fall education 2014 - north/south edition
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HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS
Time and again research has proven the benefits of music education.
Children who study music typically score better on standardized testing and
exhibit improved language and reasoning skills, and music education helps stu-
dents with advanced mathematics lessons by improving their spatial and tem-
poral reasoning. And, according to research, involvement in music and the arts
can improve a students SAT scores and make the student well rounded.
Despite these benefits, music and art education is slowly disappearing from
the classroom. At many schools across the nation, stages are dark and band
and chorus rooms are empty. Budget cuts have been unkind to music educa-
tion programs. To keep up with
the demand for technology in
the classroom, certain school
programs have to be scaled back,
and art and music are generally
the first to go. This leaves it up
to parents to involve their kids in
music education.Private lessons have long
been a great way for kids to learn
music, and many such music
coaches are former music teach-
ers. With private lessons, kids
get to benefit from working with
certified instructors and active
professional musicians, and par-
ents are happy to make music a
part of their youngsters lives.
Private lessons are beneficial
for school band and orchestra
players because it gives the stu-
dents the one-on-one attention
they need to fully understand
the instrument and music, says Phil Williams, owner of New Canaan Music.There simply is not enough time during the music periods at school for school
band and orchestra directors to devote enough attention to all the students who
really want to learn. We, at New Canaan Music, have had a number of referrals
from the school for private lessons and it really helps the programs in pushing
students further to reach new heights.
Jack Hladick, age 9, started taking guitar lessons in March at Williams store
and said, I have learned more from Brian (Brian Theoret, guitar teacher) than I
have learned from anyone.
The following are a handful of ways parents can find private lessons for their
Students seeking private lessons have optionsby Julie Butler
Music stores
& schoolsHere is just a sampling of music stores that
offer private lessons for budding musicians.
Bethel Music Center; 800-276-7974
Creative Music Center; Monroe; 203-261-
7301
DAddario Music; Stratford; 203-377-1315
Fairfield School of Music; 203-690-1888
Giulanos Music Center;
Darien & Stamford; 203-359-2559
Greenwich Music Center; 203-637-1119
New Canaan Music; 203-920-1800
Ridgefield Music Studios; 203-438-7446
Trumbull Music Studio; 203-268-0097
Westport Music Center; 203-259-7615
See Music on Page 7
Music stores offer lessons on a variety of instruments. Here, Chris Pike of Ridgefield Music (ruler in hand), works with Preston
Murphy at the keyboards. Ridgefield Music offers lessons to all age groups. Right, Jack Hladick, 9, has been taking guitar
lessons at New Canaan Music with Brian Theoret since March.
Erica Grant
Special Section to: Greenwich Post I The Darien Times I New Canaan Advertiser I The Ridgefield Press I The Wilton Bulletin I The Redding Pilot I The Weston Forum I The Lewisboro Ledger
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It may begin with a bad report card, a call from the teacher or
tears during homework. In Michele Isenbergs experience as CEO
of Wise Learning Centers in Ridgefield, Fairfield, Stamford and
Madison, to some parents it simply looks as if their child is being
lazy about learning.
When parents contact her for help, she will explain that its
completely against human nature to be lazy, defiant or not want to
please others. If your child is presenting with any of these in rela-
tion to school, then there is clearly an underlying learning difficulty
that needs to be addressed, she said. Students facing learning
challenges are often much smarter than average students, and they
will learn to compensate for their deficiencies and, as a result, will
develop foundation skill holes. Over time, these holes get larger
and they develop more and more holes until they can no longer
compensate and they just shut down, Isenberg said.
Thats a big reason to seek academic support sooner rather than
later. Here are experts answers to common questions parents have
about private tutoring for struggling students.Q: Where do I find a tutor?
Google Connecticut tutoring and theres no shortage of hits.
The market is filled with supplemental education companies, but
not all of them have a solid approach which is individualized for
each child, said Dr. Mary Mokris, a senior adviser and education
specialist for Kumon North America, which operates more than
2,000 centers, including 28 in Connecticut.
Also, the tutoring industry is unregulated. Anyone can post an
ad on craigslist and advertise tutoring services, said Brian Stewart,
president of Columbus, Ohio-based BWS Education Consulting and
creator of freetestprep.com. Be grateful there are so many tutoring
options, but skeptical when hiring a tutor.
