ILLUMINATIONS S H I N I N G A L I G H T O N OA K FA R M M O N T E S S O R I • S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 • VO L . 1
Thank you! Thank you to all those in the Oak Farm Montessori community who contributed to this inaugural edition of Illuminations. Together we embraced the challenge of creating a new publication that would take readers on a journey through our campus and provide insight on what makes our school community so special. Whether you wrote an article, took pictures, created the layout or edited the many versions, this publication would not have been possible without you. With sincere appreciation,
Our Team:
Hannah Albright
Nikole Albright
High School Student
Communications & School Events Coordinator
Kim Davidson, Illuminations Editor — Thank you to all Illuminations contributors and supporters: Hannah Albright Nikole Albright Candice Holbrook Nicole Lowe
Bonnie Bloom
Kim Davidson
Creative Media Teacher
Strategic Partnership Director & Illuminations Editor
Claire Weiss
Bridget York
High School Graduate
Director of Curriculum & Student Services
Lauren Moyer Sarah Shanton-Cox Claire Weiss Donna Wolfe Bridget York — A special thank you to OFMS parents, Kyle & Jennifer Stevenson for their photo contributions.
OAK FARM MONTESSORI SCHOOL MISSION “TO PROVIDE A MONTESSORI ENVIRONMENT THAT INSPIRES CHILDREN TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL THROUGH MEANINGFUL WORK.”
Welcome!
CANDICE HOLBROOK Head of School
COMMUNITY. A quick Google search will tell you that a community is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” To me, this only scratches the surface of what our Oak Farm Montessori community is. We do have a common interest and that is Montessori education for children and young adults. Montessori unites us all, no matter our personal and family beliefs that we each bring to the OFMS community. We do have common goals that are shared in the vision and values document that our founder, Lorene Dekko Salsbery, instilled in the foundation of our school, along with carrying out our mission “to provide a Montessori environment that inspires children to reach their potential through meaningful work.” But this doesn’t capture the feeling that is often expressed to me by so many community members, and mutually felt by me, that OFMS is our home away from home. When I asked the faculty at the start of the 2020 school year what community meant to them as we tried to stay connected during a historic school year where we couldn’t be together physically, they shared phrases like: connected, supportive, part of something greater, like we are making a difference, sense of belonging, safe, love, family, togetherness. In this inaugural publication we share with you how community is interwoven into all that we do. The concept of community is a natural part of Montessori that is on-going work within the classroom, as each child learns how they are part of that community and how their actions affect their community. That impact extends beyond the work at OFMS as the children take this work into their own communities; whether that is right here in Northeast Indiana or halfway across the world. You will read how our community comes together to financially support the school so that we can continue this important work well into the future for generations to come. You will get a sense of how our community came together during this historic year when the world was so socially distant. If you are reading this, know that we see you as an extension of our school community. Whether you are a present student or parent, alumni of the school, former family, faculty, board member, or supporter of the school, you are family. As part of our community, we value you and appreciate you. Oak Farm Montessori School is and will continue to be because of your contribution; whether that is time, talent, or treasure. You have made an impact on our school community.
Head of School
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TRAILBLAZING GRADUATES BY CLAIRE WEISS, CLASS OF 2021
Trailblazing class - a term used to describe my seven peers and me countless times over the past four years. After seasons of new buildings, an unforeseen flood, and an even more unexpected pandemic, my classmates and I established a bond that was obvious to any audience member during our graduation on May 27th, 2021. As Kendallville Mayor Suzanne Handshoe welcomed a crowd of sniffling mothers and gleaming grandparents, eight independent and individual young people took the stage. After a heartfelt shoutout to the class, Caleb Tedder, Oak Farm Montessori High School’s first science teacher, followed the mayor with a thoughtful reflection on his time spent in connection to our class and his perspective on the family we had all become. Giggles were shared from the stage and front row of High School teachers alike as jokes that remain sacred to us were mentioned in his reflective speech.
