WJFPR_WinterEdGuide_011817

Special Advertising Section

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

Special Advertising Section

winter 2017

Education &Enrichment guide

January 18, 2017

B1

B2

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 18, 2017

Special Advertising Section

Coding Sports Camps Exercise Mind and Body

N

ow that winter break is over, kids are counting down the days until summer.

For parents, it’s time to look into summer camps. Legacy Sports and Code Play Learn are partnering together again to take active learning to a new level. For the third summer in a row, their popular Coding Sports Camps offer an experience like no other: a full-day of sports and STEM activities that exercise both kid’s bodies and minds.

Through Legacy Sports, campers will spend half the day playing multi-sport athletic activities like Hand Hockey, Countdown Dodgeball, Treasure Island, Battleship, Capture the Flag and Soccer.

These activities teach campers how to communicate with each other and work as a team to accomplish their goals.

Through Code Play Learn, campers will spend the other half of the day creating, coding and building their own games, apps or robotics. New this year, Code Play Learn is offering BattleBot Engineering where kids build a variety of bots for competition, and Kids Can Code where campers explore the fundamentals of engineering and programming through play. These camps are

offered along with other returning favorites like Minecraft Modding, App Creation and LEGO Robotics.

Together, this unique Coding Sports Camp program enables kids to think creatively, reason systematically, and work and play collaboratively.

Camps are open to kids who are currently in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Each weeklong camp runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Legacy Sports activities will take place at The Tennis and Fitness Centre at 301 West Lake Street, and Code Play Learn is located at 30 W. Chicago Ave. Campers are walked between locations by staff from Legacy Sports.

For more information on these and other Code Play Learn summer camps and programs, please visit www. codeplaylearn. com or call 708374-8286.

Full Day

SPORTS & CODING CAMPS Summer Registration Is Now Open NEW

BattleBot Engineering

NEW

Kids Can Code

Lego

Robotics Robotics

Minecraft Modding

Scratch Game Development

App Creation

Scratch Game Development

For registration and information about all our programs visit www.codeplaylearn.com 708-374-8286 • 30 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302

Special Advertising Section

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 18, 2017

A Note from Intercultural Montessori Language School From Oak Park Campus Manager – Roderick Shaw

F

or almost 30 years, Oak Park residents have been driving, biking, and walking

by Intercultural Montessori on S. Ridgeland Avenue with smiles on their faces as they watch the children at play. But they might not be aware that Intercultural is the originator of our unique dual-language/ Montessori approach to education, providing Spanish/English and Chinese Mandarin/ English programs for children aged 3 to 6.

It’s an approach that has been imitated but not reproduced, and it has gotten us a lot of positive attention with Montessori schools, teachers, and associations. That’s because it works, and I’m so happy to be a part of creating bi-lingual, bi-literate citizens of the world right here in Oak Park.

As my third year at Intercultural begins, I would like to state how proud I am of the work that the teachers perform on a daily basis.

That is where the magic happens, and I’ve found that it is true that the teachers are the soul of the school. As an Intercultural parent, I appreciated how hard the teachers work, but now as an administrator I understand and recognize the many subtle skills the job requires. For example: knowing how to observe constructively, and when, how, and

how much to intervene, is the key secret to a successful Montessori teacher. It’s a talent our teachers have acquired through their Montessori training and years of teaching at Intercultural. I would like to thank our teachers for their hard work, and congratulate them on the continued growth of our duallanguage program.

As we grow, we continue to improve our school infrastructure at the Oak Park campus, including the installation of a new state-of-theart security system. This week, the students harvested their first vegetables from our new organic garden! And more upgrades are coming as this new school year begins.

It is extremely fulfilling to see Intercultural’s continued growth. To me it means that Oak Park recognizes the value of the unique duallanguage education we are providing. From all of us on the Intercultural team, it is our pleasure to serve you, and the children of this vibrant community.

Roderick Shaw, Oak Park Campus Manager Intercultural Montessori Language School 708-848-6626 rshaw@interculturalmontessori.org

Why Choose St. Luke Parish?

F

rom our early childhood program through 8th grade, St. Luke Parish School, a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School, prides itself on the opportunity to educate the whole child, promoting spiritual, academic and emotional growth. As we prepare our students to ascend to top-flight high schools, it is imperative that they move to the next step not only with core skills, but an experience that is relevant and fuels learning.

We recognize that every child is unique and that each child learns at his or her own pace.

With this in mind, we provide an academically challenging curriculum that meets the needs of all our students. Our faculty strives to differentiate instruction in an effort to meet student strengths. Small group learning provides students with academically grounded, handson learning situations designed to foster new interests and develop intellectual talents. We know that each student has untapped gifts that are best nurtured by a variety of creative approaches to learning.

Our STEM program works in conjunction with the high academic standards of our science and math curricula and puts our students at the center of the learning experience.

We recently launched our Chicago Authors Program, which features visiting authors and encourages the advancement of all of our students to have a voice. Authors from our area are invited into our school for book readings and to share their experiences as writers.

Learning goes beyond the classroom as our students participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. From Speech Club to Choir to Art Club and more, extra-curricular activities extend learning opportunities into social activities outside the classroom environment.

Additionally, St. Luke offers students in grades 4 through 8 organized no-cut team sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, and cross country.

