Author Archives: Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

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About Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

an educator in Independent Schools for over 38 years

A former student, a personal goal and a happy intersection in independent schools…

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

What I remember most about Mirna as a student living in the dorms in my first teaching job at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. is her voice. She used to bring me to tears when she sang. Her … Continue reading →

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Motherlode Blogpost on Summer Reading

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Summer Reading for Adults NY Times Blogpost This made me think about my preferred style of reading. I have become much more automatic about reading news online, but I still prefer a hard copy book to a digital version, except … Continue reading →

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Technology and Screens and Children, oh my!

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Since it was published a week ago in the New York Times Well Blog, this article has generated a lot of debate. As with so many things re: parenting, we each have to decide for ourselves what we can and … Continue reading →

Posted in childhood development, NY Times, parenting in 2015, technology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

An App for Parents! What your kids should watch, customized for you!

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I’ve long been an admirer of Common Sense Media. They do good work, provide excellent resource information and have no ulterior motives. This app helps parents, as consumers, BEFORE you buy that_______ (fill in the blank: movie to stream, app, … Continue reading →

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An interesting post by former colleague and friend, Kyle Redford.

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This is a thought provoking and interesting Op-Ed by Kyle Redford. I am definitely one of those “just let them play” speech givers, but I understand what Kyle is saying here, and for students with learning challenges, summer can be … Continue reading →

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Closure: beginnings and endings…

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I love the rituals of schools. At TPS graduation last week, as I graduated with the Class of 2015, I gave a little bit of advice. To our departing 8th graders and all our Freshmen, some advice: As you depart … Continue reading →

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The power of mindfulness keeps coming back around…

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This idea that the best education connects to all parts of us is real. The healthy integration of mind, body and spirit are essential to growing good human beings. http://www.wsj.com/articles/schools-rethink-health-class-incorporate-mindfulness-training-1431306596

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, education, mindfulness | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Opposite of Spoiled, Blogpost by Ron Lieber!

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I grew up in a household where everything we needed was within walking distance of our home: school, church, friends, groceries, curiosity, and intrigue. Growing up Catholic and of Irish, English and German heritage, there were many things we discussed … Continue reading →

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David Brooks and the Road to Character…

Posted on April 25, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Last weekend’s Sunday Times featured a great article by David Brooks in advance of his new book: The Road to Character. For those of us in the business of “growing good people” I found this article very heartening. As educators and … Continue reading →

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Emotional Intelligence Op Ed by Daniel Goleman

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

We have had the great fortune of working with Dr. George McCloskey at TPS for the last two days. This well-timed piece confirms so many of the conversations he helped us have. And these are skills we can teach in … Continue reading →

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