Brooklyn Heights Montessori School (BHMS) at 185 Court Street, announces the appointment of Martha Haakmat as the new Head of School, effective July 1. Haakmat currently serves as the Head of the Middle School at Brooklyn Friends School. She replaces Dane L. Peters, who will retire at the end of this school year.

Haakmat has been an educator and leader in New York City independent schools for 26 years. In her current role at BFS, Haakmat has led and participated in curriculum evaluation, improving inter-divisional transitions and retention, redevelopment of faculty/staff supervision and growth procedures, establishing and hiring for the position of a dedicated divisional learning specialist and serving on and leading development of several all-school committees, including academic affairs, diversity and guidance.

She previously spent 14 years at Packer Collegiate Institute in numerous administrative and teaching roles, including Middle School admissions, Education Leadership Council member, Diversity Coordinator and teacher of history, humanities, English and health. Haakmat is also the founder/director and former chief consultant to EDGE (Educators for Diversity, Growth and Empowerment), which designs and conducts workshops for boards, faculty, staff, and student training in educational institutions regionally and nationally through the NYC Board of Education, Interschool, NYSAIS and NAIS.

Haakmat served on the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School Board of Trustees from 2009-2012. She holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MS Ed from the Bank Street College of Education.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/8621

The second-annual Brooklyn Baby Expo will be held Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the International School of Brooklyn at 447 Court Street, in Carroll Gardens. Included: talks, raffles, gift bags and mini-workshops, with authors, experts and local Brooklyn moms discussing practical tips for new and expecting parents. Playrooms and courtyard concerts are planned for kids, starting at age 3.

“We’re educating parents about different parts of being a parent,” says Kim Janulewicz, co-owner of “A Child Grows in Brooklyn,” which is hosting the event.

According to its website, “Learn about best parenting resources, sleep, baby and child gear, greening your home, schools, how to hire a nanny, daycares, caring for yourself and more.” Raffle prizes include strollers, car seats, carriers, high chairs and baby gear, while exhibitors will showcase products & services covering all phases of life. There will also be hands-on testing of baby products like strollers and carriers.

Tickets are available online.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/8616

Pithy comedy troupe Dinner For One—which in January filmed a “Girls” robot parody on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade—is hosting a Brooklyn TV Teen Workshop this summer at PS 261 in Boerum Hill, looking to involve some 45 area teens interested in theater.

The group is in the midst of raising funds via Mobcaster.com for its spec pilot of “Life Sucks,” an original comedy that looks back on middle school. Group member Allyson Condrath tells BHB that among its contributors & supporters is the Heights’ own Paul Giamatti. “Paul loved the idea and wanted to help out in any way,” she tells BHB. “He has donated and is allowing us to publicize his involvement.”

There are nine days left for dfor1′s fundraising campaign. More info? Producer Kyle Miller = 774-277-0232 or dinnerforonecomedy@gmail.com.

More on Brooklyn Heights Blog.

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/8598