Illuminations 2023

Letter from the Editor:

Partnerships. Where do you start in a Montessori learning environment? Should we share about the internal partnerships that provide the opportunity for older students to mentor the younger students? The external partnerships that secondary students build with community-based organizations during Outreach? Or should we discuss the partnerships our faculty have with organizations that support our students' learning and offer educational opportunities as extensions of the classrooms?

With so many options, it was no surprise that this topic created lots of conversation and questions around which partnerships are most important. The short answer is that they are all important, as each one comes alongside the student at the right time in their development. As an organization, we also have relationships that are important to fulfilling Lorene’s vision of a school. As you read through this year’s publication, we believe that you will get a sense of how partnerships are so integrated into our school community that they have become part of who Oak Farm Montessori School is.

We invite you to sit back, relax and take some time to see their impacts on both our partners and students from yesterday and today as well as the opportunities for tomorrow.

OUR TEAM:

Nikole Albright Contributor

Kim Davidson Editor

Michael Tyler Graphic Design

Reese Wolheter Middle School Student & Contributor

Bridget York Contributor

OAK FARM MONTESSORI SCHOOL MISSION

“To provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.”

A Word from the HOS

Every year I am blown away by the immense support of our school community.

I am excited by the opportunity to share more about our community because there really is more than meets the eye. The experiences that our students and faculty have could not happen without our school community and partnerships. Often I am asked about our partnerships and it can be difficult to describe because the opportunities are vast and change depending on the students we serve each year and the needs of the school.

Enjoy this year’s publication because our team captured beautifully the interactions our students and faculty have with our community partners and the impact made when the school community comes together to provide such meaningful learning opportunities. These opportunities prepare our students for life beyond school and the opportunity to make their mark on the world now and into the future.

We believe in citizenship, so much so, it is one of the four characteristics of the Portrait of the Oak Farm Montessori Graduate where students are civic minded and develop the knowledge and awareness of the impact of one’s actions on society and beneficially act on behalf of the world and its people.

Head of School

OFMS Partnering for a Better Future

Futurist Thinkers: OFMS Partnering for a Better Future

By Bridget york, director of curriculum and Student ServiceS

“In any discussion about Montessori and innovation, Oak Farm Montessori School should have a seat at the table.”

- Candice Holbrook, OFMS Head of School.

It is with gratitude that I took my seat at the table with talented individuals and Montessorians to innovate and collaborate at the 2023 American Montessori Society (AMS) Labposium. It was a privilege representing our school and sharing the effective practices we employ; as well as glean great ideas from our larger community of Montessori leaders. At the conference, we discussed moving from a growth mindset to a futurist mindset centered around what is best for students. This focus on cutting edge practices in Montessori and child centered development is a constant theme in our collaborative teams at OFMS and our educational partners. I have been blessed to have many opportunities to grow at OFMS from touring innovative high school programs throughout the country as part of our High School (HS) exploratory committee, to participating in Montessori Model United Nations conferences around the world; as well as, having the opportunity to present at national and local *ISACS, AMS and UMSI conferences. It is through these opportunities that I am able to share our

Montessorians from around the country gather at the AMS Labposium, January 2023.

Candice Holbrook & Bridget York attending the AMS Labposium on behalf of OFMS.

“I am thrilled I get to observebecause I am not sure if you know this- but OFMS is kind of famous in Montessori circles.”

- Lori Frazen, The Montessori School at Wabash Presbyterian Church

mission, vision and values with educators throughout northeast Indiana, the country and the world.

With roots steeped in innovation and futuristic thinking, Montessori is a natural fit for such “big work” as Montessorians say. In developing her philosophy and materials, Dr. Montessori allowed herself to be influenced by her contemporaries; as well as, many of the great philosophers and scientists who had come before her. She believed her work could change humankind as it engaged learners in a process that made sense to them and encouraged them to be self-motivated and inquisitive. With a foundation of a growth mindset laid by Dr. Montessori, and a model of excellence left to us by our founder, our work at OFMS positions us to be educational innovators and a resource of authentic Montessori practices to be a “... one-of-a-kind combination of synergistic efforts that not only strengthen the core work of the school, but also allow the school to share its expertise with a broader audience.”

