Fall Education 2011 - North/South Edition - Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Special Section to: Greenwich Post
The Darien Times
New Canaan Advertiser
The Ridgeeld Press
The Wilton Bulletin
The Redding Pilot
The Weston Forum
The Lewisboro Ledger
Education2011
HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS
The Childrens School offers a stimulating environment where students learn, create and begin to respect and appreciate others.
THE CHILDRENS SCHOOL
Where the outside is in

and the inside is out
Four-year old Jackson cant wait to get out of the car as it winds around the front circle of
The Childrens School in Stamford. Once inside he goes to his cubby to unload his backpack, stow his lunch and hang up his jacket before deciding what to do first. On a table he
sees buckets of multi-colored Unifix cubes. He takes them to the radiantly heated floor to
begin connecting them into a train. His friend Elliot joins him, and they decide to change
the train into a tower. These boys are two of about 130 other children ages three to
eight who come from socioeconomically diverse communities in nearby towns.
also loves group activities in the wide-open spaces, where he often meets individually
with one of the teachers. A small group of children sitting on the floor in a little alcove
listen to their teacher read them a story. Around a corner, two boys tap the buttons on an
iPad; a handful of kids paint at the art center. At the far end of one area, a small group
of third graders sit at a table as they read and discuss a story with their teacher, while
in an adjacent area six-year-olds are practicing their handwriting skills in workbooks.
Throughout the school a gentle hum of voices is heard as children, busy in their jobs of
exploration and discovery, move from one area to another.
The schools zigzag open floor plan has three asymmetrical areas, which excites young
imaginations. One of Jacksons favorite places is the sunken platform where he can step
down into a cozy area to read books, sometimes alone, sometimes with a buddy. He
Children continued on page 24
Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers
July 28, 2011
Empowering
students
to
shape
the
future!
Empowering students to shape the future!
Academy of
Information
Technology &
Engineering
A 21st Century High School
Education in a Small,
Caring Environment
Empowering students
students to
shape
the
future!
Empowering
to
shape
the
future!
What makes AITE
unique?
Small Student Population

IT & Pre-Engineering
Programs
Technology Rich
Environment
Rigorous Academic
Preparation
Early College Experience
Integration of Technology in
all Classes
Virtual High School
Multicultural Diversity
Develops the Whole Child
A
21st
Century
HighSchool
School
A 21st
Century
High
Education
Small,
inin
aa
Small,
Education
Caring
Environment
Caring
Environment

What
makesAITE
AITE
What
makes
unique?
unique?
Small
Student
Population
Small
Student
Population
& Pre-Engineering
IT IT
& Pre-Engineering

Programs
Programs
Technology
Rich
Technology
Rich
Environment
Environment
Rigorous
Academic

Rigorous
Academic
Preparation
Preparation

Early
College
Experience
Early
College
Experience
Integration
Technologyinin
Integration
ofof
Technology
Classes
all all
Classes
Virtual
High
School

Virtual
High
School
Multicultural
Diversity
Multicultural
Diversity
An Interdistrict Magnet Public

College Preparatory High School
Serving Lower Fairfield County
Academy
of
Academy
of
Information
Information
Technology
Technology&&
Engineering
Engineering
AITE @ Rippowam Campus

411 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 977-4336
(203) 977-6638 (fax)

www.aitstamford.org
An Interdistrict
Magnet
Public
Interdistrict
Magnet
Public
College Preparatory
College
PreparatoryHigh
HighSchool
School
Serving
Lower
Serving
LowerFairfield
FairfieldCounty
County
AITE
Campus
AITE@@Rippowam
Rippowam
Campus
411
Road
411High
HighRidge
Ridge
Road
Stamford,
CTCT
06905
Stamford,
06905
(203)
(203)977-4336
977-4336
(203)
(fax)
(203)977-6638
977-6638
(fax)
www.aitstamford.org
www.aitstamford.org
Photo credit: Desiree Smock
July 28, 2011
St. Luke students sign on to an exciting adventure as the center takes shape.
Signing up
for the future
Learn
the F U N WAY!
ST. LUKES CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP LAUNCHES
by Nancy Troeger
Hundreds of students, parents and teachers from St. Lukes School in New Canaan
grabbed a permanent marker and signed
their names to a steel beam destined for
the schools new Center for Leadership.
Construction began this spring giving many
the chance to literally be a part of the center. St. Lukes head of school Mark Davis
explained: Our community is at the heart
of this center. Having so many people sign
the beam symbolized the collaborative
German
nature of this whole project and our commitment to the Center for Leadership.
The concept for the center began two years

ago when St. Lukes began a new phase of
strategic planning. Great schools create
vibrant learning environments that prepare
students for the future, said Mr. Davis.
But the future is a moving target. The
St. Lukes continued on page 22
July 28, 2011
Oh, no!
I THINK MY KIDS A BULLY

by Polly Tafrate
Julie hangs up the phone in disgust. Its
another call from her sons teacher describing his not-so-nice playground behavior.
She hears words like aggressive and
punching, but none alarms her more
than the suggestion that Andy is a bully.
Wait a minute, she says aloud. Why

is a bully always referred to as a boy?
She reads on to learn that girls are just as
likely to bully. Recently the roles have been
reversed the girls are becoming more
physical and the boys more verbal.
Curious as to when bullying starts, Julie

learns that it can begin as early as preschool with kids repeatedly telling classmates that they cant play with a group or
toy. Bullying ramps up about third grade,
peaks in middle school and drops off in
high school, although it becomes more
sophisticated then. It often continues into
Its not as if Julie doesnt know about bully- the workplace.
ing. Its hard to miss in the media, but most
of it centers on how to protect your child Julie is relieved that Andys in second grade.
from bullies and the horrific consequences Kids savvy with online communities, text
of not curtailing it. She wonders if her son messaging, social networks and cellphones
could be one of those despicable kids.
have a quick, easy and anonymous medium to send malicious messages, spread
Julie searches the Internet and finds hun- rumors, divulge personal information and
dreds of sites. She opens several that list circulate embarrassing pictures.
the characteristics of a bully. She learns
that above all, bullies want to be thought How did he become a bully? Julie wonders.
of as cool. Theyre often smart, popular, She reads on. Most bullying behaviors stem
have high self-esteem and are physically from the home. At risk are kids who witstronger than their peers. Used to getting ness physical and verbal abuse between
their own way, they can become jeal- their parents as well as those whose parous if they sense parents or other adults ents use harsh physical discipline to punish
show favoritism. Theyre often impulsive, them. Julie nods in agreement then pauses
easily frustrated and have trouble follow- as she reads that permissive parenting and
ing directions. Although bullies may look lack of involvement in kids activities also
like leaders, they lack one important trait contribute to bullying. She hadnt known
empathy. A hostile attitude is common, that.
especially if their peers reject them. Then
theyre prone to threaten others or start Shes surprised to read that parents often
a fight. Physical and verbal violence is model bullying behaviors when they
viewed positively even when they see it at become jealous of other childrens popularhome. Bullies are known to abuse animals ity and achievements, like who got the lead
and pets. Julie knows that some of these in the play or who stars on the soccer field.
descriptors fit Andy; others dont.
They voice these opinions often.
No, she says, hes not a bully. Sure he
teases his sisters a lot. Just this morning
he had one of them in tears. But isnt that
normal with siblings? She thinks a bit longer and admits to herself that hes seldom
invited on playdates and even when he is,
hes never invited back.
A G R EAT PARTN E RSH I P
THE FITNESS STUDIO
ZUMBA
SPIN (REAL RYDERS)
MAT PILATES
TRX GROUP
& PERSONAL
KICKBOXING
KETTLEBELLS
BARRE CLASSES
PERSONAL
TRAINING
www.thetnessstudio.us
Call for more info 203-431-0006
M-TH 6AM-8PM, FRI 6AM-7PM, SAT & SUN 7:30AM-1PM
July 28, 2011
So what can I do? Julie asks herself. Although painful, shes

already taken the first step, in admitting that her sons a bully.
The real solution is to deal with the root, says AOLs parenting expert, Susan Steifflelman. If you ignore that, then youre
just wrapping duct tape around a thing thats going to burst at
some point. You need to address more than the outward aggression.
Julie learns that she needs to work with the school staff and
communicate with them frequently. Its important that she talk
often with Andy to help him understand how bullying makes
others feel, inquire about his new friends and orchestrate wellplanned playdates when she can be present. If possible, TV and
video games need to be watched together and discussed, especially those with violent characters. Modeling respect, kindness
and empathy is something Julie needs to remind herself to do.
Experts agree that Julie cant be unrealistic and expect Andys
behaviors to change overnight. But if they continue over a
period of time, he may need professional help from therapists
who specialize exclusively in this field.
The American Psychological Association claims that 40% to
80% of school-age children are either victims or bullies. Julie
is adamant that she doesnt want Andy to be any part of that
statistic.
Stanwich is
Building
Building character. Initiative. Curiosity.
And an enduring respect for meaning,
purpose, and a life of success and service.
We serve a community of boys and girls
from Pre-K through Grade 10, expanding
to a comprehensive Pre-K12 learning
experience in the next two years.
Our foundation is one of ethics and values.
From there, we are poised to make history,
and create leaders for tomorrow.
The Stanwich School

