The Hour - Education Online Special

7/29/2019 The Hour - Education Online Special

1/16

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2013

Wintereducation

A special advertising supplement toThe Hour, The Stamford Times and The Wilton Villager


2/16

by JOANNE COSTELLOSPECIAL TO THE HOUR

The Mead School has

been at the forefront

of progressive edu-

cation since 1969. Its edu-

cational approach is built

upon cognitive and devel-

opmental research that

shows that individualized,experiential learning pro-

vides the most rewarding

education for children.

Student successes are

celebrated inside Meads

classrooms and in the

broader community. For

example, Stamford Plus

Magazine has named Meadthe Best Middle School of

2011 and 2012. In addition,

in the 2012 Stamford Lit-

erary Competition, third

through eighth grade stu-

dents won nine out of 24

prizes in ction, nonction,

and poetry, making Mead

a top winner among small

schools.Each child has distinct

talents, learning styles, and

challenges. We recognize

that children learn best

when their innate curiosity

is sparked, said Karen Bid-

dulph, Meads director.

Meads curriculum in-

volves deep investigationand hands-on learning ex-

periences across all sub-

jects. Small class sizes allow

teachers to develop strong

relationships with students

and challenge them be-

yond the boundaries of tra-

ditional classrooms. Mead

students are encouraged

to be tenacious investiga-tors, express their opinions,

understand their learning

styles, and think critically

and creatively.

We believe the key skills

children will need through-

out their education and

their lives are to think crit-

ically and independently,solve problems creatively,and ask questions of them-selves and the worldaround them. Meads ap-proach cultivates theseskills so children are wellprepared for high schooland beyond, said Biddulph.

Meads approach is

proven through the success

of their graduates. High

school teachers frequently

comment that they imme-

diately recognize Mead

graduates in the classroom.

With condence, creativity,

curiosity, passion, and re-siliency, Mead graduates

are exceptionally well pre-

pared for the academic andemotional challenges ofhigh school and beyond.

The school serves two-year-olds through eighthgrade. A full-day childcareprogram serves childrensix weeks to 5 years old.Visit www.meadschool.orgfor additional information.n

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THE MEAD SCHOOL challenges studentsto become critical and independent thinkers

Contributed photo.

Each child has distinct talents, learning styles, and challenges. We recognize that children learnbest when their innate curiosity is sparked. Karen Biddulph, Meads director

Where children and grown-ups learnand play together

FOR 8 MONTHS TO 3 1/2 YEARS

Call Us At (800) 404-2204Visit our website @ www.justweetwo.com

Register Now for Wintern & Spring Programsn

at ourNorth Stamford andGreenwich Locations

nARTS & CRAFTSnMUSICnSTORIESn PLAYTIME n CREATIVE MOVEMENT

n NARROW AGE SPANS n1 1/2 HOUR CLASSESnMAXIMUM 10 CHILDREN PER CLASS

n PROFESSIONAL STAFF

A Fun Time with Your Child

Classes in Music, Art & DramaMommy & Me, Partial Separationand Separation Classes Available

ABC Enrichment Classfor 3-5 years

(Separation Class)

Join us for an Open House: Sat. Jan. 12 at 12:00 pm(Snow Date: Jan. 26)


3/16

Our Lady of Fati-

ma School, Wil-

ton, will host an

Open House on Sunday,

January 27th from 10:00

a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Parents

and prospective students

considering admission for

the 20132014 academic

year will be provided with

a guided tour, along with

the opportunity to meet

the faculty and students.

Our Lady of Fatima

School (OLF) is a Roman

Catholic co-educational

school offering full-day

preschool and kinder-

garten progams, LowerSchool grades one

trhough five, and Middle

School grades six through

eight. Recognized as a Na-

tional Blue Ribbon School,

Our Lady of Fatima is

proudly celebrating its

50th year of Catholic ed-

ucation and academic ex-

cellence.For the 20132014 ac-

ademic year, Our Lady of

Fatima will offer a five-day,

full-day preschool pro-

gram for children ages

three and four. Parents

have been requesting a

five-day program and we

are thrilled to be able to

offer this option, said prin-

cipal Dina Monti. In addi-

tion to the new five-day

program, OLF will also con-

tinue to offer other half-

day or full-day preschool

options for children ages

three and four.

In preparation for the

five-day program launch,

the OLF preschool facilities

will undergo a major ex-

terior and interior renova-

tion prior to the

20132014 academic year.The project will include,

but not be limited to, new

classroom finishes, covered

entries, and new bath-

rooms.

Parents choose an OLF

education because of its

nurturing environment.

OLF students flourish in

an atmosphere that em-phasizes strong moral val-

ues and respect.

Exceptional academics

are delivered by an expe-

rienced and highly quali-

fied teaching staff. Class-

room instruction benefits

from computing and tech-

nology tools, including

iPads and smart boards.

In addition to tradition-

al curriculum, students

weekly schedules from

pre-K through Middle

School include enrichment

classes in art and music.

Lower and Middle School

students also receive class-

es in technology/key-

boarding and either Span-

ish or French.

A myriad of after-school

activities are offered in-

cluding award-winningsports programs, after-

school clubs, and commu-

nity service projects. And

to meet the needs of work-

ing parents, a supportive

after-school program is

open to all students daily

until 6:00 p.m.

