Yorktown campers march to the beat of John Philip Sousa as part of USA week.
Yorktown OMS camper Jason Gonzalez examines Buzz, a sugar glider, who came to visit during Australia week at our Yorktown summer camp.
OMS Carmel campers frolic under the tower sprinkler.
Children at our Carmel camp explore Mexico through food, song, costume and dance.
Some other stops are Germany, India, Italy, and Poland.
IT’S NOT BROADWAY…YET!
As some of you know (and many others may not), our very own Kelsey Baron, from the Senior class, appeared in the production of CATS this past May at the Paramount Theatre. Kelsey first learned about the tryouts from teachers and friends at the Antonia Arts Studio in Peekskill that she had previously attended (and that was presenting the production). Kelsey says that she has always liked to sing and that her cheerleading activities prompted her to add dance to her schedule also. That easily led into tying the two together and expanding her artistic endeavors by adding drama/acting to the mix as well. Kelsey said her work with former OMS drama teacher, Kacey, gave her a good idea of what she could do dramatically (and it didn’t hurt that her favorite classes were music, dance and drama!). While she initially tried out for one of the bigger singing parts, she was totally delighted when she got a callback for one of the dancing parts, Rumpleteaser, which she ultimately secured and which featured a solo duet dance with Rumpleteaser and Mongo Jerry while two other performers sang about their two specific characters. Kelsey and her friend, Gianna, (who got the part of Mongo Jerry) were also appreciative of the fact that they were two of the younger people who secured “named” cats in the production with most of the “named” cats going to adult actors. (CATS has no speaking parts.)
Most of the rehearsals were at the studio and they rehearsed almost every day. Then they moved to the Paramount Theatre itself so they could finalize actual placements, entrances and exits. Kelsey said that it was a lot of fun, and while the adult cats were a bit more staid and moved around a bit less, the “kittens” in the show were all over the place and up and down on boxes, etc. so it was a lot of work. Kelsey said she had the normal stage fright (a bit shaky and butterflies in her stomach) that most actors admit to, but “that’s normal.” While on stage (she was actively involved in five scenes and on the sidelines for most of the others), Kelsey could see the faces of people in the first few rows but none after that, but her character was also among those who went up and down the aisles so she was able to see more people then. By the last performance on the Monday following the weekend premiere of the show, Kelsey said she wasn’t nervous at all.
The only drawback to this wonderful experience—Kelsey says that when the show ended, she felt a let-down without constant rehearsals and she couldn’t lose the feeling that there was something more that she should be doing. Kelsey will be attending a summer camp and hopes to continue her singing, acting and dancing. She is also doing some hip-hop now but wants to add jazz to her resume. She hopes one day to appear on Broadway and we won’t be surprised to be sitting in the audience, watching her dreams come true!
CLASS HAPPENINGS
Alice Lee’s Stepping Stones class had some great last days of school. Paola DeBitetto, mother of Luke, spent time with the class when she came to read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” After reading the book, she had a special arts and crafts project to do with the children. She cut egg cartons in half to simulate a caterpillar. Then the children glued on the “google” eyes (little, movable, black and white orbits) and antennas (black pipe cleaners). The children also decorated their caterpillars with different sized and colored pompoms. They loved doing that, and to top if off, to carry out the whole transformation/metamorphosis, Paola gave each child a butterfly tattoo on the hand (their own choice of color, of course). On another day, Alice’s class invited Enza Moschetta’s class to join them as Gregory Brown’s mother, Kelly, came to the school with one of the puppies from the Guiding Eyes for the Blind program at which she works. It was an adorable, fluffy, little white/gray Labrador. Kelly also had her own, much older, dog with her so the children could see the difference between the puppy and its older mentor. The children all sat on the front steps of their school so they could enjoy watching the dogs run around together and also see how very gentle they were. Gregory truly loved showing his dogs to his friends!
Marge Palombo’s N/K class in Carmel had their end-of-year recital on Thursday, June 10, 2010. The children’s performance exceeded all expectations (but, of course, we as teachers and parents are not biased!). A reception afterwards allowed the children and parents to say goodbye to each other as they enjoyed all the treats brought in by the various families. The artwork displayed around the classroom was most enjoyed and appreciated and you could see how excited the children were about so many people viewing their efforts.
