COMMUNITY
OUR COMMUNITY: PARTNERS IN GROWTH
At Brickton Montessori, we believe that the community of the child, parent, and educator is the foundation of our school’s success. We are more than a school; we are a vibrant ecosystem where everyone plays a role in nurturing the "whole child."
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Our Board of Directors is the visionary heart of Brickton, responsible for the school’s long-term sustainability and strategic direction. Composed of dedicated parents and community leaders, the Board focuses on three main roles:
- Fiduciary: Ensuring the financial health and mission-alignment of the school.
- Strategic: Planning for the next two to five years of growth.
- Generative: Developing a shared vision for the future of Montessori education.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Warren Lapham President
Alex Derec Vice President
Kevin Gates Secretary
John Rams Treasurer
Erica Lane Head of School
DIRECTORS
Joanna Quargnali-Linsley
Steve Berger
Brendan O’Sullivan
Brian Leong
PARENT ALLIANCE
Every family is a member of the Parent Alliance from the moment they enroll. The PA is the social heartbeat of our school, dedicated to bringing families together and fostering communication between parents and administration.
Our Mission: To act as a liaison, promote a spirit of inclusion, and nurture our vibrant school community.
Meetings: The PA meets 3–4 times per year. We provide childcare and a light dinner so all parents can participate in planning the events that make Brickton special.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
To maintain our close-knit community, we invite every family to participate in the 5-Hour Power Pledge by contributing just five hours of their time each year. Whether you bring a specific professional talent or simply a helping hand, there is a place for you to get involved through campus clean-ups, classroom support, school events, and special committee work.
- At the Classroom Level: Help with laundry, provide snacks, read to
the students, or chaperone field trips. - At the School-Wide Level: Join a committee, help with "Spring
Cleaning," or assist in painting and maintaining our beautiful environments. - The "Big Leap": Now that we have officially settled into our new home in Des Plaines, there are wonderful opportunities for parents to jump in and help us make the most of our new campus.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & BENEFITS
Throughout the year, we host events that serve two purposes: building memories and supporting our mission.nt or simply a helping hand, there is a place for you:
- The Annual Benefit – “The Big Leap”: Our premier gala for adults and alumni, each year we gather to celebrate our community with auctions, music, and dancing.
- The Annual Fund: Our yearly campaign for monetary donations, we strive for 100% participation from families and staff, ensuring that tuition remains accessible while our programs remain world-class.
- In-School Celebrations: Monthly assemblies in the Great Room where classrooms share their work with the entire school community.
- Effortless Fundraisers: Support Brickton every day by participating in program like Manna gift cards, book fairs, and retail rewards programs.
Want to get involved? Check the family calendar in the Brickton Weekly for the next Parent Alliance meeting or reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator today.
School Volunteer Coordinator
Kelly McDermott
email: kelly.mcdermott@brickton.org
Feedback
The Brickton Experience
“My time at Brickton involved the whole family! My mom, Diane, spent time teaching yoga at Brickton and my dad, Larry, was the emcee at the benefit for many years! All three of us created lasting friendship through our involvement with the school. Brickton always felt like an extension of home in many ways due to the educators, support staff and community. I credited my early Montissori education to much of what led me to becoming a mental health therapist. I now work in an outpatient hospital setting as well as a private practice.”
Brickton Alumnus Aleksandra Steinert (Class of 2005)
Contact Us!
Brickton Montessori School is where every child’s unique talent flourishes through an inspiring Montessori experience. We invite you to tour Brickton and witness firsthand how our students thrive.
Contact us at (773) 714-0646 or email info@brickton.org to schedule a personalized visit.
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