For admission informa-

tion, contact Dina Monti,principal, at (203) 762-8100

or visit www.olfcatholic.org.

Our Lady of Fatima School

is located at 225 Danbury

Road in Wilton, Conn. n


Wiltons OUR LADY OFFATIMA announces

January 27th

Open House


4/16


by GINNY BACHMANSPECIAL TO THE HOUR

For a school to say wedont teach some-thing is radical. But

at St. Lukes Center forLeadership (CFL), we dont

teach students to be lead-ers. We are truly one of akind in this gogo collegepreparatory environment,because we realize leader-ship comes from within thestudent. In the Center forLeadership, we create anoften electrifying, some-times challenging, but al-

ways safe place where lead-ership emerges. Its whyour motto is student-cen-tered: Find Your Voice,Make a Difference. CFL di-rector, Jim Foley, puts itthis way, Leadership issomething you grow into.Everyone has that poten-tial.

We start by instilling

character traits like re-silience, curiosity, and com-passion. We ask studentsto trust themselves andtheir community and thenwiden their lens, throughexperiences both at theHilltop and beyond. Ourprograms foster studentsglobal perspective, service

orientation, and TLC skills(teamwork, leadership, andcommunications).

St. Lukes encourages re-silience by rewarding agrowth versus a xed mind-set. As Foley says: Forsomeone with a growth

mindset, a setback is some-thing you learn from. A set-back opens a door. A goodexample is the CaptainsProgram, where sportsteam leaders reect on theirteams histories, and ana-lyze their strengths andweaknesses before they

can tap the power of con-nection and collaboration.

We offer experiencesboth on campus and allover the world that de-mystify leadership, incitecuriosity, and inspire em-pathy. According to Foley:Ours is a world of acceler-ating change. We need to

prepare kids for that by ac-tively connecting what theydo in school everyday towhats going on in theworld right now.

Upper School studentsvisited the Maker Faire inNew York, the world's most

diverse showcase of cre-ativity in technology, craft,science, fashion, art, andfood. Here, all are empow-ered by the mission tomake something insteadof buying it. On campus,our Lunch and Lead pro-gram offers students achance to see success upclose and personal anddiscuss ideas of their ownover pizza with leaders ofbusiness and culture. Dur-ing Ted Talk Tuesdays, stu-dents witness a wide rangeof TLC skills that bring thepower of an idea to life.

In the year and a halfsince launching the Centerfor Leadership, leaders con-tinue to emerge and thrive.The TLC skills I havelearned through the Centerfor Leadership have mademe a much more comfort-able leader, especially whenworking with large groups,

says St. Lukes senior Lind-say Bralower, a three-sportvarsity athlete and ANN-Power leadership fellow.And just recently, seniorCaroline Parsons describedin a weekly meditationwhat it felt like to visit thetiny village in India wherethe money she raised willhelp provide clean drinking

water for all. As she stoodon stage, in front of hun-dreds of peers, describingher personal connectionand commitment to thesepeople, we watched an-other leader nd her voiceand make a difference. n

For ST. LUkEs students,leadership comes from

withinOurs is a worldof acceleratingchange. We needto prepare kids

for that by ac-

tively connectingwhat they do inschool everydayto whats goingon in the worldright now.

Jim Foley,CFL director


5/16

by EILEEN DANDREASPECIAL TO THE HOUR

Parents of students ink i n d e r g a r t e nthrough eighth

grade concur on the num-ber of reasons to select AllSaints Catholic School fortheir children to attend.

In addition to its recog-

nized academic excellencefostered in a safe environ-ment, along with affordabletuition, All Saints features:

n A new e3 Science Park

n Hands-on science part-nership with NorwalksMaritime Aquarium

n Spanish for grades K8

n iPads in the classrooms

n STEM integration

n A wide range of after-

school activities

n Athletic program

n Extended day program

n Drama & music program

And what do highschools say about All Saintsgraduates? Well, Father BillSangiovanni, president ofNotre Dame in Faireld,

sums it up for most whenhe says: . . . graduates fromAll Saints are always a verywelcome addition to NotreDame Catholic High School.

They come well prepared

for the rigors of high schoolacademics, and they tendto get very involved in theschool community whetherit be athletics, extra-curric-ular activities, and serviceprograms and projects they bring that All Saintsspirit along with them toNotre Dame. In my positionit is easy to rate a school

by looking at its graduatesperformance thats whyI give All Saints an A++.

Please visit www.all-saintsnorwalk.com or call(203) 847-3881 for moreinformation.n


Why parents and students chooseALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

My husband and I have two children atAll Saints and couldnt be happier. Aca-

demically, the school is challenging and

the campus is pretty exceptional. e au-

ditorium, gymnasium, and sports elds

are denitely extraordinary for a K8

level school. Recently they built a huge

playground, which is also quite impres-sive. Last, but certainly not least, the

school strongly promotes Christian val-

ues and discipline.ASCS parent of two students

uPcoMinG

2013educationssaPril | Spring EducationJuly | Fall EducationoctoBer | opEning doorS

6 h 0 20 3 h b h c


6/16

Since being founded

in 1973, Children'sCorner has grown

from one center to multiple

child care centers, provid-ing quality and affordable

childcare for working par-

ents. Their newest locationis at 770 Connecticut Av-

enue in Norwalk.

