Education
Middlesex Middle School wikipedia 5-25-16

Report: Lesson About Hitler Results in Suspension of Middlesex Middle School Teacher

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A teacher at Middlesex Middle School has been suspended after telling students to draw a swastika in their notebooks and asking them to write a paragraph listing reasons why Hitler may have been good for Germany, according to a published report. The article, published Thursday in the Connecticut Examiner and citing unamed “multiple sources,” said that an unnamed “veteran” social studies teacher of a seventh grade class was teaching a lesson on the Holocaust. According to the report, the teacher  showed students a baby picture of Adolf Hitler. The report said the teacher commented on how cute the child was. Some students in the seventh grade class were “reportedly visibly upset,” according to the Examiner report.

Parents & Kids

Report says the ‘Happiest and Healthiest State for Children’ Is Connecticut

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A company that provides educators and therapists online through school districts, says a state-by-state statistical comparison of various aspects of how children fare in each one shows “Connecticut families have the happiest and healthiest children in the nation.” The study was released by the company, VocoVison, for National Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day, today, May 9. Here’s the news release:

New research finds that Connecticut has the happiest and healthiest children in the nation, while Mississippi has the least. The Happy Child Index from VocoVision ranks all 50 states on ten factors that impact children’s mental and physical health. Connecticut, the overall happiest and healthiest state for children, has the fifth highest rate of children living in neighborhoods with a library.

Darien Depot
2024 Order lawn signs congratulating Middlesex Middle School grads heren

Order Your Balloons for DHS Grads, Lawn Signs for Your Darien Fifth Graders and Middle School Grads

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You can order lawn signs for your fifth grade student or graduate of Middlesex Middle School from The Depot up until May 22. The deadline to get balloon bouquets for Darien High School grads is June 10. By following the links, you can order right now and cross this off your to-do list, without worrying about the deadline. — an announcement from The Depot

Order your $30 Fifth Grade Grad lawn sign HERE. Signs for Fifth Grade grads will be placed on lawns the week of June 7.

Parents & Kids
Dr. Christopher Bogart

‘Belonging and Identity Development in Children’ Presentation Tuesday Night, May 7 by Psychologist Christopher Bogart

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Dr. Christopher Bogart from the Sasco River Center discuss child development and identity formation and how adults can nurture a sense of belonging across various aspects of identity. The program co-sponsored by the Darien PTO and Darien Library, will take place in the Conference Room of the library from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, May 7. You can register here. — an announcement from Darien Library and the Darien PTO

Dr. Christopher Bogart is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in both the private and public sectors for the past thirty years, Dr. Bogart works with children, adolescents and adults, conducting comprehensive psychoeducational and AD/HD evaluations as well as therapy services. Chris provides program consultations to local schools, as well as supervision to doctoral and post-doctoral students in psychology.

Parents & Kids

Hindley Happening Is Coming on Saturday, May 11

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The annual Hindley Happening is coming on May 11, bringing with it carnival rides, games, crafts, food and baked goods, with the aim of being a fun day for all ages. The event at Hindley School, 10 Nearwater Lane, takes place Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, rain or shine. While you’re there, to check out the silent auction in the gym, which is filled with donations ranging from vacation homes to sports memorabilia. The items are from local businesses and Hindley families. The carnival, organized by the Hindley Parent Teacher Organization, opens an hour earlier — at 9 a.m. — for families with special needs.

Parents & Kids

‘Turtle Odyssey 4D’ Short Movie at Maritime Aquarium

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Journey below the surface of the ocean and experience life through the eyes of a sea turtle in the awe-inspiring “Turtle Odyssey 4D” now playing at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk along with “OCTOPUS: Blue Planet II 4D Experience.”

