Posts tagged as "PIFS"

In Memoriam – Debra Tracey

June 26, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Giving Back • Tags: , , • Comments Off on In Memoriam – Debra Tracey

  Last Saturday, Party with Moms lost a dear friend. Wife, Mother of 3, Long Time Teacher at Putnam Indian Field School. We will all miss her. Calling Hours – Thursday, June 28, 4 – 8 PM Leo P. Gallagher & Sons Funeral Home 31...READ MORE

The Last Day

June 22, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 11 comments

  The school year had come to an end. It had been an absolutely great year and the teachers were as sad as the children to say goodbye. Fortunately for the teachers and the children who were able to stay on, there was a little...READ MORE

The Putnam Indian Field School 40th Reunion Party Was A Blast

June 14, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Putnam Indian Field School 40th Reunion Party Was A Blast

  What was originally predicted to be a wet Saturday turned warm and sunny just in time for the Putnam Indian Field School’s 40th Anniversary celebration. Head of School, Susan Donaghy and Former Head Marianne Riess welcomed the over 300 people who showed up to...READ MORE

A Walk Down Memory Lane at Putnam Indian Field School

April 19, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs, Parties & Events • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on A Walk Down Memory Lane at Putnam Indian Field School

  2018 is Putnam Indian Field School’s 40th year, and to celebrate, the school is throwing a party for former parents and alumni on June 9th, from 4 – 7 PM on the school grounds. It has the potential to be a very big bash...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School Summer Camp!

April 9, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School Summer Camp!

  It is so important that the first school experience be a happy and positive one, enabling a child to build self-confidence and independence. PIFS knows how to help children transition successfully from home to school. Staffed by caring teachers from the PIFS staff and...READ MORE

Mom of the Week – Karen Hopp, Technology & PR Expert

March 12, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Mom of the Week • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Mom of the Week – Karen Hopp, Technology & PR Expert

What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?  I have an 8-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. Maybe it sounds crazy but I love to travel with them. I love their anticipation...READ MORE

A Family Valentine

February 22, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 3 comments

  During the Thanksgiving holiday, four-year-old John Colligan became tearful at every turn. He was feeling extra attached to his mother, Liz, and wanted to be with her all the time. She did make special times for each of her four children but loved time...READ MORE

Preschool Evolution

January 18, 2018 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 3 comments

  Last week the N.Y. Times published an article entitled “Why Are Our Most Important Teachers Paid the Least?” Nursery school teachers have been dismissed as glorified babysitters, paid low hourly wages with few other benefits, and expected to put up with chaotic working conditions....READ MORE

What Do Children Really Want? (A classic, republished by popular demand)

December 21, 2017 • Posted by Remy Cook in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 3 comments

  As young Mothers and Grandmothers gladly and wholeheartedly comb the earth to find a very special something for a little relative, they might be surprised to know they have this present already. What the child most wants is their attention and time. A child’s...READ MORE

Some More Thoughts on Toys

November 30, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Some More Thoughts on Toys

  The holidays are around the corner. As I leaf through the toy catalogs this year, in search of the perfect presents for my grandchildren, I am amazed by the number and variety of STEM toys. They are everywhere! Build your own robot or lunar...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School Thanksgiving Lunch

November 21, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School Thanksgiving Lunch

  Nolda and Alba have done it again! Each year, on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the school’s chefs plan a wonderful and healthy lunch for the children and teachers that is above and beyond any concept of school food. Each year, the recipes change as...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School’s Pumpkin Patch is Back!

October 23, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School’s Pumpkin Patch is Back!

  For two weeks every October, children at PIFS have a glorious outdoor classroom, known as the Pumpkin Patch. The skies are blue, the air is warm enough to not require coats, the leaves are turning bright colors, and their play yard is transformed by...READ MORE

Children Leading the Way

October 12, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 0 comments

  Ross Etheridge sat in his driveway, honking the horn. “Chop, chop Bozos! In the car or you’re toast!”   His wife appeared, softly steering their children to the car.  “Liz, come on! I asked you to have the children ready!” Thomas and Lilly fumbled with...READ MORE

At 40, Putnam Indian Field School is Forever Young and Better Than Ever

October 2, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , • Comments Off on At 40, Putnam Indian Field School is Forever Young and Better Than Ever

  Where does the time go? Many long-time Greenwich residents can remember when their 30 and even 40 year old children started school at PIFS. This September is the school’s 40th year of existence, and there are always new developments. The school gets greener and...READ MORE

Toys from Home

September 14, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 3 comments

  As a nursery school teacher with 40 years of experience, I like to think that I can be flexible and responsive to the requests of children and their parents. As a result, even though my teaching partners and I always ask that toys from...READ MORE

School for the First Time

September 7, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on School for the First Time

  It’s that time of year again, when children go back to school, or start at a new one. Many of our youngest will attend school for the first time, and at a very young age. Two and three-year-olds who have never been to school...READ MORE

A Love Letter to Children – Vive les Enfants!

July 27, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , , • 14 comments

  I just returned from an absolutely perfect trip to Paris with my sister. We had so much fun together and with the French. My Franglais served as a source of entertainment for the French and a chance for me to again and again see...READ MORE

City Kids

June 8, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on City Kids

  My brothers and I grew up in a Long Island suburb. After graduate school, I came to Greenwich to teach, and stayed. My children grew up here, and now I have grandchildren in town as well. But I also have two grandchildren who live...READ MORE

Every Child Is An Artist

April 24, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs, Giving Back • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Every Child Is An Artist

  Every year, parents and staff are amazed at the art the children of Putnam Indian Field School create for their Art Show. This past weekend was no exception, as the school was transformed into a very colorful art and science museum. The children work...READ MORE

Teaching Young Children to Help Others

April 20, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Teaching Young Children to Help Others

  Having worked in a nursery school for 36 years, I was part of many attempts to encourage young children to be charitable. Whenever the efforts involved giving toys, they inevitably failed. Parents and staff would initiate a “Toys for Tots” kind of effort. After...READ MORE

(S)He Started It!

March 29, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on (S)He Started It!

  Nothing is more aggravating, discouraging, and guaranteed to set your nerves on total edge than listening to your children fight with each other. Nothing can make you question your parenting skills (and your sanity) more than the constant bickering or worse. Because we love...READ MORE

Celebrating Fred Wierdsma’s Life

March 27, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Bro of the Month, Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on Celebrating Fred Wierdsma’s Life

  Memorial Service Honoring the Life of Fred Wierdsma Founder and First Headmaster of the Putnam Indian Field School Friday, March 31, 2017 4:00 PM Christ Church, Greenwich Fred’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Putnam Indian Field School...READ MORE

For All Those Who Have Asked or Wondered…

March 1, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Bro of the Month, Education & Programs • Tags: , , , • Comments Off on For All Those Who Have Asked or Wondered…

  A Memorial Service for Fred Wierdsma will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 4:00 PM at Christ Church in Greenwich. A reception at the Round Hill Club will follow. Join Fred’s family and friends in a celebration of his life. Party with...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School Tour Days

March 1, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School Tour Days

  www.pifs.net

Remembering Joyce Grund

February 22, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on Remembering Joyce Grund

  Written by Marianne Riess Joyce was a social giant. Her easy smile projected warmth and good humor. She loved friends, fun, a good party and was obviously a veteran of many of them. She played many roles in her life: secretary, adventurer, wife, friend,...READ MORE

Meet Tiffany Costanzo! Interior Designer, Amazing Cook, Loves Motherhood

February 13, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Mom of the Week • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Meet Tiffany Costanzo! Interior Designer, Amazing Cook, Loves Motherhood

  What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them? We have two boys, Henri, 5 and Leonardo, 2. I love to cook with them. We have lots of fun in the kitchen...READ MORE

Little Comforts

January 26, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 0 comments

  Jane Hallowell was waking up slowly. She heard light speedy feet coming down the hall. In seconds, Rafe and Will were plastered against their mother. Jack, Jane’s husband was on a trip to London, the first one in several months. Gently patting her little...READ MORE

PIFS & Mothers for Others Partner to Help Children

January 24, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Giving Back • Tags: , , , , • Comments Off on PIFS & Mothers for Others Partner to Help Children

  Putnam Indian Field School and Mothers for Others, get together to help local families. PIFS is sponsoring a diaper drive this week, January 23 – 27 to support Mothers for Others to provide supplies to families who need them. Caring for children is the...READ MORE

Once There Was A Man Who Loved Children…

January 19, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Once There Was A Man Who Loved Children…

written by Marianne Riess  … so much that he became a wonderful teacher, an unusual teacher, because he didn’t love books, and he didn’t love homework. He certainly didn’t love computers or video games. What he loved was to show children how to enjoy the...READ MORE

Simple Times

January 12, 2017 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Simple Times

  Just before Christmas, Party with Moms republished one of Anne’s classic columns, “What Do Children Really Want?” Her point is that children relish the time and attention of a loving relative. I was reminded of the truth of her concept last week when our...READ MORE

What Do Children Really Want? (A Classic, Republished by Popular Demand)

December 22, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 2 comments

  This was Anne’s first Parenting Column ever, originally published in December, 2012 As young Mothers and Grandmothers gladly and wholeheartedly comb the earth to find a very special something for a little relative, they might be surprised to know they have this present already....READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School in the Holiday Spirit

December 20, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs, Giving Back • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School in the Holiday Spirit

  For the last decade a tradition has been observed at PIFS. Families and staff support the families of Waterside School in Stamford during the holiday season by contributing to the purchase of Target gift cards. Waterside Head of School Jody Visage then distributes the...READ MORE

Couldn’t School Just Be Enough? (Republished by Request)

December 1, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 12 comments

  Rosie and Quinn were very good friends. Both children were in Mrs. Randall’s Nursery class at the Little Farm School. They had been in class together last year as well and were overjoyed to be sharing another year of school together. Given free time,...READ MORE

Thanksgiving at PIFS – Not Your Ordinary School Lunch

November 23, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Thanksgiving at PIFS – Not Your Ordinary School Lunch

  Parents walking their children through the door of the Putnam Indian Field School on the Tuesday morning before Thanksgiving always pause and ask, “What smells so good? Smells like Thanksgiving!” And so it does, thanks to Nolda Joseph, longtime kitchen manager and cook. Along...READ MORE

Late Nights in Spain

November 17, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Late Nights in Spain

  Before leaving on a recent trip to Spain, we were warned: Spaniards don’t eat lunch until 2, and no one eats dinner before 9:00 PM! Since my husband and I are early risers, and not big breakfast eaters, I knew some adjusting was going...READ MORE

More Vignettes by Anne

November 3, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 1 comment

  Tender Thoughts John collected a few small pinecones with his babysitter Mary. He put them in his small wooden treasure box in his room along with the smooth blue button his friend Rosie gave him. The box also contained a pair of chopsticks, still...READ MORE

Beginnings x 2

September 29, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 3 comments

  On the first day of school, Mrs. Gallagher stood at the door of nursery school, greeting families, some new and others very familiar. She remembered us from our interview. “Sheila and Charlie, we’re so happy to have you.” I smiled and Charlie said, “Remember...READ MORE

Searching for Special Teachers All Over the World

September 15, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Searching for Special Teachers All Over the World

  I read that Albert Camus, French author, philosopher and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957, afterwards wrote a thank you letter to a teacher from his elementary school years in Algeria. Camus told Louis Germain that when he won the prize,...READ MORE

A Few Little Vignettes

September 8, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , • 5 comments

  Beauty A little girl was slowly following a butterfly in her garden. When it rested on a blossom, the little girl said, “You are beautiful. Thank you.” So wise and so exactly perfect. Beauty is something we are all so grateful for. Beauty changes...READ MORE

Hamilton: History Made New

August 11, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Hamilton: History Made New

  Our annual vacation to Block Island this year had a new twist: my NYC grandsons (Axel, just shy of 10 and Owen, 8) were traveling with us. I wondered how to keep them amused during the 2½ hour car trip to the ferry. Knowing...READ MORE

Pinata Party

July 14, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Pinata Party

  Billy couldn’t wait for his best friend’s birthday party. He had a little collection of presents and he knew Teddy would love them: a piece of green string, a small white shell, a pinecone, a shiny dime and a small picture of the two...READ MORE

The Life-Changing Experience of Cleaning Up

June 30, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Life-Changing Experience of Cleaning Up

  Many 3 and 4-year olds enter nursery school with no concept of cleaning up. At home, they have dolls, art materials, costumes, trains, trucks, balls, puzzles, games, books. They play everyday. Why are they so unfamiliar with clean up? One answer? Someone else is...READ MORE

How To Read To Your Young Child

June 16, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 3 comments

  Most parents are well aware of the value of reading aloud to young children. When they are read lots of good stories, children fall in love with books and become lifelong readers. Yet parents can go further and turn passive listening into involved participation,...READ MORE

No Flies on Me

June 2, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , • 3 comments

  “Rebecca, they aren’t organic!! Don’t go near those carrots!” Paige barked to her daughter at the grocery store. “I can’t look at carrots anymore?” “Looking becomes touching and that’s a big no no!” Rebecca looked carefully from the organic to non-organic carrots, trying to...READ MORE

The Family Vacation (Republished)

May 19, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Family Vacation (Republished)

The family vacation, an American tradition. Whether it involves renting a house on Cape Cod, taking a trip to Disney World, or all piling into the family car or RV, it usually implies more togetherness than families experience any other time of the year. Spending...READ MORE

Some Thoughts on Books for Girls

May 12, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Some Thoughts on Books for Girls

  Ages ago, when I was an English teacher at what was then Central Jr. High, the rule of thumb for our department was that you never chose a book for the class which featured a girl protagonist. The theory: boys would not read about...READ MORE

Planting Day, at Last!

May 11, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on Planting Day, at Last!

  The sky was bright, the sun was finally shining and the children of Putnam Indian Field School spilled out of the classrooms eager to plant the seedlings they’d started inside many weeks before. Different classes had different assignments, but by the time the last...READ MORE

Simplicity Rules (A Classic Revisited)

May 5, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 3 comments

  The late day sun felt great in the play yard of Little Farm Nursery School. The day had that perfect Thursday afternoon feeling. Children and parents were getting into cars. “Could you and Timmy come over for an early supper tonight? Mike won’t be...READ MORE

Creating Young Artists and Philanthropists at Putnam Indian Field School

May 2, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs, Giving Back • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Creating Young Artists and Philanthropists at Putnam Indian Field School

  The weather was spectacular on Saturday, April 30th and so was the Putnam Indian Field School Annual Art Show. Eager children tugged at parents’ hands, pulling them into the school to view their creations, which were the culmination of almost a year of work...READ MORE

PIFS Long Term Commitment to the Environment is Honored

April 25, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on PIFS Long Term Commitment to the Environment is Honored

  Putnam Indian Field School has been recognized by the State of Connecticut for its long-term commitment to providing environmental and sustainability education, improving the health and wellness of their students and staff, and reducing environmental impact and cost. PIFS is excited to continue this...READ MORE

Their Own Little World

April 21, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 2 comments

  Ozzie was waking up. His four-year old eyes looked at his Grandfather’s blue bottle sitting on a white shelf by his window. He loved looking at this bottle every morning. As the morning light passed through it, he realized there was another bit of blue...READ MORE

Considering the Perspective of Others

April 7, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Considering the Perspective of Others

  Katherine Kinzler’s article, The Superior Social Skills of Bilinguals (NYT 3/11/16), cites recent research by herself and others that indicates that young children growing up in a household in which they are exposed to more than one language develop a greater capacity for a skill...READ MORE

Children Teaching Parents, Part 2 (Revisited)

March 24, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 7 comments

  In case you missed, Children Teaching Parents, Part 1 Sam was excited, knowing Nick and his parents were coming over. He had been gathering little sticks since early morning so that he and Nick could add onto their houses the second he arrived. Julie...READ MORE

Children Teaching Parents, Part 1 (Revisited)

March 17, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 6 comments

  Sam and Nick were four-year-old best friends. Life with each other was all they knew and that was just fine. Sam’s mother and father were Julie and Philip, slightly older parents who felt so lucky to have Sam. Julie was a landscape artist and...READ MORE

Creating Memories

March 10, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Creating Memories

  In Marianne’s last two columns on Bev Bos, she shared and reinforced Bev’s belief of the importance of parents creating memories and traditions for children and of passing on memories and traditions from their own childhoods. I would like to expand this theme a...READ MORE

Pearls of Wisdom from Bev Bos

February 25, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Pearls of Wisdom from Bev Bos

Thanks to all who responded so positively to my column on Bev Bos last week. As a follow-up, here are some of the beliefs that she stressed in her writings and presentations. They can guide us all as we teach or parent young children. (My...READ MORE

Singing Bev Bos Home

February 18, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Singing Bev Bos Home

On February 4th, Bev Bos died in her sleep at her home in California. She was a giant in the field of Early Childhood Education, a mentor and inspiration to 40 years of nursery school teachers, and a gift to children everywhere. Bev gained national...READ MORE

Parenting 101

February 4, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • 4 comments

  Savannah Burke was cleaning up the oatmeal that her four-year-old son Jackson had spilled on the floor. Just then a feeling of something wet and cold made her touch the back of her white sweater. It was milk. She looked up and saw her...READ MORE

The Case For Spirituality

January 21, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Case For Spirituality

  One of the hats I wear is that of a spiritual counselor and religious educator. Combining my background in developmental psychology with my faith, I have developed a series of talks I call “Parenting in Partnership with God.” I was therefore delighted to make...READ MORE

Some Thoughts on Toys

January 14, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Some Thoughts on Toys

I always believe the best presents for children begin with ‘B:’ Books, Blocks and Balls. All can be enjoyed independently or with others, in many different ways. I’ve named some favorite children’s books in previous articles. A few new ones found their way into my...READ MORE

A Very Small Cardiologist

January 7, 2016 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Anne's Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • 3 comments

  “Things just shouldn’t be so hard, Paul. You’re the kid and I’m your father. You get in the car when you are asked to and that’s that.” Russ’ voice was exasperated. Paul climbed into the jeep and tried to buckle his car seat. “That’s...READ MORE

Some Thoughts For The Holidays Ahead

December 10, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Some Thoughts For The Holidays Ahead

  As holiday time approaches and children begin to get excited and form expectations about the meaning of Christmas, Chanukah, and other celebrations, I want to ask you parents to pause and reflect on what message you are sending to your children. Because young children...READ MORE

Children Have A Hundred Languages

December 3, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Children Have A Hundred Languages

  In the Reggio Emilia schools, they say children have 100 languages. They don’t mean languages in our usual sense of the word, but symbolic languages through which children express their questions and ideas about the world. The Reggio educational philosophy goes beyond speaking, writing...READ MORE

Still Crazy About It After All These Years!

November 22, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Cool Other Stuff • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on Still Crazy About It After All These Years!

Putnam Indian Field School teacher and Party with Moms Managing Partner Anne Martine Cook continues to share her love of life and fun with very young children and their parents. She was honored by staff and parents for 40 years of inspired teaching during the...READ MORE

Moms of the Week, Alexa & Hala @ Putnam Indian Field School Tomorrow

November 3, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Health & Beauty, Mom Of The Week News • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Moms of the Week, Alexa & Hala @ Putnam Indian Field School Tomorrow

PIFS Presents: “An AaHa Focus on Family Nutrition” with AaHa Founders Alexa Fishback MS, RD & Hala Si-Ahmed, MPH Wednesday, November 4th Morning session : 9:30 AM / Afternoon session : 1:30 PM Location: Putnam Indian Field School (101 Indian Field Rd, Greenwich) Ideas for picky...READ MORE

On Grandparenting

October 29, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on On Grandparenting

  Most likely, few of you readers of this column are grandparents. Most of you who have young children, however, probably have one or more parents of your own who play a role in your children’s lives. As a grandparent myself, I offer this column...READ MORE

Children’s Books I Love (That You Might Not Know)

October 22, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Children’s Books I Love (That You Might Not Know)

  The annual Book Fair is one of my favorite events of school life. And a most enjoyable job for me was advising parents on which books their children would love. The classics and the favorites were easy. But every once in a while, we...READ MORE

PIFS Open House

October 11, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on PIFS Open House

Putnam Indian Field School – a nursery school unlike any other!

