Skip to main content

Blog

Authored by:
Krista Sergi, Director of College Guidance
Even though the first college applications deadline won’t come around until about mid-October, now is the perfect time to start thinking about college. Spring break is right around the corner, and it’s a great opportunity to take the time to visit colleges in-person or virtually. But how do you visit colleges if you have no idea what you want to major in or where you want to study? Well, this is the guide for you. Step 1: Brainstorm the Basics In order to decide where to start looking, first answer the following questions:
Authored by:
Gabriella Skwara, Health teacher
It was lovely getting to meet many parents in person again after the long hiatus of remote and hybrid instruction.  This past semester has been full of these happy reminders of more normal times. With all that being said, it is still important for us to acknowledge how much things have changed and that change is never easy, regardless of whether it is for the better or the worse. In fact, life changes rank amongst the key stressors that humans have to cope with.
Authored by:
Robin Mishell, English teacher
Poetry has been my lifelong friend who always shows up at the right time. My English I and II classes have just begun their Poetry Unit. I look forward to gently nudging the scholars to find the poet inside themselves. Growing up, poetry came into my life with artists like Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and Robert Lowell. When I was earning my undergraduate degree, I studied under Jorie Graham who later won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. I still keep a personal note to me from Jorie as a reminder of how one teacher can introduce you to a whole new way of thinking about words.
Authored by:
Daniel Shabasson, language teacher
Is it important to teach English grammar in our schools? Do kids need to know the difference between a noun and an adjective, or between the subject and the direct object of a sentence? Before the 1960s, educators generally believed that understanding grammar was crucial to becoming an articulate speaker and a good writer of English. But a sea change in thinking occurred in the late ’50s and early ’60s.
Authored by:
Ian Rusten, History teacher
How do we become historical writers who don’t merely write about facts, but write strong informational essays that develop ideas, arrange facts, and provide supporting evidence and details, all while making connections and drawing conclusions?
Authored by:
Linli Chin, Physics teacher
Every year in my Theoretical Physics class, we learn about vibration and waves using the wave equation, which relates the speed of a wave to the product of its wavelength and frequency. We naturally progress into the physics of music, which marries the concepts of ratios and patterns in mathematics, standing waves in strings and air columns, pitch, resonances, and so much more!
Authored by:
Maren Holmen, Head of School
One of the comments I hear most often from prospective families in my 20+ years here at The Beekman School is, “…but I’ve never heard of you!”  I’ve heard this from lifelong New Yorkers who thought they knew all of the local schools, and I’ve heard this from educational consultants who have been placing students in larger Metro-area schools for years.  Are we a new school?  No; we’ve been around for almost 100 years.  Are we (gasp) not very good?  While I typically jump to the defense of my beloved school, I will take this opportunity to let others speak on my behalf.
Authored by:
Krista Sergi, Director of College Guidance
“So, tell me about yourself.” *Student stares at me like a deer in headlights* This is how I like to start mock-interviews with my students, and I’m not going to lie, it’s 100% because I like to elicit this classic bewildered reaction. More on this later.
Authored by:
Krista Sergi, Director of College Guidance
In a recent article, the College Board announced that it is no longer offering SAT Subject Tests or the SAT with Essay. Having worked in college admissions and as a high school counselor, I feel both relief and disappointment. Before I get into my feelings, however, I need to contextualize this a bit.  
Authored by:
Glenn Doering, Tutoring School Director
Online Homeschooling Tutors | Get Homeschool Tutoring Help Are you homeschooling your high schooler? That is often the right option for some teenagers, but it also presents some challenges for their parents. Let The Beekman School help you navigate those challenges.