Back To School by The Chestnut Hill Local

GA uses play to teach young learners - Page 4 GFS Middle School has new leader - Page 5 Norwood Fontbonne turns bottle caps to benches - Page 6

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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Springside CH Academy: An independent school with a bold educational vision

pringside Chestnut Hill Academy offers a rigorous and contemporary college preparatory experience tailored to the needs of today’s student— interdisciplinary, collaborative, challenging, relevant, and student centered. Our unique educational model, offering single-sex education in Pre-K-8 and coeducation in 9-12, blends the best of both worlds, ensuring the optimal learning environment for each stage of a child’s social and intellectual development. The SCH curriculum is designed to give students a solid liberal arts foundation while also nurturing those skills and habits of mind that are predictors of lifelong success: perseverance, optimism, discipline, flexibility, empathy, and the ability to identify and solve problems. Students who like to think independently, are curious, comfortable asking questions, able to work on their own and with others, and willing to stretch intellectually will find an opportunity to thrive at SCH Academy. Our mission is to help students become innovative leaders, breakthrough thinkers, imaginative problem solvers, and confident contributors to the world around them. If this is the kind of educa-

tion you are seeking, then we encourage you to visit and learn more about SCH Academy. Highlights of an SCH education A nationally renowned engineering and robotics program involving students in building robots beginning in Lower School. The Sands Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership offering a comprehensive array of projects, courses, and extracurricular experiences through which students build their problem-solving and 21st century skills while cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset. A multifaceted arts program encompassing traditional fine and performing arts as well as new media including coding, 2D and 3D design, fabrication, and interactive media. An Outdoor and Trip Program for students in every division, beginning in Lower School with hikes in the Wissahickon and culminating in Upper School with a five-day Outward Bound experience for 9th graders. A city school located on a 62acre suburban campus adjacent to the Wissahickon Valley and within 10 miles of Center City, Ambler, Jenkintown, and University City.

Wissahickon Dance the Best in Dance Training Academy For Children ages 3 to Adult

38 E. School House Lane Philadelphia PA 19144 215-849-7950 www.wissahickondance.com

FALL REGISTRATIONThursday, September 8 5-7 PM Fall classes begin Saturday, September 10

BE INSPIRED

• Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Hip Hop • Yoga

Performance Opportunities with The Donetsk Ballet Nutcracker Audition Sunday, September 18 Sponsored by International Ballet Exchange

FREE TRIAL CLASS for New Students

L. Browning Photography

Thursday, September 1, 2016

CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL

New season begins at Wissahickon Dance Academy

issahickon Dance Academy (WDA) announces the start of their fall season with a full range of dance classes geared for both the casual dancer and the dancer on track for a professional career. Classes begin Saturday, September 10. Registration takes place at the studio on September 8 from 5-7 PM. The studio offers classes in pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, classical variations, partnering, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern and yoga. The ages span from 3 years through pre-professional and adult level classes. Each year the studio presents a story ballet as part of the annual recital. Students at Wissahickon Dance Academy also have the opportunity to perform with the world renowned Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine in their annual Nutcracker. Amidst all of the turmoil in their country, the Donetsk Ballet will travel again to the USA for their annual tour. Auditions for this year’s Nutcracker are September 18 at the studio. These performances are sponsored by WDA’s non-profit arm, International Ballet Exchange. Students from other dance schools are invited to audition as well. For further information on Nutcracker auditions, visit www.internationalballet.org WDA’s faculty of professional dancers of the highest caliber include: Ballet Mistress, Elena Tiuriakulova who graduated with honors from the Vaganova Choreography Academy in St. Petersburg Russia and was former Principal dancer from Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater in her native country of Kyrgyzstan will teach ballet, pointe variations and yoga; Yosbel Delgado-Hernandez who danced with the Cuban National Ballet, and danced for eight years with PA Ballet performing many solo roles will teach ballet and partnering; Cara King, who formerly ran the dance program at Settlement Music School, will teach beginner ballet, pre-ballet and adult ballet; Artistic Director and founder of WDA, Nancy Malmed, who danced professionally with Contemporary Dance Theater, will teach ballet and pointe. She has thirty years of teaching and choreography experience, was honored by the School District of Philadelphia for her work with inner city children, has judged international ballet competitions, and has served on grant panels for the city. WDA also has a reputation for strong technique in tap, jazz hip hop and modern. Corinne Karon, who dances professionally with Tap Team II, will teach beginner through advanced Tap as well as adult beginner Tap. She has performed on every continent in the world. Our popular jazz and hip hop classes are taught by Karina Banks, choreographer for many hip hop artists and gospel artists. Modern will be taught by Whitney Weinstein, a professional dancer and dance critic. If you should miss the September 8, registration day, fall registration at Wissahickon Dance Academy is ongoing. The studio is located at 38 E. School House Lane, Philadelphia PA, 19144, one block from Germantown Friends School and Greene Street Friends. For more information call 215-849-7950 or visit www.wissahickondance.com.