Three students, Gavin Burtch, Emma Coville, and myself joined the program of the night’s speakers, each sharing our accounts of freshman year shenanigans, time spent together and apart, and our gratitude for the educators that have stood by us through the mud of adolescence. With anticipation filling the air, Candice Holbrook and Bridget York took the stage with a stack of diplomas in hand, each representing the failures and successes that remain pages of our stories. With a smile widened by pride, Candice shook each of our hands as Bridget tearfully but clearly called our names. After each gold embossed diploma was presented, our feet stood firm on the stage and we were announced the Oak Farm Montessori High School graduating class of 2021.
and “we did its’” were heard all around. After four incredibly long or unbelievably short years (I haven’t quite decided yet), a couple of hours felt like seconds in celebration of each of the people we have grown to become.We have become taller in height and in self-assurance, knowledgeable in often painful learned experience, and proud in our accomplishments for ourselves and for one another. Though now having only shared a few years of the many ahead of us, the eight of us will remain forever family.
Time stood still as I found my family in the audience and flung my mortar board into the air. Sixteen arms found their ways around eight backs as toothy grins were flashed
Oak Farm Montessori High School Class of 2021
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THE GIFT OF COMFORT B Y N I KO L E A L B R I G H T, C O M M U N I C AT I O N S & S C H O O L E V E N T S C O O R D I N AT O R
There is a place where spacious prairies, lush woods and adaptable learning environments have allowed for children to experience a slice of normalcy and a sense of purpose and meaning during the past year of upheaval. That place is Oak Farm Montessori School. While many students have been forced to learn remotely through a digitized computer screen, our faculty worked to provide a safe and healthy place for students to come together to learn and grow. Carefully planned usage of our outdoor spaces, adaptation of related arts, full utilization of resources, and an emphasis by all to maintain health protocols ensured that our school family was able to complete the school year in person. Whether it is a toddler helping a friend put on their boots, an elementary student raising the flag each morning or a high school senior visiting potential college choices, comfort is something that we all are seeking in these uncertain times. The intentionality of moving forward, as a community, through this pandemic has been at the forefront of each decision that has been made. The smiles on the faces of the children we serve each day remind us of the importance of this human connection and reassure us that we are doing what is right. Our school year may have had a few less events where we physically came together, but we did unite under the large umbrella of community: encouraging each other on frustrating days, rejoicing in celebrations, and learning that we all have gifts to share. Our Oak Farm
Montessori School community can be confident that the connections imperative to developing the portrait of a graduate have not only been maintained, they have been enthusiastically enhanced.
[Background Image] Upper Elementary 2 students set up ‘pup’ tents to allow students to stay warm and still enjoy outdoor lessons all year long. [Above Image] Arlo gathering sticks during Outdoor Exploration
“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity” - Maria Montessori
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OAK FARM MONTESSORI FAMILY BY BRIDGET YORK, DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM & STUDENT SERVICES
“At Oak Farm Montessori, we are like a family.” I am always happily affected by hearing our students, faculty and parents say this. Truly, we are a learning community rather than just a school. The importance of community was a reason that Maria Montessori referred to her early childhood classrooms as ‘Children’s Houses’. In our prepared environments, the goal is to be a comfortable place where children belong, as well as are responsible. Students at OFMS remain with the same teachers for three years, during that developmental plane. As students Claire and Evelyn share,” I love that we get to stay in the same classroom for three years. It really feels like a family because you get to know your teachers and friends so well.” The ideas of grace and courtesy, and taking care of ourselves, each other and the environment have continued to be fundamental to Montessori education, now over 100 years since its inception.
“It's not just about the academics, although academics are a big part of Oak Farm. It is looking out for the sake of others. That community atmosphere. It’s not just about me, but about us,” shares OFMS parent, Jeff Wolheter.