Our commitment to technology offers students a fully integrated, cutting edge academic experience. Our wireless campus includes a dedicated Mac computer lab, as well as technology in each classroom. In addition, students in 3rd grade participate in the one-to-one iPad program and students in grades 4 through 8 have a personal Google Chromebook for their classroom use. We combine technological adeptness alongside the building blocks of learning, because we understand that technology is an essential link between the classroom and the larger world.

In order to ensure that we are the best we can be, St. Luke is currently undergoing a 6-month strategic planning process, that includes all school constituencies. This plan will be launched in September 2017.

Please come to our open house on January 29 or call us at 708-366- 8587 to schedule your visit.

• Pioneers in Language Immersion Montessori Education • Ages 3-12 • Spanish/English, Japanese/English and Chinese Mandarin/English

LEArn MorE! nEW! After School Language Classes Oak Park Campus 708-848-6626 Chicago Campus 312-265-1514 info@interculturalmontessori.org InterculturalMontessori.org

St. Luke Parish School

Academic Excellence Surrounded by Catholic Faith

Open House Sunday, January 29, 2017 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Preschool through 8th grade

St. Luke Parish School

519 Ashland Avenue, River Forest, IL 708-366-8587 www.school-stlukeparish.org

B3

B4

January 18, 2017

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

CONSCIOUS CONSCIOUS AGING AGING WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS __________

__________

 Explore unexamined, self-limiting beliefs, stereotypes and assumptions about aging and make better, more conscious choices about our worldviews on aging;

 Explore unexamined, self-limiting beliefs, stereotypes

 Develop self-compassion to cope more effectively and assumptions about aging and make better, more with change, worry, and stresses associated with aging;

conscious choices about our worldviews on aging;

 Discover and reflect on what has given heart and to copeour more effectively  Develop meaning to our self-compassion lives and how that informs intentions for our aging process; with change, worry, and stresses associated with aging;  Enhance connection and reduce isolation from others  Discover and reflect on what has given heart and and the web of life by understanding our shared meaning to aging our lives and how that informs our humanity in the process;

intentions for our aging process;

 Reduce fear and increase embracing in the presence of death and dying for our loved and for ourselves. connection andones reduce isolation from others  Enhance

and the web of life by understanding our shared humanity in the aging process; FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Reduce fear and increase embracing in the presence Marcfor Blesoff of death and dying our loved ones and for ourselves.

312.816.5299

marcblesoff1@comcast.net FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Marc Blesoff Marc Blesoff

312.816.5299 | marcblesoff1@comcast.net 312.816.5299 318 S. Humphrey | Oak Park, IL 60302 marcblesoff1@comcast.net

Special Advertising Section

Discover & Reflect with IONS Conscious Aging Workshop

“W

hat caught my attention was that I realized most of us fear and deny what we all agree is inevitable – aging and death. What’s up with that?” So says Marc Blesoff, one of the over 650 IONS Conscious Aging facilitators spread around the globe.

The IONS Conscious Aging Workshop program is a series of 8 weekly 2-hour sessions. Topics include: self- compassion, life review, forgiveness, death makes life possible, creating a new vision of aging.

Sessions are organized around small group and large group discussions, presentations, journaling, readings, movement and sitting quietly.

Comments from some previous participants include: “I never thought I’d talk about that elephant in the room so openly. What a safe space” or “I learned so much about forgiveness, I now look at it in a totally different way!”

When asked about the IONS Conscious Aging Workshops, Ron Pevny, Director of the Center for Conscious Eldering, replied, “An inspiring vision for aging that recognizes the vast potential for life’s elder chapters to be infused with purpose, passion, and continual growth!

It is critical that the rapidly increasing number of people approaching their senior years have

Marc Blesoff

access to this rich program – helping us shine brightly as we age consciously.”

The Institute Of Noetic Sciences (IONS) was founded over 40 years ago by physicist/ astronaut Edgar Mitchell, the 6th person to walk on the moon. Mitchell’s noetic experience (a-ha moment) on his return trip to earth led to IONS’ mission - to bridge science and spirituality.

Blesoff was attracted to the Conscious Aging Workshops while he wound down his 30-year legal career. “As I continue to melt some of the armor I had built up, the Conscious Aging approach gives me a positive role-model as well as substantive relationships.” He claims that as much as his workshop participants smile and thank him, he actually gets more out of it than anyone.

St. Vincent Ferrer School

SUNDAY, UNDAY, NDAY JANUARY NDAY, JANUAR 29, 2017 8:00am - 1:00pm PreK3 to 8th Grade Flexible Plans for Preschool Full Day Kindergarten Before and After School Care

Or call today to schedule a visit!

Where GREATNESS Begins St. Vincent Ferrer School 1515 Lathrop Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 708.771.5905 www.svfschool.org

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT Special Advertising Section

GUIDE

January 18, 2017

B5

Helping YOU Champion Your Child’s Education

I

t is no secret that your child’s education is important to his future. In today’s educational environment of frequent policy changes and the performance pressures, your child‘s educational needs too often lose out.

Other times students with learning disabilities are not appropriately diagnosed because of lack of school resources and therefore struggle to function in the classroom. The cycle of poor school performance continues when a child’s low learning motivation results from low selfesteem, or traumatic family experiences, or lack of affordable help. This vicious cycle of low self-esteem and failing grades eventually leads giving up on school and high school drop outs.

Most educational settings do not adequately address student’s weak educational foundation. Failing grades become routine.