INTERNATIONAL LUNCHEONS A HUGE HIT
The Senior and Junior classes of Cheri Baron and Sue Grasso respectively impressed all with their “International Day” event. There were foods, songs and dances from all over the world. The Senior class presented the play, The Midas Touch, while the Junior class entertained all with Dr. Seuss’ Starbelly Sneeches on Beaches. We want to thank Trish Sullivan, our drama teacher, for all the wonderful work she has done with our students. The results tell it all! The artwork drew more oooh’s and aaah’s than a fireworks display with many parents so amazed that they were already planning the frames for the artwork that would soon be coming home. (And, we must advise you, this was all NEW art—watercolor paintings of landscapes from around the world—produced in addition to all the wonderful viewings at the recent art show!) As if that is not enough, the backdrop scenery for the plays was also created by the children. What the children have artistically accomplished is partly the result of the extraordinary influence and guidance they have received from our art teacher, Joan Meagle. As part of this special day, the six departing seniors, Kelsey Baron, Jared Finkel, Ryan Gillis, Laura McDaid, Samantha Rudy and Melinda Sattler, all received a special award from the New York State Comptroller for academic excellence and civic duty. We are so proud of all of them. As part of their farewell, the departing seniors sang a song (composed by Kelsey Baron) entitled “Goodbye OMS.” It was received so well that Kelsey has promised to come back and sing it with the graduates each year.
Randa Dobrayel’s Junior class on their International Luncheon day, in addition to their song, dance and play performances, had a special treat in store for the four students who would be moving up from the class (Abigail Bloomgarden, James and Jack McDaid and Clara McGuire). Unbeknownst to them (can you imagine the rest of the class keeping such a secret for so long), other members of the class wrote about each student—special remembrances and anecdotes and what they would miss most about them. It was an extremely touching thought and action and really highlighted what a Montessori classroom is all about. It was a wonderful way to end our school year!
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MUSIC FESTIVAL
We want to congratulate two students in Susan Grasso’s Junior class. Sanath Kumar and Stefanie Gschwind both participated in this past spring’s New York State School Music Association Spring Evaluation Festival. This was Sanath’s second year in the program while Stefanie followed in the footsteps of her oldersister Katharina, a former OMS student. Both Sanath and Stefanie scored in the outstanding category in their Level 1 auditions, with laudatory comments on their evaluation sheets. They are already practicing diligently for next year’s event. Good luck!
SPECIAL THANKS
In addition to the teachers mentioned for each event, here are several others who have contributed to so many of our activities. Special thanks go to our dance teacher, Denise Tillman for all the wonderful ballet recitals we have enjoyed. Thanks also to Krystyna Seweryn our music teacher for her efforts and musical accompaniment at the various concerts and events throughout the year. And thank you also goes to Adrianna Sarova, our French and Latin teacher, for her contributions to the annual French show.
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER
The first day of school will be Wednesday, September 15. New students can visit their classrooms on Tuesday, September 14. You may still register for next September in some of our classes. If you haven’t made those arrangements yet, please do so soon. The first tuition payment was due in April. The second payment is due on September 1 for elementary and nursery/kindergarten students and October 1 for Stepping Stones students. Look for the big Back-to-School newsletter to arrive mid to late August.
HAVING A PARTY?
One of our parents tells us that the private Quarry Acres Clubhouse is available to rent for a very modest fee (and special summer price cuts). It comfortably seats up to 100 (tables and chairs are included), has a stage and dance area as well as a bar and kitchen, has hardwood flooring throughout, and opens to a deck overlooking a large usable great lawn. You may also inquire about discounts on catering and linen rentals for an additional cost. To book the clubhouse please call: 914-739-0656 or 914-739-5517.
AN INTERNATIONAL VISITOR
Priya Agit, her husband Matthew and her five-year old son Abhinau, are from southern India. Matthew was a Captain in the Merchant Navy and his family was allowed to travel with him on his merchant ship. They had wonderful years together traveling around the world. And then, several months ago, the whole family was involved in a fatal car crash that took the life of Matthew and caused severe leg damage to their son who has had several surgeries already with some more to come. Priya felt it was important for her and her son to get away from the scene of their loss and grief and decided to visit some relatives here in the United States.
Priya had been near the completion of her first year teaching a kindergarten class in India (into which she tried to weave a bit of the Montessori philosophy). Previously, she had home schooled her son. She said that when she was initially completing her B.A., part of her study program included learning about Maria Montessori. While visiting her brother in Carmel, Priya visited Marge Palombo’s Nursery/Kindergarten class in Carmel.
