Gala

Cele

brat

ionFiftieth Anniversary JournalOCTOBER 8, 2015

Fiftieth Anniversary JournalOCTOBER 8, 2015

Gala

Cele

brat

ion

2 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

Martha HaakmatHead of School

From where I sit, it is perfectly fitting to be starting this year with this Gala celebration of our 50th anniversary. In so many ways, this year has begun like every other with buzzing classrooms and admissions season in high gear already. For me though, every one of these familiar happenings carries extra significance and strikes me with a deeper understanding of where we came from, who we are and where we are going. How fascinating that the very act of being 50 demands a clear recognition of one’s past, a reclaiming of what is core, an acceptance of the many changes that have led to one’s development, and a newly kindled hope and excitement for what is yet to come. This idea of staying clear about what makes us who we are, while joyously remaining open to the change required of any long standing institution is one so beautifully illustrated in something that happened just the other day on one of our Twos admissions tours...

At the end of this tour, a parent approached our Admissions Associate. He told her that he was a BHMS alum and had passed the school as an adult many, many times, but kept on his way. Now that he was a parent, he decided to come take the tour and think about having his child at BHMS. He said he walked into the lobby and followed the hallway down to the Firehouse where the tour would begin and thought...Wow! This school looks so different, so much bigger, and with so many changes. In the information session before the tour, he learned about the new programs offered through 8th grade, about our arts selections, language classes and about all the wonderful schools our graduates attend when they leave BHMS. At first, it seemed as if this dad was learning about a school that he knew nothing about.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 3

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

“How fascinating that the very act of being 50 demands a clear recognition of one’s past, a reclaiming of what is core, an acceptance of the many changes that have led to one’s development, and a newly kindled hope and excitement for what is yet to come.”

Then the actual tour began, and it wasn’t until this dad walked into his old preschool room that the memories began flooding back. He recognized the materials around the room, and the feel of the space was so familiar. He could immediately recall faces and lessons, names of his classmates and teachers, moments that had left indelible images in his brain and strong feelings of warmth and belonging, of joy and accomplishment in his heart. It was a purely emotional reaction for him, thinking about his teachers and the works he loved, his classmates, and the routines that became a permanent part of his life. He stayed after everyone left the tour to talk more with our staff about the incredibly vivid and wonderful memories about his experience here. He walked away understanding that yes, BHMS is bigger and the building has grown and some of the staff and leaders have changed, but he also felt a strong sense of the familiar that the core of BHMS remains grounded in the principles he grew to love and count on:

• that there is nothing more important than our children • that we provide trained and passionate teachers, thoughtfully prepared environments and engaging materials and curriculum • and that we be singularly focused on guiding and supporting each child’s joyful discovery, learning and ownership of self as a thinker, a doer and an agent of positive change.

This core, the heart and soul of our school, is something to be very proud of. Happy, happy 50th BHMS, and let the celebration begin!

4 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

On October 1, 1965, a group of neighborhood parents and community leaders opened Brooklyn Heights Montessori School. At its inception, the school served 20 children, ages three to five, in a one basement classroom of the First Presbyterian Church on Henry Street. Our reputation quickly spread, and by 1970 BHMS moved to a bigger space at 129 Montague Street to accommodate a larger student body. This year also saw the founding of The Little Room, an innovative program for preschool children with speech and language disabilities.

In response to further growth in the Preschool, as well as a growing demand by parents to extend their children’s Montessori experience through to Elementary and Middle School, BHMS continued to expand. In 1988 the school moved to our current home at 185 Court Street in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood and soon thereafter purchased an adjacent building. In 1996 a capital campaign was launched to fund the new building project.

By September 1997, BHMS opened the doors to our newly renovated, 40,000 sq. ft. facility, conceived and designed specifically to house our Montessori program. This expansion allowed us to fulfill our mission to serve students through eighth grade. Our first class of eighth graders graduated in 2001. Our graduates have taken advantage of the wide range of exceptional independent and public schools New York City has to offer. In 1997 the School began its Montessori inspired Twos Program and an after school program, Montessori Afternoons Plus, for children ages three to twelve who attend BHMS as well as surrounding neighborhood schools. In 2003 Brooklyn Heights Montessori School was accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the Preschool

ABOUT BHMS’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 5

ABOUT BHMS’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

program was accredited by the American Montessori Society. Unfortunately, The Little Room program closed in August 2010 when the School was unable to adequately bridge the State regulated program with the rest of the School.

In response to increased enrollment in the Elementary and Middle School programs, the school purchased an adjacent firehouse at 12 Dean Street in July of 2009 and launched a capital campaign that raised over $2,000,000. The school undertook a $7,000,000 project which included a full renovation of the firehouse as well as extensive renovations to the existing building. In September 2011, BHMS opened the renovated existing campus with expanded elementary suites including additional classrooms, a new library, and a learning kitchen. In April 2012, the renovated firehouse was completed with the Firehouse Theater, a state-of-the-art performance space as well as a new Middle School suite with additional classrooms, an expanded terrace garden, and a common space for community gatherings.