Our Montessori classroom communities are unique from other learning settings. In a Montessori environment, you will see that: • Students are actively challenged to collaborate and contribute. • Classrooms are safe places where all belong and can grow. • Students are surrounded by peers and teachers whose goal is to help them thrive. • Community circle, line time and meetings are an essential part of each classroom’s day from infants to high school. • Part of our work as a community is to nurture socialemotional development at every level.
Outdoor learning with Primary friends.
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Montessori believed that we need to help students “do it themselves” and that the “freedom within limits” in our environments create and preserve the community. The environment, curriculum and intentional focus on community empowers children and young adults to make decisions, work at their own pace and meet personal challenges. We encourage sociability through multi-age classrooms, discovery, experimentation and collaboration. A beautiful aspect of our community is that respect for each individual is balanced with the needs of the community teaching children to discover how they can best support themselves and each other. Community is how we teach children to celebrate. We come together as a school, level and classroom throughout the year to rejoice in our common humanity. Students come together daily in their classrooms to connect and work together.Lower Elementary student Naomi explained, “At community we talk about ‘probletunities’ which are problems that we can turn into opportunities.” As a school community, we have Fall Fest, Grandparent’s Day, SingA-Long, Earth Fest, and graduation. Levels have shared experiences of the Toddler farm field trip, Kinderforest, PJ Day, the great lessons ; Founder’s Day, Middle School fall trip, MMUN NYC and High School Intersessions. Classes enjoy community meetings, holiday traditions, Adventure, World Changers, KIND and KINDAD, Secondary Secret Santa, and high school legacy boxes. Through these memorable events, we realize the importance of being responsible to our community. Each of us have a place within the Oak Farm Montessori community and are respected for who we are and what we bring to the OFMS family.
High school student, Claire, runs a Writer's Workshop with Lower Elementary students.
Primary 1 teacher, Tia Matney listens to students.
Grandparent Shelley Diehm is given a lesson by her granddaughter, Claire during Grandparents Day. Gavin and fellow 2021 graduates at the Community Learning Center in Kendallville, IN during Oak Farm Montessori High School's first graduation ceremony.
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ACRES OF LEARNING BY BRIDGET YORK, DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM & STUDENT SERVICES
At Oak Farm Montessori School, respect for our environment binds us as a community with shared experiences and memories. Everyone who visits is immediately taken by the landscape of over 150 acres that we call home. Whether time spent in the woods, walking through the prairies, marshlands or even sledding on a snow day; our students are immersed in natural exploration daily. From the moment students return to campus each August, spending time outdoors is a favorite for all ages. The infants are taking in the sights and sounds as they are pulled in the wagon. Their toddler friends are practicing gross motor skills while walking in the green woods, climbing over logs, exploring the insects and bugs, and then picking juicy strawberries to eat! As the air becomes crisp and the campus explodes with the changing of the leaves to orange and red; fall provides a backdrop for the Primary students to invite us for a morning work cycle at the Kinderforest basecamps. They will spend time exploring and learning about edible plants and the scientific names of bugs; while the Lower Elementary students are exploring the property across from the Green Farmhouse during Adventure class. They take this opportunity to teach us how to use cardinal directions and share stories about their forts in the woods. Returning from break in January, students experience the first significant snowfall of the winter. With trees covered in snow, the Upper Elementary students gear up to record observations of our wildlife in the woods. They give us a lesson on temperature recording and the changes they have observed over the seasons. While on the north campus, the Middle School students’ day begins with battling frozen water bowls and digging paths to get the wheelbarrows
Upper elementary students learn about aquaponics in the Middle School Greenhouse.
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to the compost. These days provide many opportunities to hone problem-solving skills during Erdkinder. It is on days like this that students may often be reminded of retired Farm Manager, Pat Cole’s motto: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing choices,” as they also learn the importance of dressing for the outdoors. As spring blossoms, the Oak Farm Montessori High School Environmental Impact class is busy planning and preparing the prairie for a rejuvenating burn. High school students are in the process of eradicating invasive species from our campus; as well as, throughout our region. Ecoliteracy and sustainability are part of the curriculum at each level and support the guiding principle of “care of the environment.” All students, infants through high school, are involved in maintaining our campus’ natural environments and restoring its many natural habitats.