One of Priya’s first thoughts was that the nursery/kindergaten ratio (1 to 8) provided a much greater advantage to both the children and the teachers as opposed to 1-25 in her classroom in India. “Here you can give so much more individual attention to a child and you see the results!” Priya said she loved seeing the Montessori philosophy applied in person. “There’s a huge difference seeing it in action rather than just reading about it. You see the child doing it and you see the child’s response to his own work. It’s really great!” Priya said the OMS children appeared very confident, seemed sure of what they were doing, and didn’t look “lost” as she’s observed in her own class as well as others. “In India, we teach a very strict and basic reading and writing program, but here the children are able to not only express themselves better and more creatively, but they can tell you exactly what they are doing and you know they are “teaching you back” what they have been taught and are happy to be doing it.” One of Priya’s favorite things observed in the classroom was the journaling that the children do. She hopes to take that idea back with her (along with having the children trace their own names even before they start formally writing). She also loved seeing the children work with the globe, the landforms, and the “object” boxes (which are then matched with the word the object identifies). Priya said she was thrilled with so many observable ideas and applications that she could take back with her. (And it was our pleasure to see her face light up with such anticipation, knowing that we had helped, if only in a very small way, to bring some additional joy to her life.) While still in Carmel, Marge invited Priya’s son to visit the class and on their last day in town, they did just that. Her son enjoyed all the elements of the classroom, but what he particularly loved that day was the Lego table! Any surprise there? A picture says a thousand words and you can see for yourselves how he enjoyed his time with the children.
Priya soon moved on to visit her sister-in-law in Houston, Texas but she said she would always remember her visit to OMS. We will remember too, Priya. We thank you for your excitement, your enthusiasm, your encouragement and your personal bravery! Maybe we can get an exchange going between our two classes, if not letter pen pals, maybe trading pictures?
Priya and her son, Abhinau (hand is visible in lower left) join Jason Jain to construct at the lego table in Marge Palombo’s Nursery/Kindergarten class in Carmel; Abhinau’s favorite part of his visit.
Priya with Alison and Marge in Carmel.
NOTES FROM OUR PARENTS
Grace Finkel, mother of Jared in the Senior class, at the last event of the school year, addressed this beautiful speech to the Senior and Junior teachers: Cheri, Joan, Susan and Athina: “To quote the American scholar, author and educator, William Arthur Ward: ‘The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.’ Thank you, Cheri and Susan, for inspiring our graduates to aim higher, to try even though they might fail. Thank you for helping them to realize their potential and for preparing them for the exciting challenges that await them in Middle School. But most important of all, thank you for making us the envy of our peers…our children actually looked forward to coming to school! And finally, to all the graduates: Kelsey, Melinda, Ryan, Samantha, Laura and Jared aka Bug-boy…We are so proud of you and what you have achieved. When you began your journey here you started out as fuzzy little caterpillars devouring knowledge like leaves. Your classroom became your chrysalis, a safe and nurturing environment where you could grow and transform. And now the metamorphosis is complete! The time has come for you to emerge and spread your wings. You are ready to soar to new heights. So treasure your memories of your time here at OMS. Try to smile even though your hearts are breaking. Squeeze your eyes shut to keep the tears from falling. Your hearts will soon mend; your eyes will soon dry. Your future beckons. Always remember to shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you are sure to land among the stars.”
Alison Schair Trigona, mother of Emma in Angela Carr’s Infant Class, sent us an e-mail: “My mother (a very involved grandmother) and I have been thrilled with Emma’s progress and her teachers—they are truly fantastic. Emma is so happy there. Thank you again for everything.”
While she now, of course, is the head teacher of the Senior class, Cheri Baron’s first contact with OMS was as a parent, and as such, Cheri wrote the following note to OMS: “This is a letter of thanks. For the last seven years, my daughter Kelsey has been a student in OMS. She began in Tamiko’s room tracing insets and completing her number roll with our beloved Nancy. As a mom, leaving her for the first time, Debi’s smile was as comforting for me as it was for Kelsey. When Robyn suggested the book “The Kissing Hand,” Kelsey and I began a new tradition making the separation easier. Soon Kelsey was ready for the Junior class. As I had become a teacher at OMS, seeing Kelsey off to her teachers down the hall was fun. Susan, Adrianna and Athina showered Kelsey with love. Their warm hugs and willing laps helped Kelsey get through some very sad and difficult times in our family. Learning in the Junior class is not limited to math and reading but it extends to learning kindness, feelings, friendship and love—life lessons that will always be with Kelsey. As a parent, I watched Kelsey as she sang the first song she ever wrote in the spring concert, hugged her friends when they were sad and grew. She grew tall and walked down the hall to the Senior class. Here it has been my pleasure to teach, hug and watch as my little girl grew into a lovely pre-teen ready for Middle School. I love the person she has blossomed into, and I have all of you to thank. Every moment she has been at OMS has been part of her journey. Thank you for being a positive, loving part of her life filled with teachable moments.”
