New artist-in-residence program brings summer workshops to MSLF
August 11, 2018

Montessori School of Lake Forest launched its first Artist in Residence program this past school year with abstract landscape artist, Kathleen Warren. The objective of this initiative was to engage students in the process of different, alternative and unique art forms. Through workshops and exploration, participants had the opportunity to learn this method, the technique and subsequently individualize a piece. They brought their thoughts, ideas and vision together with friends to create a larger, collaborative work, now proudly displayed in the school rotunda.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSLF is now partnered with Libertyville artist Jenny Sweeney for a summer residency of new and exciting workshops.  

Sweeney is a celebrated, multi-talented local Libertyville artist. Her art is sunny and upbeat. Influenced by being a peace-loving child of the 1970’s, she finds inspiration in the natural world around her.    The colors are radiant and warm, filling the ‘canvas’, whatever that might be, with good vibes. From miniature masterpieces to big, bold canvases that make a statement, one cannot help but find something that speaks directly to them.

At the core of the program is MSLF’s vast outdoor classroom, and the inspiration and education derived from it. Focused on the utilization of the world around them – nature, leaves, stones, flowers, branches, feathers – the list is infinite, students of various ages were able to participate in three very unique and inspiring workshops.   

The youngest students used simple found, forgotten or collected items and explored collage work to create a new treasure at the Tinker Trays & Found Objects workshop. Primary students, inspired by the beautiful blooming flowers around them, used recycled materials, and a collection of things from the art cupboards to create  a giant flower garden at the Giant  Flower Making workshop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSLF hosted the final workshop, Build Your Own Cardboard City, for students 6 years or older on Aug. 6.    Students used recycled boxes, collected materials and created their own unique, large-scale building. The project was completed when students came together to assemble a colorful and eclectic city.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are photos from Jenny Sweeney’s workshops:

 

MSLF Retirement Announcement

January 29, 2025
Dear MSLF Community, After over 20 years of teaching Lower Elementary students at MSLF, Kathryn Jasinski has shared her plans to retire from teaching at the end of the current school year. There is no doubt about the impact Miss Jasinski has had on our school community during her long tenure here. Kathryn has been well known for her dedication to her students, to developing the whole child, and for her passion for Montessori education, always staying true to the core tenets of Montessori philosophy. Her legacy at MSLF will certainly live on in each of the students who have been lucky enough to have been in her class and in the many words of wisdom she has shared with her fellow colleagues, past and present. No doubt each one of her current or former students who receives a note from her in the mail instantly recognizes her perfect cursive writing and the thoughtful note inside. Kathryn’s care of her students extends well beyond their time in her classroom as she has kept in touch with dozens of her former students and has even welcomed some back to work alongside her as assistants. She has been a mentor to many, imparting her years of expertise on all those who have had the privilege of working with her. While we are sad to see her go, we know that she will enjoy her well-earned retirement, and we look forward to celebrating Kathryn’s legacy more this year. MSLF is pleased to announce that Laura Earls will be the new Lower Elementary lead teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Laura has been co-teaching in our Upper Elementary classroom since the beginning of the current school year. Laura Earls joined the MSLF team from Higher Ground Education where she was Regional Program Lead, working to elevate program quality in all Guidepost Montessori schools across the Chicago area. It was during this work that she realized how much she missed working directly with children in the Montessori classroom and decided to return to teaching. Laura received her BA in art history from the University of Dallas and completed graduate work at the University of Notre Dame. Soon after, Laura shifted her career to education and earned her AMI Elementary Montessori Certification (6-12 years old) at the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. She then taught in an Elementary classroom at Forest Bluff School, and her classroom was profiled in Paula Polk Lillard’s book, Montessori Today. After moving to Wisconsin to raise her three children, Laura received her AMI Primary Montessori Certification (3-6 years old) at the Midwest Montessori Institute. After that, she worked as a Primary Directress and Director of Admissions at a Montessori school in Wisconsin, as Head of School of Forest Bluff School, and as Senior Head of School at Guidepost Montessori. Laura has three grown children who all experienced Montessori education themselves and are thriving in college and beyond. Laura has lived and studied in both Paris and Rome and is an accomplished pianist. Laura is excited to make the transition to the Lower Elementary classroom and looks forward to working closely with current and new Lower Elementary families next year. She also looks forward to meeting families in the Lower Elementary classroom during the Open House on February 5. With Laura transitioning to the Lower Elementary classroom following the current school year, MSLF will be conducting a search for a new co-teacher to work alongside Debbie Lincoln in the Upper Elementary classroom for the 2025-26 school year. We are thankful to Laura for all the support she has offered the Upper Elementary community this year. Please join me in wishing Kathryn a peaceful and fulfilling retirement and in welcoming Laura to the Lower Elementary community. Sincerely, Hope Allegretti Head of School - Executive Director Montessori School of Lake Forest

Montessori Assessments at MSLF

By Teresa Pavelich • January 8, 2025
An overview of how Montessori schools assess student progress and development
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