In June of 2013, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School was re-accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and fully accredited by the American Montessori Society for all programs through Middle School. BHMS is now the only accredited Montessori School in New York City educating students through eighth grade.

6 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

MISSION STATEMENTGuided by the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School is a diverse community committed to educational excellence, serving students in preschool through Grade 8. At our center is respect for the individual child’s development and potential.

Our carefully designed environment encourages the student’s natural curiosity. We inspire a love of independent learning and foster critical thinking by engaging students in a challenging and meaningful curriculum.

By encouraging personal responsibility, leadership, and respect for self and others, we teach children to be thoughtful and confident citizens of the School and the world.

STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY Brooklyn Heights Montessori School has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusivity.

In that spirit, and in accordance with the law, BHMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, national origin, or any other characteristic.

In living our School mission, we acknowledge and respect individual differences. By promoting sensitivity to and celebration of differences among people, we help our children learn important values and become thoughtful, responsible citizens of the School and the world around them.

ACCREDITATIONBHMS is an independent school that is fully accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). BHMS is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), Early Steps, A Better Chance, and Prep For Prep. The School is licensed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). BHMS is also a Charter member of the Green School Alliance.

BHMS

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 7

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2015

BHMS Class of 2015Susan Albano

Kate Head Oliver Slater-Pons

Jacqueline Daniels Jenna Merolla Reece Curley

Tristan Lamson Isabella Barrera

8 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

BHMS 1965-2015

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 9

A LOOK BACK

10 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

BHMS 1965-2015

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 11

A LOOK BACK

12 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

BHMS 1965-2015

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 13

A LOOK BACK

14 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

BHMS 1965-2015

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 15

A LOOK BACK

16 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

BHMS 1965-2015

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 17

A LOOK BACK

18 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

BHMS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Brooklyn Heights Montessori School Board of Trustees

congratulates BHMS on 50 years of providing Montessori educational excellence

in the downtown Brooklyn area. We are excited to usher in the next 50 years.

Here’s to continued success!

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 19

ALEX, AMBER, AMELIA, ARI, CAMRYN, ELLIOT, FRANKIE, GRAHAM, JOAQUIM, JOSIE, KEATON, LEO C., MARYAM, MADELINE,

NILE, OZZIE, SAKARI, SOFIA, TORI & ZOEY

The students of the West classroom happily join the 50th Anniversary Celebration of their community and school. Our love and gratitude

go to Tommy Emery and Sade Nickels, and the rest of the Upper Elementary Team, for leading us during this part of our journey.

Here’s to the next 50 years!

20 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

On this 50th Anniversary the Room 3 parents would like to give a warm

Thank You to BHMS teachers Simona Sanan & Lauren Tift for all of the

nurturing & inspiration you bring to us and our children each and every day.

We are so fortunate to have you encouraging & guiding our children’s

development & growth!

ROOM 3 PARENTS

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 21

Congratulationsto

Brooklyn HeightsMontessori School

on its Fiftieth Anniversary!Thanks to the faculty and staff

who have dedicatedtheir time, talents, and love for

the sake of the students and theschool community.

Well done!

JAMES BETTSGRACE KESSLER BETTS

22 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

EARLY STEPS is proud of our partnership with Brooklyn Heights Montessori School.

Congratulations to Martha Haakmat, Early Steps Trustee, and the entire BHMS

community as you celebrate 50 years of growing minds in Brooklyn.

We look forward to many more years of successful partnership.

Best wishes from all of us at Early Steps

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 23

W E A R E P L E A S E D T O S U P P O R T T H E

Brooklyn Heights Montessori School’s 50th Anniversary

1 3 9 S M I T H S T, B R O O K LY N N Y

24 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 25

26 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

5o Anniversary of

th

- Accounting- Auditing- Budget Modeling- CFR Consulting- Financial Modeling- Business Valuations

3340 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Bohemia, N.Y. 11716 - (631)-582-1600 www.ceriniandassociates.com

- Forensic Accounting- Internal Audit Services- Management Consulting- Litigation Support- Operational & Internal Reviews- Policy and Procedure Reviews

- PC Based Accounting & Data Systems- Outsourced Accounting Department- Strategic Business Planning - Tax Planning and Preparation- Tax Audit Representation and Defense- Third Party Contract Negotiations

Is proud to recognize the

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 27

28 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 29

Congratulations to the Brooklyn Heights

Montessori School for 50 years of

excellence educating the children

of our wonderful community.