— an announcement from The Maritime Aquarium

In this 12-minute film, join Bunji, an Australian green sea turtle, as she navigates the dangers of life at sea and grows into a thriving adult along the way. Encounter sharks, octopuses, whales, and more on a beautiful journey filled with special effects that will make viewers feel like they are swimming alongside her. In addition to “Turtle Odyssey 4D,” guests can view BBC Earth’s “OCTOPUS: Blue Planet II 4D Experience,” which explores dynamic oceanic landscapes and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there. Tickets are $7 or $6 for Aquarium members. They can be purchased with or without Aquarium admission.

Teens
Surviving the Pressure Cooker Zoom Webinar 2024

How to Help a Teen Manage Stress in a High-Achievement Environment: Online Presentation May 15

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Parents and teens concerned about managing the stress that comes with living in a high-achievement environment are invited to a Zoom conversation on the subject Wednesday, May 15. Dr. Amanda Craig, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Rebecca Campbell, Director of Therapeutic Services at Sasco River Center, will discuss the problem. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien

“Surviving the Pressure Cooker: How to Help Teens Manage the Need to Succeed” will unravel the complexities of performance-driven culture and help us empower adolescents maintain a healthy balance between their goals and their mental health. An anonymous audience Q&A session will follow the discussion. The program is presented  by Thriving Youth Darien, The Depot and YWCA Parent Awareness.

Parents & Kids
Poster for Childhood 2.0 documentary

Smartphones, Social Media and Your Kids: See ‘Childhood 2.0’ Followed by Q&A Tuesday at Darien Library

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Issues confronting kids in the Digital Age, including cyberbullying, suicidal ideation and online predators, are the subject of a documentary, “Childhood 2.0,” followed by a question-and-answer session this Tuesday, April 22 at Darien Library. The event is jointly sponsored by the library, OK To Delay Darien, Darien Depot and Thriving Youth Darien this Tuesday evening, April 22. — an announcement from Darien Library
6 to 7:45 p.m. — Watch the documentary
The film, just under 90 minutes long, will be shown in the Community Room. If you are unable to attend the screening, you can watch the film ahead of time (see links, below) and attend the Q&A portion. The library’s announcement says “‘Childhood 2.0’ is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age.

Abilis 2024
Abilis Project Search employment internship program

Young Adults with Disabilities Can Learn About Work Internship Programs at Thursday Event in Greenwich

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Abilis, the nonprofit serving more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families, is hosting a Project SEARCH Information Night for young adults to learn about employment internship programs Abilis runs with partners Greenwich Hospital, Stamford Health and the Darien YMCA. — an announcement from Abilis

The information session will be held at Greenwich Hospital in the Nobel conference room, 5 Perryridge Road in Greenwich on Thursday, March 28, at 5:00pm. Space is limited and registration is requested at Abilis.US/Calendar. Project SEARCH is a national program run mostly at hospitals throughout the United States and is a nine-month internship and job training program for young adults with developmental disabilities ages 18 to 30. Abilis has been running Project SEARCH in partnership with Greenwich Hospital for the past five years; in 2022, Abilis expanded the program to include the Darien YMCA, the first community Y in the country to offer the program; and in 2023, expanded Project SEARCH to Stamford Hospital in conjunction with Stamford Health.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Maggie Gregory Marc Hoffman Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities

Gala Fundraiser for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities at Woodway Club on April 4

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Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Inc. recently announced tickets are on sale for its annual benefit gala, “Minds in Bloom: Cultivating Growth for Kids with Learning Differences,” to be held Thursday, April 4. — an announcement from Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities

Minds in Bloom will feature a cocktail reception with music from Norwalk guitarist Glenn Roth, dinner, and silent and live auctions. Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer. A few exciting auction items are: Yankees v. Red Sox summer tickets, dinner in Manhattan and two house seats to the acclaimed Broadway show, The Who’s Tommy, and a guided tour, followed by lunch at one of the most popular exhibitions at the Metro-politan Museum in Manhattan, among other sought after items and experiences. A variety of gift cards to Fairfield and Westchester County restaurants will also be in play during the ever-popular, Live Auction Feeding Frenzy.

