CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012
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C AMPS & S CHOOLS Independent Schools: Aware of State Standards and Raising the Bar By Ronald Scaglia n July of 2010, the New York State Board of Regents adopted the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects. Since then, public school educators throughout the state have been working to ensure that the curriculum and programs of their districts align with those standards. Private or independent schools do not have to adhere to those standards. However, officials from independent schools here in Nassau say they are nevertheless working hard to ensure that the educational programs they provide are thorough and enriching for students and will give them the background they need to be well-prepared for college and their careers afterwards. “We’re aware of it, more in some disciplines than in others,” said Steven Hahn, Head of School at Portledge School in Locust Valley of the Core Curriculum. “We don’t look at it literally as having to teach everything at a particular time. To some degree, we assume that we will do that but I think it’s helpful that it’s something that is not holding us back.” “Independent schools would say that the Core Curriculum and mandated tests inform our thinking, but do not control it,” said Stephen H. Watters, Headmaster of The Green Vale School. “Each school is able to set its own standards and be rigorous in doing so, although the standards are again dependent upon the school’s es-
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tablished mission. Many independent schools such as Green Vale are constantly assessing the achievement of their students either by specific measurements on a weekly basis or by standardized tests on a yearly basis. The difference is we do not look at the results of these tests and compare ourselves to other schools. We compare ourselves to our own measurements for success and growth.” Both administrators view the efforts of those developing the Core Curriculum positively. Watters said that he has great respect and appreciation for those who are working to ensure that New York State students receive the best education possible, whether they are enrolled in a public or independent school. Hahn said that the Core Curriculum makes sense in many areas, but it is then up to educators at each individual school to implement curriculum-based factors unique for their school such as class size. “What you teach is pretty fundamental for all of us,” said Hahn. “Good teaching is good teaching no matter where it goes.” Hahn said that just as important as what is being taught is how it is being taught. He said that at Portledge, teachers try to develop a love of learning in students. He said that by doing so, students take ownership of their education and the learning process and thus develop critical thinking skills. “If you can get kids to take responsibility for their education and their work, that’s a huge step,” said Hahn. “You do that by getting them involved in class. It’s
not a lecture, take notes, give me back on the test what information I’ve given you. It’s much more enabling students to find their voice.” Hahn said that in Portledge one of the focuses is having the students ask authentic questions. He said that educators at Portledge want students studying history to think like historians and ask the question that are important. For example, in addition to knowing the dates of the Civil War, students should be asking what were the causes of the war, what were the effects on the nation and what were the lasting consequences that still have an effect on the nation today. “We’re trying to address the skills of collaboration, thinking skills, being able to go in-depth,” said Hahn. “If people come to Portledge, they see kids wanting to be here, smiling a lot, enjoying the process – which doesn’t mean it’s not rigorous. It’s very rigorous, it just means they have ownership of it.” Watters said that educators from The Green Vale School put an emphasis on inspiring students to do their best and to have a thirst for knowledge. He said that as children develop an attitude of enjoying the learning process, this attitude encourages them to become lifelong learners something he says will be important for today’s 21st century students, as new technology and new developments are constantly demanding that children and adults keep learning. In fact, Watters points out that many of the jobs that today’s students will be doing as adults,
may not have even been invented yet, which is all the more reason to foster a willingness to always seek knowledge. “We believe that we’re going to have to change some of or expectations and our pedagogy to promote enhanced critical thinking, collaboration skills, communication skills, a sense of creativity in terms of problem solving and also a global outlook,” said Watters. “Our methodology is having to evolve as we see the needs of our society change. There has to be a desire to learn. If the environment of school is deadening, then these young children when they become young adults are not going to be able to take on the challenges of a very demanding workforce.” And Watters feels that the philosophy is working. He said that the measurements that Green Vale uses to measure student achievement indicate that its students are performing well above grade level. He said that his school is indeed aware of current state standards and would be remiss in not paying attention to them. However, he feels that the school must not only meet and exceed those standards, but other measurements so that parents can be assured that their children are indeed receiving an excellent education. “One of the greatest measurements of student growth and success is parent satisfaction,” said Watters. “If skills and attitudes are not being learned, parents will not enroll or re-enroll their children. Our consistency is the focus on academic achievement and character formation without many external distractions.”