EDUCATING THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT
www.stanwichschool.org
www.StanwichSchool.org
July 28, 2011
SOCIAL NETWORKING:
A Changing Landscape
by Polly Tafrate
Eleven-year-old Jacob lives in upstate Connecticut. His cousin Isabel lives in Manhattan, which of course means they dont get
to see each other often. Thanks to Skype
software (viewing one another while talking) installed on their computers, they chat
frequently. Isabels three-year-old sister
uses her own version (Skypito) of this free
online-voice communications system. The
difference is that her parents must pre-approve whom she can talk and play games
with.
Kids can talk with one another as if theyre
in the next room, and not a few hundred
miles away, says Jacobs dad, whos a psychologist. We never had this when I was a
kid. He believes social networking to be a
good thing when used the right way, as do
an increasing number of his fellow experts.
He also mentions how this new technology
can enhance intergenerational communications, saying how Jacob uses FaceTime to
talk with his grandfather in Florida.
Ninety-three percent of kids ages 12 to 17
are online, according to the Pew Internet
American Life Project. Online activity such
as Facebook, Twitter and instant messaging
(AIM), help teens learn important social skills
as they develop and extend friendships, according to a study done by the MacArthur
Foundation. Amy and Liza were bunkmates
at sleep-away camp last year. Thanks to social networking, their friendship has been
maintained and enhanced throughout the
year. Members of previous generations may
remember promising to keep in touch with
new friends via letters. Too often these petered out until they ceased to exist.
their kids, or even their grandkids. Many minutes, but otherwise it would be less ofstill need help in deciphering the condensed ten. Shes also on Facebook, where she
slang of some messages, (examples: jsyk and her mom have friended one another.
just so you know, and f2f face to face).
Although many parents initially thought soI text my friends pretty often, 16-year-old cial networking to be another time-waster
Abby says. Sometimes our conversations for their kids, they soon learned it was an
Todays youth are described by some as Texting is hard for some parents to master. continue throughout the day. If Im talking easy way to keep in touch with them. Kids
textaholics. Isabel is going into sixth grade. About half of them learned these skills from with someone I might get a text every few want to communicate, says Dr. Ruth PeWhile no one in her group is a member of
Twitter or Facebook yet, theyre avid texters. Im on maybe like 100 times a day,
she says, and someone texts me like 200
times, maybe. Her messages are often one
or two words and lack punctuation.
Norwalk Community College to Open New

Center for Science, Health and Wellness
The latest teaching technology at Norwalk The Centers ground oor will house the Exercise
Community can cough, wheeze and tell you Science Associate Degree program, Wellness
Center, Physical Activity courses and Athletic
where it hurts.
Coaching program. The NCC Exercise Science
When NCCs new Center for Science, Health
program prepares students to work as exercise
and Wellness opens its doors in August, nursing
physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches
and allied health students will use Sim-Man
and health-tness professionals.
mannequins to learn about caring for patients.
The Wellness Center will be equipped with
These high-tech teaching tools can be
showers and locker rooms and complete line
programmed to display lifelike symptoms,
of HOIST and PARAMOUNT equipment that
offering students real-life patient care scenarios
includes a full body circuit, free-weights and
and an opportunity to review their work after
functional training machines. Also available will
the simulation has ended. NCC now has an
be a cardiovascular training room stocked with
expanded family of 10 Sim-Men, including
PRECOR and Stairmaster equipment featuring
male, female and baby models.
TV monitors and iPod hook-ups.
The $38 million Center for Science, Health and The Wellness Center will include an Exercise
Wellness will provide a home to the growing Science Laboratory with cutting edge equipment
nursing, allied health, science, and exercise including a metabolic cart to measure oxygen
science programs. It features a Wellness Center, consumption and energy expenditure. The labs
science laboratories, classrooms, and faculty equipment will be used for medical assessment,
ofces.
such as graded exercise testing, evaluation of
It is a functional and beautiful space, with aerobic capacity, sports performance, and resting
decorative cobalt blue tile-work, glass block walls metabolic rate analysis.
and labs with attractive wood cabinetry.
Paul Gallo, director of Exercise Science, worked
The Center will be an outstanding resource for closely with the buildings architects to design
both the college and the community, and a model a Wellness Center which meets the American
of green technology, said NCC President David College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National
Strength and Conditioning Associations (NSCA)
L. Levinson, Ph.D.
recommendations for facility standards and
Norwalk Community College educates mores guidelines.
of the nursing, allied health and emergency
medical workers in Faireld County than any NCC broke ground on the Center for Science,
Health and Wellness in February 2010. The
other college.
construction was funded by the State Department
NCC collaborated with area hospitals in the of Public Works. The Norwalk Community College
design of the nursing and allied health spaces. Foundation, through its Campaign for Norwalk
These will include a simulated hospital unit Community College, raised an additional $2.38
with patient care rooms exactly replicating the million toward construction and $7.5 million for
equipment and layout of hospital rooms at furniture, xtures and equipment.
Stamford, Norwalk and Greenwich Hospitals.
The unit will have 17 hospital beds, two nursing This is the largest amount raised by a Connecticut
labs, an electronic medical records system, Community College for any single project, said
respiratory therapy unit, and equipment ranging NCC President David L. Levinson.
from digital baby scales and blood pressure cuffs The Center has been designed to meet a Silver
to transport stretchers and EKG machines.
LEED Certied rating.
Fall classes begin August 31

For more information about registering for Fall classes, contact the
NCC Admissions Ofce at (203)857-7060.
Skye
Educational Consulting, LLC
Diane McLeod Delaney, Ed.D.
Consulting for families of young children who are
experiencing difficulty learning at home and in school
Comprehensive Educational Evaluation Ages 4:6-11
Preschool Developmental Screening Ages 3 & 4
Preparation for Planning & Placement Team meetings
and the development of Individualized Education Programs
Advocacy Consultation and Support
dianedelaney@skyeed.com
www.skyeed.com
203-655-1271
July 28, 2011
ters, clinical psychologist and parenting expert, but on their own terms. A survey
conducted by Mediathink found that 65%
of parents are in touch with their kids more
frequently when theyre away from home.
Parents no longer have to wonder when
their child needs to be picked up after swim
practice or if they arrived at their friends
house safely (think teen-age drivers).
According to Dr. Peters, kids are more likely
to respond to text messages than cellphone
calls from their parents. The advantage
for parents is that its more discreet and
gives them time to compose and edit their
thoughts. Kids say theyd rather get a text
message from their parents than receive a
phone call for several reasons. One is that it
doesnt have to be as detailed and another
is that its often hard to hear people on the
phone when in crowded places. Both kids
and their parents like the fact that body language and tone of voice are invisible.
as reddit, blogs, myspace, iChat, FaceTime

and tumblr.com is that it creates a virtual
meeting place where kids can hang out
with friends. Traditional places like malls,
video arcades and pizza joints are so closely monitored by parents and authority gures that teens feel uncomfortable gathering there in groups.
It wasnt that long ago that parents could
be heard nagging their kids to get off the
phone. They could talk for hours, remembers one mom. That parental mantra has
changed to Would you please stop texting
and talk to me?
Do any of you remember how cutting-edge
we thought cordless phones to be? Cellphones? Now its fun to ponder the future
of what communication systems will replace social networking.
Stay tuned! Ttyl,g2g. Translation: Talk to
you later, got to go.
Another benet of social networks, such
July 28, 2011
WESTON MUSIC CENTER
Where music is for a lifetime

by Lois Alcosser
Learning to play the piano or any other musical instrument has to be done right from
the very beginning, said Genevieve Chinn
and Allen Brings, directors of the Weston
Music Center and School of the Performing
Arts. From years of experience, they know
that if a student isnt trained well at the
beginning, its very hard to undo bad habits. One of the joys of teaching our students
from a very young age is that theres nothing to undo.
teaching methods.
The Weston Music Center goes back to