From the Jean-Baptiste Family (daughter Abigail in Marge Palombo’s N/K class and son Anthony in Maggie Monahan’s Stepping Stones class in Carmel): “Dear Parents and Staff of Our Montessori School: Thank you for contributing to the relief efforts in Haiti. As you know, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. It killed nearly 300,000 people and left more than a million homeless. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the southwest of Haiti. Four major provinces were severely damaged and they included Port-au-Prince, Leogane, Petit-Goave and Grand Goave. The destruction caused by the earthquake is expressed in more ways than one. Nearly 80 percent of the hospitals, schools and public or government offices no longer exist. To that end, my wife and I embarked on a journey to collect whatever we could as donations for Haiti. Our Montessori School contributed $700 in cash and more than 500 pieces of children’s clothing. I started to plan a trip to Haiti the evening I heard about the earthquake. Initially, I joined a group of health-care professionals with the Gaskov Clerge Foundation, a non-profit group involved with health care and education in Haiti many years prior to the earthquake. The rescission of a promise to fly in a military plane and personal child-care issues forced me to postpone my initial trip. Coincidentally, this inconvenience granted my wife and me the opportunity to carry on with a fundraising drive and manage the delivery of the products to Haiti. By the completion of our drive, we collected over 25,000 items of medical supplies, 700 pieces of clothing and $2,768 in cash. I visited Haiti from March 29 through April 1. I carried 600 pounds of supplies at a cost of $800. The children’s clothing items were equally distributed to two orphanages, Kids Vision and Enfant Haitien, Mon Frere (Haitian Child, My Brother) and Chesnel Sajouste, our contact at Saint-Marc, a northwest town of Port-au-Prince, who distributed clothing to displaced children due to the earthquake. A total of $900 was spent between the orphanages; $500 was donated to Ecole Mixte Notre-Dame du Sacre-Coeur (Co-ed School of the Sacred Heart), a local kindergarten and junior high school in Port-au-Prince; $500 was donated to Dr. Josette Bijou, my aunt and former Minister of Health who is still working through her retirement to serve the poor and feed the hungry; blood pressure and diabetic medications, as well as pain reliever and other medical supplies, were donated or delivered to a diabetic center, Hopital Saint-Esprit (Holy Spirit Hospital) a local hospital, and a dispensary in the mountains of Grand-Goave. I also took part in food distribution programs organized by Dr. Bijou. Additional costs of the trip, shared by my wife and me, added up to more than $1000. It would take multiple pages to lay out the details of my trip and/or the extent of the work that needs to be done in Haiti. But the purpose of this snapshot is to thank you and have you experience, to some extent, your donation to the work. Many blessings will be bestowed upon you and yours. The children of Haiti will remember you for this effort, maybe not by name, but because you added meaning to their lives. Again, thank you for your commitment and action to uplift humanity.”
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PICNIC
Mark your calendars! Save the date!
Our second annual Pre-Back-to-School, Get Acquainted
picnic is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, just off Route 9 (same exit as the train station), from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. As the children play in the wonderful playground, have their faces painted, enjoy a variety of ball games, and meet old and new friends, and even some animals, (everything visible from whichever picnic table your family chooses), you can get reacquainted with old friends, meet and welcome new ones, and enjoy the lovely view of the river (at a very safe distance away). Bring your own picnic fare and something for the dessert table that will be shared by all.
This event was initiated last year as a response to a parent who had enrolled her child in the school and had been invited to the end-of-year school picnic even though the child had not yet attended the school. She so enjoyed meeting everyone and the helpful conversations that she had with so many other parents, that she suggested a back-to-school picnic. Last year was our first one and was enjoyed immensely by all who attended. We hope to see many of you there—feel free to bring any friends who may want to attend.
Dylan and Lucas Hohwald and their grandmother, Sally Stevens, choosing goodies from the communal dessert table.
OMS students and their families enjoy the day at Croton Point Park.
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