Benchmark school years are still too often repeated endangering chances for a select high school acceptance. If this sounds familiar to you and your child needs serious support, then DR. BILL’S LEARNING CENTERS can offer professional help. We are not just homework helpers, our specialized tutors and therapists offer educational rehabilitation serious individualized support. We focus on building the foundation your child requires to succeed in the challenging environment in his or her school. If you are seeking an added supportive opportunity for special service for students with special education needs, organizational challenges, time management, test taking strategies and motivational issues, DR. BILL’S LEARNING CENTERS CAN HELP. Every high school today makes every assignment and test counts. We know that every good grade increases the chance for every college scholarship dollar. Good paying jobs are waiting for your child only with high qualifications. If a child achieves poorly within their first two years of high school, the academic failure may lead to dropout and a lifetime of low income jobs in a still very tough economy. This path can be avoided with academic support. You will need the best

Our unique integrated services includes family support, art therapy, creative skills and stress management, nutrition counseling, computerized test preparation. and mentoring services to empower our students.

that professionals can offer without paying a hardship-causing price for it. The latest research shows that specialized, intensive, motivating and culturally relevant tutoring can turn around failures best identified after first grade. You are your child’s best advocate. So act soon, better yet, Act Now! Dr. Bill’s learning CenterS are organized to support students in second grade through tenth grade. We provide an evidence-based program that are family focused and holistic.

Our interdisciplinary team is dedicated to individualized, special instruction to improving the educational outcomes for children like yours. Our unique integrated services includes family support, art therapy, creative skills and stress management, nutrition counseling, computerized test preparation. and mentoring services to empower our students. All our efforts focus on mastering fundamental skills that will strengthen your child’s self-confidence, organization and cognitive skills for life. We look forward to answering your questions, serving your special students, or just providing encouragement to make this and every school year a great one.

Your children deserve a productive future.

GOT THE PROGRESS REPORT!?!

SPECIALIZED TUTORING (GRADES 2ND - 10TH) We help families turn test anxiety, attention deficit, or anger issues into success in math, reading, writing and self-confidence.

• Experienced, Trained Rehabilitation Facilitators • Individualized Intensive Specialized Tutoring • Culturally Relevant Resources: African-American and Latino/Latina American Diaspora • Multifaceted Service for Diverse Learning Styles • Computer Assisted Instruction • Organization Skill Streaming • Test Taking Anxiety Rehabilitation

Extended Hours:

Saturdays 9am - 2pm • Weekdays 2pm - 8pm

TWO LOCATIONS 4909 W. Division Chicago, IL 60651 773.626.5551

18 W. Lake St. Oak Park, IL 60302 708.434.0336

*Materials cost plus Service Program offering per Treatment Plan with consented Rehabilitation Evaluation if required. *Rate comparison to similar professional program offerings in local area.

B6

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 18, 2017

Special Advertising Section

Learning and Growing at the West Cook YMCA Preschool

P

reschool at the West Cook YMCA offers opportunities for children 2-5 years old to learn new skills, make new friends, and gain selfconfidence through hands-on learning. Our program

impacts the lives of children, their families, and even their teachers. We are honored to share the stories and impact of one child from his mom and his teacher.

“My son is 3 years old and is a student in Ms. Gingi’s preschool class at the West Cook YMCA. I chose to send my son to the preschool here because of the flexibility in the number of days he can attend. Plus, the preschool runs from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm which gives him plenty of time with his friends and gives me time to take care of myself. Once I drop off my son at preschool, I can walk down the hallway and workout. It helps me to keep my commitment to take care of myself so that I can take care of him.

Ms. Gingi is a wonderful teacher. The curriculum aligns with what is important to me in teaching my son. Through guided play, my son is learning and growing. For example, she spends time with the children to understand and handle their emotions. He is learning to swim through swim lessons that are included, he plays with play-dough and slime that he helps to make, he eats healthy snacks, and he loves to sing songs. More importantly, he has learned to grow and love his teacher. Every night, he lists the people he loves and Ms. Gingi is on the list at least three times. By regularly attending preschool, we have seen the impact at home. I am truly grateful for the partnership that I have developed with his teacher in seeing my child learn new skills, make friends, and gain self-confidence.”

-Mom of three-year old West Cook YMCA Preschooler

Just as this young boy loves coming to preschool to see his teacher and friends, his teacher, Ms. Gingi, is just as excited for each child in her class. ”As a preschool teacher, I love seeing the growth of each child in my classroom. It’s so validating to hear a child say “I am using this right now, I will give it to you when I’m done.”

Instead of them saying “no, that’s mine!” when another student is asking to use an item that they currently have in their possession. Working on delaying gratification is such a great way to experience great social-emotional growth for these young students.

While there are many great activities I plan for each day, I also feel that it is so important to follow the children and allowing them to have a voice in what we do within our room. It is key that they feel ownership in the classroom. I love teaching- it’s the best job in the world. I’m the luckiest woman because I get so much love and joy out of the work that I do at the Y. Even the challenging parts are joyful too, because there is the process of learning in that, and I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose in life.”

Preschool at the West Cook Y! Our educators will walk side-byside with you through your child’s first school experience.

We offer: • Half-day sessions with options to participate 2, 3 or 5 days a week • Time for learning, playing, exploring, and creativity • Swim lessons included Request a tour of our DCFS licensed preschool today.

Preschool is an important choice—and you can be confident the West Cook Y is the best choice for a child today—and far into the future.

