OFMHS Senior Publication

SENIO RS

SCIENTIFIC SCHOLAR WITH A HUMBLE HEART

From mission trips to mentoring students, this gentle leader has forged a path of perseverance.

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Community

From FFA to bowling, mentoring to missions, our senior has made an impact on his community; near and far.

Nikole Albright Editor Communications&School EventsCoordinator

When people ask me what I do here at the school, I sometimes struggle to encapsulate my duties into a succinct title. At this time of year though, my role as narrator for the story of Oak Farm Montessori School shines a little brighter. My hours of interacting with students in the classrooms, during school events, mentoring for projects, or perhaps just catching up on life takes on meaning as I publish this magazine. Much time goes into interviewing our graduates and putting their time here at OFMS into a suitable account that honors them and the support our school has provided during their tenure.

Wesley and I first met outside of school, and his family and I quickly became fond friends. When they expressed an interest in learning more about attending OFMS, I was excited to share my experiences. Fast forward nine years and I have now had the distinct pleasure of interviewing the Wolheter’s about their experience at Oak Farm Montessori to share with others who may not know about our school. While writing this publication continues to be my gift to the graduating class, it is also a historical document that I hope someday serves to provide insight into the roots of our high school’s humble beginnings and the fruits of its founder’s vision.

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Where do we go from here?

Find out the next big plans for our growing secondary program.

Best wishes in your future endeavors Wesley!

Nikole

PARTY OF ONE, FRIEND TO ALL

When you have to do research after an interview with a student, it’s a good indicator of their level of intelligence. Oak Farm Montessori High School Senior, Wesley Wolheter, has a profound love for, and understanding of, physics. His casual conversation about subatomic physics, quantum entanglement and working with CERN left me realizing I had a lot to learn from this young man who scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

Although Wesley admits math and science were not his favorite subjects when he was younger, the introduction of choice projects at the middle school level allowed him to delve deeper into specific interests. Having experienced a traditional preschool education and then homeschooled until fourth grade, when he came to OFMS, Wesley has an appreciation for all experiences. He shared, “My parents set up independence, similar to OFMS; I had tasks and was given time to do them. When I think of Montessori, two main things I think of are: vast independent time in upper elementary and creativity in choice projects at the middle school.” When asked how high school varies from these two examples, Wesley had this to say, “High school is a culmination of all of that. Setting your final due dates and creativity in how you make that look. We also get to determine how we get to the final destination.” While no particular level worked best, he feels that each level was what he needed at that developmental age.

A voracious reader, Wesley

remembers sometimes getting in trouble for reading too much. “We were only supposed to read 15 minutes a day in middle school, but I did way more than that!” He laughed. The various libraries at each building were his second home, but the middle school library was his favorite. The book, WeHaveNoIdea: AGuidetotheUnknown Universe , by Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson, was the catalyst for his desire to study Physics. Not only does he want to learn and absorb as much knowledge about this subject as he can, he also has a strong desire to share with others. As part of his Capstone project, Wesley worked with PFW professor, Dr. Sally Mikhail, and several seniors, on lasers and quantum entanglement. They all encouraged him to share his teaching ability with others. This solidified his path for the project as he worked with OFMS middle school teacher, Heather Lemmon, to present four lessons on quantum physics over the course of two weeks to a small group of students who were interested. Wesley also hand created shelf work, that

complimented said lessons, so the students could practice and explore with concrete materials. Although he provided pre and post follow up questions and answers to the students and teacher mentor, it was not about the grade at the top of the paper. “I was not expecting them to get a perfect score. I saw improvement in their understanding and this is what I was hoping for.” He shared.

What is Wesley most excited for in heading off to West Lafayette? Like most young adults, he is looking forward to the independence it will afford. He will be rooming with his cousin this fall and that will provide a built in comfort zone for his biggest concern, making new friends. Beyond the basic Maslow hierarchical needs, Wesley mentioned a few long term goals he has while at Purdue. “There are so many undergraduate research opportunities! I will have access to see data from CERN, the large Hadron Collider, and hope to eventually get my PhD and go into research.” He excitedly shared.

And what words of advice would he offer to other OFMS students? “Explore things that you’re interested in, you never know what you might enjoy.” As for his favorite teacher, he has had many over the years. After some thought, he decided that OFMHS Math Teacher, Doug Desper, would have to be his choice. “Not only did he take one of my least favorite subjects and turn it into one of my favorites, but he was able to make learning something that people don’t always enjoy into something fun. Plus, he’s a Purdue fan, so that’s cool as well.” he said with a smile.

