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

Students seeking private lessons have options

by Julie Butler
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 students with advanced mathematics lessons by improving their spatial and temporal 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 education 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
schools
Here is just a sampling of music stores that
the first to go. This leaves it up
offer private lessons for budding musicians.
to parents to involve their kids in
music education.
Bethel Music Center; 800-276-7974
Private lessons have long
Creative Music Center; Monroe; 203-261been a great way for kids to learn
7301
music, and many such music
DAddario Music; Stratford; 203-377-1315
coaches are former music teachers. With private lessons, kids
Fairfield School of Music; 203-690-1888
get to benefit from working with
Giulanos Music Center;
certified instructors and active
Darien & Stamford; 203-359-2559
professional musicians, and par Greenwich Music Center; 203-637-1119
ents are happy to make music a
New Canaan Music; 203-920-1800
part of their youngsters lives.
Ridgefield Music Studios; 203-438-7446
Private lessons are beneficial
Trumbull Music Studio; 203-268-0097
for school band and orchestra
Westport Music Center; 203-259-7615
players because it gives the students 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

Music stores
&

See Music on Page 7

Erica Grant

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.

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

Common questions about seeking tutoring support

by Melissa Ezarik
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 relation 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 One-on-one tutoring, though more expensive, is useful with certain learning disabilities and for students who do well with adaptive
with in-home tutors; and then full-time private tutors (certified and learning techniques

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 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

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 techniques, 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 happening 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 figure 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 function skills such as time management and notetaking 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 improvements. 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 commitment 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 classroom, 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 communication 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 obstacles 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.

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 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

Combines gamification with life skills

The newly published book, The SMART Playbook: the book comes with more than 100 games and chalGame-Changing Life Skills for A Modern World, by
lenges to choose from. The result: A happy and conSuzanne M. Wind, has become one of those must
fident child thriving in a modern world.
have resource for parents to keep around the house
Before kids, Wind was an international marketto help them impart to their kids the
ing executive in New York City. With
art of social graces.
a multi-cultural background, she was
Aimed at teaching children conraised in more than six countries with
four languages. Her career and living
fidence, integrity and empathy, the
overseas taught her the importance of
book is chock-full of some gameknowing and using the common lanchanging life skills that every child
needs to know so as to truly underguage of manners and social skills to
being your best, she said. Today, she is
stand the rules and know how to
a mom with a mission, inspired to comgracefully play the game of life in this
modern world.
municate social skills in a modern world
Five of the SMART topics covered
to a new generation.
in the book, and designed to help
Arguing that the world is changing
Suzanne Wind
children succeed, include:
faster than ever before has led Wind to
Social skill basics: The principles
believe parents and children are busier
of modern manners
today than ever, and as a result, technology has and
Mealtime manners: A guide to mealtime etiquette will continue to present new challenges they must
Art of conversation: Eloquent face-to-face conface.
But with all the texting, emailing and posting,
versational skills
are children developing the social skills that will be
Restaurant behavior: The finer points of restaurequired for lifelong happiness, confidence and sucrant conduct
Technology talk: Internet safety and responsible cess? she questioned, but added, Thats where The
usage
SMART Playbook comes into the picture.
The gamification methods included in The
The book is available as one complete book or by
SMARTPlaybook will help children ages 6-12 gain
topic only. It is available at thesmartplaybook.com or
confidence, character, integrity and empathy in faceAmazon.com. For a limited time only, receive 20% off
to-face situations and technology usage, said Wind, a when ordering directly from the website; use the code
Connecticut mom of three, who considers the book a summerspecial.
must have for families, especially those with young
More info: 203-992-1146,
children.
thesmartplaybook@gmail.com, or thesmartplaybook.
As the creator of The SMART Playbook, Wind said com

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 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

Parlez-vous franais?

LinguaKids, a Connecticut-based language

company, offers language classes for several age
groups.
The company has two locations: One at
43 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 enhance
crucial task-switching skills in young adults.
Your child will be guided by LinguaKids teachers 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 for
children age 2 and up.
Voyagers: A one-hour class for four-yearolds 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 nursery
schools 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 program, ask about its Spanish classes in nursery
schools or have one of LinguaKids teachers
come to your home for private tutoring.
More info: 203-426-7004 or 914-525 0328,
michele@linguakids.com, or linguakids.com

start here.

Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

Athletic injuries in children

by Dr. Robert F. Weiss

In many cases, there is a predisposition

for injuries that occur in adolescent athletes.
The following list mentions some telltale
signs that may help to prevent future injuries 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 walking 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 are
very 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 forefoot 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 professionally

evaluated, 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 disturbance 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 strengthening exercises, conditioning programs, ice
therapy, 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 podiatrist
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

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

instrument instruction. Check your local newspaper for information on a school near or in
Continued From Page One
your town.
Music stores: Music stores offer lessons
for a variety of instruments and most instruckids.
Word of mouth: Begin by asking neighbors tors are professional musicians. The age of the
students at New Canaan Music ranges from 6 to
or friends in the community if they know of
93, Williams says. The stores have the added
reliable music teachers. Someone is bound to
know a person or have a connection to a music bonus of carrying replacement parts for various
instruments, plus sheet music, etc., as well as
teacher. Speak with members of a community
music ensemble, such as a church choir, or even other instruments your child may want to try
amateur or professional musicians you see play- and master.
Nearby colleges: Music students at local
ing at a restaurant or bar. Theres a good chance
you can get a referral. You may also have a friend colleges may want to make extra money by
or neighbor who is a talented musician and will offering music lessons. They may be able either
to meet at your home or use the music room on
agree to offer lessons on the side.
Community music programs: While schools campus to conduct lessons.
Newspaper classifieds: Tutors frequently
may not have music classes, community centers
advertise their services in the newspaper. Look
offer programs for both adults and children. A
in the classified section to see if anyone is offercommunity arts center may offer instrument
ing music lessons. Many newspapers now offer
training and/or vocal lessons, so look into such
organizations in your community. A community their classifieds both online and in print, so use
both options to ensure your search is as thorYMCA or a similar organization also may have
ough as possible.
after-school music programs.
Music education is important, but those
Performing arts schools: In most every
seeking instruction may have to look outside of
town in Fairfield County there is at least one
school. Private instructors are available to help
performing arts school that offers musical
foster a love of the arts and mold creative, welltraining/lessons. In Trumbull, for instance, the
rounded children.
Performing Arts Center of Connecticut offers

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 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

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 add
to 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 purchasing uniforms for their kids.

same school. Older students who have outgrown their uniforms can
pass them down to younger students. This can save parents significant 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
Be an active parent
and bottoms and reduce the need to purchase multiples
As with any other school-related decision, uniform brand selection
of each item. Instead, buy only two to three shirts and
may be governed by school officials and parent volunteers. Uniforms
slacks and wash as needed. While you may spend
that are commissioned from a particular company may be more expen- more time in the laundry room, your bottom
sive than uniforms that are widely available in many retail chains.
line will be a little more robust.
Involved parents can help shape many important decisions at their kids
Find out if it is acceptable for students to
schools, including which uniforms students wear. Petition for loweraccessorize uniforms with their own clothprice uniform providers or uniforms that can be bought at area stores.
ing. For example, do they need to purchase a
The students still will look cohesive, and families can save money in the school sweater or can they wear one from home
process.
over the uniform? Mixing in added wardrobe
Shop sales
pieces is another way to extend the lifespan of
Keeping costs down on clothing means watching for sales. Uniforms uniforms.
may not go on sale as often as more popular clothing, but that doesnt
Buy a size up
mean sales are nonexistent. Stores may discount unforms during slow
Again, this is where sewing skills can be
times, such as October, when school is already in session and items
helpful. Purchase uniforms slightly larger
must be moved to make room for the following school year. They also
so that kids will get more use out of them
may run specials on seasonal items, such as long-sleeved shirts at the
through the years. Waists and hemlines can
end of the winter. Consider buying in bulk when sales are announced
be let out as needed when children grow.
to offset uniform costs for the rest of the year.
Most private and parochial schools in
Fairfield County will let you know where to
purchase their uniforms and many use the site,
Accept hand-me-downs
schooluniformz.com.
Become friendly with other parents and students who attend the

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Two-Year-Olds through Grade 5

Knowledge and Experience for Life

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 19, at 2pm | RSVP 203.322.7693

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 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

The Long Ridge School, an independent

day school for two-year-olds through grade
five, is located on a 14-acre woodland campus 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 critical 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 community. 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 education. Classroom teachers are supported by
specialists in art, music, science, Spanish,
library, and physical education.
The school teaches students to think
independently, to learn how to learn, and
to participate actively in their own education. 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, longridgeschool.org

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10

Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

Start2Finish@NCC:

Norwalk Community College is helping

faculty and staff.

students finish what they start with a new

Research shows that students who success

success
initiative
called
Start2Finish@NCC.
fully
complete the first semester of college are

7/25/13
12:02 PM to incoming full-time freshmen
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Available
more
likely to persist and reach the gradua

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PM
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students,
Start2Finish@NCC
offers
a
wide
tion
finish
line.