As Director of Curriculum & Student Services, I get to live my Montessori dream of being a scientist, and study human development, brain research and

educational methods in a child centered community of talented professionals. Having our school serve as a model of excellence and be an asset to the local community, allows me to have an impact on Lorene’s vision. In particular, through her desire to have our school serve as a training institute, comes to life when our educational partners visit. We provide this opportunity to all Education majors at Trine and Taylor Universities. Our school is also visited by many teachers and administrators from around the country who are completing their Montessori training. This past year, I had the honor of organizing educational tours and providing opportunities to observe authentic Montessori practices for over 150 educators and education majors.

Each day faculty is guided by our mission statement, “To provide a Montessori environment that inspires students to reach their potential through meaningful work.” Their fulfillment of our mission not only guides their work with our students, but also inspires visitors to our school, they are able to observe in an environment where children and young adults are trusted, respected and given a wide range of opportunities to create positive change. “Your school has such an inviting, calming atmosphere,” is one of the most often heard compliments from educational observers, referring to the culture and environment at OFMS. It is through this network of partnerships that we are able to create a positive future that begins with the children.

*Independent Schools of the Central States and American Montessori Society who are both educational accrediting entities. The United Montessori Schools of Indiana is a statewide organization committed to advocacy and the professional development of Montessorians.

Upper Elementary teacher, Nancy Bradtmiller teaching a summer class at Trine University, Summer 2022.

Lower Elementary teacher Tiffany Fennig attends summer training.

Partnerships, Pathways, and the Portrait of a Graduate

By Bridget york, director of curriculum & Student ServiceS

“When we say we prepare students for life, to us that means that they leave OFMHS with the skills they need to do what's next for them and that they have the experiences necessary to know their next step.” Jon Agler, High School Administrator

At OFMS, we believe in preparing students for life. Life may include a post-secondary education, the work force, the military or any other path the young adult may choose. In the Founder’s letter, Lorene Dekko Salsbery references the inscription on her father’s headstone, “Only the educated are free” and how this influenced her life’s beliefs. Being educated provides one the opportunity for choices. With choices, comes opportunities. At OFMS, the Portrait of a Graduate is designed around this belief. The belief that students who embody this document will have the skills needed to have choices in life and be contributing members of society when they are adults.

While the foundation for these skills is laid early in each child’s development at OFMS, it is at the Elementary level that this becomes part of the curriculum. The faculty is able to support this learning through partnerships that are intentionally developed with community organizations to provide a vast array of opportunities for our students. Students are able to develop an understanding of how our economy works, the roles we each play in that economy and how to be a responsible, contributing citizen.

One of our partners in setting students up for success is Junior Achievement (JA). JA provides interactive simulations teaching the concepts of financial literacy, entrepreneurship and the soft skills required for success in the free market economy. These programs

introduce students to entrepreneurship and the need for entrepreneurial and innovative thinking to meet the expectations of career requirements of the future and the concept of globalization in business.

As part of this experience, students discuss many aspects of how a business starts, is run and becomes successful. Colton Hale, OFMS JA participant shared “I liked it when we split into small groups to create our own business based on the resources of a specific region on the USA map,” The students are also introduced to the role of money in society while providing them with practical information about earning, saving, and sharing money. One part that many UE students remember is the chart that described the qualities of the entrepreneurial mindset. “We checked the skills we had and the skills we needed to develop. I felt like I already had a lot of these skills like a positive attitude and ability to work well with others,” shares Brady Snyder, another participant. The culmination of the JA experience is when our 6th year students visit JA Biz Town and participate in a day-long simulated town where they actively engage in a role or position in the town. “Biztown was a wonderfully crafted mini society where the students learned how to provide customer service, manage a work schedule, earn and spend money. I was impressed how smoothly our group ran their Wells Fargo branch making deposits, giving change, collecting mortgage payments and paying their employees,” stated Nicole Lowe, BizTown volunteer.

High School Students Grace, Cooper & Pierceton work on a project in the Innolab.

JA volunteer, Mike Snyder, works with Lower Elementary students.

“A shop, or store, could be established…and here the students could easily sell and bring their produce of their fields and garden, and other things that they have made.” Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence.

At the Middle School (MS), Erdkinder gives unity, purpose and meaning to the MS community. It is an integral part of the curriculum and also provides practical life experience in critical thinking and problem solving. Through this process students learn about income and expenses, profit and loss, how to operate a budget and manage their business expenses. There are also crucial soft skills that are developed as students are given a responsibility within the community that is beyond their comfort zone. “I have learned how to be compassionate with animals I might not be as interested in or familiar with and even scared of sometimes. I have also learned that regardless of my fear I have to work with the animals to help keep them alive as well as help the micro economy because those animals are beneficial to it,” shared eighth grader Madelyn Burtch.

