EDUCATIONAL FORUM: APR. 2, 2017
THE MASTERS SCHOOL
9:15 am – Doors Opens
9:50 – 10:00 – Welcome and Guide to Forum
Tim Kane, Associate Head of School, The Masters School, and Patsy Kumekawa, Scholar Search Associates
PRESENTATIONS - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
10:00 – 11:00 a. Integrating Innovation, Entrepreneurship & STEM
Consider the conditions that spark innovation - not the incremental improvements that enable a car to gain gas mileage, but of those “paradigm shifters”, like Ford’s
Model T automobile or Jobs’s Apple II computer, that redefine how we live. Both Ford and Jobs shared an ability to tap their wide-ranging interests to create something
special. Too often, engineering is part of a science program; entrepreneurship is taught in a business class … components that are crucial in fostering innovation are
learned and applied separately, and inefficiently. Explore how integrating disciplines not only kindles creativity but also provides a rich learning experience for students.
Discover too, how you, as parents, can cultivate, in your child, an appreciation for connections that can encourage new ways of thinking.
Presenter: John Chiodo P’19, Director. of Innovation, Engineering & Computer Science, The Masters School
b. You, Your Child & Einstein
Have you ever worried that someday someone will find out your success is due purely to luck? Do you have a fear of failure, or a feeling that your hard work is never
enough? If so, then you and about 70% of the population suffer from the Impostor Syndrome. It’s usually the highest achieving and most gifted people that get hit the hardest Einstein, Tina Fey, Maya Angelou, you … your student. It is hard enough to deal with these feelings as adults, but it is harder when we see our children exhibiting the same
fears. Come take a look at the Impostor Syndrome and learn how to combat this condition and give your children the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Presenter: Jill Schaffer, Director, The Experimentory at Deerfield Academy
c. Using Peer Teaching for Effective Learning
If you do not think that peer teaching can yield genuine knowledge and excitement, think again. To be sure, visualizing children and youths as effective role models for their
contemporaries may be challenging. It may be more difficult still to imagine that teachers within similar age cohorts as their students would be respected and accepted. But
providing the right environment and given the proper opportunity and development, peer teaching can be one of the most effective ways of providing and retaining knowledge,
understanding and confidence - for both teacher and student. Discover how your child can learn and develop in a most positive way.
Presenter: Steven Fink, Founder, SummerTech
11:00 – 12:00 a. Elementary Algebra: The Importance of Early Abstract Math
Traditional math curricula shun algebraic abstraction until students are well into middle school. It is becoming increasingly apparent that students are
capable of working with algebraic thought and notation from a much younger age. In fact, this early exposure has shown itself to have real positive
impacts on a child's overall cognitive development. Explore the history and theory behind a Russian approach that seeks to in troduce the concepts of
variable, equation and order of operation to students as young as the first grade. In a world of accelerating progress and end lessly proliferating
information, adaptive analytical thinking and problem solving are more important than ever. Algebra is the per fect exercise to prepare young minds for this
future. Find out why.
Presenter: Christopher Green, Principal, Russian School of Mathematics (Stamford)
b. Fostering Critical Thinking Through Creative Writing
Creative writing is often considered frivolous in our test-prep culture where there is always the RIGHT answer. But who has the right answer and how does that teach us to
think creatively and imaginatively for ourselves? It is through creative writing that we begin to find out. Structuring a story with a beginning, middle and an end requires intense
critical thought. And, that intensity poses barriers for many students who feel restrained by their uncertainty of grammar or of what formats are "allowed." Giving students the
space to err, and in an environment uninhibited by censorship can make learning how to write not only doable but also enjoyable. Discover what you can do to generate
literacy, critical thinking and, yes, joy in your child.
