited to do lessons about gardening and nature. Children were happy and self-directed. I knew that if I ever wanted to teach in a classroom setting, this is the kind in which I would want to teach. After 9/11, I evaluated my life and decided it was time to choose a new career path. I realized how important it is to have a world open to peace and that children are our future. Montessori is an education for peace. Life is short, but it is the longest thing that I will know. I want to make a difference while I can. It’s my contribution to the world. The events of 9/11 gave me courage to do something different, to create something different. I reprioritized what was important to me. I gave my two-week notice right after 9/11, and Debbie Guren connected me to Hershey. Sometimes life brings unexpected turns that lead to the most fulfilling, beautiful places.

You’re an inspiration to us all, Johan. Thank you for taking time to share with us. We appreciate you and value all that you bring to our community!

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

Hershey Students Learn the Power of Positive Thinking

Hershey Students Learn the Power of Positive Thinking

Feb 7, 2020 | Current Parents, School Blog | 0 comments

 

Hershey Montessori School’s Upper School students recently welcomed local guest speaker Marvin Montgomery, a motivational speaker and sales trainer with more than 30 years of experience.

Hershey students were enlightened as Montgomery shared insights throughout his presentation, “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Montgomery demonstrated how having a positive attitude can change a person’s outlook on life. Students and staff alike enjoyed his inspirational speech as they laughed and participated with Montgomery’s examples and provided stories of their own.

Students were able to see how their outlook impacts their outcome. If they wake up in a bad mood and expect to have a terrible day, that is most likely what will happen. However, if they wake up expecting to have a great day, it is more likely to be a great day.

Montgomery stressed the importance of looking on the bright side and finding the positive in every situation. The students were able to relate to how their outlook on events in their life had impacted the outcome of a situation.

Hershey Montessori School staff and students thank Montgomery for his simple, yet profound, tips. Everyone walked away with food for thought on how to approach each day and the events of their life.

“Change is a great thing,” Montgomery said, “Don’t just go through the motions. If something is bothering you, change it.”