Freshmen and Sophomores are exposed to operations in different business Pathways. The current Pathways program includes: Pedal Power Bike Shop, Agriculture and Land Management, InnoLab Makerspace, and Oak Leaf Cafe’, a coffee shop. In the 2024 school year, Small Engines, a Lifeguard certification and a partnership with Parkview Health will be added as options. In these classes, students work through the process of taking product ideas through market research, production, advertising, pricing, inventorying, ordering, and customer service. The students are supported by our faculty who guide them through the process and provide the opportunity to learn from experts in different fields of study to advance their understanding of economics. Our underclassmen gain the business

training and soft skills in these student-run businesses to be confident in taking responsible risks and management.

Juniors and Seniors build on the skills and knowledge gained during middle school and high school to determine if they want to write a business plan and begin to operate their own business, manage one of the OFMS businesses, intern in a field they are interested in pursuing post graduation or take college courses off campus. “For Oak Leaf Cafe, a lot of the work this year has been practicing my leadership skills. I am confident in my skills and I am able to guide the underclassmen,” states high school junior Adeline Fitzharris. “I am proud that they see me as someone who is able to take charge.” Older students also spend time connecting with 9th Street Brew Coffee House in Auburn to dive deeper into the craft of coffee making, intern at ArtLink to learn about gallery work and have PFW mentors supporting their experiments and research in quantum mechanics. Our students have learned empathy, perseverance, leadership, communication, collaboration, and have the ability to make a positive impact on their community through meaningful work.

OFMS looks to the future with excitement because we are confident in the skills our students graduate with: lifelong learning, emotional literacy, citizenship and leadership. At OFMS, we believe that our students have the potential to be quantum computer creators and other professions that don’t currently exist. Because of this, we understand the importance of providing a wide variety of opportunities with community partners to prepare students for the work of the future.

6th year students kick off their day at Junior Acheivement's BizTown.

Freshman, Ryan Kochanski, explains budgeting and finances to the Middle School micro-economy class.

Impassioned to Impact

By nikole alBright, communicationS & School eventS coordinator

When I stumbled upon the quote, “Use your passion to make an impact,” it seemed perfect to describe the various ways our students feel empowered. In true Montessori fashion, our teachers follow the interests and passions of their students; both academically and socially. Over the past 20 years, I have observed a plethora of outreach programs. While some have flourished and sustained through the careful guidance of dedicated teachers and faculty, others have benefited for but a year. Regardless of their duration, the intensity that the students give to these programs never waivers. During the past year, various organizations have benefited from the hard work, generosity and passion of OFMS students.

This Fall, our Lower Elementary classrooms, 6-9 year olds, practiced their reading skills while serving others in an environment full of four legged friends. Teachers connected these budding readers with Literacy for Companionship, Inc. in collaboration with the Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County, Indiana. Not only did children get to snuggle up with their favorite books and animals, but they were able to wash windows, do laundry, spruce up cages and discover the joy of giving back to their community.

Teachers in the Upper Elementary level were able to even tie in a summer reading theme to a sock drive! While students chose books related to conservation to read over summer break, they contributed single, holey or no longer needed socks when they returned to school to

Upper Elementary students celebrate with over 63 pounds of socks!

actually emulate conservation! These socks were then sorted, weighed and boxed to be sent off to the Second Cut project from SmartWool. Over 63 pounds of socks were averted from the landfill and will be shredded to be used as filler in cushions, animal beds and similar products.

When our students reach the middle school level, one afternoon a week is dedicated to ‘Outreach’. Because these are year-long, relationship building endeavors, much planning goes into providing meaningful experiences. Each Friday, they rotate between the three local, and very diverse, organizations: Common Grace Ministries, Shadarobah Horse Rescue and Ascension Sacred Heart Nursing Home. While each location provides students with an opportunity to volunteer, it manifests itself differently. In Kendallville, at Common Grace Ministries, children may help weigh and stock shelves for the food pantry, learn about generational poverty, or discuss the ramifications of moratoriums. A short drive to the outskirts of Auburn leads these teens to the tranquil facility of Shadarobah Horse Rescue. Here, they will help clean stalls, feed and water horses and provide comfort to previously abused or neglected animals. Recently they were acknowledged by the group for the large donation of shoes they made that will help purchase food for the horses. Finally, just down the road is the important work the students do with Ascension Living Sacred Heart Village. Did you know that our students have worked for several years in their memory care unit utilizing Montessori materials to track and help with memory retention? Just as in the early childhood classroom, the didactic, or self-correcting, traits of the Montessori materials lend themselves to be beneficial to the elderly as well. This interaction also provides an opportunity for students to be compassionate, patient and ‘teachers’ in an environment that is rewarding for

both parties.

