November 2004
From the Superintendent's
Seat:
Getting
Ready for the Big Chill
By Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi
T. Sachs READ
ARTICLE
September 2004
From
the Superintendent's Seat
Give Your Child an A for Attitude
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs MORE
Mission
Possible: Helping Children Around the World
by Patrick Schoof MORE
August 2004
From the NY Botanical
Garden:
Explore A World of Plants MORE
From
the Superintedent's Seat
All Set for Summer?
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs MORE
The “Joy” Days
of Summer
by Pola Rosen,
Ed.D. MORE
July 2004
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT'S
SEAT:
All Set for Summer?
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin
with Randi T. Sachs
READ
MORE
Classic Toys Never
Go Out of Style—Part 2
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr.
Toy)
READ
MORE
Summer
Fun at New York Botanical Garden
READ
MORE
Family Fun All Summer
Long at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
READ
MORE
June 2004
We’ve
Come a Long Way From Only Volleyball
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with
Randi T. Sachs
READ
MORE
May 2004
From
the Superintendent's Seat:
Can We Raise our Children's IQ's?
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs READ
MORE
Classic Toys Never
Go Out of Style—Part 1
by Stevanne Auerbach,
Ph.D., (Dr. Toy) READ
MORE
Spring
Time Fun Activities for Children and Families at The New
York Botanical Garden READ
MORE
April 2004
Columbia
U. Grads Get Grant for Feature Film
READ MORE
Buying the Best Toy Is Not
Child's Play
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy)
Facing a barrage of advertising and marketing ploys, adults
often exhibit some rather childish behavior when looking for
kids' toys. How many noticed the frenzy of the department store... READ MORE
From the Superintendent's Seat:
Recognizing Important Supporters of Education
by Dr. Carole
G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
When most of us hear the words "New York State Regents," images
immediately come to mind of either ourselves or our children
sitting for a year-end exam, or worrying about the scores of
one... READ MORE
New
Web Program Teaches Young People to Help Protect the Planet READ MORE
March 2004
From the Superintendent's Seat:
Supporting Success at Every Stage
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
We learned a few weeks ago that for the second year in
a row, a student in our District has been named an Intel
Finalist. Three others were named Semi-Finalists. Daniel,
the Finalist, is one of only 40 students in the nation
chosen to compete in Washington, D.C., in March for what
is often called “the
Junior Nobel Prize.” He told me he was thrilled and
surprised to have won this honor (which includes a $5,000
scholarship that will help go toward his Harvard tuition),
and how he was really hoping to go on to further success.
The level of achievement our students reach is amazing,
and we can see how important it is for parents and schools
to nurture their children’s
interests. . . READ MORE
IF YOU ASK DR. McCUNE:
About Learning From Your Students
by Lorraine Mccune, Ph.D.
In every course that I teach I ask my students to find a child
to observe for 6--10 weekly visits during the semester. When
they ask what to look for, I tell them to use their human radar,
perhaps think about what we are studying (how children learn…their
attachments to adults, etc.). Rather than an observation protocol,
I believe that attending carefully and sensitively to a student
and thinking about the child’s experience is an extraordinarily
enriching process. I ask the students to write about each observation…not
taking notes during, but rather after their time with the child.
This helps them to focus on what they notice. . .
READ MORE
Best Socially Responsible Toy Products
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., (Dr. Toy)
Children greatly benefit when you provide toys and products
that offer them the opportunity to learn more about social
issues and community. These products will help your child to
learn more about caring about environment, animals, and themselves.
Children gain from understanding about the world around them.
. . READ MORE
SEEDS Teaches More than Just Plants
A new classroom curriculum, Garden Adventure SEEDS (Science
Exploration, Education and Discovery Series) for kindergarten
and first grade, premiered last spring to select educators
with resounding success. SEEDS teaches about plant parts
while strengthening inquiry, literacy, and numeracy skills.
Subsequently, SEEDS rolled out to more than 30 schools, close
to 100 curriculum units were sold, and approximately half
a dozen teacher-training sessions were conducted. . . READ MORE
January 2004
Best
Education Products: Playing & Learning
by Stevanne
Auerbach, P h .D. (Dr.Toy) READ
MORE
Product Review:
Coloride Workbooks
by Rick Sulz
High technology is a wonderful thing, and, when used correctly
in an educational environment, can greatly enhance learning.
