Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 29
schools
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Educational Expansion
Hilltop School Addition Will Include Community Area, Teaching Kitchen
Shiela Jones and Annalise Holmes study beekeeping in the apiary at Hilltop Montessori School. Photo special to the Journal
Officials with Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel recently announced the third phase of a project to expand the school. School officials said they have launched the design phase for the new addition and that construction should begin in 2015. Scheduled to be completed by 2016, the new addition will house a community area and a teaching kitchen that will also be available as a venue for local businesses and residents in the North Shelby area. Hilltop Montessori, whose 200 students range from 18 months through eighth grade, was gifted the land in the town of Mt Laurel by EBSCO Industries more than a decade ago. “As an independent academic institution, we are so grateful to
EBSCO Industries,” said Head of School Michele Wilensky. “Phase Three is our way of giving back to the Mt Laurel community. This new extension of the building will be a wonderful ‘after hours’ resource.” Hilltop Montessori School is an independent school that aims to provide a high-quality Montessori education in an environment that fosters a child’s love of learning and a respect for self, others, community and the world. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school’s environmental education curriculum integrates a heavy emphasis on nutrition, which is supplemented from the school’s expansive edible-gardening program and an onsite apiary. The new teaching
Cooper Wins School’s Character Award
Scholarships were selected by a committee of college admission officers and high school counselors who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by finalists and their schools. Evaluated were each finalist’s academic record, scores from two standardized tests, contributions and leadership in school and community activities, an essay written by the finalist and a recommendation written by a high school official. ❖
kitchen will allow the school to serve lunches made from fresh, organic produce, school officials said. Williams Blackstock Architects’ Bill Segrest, architect on the project, said he sees the community space as a resource for the school’s needs while also offering support for “seedto-plate” nutrition education and an indoor multipurpose space that can support different activities for the community. Hilltop Montessori’s conservation efforts have been recognized at the national and local level. The current building has been LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. In 2008, the Birmingham Business Journal named Hilltop Montessori School Green Project of the Year. The school’s edible garden program is a recipient of a Whole Foods’ Whole Kids Foundation grant as well as other environmental grants through Legacy, Inc. and the American Montessori Society. The school also has the support of local chefs, including Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club, who has cooked with the preschool children, and Chef Chris Harrigan of Stone’s Throw in Mt Laurel, who hosts the school’s annual farm-to-table-themed fundraiser. The school’s gardening nutrition program is part of the Edible School Yard Project, under the direction of Alice Waters, a former Montessori teacher who was recently voted one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. The outdoor classrooms are certified by the National Wildlife Federation. Naming opportunities are available for elements of the Phase Three addition, including the community kitchen, gymnasium and apiary program. For more information about naming opportunities or the school’s plans, call 437-9343 or visit www. hilltopmontessori.com. ❖
KNOW
what to do in case of
SUSPECTED CONCUSSION A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion:
Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy recently honored one of its students for her character. Jasmine Cooper, an eighth-grader at the school during the 2013-2014 school year, was presented with the Outstanding Character Award in late May. Head of School Rebecca Little presented the award to Cooper. The school is on Timber Hill Road in North Shelby.
Hunt Wins Scholarship A 2014 graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School will have $2,500 in scholarship money to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Andrew D. Hunt was announced this summer as the winner of a National Merit $2,500 scholarship supported by National Merit Scholarship Corporation funds. Recipients of National Merit $2500
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www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER