“To be fair, only one of them was Montessori educated," quips a Mom in response. When a greenhouse was erected this Spring on the grounds of Hudson Country Montessori School, a key tenet of the school’s philosophy was quite literally placed into student hands. Dr. Maria Montessori’s methodology fosters community and nurtures independence. Students create with confidence, learn ...

A school summer camp? Really?! Might as well put on a Grinch suit and sprint away with Christmas, too… After all, isn’t summer about coloring outside the lines, stimulating friendships, boundless opportunity for physical activity, exciting travel and self-exploration? Yes, yes, and yes. But it is also about discovery, independence, challenging personal abilities and gaining ...

DANBURY, Conn. – When I was the age my middle child is now, I recall spending countless hours listening to teachers feverishly present the metric system. Predictions were stern: by the year 2000, the entire world would be converted to the metric system, uniformly and exclusively. Learn it now, or remain hopelessly out of the loop. I can still recite by rote that the Pilgrims landed on ...

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – What is a “can do” child? And why do Hudson Country Montessori Schools in New Rochelle and Danbury emphasize a “can do” approach? The answers are simple. A “can do” child is one who approaches tasks proactively and is confident in his or her ability to succeed. A “can do” child possesses perseverance, resilience, and innovation. A “can do” child builds a ...

DANBURY, Conn. – The official title for Michael Gullusci’s job at Hudson Country Montessori School in Danbury is Music Program Instructor. What he actually teaches though is creativity, problem solving, rhythm, responsibility, teamwork, focus, cooperation, construction and so much more. “When I learned music, it was placed in front of you and you had to learn to do that,’’ said ...

DANBURY, Conn. – Roman Mieczakowski wanted to make beach trips with his family more enjoyable, so the 12-year-old seventh-grader at Danbury’s Hudson Country Montessori School invented something to help. His creation, which will surely come in handy this summer, even won an award in a state competition. Mieczakowski’s invention, Beach Caddy 3000, transports beach necessities such as ...

It may seem an impossible reconciliation. The desire for your child’s summer months to be filled with discovery, learning, and purposeful activity. Your child’s wish for a vacation filled with vast stretches of unstructured time, relaxation, and fun. For certain, visualizing your child cozily wrapped in the branches of a backyard tree reading “A Wrinkle in Time” won’t jibe with your son ...

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- Forty years ago, in 1972, Musya Meyer founded Hudson Country Montessori School in suburban New Rochelle, NY. Inspired by—and educated in—the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, Mrs. Meyer watched her small, bucolic school expand through the years—growing to two campuses in New Rochelle and Danbury, CT, and now graduating students though 8th grade. Head of School ...

DANBURY, Conn. – Caroline LaFleur believes a child’s success in school starts before he or she gets to the kindergarten door. As the coordinator for Danbury’s Promise for Children Partnership, she helps families get on the right path early. “All the action is between birth and age 5,’’ said LaFleur, who has been coordinator for three years. “Children need foundational skills before they ...

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Casey and Doug Famigletti are hoping for a huge turnout at a Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser Nov. 30 at Waveny House in New Canaan to help eradicate cytomegalovirus, a congenital birth defect that afflicts their daughter, Gracie.    CMV affects one in every 150 newborns a year, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and statistics show ...