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Countryside Day Blog

Countryside Day Fills a Niche in the Northshore

July 31st, 2019

Countryside Day School, a renowned institution in Northbrook for more than 50 years, continues to fill a niche in the educational market by providing students 16 months through 8th grade with an unique learning experience that emphasizes not only rigorous academic studies but also the development of critical character skills essential for success not just in school, but more importantly in life. Countryside is committed to working in partnership with parents to help young people... READ MORE

Four Letter Words

February 6th, 2018

Is work a four-letter word? It certainly has four letters. And for many of us (present author not included) work does carry with it all the baggage of the traditional reference to four letter words, specifically profanity. Many people are in jobs they do not find value in. I recently heard the former CEO of Baxter say he no longer uses the phrase work-life balance. “If you aren’t living at work, you have a... READ MORE

Chris and Corrie Carrigan

January 21st, 2018

Testimonials from Chris and Corrie Carrigan about CDS When we think about our time at CDS we are overwhelmed with gratitude. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that its impact on our family will reverberate for a generation. We couldn't be more thrilled with your capable and dedicated staff and how their passion, patience, and discipline have laid a strong foundation upon which our children can build their lives. The effect of... READ MORE

Gateway Parenting

January 9th, 2018

The theory goes something like this: if you use legal drugs such as tobacco or alcohol, or even what some consider “soft drugs” like marijuana, you are more likely to slip down the slope to using “hard drugs” like amphetamines, cocaine and heroin, than people who never get started using soft drugs in the first place. The starter drugs are often referred to as gateway drugs because use of them is seen as the first... READ MORE

Elizabeth Shank

December 4th, 2017

What are our graduates doing now Elizabeth Shank is currently attending the University of Wisconsin Madison and is majoring in Biology. She recently made the transfer to Madison after attending Indiana University, where she was a part of the American Medical Women Association, which was a pre-med health group. She is currently volunteering her time with a 16-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Some of the tasks include assistance with walking in her gait... READ MORE

What Does a Child Really Need to Get Through Life?

October 31st, 2017

Despite our fixation on academics there are really two categories of skills that will make or break a life: character traits and life skills. And although these are often conflated, they are two distinct areas of development. Character Traits: Gratitude Humility Accountability Integrity Resourcefulness Adaptability Collaborative Persistent/Determined These are some examples of character traits. And the truth is that your opportunity to help your children develop them generally only comes during times... READ MORE

Your Children Do Not Belong to You

October 2nd, 2017

Contrary to how it feels when the nurse hands your first born over to you and waves goodbye, your children do not belong to you. They are not simply extensions of you. You have your life and they have theirs. Your lives are not interchangeable. Your dreams are not interchangeable. Children are yours on loan, for what will feel like a shockingly short period of time when they get ready to launch off on their... READ MORE

Office Max Takes a Stand on Parenting

September 13th, 2017

Watch the commercial and see for yourself. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/wOk3/office-depot-officemax-mom-song-by-bachman-turner-overdrive Who is doing all the work for what are clearly grown able young people who could shop for themselves? You got it…Mom. She even carries the bags. While tempting to shrug this off as no big deal, this commercial is unintentionally defining “good parenting” - a mom running around doing everything while her passive children follow impotently along. The problem is, while this... READ MORE

What is Education?

February 28th, 2017

Or maybe the more important question is what should education be? Historically, the sole purpose of education was to transfer academic content as efficiently as possible, without much regard for the aspects of the student's social, emotional and character development. But I think most of us would agree from our school experiences, that fractions and physics were not actually what made the lasting impact on our lives. It was the other lessons... READ MORE

Millennials: Fact or Fiction

January 10th, 2017

Much has been said about Millennials, their upbringing, and their attitudes and approaches to work and life. Is it the typical, "When I was young..." generational gap? Or is there something more to it? Simon Sinek, author and national presenter, shares his thoughts about the topic. Is there truth to it? How might it be affecting today's parents? How will the changes in parenting affect this upcoming generation? Join Head of School, Wendy Calise, to... READ MORE

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