Wesley and Math Teacher, Doug Desper, were ‘twinning’ during Founder’s Week celebrations last year.

BY THE NUMBERS

Small, but mighty. While this is not our school motto, we are quite proud of the impact our student body has made in the short six years of existence. Beginning with eight students in 2017, Oak Farm Montessori High School has grown 525% and will serve 45 students in the upcoming 2023-24 school year! Our small class size, student to teacher ratio, commitment to preparing students for life (and not just a test), as well as an emphasis on maximizing our network of professional community members, has helped students navigate their way into the future; whether that is post secondary study or vocational preparation.

More than $1,035,000 has been awarded in scholarships to our graduates since 2020 and 100% of our graduates have been accepted to their first choice college or university. Our statistics are impressive, but it is the real world experiences that our students write back to share with us that let us know our mission has been successful.

We’ve had a graduate take a gap year in Germany to explore the world, another working as a summer camp counselor on a 6,000 acre ranch in Colorado, one offered summer work at NASA to build wheels for the Mars Rover, another who is heading to Poland this summer on missions work and our senior this year hopes to research quantum entanglement. When we say, “The world is our classroom,” parents should be prepared to see their children want to bring these words to fruition.

Our full capacity at the high school is 216 students. The projected timeline for this to occur is within the next ten years, according to current projections. As our program grows and matures, we will continue to invest in our students, faculty and philosophy. If you would like to tour or collaborate with our school, please visit our website at www.oakfarm.org to find out how.

Oak Farm

Montessori High School is a better investment than most colleges and universities in the area.”

SETTING THE BAR

When most people think of sending their children off to school, they think of the academic learning that will occur. For Jeff and Andrea Wolheter though, school also needed to mirror their values as well as walk alongside them in raising their children. While that is a tall bill of sale, they both agree that their children’s time at Oak Farm Montessori helped support them to become the adults they want them to be. “The school, church, family and community are all important components. Oak Farm Montessori had those values that translated very well with our beliefs.” Jeff shared. While they homeschooled

their four children for many years, and it was a good fit for that season of life, Montessori has provided the opportunity to foster lifelong learning. Andrea said, “We know that going to food banks, opportunities to serve others, mentoring, and understanding that they are part of a larger community has impacted our children. They have the skills and passion to learn what is important to them.” Another key component that differs between traditional and Montessori for the Wolheter’s is less structure; allowing for freedom to fail in a safe environment. “Learning to fail is part of life. Because of the difficulty of classes he has had here at OFMS, we are

Empower and involve your kids in making decisions. Let them know their opinions matter.”

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able to address issues like time management, now. We can support him, give him tools, and address these issues ahead of time so he is better prepared for college.” Jeff stated. They both shared that Wesley has always loved to learn and that the mentoring opportunities, both while at the middle school working with kindergartners, and during high school working with middle schoolers, has been rewarding.

The focus on community and respect taught at OFMS has stood out to the Wolheter’s. Jeff shared, “It is a diverse community, but they are able to have tough discussions, debates, and socratic seminars with an appreciation for all people; no matter their beliefs. Wesley has learned to handle things on his own and is able to confidently share and communicate.” Jeff and Andrea have been familiar faces around campus over the years, both as volunteers, Jeff as an employee, and of course as long term parents. Andrea succinctly described their time at OFMS by saying, “We understand it is a privilege to be here. We know we’ve been humbled by our time here and we feel better equipped as parents having been here; more empowered.” And we feel humbled to have had you as members of our family and community, thank you for all you have contributed and best wishes.

The Wolheter family has traveled to many destinations on mission trips. This extended famly photo was taken in Bolivia in December of 2019.

THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM...

Ireland’s immigration museum really showed me how much the world is interconnected.”