There are centers such as Kumon, Sylvan Learning and the
Tutoring Club; services such as Club Z! Tutoring that match families
with in-home tutors; and then full-time private tutors (certified and
One-on-one tutoring, though more expensive, is useful with certain learning disabilities and for students who do well with adaptive
learning techniques
Common questions about seeking tutoring support
by Melissa Ezarik
2 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers July 31, 2014
Belden HillMontessori
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not) and teachers who tutor on the side, mainly
through word-of-mouth.
One-on-one tutoring, though more expensive,
is useful with certain learning disabilities and for
students who do well with adaptive learning tech-
niques, where the tutor responds immediately to
student needs, tailoring the learning experience
appropriately, said Mokris.
Centers usually offer a group learning
approach. Students work at their own pace and
independently at least part of the time. When able
to complete an exercise on their own, they can
finish with a unique sense of accomplishment that
only comes from doing it yourself Mokris said.
Q: How can you help my child?
Every childs tutoring needs are different,
said Peter Bartoli, director of Sylvan Learning
of Southbury, one of seven Sylvan centers in
Connecticut. There, an assessment test pinpoints
strengths and needs. Figuring out what a child
knows and doesnt know about a particular topic
helps Sylvan create the most effective tutoring
plan with clear goals and objectives, Bartoli said.
Mokris advises approaching a potential service
with information from your childs teacher on
what exactly is happening, and whether its hap-
pening with one subject or more, with one test or
more.
At Tutoring Club, with locations in Ridgefield
and Stamford, after an initial discussion with
the parent and testing, an individualized plan
that works for the family gets created, said Maria
Markus, owner of both locations.
And at Wise Learning, the approach is to fig-
ure out how a child learns, fill in the foundation
holes that have developed and custom design a set
of skills and strategies based on learned style and
personality for a lifetime of learning success, said
Isenberg. The plans also address executive func-
tion skills such as time management and note-
taking that may not be taught in schools.
In terms of outcomes, Stewart cautioned,
beware of tutors who make grand predictions
of miraculous score increases or grade improve-
ments. Choose instead someone with a successful
track record who does not over-promise.
The tutor should be able to show measurable
that is, quantifiable results, added Mokris.
Q: What kind of time commitment must we
make?
The answer will depend on the program,
Bartoli said of Sylvans approach.
In Markuss experience, twice a week is the
minimum needed. I know that families are very
busy nowadays, and kids have a lot going on after
school. However, the students need to get the
message from their parents that education is a first
priority, she said.
Avoid places that insist on an up-front commit-
ment of several hours of tutoring or more, Stewart
said. At least one session with no further financial
commitment, to make sure the child and tutor
click, is a good idea.
Q: How will I know when progress is made?
Check in regularly with teachers at school to
see how new skills are crossing over into the class-
room, Bartoli said. Because Sylvan students work
through their lessons on iPads, parents can access
progress on an online portal. Children can also be
encouraged to share how they feel theyre doing in
school and at tutoring.
Many tutors will want to have regular commu-
nication with teachers about progress both inside
and outside the classroom.
Q: How can I support my child at home?
Dont underestimate the power of positive
reinforcement. Applaud your childs efforts and
accomplishments as youre informed of tutoring
successes, celebrating improvements in a special
way, Bartoli said. Also remark how the tutoring is
really helping in mastering new skills.
Encourage believing they can overcome obsta-
cles and learn something new, even when its a
challenge, Mokris said. Dont ever underestimate
the value of inspiring children toward a goal and
working toward it with them.
Melissa Ezarik is a Stratford-based writer and
managing editor of a national education magazine.
July 31, 2014 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers 3
96 Danbury Road, Ridgefield
Catherine Tango-Dykes, Director
ridgefieldmontessori.com
Toddlers through Six YearsToddler and Early Education Programs
Full-Day Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs
Reading with Phonics Excellent Math Curriculum
Foreign Languages Art Music
Extended-Hours Program Summer Programs
After School Enrichment Programs
Montessori Certified Staff
Free a childs potential, and you will transform him into the world.Maria Montessori
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The newly published book, The SMART Playbook:
Game-Changing Life Skills for A Modern World, by
Suzanne M. Wind, has become one of those must
have resource for parents to keep around the houseto help them impart to their kids the
art of social graces.
Aimed at teaching children con-
fidence, integrity and empathy, the
book is chock-full of some game-
changing life skills that every child
needs to know so as to truly under-
stand the rules and know how to
gracefully play the game of life in this
modern world.