“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature, to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature-so that the child may better understand and participate in the marvelous things which civilization creates.” - Maria Montessori
Middle school student, Gretchen, walks a sheep during morning Erdkinder.
Outdoor education brings joy and learning no matter the season!
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BUILDING BRIDGES B Y N I KO L E A L B R I G H T, C O M M U N I C AT I O N S & S C H O O L E V E N T S C O O R D I N AT O R
You never know where you will find an Oak Farm Montessori graduate. Across the world, across the country or even right back on campus; these world changers follow their passions, wherever they might lead. As we begin our 22nd year this Fall, 106 students have graduated through the 8th grade. Some students chose to attend their local high school, others chose a college preparatory route, and some chose to become the trailblazers of our first Oak Farm Montessori High School! But what happens when these students move on and leave the woods and farm behind them? Well, as we say, “The world is our classroom”. Two students have joined the navy and one the army. One lives halfway around the world in Australia, others have traveled across the globe, while many chose to stay close to home. Some have married, a few are parents and we
currently have four students enrolled who are second generation Falcons. 2013 graduate, Elijah Shanton, shares that he is grateful for his years at Oak Farm Montessori. “Whether I knew it or not then, those experiences helped Niederholtmeyer (‘16), Allison Burton (‘17), and Gianna i n s t i l l a n o p e n Elyse Niederholtmeyer (‘17) catch up at a gymnastics meet. minded, creative and driven mindset from others in a community, but for my future.” Sustainable farmer, most importantly, what I expect Matt Pounds, graduated from from myself in a community.” OFMS in 2008 and acknowledges that the Montessori philosophy Whether our alumni return to and curriculum influences his catch up with old friends at Fall daily decision making even Festival, like a post on social media, today. “Through the guidance or donate to our annual fund; that of my teachers and through the sense of community and family is ownership we students had in the bridge that connects us all our community, my time at OFMS together. helped me define what I expect
Jordan Axel (‘13), Ben Axel (‘15), Reagan Albright (‘15), Adam Niederholtmeyer (‘15), Emerson Dietsch (‘15), and Connor Davidson (‘15) visiting campus. I L L U M I N AT I O N S | 1 0
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CAMPUS LIFE, BEYOND THE SCHOOL DAY SPORTS TO LEARN BY
B Y D O N N A W O L F E , D I R E C T O R O F AT H L E T I C S
In alignment with our school’s mission statement and guiding principles, our athletic program provides an environment that challenges students to develop self-discipline, personal responsibility, tolerance, a spirit of cooperation, good citizenship, and a respect for rules and authority. Through participation, our players learn that with this privilege, comes the responsibility in the areas of academics, preparation, attitude, and sportsmanship. During the 2020-2021 school year, the athletic program had 82 participating athletes who participated in five different sport offerings. The Cross Country team was small but mighty and many of the runners improved their times anywhere from 30 seconds to over a minute this season. The soccer team had 23 members, 5th-8th grade. Together they played eight games. While the wins were split, the team grew in their confidence throughout the season. JV and Varsity basketball teams faced eight different schools during their season and the Track team traveled to seven schools to compete in long distance, sprints and field events. The Golf team holds home court advantage at Cobblestone Golf Course. The athletic program is currently available to students in the 4th-8th grades and is open to students outside of OFMS as well. Our high school is pursuing membership in IHSSA (Indiana High School Sports Association).
SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS
B Y N I C O L E LO W E , C O M M U N I T Y R E L AT I O N S L I A I S O N
Our summer camps offer children from NE Indiana ways to be active, screen-free and explore the outdoors. Toddlers through teens may choose from theater, sports, fine and culinary arts, to farm animals! Our camp instructors plan original and engaging themes filled with team and communication building activities as well as opportunities to develop emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Our campers become more self-reliant while exploring their interests and discovering their strengths. Our program has grown to serve around 600 campers from Whitley, LaGrange, Noble, DeKalb, Steuben, Allen, and St. Joseph County over the last five years. We love being able to share our campus with the community!
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FROM PRESCHOOL TO PASSION B Y K I M D AV I D S O N , D I R E C T O R O F S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S H I P S
Whether volunteering for the Tall Oak Gala Committee, Totally Terrific Task Tuesdays or supporting the school with a financial gift; when it comes to Oak Farm Montessori School, the Hicks family is all in. “When we first visited Oak Farm we were looking for a pre-school experience for our oldest son, Hayden. We wanted a place where he could be himself, work at his own pace, be independent, and not have to sit at a desk,” shared parents, Brandon and Brandi. What began as a pre-school search has become a family passion. “I immediately fell in love with the Montessori method: hands on, freedom of movement and thinking, and the focus on being part of a community,” shares Brandi. “The classrooms are homey and look like you could live in them. I like that the end in mind is not tests, but instead learning subject matter. Each day students spend time outside in the woods as part of their classroom work, I love that about our school, ” adds Brandon. Being at OFMS, quickly became about being a part of something bigger than themselves. For mom and dad, it became about learning more about parenting and how to be a part of your child’s growth. “I used to see life as very black and white. Montessori has taught me to be present and observe; you can go about things in a 100 different ways. I feel that as parents of Oak Farm Montessori students, we are all working together towards building confident, lifelong learners that want to make their community
and the world a stronger and better place,” reflects Brandi. Hayden and Ruby both enjoy their time at school where they have become a part of the classroom community. When asked their favorite thing about Oak Farm Montessori, Ruby shares that she likes being able to ask her friends questions while learning; Hayden adds that he enjoys story writing and doing his work. When the Day of Giving was held last November, both wanted to help, so they followed their passion and turned that into a way to raise money for their school. Ruby sold five paintings and Hayden sold 22 comic books. Between them, they sold enough to donate $325 to the Day of Giving.
“So often folks think they don't have time or can't give enough financially to make a difference, what would I say to them? 'Think outside the box, we all have something to give,' " shares Brandon.
“Giving has brought so much to our family. We have been blessed with all of the support Hayden has received and in the beginning, we were grateful to receive tuition assistance. Today, we are happy to give back. We want to do our part to insure that the school is going to be here for the future and for others to be able to benefit from the school the way our family has been able to,“ shared Brandon.
The Hicks Family: Brandon, Hayden, Brandi, Ruby, and Nora I L L U M I N AT I O N S | 1 2
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WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MONTESSORI TEACHER BY BRIDGET YORK, DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM & STUDENT SERVICES
“I want to be a Montessori teacher!” We often hear this from observers that are impressed by the peaceful environments, calm children and students independently choosing challenging works in our Montessori classrooms. To become a Montessori trained teacher it takes dedication, commitment and time-525+ training hours in fact! Montessori teachers go through a rigorous 2-3 year certification program-on top of their Bachelor’s degree-to complete coursework, residential hours, internships, and exams. This training is grounded in child development and supports the Montessori teacher’s role to observe students, identify their needs and respond with appropriate, individualized guidance and instruction. Oak Farm Montessori School is the only area school fully dual accredited by the American Montessori Society and Independent Schools Association of the Central States. Fully accredited schools are held to the highest standards of the authentic educational philosophy and scientifically-based practices of Maria Montessori.
One of these standards of excellence is that all lead teachers have Montessori teaching credentials. Our founder, Lorene Dekko Salsbery, believed in the importance of professional development. As a continuation of this belief, 14 OFMS faculty are participating in Montessori training this summer. Lorene envisioned OFMS faculty as leaders in Montessori education and teacher preparation. This year, OFMS fulfilled this vision when we became a partner with the Center for Montessori Education at Trine University (CMETU) to provide high quality Montessori teacher training in NE Indiana.