Children's Corner caters

to the needs of workingparents by providing year

round full-time, part-time,

and backup childcare in In-

fant, Toddler, and Preschool

programs. The children are

divided in groups accord-

ing to developmental age,

ranging from six weeks

through four years of age.

The Preschool programconcentrates on fostering

initiative, creativity, and

thinking skills through a

program of activities that

will enhance the children's

abilities to communicate,

solve problems, practice

interpersonal social skills,

and imagine experiences

for themselves with self-condence.

Supervision, care and

education are provided by

carefully selected staff

members. Each classroom

is headed by a teacher who

has specialized in early

childhood education and

has experience with the

appropriate age group.prograMSToddler Group (two-year-olds). Childrens Cornersprimary concern in this agegroup is to make these littleones feel secure, important,loved, and happy in a groupsituation. They believe thisis achieved by a shared,cooperative play spaceprogram under the directsupervision of qualifiedcare givers. Unit areas offocus in the Toddler groupincludes language devel-opment; life awareness;exercise, small and large

CHILDRENS CORNER:

childcare for working parents


cHildrEnS, cont. p.12

Call for an appointment to meet our teachers and

see our beautiful classrooms and private play yard.

WINTER CRAFT WORKSHOPSaturday, January 12 from 9:30-11:30 amWinter Craft Workshop and a Puppet Play!We will be making a seasonal felted toy!Children are welcome!Material cost $10 for adults -- children free!

PLAY AND TEA OPEN DAYSMondays, January 14 & 28 from 1:00-2:00 pmCome for a visit and relaxed, informative conversationwith our teachers. Have a sip of tea while your childrenplay in our nurturing Waldorf-inspired classroom!

SAMPLER DAYSSaturday, January 26 & March 2, 10-12 noonCome for a preview and participate in the rhythmof a kindergarten morning. Gentle Beginners are alsowelcome! Meet our teachers and visit with other parents.

Waldorf Education addresses the whole child including the head, the heart and the hands. We start your child on a life-long love of learning,

free from the current push for standardized testing-oriented schooling and the pressure to learn more, earlier.

Our Programs: Mixed-Age Kindergarten for years 3 - 6

See our website at www.cloverhillschool.orgfor a full description.

Gentle Beginnings: NEW PROGRAM for 2 - 3.

It offers a gentle transition from home to thekindergarten.

Growing Together Parent & Child Program

Classes on Thursday mornings for moms, dads, andcaregivers with children 2 months - 3 years.The program is designed to meet the needs of childrenat different developmental stages.

Campus located at Christ Episcopal Church, 2 Emerson Street, Norwalk, CTCall: 203-661-6484 Visit: www.thecloverhillschool.org and www.whywaldorfworks.org

We offer a green environment focusing

on organic and low-allergen foods.

Upcoming Events: Youre Invited! Appointments are important.

Call 203-661-6484 so we can prepare to make your visit as helpful as possible.

Reserve Your Spot Now for 2013-2014 School Year!Weve been bringing Waldorf-inspired education to lower Faireld County since 2004.

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7/16


by MADELINE BARILLO

SPECIAL TO THE HOUR

Norwalk Communi-ty College gradu-ates go into the

orld with diplomas, notebt.

At approximately $3,600year, NCC tuition is an

utstanding value. Statend federal support keepuition affordable and en-

sure the highest standardsor an exceptional educa-ion.

Value is an importantonsideration in this uncer-ain economy, when many

students nish college withlarge debt. According to

he Federal Reserve Bank,the nations student loanbalance has surpassed $870billion.

More than 15,000 stu-dents attend NCC annually.The college offers 45 asso-ciate degree programs de-signed to help you succeedin todays job market. Youcan use your associate de-

gree as a career credentialor continue on for a bach-elors degree.

NCC also offers 26 cer-ticate programs, each de-signed to help you obtainspecialized skills, earn animportant professional cre-

dential, or pursue an inter-est in depth.

NCC was the rst com-munity college establishedin Connecticut and is nowa nationally recognized in-stitution. U.S. Secretary ofLabor Hilda L. Solis recentlyvisited NCC to award thecollege a $12 million federal

grant to develop new work-force training programs and

certicates in the elds ofhealth and life sciences.

Secretary Solis praisedNCCs exceptional facilities,including the LEED Gold-certied Center for Science,Health and Wellness, a $35million facility featuring themost advanced science labsavailable, a Hospital Simu-lation Unit, a Wellness Cen-

ter, and the largest collec-tion of high technologyteaching mannequins inthe state.

This is excellent newsfor our institution and forthe state, said David L.Levinson, PhD, president

of Norwalk Community Col-lege and vice president,Connecticut Board of Re-gents for Higher Education.This funding will go a longway toward helping us bet-ter prepare our studentsfor elds that are hiring,and help those residentswho are underemployed

nd new jobs in the healthand science elds.You can complete the

rst two years of collegeat NCC for under $8,000,then transfer to a four-yearinstitution to nish a bach-elors degree and saveup to $100,000 on the over-all cost of your education.