Five of the SMART topics covered
in the book, and designed to help
children succeed, include:
Social skill basics: The principles
of modern manners
Mealtime manners: A guide to mealtime etiquette Art of conversation: Eloquent face-to-face con-
versational skills
Restaurant behavior: The finer points of restau-
rant conduct
Technology talk: Internet safety and responsible
usage
The gamification methods included in The
SMARTPlaybook will help children ages 6-12 gain
confidence, character, integrity and empathy in face-
to-face situations and technology usage, said Wind, a
Connecticut mom of three, who considers the book a
must have for families, especially those with young
children.
As the creator of The SMART Playbook, Wind said
the book comes with more than 100 games and chal-
lenges to choose from. The result: A happy and con-
fident child thriving in a modern world.
Before kids, Wind was an international market-ing executive in New York City. With
a multi-cultural background, she was
raised in more than six countries with
four languages. Her career and living
overseas taught her the importance of
knowing and using the common lan-
guage of manners and social skills to
being your best, she said. Today, she is
a mom with a mission, inspired to com-
municate social skills in a modern world
to a new generation.
Arguing that the world is changing
faster than ever before has led Wind to
believe parents and children are busier
today than ever, and as a result, technology has and
will continue to present new challenges they mustface.
But with all the texting, emailing and posting,
are children developing the social skills that will be
required for lifelong happiness, confidence and suc-
cess? she questioned, but added, Thats where The
SMART Playbook comes into the picture.
The book is available as one complete book or by
topic only. It is available at thesmartplaybook.com or
Amazon.com. For a limited time only, receive 20% off
when ordering directly from the website; use the code
summerspecial.
More info: 203-992-1146,
thesmartplaybook@gmail.com, or thesmartplaybook.
com
Combines gamification with life skills
Suzanne Wind
4 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers July 31, 2014
A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
Accredited by the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges
Connecticut Boat Club
New Englands Leading GirlsRowing Club
Fall Tune Up CampAugust 25-29, 4:00-6:15PM
Regular Fall Program begins September 2
For more information email sue@ctboatclub.org
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LinguaKids, a Connecticut-based language
company, offers language classes for several age
groups.
The company has two locations: One at43 Tokeneke Road in Darien, and a new one
at 2005 Palmer Square on Palmer Avenue in
Larchmont, N.Y. These two centers offer a
variety of classes to help kids learning Spanish,
French and Mandarin. Other languages are
offered upon request.
Mandarin is offered in collaboration with the
Confucius Institute of Optometry at the Suny
College of Optometry.
Being bilingual is a clear advantage for the
future of your child in the new global environ-
ment. Learning a second language can be really
easy, especially for young kids; thats why it is
important to start early. It has been also proven
by college studies that being bilingual enhancecrucial task-switching skills in young adults.
Your child will be guided by LinguaKids teach-
ers who are all enthusiastic and native speakers.
The company offers a full year curriculum
for those different languages throughout the
year: A fall session starting on Sept. 15 (17
weeks), a winter/spring session starting on Feb.
1, 2015, (17 weeks) and a summer session free
of curriculum where a student can be immersed
every day of the week in another language.
The four types of classes include:
A Mommy and Me class: A 45-minutes
class for children 6 months to 2 years old; the
presence of an adult is required.
Explorers: A one- or two-hour class forchildren age 2 and up.
Voyagers: A one-hour class for four-year-
olds and up who start learning the language.
Adventurers: A one-hour class for the
older ones who already have some knowledge
of the language.
LinguaKids goal is to teach a new language,
a new culture and have fun at the same time.
Through songs, games, arts, stories and art
and craft, children will learn basic vocabulary
and will speak with a flawless accent, accord-
ing to a release.
The company also offers before and after
school programs in more than 20 elementary
schools and Spanish classes in several nurseryschools in Fairfield and Westchester counties.
LinguaKids has been offering its program to the
children and parents for the past 15 years.
To learn more about them, come and try a
class in one of its locations, talk to your childs
school about its before and after school pro-
gram, ask about its Spanish classes in nursery
schools or have one of LinguaKids teachers
come to your home for private tutoring.
More info: 203-426-7004 or 914-525 0328,
michele@linguakids.com, or linguakids.com
Parlez-vous franais?
July 31, 2014 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers 5
start here.
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Athletic injuries in children
by Dr. Robert F. Weiss
In many cases, there is a predispositionfor injuries that occur in adolescent athletes.