Presenter: Lena Roy, Northern Metro Regional Manager & Head Instructor, Writopia Lab
c. Tour of The Masters School -- gather at The Masters School table in the Exhibit Area
12:00 – 1:00 ---------------------
LUNCH BREAK
Families welcome to meet one another
---------------------
1:00 – 2:00 a. Identifying and Accommodating the 2e Child in Your LIfe
If you are concerned that your child’s academic performance seems at odds with your awareness of his/her capability, then join in to become familiar with the characteristics
associated with twice exceptionality. The life of a twice exceptional (2e) student can be quite trying. A child who has the intellectual gifts to understand, but a learning
difference that prevents the processing of information typically is subjected to considerable frustration and anxiety. Accordingly, 2e children, if not identified, nor
accommodated, could find it especially hard to fulfill their potential both as students and as individuals. Learn what can be done to address a child’s learning difference while
enabling a gifted mind to soar.
Presenter: John Manganiello, Head of School, The Beacon School
PRESENTATIONS - continued
EDUCATIONAL FORUM: APR. 2, 2017
THE MASTERS SCHOOL
PRESENTATIONS 1:00 – 2:00 - continued
b. How to Assess Summer Enrichment Programs
The selections seem infinite, as do the possible settings, purposes, and emphases. These are the wide assortment of summer enrichment programs all offering
experiences that would provide your child with intellectual and emotional growth. But how would you look for a program that is best suited for your child’s needs and for
your financial budget? More importantly, how might you assess the program’s suitability relative to the benefits that it may provide? Join in for a discussion that could
enable you to contribute meaningfully to your child’s life.
Presenter: Ricky Gunzel, Recruitment Manager, Summer Discovery
c. The Importance of Tech-Free, Test-Free Socialization
Something important is missing in today’s world of communicating through social media and learning focused on standardized testing performance. The awareness of
ourselves as individuals and how we view others are increasingly being defined through the directives of electronic proxies and by the narrow interpretations of educational
achievement. Lost are the openness of mind and the importance of childhood and the ability to play and make and keep friends. Understand better why a "step back in
time" into an environment, unencumbered by technology, where people interact in person, helps develop the social skills so important to personal success.
Presenter: Gordon Josey, Owner/Director, Breezemont Day Camp
2:00 – 3:00 a. Developing Executive Function Skills to Enhance Student Performance
Executive functioning (EF) describes our ability to efficiently complete tasks - to recognize what needs to be done, to organize for action, and to carry out the tasks at
hand. For those with high EF skills, fulfilling assignments competently and promptly is a matter of course. On the other hand, those without such skills and whose
assignments may neither be competent nor prompt are often viewed as lazy, unmotivated, and sloppy. The good news is that EF can be developed. Join in to
understand the importance of EF and how it can impact on a student's academic performance and morale. But, whatever your child’s EF “quotient”, come discover tools
that can make work/study habits more effective to enable a boost in performance levels.
Presenters: Kathleen Brigham, Director, and Jean Card, Director of Student Mastery, The Learning Consultants
b. Considerations for Early College
The early college option could be a most rewarding educational experience. In an early college setting, students learn in an environment where advanced course material
is not only the norm, but also where the expectation for intellectual fulfillment is commonplace. It is a setting where curiosity and the desire to learn can combine in a way
that could foster substantial intellectual and emotional growth. Yet, even among advanced learners, early college may not be the best educational path to follow. Come
learn about the different types of early college approaches and, more importantly, the type of student who would most benefit from this choice.
Presenter: Sophie Mettler-Grove, Admission Counselor, Bard Academy / Bard College at Simon’s Rock
c. Tour of The Masters School -- gather at The Masters School table in the Exhibit Area
3:00 – 4:00 a. Understanding the College Application Process
It is a process that seems to get more complicated with every passing year. Application packets never seem to thin and application numbers never seem to fall. What’s
more, college admission officers have begun considering more facets of an applicant’s qualities than ever before. Thus students that understand the key elements of the
application process, including the different components of the application, deadlines, choosing the schools, knowing when to start … will be in the best position to submit
a compelling application. Come acquire an important overview of college admissions. At the least, a heightened understanding will help keep stress at bay.