OFMS Lower Elementary teacher, Tiffany Fenning demonstrates the Pink Tower at CMETU.
OFMS is sharing our beautiful campus for classes and student teaching. Four of our faculty are teaching graduate level courses in 3-6 Early Childhood Montessori training this summer. Also, two faculty members are pursuing their 3-6 training at CMETU this summer. Next year, Trine will add Lower Elementary training and more levels each year after.
“The Center for Montessori Education at Trine is extremely fortunate to partner with Oak Farm Montessori School. Like-minded in mission and dedicated to authentic Montessori education, our organizations have begun a trusted relationship and frutiful collaboration that I hope will thrive long into the future. The excellence of the faculty that have come from Oak Farm is unmatched, and the teachers who have joined the founding cohort of adult learners have demonstrated high academic standards. We are grateful and appreciative of their gifts." - Laurie Stockton-Moreno, Director of CMETU
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WHEN WE GIVE, WE GAIN! B Y K I M D AV I D S O N , D I R E C T O R O F S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S H I P S
Our school community is fortunate to have families and community members who choose Oak Farm Montessori to be on the receiving end of their philanthropy. In a year where our community was separated by distance, experienced canceled events and the inability to see a friend’s smile, our 100% community was also united in its desire to support our dedicated faculty and provide the financial support needed to ensure that 80% the learning at OFMS did not miss a beat!
Alumni/Past Parents Grandparents
Community The Tall Oak Gala and related income, Grants traditionally, generates over 80% of the 60% Parents donations received each year, with the Faculty additional 20% coming from the Day of Board of Directors/ Giving and Annual Fund. “When making 40% Founding Family the difficult decision to cancel the Gala Others due to COVID-19, we knew that we were 20% taking a huge risk because the Gala is not only our largest annual fundraiser, but also the largest social event of the year. Those 0% who attend the Gala count down the days Percentages to this energized, adult event each year,” shares Nicole Lowe, Tall Oak Gala Chair. Percentage of Participation by Each Constituent Group for “We know that we have a community that the Fiscal Year 2021 to Date (Sept. 1, 2020 - May 18, 2021) feels very passionate about our school’s mission and we believed that everyone would step up to help us achieve our fundraising goal.” Lowe further explains.
And step up they did! As of May 2021, over $ 250,000 has been raised through a variety of giving opportunities. The funds raised help underwrite the cost of operating the school. Donors are able to give unrestricted funds or they may also choose a giving focus such as professional development or Lorene’s Legacy Tuition Assistance.
Students duct-taped Candice Holbrook, Head of School, to the Art Building to celebrate their success in raising over $1,500 through the Acoin for Change Drive during Spirit Week, almost triple the amount raised last year. I L L U M I N AT I O N S | 1 4
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FINANCIAL REVIEW BY LAUREN MOYER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Oak Farm Montessori School has been fortunate to receive significant financial support from the Dekko Foundation for over 20 years. The operating and construction grants received help provide the school the opportunity to be affordable, independent, to thrive and grow at a pace consistent with the Vision and Values, left to us by our founder. With that support has always been the desire and expectation for the school to be more financially independent and self-sustaining. To achieve this, the school has worked towards decreasing its dependency on the Dekko Foundation for operating support and increasing the involvement of the school community. In order to be able to determine how well we are meeting the goal of reducing dependency, we monitor the percentage of the Dekko Foundation operating grant to the total operating income each fiscal year and compare that percentage to previous years. We have achieved significant success in that goal and decreased our dependency from 72% in fiscal year ending 2010 to 55% in fiscal year ending 2020. The “Income” pie chart (Fig. A) reflects how the income from the fiscal year ending August 31, 2020 is categorized. Another important factor, has always been that operating
expenses be used to fund educational activities for the students. The “Expense” pie chart (Fig. B) indicates how the expenses are categorized and shows that approximately 80%
of the total expenses support classrooms, special programs, teaching faculty wages and benefits, and builds, grounds and equipment.