Back to the '90s 2024
WIDE Back to the 90s poster Depot

Depot’s Largest Fundraiser of the Year, ‘Back to the ’90s’ Dance Party for Adults, Coming March 9

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Bring your best ’90s clothes to what The Depot Youth Center calls its “largest fundraiser of the year” on March 9 — a dance party for adults with music from the 1990s  at Woodway Country Club. There will be contests for the best clothing, and actively consider buying something in the event’s silent auction. Tickets are on sale now. Last year’s event sold out. — an announcement from The Depot Youth Center

The “Back to the ’90s” dance will have cocktails and food, but it’s a dance — Dee Jay Rob will spin 90s jams from Hip Hop to Hairbands, Britney to the Backstreet Boys to transport you back in time.

Classes
Kids mask-making class Naya DAC

Kids Crafts with Kids Meal at Naya Middle Eastern Counter and Grill, First Monthly Class This Thursday, January 25

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Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill in Darien, collaborating with Darien Arts Center, is introducing a new winter series for children PreK through age 5 — Kids Create Art & Eat Naya. These workshops will provide an avenue for creative exploration alongside authentic family-approved cuisine. Led by Darien arts instructors, each workshop encourages young minds to explore their creativity and takes place at Naya in Darien Commons, 146 Heights Road. Following each session, participants will be invited to enjoy Naya’s “Little Habibi” kids meal, featuring a base (rice or salad), a protein choice (Chicken Shawarma, Chicken Shish Taouk, Beef Shawarma, Kafta Lamb Kebab, Cauliflower, or Falafel), up to five toppings, and a choice of milk or juice. Each Kids Meal includes a complimentary coloring book and colored pencils.

Parents & Kids
Webinar The Social Scene Thriving Youth Darien

Webinar on Feb 8: How to Coach Your Teen or Tween to Make Better Decisions in Tricky Social Situations

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Thriving Youth Darien and two other area organizations are sponsoring a webinar on  how to help your teen/tween make healthy decisions, especially about substance abuse, and particularly at parties and other social events. The workshop will also offer tips for talking about the potential risks and consequences of substance use — its impact on physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, and future opportunities. — an announcement from Thriving Youth Darien
The Problem
The Thriving Youth Darien 2023 Youth Survey of 6th-12th graders showed that the most significant increases in alcohol use happen between 8th and 9th grade, and then again between 11th and 12th grade – most often at a party or with friends at a home. How can you help your kids stay safe & manage tricky social situations? More About the Webinar
Joyce Sixsmith, Darien High School’s connections counselor, and John Hamilton, president and CEO of Liberation Programs, will speak at the Feb.

Healthy Living
Smart Approaches to Marijuana zoom presentation

‘Smart’ Recovery from Marijuana Addiction: Online Presentation, 7 to 8 PM, Wednesday

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Jordan Davidson, a man in long-term recovery and manager at Smart Approaches to Marijuana, will discuss addiction recovery from today’s marijuana in an online presentation from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 17. — an announcement from the New Canaan Parent Support Group

To get the Zoom.com link, register here. About the Presenter
— from the Smart Approaches to Marijuana website

Jordan Davidson serves as government affairs manager at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). When he was 17 years old, Jordan entered long-term addiction recovery after struggling with cannabis use disorder.

Darien Community Association
Jacqueline Telgheder parenting lecturer

Three-Session Workshop Starting Jan 19 for Parents to Create a Better, More Peaceful Relationship with Kids

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Want to create a more peaceful home life and better relationship with your child? Meet Jacqueline Telgheder, author and certified parent coach, who is leading a three-session workshop for practical tips and a safe place to learn. The workshop is for parents of children under 10. — an announcement from The Darien Community Association
Any parent can relate to feeling angry towards their child. We’ve all felt it and most of us feel guilty when we act on it.