The following list mentions some telltale
signs that may help to prevent future inju-
ries in a child:
The child tends to stumble or even trip
while walking or running
One shoulder is lower than the other
The hips are asymmetrical when walk-
ing or running
The knees point inward or outward
rather than straight ahead
The feet turn in or out while walking or
running
There is an early heel-off with all the
weight going to the ball of the foot
When the child stands, the arches arevery high or extremely flat
The child complains of night cramps
that wake him or her in the night or muscle
spasms in the feet and legs
The child has noticeable hammertoes,
bunions or bony enlargements in the fore-
foot or rear foot
The wear pattern on the childs shoes
appears to be worn down on the outside or
inside
If some, or even a few, of these signs are
present, the child should be professionallyevaluated, as prevention is the best form of
treatment.
The group of pre-teens and teens who
play two or more sports are a great cause
of concern, as there is a greater chance of
overuse injuries. There is also a greater
chance of injury to the epiphysis, or growth
center of bone. Injury to the epiphysis of
the heel, knee or hip can cause a distur-
bance in the bone formation. The growing
pains of children are, at times, due to the
pain of the apophyseal (heel growth plate)
injury.
Many of the gait abnormalities can
be helped by stretching and strengthen-
ing exercises, conditioning programs, icetherapy, cross training and biomechanical
orthotic shoe inserts, which should control
the problem and allow the child to continue
with his or her respective sport.
Dr. Robert F. Weiss is a sport podiatris t
and was a member of the Medical Advisory
Committee of the 1984 and 1988 Olympic
marathon trials. He has a practice in Darien,
The Foot & Ankle Institute of Darien. More
info: therunningdoctor.net
6 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers July 31, 2014
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kids.
Word of mouth: Begin by asking neighbors
or friends in the community if they know of
reliable music teachers. Someone is bound to
know a person or have a connection to a music
teacher. Speak with members of a community
music ensemble, such as a church choir, or even
amateur or professional musicians you see play-
ing at a restaurant or bar. Theres a good chanceyou can get a referral. You may also have a friend
or neighbor who is a talented musician and will
agree to offer lessons on the side.
Community music programs: While schools
may not have music classes, community centers
offer programs for both adults and children. A
community arts center may offer instrument
training and/or vocal lessons, so look into such
organizations in your community. A community
YMCA or a similar organization also may have
after-school music programs.
Performing arts schools: In most every
town in Fairfield County there is at least one
performing arts school that offers musical
training/lessons. In Trumbull, for instance, the
Performing Arts Center of Connecticut offers
instrument instruction. Check your local news-
paper for information on a school near or in
your town.
Music stores: Music stores offer lessons
for a variety of instruments and most instruc-
tors are professional musicians. The age of the
students at New Canaan Music ranges from 6 to
93, Williams says. The stores have the added
bonus of carrying replacement parts for various
instruments, plus sheet music, etc., as well as
other instruments your child may want to try
and master.
Nearby colleges: Music students at localcolleges may want to make extra money by
offering music lessons. They may be able either
to meet at your home or use the music room on
campus to conduct lessons.
Newspaper classifieds: Tutors frequently
advertise their services in the newspaper. Look
in the classified section to see if anyone is offer-
ing music lessons. Many newspapers now offer
their classifieds both online and in print, so use
both options to ensure your search is as thor-
ough as possible.
Music education is important, but those
seeking instruction may have to look outside of
school. Private instructors are available to help
foster a love of the arts and mold creative, well-
rounded children.
July 31, 2014 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers 7
Continued From Page One
Ys Little Owl Part-Day Preschool
Swim Lessons
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Limited spaces are currently available for the2014-2015 Ys Little Owl Part-Day preschool program!
The Ys Little Owl Part-Day Preschool program provides children with the
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A PLACE TO LEARN,GROW & DISCOVER
Our Lady of
Fatima School
225 Danbury Rd.
Wilton, CT 06897
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Some of the goals of school uniforms is to unify students and reduce
the distractions they face in the classroom. Uniforms also make it easier
to identify students of a particular school or grade level, which can addto the sense of security parents feel when sending their youngsters off to
school each morning.
Supporters of school uniforms also tout their cost savings. Rather
than having to purchase numerous pieces of clothing for the school
year, uniforms allow parents to pick up a few staples that stay constant
throughout the school year. But school uniforms are not free, although
there are ways for savvy moms and dads to save money when purchas-
ing uniforms for their kids.
