1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

EDUCATIONAL FORUM: FEB. 1, 2015
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
9:15 am – Door Opens
9:50 – 10:00 – Welcome and Guide to Forum
[ WEST ROOM – Reid Castle]
Presenters: Dr. Jon C. Strauss, President - Manhattanville College, Patsy Kumekawa, Scholar Search Associates
PRESENTATIONS - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm all presentations held in REID CASTLE
10:00 – 11:00 a. A Practical Map for the Road to College [ WEST ROOM ]
It is one of life’s burdens – the college application process. Make it easier on yourself by learning some of the tools that will enable you to be an
appealing admissions candidate. Most importantly, discover and be reassured that you do not need to compromise on hopes and d reams to find a college
that will serve you best.
Presenter: Keith Berman, President, Options for College
b. Kindling the Spark: Keeping Gifted Students Engaged
[ EAST LIBRARY ]
Children approach the world with wonder, eager to discover new truths and master new skills. But too often, we find that instead of kindling that spark, schools can dampen it through
inflexibility, a one size fits all model, and a focus on teaching to the test. This workshop addresses inspiration, enrichment, underachievement, the importance of challenge, common
misconceptions about gifted students, and strategies to develop creative productivity in all young people. Join in and discuss the needs of intellectually curious students and explore
ideas for keeping your child engaged.
Presenter: Meredith Hafer, Head of School, Beacon School
11:00 – 12:00 a. Advocating for Your Gifted Child – Making the System Work for You
[ WEST ROOM ]
As parents of gifted and/or twice-exceptional (2e) children, we are aware of their strengths and talents as well as the areas in need of support. Although
there are always exceptions, we also know that our schools have difficulty making accommodations for either. Join us and learn a variety of strategies
that will facilitate positive advocacy for your child. Discover what your particular system offers, how to get more from the system, and how to provide
outside support in order for your child to achieve optimal success.
Presenter: Mary McInerney, Briarcliff Manor, Educational Consultant
b. Early College Alternatives
[ EAST LIBRARY ]
Curiosity and the desire to learn can be sustained throughout one's formal educational experience. For some in high school, early college alternatives can
provide not only the advanced course material but also a suitable learning environment that can spark intellectual and emotio nal growth. An admission
administrator of the institution that was the first in the country to be devoted to early college will explore three kinds of early college models and the kind
of students who most benefit from this experience.
Presenter: Joel Pitt, Assistant Director of Admission, Bard College at Simon’s Rock
c. Tour of Manhattanville College
12:00 – 1:00 ---------------------
[ meet at the MANHATTANVILLE TABLE in the exhibit area ]
LUNCH BREAK
Families welcome to meet one another
1:00 – 2:00 a. Affording Your Educational Goals for Your Child
---------------------
[ WEST ROOM ]
Providing a top notch education for our children is a goal for most families. Yet, an overwhelming number of us are unsure if we can muster the financial
resources necessary to fulfill our educational aspirations. This should not be the case. Become more familiar and comfortable with the “affordability” issue
- learn about common misconceptions and compare the various ways to pay for college and other educational programs. Find out ab out financial
concepts and how to save for your child's educa tion. Discover why concerns about affording education should not be the biggest roadblocks to fulfilling
dreams.
Presenter: Roy Lipson, Independent Representative of Primerica
b. Executive Function Changeover: Empowering Students for Success
[ EAST LIBRARY ]
In the competitive college admissions environment, acceptance to a college or university can sometimes be interpreted as the end of the journey.
However, it is only the beginning of an exciting, though sometimes stressful time for both students and their families. Students do not realize how much
support they may need from their families to get their daily activities accomplished, and parents may struggle to let go of b eing the executive function
support their children need in order to s ucceed. This session will explore what skills are needed in order to succeed during the initial stages of college,
and what students should be doing for themselves now in order to promote a smooth transition.
Presenter: Sarah Craig, Director, Non-Degree Programs, Smith College Precollege Programs
- continued
EDUCATIONAL FORUM: FEB. 1, 2015
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
PRESENTATIONS – continued (in REID CASTLE)
2:00 – 3:00 a. Common Core, the New SAT’s, and the Impact on College Admissions
[ WEST ROOM ]
The United States educational approach is experiencing a paradigm shift that is affecting an entire generation of students from kindergarten through high
school. From the wide implementation of the Common Core standards in our school systems to the redesigned 2016 SAT’s, the ver y practice of education
is seeing significant changes. Along with changes come concerns – and many of these concerns have arisen from misconceptions and hearsay. Discover
once for all: 1) what are the Common Core standards and how do they shape the student’s learning expe rience, 2) what are the changes on the upcoming
SAT’s and what new skills do students need to score well, and 3) how does all this factor in the college admission process an d how must the student
adjust to achieve success.
Presenter: Edward Kim, Director of Curriculum, C2 Education
b. Brains and Bravery: The Role of School in the Lives of Girls
[ EAST LIBRARY ]
Did you know that Google Analytics indicates that parents are twice as likely to be concerned with their daughter’s appearanc e as opposed to her
intelligence? Or that only 19% of characters depicted in G rated films and television series are female? Cultural messages th at negatively impact girls are
ubiquitous and dangerously subtle. And as much as things have changed over the past century, the value placed on a girl’s intellectual and academic
development is not a given, not even in 2014 here in America. Understand how education plays a pivotal role in girls’ lives i n ways different from the role
it plays in the lives of boys and learn how to frame the process of selecting a school for your daughter. This one is for your girl.
Presenter: Laura Burgess, Associate Director of Admissions, Emma Willard School
c. Tour of Manhattanville College
[ meet at the MANHATTANVILLE TABLE in the exhibit area ]
3:00 – 4:00 a. Working for Better Educational Accommodation
[ WEST ROOM ]
The educational environment poses challenges for high -potential children and their families. The lack of recognition for the needs of those who have an
elevated capacity and desire to learn has resulted in a need for more accommodation in many of our communities. One way to heighten recognition is
through political awareness. Find out about current efforts for legislative activism and directions for future activism in NY State. Learn about ways to
develop effective grassroots efforts through community-based action plans. Understand the main players who impact New York State educational policy
(governor, legislators, NYSED, Regents, etc.). In the end, even if you don’t live within New York, you will come away better equipped to advocate on
behalf of your child whether on a state, community, or personal level.
Presenter: Jen Seron, Legislative Co-Chair, AGATE (Advocacy for Gifted & Talented Education in New York)
b. How to Make History a Favorite Subject … and Why You Should
[ EAST LIBRARY ]
As Harvard’s history department notes, history studies human interaction in all of its dimensions – from social life, to culture, to politics, and from the perspectives of
individuals through nations. It’s a subject that integrates an extraordinary range of awareness and knowledge. With modern children being bombarded with information,
history is a vital filter for contextualizing and decoding current events and media messages; arguably, no other subject helps form conscientious citizens of humanity as
effectively. In an educational environment that marginalizes the study of history in favor of preparing students for math- and language-heavy standardized tests, how do
we maintain our students' exposure to this crucial subject? Come grasp history’s place in the curriculum and acquire the tools necessary to engage your students in its
study.
Presenter: Karen Root, Founder, Core Collaborative
EDUCATIONAL FORUM: FEB. 1, 2015
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
STUDENT SESSIONS 10:00 am - 4:00 pm student sessions are
open to all students in 4 t h -12th grades.
all student sessions are held in BROWNSON HALL
1) Math and Gymnastics: You be the Judge! (grades 4-6) with Lauren Ross and Alexa Gaines, Instructors, Johns Hopkins CTYOnline (RM 219)
(10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm)
The elusive “10” … the perfect sfscore. It does not happen very often, for how does one ever achieve perfection? Yet, in gymnastics, it has been known to occur, albeit
rarely. You observe a routine, then begin the challenge of taking deductions: a slip here, a miss there. Using decimals, averages & angles, & applying these tools to
“errors”, setting a score becomes a fast-paced exercise in hands-on arithmetic. Your skills will be put to the test when you judge several real gymnastics routines. Get
the ability to ascertain whether or not Nadia Comaneci (the first perfect score attainer) truly deserved her “10” at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. (For grades: 4-6,
session limit: 20)
2) The Wonders of da Vinci (grades 4-6) with Mary McInerney, Educational Consultant (RM 204)
(1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm)
Just who is this iconic Renaissance man whose vast curiosity enabled legendary achievements in art, engineering, science and architecture (among others)?