That's an undisputed fact. But given the fact that teachers
have been teaching and students learning for countless centuries,
one sometimes wonders "is it possible... READ
MORE
Learning—The
Process that Counts
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T.
Sachs
I'm sure every parent has been asked this question by their
children more than once. It usually comes up during homework,
or maybe after receiving a poor grade on a test or assignment.
Our children look to us to answer satisfactorily "Why
do we have to learn this?" They might even follow... READ
MORE
Sweet
Treats in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden READ
MORE
December 2003
Children's
Museum Events READ
MORE
Dr. Toy Presents-Best
Holiday Gifts Wish List
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D.,
(Dr. Toy)
This is the time of year you want to begin to find those special
play products for children. These products combine learning
and fun plus they are unique and interesting. They will provide
hours... READ
MORE
Holiday Fun at NY Botanical Garden: Gingerbread Adventures
Holiday Train Show
Twinkling lights, towering evergreens, a miniature New York
made from plants glowing in the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory,
and topiary bunnies with mittens and scarves baking... READ MORE
Letting Little Hands Reach Out
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with
Randi T. Sachs
I'm in the very best stage of parenting: It's called grandparenting.
My three children have given me seven grandchildren all under
the age of seven, and most are under the age of three. READ
MORE
November 2003
Children Wrap Up Autumn at The New York
Botanical Garden
The fall season is coming to a close but there is still so
much on display for all to see. Reds, yellows and other colors
in between are shimmering on the trees, vying for attention.
Visitors can check... READ
MORE
About Special Education
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
There was a time when students with disabilities received no
education at all. The state of New Jersey by passing laws
proposed by a state legislator named Beadleston in the mid
20th century led... READ
MORE
October 2003
Fall into Fun at the New York Botanical Garden
In what seems like the blink of an eye, summer has ended.
But the excitement of the fall season has just begun. This
means there are new and interesting sights and sounds at
The New York Botanical Garden. READ
MORE
Dr.
Toy Presents Best Toys for October READ
MORE
New
Official Website Offers US Kids A Look At Life
In Britain READ
MORE
September 2003
Children Build a Culture of Peace in a Complex World
by Michelle
Accorso
In John Lennon’s Give Peace a Chance, there were some
very distinct sounding voices singing along with him as he
pleaded with the world to listen to what he was saying. READ
MORE
About Bilingual Education
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
This volatile topic is often dominated more by closely held
political opinions and cultural bias than by the needs of
children, their teachers and parents. READ
MORE
August 2003
Student
Chess Players Compete In Nation’s
Largest Game
The Chess-in-the-Schools program is a nonprofit organization
that provides free chess instruction to 38,000 economically
disadvantaged children in 160 New York City public schools. READ
MORE
A Time for New Beginnings
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi
T. Sachs
Regardless of the fact that New Year’s is celebrated
on January 1st, every parent knows that the beginning of the
new year is right around the day after Labor Day, when school
begins again for our children. READ
MORE
Internships & Study:
Prepare for Next Summer
Compiled by Katarzyna Kozanecka and
Rob Luchow
This is the conclusion of Education Update’s list of
educational summer activities for New York City students. These
programs will still be around next year so save the list. READ
MORE
June 2003
Number Of Black Children In Extreme Poverty Hits Record High
The number of Black children living in extreme poverty is
at its highest level in 23 years, according to an analysis
released by the Children’s Defense Fund. READ
MORE
Dr.
Toy Names Metanon Board Game “Best Children’s
Vacation Product”
by Institute for Childhood Resources
Metanon: The Biocode Adventure(tm) was selected by Dr. Toy
as one of this year’s “Best Children’s Vacation
Products.” One of several hundred applicants, the game
was selected for its unique design and educational value. READ
MORE
Flower
Power “Rules” this Month in the Everett
Children’s Adventure Garden at The New York Botanical
Garden
For Families: NEW! Flower Power-June 14-September 14, 2003,
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Visit the Adventure Garden and experience the dizzying diversity
of color, fragrance, shape, and size found among our blossoms
during this summer’s floral festival. See beautiful flower
sculptures combined with nature’s own bounty. READ
MORE
“Father Of Head Start” Warns
of Dangers of Dismantling Head Start
Edward Zigler, Ph.D., the man widely known as the “father
of Head Start,” was recognized recently with an award
at the National Head Start Association’s 30th annual
national training conference.