The Gift

October 1, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Gift

  Now that school has started, children will frequently be bringing home papers, drawings, craft projects and things they have collected that they want to share with their parents. Behind each of these offerings is a message. Often, however, our parental response fails to take...READ MORE

Play’s The Thing

September 24, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Play’s The Thing

  Most parents understand that children learn primarily through play. Yet, when their child attends a play-based nursery school, they may wonder whether he or she is being challenged, being thoroughly prepared for elementary school, being exposed to “academics.” Studies show that rote learning at...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School Gets Spiffed Up For September

August 12, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in House & Travel • Tags: , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School Gets Spiffed Up For September

Fences, play houses, outdoor equipment and toys look like new. With a special thanks to Fairfield County Safe Wash! So long to dirt, mold, and mildew. Contact FC Safe Wash Owner Jim Jagodzinski for your free estimate today. Phone – 203 – 536 – 2400 www.fcsafewash.com...READ MORE

August Times

August 5, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on August Times

  Marianne’s last column until mid-September… Most day camps for younger children end by the beginning of August. Inevitably parents contemplate thirty-odd days of blank time and wonder, “What will they do? How can we keep them amused? Or busy, or learning?” Actually this is...READ MORE

What’s So Great About Grandchildren?

July 16, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on What’s So Great About Grandchildren?

  The answer is simple: EVERYTHING! You know the saying, “If I’d known grandchildren were so great, I’d have had them first.” Of course it doesn’t work that way. But I understand why people say it. Grandchildren are pure joy, without the mixture of love,...READ MORE

It’s Summer! Do You Know Where Your Children Are?

July 2, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on It’s Summer! Do You Know Where Your Children Are?

Of course you do! They are in camp, or playing on a baseball or soccer team, or at the club pool or taking a tennis lesson. You or another adult is with them. Or maybe they are at home, watching a movie, TV, playing a...READ MORE

Downtime

June 18, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Downtime

  In my last column I explored the concept of “good stress,” the idea that healthy cognitive and emotional growth requires the opportunity to meet challenges and discover that one can deal with minor frustrations and failures. The essential concept is that good stress is...READ MORE

Treat Your Toddler To The Greatest Summer Camp Ever

June 17, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Treat Your Toddler To The Greatest Summer Camp Ever

Not many summer camps accept 2-year olds. Putnam Indian Field School does. It is a perfect place for young children to experience the fun of summer camp. June 22 – July 23, 2015 Staffed by caring and experienced professionals, PIFS Camp helps children transition from...READ MORE

What I Learned From Reggio Emilia

May 28, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on What I Learned From Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia burst upon the early childhood scene in 1991 when Newsweek described their schools in Northern Italy as “the best early childhood experience in the world.” Suddenly educators everywhere were studying their philosophies and practices. There was a lot to study: books, videos, tours...READ MORE

Good Stress by Carol Tolonen

May 21, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Good Stress by Carol Tolonen

  On May 5th and again on May 12th a number of parents gathered at Putnam Indian Field School to discuss issues prompted by the book Mindful Parenting by Kristen Race. Most of the discussion centered on ways in which parents can be mindful of the...READ MORE

Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten?

May 7, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten?

  As the end of nursery school approaches, inevitably parents wonder about how their children will fare in the big next school. Have they been “prepared?” Many parents associate preparedness with academics, but social development is more essential for success. If the children have learned...READ MORE

Meet Diane Gordon, A Mother At Last!

May 4, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Mom of the Week • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Meet Diane Gordon, A Mother At Last!

What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?  On September 24th, 2014 my husband Matthew and I briefly relocated to a remote Texas town of 3,400 people where a young doctor with...READ MORE

PIFS Children Celebrate Founder’s Day

April 30, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on PIFS Children Celebrate Founder’s Day

On April 26th, children at the Putnam Indian Field School had a lot to celebrate. It was the 37th anniversary of the school’s incorporation. Sue Donaghy, in her first year as Head of School, had decided a Founder’s Day party was in order. The whole...READ MORE

Art For A Cause

April 28, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs, Giving Back • Tags: , , , , , • Comments Off on Art For A Cause

At the Putnam Indian Field School, the children love to express themselves through their art work. At their annual Art Show on April 24th and 25th, they got to prove to their parents how beautiful their work is. The projects they exhibited were multi-faceted and...READ MORE

Meet Marcella Kapsaroff! Gardener, Natural Cook, Nature Lover, Teacher

April 20, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Mom of the Week • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Meet Marcella Kapsaroff! Gardener, Natural Cook, Nature Lover, Teacher

What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them?  I love to visit local farms and Audubon centers with both of my children. Our older son, Chris, is 25 and our little one,...READ MORE