Thank you

KAREN HEYMAN | 212.810.4990

ALAN HEYMAN | 212.810.4991

Downtown Manhattan Brokerage 149 Fifth Avenue, 4th FloorNew York, NY 10010 sothebyshomes.com/nyc

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.

30 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

     

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY – PROUD TO SUPPORT AN INCREDIBLE

INSTITUTION!

Telebeam Telephone Systems, Inc. can fulfill all of your voice and data cabling needs; we sell, service and maintain voice and date

communications systems, dvr and connected camera systems used to monitor your property; and provide consultation servies on other

telecommunications related concerns.

36-40 37th Street, Long Island City, NY – (718) 706-1111

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 31

32 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 33

The Parents Leagueo f n e w y o r k

Founded in 1913, The Parents League has been connecting families with independent schools for over 100 years.Educational and Parenting Publications, Lectures, Panel

Discussions, School Fairs and School Admissions Advisors. Become a member at www.parentsleague.org

Congratulations to our Member School Brooklyn Heights Montessori on 50 years of educational excellence.

34 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 35

36 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

Paisanos Butcher ShopWholesale and Retail

Satisfying Customers for Over 50 YearsDry Aged Beef • Imported Cheese • Olive Oil • Appetizers

Special Cuts for All Occasions

Tel: (718) 855-2641Night: (718) 855-2691Fax: (718) 855-2426

paisanosbutchershop.com paisanosbutchershop@gmail.com

162 Smith Streetbtwn Wycoff & Bergen

Brooklyn, NY 11201

The Brooklyn Heights Montessori School Admin Team salutes BHMS on its golden anniversary

and acknowledges the tireless work and unmatchable expertise of our dedicated teachers who

have guided us to this pivotal point in our school history.

The future is here!

bhms-50th-gala-journal-page36-rev.indd 36 9/29/15 4:09 PM

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 37

ARI, BEE, GABRIEL, ILAN, LILLIAN, MOLLY, MORGAN, OSCAR, SEBASTIEN & ZOE

John Dixon’s Advisory Group congratulates the BHMS community on its 50th Birthday.

Thank you, John, for being our teacher, mentor and friend. We are looking forward to

being involved in the next 50 years!

Musician’s General Store

177 Smith Street Brooklyn, NY 112101 718.596.4962info@musiciansgeneralstore.com musiciansgeneralstore.com

SALES, RENTALS AND ACCESSORIES FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS

piano • guitar • drums • violin • cello • horns voice • group classes

events entertainment services • talent • production staging • sound • backline

38 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

A heartfelt thank you to all of Jake and Alex’s dedicated teachers who have inspired our grandchildren to be lifelong learners.

Congratulations on 50 years of educational excellence.

RUTH & MARTY GREENBLATT

XOXO — MAMA

To my amazing daughter, Ixele, I feel so blessed to be your mom. You have a brilliant mind, imaginative spirit and a beautiful

heart. I am so proud of the person you are now, and the person you are becoming. I wish you much love and success, may

you continue to bloom and shine.

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y G A L A C E L E B R A T I O N 39

P I A N O L E S S O N S !

Tomoko Furuya-CapozziPiano Teacher

noritomoko_2000@yahoo.compianomom.homestead.com917-757-5414

HAPPY 50TH TO BHMS!

KEEVIE SNYDER, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!

One Brooklyn Bridge Park

718.246.5101

Present this ad for 10%off your first order

Free delivery inBrooklyn Heights

One Brooklyn Bridge Park

718.246.5101

Present this ad for 10% off your first order

Free delivery inBrooklyn Heights

One Brooklyn Bridge Park

718.246.5101

Present this ad for 10%off your first order

Free delivery inBrooklyn Heights

One Brooklyn Bridge Park

Present this ad for 10%off your first order

Free delivery in Brooklyn Heights

One Brooklyn Bridge Park

Present this ad for 10%off your first order

Free delivery in Brooklyn Heights

40 B R O O K LY N H E I G H T S M O N T E S S O R I S C H O O L

STEVE WONG DDS PC158 Court Street, Suite A

Brooklyn, NY 11201Telephone (718) 625-2828drsteve@wongdental.com

IVETTE GREENBLATT & ANDREW FRIEDMAN

We are so proud to be part of such a vibrant and

wonderful community.

Congratulations on 50 wonderful years!

Congratulations and best wishes to everyone

at BHMS!

ELISE BERNHARDTTONY, ISAAC & AARON

GIOVANNETTI

The complete offering terms are in an Offering Plan from sponsor file No. CD13-0156

Expansive, townhome-style condominiums in world-class Brooklyn Bridge Park

PierhouseNY.com | 718.246.4205Sales Gallery: 41 Clark Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Congratulations to Brooklyn Heights Montessori School

on 50 Years of Excellence in Education