NCC graduates are ac-

cepted to highly competi-tive colleges and universi-ties, including Yale, Smith,Cornell, and Georgetown.

NCC gave me the foun-dation to transfer to an IvyLeague school, said grad-uate Anna Olejnik. I begancollege at NCC and trans-ferred to Yale Universitywith a full scholarship!

Financial aid, scholar-ships, daycare, and careercounseling are available.For registration information,visit the NCC website atwww.ncc.commnet.edu orcall the Admissions Office(203) 857-7060. n

Register now for thespring semester at

NORWALk

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

Spring classes begin January 25th

At approximately$3,600 a year,

NCC tuition is anoutstanding

value.

8 ths J 10 2013 th H Pbshg cmp


8/16

by GRETCHEN

SCHWARZBAUERSPECIAL TO THE HOUR

Landmark Preschool,in existence for over35 years, grew from

the belief that young chil-dren benet from a joyfulintroduction to learning.Known for an innovative,hands-on curriculum that

teaches introductory read-ing, math, and science skills,the Landmark program alsoincludes cooking activitiesto help children learn es-sential life skills. Cookingis a wonderful way to teachchildren a variety of im-portant skills, comments

Landmark Ridgeeld direc-

tor, Tara Simeonidis. Allkinds of learning happens

in our kitchen: Math andmeasuring (including Venn

diagrams of who likes whatvegetables!), science/simple

food chemistry, followingdirections, creativity and

responsibility (like cleaningup). We teach our students

how important it is to nour-ish themselves, and theylearn the process from plant

to kitchen, as well as nutri-tion and the enjoyment

and satisfaction receivedfrom eating the good

things you make with yourown hands. What better

ways for our youngest stu-

dents to learn their ABCsthan by cooking Applemuffins, Banana bread andCinnamon cookies?

Landmark teachers

mention that perhaps the

most important benet of

classroom cooking activi-

ties is the condence their

students build. Our stu-

dents feel so much pridewhen they help create a

snack that the entire class

can enjoy, states a teacher

of four-year-old students.

Many view cooking as

something only adults can

do, and they feel such ac-

complishment when serv-

ing their delicious treat!

All three Landmark Pre-

school campuses (Redding,

Ridgeeld, and Westport)

feature designated cooking

areas in their schools.

Landmark students

(ages one to ve) are also

introduced to world lan-

guage (Spanish or French),

and enjoy instruction in

art, physical education, mu-

sic, and computers. Class

size is kept small and sched-

ules are exible.

For more information,

visit www.landmarkpre

school.org. n

Learning ABCs through cooking and the kitchen atLANDMARk PRESCHOOL


Known for an

innovative,

hands-on cur-

riculum that

teaches intro-

ductory read-

ing, math, and

science skills,

the Landmark

program alsoincludes cook-

ing activities to

help children

learn essential

life skills.

Contributedphoto.

www.thehour.com

www.thestamfordtimes.com

www.wiltonvillager.com

PRE K - 12TH GRADES SAT & ACT PREP HOMEWORK HELP SUMMER PROGRAMS

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9/16


by KARA MORGAN

SPECIAL TO THE HOUR

Ridgefield Acade-

my (RA) faculty

members know

that an engaged student

is more likely to be invest-

ed in his or her learning.

Using a cross-curricular

teaching approach, RA fac-

ulty create lesson plans

geared to help students

gain a full understanding

of the material being pre-

sented.

In September 2011,

Ridgefield Academy built

a 5,800 square foot media

arts center, known as The

Bridge, to enhance learn-ing by infusing the current

curriculum with new and

innovative technology. The

Bridge inspires students

and faculty to work col-

laboratively on classroom

assignments in a more cre-

ative, open-ended way.

Loaded with software like

Photoshop, Flash Anima-

tion, Drag-On (stop-mo-

tion animation) and Final

Cut Pro (for film), tradi-

tional projects and pre-

sentations are evolving

into more hands-on, me-

dia-centered ones.

The easiest way for a

child to learn and remem-ber information, be it his-

tory, science, math, or lit-

erature, is through story-

telling; this approach al-

lows a person to visualize

whats going on, hear what

is happening, and recreate

the story in an individual-

ized way, explains Joe Per-

ry, Head of Middle andUpper School.

Following the grade

seven trip to Boston, stu-

dents created traditional

storyboards in Writing

RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY:

Empowering every student

Contributed photos.

RAs The Bridge is a 5,800 square foot media arts center,

built to enhance learning by infusing current curriculum with

new and innovative technology. Loaded with software like

Photoshop, Flash Animation, Drag-On (stop-motion anima-

tion) and Final Cut Pro (for film), traditional projects and presentations are evolving into more collabo-

rative, creative, open-ended, hands-on, media-centered ones. ra, contd. p.15



10/16

by ELLEN WESTONSPECIAL TO THE HOUR

At St. AloysiusSchool, a studentis not only assured

n excellent education butn education set in a Christianalues-based environmentnd supported by involved

parents.

The academic programhas distinguished the school

s a Blue Ribbon School forits students high achieve-ments in reading and math-

matics. St. Aloysius Schoolproudly shares that a recordnumber of students more

than 36 percent qualiedfor prominent educationalprograms such as those

sponsored by Johns HopkinsUniversity and the People to

People Youth Leadership Fo-rums.