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range of support services and incentives to

Boosting the college graduation rate is an

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ensure
completion
of
an
associate
degree
or
issue
of national importance. While America
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PM
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certificate
in
three
years
or
less.
is
one
of the best educated countries in the

7/25/13 12:02 PM
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Students
will
enjoy
small
class
sizes,
perworld,
it now lags behind other nations in
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PM
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sonal support and access to special scholarthe percentage of college graduates. President
ships. Theyll be matched with dedicated
has asked the nations colleges and
coaches, advisors and career specialists who Obama
universities to produce five million additional
will help them stay on track to graduate. The college graduates by 2020.
Start2Finish@NCC will begin this fall;
initiative offers resources from orientation to
graduation
and
a
supportive
network
of
peers,
enrollment
is limited to the first 600 full-time

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

freshmen.
On the first day of class, freshman students
will be matched with coaches to help them navigate the academic and social transition from high
school to college.
Students will complete a First-Year Success
Workshop and attend classes in small groups or
learning communities of 20-24 students. They
will participate in an advisement program supported by an academic plan, skills assessment,
coaching and tutoring.
Students will learn how to create an e-portfolio
(a digital showcase of their achievements) and to
use 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 exploration workshops, and a Summer Bridge program.
NCC offers more than 45 associate degree
and 26 certificate programs. Register now for fall
classes. The fall semester begins Sept. 4.
This program is funded by the NCC
Foundation, with significant support from the
Dalio Foundation.
For information, contact the NCC Academic
Enrichment and First-Year Program at 203-8573380.

11

Norwalk Community College has a new initiutive, Start2Finish@NCC

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

12

July 31, 2014

by Julie Butler
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 pushing 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

Hunting for the Perfect Pre-school?

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 night
out. We should keep our ears open for the telltale 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 drinking 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 sleeping
at 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 unbearable 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

a place where learning

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Limited spaces are still available

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Inventive, Inspired Pre-School Programs

Contact Phyllis Lyons: 203-622-8121/www.templesholom.com

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

them up or drive them somewhere. Jess especially would rattle off lung cancer statistics to
her grandmother with a barely disguised distaste of smoking.
And yet, when I picked her up from the
library one afternoon during her sophomore
year in high school, she got into our car reeking of freshly sprayed perfume. I froze. My
heart pounded and sank. And then I sniffed
again and detected the stale smell of tobacco,
poorly covered up by the fruity scent.
Is it pot or cigarettes? I asked matter-offactly.
Her eyes widened, her cheeks turned crimson and she inhaled sharply. Busted, she nevertheless began to protest with the expected:
What are you talking about? Mom! I would
never smoke!
I just stared at her until she squirmed and
came clean about her new, dirty habit.
I then made it abundantly clear how disappointed and shocked I was. Sadly, it didnt
deter her, but at least I made my point: This
is unacceptable, I know I cant stop you, but I
am on to you not only about smoking, but
other misdemeanors of behavior as well.

We all want to trust that our children will

make the right decision, to just say no to
drugs, booze, sex, rock n roll. Well, maybe
not rock n roll unless it is sneaking out
of the house to go watch rock n roll. But it is
important not to be lulled into a false sense of
security.
One need not police their children to the
point of alienation or obsession. Just try and
be aware check the PowerSchool Portal for
the attendance report; check under the bed
and behind clothes on the floor in the closet
for empty bottles of alcohol; check the sock
drawer or bedside table for hidden Baggies
or bottles of Visine; check out your childs
demeanor if it seems even the least bit off.
Dont be paranoid; thats not my intention
here, not my point. Just try not be that parent
who gets completely and utterly sideswiped by
their teenagers misstep or their really bad, or
unfortunate, choice.
Dont expect the worst in or from your
child. Always hope for the best. But try to
never say never; you dont want to live to
regret it.