the 1950s, when Constance and Franklin
Coates founded the center and Constance
gave piano lessons in their large barn. She
was a dedicated music teacher who believed that music is for a lifetime, which
became the centers slogan and the core of
its philosophy. Genevieve and Allen came to
the center as young, eager teachers. Since
then, Genevieve has appeared as soloist
and chamber player all over this country,
Europe and Asia. She holds a doctorate in
musicology and is a professor of music at Students at the Weston Music Center and School of the Performing Arts are taught by a faculty skilled
both as teachers and performers.
Long Island University.
winner for his compositions. He and Gen- Sue Neilly, the third director, specializes in
Allen is professor emeritus of Queens Col- evieve have performed in many four-hand teaching younger children and beginninglege and an American Society for Compos- piano concerts.
level adults. She studied piano with Coners, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) award
stance Coates and uses Ms. Coates special
The Weston Music Center is unique because

it has several locations, the newest one at
the Gilbert and Bennett School Community Cultural Center in Georgetown. Its
a wonderful place to teach, the directors
said, because its become a center for the
arts. Many painters have studios there. Music lessons are much more successful when
theyre in the right environment in a professional setting, not the students home.
Our studios are at three different locations,
which makes it convenient for parents.
The center has private instruction in piano,
jazz piano, voice, string instruments, woodwinds and guitar, and group instruction in
piano and private instruction in musical
composition and theory. Students range
from age ve to adult.
We are very proud of our faculty, Genevieve said. Theyre the best we can nd.
Theyre not only wonderful teachers but
performing musicians, many of them quite
famous in their specialties. Adam Grabois,
who teaches cello, has performed on ve
Weston continued on page 11
July 28, 2011
Bent on Kent
by Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell
How easy it is to erase the memories of
the blustery winter and cool, damp spring
when the arrival of summertime trumps
everything, especially after the first nibble
of blueberries at the local farmers market
on Kent Green. Local goat cheese, maple
syrup, homemade apple pies and veggies
galore take center stage every Saturday
morning in this northwestern town, which
is as rich in agriculture as it is in arts and
culture.
as vacationers. The earliest photographs

of Kent capture acres of farmland, which
sustained the first settlers but then slowly
diminished over time. Inspired by the rural
landscape, artists took advantage of the
Housatonic Railroad, which came to town
in the late 1800s.
During the fall, Mother Nature paints these

woodlands, hills, fields and the famous
Appalachian Trail a magnet for hikers in nearly every color imaginable,
The dual personalities of this town, which while shades of green flourish come sumhas just under 3,000 year-round residents, mertime. Campers favor Kents Macedonia
interface harmoniously and present a
Kent continued on page 14
unique escape for day-trippers, as well
The House of Books has a sizable selection of childrens books and unique jigsaw puzzles.
GREENWICH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Where Learning Lives & Faith Grows
Greenwich Catholic School is a Roman Catholic,

co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8 students.
We are located on 38 acres in the heart of Greenwich.
Our students experience an enriching spiritual
environment, a diverse and challenging curriculum
and a full range of after school and sports programs.
To schedule a tour or receive an admissions packet, please call
203.869.4000 or email us at info@gcsct.org
Greenwich Catholic School

471 North Street Greenwich Connecticut 06830
www.greenwichcatholicschool.org
e-mail: info@gcsct.org
10
July 28, 2011
PEAR TREE POINT SCHOOL
Pre-kindergarten nurtures
childrens potential
Hi, I am Henry. Want to see my project?
You are walking into the pre-kindergarten
at Pear Tree Point School, where you are
struck by the spacious room, enthusiastic children and the number of teachers.
Colorful displays, abundant materials and
an active schedule are evident.
Down the hall is a large space for dramatic
skits, singing and movement to music of
the ages, while nearby is a spacious play
space. Adjoining classrooms provide places
for language study and guest speakers,
while the art room provides a studio for
painting, drawing, collages and sculptures.
Outdoors, there is a playground, well-sized conversation.

for the younger child.
Through the Core Virtues program, teachers
Known for its academic excellence and help students develop positive character
superior teacher ratios, the Pear Tree Point traits and a strong sense of community.
Schools entry level is designed for four- Parents provide enrichment experiences
and younger five-year-old children who are and work in close partnership with teachready to learn how to read, add and sub- ers.
tract, write, understand the world through
social studies and science and express Thanks to the small class size and personal
themselves in art, music and drama. Play attention, children feel a strong sense of
and physical movement are accommo- belonging and enjoy daily achievement,
dated through formal physical and informal which fosters self-confidence and a love
recreation, while language skills are stimu- of learning. The combination of social and
lated through songs, games, puppets and emotional growth, coupled with the remark-
able academic preparation that follows the

Core Knowledge curriculum, provides an
unusually strong foundation. The program
takes advantage of the unique window of
neurological development that is present at
this formative age.
As you leave Pear Tree Point Schools prekindergarten, you hear children responding
in Spanish and Mandarin, with pitch-perfect inflection and the accent and cadence
of native speakers. You cannot help but feel
that these children are being well prepared
for the future.
LEARN TO SKATE
2011 CYCLES
CLASS LEVELS
July 28, 2011
Weston continued from page 8

continents and holds numerous awards,
but he is also a great teacher. Allen added,
A musician can be a ne performer and
not be able to teach. There are special qualications for teaching children. Were lucky
because our faculty have skills as teachers
and performers.
Michael Nicholas joined the faculty to
teach violin and viola a year ago. He has
performed on six continents with major
orchestras and was concertmaster with the
Jupiter Symphony and the Naumburg Orchestra of Lincoln Center.
Were very careful about the attitude of
our teachers, Genevieve said. They must
be kind and compassionate, no sarcasm,
no derogatory remarks. All our teachers are
paid exactly the same, so theres no strife
about that. Most of our faculty come to us
through word-of-mouth and they love coming here.
Most of our students wont become pro-
11
fessional musicians, but music is something they will always have. Nowadays, especially, Allen said, everything is exterior.
Children need an inner life and music can
give them that. We see how music helps
them grow and mature. Thats most important not scales, exercises and arpeggios
but getting the student to the music. The
music leads more than the teacher.
Though the directors say that their goal
isnt to train students to become professionals, they do have some very gifted
students. They mentioned a 10-year-old
cello student who is absolutely remarkable, and a piano student who Allen says
is brilliant. I can talk to him about music
in a way I havent even been able to talk to
many adults.
The Weston Music Center and School of the
Performing Arts has studios at Emmanuel
Episcopal Church and the Parish Hall at St.
Francis of Assisi Church in Weston and G
and B Community Cultural Center in Wilton. Private and group instruction is oered in piano, and there are private lessons in voice, string
For further information, 203-227-1425; we- instruments, woodwinds and guitar.
stonmusiccenter.org.
12
July 28, 2011
If your child struggled in school this year we

have the perfect solution... Summertime at Sylvan.
Now Enrolling for Fall!

Summer Classes Through August 20th
Individualized after-school tutoring for students
of all ages in the following subjects:
Reading Writing History Elementary Math Algebra

Geometry Calculus Study Skills
PSAT/SAT/ACT/ISEE/SSAT Prep.
14 Brook Street Darien CT

203.655.3276
www.sylvandarien.com
Celebrating 26 Years
in Darien!
July 28, 2011
13
Montessori school celebrates 15 years

Great Beginnings, a Montessori school, is in
the heart of downtown Fairfield on Beach
Road. It offers a safe, nurturing environment steeped in the Montessori philosophy.
During the past 15 years, the school has
grown from one primary-age classroom (3
to 6 year olds) to three classrooms totaling
60 children.
In this year of celebration, the school
also welcomes a new head of school,
Marnee Harke. Marnee is an experienced
Montessori teacher of 12 years. She is
a 1998 graduate of Vanderbilt University
and has her American Montessori Society
teaching credential from the Center for
Montessori Teacher Education, N.Y.
Marnees Montessori career includes teaching at Montessori Head Start in Vermont,
During the past 15 years,

the school has grown
from one primary-age
classroom (3 to 6 year olds)
to three classrooms
totaling 60 children.
the Whitby School in Greenwich and Hunt There has long been a desire of school famiRidge Montessori here in Fairfield.
lies and others in the Fairfield community
for these programs, and space has finally
Great Beginnings is also expanding. In addi- been found to make this dream a reality.
tion to its successful primary program, the Great Beginnings will now be serving chilschool will offer lower elementary (grades dren 18 months to 9 years of age.
1 to 3) and toddler Montessori programs.
The school is currently accepting applications for the elementary program for the
2011-to-2012 school year.
For more information: 203-254-8208;
greatmontessori@aol.com; greatmontessori.
com.
14
July 28, 2011
Kent continued from page 9

Brook State Park with its options for hiking,
stream fishing and picnicking.
The best-known outdoor venue is Kent
Falls State Park. On a hot summers day,
the mist from the falls on a tributary of the
Housatonic River, which cascades some
250 feet, is a welcome relief. For thousands
of annual visitors, the falls are the main
attraction at the park. This lovely backdrop
makes a good picnic spot, too. The quartermile trail around the falls is a bit steep but
worth the extra effort to view the show of
shooting cascades. Since the area is designated as a trout park, dont forget to
bring a fishing pole.
For visitors in need of travel journals,
rain gear, camera equipment and more,
Backcountry Outfitters (bcoutfitters.com)
sits conveniently in the center of Kent and
is noted for its high quality of goods for
outdoor/adventure travel.
Around here, antiquing is a four-season The beauty and refreshing mist of Kent Falls makes it a favorite spot for picnics and hiking.
Drum Lessons with

JohnCutrone
Cutrone
John
30 Years of Teaching Experience

Unique Method with Proven Results
SPECIAL SUMMER RATES - CALL FOR
MORE INFORMATION
203 866 7568
www.johncutrone.com
Make an investment you can watch mature!