FIG. A: OFMS INCOME for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2020
FIG. B: OFMS EXPENSES for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2020.
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Celebrations & Milestones 2011 Congratulations to Sage (‘11) and Kathryn Sauder who were wed on February 23, 2021.
2012 Congratulations to Nathan (‘12) and Paranda Schiedler who were wed on April 23, 2021.
Megan Green (‘12) is pursuing her Primary Montessori Teacher training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota in St. Paul, MN (fun fact: this is where her mom and Primary 3 teacher, Elizabeth Green, received her Montessori certification).
2013 Best wishes to Reeve (‘13) and Madi Zollman who were wed on April 24, 2021.
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Hats off to recent grads!
JORDAN AXEL
REID BURTON
BAILEE HAGER
CLASS OF 2013
CLASS OF 2013
CLASS OF 2013
Jordan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama with a degree in Public Relations. She will live in Indianapolis where she has accepted a position with MKR, a digital marketing firm, as the Social Media Manager.
Reid graduated from Huntington University with degrees in Business Management and Sports Management. He has taken a position with Fastenal in Fort Wayne, IN.
Bailee graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington where she double majored in Marketing and Professional Sales at the Kelley School of Business. She is moving to Austin,Texas to begin her career as a recruitment consultant with the LHI Group.
GRACIE MULHOLLAND
DESIREE NICHOLS
ELIJAH SHANTON
CLASS OF 2013
CLASS OF 2013
CLASS OF 2013
Gracie graduated Cum Laude from Ball State University with a major in Sociology with a Political Science Minor. She will reside in Fishers, IN where she has accepted a position as Executive Assistant with Village of Merci, a community for adults with developmental disabilities.
Desiree graduated from Franklin College with a degree in Psychology. She plans to attend graduate school in the fall.
Elijah graduated Summa Cum Laude from IUPUI with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design and was a Chancellor’s Scholar with the Herron School of Art & Design.
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Excellent Educators CELEBRATIONS OF SERVICE
Kelly Elias
3 YEARS+
Flor Ortega
Jon Agler
Sarah Shanton-Cox
Alex Balle
15 YEARS+
Maria Ontiveros, Lower Elementary Teacher and Dual Language Immersion Lead
Bonnie Bloom
Ben Bollinger
Brittani Russell, Toddler Teacher
Brett Bloom
Elizabeth Green
Candice Slabaugh, Toddler Teacher
Lisa Bockelman
Kim Green
Ashley Buckles
Nefy Hathaway
LIFELONG LEARNERS WORK HERE!
Sandra Deacon
Debbie Kovets
Ryan Guiff
Lauren Moyer
Our faculty embody the Portrait of a Montessori Teacher found in the Vision and Values of our school. They serve in leadership roles and live their commitment to lifelong learning and a variety of ways.
Sarah Holland Allena Knepper
WELCOME!
Katie Lautzenhiser
During the 2020-2021 school year, we welcomed the following faculty to our OFMS faculty:
Heather Lemmon Nicole Lowe Diana McCreery
April Adams, Toddler Teacher
Michal Miller
Oakleigh Butler, Middle School Math Teacher
Abby Minich
Devon Crouse, Primary Teacher
Krissy Mulholland
Tiffany Fennig, Lower Elementary Teacher
Abby Roughia Bayley Siewek
Crystal Leu, Farm Manager
Leigha Vandezande
Rachael McGuire, Secondary Spanish Teacher
Donna Wolfe
Yova Teusch, Primary Teacher
7 YEARS+
Melissa Witt, Toddler Teacher
Liliana Morales, Infant, Toddler & Primary Spanish Teacher
Upper Elementary Teachers, Courtney Pillers and April VanOsdale completed their Montessori Certification through American Montessori Society (AMS). Lisa Collins, Tiffany Fennig, Jennifer Jordan and Bridget York are teaching graduate and undergraduate classes on Montessori Early Childhood Training at the Center for Montessori Education at Trine University. Upper Elementary Co-Teachers Nancy Bradtmiller and Linda Hoffman are presenting a Phenology Webinar on behalf of the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Meghan Dohring
FACULTY FAREWELLS
Lower Elementary Teachers, Tiffany Fennig and Ines Oldenburg represent our region as board members for United Montessori Schools of Indiana (UMSI).