Discover da Vinci the person, and then experience some of the thought processes that made da Vinci great through a series of exploratory activities of your own. In
the process, you’ll have a chance to jot down some musings and wonderings, hone your powers of observation, and tap your creative impulse. Perhaps most of all,
you’ll come to appreciate that a key to da Vinci’s success was his ability to visualize and explore the interconnection between seemingly unrelated things, an ability
that you can seek to develop for yourself. (for grades 4-6, session limit: 20)
3) Meet the Fibonaccis (grades 4-6) with Bryan Johnson, Instructor, Johns Hopkins CTYOnline
(10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm)
(RM 205)
No one likes patterns more than mathematicians, and Fibonacci numbers stamp their patterns everywhere they go, from flower petals to nautilus shells. We’ll set you
loose with dominoes and Starbursts so you can discover why this classic number sequence amazes mathematicians. The session promises to build your math agility
and maybe even your appreciation for pure math . . . and Starbursts.
(for grades 4-6, session limit: 20)
4) Dream, Design, Create (grades 4-6, 7-12) with NY Odyssey of the Mind (NYSOMA) (RM 217)
(gr.4-6: 11 am, 3 pm) (gr.7-12: 10 am, 1 pm)
Can you think quickly, work as a team and build something amazingly strong, incredibly tall or profoundly unusual out of ordinary household or scrap materials? Can you
think on your feet when faced with a tricky question that requires creative answers? Against the clock, you and your teammates will confront unusual construction
challenges and devise humorous and creative answers to beguiling questions in a series of mini contests that will bring out the best of your creativity.
(For grades 4-6 and 7-12, session limit: 28)
5) Into the Depths of Coastal Ecology (grades 4-6, 7-12) with Peter Linderoth, Mgr. of School & Community Partnerships, Bruce Museum (RM 22)
(gr.4-6: 10 am, 3 pm) (gr.7-12: 11 am, 2 pm)
The Long Island Sound is home to numerous remarkable creatures. This marine ecosystem right outside our doors can teach us about not only natural history and
biology, but also aquatic ecology and invertebrate structure and function. Come dive with us into a comparative study of the invertebrates that populate the Sound with
intertidal animals brought to you live from our shores. And, in the process, heighten your familiarity with animal classifications, trophic levels, invasive species, and
current environmental topics that encompass Long Island Sound. You can whet your knowledge without wetting your feet.
(For grades 4-6 and 7-12, session limit: 25)
6) Neuromagic … Sleight of Hand, Sleight of Mind (grades 5-8) with Diana Allen, Instructor, Johns Hopkins CTYOnline
(11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm)
(RM 108)
The brain is a powerful force but sometimes it seems that it has a mind of its own. Thanks to those cerebral components that determine how we are to perceive our
surroundings, we succumb, under beguiling circumstances, to the fallacy of illusions - we think it magic. Discover what makes us prone to misdirection and unlock some
of the “secrets” of mind-bending tricks. (for grades 5-8, session limit: 20)
7) How Meaning Happens: Shakespeare and Discovery (grades 6-8) with Ian Bickford, Ph.D., Dean of Bard Academy, Bard Academy at
Simon’s Rock
(RM 18)
(11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm)
When we ask what an author “means” or “intends” in a text, what are we really asking? Consider, from different perspectives, one of the best-¬known passages in
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, in which Juliet exclaims, ”O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" Assuming the roles of reader, critic, editor, actor, we will
ask, how does the meaning of the passage change? Does one meaning have more authority than another? Who decides the meaning of a text? And in asking these
questions, we will grapple with one of the most beguiling puzzles in literary history: what does Juliet say next? Different versions of the play throw even this most simple
of questions into doubt - but it is doubt itself that offers an occasion for discovery. (for grades 6-8, session limit: 20)
8) Money 101 (gr. 6-12) with Diego Arbalaez and Vincent Lipson, Independent Representatives of Primerica
(10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm)
(RM 109)
Money - that universal medium of exchange – requires learning the rules. For those who have never had a course in personal finance, here’s your chance to get the
basics. Learn about investment’s “Rule of 72”, the concepts behind credit cards, the relevance of budgeting and goal setting ... This practical session will also delve into
ways of earning and saving and reveal the successful stories of those young entrepreneurs who have taken these lessons to heart.