Be an active parentAs with any other school-related decision, uniform brand selection
may be governed by school officials and parent volunteers. Uniforms
that are commissioned from a particular company may be more expen-
sive than uniforms that are widely available in many retail chains.
Involved parents can help shape many important decisions at their kids
schools, including which uniforms students wear. Petition for lower-price uniform providers or uniforms that can be bought at area stores.
The students still will look cohesive, and families can save money in the
process.
Shop salesKeeping costs down on clothing means watching for sales. Uniforms
may not go on sale as often as more popular clothing, but that doesnt
mean sales are nonexistent. Stores may discount unforms during slow
times, such as October, when school is already in session and items
must be moved to make room for the following school year. They also
may run specials on seasonal items, such as long-sleeved shirts at the
end of the winter. Consider buying in bulk when sales are announced
to offset uniform costs for the rest of the year.
Accept hand-me-downsBecome friendly with other parents and students who attend the
same school. Older students who have outgrown their uniforms can
pass them down to younger students. This can save parents signifi-
cant amounts of money on new uniforms.Sign up for school blogs or social media groups so that you can
chat with other parents and arrange for clothing swaps. Other families
may be looking to clear out supplies of older uniforms and will offer
them at low or no cost. Area thrift and consignment shops also may
have some of the local school uniforms in stock. Dont overlook
these stores as you look to trim costs. Buy only what is needed.
Resist the temptation to buy multiple uniforms so that
kids can wear a fresh outfit every day. Many uniform pieces
can be mixed and matched to extend the life of the tops
and bottoms and reduce the need to purchase multiples
of each item. Instead, buy only two to three shirts and
slacks and wash as needed. While you may spend
more time in the laundry room, your bottom
line will be a little more robust.
Find out if it is acceptable for students to
accessorize uniforms with their own cloth-ing. For example, do they need to purchase a
school sweater or can they wear one from home
over the uniform? Mixing in added wardrobe
pieces is another way to extend the lifespan of
uniforms.
Buy a size upAgain, this is where sewing skills can be
helpful. Purchase uniforms slightly larger
so that kids will get more use out of them
through the years. Waists and hemlines can
be let out as needed when children grow.
Most private and parochial schools in
Fairfield County will let you know where to
purchase their uniforms and many use the site,
schooluniformz.com.
8 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers July 31, 2014
478 Erskine Road, Stamford, Connecticut | longridgeschool.org
Two-Year-Olds through Grade 5
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 19, at 2pm | RSVP 203.322.7693Knowledge and Experience for Life
Lauren Blanchette
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The Long Ridge School, an independent
day school for two-year-olds through grade
five, is located on a 14-acre woodland cam-
pus in North Stamford. The school serves
students from southern Connecticut and
Westchester County, N.Y.At Long Ridge, teachers work with
each childs natural curiosity to build criti-
cal thinking and problem-solving skills,
according to a release. The school believes
children should explore, experiment and
experience the joy of learning in a caring,
exciting and challenging academic com-
munity. Interdisciplinary themes connect
the curricular areas, lending context to new
information and helping children learn to
make logical associations and develop their
critical thinking skills.
The teachers at Long Ridge have an
average of 24 years teaching experi-
ence and most have advanced degrees
in early childhood or elementary educa-
tion. Classroom teachers are supported by
specialists in art, music, science, Spanish,
library, and physical education.
The school teaches students to thinkindependently, to learn how to learn, and
to participate actively in their own educa-
tion. Long Ridge students score well on
nationally administered achievement tests
and go on to a variety of public and private
schools, according to a release.
Founded in 1938, school attracts
children from diverse economic, racial,
religious and cultural backgrounds.
Transportation is provided for Stamford
residents and New York residents within 15
miles of the school.
More info: 203-322-7693, longridg-
eschool.org
Reading time at Long Ridge School in Stamford.
July 31, 2014 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers 9
LAW OFFICE OF
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(914)232-2242
Peter D. Hoffman, Esq. Jamie Mattice, Esq. Catherine Laney, Esq.
www.pdhoffmanlaw.comwww.peterhoffmanlaw.com
Special Education Law
Our law firm represents special needs children and their parents. All children with special needs have the right to a free and appropriate public
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AtThe LAW OFFICE OF PETER D. HOFFMAN, P.C.located in Katonah, N.Y., we work with the laws concerning students, schools, and
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Our firm has succeeded in assisting families place their children in special education school district programs and therapeutic private school
programs that can serve the needs of special education students, and a FAPE at the expense of the school district. Furthermore, we can help you try to
obtain attorneys fees when we have been successful in litigation.