Join Shepherds and change the direction of a young persons life.
Shepherds unique Sponsor/Mentor relationship has a proven thirteenyear track record of helping at-risk inner city youth. 156 students
have graduated high school, 91% of whom have pursued higher
education in areas where dropout rates soar as high as 31.5%.
The return on your investment is tangible.
An investment in a 10-year Treasury Bond yields pocket change.

Shepherds yield is 300+ changed lives, impacting individuals, their
families and their community.
The return on your investment matures.
5 Shepherds students have returned to their alma maters as Mentors.
387 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06605
Call Shepherds at (203) 367-4273
or email info@ShepherdsInc.com
Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

SPONSORS AND MENTORS EMPOWERING AT-RISK YOUTH WITH KNOWLEDGE. OPPORTUNITY. VISION.
Shepherds, Inc. is a non-denominational 501(C) (3) organization.
sport, while Mohawk Mountain in West

Cornwall attracts wintertime skiers and
snowboarders. Fishing enthusiasts find the
lively streams and rivers irresistible. B &
B owners and other locals note with pride
that Yankee magazine in 2010 voted
Kent the number one spot for viewing fall
foliage.
Few can resist Annie Bananie Ice Cream
(annieicecream.com/icecream), which is
billed as the best ice cream in the northwest corner of Connecticut. So treat yourself to one of the goodies on the Sundae
School menu. There is also a dog-gone
good menu of gourmet hot dogs and beverages for a quick pick-me-upper.
The Kent Art Association (kentart.org), the

oldest gallery in town, features a variety
of shows that highlight its diverse members. Founded in 1923 by nine former
Manhattanites, its history is as interesting
as its shows. For a living exhibition of
sculptures, do not miss (and you cant help
but notice) a zoo of metal animals, exotic
to barnyard, created by Denis Curtiss,
15
whose studio is just south of Kent Falls

State Park.
A final note to art, culture and nature fans
in fact to devotees of just about anything
you will find some great reading at the
House of Books on North Main, which has
a sizable selection of childrens books. It is
also chockablock full of fine notepaper and
unique jigsaw puzzles hours dwindle
away. A cookbook of summertime recipes
may also be in order something to raise
your spirits during a chilly winter, as will
summer memories of Kent, which have a
way of etching themselves within your heart.
For information on other summer activities and a free copy of

Unwind, a 112-page color guide
to lodging, dining and all the attractions in the Litchfield Hills, contact
the Western Connecticut Convention
and Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968,
Litchfield, CT 06759; 860-567-4506,
or visit their Web site at litchfieldhills.
com.
SUMMER
EVENTS
Kent School hosts the
Litchfield Jazz Festival
and Litchfield Jazz Camp,
always held on the first
weekend of August, which
includes three days of
exceptional jazz with topline performers and an
array of special events.
For schedules, tickets
and more, visit litchfieldjazzfest.com.
Photo and Photo Collage By Steven Sussman.
July 28, 2011
Kent Firemans Fair &

Parade, Aug. 11, 12, 13,
features carnival rides,
great food, special events
and a spectacular fireworks show, 860-9273151.
Jewish Family Congregation Early Childhood Center
...where Family is our middle name
Classes for 2, 3, & 4-Year Olds
CREATION STATION Toddlers 12 months and up with their parent/caregiver
Lunch Bunch and Summer Fun Programs available

Registering NOW for Fall 2011
Call to schedule an appointment
914.763.3028
Jane Emmer, Director
jfceccenter@gmail.com www.jewishfamilycongregation.org
111 Smith Ridge Road (Rte. 123), South Salem, New York 10590
The
Ridgefield
School of
DANCE
16
July 28, 2011
Along with good study skills, students must also be commited, disciplined and motivated to succeed.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Four ways to a smooth transition

by Michelle Sagalyn
The new school year is almost here! This
can sometimes be a hectic time, but it
doesnt have to be that way. Here are four
tips from S4 Successful Study Skills 4
Students to help you get organized and setup before the school year begins.
Once you have determined your goal, you

can formulate an action plan to get there.
An action plan is by definition active. The
plan will help navigate the best ways to get
the results you want. Your plan, for example, might include a commitment to review
the notes taken in school every day.
Determine Your Goals

Organize Your Study Space
Setting goals for the academic year is an
essential ingredient to getting the desired
results because it will keep you focused on
your target. Goals help establish a vision,
allowing you to develop priorities and concentrate on what you want to achieve.
Prepare your home study space before you

get your first homework assignment. Find
a place at your house where you can study
and do homework distraction-free. Make
sure theres a comfortable chair, good light,
and a clear work surface. Get all the supplies

you will need from the office supply store,
such as pens, pencils, paper, markers, etc.
Also, plan an after-school routine. Decide if
youre going to start your homework right
away when you get home, or if you will
have a snack and a little break before your
get started. If you decide to take a break
before starting your assignments, then set
a time limit for yourself and stick to it.
Finally, promise yourself that while you are
working on homework, thats all youll do
no online chatting, texting, or listening
to music.
Commit To Using Your Agenda

or Planner Daily
Begin the year with your time already organized. Get an agenda before school starts
and write in the activities you already know
about. You might not know your homework
assignments yet, but you may know the
days and times of your after-school activities, such as sports practices or music lessons.
Plan continued on page 19
are experienced physicians

committed to caring for the
whole child with warmth
and compassion.
We would Like to Welcome
Now Accepting New

Patients
to our Practice
New Moms Group

Evening Hours
Available Monday
Nights
722 Post Road, Darien, CT
www.thehealthychilddarien.com
203.655.6000
July 28, 2011
17
KIDS STUFF Places to Go, Things to Do

A selection of events planned for youngsters
and their families see other calendar listings
for more comprehensive coverage of area performances and activities.
Fairy Tale Theater, childrens series (onehour performances) at Wooster School, featuring
a 20-member ensemble of young performers,
tickets $5, at the door, Miry Brook Rd., Danbury;
info., musicalsatrichter.org: Snow White, July 23.
Seussical The Musical, based on the stories
of Dr. Seuss, Family Theatre Company production, June 16-July 31; Thur. matinee and evening
shows, at 11:30 and 6:30 (incl. meals), Fri. at
7:30 (no meal), Sat. at 11:30 (lunch); Sun at
noon and 5 (incl. meals); tickets for shows w/
meals, $75/adults, $67/srs., $52/16 and under;
show-only, $45; Westchester Broadway Theatre,
Elmsford, N.Y.; 914-592-2222 or broadwaytheatre.com.
Summer Theatre Festival, presented by
Summer Theatre of New Canaan under its openair tent in Waveny Park; info., stonc.org or 203966-4634: Carousel, July 16-Aug. 6, Thur-Sat.,
7:45, Sun. at 3; For Young Audiences: A Year with
Frog and Toad, June 25-Aug. 6, and Lillys Purple
Plastic Purse, July 23-Aug. 6, Sat. at 10, Sun. at
noon (Frog& Toad at noon Sat., starting July 23).
CHIRP 2011, free concerts in Ballard Park, off
Main St., Ridgefield; rain venue for all Tues. concerts through Aug. 2, Ridgefield Playhouse, thereafter, East Ridge Middle School; week-by-week
decisions for Thurs. rainout venues; info., chirpct.
org, 203-431-2760: Mary Gauthier, Thur., July 21.
The Levitt Pavilion, free summer entertainment, June 26-Aug. 28; Jesup Rd., Westport,
behind the Westport Public Library; levittpavilion.com or 203-226-7600 (Sun.Jazz & Big
Band, 7; Mon.Movie Nights starting mid-July;
Tues.Wild Cards, 8 p.m.; Wed.Children, 7
p.m.; Thur.Classical, Cabaret, Broadway and
beyond, 8 p.m.; Fri.Party Bands, Pop and DJs,
8 p.m.; Sat.Blues/Folk/Rock/World, 8 p.m.)
Concerts on the Green, spon. by CityCenter
Danbury at the Danbury Green on Ives St.; opening acts begin at 7, main performer takes the
stage at 8; info., citycenterdanbury.org:
NATURE
New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke

Ridge, New Canaan, 203-966-9577; buildings
open Mon.-Sat., 9-4 (closed major holidays);
admission donation req.; Free Live Animal
Presentations, Sat. at 3, lasting 15-20 min., dif.
animal each week; Free Saturday Videos, screening at 2 on nature themes, may be canceled for
spec. events. Nature-Palooza Family Concert &
Campfire, Sat., July 23, 4-7:30 p.m., with Reggae
Culture, School of Rock House Band, Matt Black
and John Moses, $8/person.
Darien Nature Center, 120 Brookside Rd.;
free adm. Mon.-Fri., 9-4; Sat., 9-1; 203-655-7459:
Ongoing exhibits.
Devils Den/Lucius Pond Ordway
Preserve, a Nature Conservancy property, Pent
Rd., Weston; open to passive recreation (hiking,
birding, canoeing, nature study, cross-country
skiing); info., concerns, 860-455-0716; naturecon-
Bright futures begin with the best
Standardized Test Prep
Courses as low as $250!