13

Maritime Rowing Club

Home of the New Canaan High School & St. Lukes School Crew Teams

TO REGISTER GO TO WWW.NEWCANAANCREW.COM AND SELECT FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION

(MARINA ACROSS THE RIVER FROM NORWALKS MARITIME AQUARIUM)

Directions to the boathouse on the website.

Water Sports Center 11 Goldstein Place Norwalk, CT

www.maritimerowing.com

203.854.5492

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

14

July 31, 2014

by Oriana Laflamme, Director of Admissions

This past year, Connecticut Friends School
in Wilton expanded its seventh and eighth
grade curricular offering to include robotics.
The robotics program at CFS is one of a
number of interdisciplinary, technology-driven
investigations that align the work and preparation of the students with developing industries
and fields of study. Todays practical life skills,
at the hands-on level, are very different than
they were 200, 100, or even 20 years ago.
Further, the robotics program puts a premium not only on utilizing core academic
skills, such as mathematics and writing, but
also requires the students to solve real problems based on real feedback, to employ a variety of critical and creative thinking strategies,
to collaborate, communicate, and promote a
position based on accurate data and clear reasoning. Taken together, this collection of social
and thinking skills is commonly identified as
21st Century skills.
The robotics program is based on the
curriculum developed by Carnegie Mellons

Robotics Academy. Through carefully

sequenced lessons the students learned the
basics of building a robot and programming its controlling computer. Challenged to
execute certain tasks with their robots, the
students turned into teams of problem-solvers
managing surprises and setbacks when either
their mechanical creations or their reasoning
expressed through programming did not deliver the results they were expecting. One middle
school student said, It is really interesting
a lot of trial and error. It takes patience,
flexibility and problem solving.
The Friends School classmates quickly
found that cooperation among the groups of
robotics students (for each robot the students
worked in pairs or in teams of three) helped
everyone to reach their goals and that there
was no cost to any group, as each group successfully completed increasingly complex
challenges. To bring together and celebrate
all their work as robot builders and programmers, the students invited their parents and

ing initial ideas into narratives with a beginning, middle and end and then identifying the
sequence of events and each component of
each shot. Outfitted with iPads and computers, the iStopMotion and iMovie apps, the students created artwork and then added sound
(dialog, music, effects) and refined the look
of their films in the post-production phase of
their work.
A sixth grade student said, I like our animation studies because you get to collaborate
and work with others and nobody is ever left
out. The end product is really cool.
Through this new program, students bring
Animation program
to their production companies a range of comThis past year, too, the fifth and sixth grade
petencies including artistic skills, technological
students found our animation program, based
facility, an ability to measure, estimate and calon a curriculum developed by the Jacob Burns
culate, storytelling, and writing skills, plus the
Media Arts Lab, to be an engaging, interdisciflair of a (vocal) performer.
plinary investigation calling upon them to also
The students proudly premiered their films
put into practice their 21st Century skills.
for the whole school community at the annual
Before animating anything, the students
talent night, adding a new dimension to our
learned of the primacy of story and how to
celebration of each others talents and our
develop a script and then a storyboard, buildcourage to share and perform.
CFS students from the rest of the K-8 program
for a demonstration of each groups robot. The
assembled audience was treated to a display
of robots that moved by audio signal (a clap),
that tracked the border of a tabletop by way
of light sensor readings, which raced about
the classroom by remote control, that loaded
and launched small spheres and that was configured to play like an electronic guitar. The
students were proud to share what they had
learned and achieved after much engaged and
spirited effort.

Infants | Toddlers | Preschool | Kindergarten - Grade 8

OPEN HOUSE
OctO bE r 26, 2014 | 12 NOON

The Stanwich School

1095 Riverbank Road Stamford, CT 06903

203 595 9500 | www.meadschool.org

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

15

Both of these new robotics and animation

programs augment and integrate a curriculum
that prioritizes the students rigorous preparation for the world they will be building by
engaging them meaningfully in their work.
Their learning is deep. The problems they
solve and the projects they propose are actual.
And they share their learning both at every
small step with each other and their teachers
and then finally with the whole community.
Co-Head of School and middle school
teacher Mark Dansereau notes, It is exciting to be an educator in a school where I can
identify programs that challenge all of us to
stretch and to more actively understand our

ever-changing world. And then I find that

sweet spot where the students take off with the
material I know serves their growth, development and preparation. These programs are not
add-ons but opportunities for motivating, and
integrative experiences for our students.
Connecticut Friends School is a fully
accredited, independent, preK-eighth grade
school providing students with an education
that fosters self-confidence, intellectual curiosity and compassion for others. It is small by
design; the educational program is dynamic,
supportive and engaging.
More info: 203-762-9860, or
CTFriendsSchool.org, and on Facebook

PLAY?