want more news? www.chestnuthilllocal.com

Wissahickon Dance Academy students in performance May 2016 (Photo by Meghan Scott)

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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Germantown Academy’s Early Child Education – A foundation for life

t Germantown Academy in nearby Fort Washington, Early Childhood Education (grades PreKindergarten through Second) is the first step into a journey of lifelong learning. As a college-preparatory school, we offer a rich array of liberal arts programming to our students beginning in the earliest years. Our small student-toteacher ratio ensures that each child is known and understood as a valuable member of our school community. We pride ourselves on our professional and passionate faculty who are experts in child development. Our co-teaching model places two highly qualified teachers in each Early Childhood classroom to provide for each child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Our core subjects are enriched by an array of specialist classes: Performing and Visual Arts, World Languages, Science, Physical Education and Health and Wellness. In Early Childhood, play is essential for the development and growth of young learners. Play develops healthy social interactions, problemsolving skills, creativity, and selfconfidence. Our 21st century

curriculum encourages students to be curious and take initiative in their education. We provide students with the content and skills needed to become problem-solvers and creative thinkers in our global society. Makerspaces include the Early Childhood Tinker Lab, the outdoor Nature Nook, and the new PreK-12 Beard Center for Innovation. Lower School innovation programs include a K-5 Coding curriculum, a 1:1 iPad program, Design Thinking Days, Kids Teaching Kids science program and Farm-to-Table gardening. Most importantly, Germantown Academy inspires students to engage in learning that is supported by the values of our Mission, which is woven into the fabric of daily school life. We encourage experiences that build connections throughout our community, from the youngest Prekindergarteners to the graduating Seniors. GA inspires students to be... Independent in Thought, Confident in Expression, Compassionate in Spirit, Collaborative in Action and Honorable in Deed. We invite you to see Germantown Academy for yourself! www.germantownacademy.net/admission

We offer CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE

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Thursday, September 1, 2016

CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL

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GFS Middle School begins the year with a new leader

s a child growing up in the Bronx, Sean Hamer had ambitious goals. “There were three things I wanted to be when I grew up: a professional basketball player, a mad scientist or a superhero. At 5’ 7”, my height didn’t allow for basketball, and I wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider, so mad scientist it was!” said the new head of Middle School with a grin. Hamer studied chemical engineering in college, but his experience working with Boston-area, at-risk youth fueled a new dream— to work with kids. He earned a Masters in Mathematics and Education, and taught math and science in the Boston area before receiving a Master’s in Education Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. He was previously the Head of Middle School at Friends Academy in North Dartmouth, MA. Hamer’s favorite thing about working with Middle Schoolers is “helping them develop the foundational skills they’ll require for the rest of their lives,” and guiding them through a “crux moment in social, emotional and academic development.” And he believes that communication can make these years, fraught with transitions for students and parents, more bearable. “One of the questions I often get from parents is, ‘What’s going on? My kids aren’t telling me anything.’ Students tell their parents less as they become more independent, which is developmentally appropriate but can create tension,” he said. To help alleviate some of this tension, Hamer introduced a new

Hamer, with a group of sixth graders, outside the Sharpless Building

series entitled “Middle School Messages,” grade-specific presentations on developmental, academic, social and cultural issues to help parents understand what their children are experiencing; teachers, administrators and parents gather to discuss topics such as the “grit factor,” social media and academic

pressures. “It gives parents a well-rounded picture of what happens in their children’s lives at school, and opens up the lines of communication,” he explained. He may not be a pro ball player or a superhero, but Hamer still has admirable goals: “To help parents

feel informed and less stressed, and to guide students in figuring out who they are and who they want to be.” To learn more about the Middle School at Germantown Friends School or the school’s rich academic offerings, Quaker values, and expansive arts and athletics pro-

grams, attend one of the Fall Open Houses on Saturday, October 15, 13 p.m., or Friday, November 11, 8:15-11 a.m. Both Open Houses include tours of campus and meetand-greets with faculty, students and GFS parents. The November date offers the chance to visit classes in session.

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY Fort Washington, PA

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 AT 8:30AM Speak with teachers • Meet current parents Experience GA for yourself during campus tours

RSVP at www.germantownacademy.net/openhouse

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CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL

Thursday, September 1, 2016

How to properly care for your contact lenses

M Sr. Marjorie Lawless (left), and Sr. Mary Helen Beirne (right), Head of School, relax on the new NFA benches with Maria Ortale upon her return from Indiana.