OPEN HOUSE Sunday March 11th 11 am - 3 pm
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CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012
C AMPS & S CHOOLS Research Establishes Link Between Exercise and Academic Performance ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the academic success of America’s youth is strongly linked with their health.” In fact, students with higher grades are less likely to be physically inactive and engage in unhealthy dietary behaviors. “As educators, we generally see that students who are active in school activities - which often include sports activities are strong academic performers,” said Audrey Viscardi of the Manhasset Huntington Learning Center. “The research is clear - exercise is good for kids in more ways than one. We encourage families to promote an active lifestyle. Not only is it important for a child’s physical health, it
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also appears to have a very positive impact on a student’s academic well-being.” Viscardi shares the following information on the positive relationship between exercise and academics, as reported in the “Physical Education, Physical Activity and Academic Performance” research brief published by the Active Living Research program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: • In a 2006 study of nearly 12,000 adolescents from across the U.S., it was found that adolescents who reported participating in school activities (sports or physical education) or activities with their parents were 20 percent more likely to earn As in math and English. • Two large studies in Australia (2001)
and Korea (2003) and two smaller studies in the United States found physical fitness scores to be significantly and positively related to academic performance (students from elementary through high school). • A 2001 study of fourth-grade students in Massachusetts found that students who received 56 or more hours of physical education per school year scored significantly higher on standardized test scores in English and language arts than did students who received 28 hours per school year. • Researchers analyzed FITNESSGRAM test results from more than 2.4 million Texas students in grades 3 to 12 during the 2007-2008 school year and found significant correlations between
School / Vacation / Camp Outfi Outfitters tters
physical fitness achievement and better performance on state standardized tests. “At Huntington, we strive to give children the organizational and time management skills to be better students and keep their stress levels down,” said Viscardi. “Our experience is that students who are capable of managing their stress effectively are well-equipped for the school challenges to come. Exercise is one of the best stress-relievers and a wonderful way for a child to feel better, resulting in both a healthy body and a healthy mind.” For more information about Huntington Learning Center, contact Sena Salloum, Huntington Learning Center of Manhasset at 201-261-8400 Ext. 515.
Pre-Book Your March Camp Appointment By February 29, 2012 and Receive:
• FREE Gift • FREE Name Taping • 50% OFF A Camp Jacket
UP TO
50% OFF SALE BEGINS TODAY
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Albertson • 1063 Willis Avenue • (516) 294-4425 Scarsdale • 1132 Wilmot Road • (914) 472-8120 Mt. Kisco • 195 N. Bedford Road • (914) 244-7010 Boca Raton • 9874 Yamato Road • (561) 883-8952
MUSIC INSTITUTE OF LONG ISLAND NOW IN OUR 22ND YEAR • Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Guitar, Electric Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba • Students Excel at NYSSMA, All State, All County, LISFA, SCMEA • Solo, Group Classes, Master Classes, Competitions
516-626-1094 www.campjacobson.org Camp Jacobson at Robin Hood lies on 15 majestic acres tucked away in the woods of Brookville, Long Island serving children ages 3–17.
GUEST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE WEEK February 27- March 3, 2012
A stimulating environment. A supportive community. Non-stop fun. And a staff dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience for every camper.
JOIN THE FAMILY!
Susan Blumberg Violinist in the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra North Carolina
Space is lling up quickly! Call today to schedule a tour.