Keeping pace in a fast-

changing world, studentslearn computer skills and

work on cross-curriculumprojects in the Technology

Center or in the Smart Board-equipped classrooms usingportable laptops. They de-

velop expertise in the use ofMacBooks and the Microsoft

Office suite of programs.The school has partnered

with Stanford University tooffer academic enrichmentusing an online, interactive

program in mathematics,reading, and literature to

meet the learning challengesand inquisitiveness of thegifted student while being

an excellent tool of reviewand study for students of all

abilities.STEM (which incorporates

science, technology, engi-neering, and mathematicsinto one learning experience)

is included in an already en-riched core curriculum. In

grades three, four, and vescience, the students were

presented with a problem:to construct containers thatpeople could use to carryfood home from the localfood pantry. Working witha limited budget (the mathcomponent), students used

everyday items, such as re-cycled newspapers, straws,and tape to design a carry-all meeting the volume re-quirement of ve cans andtwo boxes and weight re-quirement of six pounds (thescience component). The ul-timate design congurationreected strength and sta-

bility (the engineering andtechnology component).Daily religious education,

a spirit of community service,and the much-loved buddysystem in which the lowerschool students bond withtheir upper school buddies

create a safe, warm learn-ing environment in whichthe St. Aloysius childrenthrive. In a Kids HelpingKids community service out-reach activity, the eighth andsecond grade buddies

worked together to collectand to organize into 50snowake-designed draw-string bags selections of basicschool supplies for gradeskindergarten through gradethree. The bags were shippedto the Rhame Avenue Ele-mentary School in East Rock-away, which was damaged

and closed from StormSandy. Holiday cards withwell wishes for the New Yearwere enclosed in the ship-ments. When the school re-opened for the rst time thisweek, the bags were waitingfor the school children, most

of whom lost their homesand possessions during thestorm.

Music and art are integralcomponents of the educa-tional program and are wo-ven into the fabric of class-room lessons. The musicprogram and performing artsalso support the schools

liturgies and musical pro-ductions.Junior varsity and varsity

volleyball and basketball aswell as fall and spring crosscountry and soccer teamsenhance the student life. Thefall 2012 girlsvarsity volleyballcelebrated an undefeatedseason! Further enrichmentand fun are available after

school with participation ina wide selection of clubs andactivities, including perform-ing and visual arts.

With superior academicskills, condence, and self-esteem to be our future lead-ers, St. Aloysius graduatesnow attend: BrunswickSchool, Convent of the Sa-cred Heart, Faireld Prep,

Fordham Prep, Iona Prep,Lauralton Hall, Regis School,and Trinity Catholic.

St. Aloysius, a RomanCatholic, co-educationalschool for grades kinder-garten through eight adheresto its mission statement: Acommunity permeated byCatholic teachings and val-

ues, where academic excel-lence is promoted throughthe spiritual, intellectual,physical ,and emotional de-velopment of each student.

For more information,contact Admissions at (203)966-0786, ext 109. n

ST. ALOYSIUS students receive a Blue Ribboneducation in a Christian values-based environment


Contributed photo.

In St. A.s Kids Helping Kids community service out-reach activity, students collected and organized 50snowake-designed drawstring bags containing basic

school supplies for students at Rhame Avenue ElementarySchool in East Rockaway, which was damaged and closedas a result of Storm Sandy.

A Blue Ribbon SchoolST. ALOYSIUS SCHOOL

Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

OPEN HOUSEJanuary 27, 201311:30-1:00PM

Registration at 11:30Program begins at 11:45 am

33 South Avenue

New Canaan, CT

Admissions:

203-966-0786ext. 109

www.staloyssiusschool.net

Give Your Child the Gift of a St. A. Education



11/16

g p

by JOE MUSANTE

SPECIAL TO THE HOUR

NEW HAVEN Mary A.Papazian will seek to ensurethat her university is a high-ly signicant player in thehigher education landscapeof Connecticut and the re-gion, and will prepare stu-dents for a knowledge-based economy in the yearsahead.

Public universities likeSouthern must lead theway in showing that whatwe can accomplish here isvitally important to the fu-ture of our society, Papaz-ian said.

We must make it clearto the public, to the busi-ness community, and to

the political establishmentthat investing in an insti-tution like Southern is not

only an investment in thestudents who attend theuniversity, but also, by ex-tension, it is an investmentin the whole communityand and this isnt over-stating it - in the veryfuture of America.

Papazian outlined hervision for SCSU during herinauguration in September.

She is the eleventh presi-dent of the school in itsstoried 119-year history.She is the second womanto become president atSouthern, following CherylJ. Norton, who served from2004 to 2010. She is alsobelieved to be the rst Ar-

menian-American woman

to lead a U.S. university, ac-cording to the ArmenianWeekly.

Papazian, 53, is an ac-complished scholar, partic-ularly with regard to Britishliterature. She has studiedand written about JohnDonne, a metaphysical Eng-

lish poet from the late 16 th

and early 17th century.Among her other interestsare Armenian history andculture. She and her hus-band, Dennis Papazian,have two daughters, Aniand Marie. They reside inWoodbridge.

Together, we will work

to ensure that Southerncontinues to develop intoan outstanding, compre-

hensive, public universityof signicant value to thelocal community, the statethat supports us, and in-deed, our nation at large.