(For grades 6-12, session limit: 25)
9) How to Meet, and Beat, Procrastination (grades 6-12) w/ Sarah Craig, Dir., Non-Degree Programs, Smith College Precollege Programs (RM 14)
(10 am, 11 am, 3 pm)
We all procrastinate. It's normal. That’s because all of us, however industrious, have found ourselves in situations where we avoid work that must be done. And when
those deadlines loom, we all realize that the comfort of avoidance becomes rapidly replaced by unwanted levels of stress. Come find out how to minimize procrastinating
with tricks and strategies that will strengthen your executive function skills. Know how to create viable plans that will make your homework and project assignments
easier . And, if you so desire, bring your own examples of procrastination and we’ll create a plan for you. Life should never be too stressful.
(for grades 6-12, session limit: 25)
- continued
EDUCATIONAL FORUM: FEB. 1, 2015
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
STUDENT SESSIONS – continued (in BROWNSON HALL)
10) Effective Advocacy: Making Your Voices Heard (grades 7-12) with Jen Seron, Legislative Co-Chair, AGATE (RM 15)
(10 am, 11 am, 1 pm)
Get front and center with an effective advocacy campaign. The focus: how the current learning environment meets, or does not meet, your needs. The planning: how to
identify and isolate the issues that can be effectively presented. The strategy: how to classify the targets and how to “persuade” them to implement change. Come away
with a clearer understanding of government functions (in regard to education), and how individual involvement can make a difference.
(for grades 7-12, session limit: 25)
11) Invention by Design (grades 7-12) with Meredith Legg, Ph.D., Faculty Member, Emma Willard School
(10 am, 2 pm, 3 pm)
(RM 111)
So how do designers and engineers come up with ideas that satisfy a need with practical applicability? Get a taste by working through the invention process to design
and build, or improve on, a product that solves a real problem: the backpack. Backpacks are big and heavy and get in the way. The goal is to design a totally new
solution to carry your stuff to class. You can opt for the better backpack model or ideate a different solution that is both functional and novel. Define the challenge and
know your purpose: you may start this workshop by imagining a better backpack but you will finish with a new way to think about problem solving, and with a prototype
of your new design! (for grades 7-12, session limit: 25)
12) Writing the College Application Essay (grades 7-12) with Tracey Shiu and Stephanie Consoli, Counselors, Options for College (RM 106)
(11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm)
The college essay – it is the one opportunity in the application process to present and distinguish ourselves directly to those who would decide our worthiness for
admission. Come get a handle on how admission officers use the essay in their decision process and learn how to mold the essay into a document that can express
your individuality for a great impact. (For grades 7-12, session limit: 25)
EDUCATIONAL FORUM: FEB. 1, 2015
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
ALL STUDENT SESSIONS ARE HELD IN BROWNSON HALL
STUDENT SESSIONS SCHEDULE (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
10:00 – 11:00
#1
#3
#4
#5
#8
#9
#10
#11
Math and Gymnastics: You be the Judge (grades 4-6) …………….
Meet the Fibonaccis (grades 4-6) ……….. ………………………………
Dream, Design, Create (grades 7-12) ……………………………………
Into the Depths of Coastal Ecology (grades 4-6) ……………………….