Mindfulness by Carol Tolonen

April 16, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Carol's Mindful Parenting Column • Tags: , , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Mindfulness by Carol Tolonen

  I bet you’ve heard the term bandied about a good deal recently. Perhaps you’ve wondered what it’s really all about and whether it has any relevance to yourself or your parenting. Although the concept has its origins in Eastern religious meditation practices, it has...READ MORE

The Importance Of Pretend

April 9, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Importance Of Pretend

  We’ve all heard children doing it – deciding who will be the mom, the dad, the sister, the puppy. Or maybe they’re playing restaurant, with a chef, a waiter, and a hungry customer or two. Or assuming the roles of a serious but kind...READ MORE

An Exciting Opportunity For Your Elementary School Naturalist

April 2, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on An Exciting Opportunity For Your Elementary School Naturalist

If you have a rising 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grader who loves exploring the natural world, Putnam Indian Field School has a great mini-camp. Each morning the group will meet in the PIFS Science room to gather a little knowledge, and then set out in...READ MORE

The Power Of Positive Attention

March 19, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Power Of Positive Attention

  When I wrote about Self-Regulation, I related it to a child’s ability to take on an unattractive or difficult task when necessary. What does a child do when the teacher announces clean up time? Children with a good sense of self-regulation pitch right in...READ MORE

Looking for a Summer Camp for Your Young Child?

March 13, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Looking for a Summer Camp for Your Young Child?

Putnam Indian Field School is a perfect place for young children to experience the fun of summer camp. Staffed by caring and experienced professionals, PIFS Camp helps children transition from home to school with a minimum of stress. Inside and out, the school is sized for...READ MORE

Happy Birthday to Greenwich Legend, Fred Wierdsma, Bro of the Century!

February 28, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Bro of the Month, Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Happy Birthday to Greenwich Legend, Fred Wierdsma, Bro of the Century!

Fred founded and became Headmaster of The Putnam School in 1973, following years of being a beloved teacher and hockey coach at Greenwich Country Day School. Fred invented the famous Smokey’s Bounders Program. In 1978, when the school merged with Indian Field School, Fred took...READ MORE

Self Regulation: A Key To Success In School And Life

February 26, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Self Regulation: A Key To Success In School And Life

  My last column discussed emotional self-regulation, the ability to control impulses and behave in a way appropriate to the circumstance. By developing this skill, children become more productive and socially competent.  There is a cognitive aspect to self-regulation as well, which helps children overcome...READ MORE

Self Regulation: A Crucial Skill For Learning Success

February 12, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Self Regulation: A Crucial Skill For Learning Success

  What is self-regulation? How do children develop it? We are told all the time how important that development is to future success in school and life.  Self-regulation may be defined as the ability to control one’s own behavior and emotions and adapt them in...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School Tuesday Tour Days

February 3, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School Tuesday Tour Days

Putnam Indian Field School – An independent day school for children Two through Five years old. Tuesday Tour Days: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 10 PIFS looks forward to meeting you. RSVP to Maria Sabito 203-869-0982 maria.sabito@pifs.net Tuesday Tours begin at 1:00 p.m. Private tours are also available. 101...READ MORE

Helping Your Child Be A Successful Learner: Part 2

January 29, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Helping Your Child Be A Successful Learner: Part 2

  My last column described “hypothesis testing” as a mindset children need to develop to become successful learners. Hypothesis testing can be defined as learning by hands-on trial and error until understanding is acquired.  Another helpful mindset to encourage in children is risk-taking. Don’t worry....READ MORE

Helping Your Child Be A Successful Learner

January 8, 2015 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Helping Your Child Be A Successful Learner

  Parents wonder what they can do to help their children become successful learners. There are certain “mind sets” that are important for young children to develop which will help them considerably later on. One is known as “hypothesis testing.” Children have a lot of...READ MORE

Hanging On To The Magic Of Stories

December 11, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Hanging On To The Magic Of Stories

  Some recent Moms of the Week have described their favorite part of the day as the time spent cuddling and reading bedtime stories with their children. Besides the obvious closeness of the experience, reading to children offers so many benefits. Children gain a rich...READ MORE

Sensory Learning Sticks

November 20, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Sensory Learning Sticks