This is a university wherewe strive to give the stu-dents every opportunity toacquire a rst-class educa-tion with a global vision inan enlightened, compas-

sionate, supportive, and di-verse environment. And weintend to do more in thefutureTogether we willwork to make Southern themost successful universityin its class.

Papazian also expressedher desire for Southern to

reach out even more to at-tract out-of-state and in-ternational students. She

said not only does that helpthe university nancially,but it enriches the socialand education experiencesof Connecticut students.

And while much of hermessage focused on South-erns role in the public andits commitment to stu-dents, she also shared aglimpse into her manage-

ment style. This I pledge: Iwill have an open admin-istration. I will provide eq-uitable treatment for all,and I will fulll without failall official and unofficial re-sponsibilities. My adminis-tration will be evenhandedand predictable. n

Papazian inaugurated as 11th president ofSCSU



12/16

by MARY ZEMANSPECIAL TO THE HOUR

Montessori is an

approach to ed-ucation based on

the work of Dr. MariaMontessori. Montessori ad-vocated the building of thechilds intellect as complexand delicate work. She be-lieved that children havean inner drive to achievetheir full potential whenthey are given the propermeasures of guidance andfreedom.

Hw s Messffee fm mehes?

In Montessori, students

range in age from 14

months to 14 years. Basedon Montessoris vision ofEducation for Peace,Montessori classrooms are

guided by the pedagogydescribed in their schoolsmission. Productively andwith joy, Montessori stu-dents pursue independentand collaborative work atall levels. A three to fouryear age span comprises

each class, where friend-ships ourish along with

matters both academic andsocial.

The arts (vi sua l andvoice), languages (Spanish,French, and Chinese), andphysical well being (gymand team sports) are valuedthecurriculum. The Montes-sori teachers role is to fa-

cilitate and inspire, linking

each child with a rich and

compelling classroom en-

vironment, with the woods

and nature outside their

doors and often with the

greater world.

des Messexe bey hemy eemey yes?

Yes! The Montessori Mid-

dle School, offering rigor-

ous and challenging aca-demics, is directly linked

with a strong outdoor and

expedition program. Aca-

demic success and intel-

lectual independence

deepen in a context that

compliments their students

natural inclinations toward

inquiry and innovation.Scholarship is rigorous andrewarding at The Montes-sori Middle School. In the

classroom and through en-counters with land and sea(gardening, rock climbing,sailing) social and environ-mental ethics contributeboth toward individual stu-dent character and a strongmoral character of the

group. By design, theirMiddle School is small,

thereby inspiring high lev-els of personal accounta-bility and concern for oth-ers. The students have gen-erated signicant outreachinitiatives and value theimportance of proactivecitizenship as deeply asthey value the joyful and

lifelong friendships devel-

oped at their school.

Hw ses

ss feMess whs he ey f Messe?

The Montessori School is

unique in that they do not

do academic screening for

admissions. Rather, they

look to build and protect

a community of studentsinclined to actively partic-

ipate in the rigors and op-

portunities of education. If

admissions depended on

a certain level of academic

success, it would not be

surprising that the students

are accepted and highly

successful in their nextschools. Because theschools mission includesthe development of pas-

sionate and compassionateglobal citizens, characterand consciousness deepenright along with all aca-demic disciplines and itshows. Upon graduation,Montessori students arehighly successful with ad-missions applications andentrance to other private,

boarding, and publicschools. Reecting self-knowledge, leadership anddiversity of thought, thestudents carry a sense ofresponsibility toward othersand themselves becauseits been a practice all theiryears in Montessori. n

What is MONTESSORI?

February 1, 2013(Snow Date - Feb. 8)

April 5, 2013(for School Admissions and Summer Camp)



13/16

by CAROL ANDERSONSPECIAL TO THE HOUR

The New Year offersthe perfect opportu-nity to commit to

healthy kids and their fam-

ilies with Tutor Times newGrow Fitprogram. With theGrow Fithealthy lifestyle ini-tiative, Tutor Time ChildCare is making a wide-spread commitment to pro-moting wellness through-out its childcare centers.

Tutor Times Grow Fitpro-

gram includes daily physicalactivities in the classroomand learning about how tokeep the childrens bodiest. Activities are includedin the curriculum that in-clude obstacle courses, bal-ancing games, measuring

jumps, sports charade, learn-ing about their muscles andbones and how to keepthem healthy. Grow Fitgiveschildren the knowledge,motivation and experience

by JEFF RUGGIEROSPECIAL TO THE HOUR

Eagle Hill-Southportprovided Ryan witha nurturing and sup-

portive environment. Inturn, he was able to devel-op a solid academic foun-dation that has allowedhim to continue his aca-demic growth with con-

dence through high school.Ryan came to Eagle Hill

Southport in an emotion-

ally vulnerable state, his in-security and frustrations

often reducing him to tears.

The supportive environ-ment and individualized

attention enabled him to

focus on the tasks before

him so that he could beginto experience success.

Eagle Hill-Southport is

an independent school for

children with learning dis-

abilities. Founded in 1985,

the school serves boys and

girls ages six to 14 in a sup-

portive, structured, success-

oriented program. The

school is transitional andnon-graded, designed to

reinforce students' skills

through tutorials and small

group classes that prepare

them for return to more

traditional academic set-

tings.