For additional information on Preschool or programs for school-age children contact: Elizabeth Lopez, Youth Development Director 708-434-0230 elopez@westcookymca.org

-Ms. Gingi, West Cook YMCA Preschool Teacher

SAY YES.

Advertise in the

2017

SAY YES TO YOUR SUCCESS. SAY YES TO YOU. BECOME

AN

Are you excited about your Summer Camp program? This is the time to tell everyone about it!

ENTREPRENEUR

The Joseph Business School is a premier Christian business school that prepares kingdom-minded entrepreneurs.

Publish Date:

February

8th

Ad Deadline: Feb. 3rd

Get your message out to thousands of households in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield. That’s a huge audience of parents and kids all looking for fun things to do this summer!

Entrepreneurship classes start

APRIL 8, 2017

Apply Now at JBS.edu or call 866-791-4JBS

Buy a 1/8 page ad or larger and get a FREE 100 word listing!

To advertise, call 708-524-8300

Special Advertising Section

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 18, 2017

Play, Explore, Discover The YMCA Preschool program offers opportunities to learn new skills, make new friends, and gain self-confidence.

Our DCFS Licensed Preschool Program Features: • 2, 3, and 5 days a week options to accommodate your schedule • Classes for ages 2–5 years old • Offered Monday–Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Schedule a Tour Today.

• Focus on Cognitive, Physical, and Social-Emotional Contact Elizabeth Lopez Development at elopez@westcookymca.org • Play-based learning through discovery • Learning Early Literacy Skills • On-site swim instruction with our certified swim instructors

ONLY 7 OPENINGS LEFT!

WEST COOK YMCA 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708 383 5200

B7

B8

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 18, 2017 PRE-K – 12TH GRADE

1ST-12TH GRADE

SAT, ACT & ISEE TEST PREP HOMEWORK HELP SUMMER PROGRAMS

SUMMER SAT, ACT & ISEE HOMEWORK ENRICHMENT TH PRE-K GRADE SAT, ACT & ISEE TEST PREPPROGRAMS HOMEWORK HELP SUMMER PROGRAMS TEST– 12 PREP HELP

Mathnasium Makes Math Fun!

A We We Make Math Make Math Make Sense Make Sense

WE ARE EXPERIENCED WE ARE EXPERIENCED MATH SPECIALISTS TRIAL SESSION MATH SPECIALISTS FREEFREE CONSULTATION

Call today to schedule An in-depth look at how the aMathnasium free session Method works andyour how we can meet your for child.

WE TEACH ALL LEVELS WE TEACH ALL LEVELS OF MATH ABILITY OF MATH ABILITY PROVEN RESULTS PROVEN RESULTS

family’s needs.

www.mathnasium.com/ Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest mathnasium.com/your web web address oakparkriverforest mathnasium.com/your address Your Location Location 212 S. Your Marion St., 123 Any 123 Street AnyRd. Street Rd. 708.613.4007 800-123-4567 800-123-4567 Oak Park, IL90000 60302 Any Town, STTown, Any ST 90000 mathnasium.com/your web address mathnasium.com/your web address oakparkriverforest@mathnasium.com

t Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest, you can feel the buzz of activity and excitement as soon as you walk in the door. Students of all ages from kindergarten through high school are actively engaged in learning and understanding mathematics.

Operating on the philosophy that every child can become great at math, Mathnasium has become the industry leader in supplementary math education.

More than any other subject, math has a stigma of being boring and anxiety provoking.

At Mathnasium, all the stress is taken out of the process as compassionate instructors work one on one with learners. As owner, Jana Frank explains, “We Make Math Make Sense. Kids don’t hate math, they hate being frustrated and intimidated by it. Our job is to help our students develop number sense so they aren’t just able to do it, but actually understand what they are doing and why. Since we individually assess each student and create a customized learning curriculum for them, we are able to set students up on a path to success.”

The staff at Mathnasium works to ensure students are not just learning, but enjoying what they are learning. “Even more important than the math is the attitude and confidence,” says Frank. “We want to make sure every student feels welcome and encouraged to try their best. We will always adjust our teaching methods to find the one that works

Ascension School offers a faith-based Ascension School offers a faith-based education for children ages three through education for children ages three through eighth grade.

To learn about excellent eighth grade.

To learn about ourour excellent preschool elementary school, or for preschool andand elementary school, or for registration materials, please visit our website registration materials, please visit our website at:at: www.ascensionoakpark.com/school www.ascensionoakpark.com/school

Sunday Sunday January January29th 29th am— 1010 am— 12:30pm 12:30pm

601 Van Buren St. Oak Park, Illinois T: 708.386.7282 601 Van Buren St. Oak Park, Illinois T: 708.386.7282

for each child.” This personalized instruction incorporates best practices through a combination of learning styles including written, mental, verbal, visual, and tactile.

Whether students are struggling to keep up or excelling in their classes, the proven Mathnasium Method™ can address and advance their knowledge and abilities.

Mathnasium OPRF also offers private instruction, test prep, and homework help.

Parents and students alike sing the praises of Mathnasium. A Hatch Elementary student says, “At Mathnasium, I’ve learned that I actually LIKE math!” A Julian Middle Schooler says, “I’ve learned how to understand why the solution to a problem works instead of just memorizing how to solve it.” From a parent’s perspective, “It is a great pleasure for my children to be part of Mathnasium OPRF. The attention paid to their needs is amazing. It has changed the way that they feel about school and greatly increased their confidence levels” Mathnasium OPRF is located at 212 S. Marion St, Oak Park. Learn more at www. mathnasium.com/oakparkriverforest or call 708.613.4007 to schedule a FREE TRIAL SESSION.