At the high school level, students are able to follow their passions and interests through their passport and capstone projects. These projects are the culmination of four years of exploration, research and learning. Many of these projects include outreach to support community non-profits. In high school, the Eco-Impact classes involve community service through a minimum of four trips annually to local, non-profit and community business leaders who are looking to improve the community and the environment. Our students are often the hands and feet of the vision these leaders have. Whether students are on campus or in Northeast Indiana, Oak Farm Montessori students follow their hearts and their passions to contribute to their community; making an impact today and tomorrow.

Middle School students visit with residents at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Avilla.

Middle School students volunteer at Shadarobah Horse Rescue.

An authentic Montessori education is interwoven with rich opportunities to learn collaboratively and to develop an understanding of the value of cooperation, partnerships and networking. Whether working to solve a problem the community is experiencing in the elementary classroom or connecting with those outside the school community as a chance to have a mutually shared experience; the value of working together and creating synergy is an integral part of each student’s Montessori experience.

Such is the case with both Lindsey and Nathan Scheidler, siblings who attended OFMS from the age of three through the 8th grade. What began as an extension of the classroom for each has evolved into passions and careers. Through opportunities to connect with those outside the normal classroom environment and rely on each other collectively to accomplish a goal, they were led into interests that are now becoming their careers.

For Lindsey, her life’s career was sparked through the mentoring program at the Middle School, combined with strong role models during high school. Through Middle School Outreach, she visited both Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Avilla and had the opportunity to mentor primary students in the Victorian Farmhouse. While this opportunity did not have a direct impact on her academics at the time, it did spark her interest in child development. Today she is a junior at Purdue University majoring in Family & Consumer Sciences Education. Her time as a mentor influenced her college major and

Grad

By kim davidSon, Strategic PartnerShiP director

Lindsey:

• Attended OFMS 2005-2016

• Graduated from Prairie Heights 2020

• Jr. at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

• Dancer, Higher Ground Dance Company

• Operations Specialist, Co-Rec at Purdue

• OFMS Summer Camp Asst. 2021-22

• Substitute teacher, Prairie Heights Schools

she hopes to teach high school students about child development, fashion and textiles; as well as, teach culinary classes upon graduating.

Lindsey explained that Montessori prepares students for working as teams. Through group projects, you have to be ready to cooperate and work together to be successful. “I felt prepared for Purdue. While it was much larger than OFMS or my high school, at the beginning I had to be comfortable with realizing this was new, but that I knew how to use my resources to figure out how things worked.”

Lindsey Scheidler ('16)

Lindsey, as a Middle School student, listens intently to a Primary student during Outreach.

Nathan:

• Attended OFMS from 2001-2012

• Montessori High School at University Circle, Class of 2016

• Attended Purdue University, West Lafayette

• Married: Parand Samadikalkorani on April 23, 2021

Nathan’s love of building and fixing things was fostered during his time at OFMS. Nathan explained, “While at the middle school, if something broke, it was the students’ responsibility to fix it. We were always supported by the faculty. Pat Cole, retired Farm Manager, would ask ‘So, what do you need to do to fix this?’ and the students would work until the problem was solved.” Nathan also shared that being pushed into and seeing a functioning community building together was helpful. Having to work through the problem not only piqued Nathan’s interest in fixing things, but working as a cooperative team provided him with the skills needed as he started his own business following his time at Purdue University.

Nathan’s interest transitioned into a career as a business owner following a job as the maintenance supervisor in his apartment complex. He decided to use the connections he made in his previous position to start his own commercial and residential HVAC business. While this was not always easy, he knew that he would need to lean on others to get started. Having gone to school in an environment where collaboration was encouraged and it was always safe to ask questions, he was completely comfortable in that environment as he shares, “Through the relationships I have built in my business, I have a solution for just about anything that can come up. By reaching out to the contacts I have made, I can have a resolution pretty quickly. This really applies to anything you do in life. There will also be someone farther ahead than you and having those relationships is vital.”