We have worked with families and children with a wide range of educational and emotional disorders. Now is the time to prepare for PPT and CSE
meetings and develop the proper IEP.
Please contact us to learn about your and your childs rights.
This is not intended as legal advice. This does not create or constitute an attorney-clientrelationship, or an offer to establish such a relationship.No attorney-client relationship can be established without a fully executed professional services agreement andretainer signed by both the attorney and the client.
FREE IN-OFFICE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Mr. Hoffman is licensed in NY, NJ and DC pdh2@pdhoffmanlaw.com
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EXPLORING NEW PERSPECTIVES
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freshmen.
On the first day of class, freshman students
will be matched with coaches to help them navi-
gate the academic and social transition from high
school to college.
Students will complete a First-Year Success
Workshop and attend classes in small groups or
learning communities of 20-24 students. They
will participate in an advisement program sup-
ported by an academic plan, skills assessment,
coaching and tutoring.
Students will learn how to create an e-portfolio
(a digital showcase of their achievements) and touse a student success software called Symplicity
to help them keep track of classes, attendance,
assignments and activities. Start2Finish@NCC
also will include success seminars, career explora-
tion workshops, and a Summer Bridge program.
NCC offers more than 45 associate degree
and 26 certificate programs. Register now for fall
classes. The fall semester begins Sept. 4.
This program is funded by the NCC
Foundation, with significant support from the
Dalio Foundation.
For information, contact the NCC Academic
Enrichment and First-Year Program at 203-857-
3380.
July 31, 2014 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers 11
Norwalk Community College has a new initiutive, Start2Finish@NCC
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My son would never sneak
out of the house! Our daughter
doesnt drink! Sally Sue never
skips class! and Bobby Boo
would never try smoking weed!OK. Sure. When pigs fly,
right?
That is until a winged swine
flutters outside your window.
Over my multiple years of
being a parent of a teenager, I
have heard all the comments
above said with absolute certainty from
a lot of my fellow parents. Sometimes their
beliefs are 100% true; their offspring remain
pure and law abiding. And at other times, a
mother or father of a teenager will declare
their child to be alcohol-free and yet I have
just heard from one of my own that said son
or daughter was wasted the previous week-
end.
Or, I happened to have recently
spotted the apple of their eye in
Subway, eyes half-closed and red,
ordering a hefty sub, that sweet,familiar smell of pot assaulting my
senses as I passed by.
I do not gloat when I hear the
kids parents denial, even though I
have a little evidence of an action
to the contrary. But I can be a bit
dumbfounded.
Kids will be kids. They can, might or will
do something as age-appropriate as underage
drinking, experimenting with drugs, or push-
ing the envelope with inviting friends over
when parental units are either out of town or
out for the evening.
Of course we hope for the best, but it is a
bit unrealistic to hold firm on the belief that
our teen will always make the right decision.
We should be prepared for what might be
the inevitable odor of alcohol or marijuana
or cigarette smoke emanating from our child
when he or she returns home from a nightout. We should keep our ears open for the tell-
tale sound of a side door opening and closing
at 1 a.m. when our kid is supposed to be in
bed. We should check out water bottles that
the overnight guests of our childs are drink-
ing from: if you dont buy Poland Spring water
bottles and the guest is slugging from one, you
might want to check it out.
And get your head out of the sand.
When your kid announces they are going
over to a friends house to watch TV or hang
out for a while, double check with the friends
parent that they are, in fact, home, and plan to
remain as such for the duration of the visit.
Do the double check as well if your son
or daughter tells you that he/she is going to
be sleeping over at a buddys house; call or
text the mom to confirm that she is indeed
aware of having an overnight guest. I dont
know about you, but the old I am sleepingat so-and-sos tonight chipper and seemingly
innocent declaration when you really plan
on sleeping at a parent-less house with who
knows who is one I employed a time or
two as a teenager, and it is time-honored by
teens for a reason: It often works on a naive
parent. Dont be that parent.
I never in a zillion years thought any of
my children would smoke cigarettes. It was
incomprehensible to me. My mother smoked
like a chimney, like it was her job, and we
all hated it. Her car was practically unbear-
able to sit in due to the stench of the constant
smoking and all of my kids would whine and
complain to me if Grandma Golly had to pick
by Julie Butler
12 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers July 31, 2014
-
Hunting for the Perfect Pre-school?