To address the learning

style and level of each child,

instruction is individualized,utilizing specialized teach-

ing techniques and a wide

variety of instructional re-

sources. In addition to en-

hancing the quality and in-

tensity of academic instruc-

tion, the four-to-one stu-

dent/staff ratio allows for

the development of warm

and nurturing relationshipsbetween students and fac-

ulty. Total immersion in a

language-based program

bolstered by positive rein-

forcement fosters the chil-

drens assurance that suc-

cess can be achieved. Class-

es are offered in language

arts, mathematics, litera-

ture, writing, study skills,science, and social studies.A full afternoon programof sports and extracurric-ular activities provides ad-ditional opportunities forthe development of newskills and enhanced self-esteem.

If you are interested inlearning more about the

program at Eagle Hill-Southport, you are invitedto attend one of their Ad-mission Open Houses.Please visit their websitewww.eaglehillsouthport.org

or call (203) 254-2044 formore information. n

EAGLE HILLSOUTHPORT

building skills and confidence

TUTOR TIME

CHILD CARE

commits toHealthy Kids

tutor, contd. p.15



14/16

by REBECCA

CHRISTOPHERSON

SPECIAL TO THE HOUR

There are some pre-conceived notions, asort of conventional

wisdom, that I hear regu-larly when people call theTalent Education SuzukiSchool for informationabout music lessons. Letslook at some of them:

n Its best to start with pi-

ano.The thought behindthis is that its easier to un-derstand music theory. Per-haps, but really the bestinstrument to start with isthe one your child is inter-ested in. After all, they aredoing all the work. They

will learn the mu-sic theory theyneed for their in-strument as theygo, and they canalways pick uppiano as a sec-ond instrumentlater.

n Suzuki is a

great method to start with,

but will I need a traditional

teacher later?The only rea-son to ever change teach-

ers is if your current teacheris not effective and youhave tried to work it outwith them rst. Whether ateacher can teach ad-vanced repertoire dependson their own playing abilityand training, not on

whether they areSuzuki or tradi-tional, whichmeans non-Suzu-ki. All students willend up at thesame standardrepertoire. The dif-ferences are yourenvironment, mo-

tivation/philosophy ofstudy, and skill set of theteacher.

n Are private lessons

enough? No! And groupinstruction only is notenough, either. Can youcall yourself a tennis playerbased on your gym classexperience? Group instruc-tion gets you started, butthe specic complexities of

playing a musical instrumentcannot be adequately ex-plained in a group session.Similarly, private instructionis not enough. While yourchild will learn the specicsof the instrument, they needthe social aspects of orches-tra, band, and chorus. Theywill play different types ofmusic, learn principles ofteam playing and goodsportsmanship, and sustainmotivation through friend-

ships and musical explo-ration. Just like sports, de-veloping music ability re-quires individual instructionand group expression.

Visit www.musicattess.com or call (203) 956-6708for more information. n

TESS: Myths of a music education muscle development; mu-sic and dance; story time;art; free play; and creativeplay.

Three-Year-Old Group.In this group, children arenow establishing a more

denite sense of them-selves in relation to to oth-ers. They are becomingmore verbal and au-tonomous, and the valueof group play comes intoclear focus. Unit areas offocus in the Three-Year-Oldgroup includes circle time,socialization readiness; ac-ademic enrichment, read-

ing readiness, number con-cepts, pre-writing skills;music and rhymes; move-ment in dance and exer-cise; small muscle play(puzzles, books); large mus-cle play; arts and crafts;story time; and creativeand dramatic play.

Four-year-old Group

(pre-kindergarten).Four-year-olds have integratedthe desire of individuality(two-year-olds), the interestin socialization (three-year-olds), the increased interestand control of the four-

year-olds, and have be-come well-rounded littlepeople, on their way toconquer the world.

Childrens Cornersschedule consists primarilyof major bank holidays andthey do not close for anyweeklong intervals. Theyhave an open door policy,

allowing access and inter-action with your child atyour convenience.

To get more informa-tion, call them at 203.957.3440 or email [email protected] can visit their websiteat www.childrenscorner-group.com. n

cHildrEnS, from p.6

Next Open House:January 12, 9:30am -11:00am

www.musicattess.com

PUBLISHING COMPANY l 203.846.3281

www.thehour.comReaching over 175,000 readers weeklyand 1,000,000 page views per month

Wilton Villager Stamford TimesThe

www.thehour.com www.wiltonvillager.com www.thestamfordtimes.com

THE INDEPENDENTVOICE OF OURCOMMUNITY FOR142 YEARS

ONLINE &PRINT Local sports Local news Breaking news



15/16

to pave the way for a lifetimeof healthy habits.

January is a great timeto introduce new menuitems. At Tutor Time theyhave a weekly tasting of afruit or vegetable to encour-age children to try newhealthy foods and includethem in their lunches atschool and at home withtheir families. With a littlecreativity and a lot of pa-

tience, you can help turnaround a picky eater. Re-member that its natural foryoung children to be cau-tious about trying newfoods. Their taste buds are

highly sensitive during theirearly years, as they decidewhat tastes and texturesthey like.

