Kellogg School Recognized for Learning Garden
Kellogg School, 9241 S. Leavitt, received a Chicago Excellence in Gardening Award (CEGA). The school’s garden, tended by students and volunteers, competed with entries from 60 neighborhoods to win this recognition.
Kellogg was recognized in the specialized category. The garden grows vegetables as well as ornamental plants.
“We have a Japanese garden planted by a former teacher, a butterfly garden planted in memory of a student, a learning garden with vegetables and herbs and an outdoor classroom recently built by parent Michael O’Doherty,” wrote Kellogg parent Emily Lambert. “We’re lucky to have such beautiful grounds, and there’s a lot to take care of!”
A CEGA judge visited the school in August and was given a tour of the grounds by 8th grader Meah Pierre. The Kellogg garden has a long history. Trish O’Shea started “farming” at the school in the 1990s, Pat Jonikaitis led the environment club for years, and today’s students and volunteers are continuing the tradition.
Pierre was among the Kellogg students who attend the awards ceremony in October at the Garfield Park Conservatory and heard that the judge was impressed by the garden’s history.
Our community is impressed by how committed volunteers are to the school’s green-and-growing initiative. Two years ago, garden volunteer David Perry planting about 1,000 daylilies around the school perimeter, and he is one of the people who helps with weeding on Mondays (“We don’t use herbicides, all weeding is by hand,” Lambert wrote). Perry also helps Lambert with the garden club.
CEGA is Chicago’s only citywide gardening honor recognizing the hard work and creativity that make our city a healthier, more beautiful and more sustainable place. From elegant home gardens to large and productive urban farms, the gardens exemplify the Chicago motto, adopted in 1837, “Urbs in Horto.”
Even though the growing season is over, visitors can check out the garden at the Kate Starr Kellogg School open house, Sat., Nov. 17, 1 to 3 p.m., 9241 S. Leavitt. Visit this Level 1+ kindergarten through 8th grade Chicago Public School to learn more about academic opportunities that include the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, 1:1 Chromebooks, Learning Garden, sports and clubs, before- and after-school care and more. Info: Kellogg.cps.edu.
Beverly Montessori School
Beverly Montessori School, 9916 S. Walden Pkwy., has been providing authentic Montessori education to the community for more than 50 years. Programs include half-day and full-day preschool and kindergarten for children age 3 to 6 years.
The school provides a nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of the young child. The child-centered and multicultural curriculum offers a variety of activities in mixed age groups that help develop a sense of independence, concentration, gross and fine motor development, and a sense of order and responsibility. Children learn at their own pace through personal discovery and experience. Classrooms offer a window to the world – a place with grace, courtesy and immense creativity.
Beverly Montessori has full membership to the American Montessori Society and the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools. These organizations are charged with maintaining the quality and integrity of Montessori practice. All teachers are Montessori-certified in Early Childhood and the staff has a wide range of backgrounds, schooling and experience.
To reserve an appointment for a prospective family classroom visit on Thurs., Dec 13 call 773-239-7635. Save the date for the open house: Sun., Mar. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info www.beverlymontessori.org