In reflecting on their Montessori education and how that has impacted the success they have each seen as adults, they shared that a Montessori education instills a lot of relying on yourself, and much like the teachers in the classroom, preparing your own environment so that you can be successful.

“Children acquire knowledge through experience in the environment.”

Maria Montessori.

Nathan Scheidler ('12)

Nathan and a group of his Middle School friends smile for the camera.

Your Investment in Action

Your Investment in Action

By nikole alBright, communicationS & School eventS coordinator

Opening doors, opening hearts and opening communication is the goal of Common Grace Ministries of Kendallville Indiana. Executive Director, Angie Kidd and Oak Farm Montessori School have a long and rich history of doing just that through their partnership. OFMS parent volunteers at the food pantry first connected the school and non-profit organization in 2016 with the introduction of food donation barrels at the school. Before long, students were helping to unload trucks, weigh donations and stock shelves during their outreach program. “By students completing these tasks, we can spend time on other things we need to do to provide services to our community.” Angie shared.

When asked to recall her fondest memory of working with the OFMS students, Angie shared that it’s what makes our students different from other students that stands out the most. “There was a task given for half of the students to research rain barrels and half to research composting. The half researching rain barrels said, ‘I think we could build those.’ OFMS Middle School Teacher, Heather Lemmon said, ‘What do we need to do to make that happen?’ I appreciated the fact that Heather let the learning lead. It's where my boots on the ground understanding of Montessori began.” The partnership between OFMS and

Common Grace Ministries extends beyond the four walls of the classroom and building. Angie hopes that the tools and lessons that she provides the students will ensure that they won’t be walking through her doors in the future as a client.

One of the most popular and instructional devices they use, a redacted application, came about by accident. However, now it is a functional way to show students the poverty mindset. Why does this person have this need? How could they have avoided it?

Middle School students help stock the shelves during Outreach.

Angie with Middle School students, writing letters of encouragement.

Angie Kidd, Executive Director of Common Grace Ministries.

How can they break the cycle? And, most importantly, to open these types of conversations with their parents. Angie believes that partnerships are everything and everything is built on relationships. By working with the middle school to develop a yearlong curriculum, they can build on concepts, promote philanthropy and establish healthy common sense economics.

And how does OFMS benefit from this partnership? Students are able to ‘connect the dots’ between their actions now and the impact they can have on the future. Heather stated, “We always feel that we ‘get’ more than we ‘give’ in these partnerships.” She said that it is an awakening for many of the students. She shared a story of a student's reaction after hearing of a family unable to afford food for their pet and having to give it up for adoption. This student was so moved and uplifted by the experience that they went home and asked their family to make a donation to Common Grace. More recently, the local active shooter incident prompted our students to spring

into action in a different way. While they knew Angie would be inundated with meeting the immediate needs of displaced residents, they wanted to help in their own way. The students created a list of those in the community that had helped, were affected, or could use encouragement and then hand wrote notes of thanks and optimism. When Angie was able to come later that day, she was excited to see their compassion and helped them complete their list to include first responders, local agencies and multiple individuals whom she knew would appreciate the kind gesture.

Imagine the feeling of community and altruism that these students felt when they received letters back from some of the recipients expressing their appreciation for the notes. What an amazing example of the difference this partnership is making in the lives of our students and a representation of Common Grace’s goal of opening hearts, doors and conversations.

Beyond the Action! Beyond the Action!

What happens beyond the action? Who better to ask than our current middle school students? Below are a few of the answers we received...

The work we do with Common Grace makes me feel….

• Accomplished

• It makes me feel proud of our school and the ways we help our community

• Like I am doing something meaningful. Something that will have a positive impact

• It makes me feel like even though you’re just doing a small thing it still touches people’s lives

Through our work with Common Grace, I have learned…

• Helping others makes a big impact

• I have learned that it is hard for people to walk through that door and we can make it easier

• Not to judge people. A lot of times it’s a situation that they can’t control

• Keep going even when things get hard

• We have learned that the people who seek help from Common Grace are not always bad people, just people who have been in bad situations

Together, we make an Difference

By lauren moyer, chief financial officer

kim davidSon, Strategic PartnerShiP director

As with any successful endeavor, partnerships are a necessary component to experience success. In order to maintain the learning environments and offer the unique education that is offered at OFMS, the many partnerships that we have with parents, faculty and community are essential to the students’ success. Here is a celebration of our 2021-2022 partnerships.