Contact Phyllis Lyons: 203-622-8121/www.templesholom.com
Inventive, Inspired Pre-School Programs
Limited spaces are still availablefor the 2014-2015 school year.
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a place where learning
& discovery begin
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This past year, Connecticut Friends Schoolin Wilton expanded its seventh and eighthgrade curricular offering to include robotics.
The robotics program at CFS is one of anumber of interdisciplinary, technology-driven
investigations that align the work and prepara-tion of the students with developing industriesand fields of study. Todays practical life skills,at the hands-on level, are very different thanthey were 200, 100, or even 20 years ago.
Further, the robotics program puts a pre-mium not only on utilizing core academicskills, such as mathematics and writing, butalso requires the students to solve real prob-lems based on real feedback, to employ a vari-ety of critical and creative thinking strategies,to collaborate, communicate, and promote aposition based on accurate data and clear rea-soning. Taken together, this collection of socialand thinking skills is commonly identified as21st Century skills.
The robotics program is based on the
curriculum developed by Carnegie Mellons
Robotics Academy. Through carefullysequenced lessons the students learned thebasics of building a robot and program-ming its controlling computer. Challenged toexecute certain tasks with their robots, the
students turned into teams of problem-solversmanaging surprises and setbacks when eithertheir mechanical creations or their reasoningexpressed through programming did not deliv-er the results they were expecting. One middleschool student said, It is really interesting a lot of trial and error. It takes patience,flexibility and problem solving.
The Friends School classmates quicklyfound that cooperation among the groups ofrobotics students (for each robot the studentsworked in pairs or in teams of three) helpedeveryone to reach their goals and that therewas no cost to any group, as each group suc-cessfully completed increasingly complexchallenges. To bring together and celebrateall their work as robot builders and program-
mers, the students invited their parents and
CFS students from the rest of the K-8 programfor a demonstration of each groups robot. Theassembled audience was treated to a displayof robots that moved by audio signal (a clap),that tracked the border of a tabletop by wayof light sensor readings, which raced aboutthe classroom by remote control, that loadedand launched small spheres and that was con-figured to play like an electronic guitar. Thestudents were proud to share what they hadlearned and achieved after much engaged andspirited effort.
Animation program
This past year, too, the fifth and sixth gradestudents found our animation program, basedon a curriculum developed by the Jacob BurnsMedia Arts Lab, to be an engaging, interdisci-plinary investigation calling upon them to alsoput into practice their 21st Century skills.
Before animating anything, the studentslearned of the primacy of story and how todevelop a script and then a storyboard, build-
ing initial ideas into narratives with a begin-ning, middle and end and then identifying thesequence of events and each component ofeach shot. Outfitted with iPads and comput-ers, the iStopMotion and iMovie apps, the stu-dents created artwork and then added sound(dialog, music, effects) and refined the lookof their films in the post-production phase oftheir work.
A sixth grade student said, I like our ani-mation studies because you get to collaborateand work with others and nobody is ever leftout. The end product is really cool.
Through this new program, students bringto their production companies a range of com-petencies including artistic skills, technologicalfacility, an ability to measure, estimate and cal-culate, storytelling, and writing skills, plus theflair of a (vocal) performer.
The students proudly premiered their filmsfor the whole school community at the annualtalent night, adding a new dimension to ourcelebration of each others talents and ourcourage to share and perform.
by Oriana Laflamme, Director of Admissions
14 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers July 31, 2014
OPEN HOUSEOctObEr 26, 2014 | 12 NOON
Infants | Toddlers | Preschool | Kindergarten - Grade 8
1095 Riverbank Road Stamford, CT 06903
203 595 9500 | www.meadschool.org
The Stanwich School
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Both of these new robotics and animationprograms augment and integrate a curriculumthat prioritizes the students rigorous prepara-tion for the world they will be building byengaging them meaningfully in their work.Their learning is deep. The problems theysolve and the projects they propose are actual.And they share their learning both at everysmall step with each other and their teachersand then finally with the whole community.
Co-Head of School and middle schoolteacher Mark Dansereau notes, It is excit-ing to be an educator in a school where I canidentify programs that challenge all of us tostretch and to more actively understand our
ever-changing world. And then I find thatsweet spot where the students take off with thematerial I know serves their growth, develop-ment and preparation. These programs are notadd-ons but opportunities for motivating, andintegrative experiences for our students.