Presenter: Ho-Jae Cha, Tutor and Education Consultant, Ivy Global
b. Creating Community for Parents of Intellectually Curious Kids
Raising a precocious child can feel frustrating, exhilarating and isolating--sometimes all at once. But you're not alone. Social media can provide a powerful forum for
families of intellectually curious kids to connect and share resources, experience and support. It's free and empowering and, best of all, meetings are not required. Hear
how a local virtual parent network got its start and get practical tips to build your own. From promoting a positive community culture to curating meaningful content, hear a
discussion on what worked, what flopped and what will be next. There will be ample time for questions and discussion. Join us!
Presenter: Jen Citrolo, SO Curious
EDUCATIONAL FORUM: APR. 2, 2017
THE MASTERS SCHOOL
STUDENT SESSIONS 10:00 am - 4:00 pm student sessions are open to all students in 4 t h -12th grades.
1) The Art of Writing Fiction (grades 4-6, 7-9) with Steven Barish, Ph.D., Asst. Program Manager, Johns Hopkins CTY Online Programs
(grades 4-6: 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm) (grades 7-9: 3 pm)
Immerse yourself into a world that is bounded only by the infinite limits of your creativity. Then, express what you can imagine so that you can share your world with
others - as a story. However, if you are like most, the ability to articulate effectively through the written word is a challenge. Discover tools and strategies (like starting
with an ending, or mashing characters) that will add pizzazz and excitement, or pathos and sensitivity (or all the above, and more), to what you have to say. Give your
writing skills a boost while allowing your creative juices to flow. (For grades: 4-6 & 7-9, session limit: 20)
2) The Power to Speak in Public (grades 4-6, 7-10) with Lumos Debate Institute
(grades 4-6: 10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm) (grades 7-10: 11 am, 3pm)
If you like arguing, you'll love debate! Come hone your argument skills by debating such issues as summer vs winter, pancakes vs waffles, and cats vs dogs. You'll
learn to build an argument, use evidence to support, and engage in critical analysis. In the process, you’ll bolster public speaking skills; employing body language, tone,
and enunciation to your advantage. Here’s a chance to discover the power of speech. (For grades: 4-6 & 7-10, session limit: 20)
3) Instant Engineering (grades 4-7, 7-12) with John Chiodo, Dir. of Innovation, Engineering & Computer Science, The Masters School
(grades 4-7: 2 pm, 3 pm) (grades 7-12: 1 pm)
Become that creative engineer. As part of a team you are charged with helping to design a new household product to be presented as a viable concept to be compared
with those developed by other teams. That means, on top of being creative, you must also integrate your ideas with those of your teammates and contribute your
growing awareness of engineering design principles effectively. Did we mention that the time between the problem identification and the rollout is to be 60 minutes? So,
being creative, efficient and receptive count. Pick up the challenge and consider, contemplate, and create. (grades 4-7 & 7-12, session limit: 24)
4) Making Art to Make a Statement (grades 4-7, 8-12) with Daly Flanagan, Acting Director, Rockland Center for the Arts
(grades 4-7: 11 am) (grades 8-12: 10 am)
They are the latest rage. They are Zines: mini-magazines that express your voice through your compilation of drawings, stencils, collages and stampings. Art, imagery
and words are combined, along with a copier machine, to deliver statements you wish to make and what you want others to hear. Think of what Thomas Paine could
have done over 200 years ago when he argued for the American Revolution had he used graphics. But you need not be political … letting the world know the migration
patterns of the American oystercatcher could be an admirable undertaking. Discover the power of art, discover the power of imagery, and craft a statement that draws
on the power of your imagination. (grades 4-7 & 8-12, session limit: 20)
5) The Art of Coding (grades 4-8) with Ben Bakker, Teacher - Theater & Electronics Cluster, The Experimentory at Deerfield Academy
(10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm)
Envision yourself a coder by visualizing the swirls and twirls of a Scribbler Bot. New to programming? No problem when you quickly get into the swing of things as you
and your team will use Python, a very high-level programming language, and apply “sequencing”, “looping” and “variable declaring” to get your Scribbler to sketch
geometric shapes, letters, patterns, and scribbles. It’s art … it’s coding … it’s intoxicating. Explore the rudiments of programming, then contribute to an all-class art-fest.