(516) 627-7052 18 Months - 7 Years
www.milimusic.com
Like Us on Facebook
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Perform in: Master Classes Take: Private Lessons Attend: Lectures Everything is : OPEN TO THE PUBLIC CALL FOR SCHEDULE AND DETAILS
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CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012
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CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012
C AMPS & S CHOOLS Annual Friends of Sunrise (Day Camp) Fundraiser Planned for March 22 Camp for children with cancer and their siblings n Thursday, March 22, at 6 p.m., the 6th Annual Friends of Sunrise Cocktail Party & Auction will held at Glen Head Country Club. The event will benefit Sunrise Day Camp and its year-round programs. The Friends of Sunrise are dedicated to raising funds and awareness to benefit the children and families of Sunrise Day Camp. The event will include an open bar, dinner and exclusive auction items. Awards will be presented during the
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evening (photos of honorees are available upon request): • Sunrise Volunteer Award to the Faber Family: Adam and Nicole and their three children, Benjamin, Sarah and Caroline, of Roslyn • Youth Achievement Award: Gabrielle Aaron of Brookville • Youth Leadership Award: The Wheatley School C.A.R.E. Club Officers – Matthew Bernstein, Jason Charles, Allison Giller, Taylor & Katie Kaminsky,
Morgan Littman, Sarah Olicker, Allison & Lauren Perry, Corey Spar & Mail Zaken Sunrise Day Camp is a program of the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside and affiliated with 13 area hospitals. Located on the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights, Sunrise Day Camp is the first and only dedicated day camp in the nation for children with cancer and their siblings. It is a very special place where children can come, free of charge, and enjoy days filled with fun, friendship and adventure, while returning to the comfort and safety of their own homes each night in order to
continue with their medical treatments. Beyond the camping season Sunrise fun continues through camp-like programs and hospitals services. Ticket prices are $250 per adult; $150 per student. You can register online at www.sunrisedaycamp.org for your reservations, sponsorships, journal ads, contributions and raffle tickets. The décor will be donated and designed by Lawrence Scott Events. For more information, please contact Beth Fetner at (516) 634-4196 or bfetner@friedbergjcc.org
Adelphi Receives Grant to Create New Science Teacher Education Program delphi University has been awarded a federal grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to implement the Science Education Advancement (SEA) Program/NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which will provide both funding and support for undergraduate and graduate students studying science and career-changers who are looking to pursue a teaching career in one of the science disciplines. Upon completion of the program, Noyce Scholars will receive an M.A. in adolescence education leading to initial New York State certification for grades 7-12 in chemistry, biology, earth science, or physics. Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education Assistant Professor Dr. Tracy Hogan serves as the principle investigator and Associate Professor and Director of the Environmental Studies Program Dr. Beth Christensen serves as co-principle investiga-
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tor. Funding for the program was received in September 2011 and classes are scheduled to begin in summer 2012. Ten Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP) undergraduate scholars and 16 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholars will complete rigorous coursework coupled with classroom experiences in either the Westbury School District or Queens High School for Teaching with support and close supervision by a teacher-mentor and University faculty. Scholars will also participate in the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Take One! program module. Furthermore, scholars will have the opportunity to engage in two field experiences—one working with a professional marine educator on Long Island and another studying the rainforest ecosystems in Australia—in addition to a paid summer
Trinity Lutheran School and Early Childhood Center 40 West Nicholai Street Hicksville, NY 11801 (516) 931—2211
internship working with naturalists and students grades 8-12 at the Nassau BOCES Outdoor Education Center. STEP scholars will receive a $15,000 stipend during their junior year, $18,000 their senior year, and $22,000 their fifth year for completion of their M.A. STEM scholars will receive a $22,500 supportive stipend during the 12-month graduate program. After completing the program, Noyce scholars are obligated to teach for two years for each year of scholarship received, seeking employment in a highneeds school setting. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and have completed 30 credit hours in their specific science discipline. Applicants will be expected to submit two letters of recommendation and a critical essay. For more information, visit Grant Funded Programs. To apply for this program,
contact the Advisory Committee at seanoyce@adelphi.edu or Professor Hogan at hogan@adelphi.edu. The Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education is a scholarly community committed to providing educational opportunities for professional growth at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels by creating authentic academic and field experiences, cultivating respect for the diverse populations served, embracing ethical practices, and preparing students to become reflective change agents through research, collaboration, and leadership. The School’s innovative curriculum is built upon the core values of scholarship, reflective practice, social justice, inclusive community, wellness, and creativity and the arts. Visit the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education website for information on our education programs and faculty.