83% Of all expenses directly support student learning

39.7% Of our expenses are covered by the Dekko Foundation grant and this is down from 72% in 2010

76% Parent Participation, up from 42% in 2021

51% Of our income comes from tuition, fees, fundraising, and investments

300 Individual Donors

72 New Donors

$245,821 Raised through financial gifts

$1,003,155 was awarded to 116 families through Lorene's Legacy tuition assistance, family discounts, and employee benefits

1,406 Scheduled hours for outdoor learning for OFMS students. Additional opportunities arise and are taken advantage of by classrooms daily

405 Students participated in extracurricular activities such as 285 After School Clubs, 61 Sports, 44 Theatre events, or 15 FFA competitions

5,200 hours of professional development completed by our faculty

14,232 miles were traveled by our secondary students for field studies and immersion learning

High School freshman & sophomores pose for a picture during spring intercession.

High School junior, Hannah, shares her love of cooking during a Primary After School Club.

Theatre

By kavin ley, middle School and theatre teacher

“I finally get to be in a play!” exclaimed a teary-eyed student from a local private school. Being able to witness such excitement and growth is one of the many benefits of a theatre program that was founded in the spirit of offering new opportunities for the students and positioning itself to be a community asset. While theatre has been a part of the school for many years, recently it has begun to transform into something new; creating opportunities to collaborate with students on campus, those outside of the school community, and with outside organizations.

Oak Farm Montessori Theatre Company (OFMTC) is open to all area students who would like to be a part of our performances. Along with OFMS students, participants include those who are homeschooled, attend schools that do not offer theater or schools whose program is so large, not all students have the opportunity to participate. During the 2022-2023 school year, three different theatre productions were performed. The fall play began the school year by building camaraderie with sixth years students from Upper Elementary, Middle School students, and High School students. Their partnership across a wide age range helped to create a unique experience of creating art (and in the case of that show, comedy) rarely seen. OFMTC then offered its winter play to all students in Lower and Upper Elementary. Because the fall production was such a success and this type of partnership of students hadn’t been offered in recent years, the participation was monumental. The final performance, Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, was the first musical performed by OFMTC for over 450 guests. Twenty-three students, besides our actors, performed tasks including stage manager, lights and sound technicians.

The most special partnership OFMTC has formed has been with the Community Learning Center (CLC) and its supported organizations. Through

this partnership, our students are able to use the refurbished auditorium as a performance space and have access to state-of-the-art equipment. Having such a wonderful space for the High School students to learn theatre technology has elevated the program as it teaches students how to operate the latest technology and sound equipment; all skills they can use for future productions. The partnership with the CLC, has also supported the growth of our program as we have access to larger performance spaces and audiences. Having the performance at the CLC also opens up the audience to those outside the OFMS community.

Middle School students, Beckitt and Sarrazine, perform Cinderella.

Through our partnership with the CLC, we have also had the opportunity to collaborate with The Arc Noble County Foundations which provides adults with disabilities opportunities to volunteer with the greater community in impactful ways. During the elementary play, members of The Arc assisted with practices. As there was such a large number of students involved in the production, they did activities and played games with those who weren’t on stage at the time. Their support made rehearsals move more smoothly and kept students engaged. They also helped during the performance by passing out programs and ushering people to their seats. For the secondary musical, The Arc volunteers made treats and drinks and sold them during intermission. The relationship with The Arc has been important to both organizations as Kay Craig, CEO of The Arc Noble County shares, “Our partnership with Oak Farm affords individuals unique opportunities to volunteer in the community to increase their skills and gain confidence to live their best lives.” A partnership between our school and the volunteers is one that we believe will continue to grow and positively impact everyone involved.

The OFMTC has seen a wonderful year of growth, success, and fun. Developing partnerships within the school community and outside of it is a defining characteristic of the program. OFMTC looks forward to continued creativity, growth, and providing unique opportunities for its students. The support the program has received from the school, outside organizations, and the community has helped the program to achieve its great success.

Elementary students perform their winter play 'A Friend for Potato'.

High School Senior, Wesley and Middle School student Sam, our tech crew.

High School Junior Adeline, works as stage manager behind the scenes.

OFMS FFA Members with Scott Stump, CEO of FFA National.

In 1928, a group of young farmers set out on a mission to help provide support and guidance for future generations. As the population was growing, how to provide enough food to feed our nation would require more than planting and harvesting. To be successful and meet the demand, it would rely on science and has since become a business. Today, agriculture has become an art and has embraced technology. The business of agriculture is continually evolving, but the roots of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) have stayed strong and relevant.