A Caring Community A Caring Community The opportunity FF The to opportunity learn in an

ounded in 1912, Ascension School has been providing CatholicSchool education for ounded inexcellent, 1912, Ascension has been families inexcellent, our community over a century. providing Catholicforeducation for With thousands many whom have families in of ouralumni, community forofover a century. chosen Ascension their many children’s education, With thousands offor alumni, of whom have chosen Ascension their children’s education, we continue to be aforvibrant school, proud of our we continue to beto a vibrant school, our history, and ready serve each newproud childofwho history, joins us. and ready to serve each new child who joins us. School offers a faith-based education Ascension Ascension School offers a faith-based education for children from three years old through the for children years old through the eighth grade.from Our three rigorous curriculum prepares eighth grade.

Our rigorous curriculum prepares students for the next level of education.

We students for the next level of education.

We continue to provide a strong fine arts curriculum continue to provide a strong fine artsteachers. curriculum taught by highly qualified full-time taught by highly qualified full-time teachers.

Ascension students consistently score above Ascension students consistently score above national norms on standardized tests at all grade national norms on standardized tests at all grade levels. received the theU.S. U.S. levels.InIn2007, 2007, Ascension Ascension received Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award.

Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award.

Join ususforforour Join our Open House: Open House:

Special Advertising Section

to learn in anthat environment environment that promotes the promotes the principlesofofLove, Love, principles Kindnessand and Kindness Respect.

Respect.

• Tablets available in classrooms to supplement • Tablets available in classrooms to supplement traditional educational materials traditional educational materials • Anti-bullying initiative and a “buddy” • Anti-bullying initiative and a “buddy” InInaddition elementaryschool school additionto to an an excellent excellent elementary mentoring program to connect upper mentoring program to connect upper andand education, education,Ascension Ascension provides: provides: lower grade students lower grade students ••An for 3 3 and and 44year-olds, year-olds, Anexcellent excellent Preschool Preschool for •AAservice-oriented service-oriented student council • student council with student-teacher withcertified certified teachers teachers and and aa student-teacher Weknow knowthat that parents have many wonderful We parents have many wonderful ratio ratioless lessthan than 10 10 to 1 optionswhen when choosing right school options choosing thethe right school for for theirtheir ••An ExtendedDay Day Anoutstanding, outstanding, affordable affordable Extended children.When When you choose Ascension School, children. you choose Ascension School, Programopen open from from 7AM to 6PM Program 6PM on onschool school bebeconfident that you areare providing youryour children confident that you providing children days. days. with anan academic experience, youyou are are withmore morethan than academic experience, Twofull-day full-day Kindergarten Kindergarten classrooms ••Two classrooms giving giftgift of of a caring community andand givingthem themthe the a caring community varietyof ofExtracurricular Extracurricular Programs to to learn in in an an environment thatthat ••AAvariety Programsincluding including the theopportunity opportunity learn environment band,orchestra, orchestra, and and drama drama club promotes principles of of Love, Kindness andand band, club promotesthe the principles Love, Kindness Competitive athletic athletic leagues leagues for Respect.

••Competitive for grades grades5-8 5-8inin Respect. soccer, cross country, basketball and volleyball soccer, cross country, basketball and volleyball

Special Advertising Section

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

Grace School Offers a Faith-filled Environment for Students from Preschool through 8th grade

G

race Lutheran School, at the corner of Division and Bonnie Brae in River Forest, offers a nurturing and faith-filled environment for students from preschool through eighth grade.

“We love our daughter’s school!” says the mother of a Grace fourth-grader. “I can’t think of any other place we’d rather have our girl being lovingly taught about the world God created!”

A strong core curriculum at Grace challenges children academically, while high expectations and appropriate supports help students achieve their best. The experienced faculty includes a full-time resource teacher and a part-time certified reading specialist.

Grace School students consistently perform above national averages on standardized tests, and graduates succeed at competitive area high schools in the city and suburbs.

Students of all ages participate in art, music and German classes. Band and orchestra lessons and ensembles are also available.

Grace students study God’s word daily, in a nurturing Christian setting. Parents appreciate the supportive family atmosphere at Grace School. Social events for parents

and families bring students and parents together outside of school hours.

After-school enrichment classes offer a variety of fun and creative learning experiences. Grace sports teams are open to all interested participants.

Grace

Lutheran School

January 18, 2017

B9

All-School Ope

n Hou

se Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:30–8 p.m.

Call 708-366-6900

for more informat ion

. . . where children grow in faith, academics and character.

Early Childhood classrooms for children age 3 to 5 ▪︎ Develop social and academic skills in free play and structured activities ▪︎ Half-day and full-day options for 4- and 5-year-olds ▪︎ Learn about God’s love

Early childhood programs at Grace provide flexible options for families with children age 3 through 5. Three-year-old preschoolers attend morning classes two, three, or five days a week. Junior and senior kindergarten classes for students age four and five meet in the morning, Monday through Friday; students may also attend the optional afternoon program which runs until 3 p.m.

Extended care is available until 6 p.m. for children age four and up. Before-school care opens at 7 a.m.