READ
MORE
Research Finds Decline In Outdoor Play
by Dr. Rhonda Clements
With summer approaching, many New York City parents can recall
childhood memories involving stickball, sidewalk chalk, handball,
jump rope, and a variety of child-created games. READ
MORE
March 2003
If
You Ask Dr. McCune Education Begins with Play… for
Boys & Girls!
by Lorraine McCune, Ed.D.
A trip to some of the showrooms at the recent Toy Fair confirmed
the broad divide between schools and toys and between toys
for girls and toys for boys. A visit to Toys-R-Us, or the
boutique toy store in midtown will tell you the same thing. READ
MORE
The 2003 Columbia Space Shuttle:
How to Talk to Children about the Tragedy
by Robin F. Goodman,
Ph.D., A.T.R.-BC
What should I say to help children understand?
Some general guidelines: Keep in mind the child’s age,
personality, general tendency to fear and worry, and level
of interest. Monitor your own reactions as children learn the
most from, and often worry the most about, those in their immediate
environment. It is important for both children and adults to
maintain their routines and talk about information and feelings
as they evolve. READ
MORE
February
2003
Best Toys for February Fun and Learning
by Stevanne Auerbach,
Ph.D. [Dr. Toy]
Parents and teachers should look for products that have
enduring qualities, are reasonably priced and will help
children to learn. I suggest a good mix... READ
MORE
Just Take a Deep Breath
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi
T. Sachs
We’re either feeling it or talking about it, but the
subject is all around us. What we’re talking about is
stress. Stress seems to be almost an accepted... READ
MORE
Playful Learning and Creative Societies
by Mitchel Resnick,
Ph.D.
In the 1980s, there was much talk about the transition from
the “Industrial Society” to the “Information
Society.” People began to see information, not natural
resources, as the driving force in...
READ
MORE
January
2003
Best
Toys for New Year’s
Fun and Learning
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. [Dr. Toy]
Look for Dr. Toy’s Recommendations next month
Parents and teachers should look for products that have enduring
qualities, are reasonably priced and will help children to
learn. We want to provide children with learning and fun... READ
MORE
Out
of the Mouths…
by
Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
A Congressional redistricting brought in a new (to us) Representative
who promises to be a strong supporter of our schools and our
community. I had the pleasure of... READ
MORE
No Child Left Behind: Research and the Art of Teaching
by
Dr. Lorraine McCune
Enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law
107-110) will ensure that all children learn by supporting
educational activities evaluated by... READ
MORE
December 2002
Welcome
Back, Madame Secretary Elaine Chao
by Dr. Carole G.
Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
I was so pleased when U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
accepted my invitation to return to Syosset High School and
receive our very first Alumni Award of Distinction. Secretary
Chao graduated Syosset High School with the Class of 1971. READ
MORE
Discovering Literacy is
Like Discovering Language
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
It is sometimes said that “writing is talk written down”.
If this were true, the major problem in learning to read would
be linking up the message on the printed page with something
we might express in speech or sign language. READ
MORE
November 2002
From
the Superintendent’s
Seat:
Teaching Our Children to Give Back
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
Our children study a great many subjects in school... READ
MORE
The Power of Teachers
by Dr. Lorraine Mccune
This fall, after a twenty-year hiatus, I find myself again
teaching students who aspire to the teaching profession... READ
MORE
Harvest
Unique Programs in the Everett Children’s Adventure
Garden at The NY Botanical Garden Pofessional Development For
Teachers
Introducing the new “A Teacher’s Guide to the Everett
Children’s Adventure Garden, Making Informal Learning
Fun,” designed to help maximize the educational experience
of a visit to the Adventure Garden for the teacher and students
before, during and after a class trip... READ
MORE
October 2002
From
the Superintendent’s
Seat:
Integrating Arts into the Curriculum
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
When I heard that this issue of Education Update would
be focusing on arts in education, I was so proud... READ
MORE
Exciting
Activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure
Garden at The NY Botanical Garden
Trees dressed with fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves; gold-kissed
blades of grass, and crisp cool air means fall is upon us... READ
MORE
September 2002
If
You Ask Dr. McCune About Children and Grief–in the
Long Term
by Lorraine Mccune, Ph.d.