Create something
great
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ecycled culpture
Serving Toddlers—Grade 8 & Celebrate Summer Program Ages 3-11
Contest
Portledge School and the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center are proud to co-sponsor a second sculpture contest that combines art, wildlife and environmental awareness. The goal is to create a nocturnal themed animal sculpture that will be judged on the basis of its aesthetics as well as the creative use of recyclable materials, with prizes awarded in each category. Your child can participate in the eligible grade levels (PK-1, 2-3, or 4-6). All entries will be exhibited and winners announced during a reception at Portledge School on Saturday, March 31. For complete contest rules, visit www.portledge.org/createsomethinggreat.
“Where Christian Values and academic excellence prepare children, motivated by their faith and love of Christ, to live productive lives in service to others.”
Come to our Open House
Pre-nursery through Grade 12 355 Duck Pond Road Locust Valley, NY 11560-9823 516-750-3202/3203
Thursday, March 8th, 6:30pm-8:30pm
www.portledge.org 79577
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CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012
OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, 2/22
Lose yourself for a summer...Find yourself for a lifetime. ART | MUSIC | DANCE | THEATER | CREATIVE WRITING | CHESS | NATURE | SWIM | TENNIS Artistic exploration, collaboration, and fun for young people, ages 6-18. Usdan has a professional faculty of 100 artist-teachers, and is situated on a 100-acre woodland campus in Huntington. Choose from 40 classes including: Orchestra, Band, Musical Theater, Video Arts, Chess, Organic Gardening, and Sculpture. (For a complete listing, please visit www.usdan.com.) Weekdays: 4 weeks or 7 weeks. A/C buses from all LI neighborhoods. Tuition: $2,925 - $3,825 plus transportation and fees.
Open House: Wednesday, 2/22, 11AM - 2PM
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185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, New York
Usdan
Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts
www.usdan.com
212-772-6060 | 631-643-7900
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CAMPS & SCHOOLS - ANTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012
Get up to $100 off when you attend an info session!
ers, m m Su g n zi Ama
Lifelong Friends
ON THE SOUND At Manorhaven Beach Park
Amazing facilities include the newly renovated pool with waterslide, skate park, tennis and basketball courts, softball & soccer fields, and boating facilities!
Traditional 8:30am-5pm Day Camp for children ages 4-11!
Activities include athletics, team building, the arts, nature exploration, skate boarding, boating and Red Cross certified swim instruction!
Teen Travel program for young adults ages 12-15!
Hot lunch, transportation, early drop-off & late pick-up available!
Early-Start Jr. Camper Program specially designed for 4 year olds!
Low camper to adult ratios with college-age staff or older!
Flexible enrollment for 2-8 weeks!
Sibling discounts!
Visit us for online registration & more:
WWW.OASISCHILDREN.COM This camp is licensed by the Nassau County Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and is inspected twice yearly. The inspection reports are filed at the Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation. If you have questions, please contact Oasis at (718)596-4900.
Upcoming Info Sessions 2/16 & 3/22 – 5:30-7:00pm At Manorhaven Beach Park, Main Building
Call us at 800-317-1392 to RSVP! 79579
CAMP LOYALTOWN JOIN US FOR ADELPHI’S PRE-COLLEGE
A summer sleep-away camp, offering a rewarding summer experience and a lifetime of memories for children of all ages with intellectual and other disabilities
SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAMS
JULY–AUGUST 2012 Open to high school students, these programs will prepare you for college-level training in business, dance, emergency services administration and nursing. Visit precollege.adelphi.edu for more information.
Located in the Catskill Mountains Q
3 hours from the Nassau border ( Glen Avenue, Hunter, NY 12442 )
Our Facility
Fully renovated recreation facilities include: Q Fully accessible, 9-hole miniature golf course Q Heated, water park –type swimming pool Q Pedal-boating on our beautiful pond Q Adaptive playgrounds, ball fields, indoor/outdoor basketball courts, a dance studio and a performing arts stage Our Recreational Programs include:
Dance, Theater Arts, Athletics, Swimming, Media Arts, Cooking, Nature, Arts & Crafts, Ceramics, Woodworking and many more! For information regarding our summer sessions, please call 516-293-2016 ext. 5608
www.camployaltown.org 79575
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Providing fun in the sun for 40 years