  One of the best gifts parents can give their young child(ren) is a sensory table. Children learn and retain knowledge best when their senses are engaged; a sensory table offers so many opportunities for learning. You will be amazed at how centered and calm...READ MORE

The Gift Of Free Time

November 6, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on The Gift Of Free Time

  Parents are getting used to being told not to overschedule their children. Yet the enrichment classes, the sports clinics, the many after school activities offered continue to be full. Why? Some parents want to give their child an “edge,” whether it is a leg...READ MORE

A Little Child Labor Goes A Long Way

October 23, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Marianne's Early Childhood Column • Tags: , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on A Little Child Labor Goes A Long Way

  Most parents are aware of the importance of building confidence and self-esteem in their children. How to do it effectively? One way is to listen when they talk and then respond, to let them know you take their ideas seriously. Ask their opinions at...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School Students Return to a Bountiful Harvest!

October 3, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School Students Return to a Bountiful Harvest!

Last Spring, parents and children at Putnam Indian Field School (PIFS) planted nine organic gardens on the school grounds to encourage and celebrate healthy eating.  The gardens were part of the school’s move to organic, non-GMO, more fruit and vegetable filled lunches. In between the many...READ MORE

Don’t let your child miss the fun of PIFS Summer Camp!

May 28, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Don’t let your child miss the fun of PIFS Summer Camp!

Putnam Indian Field School Summer Program: June 23 – July 24, 2014 PIFS specialty – helping each child feel comfortable and happy in a school setting. Trusting the teacher – playing with mates – art, block building, listening to stories, water play, outdoor fun.  Watch...READ MORE

Putnam Indian Field School: Coloring & Creating to Help Others

April 30, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Putnam Indian Field School: Coloring & Creating to Help Others

The children of Putnam Indian Field School (age 2 – 5) created individual and group work to display for their parents. The children were inspired by the works of artists Yayoi Kasuma, Vassily Kandinsky and Claude Monet. The Annual Art Show, held on the weekend...READ MORE

Party with Moms Interviews Rozsa Gaston, Prolific Author!

April 7, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Mom of the Week • Tags: , , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Party with Moms Interviews Rozsa Gaston, Prolific Author!

What do you love to do with your children? 1.  Travel.  Here we are at Bled Castle in Bled, Slovenia when my son was 13 months old. 2.  Read with them. My 13-year-old and I are reading Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine together for her required...READ MORE

Books, blocks, balls, sand, water fun and more at PIFS Summer Camp

March 18, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , • Comments Off on Books, blocks, balls, sand, water fun and more at PIFS Summer Camp

Let Putnam Indian Field School’s summer program ease your three or four-year-old child into the magic of pre-school.  PIFS knows just how to do it. Summer Camp, June 23 – July 24, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Click here for an application...READ MORE

Summer Magic at Putnam Indian Field School!

February 28, 2014 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Education & Programs • Tags: , , , , , , , • Comments Off on Summer Magic at Putnam Indian Field School!

Serving both Fairfield and Westchester County families, PIFS Summer Camp for children ages 2 1/2 ~ 5 years old is located at their beautiful school campus in Greenwich, CT.  Putnam Indian Field School is a special place with exceptional teachers who are used to comforting and inspiring small...READ MORE

Party with Moms on the Mom’s Time Out Show Tonight 3/27!

March 27, 2013 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Cool Other Stuff • Tags: , , • Comments Off on Party with Moms on the Mom’s Time Out Show Tonight 3/27!

Party with Moms will be on the Moms Time Out show tonight with guest, Marianne Riess, head of Putnam Indian Field School.  Please tune it at 7:30 on zenlive.tv to catch us and feel free to give us a call then at 914-595-4871! Cheers, PWM...READ MORE

Party with Moms PIFS Teacher Appreciation Dinner

May 17, 2012 • Posted by PartywithMoms in Parties & Events • Tags: , , , , • Comments Off on Party with Moms PIFS Teacher Appreciation Dinner

At the latest Putnam Indian Field School Teacher Appreciation dinner, the Moms running the event purchased Party with Moms shirts to wear while hosting.  After dinner, the event livened up, as you can see from the photo below.  This is a perfect example of Moms...READ MORE

 
 
© Party with Moms LLC. All rights reserved.