Each fall and spring our secondary students (middle and high school) set off on intersession trips. These breaks from the traditional academic rigors of the classroom provide students with opportunities to build confidence, cultural sensitivity, belonging through shared experiences, and an appreciation for home. For our OFMHS Juniors, the spring intersession trip also includes language immersion as they travel outside of the country! Due to Covid restrictions in 2021 that prevented travel, the senior class accompanied Wesley last spring on the

overseas trip to Dublin, Ireland. “I’ve been out of the country before, but this was the first time purely for tourism.” Wesley shared. He was appreciative that the two seniors were able to join him as it would not have been the same experience had he been alone with the teachers. While the topography and landscape were beautiful and lush, the historical exposure during the trip is what Wesley remembers the most. “It was really interesting to see and learn about the history of the great potato famine and how that impacted the United States; really the world. There

were many Irish immigrants living in the US at that time and Ireland’s immigration museum really showed me how much the world is interconnected.” He said. Getting out into the world provides learning experiences that could never be taught from a book or traditional classroom. Intersession trips, whether exploring nature out of state, or another culture out of the country, provide these young adults with enrichment opportunities, in a safe and nurturing environment, that will have long lasting effects.

SENIOR CELEBRATION & PENNANT SIGNING

send-off: a demonstration of goodwill and enthusiasm for the beginning of something new.

In the multi-aged classrooms of Montessori schools, moving on to the next level is a time of celebration and reflection; graduation is no exception. Younger students are encouraged to express well wishes, words of encouragement, and reflections of the impact older students have made on them. Teachers also share the growth they have seen, or examples of contributions to the community.

At Wesley’s Pennant Celebration, the outpouring of such acknowledgements was evident of the lasting impact his time at OFMS has made on his peers and educators. Many spoke of his voracious love of reading, scientific mind, and humble gentleness in helping others. Sophomore, Sami Al-Jabari, shared that he saw Wesley as an inspiring role model of independence and perseverance. Michael Tyler, Graphic Design Teacher, said he will miss the Dungeons and Dragons and AI talks as

well as an appreciation for his brain and heart. Junior, Aleina Henderson, described Wesley as being humble about his intellect. She said that he freely shared his knowledge and was someone they all looked up to. To exemplify his scientific mind, Katie Lautzenhiser, OFMHS Science Teacher, said that Wesley would sometimes take joy in explaining things to her like the Heisenberg theory on quantum physics. She added that his kindness and gentleness will be greatly missed. Administrators, Jon Agler and Bridget York, who have known Wesley the longest, said that they were grateful for the privilege of working alongside him and watching him grow into the confident, fun, young man he is today. They both reminisced of early days when, as soon as no one was looking, he would covertly replace assignments with giant novels; always reading and gobbling up information!

While this celebration culminated in the hanging of a Purdue pennant, it is really the beginning of a new chapter and a continuation of a simple message…we will miss you; visit soon!

While Wesley is the first OFMHS graduate to attend Purdue University, it is a family affair for the Wolheter’s. Both of his parents and grandparents are Boilermaker alumni!

Watching Wesley these last few weeks of school, you would not guess that he completed most of his time at OFMHS as a party of one. When he speaks of the school, he talks fondly of his classmates; both those ahead of him and those underclassmen below. During his graduation ceremony, alumni speaker, Gavin Burtch, shared that when Wesley joined the high school he jumped right in with the upperclassmen in their difficult classes, politically charged conversations, and growing study body. At his pennant celebration, faculty and peers were quick to point out his humility and desire to be a friend to all. Wesley, himself, shared in his senior address that mentoring others and sharing his knowledge, friendship, and faith have not always been easy; but, have been what he strived to show in his leadership.

While some could choose to see being the only senior this year as a negative, Wesley has leaned on his community of classmates, family, and teachers to insulate himself with friendship and joy. He joined the newly created OFMHS bowling team and Athletic Leadership Council, taught lessons at the middle school, and coordinated the high school end of year roller skating party. Between community meetings, weekly family time, bi-annual intersession trips, game nights, lunch conversations, and social gatherings, relationship building is key to the Oak Farm Montessori experience. When asked what he would always remember about his time here, Wesley quickly responded, “the sense of community.”

All thirty-one high school students and facutly headed to Turkey Run State Park last fall to challenge themselves, get to know one another, and learn team building skills to support them throughout the school year.

Fall Fest is such a beautiful time of year and I enjoy all of the levels mingling together.”

Wesley shared that Fall Festival is the tradition he is most fond of during the school year. The popular event is held on our south campus each September and hosts close to 500 guests. Middle and high school students offer micro economy products for sale and enjoy interacting with parents, students and facutly.