Where do our girls

Upper School Open House

K12 Open House

Early Childhood Open Houses

www.cshgreenwich.org

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

16

There has been a tradition of Impressionist painting at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton
since Julian Alden Weir, the father of American
Impressionism, acquired this rural, rustic retreat in
Branchville in 1882. To honor as well as to continue
this tradition, Weir Farm National Historic Site is offering a two-day Teen Impressionist Painting Workshop
on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9 and 10, from 10 to 3
each day.
This workshop is designed for teenagers interested in learning more about the science and poetry
of Impressionist landscape painting. Participants
must have a basic understanding of their selected art
form and be able to handle their own equipment.
Workshops will include introductory classroom lectures, field demonstrations, and critique of the participants 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 previous
Impressionist Painting Workshop. However, for those
who wish to return, names will be placed on a wait-list
and be considered as space allows.
This workshop is just one in a series that
will be offered at Weir Farm. The How to Be An
Impressionist Painter Workshop Series will be taught
by Impressionist artist and educator Dmitri Wright, of
Greenwich. Wright seeks to continue the Impressionist
discipline through his preservation and progress of
American Impressionism as the artist-in-residence of
the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich and
as an instructor of Impressionist drawing and painting
at the Greenwich Art Society, Silvermine School of Art
and Weir Farm National Historic Site.
Weir Farm National Historic Site was home to three
generations of American artists. Julian Alden Weir,
a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism, acquired the farm
in 1882. After Weir, the artistic legacy was continued
by his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and her
husband, sculptor Mahonri Young, followed by New
England painters Sperry and Doris Andrews. Today,
the 60-acre park, which includes the Weir House, Weir
and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond,
is one of the nations finest remaining landscapes of
American art, according to a release.
To register or for more information, call 203-8341896, ext. 28.
For more information about Weir Farm National
Historic Site or the National Park Service, visit nps.
gov/wefa.

July 31, 2014

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.

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

July 31, 2014

17

A teacher and student at Pear Tree Point School.

dinner or in the back seat of the car take on

a new level of interest, perhaps even in a new
language.
During the daily study skills period, students
start their homework with support from their
teachers and discover how they learn, how to
be organized and how to plan ahead. These are
more tools for success.
Significant content studies in science and
social studies add to the program of study, augmented by integrated art, music, drama and
world languages (Spanish and Mandarin). Sports
and athletics are woven into the curriculum as
well.
There will be open houses on Oct. 23 and
Nov. 20. For more information, call Janice
Hawes, director of admissions, at 203-655-0030.

50 Years in Weston!

Pear Tree Point School in Darien for students pre-K through fifth grade focuses on
learning skills and content that will benefit students for years to come.
Strong reading, mathematics, writing,
expressive and critical thinking skills form the
foundation that will allow students to compete
with peers around the world, according to
Debbie Rucci, director of communications at the
school. These skills raise each childs confidence,
too.
Skills, concepts and information are taught in
small groups raising interaction. With favorable
class sizes, there is less waiting. Frequent interactions stimulate faster learning and retention,
Rucci says. This involvement creates excitement
and enthusiasm for learning. Conversations at

ll
This
a
This
fall,
fyour
schild
ih
could
fall,
T
have
a fabulous
a experience,
a fab
af
right in Weston!
* Excellent Preschool Classes- 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s!
* Extended Lunch Bunch opportunities for
your child every day.

* Afterschool classes and activities until 6pm,

and the bus brings your child right to us!

 Education Hersam Acorn Newspapers

18

July 31, 2014

Empowering
students
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future!
Empowering students to shape the future!

Academy of
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Technology &
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A 21st Century High School

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AITE @ Rippowam Campus

411 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905

(203) 977-4336

(203) 977-6638 (fax)

www.aitstamford.org

An Interdistrict
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College Preparatory
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Develops the Whole Child

AITE
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AITE@@Rippowam
Rippowam
Campus
411
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411High
HighRidge
Ridge
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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