Elementary grades 1–8 ▪︎ Experienced teachers ▪︎ Nurturing family environment ▪︎ Support for individual learning styles ▪︎ Music, art and sports teams ▪︎ Before and after-school care available

Grace School is currently accepting applications for the 2017–18 school year.

For more information come to an Open House for prospective families on Wednesday evening, January 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tour the facility, meet the teachers and principal, and talk with Grace students and parents.

Bill Koehne, principal 7300 Division St. ▪︎ River Forest, IL 60305 708-366-6900 ▪︎ www.GraceRiverForest.org

For more information, call the school office (708-366-6900) or click on the Grace School tab at GraceRiverForest.org.

Looking for More than Just Looking justaaahigh highschool? school?

Looking for more just high school?

Lookingfor formore more than than Looking for more than just a high school?

Looking for more than just a high school? a High School? You found it YOU FOUND IT! YOU FOUND IT! YOU IT! at Walther Christian Academy!

YOU FOUND IT! YOU FOUND IT!

H

world, because like Walther alumni before elp your student get more out of them, our seniors excelling in college and high school by setting them up for many working and studying overseas. Fourth, success. Give them the advantage of a Walther education. Since 1954, Walther has our school’s diversity equips you with the empathy, communication skills and social been the chosen school for families looking awareness to connect with anyone, anywhere. for a superior college preparatory education Fifth, we ensure you develop the academic built on a Christian foundation. We are fundamentals, confidence proud to have 100% and character to become college acceptance for our the student you are meant graduating seniors each “Whenever I think to be. Finally, no matter year with most students earning significant merit back about my years your religion, you’ll find Christ here, and He will find scholarships and financial at Walther, I literally you, enlighten you, inspire aid. Beyond that, what makes Walther MORE? get a smile on my face. you, and guide you, in good times and bad First, your student will Those four years were “Whenever I think back experience more here, exploring their intellect, truly some of the best about my years at Walther, I literally get a smile on my spirituality, leadership years of my life.” face. Those four years were abilities, athleticism, quote from a Walther Alum truly some of the best years musicality, and artistry of my life,” quote from sometimes all in the same a Walther Alum. We are day. Second, our culture here to help your child grow. make us seem more a Choosing the right high school is an important university than high school with managed decision in not only the student’s life, but the class sizes, advanced courses, candid entire family. Choose MORE.www.walther.com discussions, and a collaborative faculty.

Third, your student can someday change the

Help your child get Help get Helpyour yourchild child get Help your child get out of school. more out ofofhigh high school.

Help your child get more out high school.

more out of high school.

Set them up Set themof upfor forsuccess. success. more out high school.

Set them up for success.

Give them the advantage ofofa a GiveSet them theup advantage them for success.

SetWalther them the up for success.

Give them advantage of a education. education.

GiveWalther them the advantage of a

Give them the advantage Walther education.of a Walther education.

Walther education.

The Class of 2021HOUSE is forming NOW! OPEN HOUSE OPEN

OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE HOUSE OPEN Thursday, October20, 20,2016 2016 Thursday, October Thursday, October 20, Thursday, October 20,2016 2016 Don’t Miss the Special 7:00pm 7:00pm Placement Test/Visitation Day Thursday, Come learn October about scholarship20, and 2016 7:00pm 7:00pm Come learn about scholarship and Fri., Jan.financial 27th • deadlines.

8am-2:45pm 7:00pm aid financial aid deadlines.

Come learn about Come learn aboutscholarship scholarshipand and ComeCome learnlearn about and aboutscholarship scholarship and financial aid deadlines. financial aid deadlines.

SEE WHAT MORE THAN COLLEGEfinancial PREP LOOKS LIKE aidaiddeadlines. financial deadlines.

SEE WHAT MORE THAN COLLEGE PREP LOOKS LIKE 900 CHICAGO AVE.MORE THAN COLLEGE PREP LOOKS LIKE SEE WHAT SEE WHAT MORE THANWWW.WALTHER.COM COLLEGEPREP PREPLOOKS LOOKSLIKE LIKE 900 CHICAGO MELROSE PARK, AVE. IL 60160 SEE WHAT MORE THAN COLLEGE WWW.WALTHER.COM

MELROSE PARK, IL 60160 (708) 344-0404

CHICAGO AVE. (708) 344-0404 900900 CHICAGO AVE. 900 CHICAGO MELROSE PARK,AVE. IL 60160 MELROSE PARK, ILIL60160 MELROSE PARK, 60160 (708) 344-0404 (708) 344-0404 (708) 344-0404

WWW.WALTHER.COM WWW.WALTHER.COM WWW.WALTHER.COM

P

B10

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 18, 2017

ST. GILES SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

CATHOLIC VALUES

NURTURING COMMUNITY

LIFELONG LEADERSHIP

Learn more about our Pre-3 through 8th grade programs

OPEN HOUSE Sun., Jan. 29 12:30-2:30 pm Thurs., Feb. 16 9 am Fri., Feb. 24 9 am

Register here:

stgilesschool.org/wjopenhouse 1034 Linden Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708.383.6279 stgilesschool.org stgilesschooloakpark

Tuition assistance available for families with documented need.

Special Advertising Section

Academic Excellence in a Nurturing Catholic Community

S

t. Giles School offers an outstanding faith-based academic program for pre-school through 8th grade students, fostering intellectual, physical, social and spiritual growth. Our challenging curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects and leadership development.

