Hurry over to State Line Lookout in Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine NJ this Sunday for Hawks Over the Hudson.  At 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. you can get up close and personal with live hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons.
More information: http://www.natureprogram.org/pdfs/hawksHudson.pdf

For more earth science, on October 8th just head a little further north to Palisades, NY for Columbia U Lamont-Doherty Observatory open house.
More information: http://openhouse.ldeo.columbia.edu/

A great opportunity to introduce children of all ages (and adults) to the exciting science going on right next door.  In grade school Ms. Maria’s children loved the Lamont Open House, and her older daughter, Isabella, has been working on a research team at Lamont since 2014!

Interesting review in the WSJ today of a new book: Do Parents Matter?

The LeVines are not arguing for abandoning Western parenting mores but making an eloquent case that wisdom requires a little humility about what is “right.” American children speak more and earlier than children in some other societies, but “we don’t know whether American preschool children actually have better conversational abilities than, say, French children or just lack the social skill to restrain their speech in adult contexts, as French children do.” All the talking we do with our babies may stretch their brains, but it also creates children who believe everything they say is worth listening to at all times. In any case, “once American parents free themselves from the expert warnings that any deviations from current American practices will constitute trauma, abuse, or adversity for their children’s development”—warnings that the LeVines show in this book are largely groundless—“then it will be possible to learn from other cultures and reduce parental burdens to a more sensible level.” Parenting is hard enough as it is. There’s no reason to lose sleep over things that aren’t worth worrying about.

$450 — Winning Bid!  THANKS from Friends of Montessori Foundation

If you want the best for your young child (ages 2 to 6), The Montessori House can offer immediate placement for September 2016 in all programs.  Please e-mail admissions@themontessorihouse.com or call us at 201-816-8343.   (Application and tuition details.)

2016-17 Enrollment Agreements Due March 14 by 3 p.m.

Spring Trimester After-school Class Enrollment Due by March 16 for discount

Schedule of Winter Trimester After-school Make-up Classes:

Yesterday, February 8th, our Montessori House parents joined children in all our classes for  the best Lunar New Year celebrations.  With stories, costumes, food, and more, our children had a chance to learn about and experience different aspects of this traditional holiday celebrated throughout East Asia.

Thanks to all the parents who were able to join us!

Here are just a few of our children outfitted for the holiday …

Celebrating Lunar New Year 2016 at The Montessori House

The Montessori House is open on the normal schedule today, February 5th.  Local weather conditions vary; parents should use their own judgement as to whether their children can come to school safely today.  Parents should feel free to keep children home or arrive late; especially if the snow in the yard is suitable for building a snow-boy or snow girl, or for making snowballs!

School picture packages may be picked up starting today — in your child’s folder.