Here are some tips ongetting your family to accepta wider variety of healthyfoods.

1. Set a good example. Ifyou eat a variety of healthyfoods, your child is likely tofollow suit. If your child seesyou or another role modelmaking an icky face in con-

nection with Brusselssprouts, theyre likely toform an opinion about Brus-sels sprouts.

2. One new food at a time,please . Dont overwhelmyour child with a variety ofnew dishes. Always contin-

ue to provide other food atthe meal that she likes inaddition to the new food.

3. Be patient. Acceptingand eating a wide varietyof foods happens over time.

Your child might need re-peated exposure to a newfood possibly as manyas 10-15 failed attempts before eating it on his own.

4. Have your child helpprepare the meal. Childrenwho help out in the kitchen

and participate in mealpreparation tend to be moreenthusiastic about eatinghealthier foods.

If youre like many of us,a promise to exercise and

make healthier food choicestypically makes its way ontoyour New Years resolutionlist but soon loses steam.Families working togetherwith their childcare centercan make a difference.

Tutor Time, as a leader

in childcare, is doing its best

to provide a healthy envi-

ronment in which children

can grow and learn. They

strive to provide Tutor Time

children and their familiesways to learn and encourage

healthy lifestyles.

For more information

please contact Tutor Time

Child Care in Norwalk at

(203) 846-6046 or www.Tu-

torTimeNorwalk.com. n

tutor, from p.13

by BETH SKUDDER

SPECIAL TO THE HOUR

From the Ground Up,

the interdisciplinary

all-school theme this

year, informs the curriculum

at the different levels in

different ways. Friends

Nursery School students

are exploring during naturewalks, gathering natural

materials, analyzing and

experimenting with those

materials, and learning and

using many descriptive and

comparative terms while

sorting.

Kindergarten and grade

one students are studying

the plant and animal life

in the layers of the forest.

Students are learning more

about the roles each

species has in the forest

and for humankind, includ-

ing medicinal, building

and/or food uses; eld trips

have enriched these stud-

ies. Learning about geolo-gy, second, third, and fourth

graders also studied land-

forms and made rocks and

fossil imprints. Their work

included creative writing

and various hands-on con-

struction activities.

Students in fth and-

sixth grades are studying structures, concurrently re-

searching the structural ef-

ciency of regular polyhe-

dra, and also learning about

New York Citys most fa-

mous skyscrapers. After vis-

iting NYC, they worked with

geometric structure build-

ing and testing, and then

designed and built their

own skyscrapers, while con-

sidering maximum efficien-cy and height.

Seventh and eighth

graders have undertaken

the study of bridges and

bridge construction. They

researched and wrote

about the Brooklyn Bridge,

and then made careful ob-

servations of the bridge as

they walked across it. They

experimented with how to

build the strongest bridge

possible with only match-

sticks and glue for their

Bridge Building Challenge.

Learn about Connecti-

cut Friends School at their

Open House on Friday, Feb

ruary 1, 2013, from 1:00 to3:00 p.m. (snowdate Feb

ruary 8) and on their web

site at www.CTFriends

School.org. Please call (203)

762-9860 or email info@CT-

FriendsSchool.org to rsvp,

or for more information. n

From the Ground Up: CONNECTICUT FRIENDSSCHOOLs interdisciplinary study theme

Contributed photo.

Students at Connecticut Friends School enjoy a low student to

teacher ratio and learn the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, in-

tegirty, equality, stewardship of the earth, and community

class, then used FLASH an-

imation to create quick

scenes of interesting finds

about the famous ride.

The visual of Paul Reveres

ride makes it that much

more memorable to stu-

dents, and much more fun

to teach to their peers,says Perry. In another proj-

ect centered on the

Boston Massacre, students

freehand drawings of sol-

diers were scanned and

then easily multiplied on

the computer screen. The

final product culminates

in a 15-second visual, from

the first snowball throwers

to the final tombstones,

and represents the groupsinterpretation of this piv-

otal event in U.S. history:

a quick sequence of

scenes, and a lot more cre-

ative than a few para-

graphs you read in front

of the class.

Reflecting on the use

ofThe Bridge during its in-

augural year, I can say with

confidence that the reality

of how this space has fos-tered deeper learning, cre-

ativity and independent

thinking has far exceeded

our expectations. In the

area of research, students

and teachers jumped

aboard and embraced the

rapidly changing advances

in how we access and dis-

cern what information is

reliable and useful. Proj-

ects were grounded insubject matter, yet by al-

lowing our students to be

in charge of how they

wanted to express what

they learned, a stronger

sense of commitment to

really understanding the

topic as well as the ability

to teach that topic was

fostered, comments Chris-

tine Hruska, curriculum

coordinator of Bridge ac-tivities.

The Bridge continues to

connect and support stu-

dents, teachers, curricula,

and ideas along Ridgefield

Academys journey

through a comprehensive

educational experience

second to none. Visit

www.ridgefieldacademy.or

g for more information. n

ra, from p.9


16/16

for 2013

Thursday,

January 17, 20137:00 9:00 PM

Saturday,

January 26, 2013

10:00 AM 2 PM

All applications

due by

February 12, 2013

The Hour - Education Online Special

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