The St. Giles Early Childhood Center was completely renovated in 2015 to meet the needs of our youngest students, including the addition of a gross-motor playroom. Preschool classes for both 3- and 4-year-olds provide building blocks to help children develop a natural love of learning. Half-day classes can be supplemented through extended day, before-and-after school programs.

Our beautiful campus is spread across three buildings and includes a library, computer lab, gym, art and music classrooms, and two playgrounds. Recent enhancements include the renovation of our science lab in 2015 and a start on a new outdoor education space in 2016 to broaden and further our STEAM curriculum, which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

In addition to academic excellence and rigor, St. Giles emphasizes a wide range of enrichment and athletic opportunities.

We offer competitive interscholastic sports

for grades 5-8, featuring co-ed soccer, boys’ and girls’ basketball, and volleyball.

Intramural sports programs for grades K-8 are available throughout the school year and summer. Students also have the opportunity to participate in one or more of five bands, along with multiple after-school enrichment programs ranging from chess to robotics to theater.

St. Giles School is committed to providing a quality education that prepares students to be people of faith, strong leaders, and to serve the community. Our graduates develop a sense of personal responsibility toward themselves, their school, their parish and their community.

Many go on to selective enrollment high schools. We are a welcoming, proud and vibrant community that celebrates every student for his or her classroom achievements, awards, athletic milestones, and service to others.

New student applications can be submitted beginning January 29th at our Open House.

Applications are available on our website below or by calling the office.

St. Giles School

1034 Linden Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-6279 www.stgilesschool.org

Learning Learning From from and with each other and With Each Other

FF

oundedinin1961, 1961,Alcuin AlcuinMontessori Montessori School offers a cross-curricular learning environment * Junior and Senior Elementary, ounded balancing academic and emotional intelligence. We partner parents 8:30 a.m. towith 3:15 p.m. and provide School offers a cross-curricular learning students thebalancing tools to become highly-skilled independent thinkers with a passion for environment academic and * Middle School, confident, curious, selfknowledge.

Our programs are designed to help each child become emotional intelligence. We partner with 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. disciplined and motivated. parents and provide students the tools to * Before/After At Alcuin, classroomsindependent operate on the principle of freedom withinSchool limits. Care Children, under the become highly-skilled thinkers guidance of a teacher, work at their own pace with materials of their choosing. Each student * Art with a passion for knowledge. Our programs may work alone or with others; different levels of ability are expected and welcomed within are designed to help each child become * Musical Theater each classroom. Education occurs in multi-aged classrooms where children of various stages confident, curious, self-disciplined and of development learn from and with each other. * Spanish motivated.

Our programs for ages 0-14 include: Families currently attending Alcuin come At Alcuin, classrooms operate on the * Parent/Infant - Fridays, 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. from Oak Park, as well as Berwyn, Broadview, principle of freedom within limits. Children, Brookfield, * Three to Five Day a.m. Chicago, Cicero, Elmhurst, Forest under the guidance of a Toddler/Parent, teacher, work at 8:30 their to 11:30 Park, River Forest, Riverside, River Grove and * Primary, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. own pace with materials of their choosing. more. * Full-Day Kindergarten, a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Each student may work alone8:30 or with others; We welcome all prospective parents to join different levels ability Elementary, are expected8:30 and a.m. to 3:15 * Junior andofSenior p.m. us for our monthly informational Coffees. We Education welcomed within each classroom. * Middle School, 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. will start with some good coffee, a short video occurs in multi-aged classrooms where * Before/After School Care on Montessori education and then take an children of various stages of development in-depth look into all of our classrooms. At * Art learn from and with each other. the end of the tour we hold a question and * Musical Theater Our programs for ages 0-14 include: answer session, and explain our admissions * Spanish * Parent/Infant - Fridays, process. Tours are held throughout the school Families Alcuin come from Oak Park, as well as Berwyn, Broadview, 8:45 currently to 10:30 attending a.m. year on Thursdays (9:00-11:00 a.m.) at the Brookfield, Chicago, Cicero, Elmhurst, Forest Park, River Forest, Riverside, River Grove and main Alcuin campus. Visit Alcuin.org for tour * Three to Five Day Toddler/Parent, more. dates.

To enroll in a tours please e-mail our 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

We welcome all prospective parents to join us for our monthly informational Coffees. We will Director of Advancement at avalera@alcuin. * Primary, 8:30good to 11:30 a.m. start with some coffee, a short video on Montessori education and then take an in-depth callhold 708.366.1882. look into all of our classrooms.

At the end of theorg tourorwe a question and answer session, * Full-Day Kindergarten, and explain our admissions process. Tours are held throughout the school year on Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

(9:00-11:00 a.m.) at the main Alcuin campus. Visit Alcuin.org for tour dates. To enroll in a tours please e-mail our Director of Advancement at avalera@alcuin.org or call 708.366.1882.

Special Advertising Section

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

Learning Through All Aspects of Life at Keystone Montessori

C

hildren come from far and wide to Keystone Montessori, a school that has gained the reputation as one of the country’s premier Montessori schools.

“The beauty of Montessori education is that it takes into consideration the whole child,” says Vicki Shea, Keystone’s administrative coordinator. “The physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of children are nurtured as well as their academic development and each child is respected as an individual with unique abilities.”