(grades 4-8, session limit: 14)
6) Becoming a Better Homeworker (gr. 4-8) w/ Kathleen Brigham,Dir.,Jean Card, Dir.of Student Mastery,The Learning Consultants
(10 am, 11 am, 3 pm)
You are only human if there were days that you did not want to do your homework. And, for some of us, even if we wanted to do the homework, it is tough to get
started. Here’s your chance to see how you can make the process easier. Learn tips that will empower you to make your studies more manageable. Discover how you
can get your mind to become more focused. To be sure, the homework will still be there and with the same quantity of problem sets. But you will gain the mental focus
and discipline needed to complete your assignments more quickly. Think of it! More time to play, more time to sleep, what can you lose?
(For grades: 4-8, session limit: 20)
7) The Short, Short, Story (grades 4-8, 7-12) with Lena Roy, Northern Metro Regional Mgr. & Head Instructor, Writopia Lab
(grades 4-8: 1 pm, 3 pm) (grades 7-12: 2 pm)
Discover the power of imagination - how it will take you and others on journeys, how it could hold you captive, or set you free. More importantly, discover how expansive
imaginings can be, even if confined within narrow boundaries. You will be tasked to write a story. You will be given a first line and a last line, and will be guided to
construct a compelling narrative in between. Amaze yourself and your friends with your characters, plots, resolutions and unexpected twists. Experience tells us that
there are no limits to what you can come up with. Join in on a journey of exploration. (For grades: 4-8 & 7-12, session limit: 20)
8) The “Un-Aerodynamic” Helicopter (grades 5-8) with Claire Pagliaro, Teacher, The Beacon School
(10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm)
At first glance, it would seem that nothing could keep a helicopter airborne - it is, after all, a body attached to whirling propellers. However, a helicopter’s propellers
serve to act like an airplane’s wings, providing lift when spun by the rotor assemblage. It is how the propeller blades are shaped and combined that determines
how much lift can be provided. The mission is to design a blade and rotor mechanism that offers the best flight performance capability. You will construct your
design with an inventory of materials. And then you will test and modify your prototypes under conditions that require you to calculate, and tabulate, results. Make
Igor “the father of the copter” Sikorsky proud. (For grades: 5-8, session limit: 20)
9) Approach the SAT-ACT With Confidence (grades 7-12) with Ho-Jae Cha, Tutor & Education Consultant, Ivy Global
(10 am, 11 am, 1 pm)
Everybody shares three inescapable experiences: death, taxes and college entrance exams. The good news is that of the three, college entrance exams may well
be the easiest for which to prepare. Whether or not you have begun the exam preparation process, join in to gain an overview of the different tests - the SATI, SAT
II, ACT and how to select among them. Obtain a handy roadmap for the road ahead - a timetable for test dates and deadlines that will optimize your planning
efforts. And then, acquire those all-important tips that can result in your highest possible scores. Give yourself an hour well worth spending.
(For grades: 7-12, session limit: 20)
10) Mathematics: Elegantly Simple (grades 7-12) with Paul Ellis, Director, Westchester Area Math Circle
(11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm)
Bulgarian Solitaire is a simple game with a simple rule. Yet, continuous play reveals interesting and unexpected patterns. Play the game and use your mathematical
mind to look for patterns, make conjectures and prove your ideas. Wade into the mysteries of numbers and experience mathematics in a fashion not to be seen in
school. You won’t regret it. (For grades: 7-12, session limit: 20)