Sheptin Tutoring Groups outstanding PSAT 101, SAT & ACT Boot Camps and
Crunch Camps can have you exam-ready in as little as 12 hours! Ask us how!
ENROLL TODAY! Visit us online at www.sheptintutoring.com
or call us at 914.232.3743
PSAT, SAT, ACT, COLLEGE BOARD SUBJECT TESTS, AP EXAMS,
Sheptin
(914)232-3743
Tutoring Group, LLC
Better Teaching; Better Scores
SheptinTutoring.com
servancy.org.
Woodcock Nature Center, 56 Deer Run
Rd., Wilton; center open 9:30-5, Tues.-Sat., twoplus miles of trails open daily, dawn to dusk; reg.
in advance for programs, 203-762-7280; www.
woodcocknature center.org.
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N.
Water St., adm. $11.75 for adults, $10.75 for
seniors, $9.75 for children 2-12; open 10-5
daily; info., 203-852-0700, ext. 2206: Toy Boat
Workshop on Saturdays and Sundays between 11
and 3 (daily July 1-Aug. 31), 20-min. workshop,
$5/child, no res. required; Meerkats, live family
group, through February, 2012. Special Exhibit:
Dinosaur Summer, life-sized robotic dinosaurs,
June 18-Sept. 5; Dino Island 3-D ride film, every
10 min., $5.50 (must be 36 in. tall to board).
Sound Scientists, summer programs for ages 6-12:
week-long programs July 18-22, 25-29; Aug. 1-5,
8-12, 15-19; sessions 9:30 to 3:30, with pre-care
beginning at 8:30, and extended care till 5:30;
info. at maritimeaquarium.org/kids_programs.
html or call 203-852-0700 x2206.
IMAX Theater at the Maritime Aquarium,
10 North Water St., Norwalk; daytime films,
$9/adults, $8/srs., $6.50/2-12; Hollywood films,
$11.50, $10.50, $9.50; info., 203-852-0700
or maritimeaquarium.org: Dolphins, narration
by Pierce Brosnan and music by Sting, daily at
11 and 2 through Labor Day; T-Rex: Back to the
Cretaceous, at noon daily, May 27-Labor Day;
Born to Be Wild, daily at 1 and 3 (extra show at
4 during July and August); Fast Five, at 6:30 and
9:15, Fri.-Sun.; call to confirm or text TMA to
71297.
Stepping Stones Museum, 303 West Ave.,
Norwalk; adm. $12/adults and children (under 1,
free), $10/srs.; steppingstonesmuseum.org or call
203-899-0606.
Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Rd., call
for program res., 203-869-5272 or greenwich.
audubon.org; admission fees: $3/adults, $1.50/
students, srs.; trails open dawn to dusk weekends; Kimberlin Nature Center open daily, 9-5;
nature store open Tues.-Sat., 9-5. SCI: Dragon
& Damselflies Survey, Sat., July 23, Introduction,
10:30-11, Field Counts, 11-5, age 7 and up, RSVP
required by July 22, 203-869-5272 x230; Love-A
Pollinator Day, Sat., July 30: walk and talk from
3:30-5:30, followed by film, Nicotine Bees, and
discussion, 5:30-7:30, space limited tickets avail.
online or res. at 203-869-5272 x239.
Stamford Museum and Nature Center,
39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; 203-322-1646
or www.stamfordmuseum.org: Heckscher Farm,
daily, 9-5 (Animal Embassy open Tues.-Sun.,
10-3:30); Bendel Mansion (main building), Mon.Sat., 9-5, Sun., 11-5; Sunday Explorers, 11-3 each
Sunday (w/exception of special event days), free
w/gate adm.; Otterly Amazing, 12:30 p.m. Mon.
& Fri. during July and August (otter feeding at
1 p.m.); A Farmers Life, 2 p.m. Tues. in July
and August; Observatory Visitors Night, weather
permitting, Fri., 8:30-10:30 p.m., adults/$3,
children/$2; Astronomy Nights: Saturn Shines in
the Summer Sky, Fri., July 22, 7:30 p.m., at the
Kids Stuff continued on page 18
ITS COLLEGE ESSAY SEASON!
UNIQUELY U.
helped me
SIGN UP BEFORE
LABOR DAY
AND SAVE
IO
IS
DE
E
Y
TE
RL AG ED RA TY
A
K
X
I
LI
E
AC RS; F ILABI ION!

W
P
U
AVA TAT
HO
NE
15 ITED SUL
55
N
M
5
O
L
C
DONE
9
EE
1.
FR
6
before
9
3.
0
2
th
!
IVY COVERED
YEAR!
14
18
July 28, 2011
KIDS STUFF Places to Go, Things to Do

Observatory, followed by chance to view night
sky through 22-inch research telescope (weather
permitting), adults/$3, children/$2; Annual
Summer Family Campout, Sat., July 30, 5:30, to
Sun., July 31, 9 a.m., $140/one parent/child, $35
each addl family member, pre-reg. required.
Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center, 10
Woodside Lane, Westport; open Mon.-Sat., 9-5,
Sun., 1-4 (closed major holidays); adm. $7/adults,
$5/ages 1-12 & srs.; free adm. to trails and
property, daily 7 a.m.-dusk; interactive nature
museum, live wildlife, family program on Sat.;
203-227-7253; earthplace.org.
The Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave.,
Bridgeport; 203-372-3521; Tues.-Sat., 10-5, Sun.,
12-5; museum and planetarium, $8.50 adults,
$7 children, seniors, students, free under 5: daily
planetarium shows (The Little Star That Could, for
ages 8 and younger; Dawn of the Space Age, for
ages 8 and older), Challenger Learning Center, call
for schedule; many interactive exhibits.
Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble
Ave., Bridgeport; adm. $11/adults, $9/children
3-11 and seniors, free for children under 3; open
daily 9 to 4; 203-394-6565, www.beardsleyzoo.
org. Family shows with Chris Rowlands, July 25Aug. 7, daily at 11, 1 and 3, free w/paid adm.;
Zoo Patrol, 9-12:30, July 25-29 (ages 12-14), adv.
reg. required, 203-394-6563.
Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem,
N.Y.; pre-reg. required; sign up for programs
online at nywolf.org or call 914-763-2373:
Tilly Foster Farm, Rte. 312, Brewster, N.Y.;
open to visits daily 10-4; farm store open Fri.Sun., 10-4; info., 845-279-4474 or visit tillyfosterfarm.org.
MUSEUMS, Etc.
Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258

Main St., Ridgefield; 203-438-4519, www.aldrichart.org: Family Drop-In Hours, third weekend of
every month in the Education Center, free w/gen.
adm. Summer Programs for Kids: Aldrich Buddies,
Play in the Dirt, Art Daze and New World Kids,
info. avail. online or call the museum.
Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St.,
Ridgefield; 203-438-5485: tour hours, Wed., Sat.,
and Sun., 1-4, last tour at 3:30 (closed Easter
Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and
Christmas); special exhibits in the Cass Gilbert
Dining Room; adults/$5, srs., under 12/$3.
Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Halpin Lane;
203-438-8863: Multi-Arts Summer Camp, July 5Aug. 12, for ages 8-15.
Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735
Nod Hill Rd., Wilton, 203-834-1896 or www.
nps.gov/wefa: grounds open daily dawn to dusk;
Burlingham House Visitor Ctr., Wed.-Sun., 9-5;
call for info. on tours. Admin. offices open Mon.Fri., 9-5; info., incl. current program and tour
sched., call or visit Web site. Ponder the Pond Trail
walk, Sun., 1-2:30 p.m., Aug. 14, Sept. 4, Oct. 9,
reg. required, 203-834-1896 x12.
Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury
Road (Route 7), 203-762-7257: period rooms
in the Betts-Sturges-Blackmar House, gift shop;
Tues.-Fri., 10-4:30, Sat., 1-4, 2nd & 4th Sun., 1-4,
adm. $5.
Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037
Silvermine Rd., New Canaan; 203-966-9700: Art
Spy Bingo, game for children ages 5-12 as they
view gallery artwork; Summer Camp for Kids, July
5-Aug. 6, weekly sessions, $250-$350.