Nor wood-Fontbonne Academy’s new benches recycled from 90,000 bottle caps

art of Norwood-Fontbonne Academy’s mission emphasizes the importance for students to treasure themselves, others, and the earth. In the spring, NFA’s second grade Montessori and Primary students teamed up to do just that by organizing a school wide initiative to collect over 90,000 water bottle caps, which were recycled into two benches for the school. Over the

summer, NFA’s Junior Level Montessori student teacher, Maria Ortale, traveled with her mother, Dr. Lynn Ortale, to Green Tree Plastics in Evansville, Indiana, to deliver the sorted bottle caps and to bring the recycled benches back to Philadelphia. Staff and students will be thrilled to see and use the new benches on NFA’s 14-acre campus when the school year kicks off on September 7. One of NFA’s

initiatives for the 2016/17 school year will focus on the importance of recycling and learning new ways to serve as environmental stewards. For more information about Norwood-Fontbonne Academy’s dual path program, visit www.norfon.org. Or register for the upcoming Open House on Tuesday, October 18 by calling 215-2473811, ext. 204.

illions of Americans wear contact lenses, but according to the Centers for Disease Control, up to 90 percent of them do not properly care for their lenses. Serious eye infections can result from improper contact lens care; in the most severe cases, it can even lead to blindness. Dr. Kriti Bhagat, who completed a residency in cornea and contact lens, urges contact lens wears to follow the recommendations set by their doctors. “Contact lenses are a medical device and serious complications can occur if you don't handle them as advised by a professional,” she said. “In my opinion, most people wear their lenses past the recommended time that they're supposed to. I like to use a gallon of milk as an example. After the recommended time, you can sniff the milk and take the risk of drinking it, but the one time you get sick, you won't do it again. Why risk it?"

Here are 10 tips for contact lens wearers. 1. Wash your hands. Make sure your hands are clean before handling your lenses. Use hot water and soap and ensure they’re dried thoroughly. 2. Rub and rinse your contacts with fresh solution. Never use water or saliva to clean off your contacts. 3. Store your contacts in new solution. Always fill your contact lens case with fresh solution. Do not reuse old solution or “top off” the solution. Do not store them in water. 4. Make sure the tip of your contact lens solution bottle does not touch anything. This could contaminate the bottle. 5. Do not sleep in your contacts – unless your doctor says it’s OK. Extended wear contact lenses can be worn overnight, but other types cannot. 6. Take out your contacts before showering, swimming or using a hot tub. Water may contain bacteria that can cause infection and even lead to blindness in certain cases. 7. Replace your lenses as directed. There are various types of lenses, and wear-time varies. If you’re unsure how long you should wear your contacts, consult your doctor. 8. Replace your contact lens case frequently. It’s recommended that you replace your case at least every three months. 9. Remove your contacts immediately if you experience anything abnormal. If pain, discomfort, redness or blurred vision occurs after inserting your contacts, call your optometrist immediately. 10. Always carry a backup pair of glasses. Make sure you’re prepared with glasses containing your current prescription; you never know when you may have to remove your contacts. The Eye Institute of Salus University offers specialty contact lens services for patients, including a comprehensive contact lens eye exam and fitting. If you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions about your contact lenses, contact us today at 215-

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Thursday, September 1, 2016

CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL

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GFS School teacher receives award

resident Obama has just named 213 mathematics and science teachers as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Lower School science teacher, Geoffrey Selling, who retired from Germantown Friends School in 2015 after a 35-year tenure, was among the recipients. Among the hallmarks of Geoffrey’s work was founding the Environmental Action Club at GFS, which has given hundreds of students the opportunity to be active stewards of their environment— both on campus and beyond. This is just one illustration of Geoffrey’s general approach to teaching, which he describes as hands-on and active. “For most of us—but especially for kids—learning is doing,” says the East Mt. Airy resident. “So, I always created as many opportunities as possible for my students to ‘do.’” “What a well-deserved show of support for a career teacher with boundless energy for his subject and students,” said Head of School Dana Weeks. “Geoffrey always made professional growth a priority for himself and he constantly pursued new ways to meet his students where they were. His sheer enthusiasm was contagious and inspired generations of students here at GFS.” The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process at the state level. Each nomination year of the award alternates between teachers in the kindergarten through sixth grade level, and those teaching seventh through twelfth grades. The cohort of awardees named today represent two nomination years, one of teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms and the other in seventh through twelfth grade classrooms.

EXTENDED DAY CARE ENRICHES STUDENTS AT GFS Extended Day at Germantown Friends School is designed to offer students a wide array of enriching opportunities for discovery and exploration during the hours between dismissal and pick-up. The recently-expanded programming allows GFS students (preschool through eighth grade) to choose from engaging activities, such as coding, breadbaking, chess and karate.

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