Connecticut Friends School is a fullyaccredited, independent, preK-eighth gradeschool providing students with an educationthat fosters self-confidence, intellectual curios-ity and compassion for others. It is small bydesign; the educational program is dynamic,supportive and engaging.
More info: 203-762-9860, orCTFriendsSchool.org, and on Facebook
July 31, 2014 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers 15
www.cshgreenwich.org
Upper School Open House
K12 Open House
Early Childhood Open Houses
Where do our girls
PLAY?
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There has been a tradition of Impressionist paint-
ing at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wiltonsince Julian Alden Weir, the father of AmericanImpressionism, acquired this rural, rustic retreat inBranchville in 1882. To honor as well as to continuethis tradition, Weir Farm National Historic Site is offer-ing a two-day Teen Impressionist Painting Workshopon Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9 and 10, from 10 to 3each day.
This workshop is designed for teenagers inter-ested in learning more about the science and poetryof Impressionist landscape painting. Participantsmust have a basic understanding of their selected artform and be able to handle their own equipment.Workshops will include introductory classroom lec-tures, field demonstrations, and critique of the partic-ipants artwork. Registration for this workshop is free,but space is limited to 12 teens. First choice will be
given to those who have not participated in a previousImpressionist Painting Workshop. However, for thosewho wish to return, names will be placed on a wait-listand be considered as space allows.
This workshop is just one in a series thatwill be offered at Weir Farm. The How to Be AnImpressionist Painter Workshop Series will be taughtby Impressionist artist and educator Dmitri Wright, ofGreenwich. Wright seeks to continue the Impressionistdiscipline through his preservation and progress ofAmerican Impressionism as the artist-in-residence ofthe Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich andas an instructor of Impressionist drawing and paintingat the Greenwich Art Society, Silvermine School of Artand Weir Farm National Historic Site.
Weir Farm National Historic Site was home to threegenerations of American artists. Julian Alden Weir,a leading figure in American art and the develop-ment of American Impressionism, acquired the farmin 1882. After Weir, the artistic legacy was continuedby his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and herhusband, sculptor Mahonri Young, followed by NewEngland painters Sperry and Doris Andrews. Today,the 60-acre park, which includes the Weir House, Weirand Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond,is one of the nations finest remaining landscapes ofAmerican art, according to a release.
To register or for more information, call 203-834-1896, ext. 28.
For more information about Weir Farm NationalHistoric Site or the National Park Service, visit nps.gov/wefa.
Master artist and instructor Dmitri Wright assists a young artist at the free teen impressionist painting workshop at Weir Farm.
16 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers July 31, 2014
Before we build a research base
on Mars, were going to design
some more 3D creatures.
whitbyschool.org/3D2
See how Whitbys innovative design tech
program helps us use design thinking to
transform our ideas into reality.
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Pear Tree Point School in Darien for stu-dents pre-K through fifth grade focuses onlearning skills and content that will benefit stu-dents for years to come.
Strong reading, mathematics, writing,expressive and critical thinking skills form thefoundation that will allow students to competewith peers around the world, according toDebbie Rucci, director of communications at theschool. These skills raise each childs confidence,too.
Skills, concepts and information are taught insmall groups raising interaction. With favorableclass sizes, there is less waiting. Frequent inter-actions stimulate faster learning and retention,Rucci says. This involvement creates excitementand enthusiasm for learning. Conversations at
dinner or in the back seat of the car take ona new level of interest, perhaps even in a newlanguage.
During the daily study skills period, students
start their homework with support from theirteachers and discover how they learn, how tobe organized and how to plan ahead. These aremore tools for success.
Significant content studies in science andsocial studies add to the program of study, aug-mented by integrated art, music, drama andworld languages (Spanish and Mandarin). Sportsand athletics are woven into the curriculum aswell.
There will be open houses on Oct. 23 andNov. 20. For more information, call JaniceHawes, director of admissions, at 203-655-0030.
July 31, 2014 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers 17
A teacher and student at Pear Tree Point School.
50 Years in Weston!
This fall, your child could have
a fabulous experience,right in Weston!
* Excellent Preschool Classes- 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s!
* Extended Lunch Bunch opportunities foryour child every day.
* Afterschool classes and activities until 6pm,and the bus brings your child right to us!
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