FFA, more than you expect

By reeSe Wolheter, contriButor

Over the past 95 years, it has become an institution that is a life changing experience for many youth. With roots in farming, the organization has become much more. Their primary goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of its members by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To accomplish this mission, FFA develops competent and confident leaders.

With a focus on Erdkinder at Middle School level in the Montessori curriculum; and the further development of an Agricultural Pathway at the High School level, FFA has had a successful start at OFMS. During the 2022 school year, OFMS became an official chapter. Each middle school student and high school student is automatically a member due to the Agriculture Classes that are part of their Erdkinder or Pathway work. With these classes students earn two credits for Intro to Agriculture. Currently, there are approximately 20 active members who attend meetings and participate in competitions. In both 2022 and

2023, the OFMS team competed in the District 3 FFA Competition. This year the team finished in 4th place overall, up from 16th place last year. The team also had a number of entries that finished in the top three; as well as, having three students who will compete at the state level.

“FFA to me means a lot. It means learning to lead, listen and teach. I think that more people should come and join FFA because we learn a lot of life skills and group skills. So many people think that FFA is just for farmers, but it is actually so much more. Leadership skills are a huge part of FFA. Join FFA!” Cooper Routsong, High School Freshman.

MS & HS FFA Students receiving a donation for their chapter.

Athletics

How can you have high school sports teams when your high school has 32 students? Anyone who has ever been in a startup situation, knows that you problem-solve and get creative. In her first year as Oak Farm Montessori’s full time Athletic Director, Donna Wolfe knew just how to make that happen–and she did. She did not waste any time putting over 30 years of youth athletic programming experience to work as she began using her contacts and knowledge to build upon the existing athletics for 5th - 8th grade; while expanding to include high school sports.

High School sports are different from what we offer 5th - 8th grade because all high school sports teams have to be members of and sanctioned by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) to be in a conference and compete in the postseason. The process to meet the qualifications is multifacted. With this information, she knew that we would need an alternative for high school sports for the foreseeable future.

Donna took a few moments to share how OFMS high school teams work, “The high school teams, like the 5th -8th grade teams, are sponsored by the school and are part of the extracurricular offerings. I often explain that our high school

team is similar to a travel team. We can play anyone, but we are not in a conference. For smaller public and private schools, and local homeschool teams we are a nice addition to be able to complete their season’s schedule.”

The fall, winter and spring sports offered strong participation with many students playing a sport in each season. Eighty-six OFMS and guest students, ages 5th-12th grade, participated in soccer, cross country, basketball, basketball team manager, bowling, cheer, track and golf. Of these students, 40 participated in one sport, 33 in two sports and 12 in three sports. OFMS has always had a commitment of being a community asset and that includes having an inclusive sports program. Having this foundational philosophy has made it possible for us to fill our team rosters and engage other students in our community. Twenty-two of the students who participated were from local schools or homeschooled students who may not have been able to play a sport otherwise. Junior, Anna Sondek shares about how having high school

sports has impacted her high school experience, “I feel like I know more about the people I see at school than just seeing them during classes. We actually spend hours together. Working to achieve a common goal and getting to have a friendship as a team is so fun. It affects me very personally that we are able to have homeschoolers participate because a good friend of mine was able to participate in both soccer and basketball. It was nice to be able to play with her again.” Sondek sums up her gratitude for having high school sports, “Being on a sports team takes dedication, time and effort, but it is so rewarding. I get to connect with my Oak Farm family, coaches, parents, teachers, students/peers, and teammates in a way that represents us all.”

kim davidSon, Strategic PartnerShiP director

High School soccer player, Natale, working defense.

OFMS Cheerleaders entertain spectators during a home basketball game.

Upper Elementary students, Will and Sully, participating in a cross country meet.

OFMS Alumna

Allie Moyer, (OFMS Alumna) graduated from Indiana State University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education.

Ridley Zolman (‘15) graduated from the University of Saint Francis in May with a degree in Biology, Pre-Dental.

Marie Burton (‘15) graduated from Purdue University, West LaFayette with a B.S., in Neurobiology and Physiology.

2014 & 2015

Siblings Erinrose (‘14) and Emerson Dietsch (‘15) graduated from Indiana University Bloomington. Erinrose earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Emerson a B.S. in Biology.

Alumni

Alumni

Ben Axel (‘15) graduated from Wabash College where he double majored in Spanish and PPE (Political Science, Philosophy and Economics).

