Innovative Technology Adds To Formula For Success At New Beginnings Montessori School

Sept. 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Middletown, NY - Technology counts significantly among the building blocks for a strong educational foundation at New Beginnings Montessori School, located on Albert Street in Middletown, New York.  

“We follow many components of the Montessori teaching method and make many of the educational materials available to our students,” says Nicola Parrotta, owner, who points out that the majority of students enrolled are above level for reading and math. “We also enhance our program with new technology, curricular activities and community involvement,” he says. Among the curricular activities are music, computer instruction, art, and foreign language. Extra-curricular activities include ballet, field trips, karate, and more. All instruction and activities are provided in a warm and secure educational environment. New Beginnings encourages children to become active members of the community. Notable among its many outreach activities and monthly community services are the toy drives for children in need, donations of treats for our troops overseas, collection of necessities for Safe Homes of Orange County, and support for the Middletown Humane Society.

The emphasis on technology is apparent in the school’s comprehensive website, www.newbeginningsschool.com, in the everyday administration of the facility, and in the classroom for school-year students and summer camp attendees alike.

New Beginning’s students have an edge when they move on to other schools, remarks full-time Technology Director Frank Tramontano, who recently retired as Pace University’s Chief Technology Officer. Since working with New Beginnings’ staff in August of 2009, Tramontano has upgraded the school’s complete network wiring infrastructure and existing computer lab, adding new hardware and up-to-date software, including a remote control teaching tool which allows one teacher full control of the computers of all students. “Teachers can observe who is on task, immediately see who needs help, and quickly share needed information with students. Additionally, students can experience interactive exercises associated with virtual classroom and virtual field trip technology. This technology enhances our educational approach, and research has proven that children who receive interactive instruction tend to retain what they have learned and increase their grade percentile,” Tramontano remarks.

Technology also is evident at New Beginnings Montessori, where an interactive white board or “Smart Board”TM provides teachers with hardware as well as age-appropriate software for every subject. “Our Smart Board allows teachers to enrich everyday lessons by creating or making available interactive content that addresses individual skills,” says Tramontano. He explains that Smart Board interactive software capabilities range from simulations of experiments to educational games designed to reinforce classroom activities. Each classroom is equipped with computers for student use throughout the day as well.

“New Beginnings Montessori is founded on personalized education,” says Mr. Parrotta. He believes that introducing technology during students’ early developmental stages enhances their individual skills and talents and fosters independent learning.

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About New Beginnings Montessori School: For more information and to meet the experienced teachers, staff, and tour the classrooms, please call New Beginnings Montessori School at (845) 342-0051 or contact them at info@newbeginningsschool.com.