Some believe that if a loss occurs when a child is too young
to know their parent personally, or to remember a parent
who has died, that the... READ
MORE
From
the Superintendent’s
Seat:
Commemorating an Unforgettable Day
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
“Where were you?” For many parents of schoolchildren
today, that question was usually followed by “when President
Kennedy was shot.”... READ
MORE
Fantastic
Fall Festivities in Everett Children’s Adventure Garden,
NY Botanical Garden
This fall surround yourself with the orange, yellow, and red
leaves of the trees in the Everett Children’s Adventure
Garden and experience the beauty... READ
MORE
August 2002
The Pressure to Perform: Stressed Out in Preschool
What are the effects on children and parents?
by Amy Flynn,
M.S., M.Ed.
Being the Director of the Family Center has afforded me the...
READ
MORE
Getting Ready to Make a Fresh Start
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
As we all know, the month of August means one thing: school
and September are just around the corner. READ
MORE
July 2002
From
the Superintendent’s
Seat
Building Self Esteem Is Important For All Children
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
By age nine or 10, children begin to take more notice if
a classmate looks, acts, or dresses differently. READ
MORE
About Children and Depression
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
Every moment of infant and childhood happiness is precious.
As the adults in charge, parents or professionals, we hold
the possibility of... READ
MORE
Keep
Your Child’s
Mind Fresh During the
Hot Summer Months
A study conducted a few years ago found that over the summer
vacation, children can lose a quarter of their reading
and math skills. READ
MORE
June 2002
Kids Hunt for Allergy Clues at Bronx Zoo
by Tom Kertes
What could zoos and allergies possibly have in common? READ
MORE
From the Superintendent's Seat
Electives Can Be Enlightening
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin
with Randi T. Sachs READ
MORE
May 2002
From the Superintendent's Seat
There Are Always New Discoveries to Make,
New Things to
Learn
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi
T. Sachs READ
MORE
Parents
and Caregivers are the Key to Children's Successful Language
Growth READ
MORE
April 2002
Saying Good-bye to a Teacher Mid-Year
by Helen Frazier
In November, a little girl gave the head teacher in our preschool
class a hug and said, "Your belly is fat. Have you
been eating too much food, or... READ
MORE
The Time for College Decisions
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
"April is the cruelest month." Whoever thought that
T.S. Eliot was referring to college acceptance letters? In early
April, high school seniors and their... READ
MORE
March 2002
Shaping
Tomorrow’s Leaders:
Global Kids
by Jan Aaron
Do you want your kids to become world leaders? Then, get
them involved with Global Kids, Inc., a non-profit youth
organization that “turns... READ
MORE
From
the Superintendent’s
Seat
Make Travel Time Count
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T.
Sachs
This is the time of year when spring break is right around
the corner, and soon after follows summer vacation. READ
MORE
e-Toys and Learning:
Can e-toys find a place in the classroom?
by Lorraine McCune,
Ph.D.