Money 101 (grades 6-12) ……………………………………………………
How to Meet, and Beat, P r o c r a s t I n a t I o n (grades 6-12) ……..
Effective Advocacy: Making Your Voices Heard (grades 7-12) ……
Invention by Design (grades 7-12) ………............................................
Brownson rm. 219
Brownson rm. 205
Brownson rm. 217
Brownson rm. 22
Brownson rm. 109
Brownson rm. 14
Brownson rm. 15
Brownson rm. 111
11:00 – 12:00
#1
#4
#5
#6
#7
#9
#10
#12
Math and Gymnastics: You be the Judge (grades 4-6) …………….
Dream, Design, Create (grades 4-6) ……………………………………
Into the Depths of Coastal Ecology (grades 7-12) ……………………….
Neuromagic … Sleight of Hand, Sleight of Mind (grades 5-8) ………
How Meaning Happens: Shakespeare & Discovery (grades 6-8) ….
How to Meet, and Beat, P r o c r a s t I n a t I o n (grades 6-12) ……..
Effective Advocacy: Making Your Voices Heard (grades 7-12) ……
Writing the College Application Essay (grades 7-12) …………………
Brownson rm. 219
Brownson rm. 217
Brownson rm. 22
Brownson rm. 108
Brownson rm. 18
Brownson rm. 14
Brownson rm. 15
Brownson rm. 106
12:00 – 1:00
------------------------- LUNCH BREAK Fa milies welcome to gather -----------------------------
1:00 – 2:00
#1
#2
#3
#4
#6
#7
#8
#10
#12
Math and Gymnastics: You be the Judge (grades 4-6) …………….
The Wonders of da Vinci (grades 4-6) ……………………………………
Meet the Fibonaccis (grades 4-6) ……….. ………………………………
Dream, Design, Create (grades 7-12) ……………………………………
Neuromagic … Sleight of Hand, Sleight of Mind (grades 5-8) ………
How Meaning Happens: Shakespeare & Discovery (grades 6-8) ….
Money 101 (grades 6-12) ……………………………………………………
Effective Advocacy: Making Your Voices Heard (grades 7-12) ……
Writing the College Application Essay (grades 7-12) …………………
Brownson rm. 219
Brownson rm. 204
Brownson rm. 205
Brownson rm. 217
Brownson rm. 108
Brownson rm. 18
Brownson rm. 109
Brownson rm. 15
Brownson rm. 106
2:00 – 3:00
#1
#2
#3
#5
#6
#7
#11
#12
Math and Gymnastics: You be the Judge (grades 4-6) …………….
The Wonders of da Vinci (grades 4-6) ……………………………………
Meet the Fibonaccis (grades 4-6) ……….. ………………………………
Into the Depths of Coastal Ecology (grades 7-12) ……………………….
Neuromagic … Sleight of Hand, Sleight of Mind (grades 5-8) ………
How Meaning Happens: Shakespeare & Discovery (grades 6-8) ….
Invention by Design (grades 7-12) ………............................................
Writing the College Application Essay (grades 7-12) …………………
Brownson rm. 219
Brownson rm. 204
Brownson rm. 205
Brownson rm. 22
Brownson rm. 108
Brownson rm. 18
Brownson rm. 111
Brownson rm. 106
3:00 – 4:00
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#8
#9
#11
The Wonders of da Vinci (grades 4-6) ……………………………………
Meet the Fibonaccis (grades 4-6) ……….. ………………………………
Dream, Design, Create (grades 4-6) ……………………………………
Into the Depths of Coastal Ecology (grades 4-6) ……………………….
Neuromagic … Sleight of Hand, Sleight of Mind (grades 5-8) ………
Money 101 (grades 6-12) ……………………………………………………
How to Meet, and Beat, P r o c r a s t I n a t I o n (grades 6-12) ……..
Invention by Design (grades 7-12) ………............................................
Brownson rm. 204
Brownson rm. 205
Brownson rm. 217
Brownson rm. 22
Brownson rm. 108
Brownson rm. 109
Brownson rm. 14
Brownson rm. 111