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The Parenting Leadership Class is Back! + 3 Things We Learned from Feedback

March 24th, 2015

Due to popular demand, Michele and Jim Aspinall are bringing back the Leadership Parenting class! Take a moment to read the feedback to find out why. The next sessions will be offered on May 7th, 14th, and 21st. Contact Francesca to sign up. Babysitting is available. 1. Parents are Benefitting from the Classes I am so glad we signed up for this class! I read books, attended seminars before but this one I love so much... READ MORE

The Resourceful Child: More Insights from the Aspinall’s Leadership Parenting Class

March 12th, 2015

(based on Work from Author and Psychologist, John Rosemond) Good Character is learned in the home first and foremost. The three R’s of good citizenship--Respect, Responsibility and Resourcefulness--are the bedrock of good character. A solid moral and ethical foundation supports the development of compassion, integrity, commitment, selflessness, and all of the other attributes that constitute the “good neighbor.” Teaching Respect for others Instilling a respectful attitude in a child is essential in order for him/her to... READ MORE

Countryside Day School Selected as the Small Business of the Year

March 9th, 2015

At the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on March 9th, 2015, Wendy Calise received Small Business of the Year Award for Countryside Montessori School at the Northbrook Chamber Annual Meeting and Dinner. What a terrific honor! Thanks to the CDS families, faculty and staff for all you do that enabled us to receive such a fine distinction! ... READ MORE

The Trouble with College

March 3rd, 2015

(by Head of School, Wendy Calise) Last week on Thursday and Friday, 12 of our CDS faculty and staff attended the National Association of Independent Schools' Annual Conference. As is always the case, it was a star-studded cast, and I could go on for pages about all that we learned. But instead, I want to focus on one particular presentation that made a strong impression on me: Panel of the Future of Education. The... READ MORE

What Do Shopping for Schools and Shopping for Shoes Have in Common?

February 17th, 2015

So, I am looking for new shoes. Here is what I want: Black Two inches high Wedge heels With a strap Leather Open toe Dressy And I want them by Friday. Answer: No Problem! We expect what we purchase to be tailored to our particular specifications. There is almost nothing we can't find, nothing we can't ask, and nothing we can't get delivered. In this day and age, why can't school deliver my order... READ MORE

The Responsible Child: More Insights from the Aspinall’s Parenting Class

February 17th, 2015

(based on Work from Author and Psychologist, John Rosemond) It is a simple matter to discipline a child who is paying attention to you and almost impossible to discipline a child who is not. The more attention you pay a child, the less attention the child will pay to you. We've seen that parenting is about leadership and having a more active relationship with your spouse than with your child. You need to put yourself... READ MORE

Creating Child-Raising Circumstances: 3 More Insights from the Aspinall’s Parenting Class

February 10th, 2015

(based on Work with Author and Psychologist, John Rosemond) “Dear Abby”--opens the letter written by the stressed parent in the advice column. “We’ve tried everything, but our child’s behavior just won’t change.” So, Abby suggests a new parenting strategy, and we imagine a halo-crowned child and relieved parent living happily ever after. But when the dream-clouds dissipate, the child’s behavior actually hasn’t changed--because the best parenting advice begins not with some new technique--but with the... READ MORE

Parent-leadership: 3 Insights from the Aspinalls’ Parenting Class

February 3rd, 2015

(based on Work from Author and Psychologist, John Rosemond) Most believe that for any problem there is a right method or technique to solve it. Are your children misbehaving? Just get a good parenting book. Need advice on how to discipline your children? A quick Google search is sure to yield numerous blog posts and videos on parenting. Sift through all the parenting techniques available, and choose a method that is appropriate for your child’s age, the... READ MORE

Bobbi Ann Fulk

January 31st, 2015

Bobbi Ann Fulk Parent Testimonial Des Plaines, IL At the end of sixth grade, Renata was starting to develop a good sense of who she wanted to be, but it wasn’t fully formed nor focused. By having an opportunity to stay at CDS for Middle School, she was able to continue to nurture that growth. ... READ MORE

Jamie Thorsen

January 31st, 2015

Jamie Thorsen Parent Testimonial Winnetka, IL Global Head of Foreign Exchange Products and China Capital Markets, BMO Capital Markets Dear Wendy, ... READ MORE

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