Jeni Ekovich
We wish the following faculty all the best as they transition to the next chapter of life. Please know that you have left your footprint on each of us and you will always be considered a member of the OFMS community:
Bridget York works with Southwest Montessori Academy as a member of their board of directors and is also a member of the accreditation team for the Independent Schools of Central States (ISACS).
Ines Oldenburg
Linda Hoffman Ashley Knudson Tia Matney Lisa Parker Hattie Preston Bridget York 10 YEARS + Nikole Albright Nancy Bradtmiller
Joseph Allison, School Chef Lisa Collins, Primary Teacher
To share Celebrations &
Mindy Cox, Theater Teacher
Milestones please contact:
Jennifer Jordan, High School Humanities Teacher and High School Lead
Kim Davidson,
Wesley Kromer, High School Science Teacher
kdavidson@oakfarmschool.com
SPONSORS! Thank you to our 2020 - 2021 Community Sponsors for sustaining the future of Oak Farm Montessori School! AIR TIME JUMPS AMI INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. ATZ LAW BKD, LLP BURNS DISTRIBUTING CO., INC. CAMPBELL & FETTER BANK CENTURY 21 BRADLEY REALTY: TIM & ANITA HESS COLLINS & GUILFORD WEALTH ADVISORS DEKKO INVESTMENT SERVICES DIEHM CONSTRUCTION, INC. E-COLLAR TECHNOLOGIES FERGUSON ADVERTISING GASSAFY WHOLESALE KELCO INDUSTRIES NORTHERN EXTERIORS ONE FINE DAY BRIDAL & GOWN PHP & EPIC BROKERS MIDWEST PRO RESOURCES STAFFING ROTTMAN COLLIER ARCHITECTS, INC. SHEPHERD’S FAMILY AUTO GROUP SIMPLX SECURITY, LLC THE DEHAYES GROUP
If your family or business is interested in becoming one of Oak Farm Montessori School’s Day of Giving and Tall Oak Gala sponsors, please contact Nicole Lowe at nlowe@oakfarmschool.com.
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE PAID AVILLA, IN PERMIT NO. XXXX
502 LEMPER ROAD AVILLA, IN 46710 260.897.4270 www.oakfarm.org
Connect with Us WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US. ALL EVENTS ARE ON THE OFMS CAMPUS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. FALL FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 3:30PM - 6:00PM PARENT EDUCATION NIGHT OCTOBER 7, 2021 6:00 - 7:30PM HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 21, 2021 6:00 - 7:30PM DAY OF GIVING NOVEMBER 10, 2021
OPEN HOUSE: TRANSITIONING FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL JANUARY 13, 2022 6:00 - 7:30PM THE TALL OAK GALA MIRRO CENTER FEBRUARY 19, 2022 6:00PM - 11:00PM EARTH FEST APRIL 29, 2022 3:30PM - 6:00PM GRADUATION MAY 26, 2022 5:30PM
INTERESTED IN A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT TOUR? KRISSY MULHOLLAND, ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR KMULLHOLLAND@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? KIM DAVIDSON, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR KDAVIDSON@OAKFARMSCHOOL.COM OR YOU MAY VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.OAKFARM.ORG/SUPPORT TO LEARN MORE.