New Canaan Historical Society, 13 Oenoke
Ridge, New Canaan; nchistory.org or 203-9661776: 2011 Colonial Summer Camp, Aug. 8-12 and
15-19, for boys and girls 6-11, Mon.-Fri., 9:15noon, call for info.
Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St.,
Danbury; 203-778-8337; danbury.org/drm: adm.
$6/adults, $5/srs., students, $4/children (3-12);
open Wed.-Sat., 10-4, Sun., 12-4.
The Bruce Museum, One Museum Dr.,
Greenwich; 203-869-0376: Tours of Museum
Exhibitions, free with mus. adm., Fridays, 12:301:30. Changes in Our Land, long-term exhibits in
the Environmental History Galleries. Saddle Up!
Horsing Around, 30 works from the permanent
collection, featuring the horse, July 1-Sept. 25 in
the Bantle Lecture Gallery (occasionally unavailable because of programs).
Westport Arts Center, 51 Riverside Ave.;
203-222-7070 or westportartscenter.org: WACky
Family Day Goes Green, Sun., July 31, 2-4 p.m., in
partnership w/Green Village Initiative and Melissa
& Doug, $10/child, free for adults and children
under 2.
Bush-Holley Historic Site, Historical Society
of the Town of Greenwich, 39 Strickland Rd., Cos
Cob; open Wed.-Sun., 12-4 (docent-led tours at
1, 2 and 3); 203-869-6899, ext. 10 or www.hstg.
org; adm. to gallery, visitor ctr. & house museum,
$10/adults, $8/srs. and students, under 6 free;
group tours at $7/person avail. on public and
non-public days; library and archives open Wed.Thur., 10-4; adm. offices open Mon.-Fri., 9-5.
Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370
Beach Rd., Fairfield; 203-259-1598 or fairfieldhs.
org: Behind the Lens Guided Tours, Thur., 10-11
a.m., July 28, and Aug. 18.

Katonah Museum of Art, Rte. 22 at Jay
St., Katonah, N.Y., 914-232-9555: Programs for
Children: Target Picture Story Saturdays, Sat. at
10:30, with guest readers, free; See-and-Do Art
Activities, ages 3 and up (accomp. by an adult),
Sat. at 1, Sun. at 1:30, free. Stroller Tours, Fri.,
Aug. 12, 9:15-10 a.m. (also Sept. 16), for adults
with babies in tow (under 2) , no reg. required.
Summer Art Adventures, Thur., July 14-Aug. 11, 102, age 6-12 $50/class (bring lunch).
Military Museum of Southern New
England, 125 Park Ave., Danbury; 203-7909277; www.usmilitarymuseum.org: more than 30
armored vehicles; massive collection of military
artifacts; Story of the 10th Mountain Division;
Life-size dioramas with major military vehicles;
The World in Flames, story of World War II 19391945; The War in the Pacific, expanded exhibit;
large gift shop; summer hours, Tues.-Sat., 10-5;
Sun., 12-5; winter hours (Dec. 1-March 31), Fri.Sun. only; adults $6, active duty military, children
and srs. $4; under 5, free.
Bartlett Arboretum, 151 Brookdale Rd.,
Stamford; 203-322-6971 or bartlettarboretum.org:
Plant Clinic, open May through growing seasion,
Mon.-Thur., 9-3, and Fri., 9-noon, free.
Historic Hudson Valley: Summerweek History
Day Camp: July 25-29 at Van Cortlandt Manor, for
children ages 9-11 from 9:30 to 3:30 daily, info.
at 914-631-8200; Riverweek Day Camp, Aug. 1-5,
9:30-3:30, ages 11-13; info. at 914-631-8200.
Southeast Museum 67 Main St., Brewster,
N.Y., 845-279-7500 or southeastmuseum.org:
Childrens Paper-Making Workshop, Sat., July 30,
10:30 a.m., $5 materials donation requested.
Jesse Lee Day School
Growing with Confidence
2011 Registration is Ongoing

We Offer
Toddler & Twos
Three Year Olds
Four Year Olds
Transitional Kindergarten
Extended Day Classes
Classes at The Annex

are open to the
Entire Community
for more information go to
jesseleedayschool.org
July 28, 2011
19
Plan continued from page 16

Read Actively
Commit to reading and listening actively. What
does this mean? It means that even if a teacher
doesnt expect you to take notes in class or for
an assigned reading, take notes anyway. Because
memory isnt very reliable, taking notes is important so one can review and refer to them at a
later time. Taking notes also helps crystallize
understanding of the material. If upon review an
element is unclear or not completely understood,
one can go back and get the answers.
Resolve To Stay Organized
With all of the various papers collected from various classes, determine to stay organized. Go to
the office supply store and purchase binders and
dividers before the start of school. Buy a 3-hole
punch as well, if you dont already have one. S4
recommends 2 binders for each subject:
1. A 1/2-inch binder that travels to school
(travel binder)
2. A two-inch to three-inch binder that stays
at home. This is the master binder that
holds all previously studied units in one
place.
Each binder should have four tab dividers, labeled
as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Class & Reading Notes

Handouts
Homework & Other Assigned Work
Tests/Quizzes
As soon as you get a worksheet, handout or

graded material back from your teacher, commit
to filing it in your travel binder. When the unit
is completed, transfer these materials into the
master at-home binder. When it comes time to
review and study for an end-of-semester test, for
example, you will have all your material in one
place.
Using the right study skills, tools and systems
will help get you the results you want. Your level
of commitment, effort, discipline and motivation will ultimately determine your success as a
student.
For more information, go to SuccessfulStudySkills4
Students.com, or call 203-307-5455.
Developing an action plan, such as a commitment to review the notes taken in school every day, will
help navigate the best ways to the results you want.
DETAILS
Michelle Sagalyn is president of S4, an organization
that works in affiliation with
public and private schools.
S4s mission is to provide
students, primarily in grades
5 through 12, with strategies
for time management and
organization that they can
apply to school activities
and into adult life.
20
July 28, 2011
COLLEGE ASSISTANCE PLUS
How to get where you want to go

by Jane K. Dove
Parents and students about to begin the college application process often find themselves baffled and intimidated. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid) form, investigating possible grants and scholarships and selecting the right school to fit the students
needs and interests all combine to make the experience
stressful for many.
federally backed loans, such as Stafford loans, she says.

Today, the average student takes five-and-a-half years to
complete college. That, combined with the ever-increasing cost of tuition, makes getting financial aid extremely
important. Student debt has mushroomed, and I do everything I can to help students come out with the lightest
burden possible.
When I started the process with my own daughter, I was

very frustrated, says Sheryl Santiago, who heads College
Assistance Plus of Fairfield County (CAP). The process
can be overwhelming, and I decided to do something to
help parents and students figure it out and get the best
possible results, both financially and academically.
Sheryl will also help students create outstanding essays

and an attention-getting resume to help assure submission of the best possible application.
Schools Need Students
College Assistance Plus of Fairfield County, which Sheryl

founded in 2010, is affiliated with a larger network that
operates across the country.
When counseling parents, one factor Sheryl emphasizes

is that colleges want and need qualified students and are
often willing to negotiate attractive financial packages in
order to get them.
Our goal is to help students get the best education at the

school of their choice for the least amount of money,
says Sheryl. We help navigate the difficult process of
choosing a school and then finding the best way to pay
for it.
I like to think of this approach as empowering my students and their parents, she says. Schools cannot function if their seats are empty. The parents have the commodity they want the student. I want to give them a
sense of control in this area.
Finding A Fit
Sheryl says she believes one of the biggest mistakes parents make is focusing only on well-known schools that
attract huge numbers of applicants.
There are many fine colleges out there that many people
know very little about, she says. I have 2,700 in my data
base. They are actively seeking students but usually do not
have the funds for a national marketing campaign. There
are some great schools that are largely unknown. Thats
where I can help to make a match.
Sheryl says parents with solid incomes should not immediately assume their child will not qualify for a scholarship
unless they are straight-A students. There is a surprising
Sheryl Santiago specializes in guiding students and parents amount of other types of grants, scholarships and outright
gifts in the college mix, she said. Its a matter of knowthrough the college application process.
ing about them and then making a match in a variety of
special areas of ability and interest.
Sheryl says she begins by identifying about 20 schools and
then narrows it down to five to 10 schools. I sit down with
CAP also provides a bi-monthly newsletter focused on
my clients and we go through their sites, she said. We
important dates, scholarship and grant opportunities and
then decide on the ones that are the best fit all-around.
information from other education experts.
Coaching and guiding students through the application