If you’re wondering what Montessori education is all about, it’s based on the teachings of Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman doctor who went on to become a renowned educator. From her observations of the natural development of children, she believed that a child’s independence, self-esteem and love of learning could flourish, given the right environment and with guidance from a properly trained teacher. Today, 100 years later, there are Montessori schools all over the world.

Keystone has a class for two-year olds, primary classes for 3-6 year olds, junior elementary classes for 6-9 year olds, senior elementary classes for 9-12 year olds and a middle school.

There are parent/infant classes also. One of the hallmarks of Montessori education is grouping together children of different ages. “In

this way children learn from each other,” says Shea. “It also helps the older children learn a sense of responsibility toward the younger ones.” Children learn by working with specially designed ‘materials’ in an age-appropriate environment which stimulates the senses and encourages exploration. The children are busy, each one involved in doing something either individually or in small groups. In one of the primary classrooms a three-year old is mopping the floor, and a five-year old is counting with a bead chain. In the junior elementary classroom a student is researching snakes and in another part of the room, a group of students is analyzing the grammatical parts of a sentence with the teacher. “Many of Montessori’s observations about how children learn have been borne out by recent research showing that children have windows in their development when they can best absorb things like language, music and math,” explains Shea. The school is proud of its consistently high academic achievement but places great emphasis on helping children become well-rounded, responsible members of society.

Keystone Montessori is holding an Open House on Sunday, January 22, 2–4 pm. Located at 7415 W. North Ave., River Forest. 708/366-1080.

Join the fun in the Early Childhood Program at the River Forest Community Center!

T

he River Forest Community Center provides an age-appropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth.

Our teachers thrive on creating a safe and fun learning environment through play in which children are encouraged to explore and develop their cognitive, language, socialintellectual and motor skills.

Our mission is to provide a hands-on approach to learning which allows the children to explore their environment while enhancing their social, emotional, cognitive and motor development.

Classes start as young as 15 months of age.

The Early Childhood Programs include: • Munchkins • Playschool • Preschool (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Pre-Kindergarten (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Before & After School Programs

The River Forest Community Center is located at 8020 Madison Street in River Forest.

For more information about the Early Childhood Programs, call 708-771-6159.

January 18, 2017

B11

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday January 22nd 2–4 pm 7415 W. North Ave. River Forest Call 708-366-1080 for more information

Parent/infant program • Toddler Class, ages 2-3 • Primary Class, ages 3-6 Elementary and Middle School • After school program for ages 5 and up You are welcome to observe a classroom. Call for an appointment.

A place where children love to learn KEYSTONE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 7415 W. North Avenue, River Forest, IL 708/366-1080

River Forest Community Center River Forest Community Center River Forest Community Center River Forest Community Center Early Childhood Learning Center Early Childhood Learning Center Early Childhood Learning Center

Early Childhood Learning Center **Please join us at our **** **Please join us our **Please join join us at at us ourat ** our Please

Early Childhood Early Childhood Early Childhood Early Childhood Open House Open Open House House

Open House

Wednesday, January 29th Wednesday, Wednesday, January January 29th 29th 6:30 pm —8:00 pm 6:30 pm —8:00 pm Wednesday, January 18th 6:30 pm —8:00 pm

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm  Half-Day & Full-Day:  Half-Day & Full-Day: Preschool Half-Day & Full-Day: & Pre-K

Preschool & ! Half-Day & Full-Day: Preschool & Pre-K Pre-K Preschool & Pre-KCare  Before and After School  and After School Care  Before Before and After School Care ! Before and After School Care

 Summer Camps  Camps ! Summer Camps  Summer Summer Camps

 Parent and Tot ! Parent and Programs Tot Programs  and Programs  Parent Parent and Tot Tot Programs ! Full-Day Infant—Preschool Full-Day Infant—Preschool Full-Day Infant—Preschool Full-Day Infant—Preschool Programs at our OPRF Programs at our OPRFHS HSlocation Programs Programs at at our our OPRF OPRF HS HS 8020 Madison Street 8020 Madison Street 8020 Madison 8020 Madison StreetStreet River Forest , IL 60305 River Forest , IL River Forest, IL 60305 River Forest , IL 60305 60305 (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info

Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your Bring in this ad receive your ad to$10.00 receiveoff Bring inBring this adinto tothis receive $10.00 off$10.00 your off initial registration fee! edguide14 initial registration fee! edguide14 initial registration fee! edguide14 your initial registration fee! doprf16mtg17

B12

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

January 18, 2017

Education for a Lifetime - Serving our community for over 20 years - Internationally recognized curriculum - Real Skills for Real Life

Special Advertising Section

Be part of our special day!

PlaydateION IT Tickets: $5 (ages 3-14) Adults & Kids under 2 are FREE!

SPECIAL NEEDS ED

Chicago Parent brings our popular Playdate event to families with special needs.

Swimming! (first come, first serve) • Bouncy Houses • Entertainment Stage • Quiet Room • Vendors

Saturday, Jan. 28

2 sessions: 10am-12:30pm/1pm-3:30pm JCC Chicago | 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook

Judy Katz OTR/L & Associates

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

entertainment stage sponsored by:

7 0 8 . 3 8 3 . 3 4 5 6 | 67 0 1 W. N O R T H AV E . , O A K PA R K W W W. M A S T E R-S H -Y U . C O M

Visit ChicagoParent.com/specialneedsplaydate for advance tickets and info!