This year our senior decided to opt for a roller skating party for the final celebration the last week of school. The entire roller rink was rented out and students and faculty enjoyed an afternoon of fun.

COMMUNITY

LOOKING BACK & MOVING FORWARD

Not all of our students start in the infant room. Some families do not discover our school until their children are much older. What we have discovered, however, is that whether your time is long or short, the impact remains the same. For those who only know a Montessori education, OFMS truly is a second home. For others who have experienced other education models, the intensity in which the Montessori philosophy envelopes their life can feel monumental.

Wesley spent eight years on campus, although he poignantly pointed out that six years were in the same building! This is definitely not normal, but the current high school used to be our Upper Elementary program and during one of his middle school years the ‘great flood’ meant he spent an additional year housed with the high school students,. Judging from the smiles, I don’t think Wesley minded one bit.

Oak Farm

Montessori’s environment allowed me to pursue learning more, which led to my current passion for research and quantum mechanics.”

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

In the 23 years since our founder, Lorene Dekko Salsbery, opened the doors of Oak Farm Montessori School, there have only been a few years that we have not had significant building expansions or construction. While this is exciting for our parents and community, it means that we are always growing; physically and strategically, as well as increasing the number of employees and families we serve. From a one room

attract and serve families from all over the world, many found the locale of Avilla, Indiana too remote for such a venture. Fast forward to 2023 and her dream has become a reality. We are one of only two schools in the nation to be dual accredited, by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), that serve children from six weeks through 12th grade. With the completion of our fourth

more than double the current size of the building and will include a full basement that, although not utilized initially, will provide room for growth as additional space is needed. Much thought was given to still provide the open spaces that the students enjoy to come together for socializing, playing instruments, enjoying refreshments and community meetings. Additional office spaces, a conference room and meeting areas will also be included. During the second

schoolhouse serving nine students with three faculty, to a 150 acre sprawling campus with 360 students and 74 staff, OFMS continues to attract families from all across Northeast Indiana and beyond. Did you know that we have had families move from California, Virginia, and even Puerto Rico specifically to attend our school? When Lorene envisioned a premiere Montessori school that would

upper elementary classroom this fall, we have concluded classroom additions to the lower levels; infants through upper elementary. The area of growth we are focused on now is our secondary program, middle and high school. Construction on the high school expansion will begin the week after school is finished and will continue through the 2023-24 school year. The first phase will

phase of construction, in the summer of 2024, updates to the existing building will include transforming one of the smaller kitchens into a library and expanding the kitchen and dining hall to meet the needs of the larger student body. A third phase of construction has been proposed, but the timeline will be dependent on the growth and needs of the high school.

FALCON PRIDE TAKES ON NEW MEANING THIS YEAR!

This year, eighteen OFMHS students had the distinct priviledge and opportunity to be the first to purchase letter jackets.

While any high school student could purchase a jacket, athletes competing in two sports received a $20 discount from the Athletic Department. Additional patches, chevrons, and the student name could also be added at an additional cost.

As you can see from the group photo, our students were excited to receive and wear their Falcon themed letter jackets with pride.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS STEALS THE SHOW.

Building a sports program is hard work. For our Athletic Director, Donna Wolfe, it is also a passion. As a graduate of Ball State University in Physical Education, and thirty years tenure working at the YMCA of Kendallville, you could say Donna has a few sports connections.

When she joined OFMS part time in 2016, we had to rent space to hold basketball practices and only offered two sports for 5th - 8th grade students in the fall and spring, and one in the winter. Fast forward to the 2022-23 school year and we have a full gymnasium that hosts basketball tournaments, exercise classes and soccer clubs, along with the addition of a high school sports program. Under the leadership of Wolfe, she

has organized the addition of middle and high school bowling, cheerleading, and most recently, high school tennis. This has expanded our sports offerings to two fall, and three winter and spring sports; providing options to our growing student body.

Our home basketball games have become a community building experience. Classrooms have the opportunity to work in the concession stand and earn a

portion of the profit to use for trips or classroom supplies. Our high school InnoLab students even created and printed banners to designate ‘Home’ and ‘Visitor’ areas in the stands, as well as a student section that is popular with children of all ages.

The creation of a Student Athletic Leadership Council has provided a way for students to be involved with creating by-laws, an athletic motto, and expectations for athletes. They are also leaders among their peers and work closely with the coaches and Athletic Director.