Connor Davidson (‘15) graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S in History and a commission as a U.S. Navy Ens.

Adam Niederholtmeyer (‘15) graduated from Purdue University, West Lafayette with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.

2015

Abby Green (‘15) graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Sociology.

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

Celebrations

Celebrations

On September 9th, alumni Jordan (Axel) Fiedler ('13) married Jared Fiedler in front of their families and friends at Union Station in Indianapolis.

Ridely Zolman (class of 15) is engaged to Delaney Stahl and will marry in June 2023.

Reeve (‘13) and Madi Zolman welcomed Royal Reeve on September 1, 2022.

Olivia Salsbery, Alumna and member of OFMS Board of Directors, and her fiance’ Mark Sackville, welcomed Jackson Chet on January 25, 2023.

Faculty High Fives!

Education at Trine University. She was also recognized as the Outstanding Graduate of the Year.

Faculty - Years of Service Recognition

Years of Service Recognition: We celebrate our faculty for years of service after 3,7,10, 15 & 20 years. Join us as we celebrate these faculty members’ time as part of our OFMS community.

3 Years

Devon Crouse

Tiffany Fennig

Crystal Leu

Yosepha Teusch

3

7

7 years

Sandra Deacon

Sarah Holland

Allena Knepper

Katie Lautzenhiser

Nicole Lowe

Abby Roughia

10 years

Ines Oldenburg

Bridget York

10

15

15 years

Kelly Elias

Sarah Shanton-Cox

20 Years

Ben Bollinger

Lauren Moyer

Kim Green

20

Tiffany Fennig completed her Masters of Montessori

Linda Hoffman completed her Elementary Montessori Certification.

SPONSORS

Thank you to our 2022 - 2023 Community Sponsors for sustaining the future of Oak Farm Montessori School!

AIR TIME JUMPS

AMI INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.

ATZ LAW OFFICE, LLC

B&J MEDICAL/ B&J SPECIALTY/ B&J INTERNATIONAL

BLUE FLAME HOSPITALITY

BUSHEY WINDOWS & DOORS

BUTLER CPA

CAMPBELL & FETTER BANK

CENTURY 21 BRADLEY HESS TEAM/

HOOSIER HEARTLAND TEAM

DEKKO INVESTMENT SERVICES

DRS. ROUSH & WILL OPTOMETRISTS

EPIC MIDWEST INSURANCE

FORT WAYNE ROLFING

FORVIS, LLP FOUNDATION

GASSAFY WHOLESALE

GLADIEUX CONSULTING

HOSLER REALTY

JANSEN FAMILY DENTISTRY

KELCO INDUSTRIES

KENDALL & DAVIS

LIGHTNER LAW FIRM, P.C.

NORTHERN EXTERIORS

ONE FINE DAY BRIDAL & GOWN

PARKVIEW HEALTH

PEERLESS MANUFACTURING

PRECISION WELDING CORP

PROFESSIONAL SEARCH GROUP, INC.

ROTTMANN COLLIER ARCHITECTS, INC.

SCHEUMANN DENTAL ASSOCIATES

SHEPHERD’S CHEVROLET BUICK GMC

SIMPLX SECURITY, LLC

S&T CONTRACTORS

SDTEK

T&T PLUMBING & HEATING

THE DEHAYES GROUP & AUTO OWNERS INSURANCE

WELCH PACKAGING

502

260.897.4270

www.oakfarm.org

Congratulations to our 2023 graduate!

Connect with Us

We invite you to join us.

All events are on the ofms campus unless otherwise noted.

Fall Festival

September 23, 2023

3:30pm - 6:00pm

Parent Education Night

October 6, 2023

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Day of Giving

November 10, 2023

Open House: Transitioning from Middle School to High School

January 11, 2024

6:00 - 7:30pm

The Tall Oak Gala Mirro Center

February 24, 2024

6:00pm - 11:00pm

Earth Fest

April 26, 2024

3:30pm - 6:00pm

Graduation

May 23, 2024

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Interested in a prospective student tour? Sarah Shanton-Cox, Admissions Director sshanton-cox@oakfarmschool.com

Want to support OFMS with time or talent? Nicole Lowe, Community Relations Liaison nlowe@oakfarmschool.com

Want to support OFMS with a financial gift?

Do you have an Alumni milestone to share? Kim Davidson, Strategic Partnership Director kdavidson@oakfarmschool.com

Or you may visit our website: www.oakfarm.org/support to learn more.