process is key to Sheryls approach. I have developed a
Her primary clients are high school juniors and their parFAFSA worksheet for parents. I will help them fill it out, if
ents, Sheryl says. I get to know them in person first, she
necessary, and then check for errors, which are common
says. We then fill out a background form that provide me
and can be costly.
with information on their needs and interests academically, financially and socially. We then move along to findSheryl says FAFSA is key because it is the single document
ing colleges that match up well and developing a plan of
that determines if a student is eligible for federal grants
action to pay the tuition.
and scholarships. It also qualifies them for a variety of
Sheryl says she prides herself on a common-sense approach

to the whole process. Having been there myself, I know
what it is like. I have been successful at what I do and
hope to help as many families as possible achieve their
educational goals.
For information: ssantiago@collegeassistanceplus.com; 203345-1953.
GREAT BEGINNINGS
Montessori School
148 Beach Road Fairfield, CT 06824
ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
ENROLLING FOR FALL 2011
Great Beginnings Montessori School is a nurturing environment of

educators and families which aims to support through the prepared
Montessori environment the development of each childs potenal
through work that promotes independence, cognive development,
emoonal growth, social competence, and spiritual nourishment.
Great Beginnings serves children 18 months to 9 years of age.
Please contact us at: greatmontessori@aol.com
or call 203-254-8208
Visit our website at: www.greatmontessori.com
July 28, 2011
21
WESTFIELD DAY SCHOOL SPECIALTY IS HOPE
Linking Education
and Emotional Support
As weve dashed toward the train station,
many of us have passed by this gray, nondescript Victorian building without giving
a second thought to what might be behind
the unobtrusive red sign and door at 23
Purdy Street. As Peter Schoenholtz, founder
and director says with a sigh, Well, we just
might be the best kept secret in Rye.
While many schools can boast of their newest, high-tech networks or sports facilities,
Westfields reputation rests on a far simpler,
decidedly low-tech premise: taking kids
with special needs and giving them hope
and a new future.
Or not so simple, according to Pamela
Heldman, academic director and assistant
director for administration, I tell all our
new staff in orientation, especially those
from the public schools where I spent 30
years, Just because you may only have
three students in your class, dont for a
minute think its going to be easy. Its harder than it seems and different than teaching
a lesson plan to 20 kids. You have to find a
way of making sure that each child understands what youre teaching, otherwise
their difficulties will get in their way, just as
they did at their other schools.
While Westfield students often have a combination of learning disabilities and psychological problems, it is classified as a nonpublic school for students with learning disabilities, according to the directory of Nonpublic
Schools from the New York State Education
Department (NYSED). When I approached
NYSED about starting this school in 2000,
they told me that they were sorry, but there
was no such type of school that works
exclusively with students with both emotional and learning problems, so wed just
have to be content with the learning disability classification, says Peter Schoenholtz.
But since labels dont really matter to me
anyway as a clinician, I thought, So what?
He goes on to explain, As a child therapist
and consultant for schools, I was keenly
aware of how kids with both emotional
difficulties and learning problems were
forced into having treatment for one thing
or the other, without addressing the often
complex interaction between them. Often
the result would just be failure for everyone
involved. And so was born the concept of
the school, whose guiding philosophy and
trademarked motto is: Linking Education
and Emotional Support.
ple of how the needs of students determine

how theyll be helped. These kids struggle
to fit in to traditional schooling and societys expectations. Its our job to create reasonable expectations that they can master
and improve upon, slowly raising the bar
until everyone agrees theyre ready to move
on, she says.
not open our doors after school for tutoring to the general public, so that kids with
special needs can also benefit the way that
our full-time kids can? She goes on to say,
When a student asked us about learning
guitar, we thought, Why not? Soon, we
had 10 other kids joining in, learning guitar
or other instruments, and that turned into
a whole school end-of-year project, a proAnd move on they do: Westfield prides fessionally mastered CD of mostly original
itself on the more than 90% acceptance songs.
rate of their graduates at their first-choice
colleges. For New York students taking Unlike the regular day-school program,
regents tests, they and their parents may be which has up to 25 students in grades
comforted in knowing that the average test seven through 12, the after-school program
scores, according to NYS Nonpublic Schools can adapt to the needs of students at any
Comprehensive Information Report, are grade level, in all academic subjects, with
more than 85%. Many of the students were an after-school music and arts program as
previously unable to even take the tests, let well.
alone pass them with flying colors and
then have options they never thought pos- Considering what can happen at Westfield,
sible.
it is clearly time that this best kept secret
in Rye is no longer being kept by just the
Westfield has also added another innovation lucky few.
to their considerable portfolio of individualized educational programs the Westfield The Westfield Day School is at 23 Purdy
After Day School. Pam Heldman explains, Avenue, Rye, N.Y.; 914-967-2530; westfieldThe idea grew out of the realization that schools.info.
since we provide such a close, personalized
Pam Heldman relates example after exam- learning experience during the day, why
Where Boys Excel
Fairfield Country Day School
Back To School BLOWOUT!!!

FUTONS
MATTRESS
PROTECTORS
11995
Twin
BEAN BAGS
69
95
5995
and up
See our
MATTRESS
SETS
18995
NEWLY RENOVATED 5000 sq ft

SHOWROOM
www.discountbeddingfurniture.com
At Discount Bedding and Furniture, our goal is to

always provide the best value and selection with that
personalized service you deserve. We want you to
LOVE the look and comfort of your home!
Chris LaForte, Owner
4 New Canaan Ave. Norwalk, CT 203-845-7979

(Behind Dunkin Donuts) www.discountbeddingfurniture.com
22
July 28, 2011
St. Lukes continued from page 3
the Year in 2007. Mr. Foley was selected

as the Center for Leadership director after
an extensive search that included almost
100 applicants from across the country.
We went into this search knowing the
director would be pivotal to the centers
success, said Mr. Davis. Jim emerged as
the person who best embodied the exact
traits the Center for Leadership will teach.
Hes a charismatic, persuasive leader; he
can guide a group toward common goals;
hes expert at intelligently harnessing the
power of technology and he embraces St.
Lukes core values: love of learning, good
character, pursuit of excellence and community.
world is changing by the second. Preparing

students requires that a school be forwardthinking. Whats next and how do we
equip our students for success?
The St. Lukes community mulled over
these questions during an 18-month planning period that included workshops, focus
groups, surveys and a listening tour, all
aimed at defining critical skills for future
success. One of the strongest calls we
heard from our parents was the desire for
St. Lukes to develop stronger leadership
skills and confidence in our students, said
St. Lukes parent and board member Peter
Goettler of New Canaan. Most often these
were articulated as public speaking ability,
presentation skills and the mastering of
communications. We viewed this mandate
in broader terms: while our excellent academic program ably prepares our students
to excel in post-secondary education, we
want to bring an increased focus to a wider
set of skills they need to excel in life.
The Center for Leadership will be a point of

distinction for St. Lukes, raising awareness
of the school as a place where students
receive an outstanding education while
learning essential skills for leadership and
meaningful service to others. One thing it
will not be is a cookie-cutter CEO factory.
Mr. Davis clarified: St. Lukes approach
to leadership is closely tied to our motto,
Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve. We want
students to give back and make a posi-
Photo credit: Desiree Smock
With its official launch in September, the

