Fall Education 2014 - North/South Edition

8/12/2019 Fall Education 2014 - North/South Edition

1/18

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


2/18

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


3/18

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


4/18

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,

[email protected], or thesmartplaybook.

com

Combines gamification with life skills

Suzanne Wind


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5/18

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,

[email protected], or linguakids.com

Parlez-vous franais?


start here.


6/18

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



7/18

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.


Continued From Page One

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8/18

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.


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9/18

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.


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10/18


11/18

freshmen.

On the first day of class, freshman students

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Workshop and attend classes in small groups or

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will participate in an advisement program sup-

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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

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For information, contact the NCC Academic

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Norwalk Community College has a new initiutive, Start2Finish@NCC


12/18

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


-

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.

Call now!

a place where learning

& discovery begin


13/18


14/18

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


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


www.cshgreenwich.org

Upper School Open House

K12 Open House

Early Childhood Open Houses

Where do our girls

PLAY?


16/18

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.


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.


17/18

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.


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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Fall Education 2014 - North/South Edition

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