Reading, Writing and Mathematics ha-ve supplanted play as the
primary concern of kindergarten teachers. Gone is the relaxed
playful notion that the... READ
MORE
February 2002
Teaching the Dream to Preschoolers
by Margaret Blachly
In our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, inclusion classroom
of three and four year olds at the Bank Street Family
Center, we teach the children from the... READ
MORE
From
the Superintendent’s
Seat
The Making Of A Museum
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin
with Randi T. Sachs
A number of years ago, children at a Syosset elementary
school found READ
MORE
January 2002
Toilet Learning at the Bank Street Family Center
by Diana
Musa
Many parents of toddlers begin to wonder when it’s
time to make the developmental move from diapers to underwear. READ
MORE
Great Games for Growing Children
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy)
Games are excellent for to learn and gain confidence. Playing
games provides many skills like strategy, observation, sequencing,
plus learning to share... READ
MORE
From
the Superintendent’s
Seat
Back To Basics
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
A common education theme we are hearing is the question, “What
about getting back to basics?” Such concern stems from
identification of poor skills... READ
MORE
If
you ask Dr. McCune… Every
Child is an Individual
After many decades of enforced segregation in “contained” classrooms,
often labeled with diagnoses that quickly became pejorative,
children with... READ
MORE
Children’s
Software Reviews READ
MORE
December 2001
Best Five Toys for the Holidays
by Dr. Toy (Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D.) READ
MORE
A Feast Beyond Compare Focus on Special Education
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
I attended a pre-Thanksgiving feast at one of our district’s
middle schools recently. This annual tradition has always been
a special occasion, but... READ
MORE
November 2001
Should We Celebrate Holidays in School?
by Diana Musa and Heather Prince-Clarke
There are several factors that influence how we celebrate
holidays at the Bank Street Family Center. Our overaching
philosophy of inclusion dictates... READ
MORE
New Roles And Possibilities For Our Schools
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
On September 11, when our nation was devastated by the sudden
attack by terrorists, our schools were in session. It has been
over 50 years since we... READ
MORE
If
you ask Dr. McCune… About
Children and Tragedy
Our children have experienced a terrible change in the context
of their daily lives. Some have witnessed events first hand
that no one should have... READ
MORE
October 2001
The
Everett Children’s Adventure
Garden
at The New York Botanical Garden READ
MORE
Give Them a Chance to Shine
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
Three words that are certain to bring back memories for all
of us are: The Class Play. As superintendent, I’m not
sure which is more fun to watch. READ
MORE
Ask Dr. McCune
by Lorraine McCune, Ph.D.
How can parents and teachers cope with high-stakes testing?
READ
MORE
September 2001
School is for Kids
by Dr. Carole Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
Why is it that we can’t have a discussion about school
anymore without mentioning the “T” word? Tests
are not what school is all about.
READ
MORE
August 2001
Cooking Up Ways of Helping Infants Grow
by Tom Kertes
Good early childhood development is scientifically acknowledged
as the most important factor in a person’s later
quality of life. READ
MORE
Tips
for Packing School Lunch READ
MORE
Separation:
What It Looks Like in an Infant/ Toddler Classroom
by Tamira Levine M.S. READ
MORE
July 2001
Make Summertime a Learning Time
by Dr. Lorraine McCune
Educators often bemoan the loss of learning in their students
over the two-month summer break in the school year. READ
MORE
A Teacher's Journey to Understanding War Play
by Judi Gentry
Every year, the children in my preschool classes have engaged
in some kind of war play. READ
MORE
A Visit To Washington
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T.
Sachs
A few years ago, Syosset Schools received a visit by then US
Secretary of Education Richard Riley, who wanted to see a successful
public school... READ
MORE
June 2001
The Teachable Moments of Spring: Growth is Universal
by Lindsay Salz
The magic of spring can be a wonderful vehicle for teaching
young children many new concepts. With the arrival of a new
season, many preschoolers... READ
MORE
Blues’ Clues’ Goals
Blues’ Clues videos are very popular with young children,
but parents watching them may not always know the education
goals of each episode. READ
MORE
In Honor of Teachers
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T.
Sachs
As Superintendent of Syosset Schools for the past 11 years,
I have interviewed too many teachers to count. READ
MORE
Virtual Y Receives National Recognition
After nearly three years of reorganizing, improving, planning
and measuring the quality of their After-School Program,
the Virtual Y site at P.S. 22, a... READ
MORE
May 2001
Speaking to Young Children about Death and Dying
by Tarima Levine
What Is New in Early Childhood Education?
by Dr. Lorraine McCune
Speaking to Young Children about Death and Dying
by Tarima Levine
Regent Harry Phillips Visits Syosset Schools
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
April 2001
Making a Feltboard Story for Tots
by Margaret Blachly