Center for Leadership will strengthen existing global and service initiatives and grow
specific skills such as the ethical use of
technology and media, effective collaboration and public speaking. The physical centerpiece will be a technologically advanced
Global Classroom with capabilities to connect entire St. Lukes classes with partner schools and organizations around the
world. Multi-function furniture and sophisticated equipment will allow the Global
Classroom to accommodate different size
groups and teaching formats.
Mr. Foley sees the Center for Leadership

as an opportunity to take St. Lukes existing strengths to the next level: The center
allows St. Lukes to capitalize and build on
our existing strengths. We have a robust
global education and service learning curriculum. The Center for Leadership will
enable St. Lukes to expand this work and
also introduce a host of new programs.
And our students will have a voice in how
the center evolves. One of my first goals
is to engage the students and hear more
from them about what they need and want
for their futures. We already know that
todays generation of students perceives
a disconnect between the world of school
and the real world we want to use the
center to connect that real world to their
daily educational experiences.
The center will focus on giving students a wider set of skills needed to excel in life.
tive impact but they will have their own

individual aspirations and measures of
success. Some will want a corporate path,
others may seek out humanitarian efforts,
and I hope well have many with careers in
the arts. The center will not define success;
it will provide the tools to achieve it.
St. Lukes recently hired a new director for

the Center for Leadership. Jim Foley has
worked as a teacher, academic technology
coordinator and adored coach at St. Lukes
for 12 years. He earned his master degree
in educational technology from Fairfield
University and was St. Lukes Teacher of
The students will not have to wait long to

weigh in. When they return in September,
they will find a brand new state-of-the-art
structure in the heart of the school. It will
include the new global classroom and an
expanded, newly updated community and
dining commons. For head of school Mark
Davis, it will be the realization of a communitys dream: St. Lukes is so fortunate
to have the kind of families and faculty
that could both conceive of the Center for
Leadership and help make it a reality.
St. Lukes is a secular, independent, collegepreparatory day school for grades five to
12. To learn more about St. Lukes and the
Center for Leadership, visit stlukesct.org.
United Methodist Preschool

Since 1958
A caring place for families

and young children to grow
The United Methodist Preschool of New Canaan
offers a play-based curriculum in an unhurried
environment for 3-5 year olds.
Sue Brotherton, TCRG

Celebrating 15 Years of Irish Dance
Licensed by the State of CT, we provide quality

early childhood education and are one of the
few preschools in the greater New Canaan Area
awarded accreditation by the National Assoc. for
the Education of Young Children.
We have been building strong, positive relationships

with children, their families and the community for
over 50 years.
Our certied staff is nurturing and caring as well
as knowledgeable in all areas of child development
and appropriate preschool practice.
(Your feet will lead you to where your heart is.)

There is still time to enroll in our 3s program for the upcoming school year!
www.mnskids.org 203.966.3176 165 South Avenue
July 28, 2011
23
Kids Night
in the Kitchen
Chef Silvia Biancos

Eggs Fajita with a Mexican Twist
Chef Bianco says feel free to cut this huge concoction in half and serve it for two along with some
fresh, sliced seasonal fruit.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 green or red bell pepper, medium dice *
12 Vidalia or other sweet onion, medium
dice
1 medium fresh garlic clove, chopped
4 eggs
1 pinch fajita seasoning (or any spicy seasoning such as cayenne or red pepper powder)
Salt and pepper
14 cup shredded cheddar (or other favorite
cheese)
2 tablespoons salsa
1 large flour or whole wheat tortilla
Sour cream and fresh cilantro for garnish
(optional)
*medium dice: uniform cubes, about 1/4
inch
In 9 or 10 non-stick skillet
Add butter and oil and place on the stovetop over medium heat. Warm for about
30 seconds. Add the peppers and onions
and cook for about 2 minutes or until the
vegetables are softened. Add the garlic,
then cook for an additional 30 seconds or
so. In the meantime, whisk or beat the
eggs until fluffy and add them to
the skillet. Stir in the seasonings
and turn the mixture until the
eggs are cooked. Remove them
from the heat. Add the cheese and salsa. Cover and set aside.
Take the tortilla, place directly over the gas flame and toast on both sides. This happens
quickly, so do not leave unattended on the stove. Use a pair of tongs or a fork to turn.
If you dont have a gas cooktop, set the oven on broil and place the tortilla about 35 inches from the source of the heat. The tortilla will brown quickly this way, too, so
stand by.
To assemble
Place the omelet over the tortilla and roll together into a cylinder. Cut in half and serve
topped with a bit more salsa. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Makes one to two servings.
Beginners | Nursery | K Grade 5
Beginners | Nursery
Beginners | Nursery | K Grad

An Independent Day School
478 Erskine
Stamford,
CT
478Road,
Erskine
Road, Stamford,
203 322-7693
longridgeschool.org
203
322-7693
478 Erskine Road, Stamford, CT longridgescho
203 322-7693 longridgeschool.org
A Co-Ed Independent School

Pre-K - 9th Boarding 6th - 9th (860) 435-0871
www.indianmountain.org 211 Indian Mountain Rd., Lakeville, CT 06039
24
July 28, 2011
Children continued from page 1

A short walk along an outdoor wooden
deck leads to the movement rooms.
Here children explore rhythm as they
sing and dance. The nearby Art Barn
is used for visual and performing
arts.
One of the first green schools in
Connecticut, The Childrens School
won LEED certification (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design),
which is considered to be the international standard for measuring sustainable architecture. It has won prestigious awards for design, and been
prominently featured in several architectural books.
Ten years in the planning, the building is purposefully designed to help

children learn about, appreciate and
respect our natural resources. One
gets the feeling of being at one with
nature when inside. This is accomplished by vast expanses of windows,

numerous asymmetrical skylights and
subtly tilting roof planes. The many
floor-to-ceiling windows allow one to
follow the suns trajectory from any
place in the building. The children
know that the suns energy is helping
to heat their school. Placards around
the school encourage conservation.
Although Jackson cant read all the
words, he knows that the one in
the art area reminds everyone how
the automatic-sensor faucet uses little
water and power.
Each student has an individualized
learning program. Throughout the
day, the teachers add notes and observations about each child on their computers. The eclectic curriculum takes
the best from each discipline. Maria
Montessoris influence is particularly
Each student has an individualized learning program.
NEW
YORK MILITARY ACADEMY
N
New York Military
Academy
Ac

Set Apart for Excellence
NEW YORK MILITARY ACADEMY
July 28, 2011
strong in the younger grades, while the

older children learn math concepts, problem solving and critical thinking through
the Chicago-Math program. At all levels, the
language-rich environment dovetails nicely
with the schools goal to develop a love of
reading and writing. Spanish is taught to
everyone; Mandarin is offered in the afterschool program.
Self respect and respect for others are
important. Jackson shakes his teachers
hand before leaving an activity. He smiles
at her encouraging words of praise.
Nestled against the hillside are spacious
lawns with many learning groves begging
for exploration. On grounds planned to
incorporate the best of nature, children
climb over boulders, play follow-the-leader
on stones circling the spacious sandbox
and on flat wooden stumps a few inches
off the ground.
This outdoor area is a splendid place to
expand the science curriculum. Jackson
loves working in the school garden, which

he helped to plant, and he also speaks
fondly of tapping the maple trees for sap
in the spring. Rooftop scuppers funnel and
recycle rainwater for use in science experiments and outdoor play, providing another
favorite activity.
25
The Childrens School is a template for

what happens when adults take children
seriously. It attracts visitors from the United
States and abroad teachers come to
observe and be trained, and students come
to study the architecture.
Our values as a school come to life vividly in this environment, says Maureen
Murphy, head of school. Children can
learn and create, begin to respect and
appreciate others and take the first steps
toward a larger understanding of the world
in which they live.
The Childrens School, 118 Scofieldtown
Road,
Stamford;
203-329-8815;
tcs@childrensschool.org; chidrensschool.org.
Soundview
Preparatory School
26
July 28, 2011

Fall Education 2011 - North/South Edition - Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Fall Education 2011 - North/South Edition - Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Special Section to: Greenwich Post

The Darien Times

New Canaan Advertiser

The Ridgeeld Press

The Wilton Bulletin

The Redding Pilot

The Weston Forum

The Lewisboro Ledger

HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

THE CHILDRENS SCHOOL

Where the outside is in

Children continued on page 24

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 28, 2011

A 21st Century High School

Small Student Population

Develops the Whole Child

An Interdistrict Magnet Public

AITE @ Rippowam Campus

(203) 977-6638 (fax)

Develops the Whole Child

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Photo credit: Desiree Smock

July 28, 2011

ST. LUKES CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP LAUNCHES

The concept for the center began two years

St. Lukes continued on page 22

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 28, 2011

I THINK MY KIDS A BULLY

Wait a minute, she says aloud. Why

Curious as to when bullying starts, Julie

A G R EAT PARTN E RSH I P

THE FITNESS STUDIO

SPIN (REAL RYDERS)

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 28, 2011

So what can I do? Julie asks herself. Although painful, shes

The Stanwich School

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 28, 2011

Norwalk Community College to Open New

Fall classes begin August 31

July 28, 2011

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

as reddit, blogs, myspace, iChat, FaceTime

Another benet of social networks, such

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 28, 2011

WESTON MUSIC CENTER

Where music is for a lifetime

The Weston Music Center goes back to

The Weston Music Center is unique because

Weston continued on page 11

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 28, 2011

as vacationers. The earliest photographs

During the fall, Mother Nature paints these

GREENWICH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Greenwich Catholic School is a Roman Catholic,

Greenwich Catholic School

Education: Back to School Hersam Acorn Newspapers