Loose Parts - What are they and how do we use them on our playground?

/
Loose Parts - What are they and how do we use them on our playground?

"The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences." (Loris Malaguzzi)

What is "Loose Parts" play? What are loose parts? How do we use them on our playground? And how is this type of play, open ended and rich with possibility, representative of our approach to early childhood education? These questions are explored in this blog post by Stephanie Davis, a member of our preschool teaching team. 

Read More

Curriculum Information

/
Curriculum Information

When we talk about the “Breakwater Way” we talk about curriculum across grade level and throughout our learning community. Our students, from toddler through 8th grade, are engaged in a learning experience that is authentic, hands-on, personalized, challenging and integrated.

But what does this actually look like? How does that show up for children on a daily basis? This is what we strive to make visible during our annual Curriculum Information Night.  Read on ....

Read More

"Field Trips" in the Breakwater Way

/
"Field Trips" in the Breakwater Way

Seventy-three middle school students piled into buses and traveled to Camp Agawam in Raymond for Breakwater's annual overnight adventure. Next week, Sari Lindauer will take this year's CGF Breakwater Creators overnight to Unity to participate in the Common Ground Fair's "Youth Enterprise Zone".

Why does Breakwater prioritize outside-of-the-classroom learning experiences? Read on....

Read More

And the magic begins....

/
And the magic begins....

Hooray! A new school year has begun! The quality of work we do in the first few weeks of school will lay the groundwork for a productive year of learning. Classrooms are full of play as teachers observe and interact with students to build strong bonds of trust and friendship. 

Read about how our teachers inspire children in these critical first days to embrace their school experience and become agents in their own learning.

Read More

Your Top Five Back-To-School List!

/
Your Top Five Back-To-School List!

Current Families: Many at Breakwater describe our school community as an extension of home. We are honored by this acknowledgment, and committed to building strong partnerships between teachers, parents and the children we serve. Welcome to a new school year, and welcome home(-ish)!

To ease your transition from summer to September, here is an easy at-a-glance list of the top 5 important things to do before September 6.

Read More

Alumni Spotlight: Eamonn Dundon, '12

/
Alumni Spotlight: Eamonn Dundon, '12

Eamonn Dundon began his Breakwater career in 2002 and graduated in our 8th grade class of 2012. We asked him to tell us a little bit about his life “beyond the breakwater” and to describe what a Breakwater education meant for him.

In this intelligent and thoughtful Q&A, Eamonn fills us in about college, serving as a fellow on President Obama’s 2012 Campaign, as a Senate Page in D.C., as an intern in U.S. Senator Angus King's office, and about his involvement in the Maine Youth Court… plus, he tells us a story!

Read More

Early Childhood Open House

/
Early Childhood Open House

Saturday, July 15 from 9 - 10:30am

Visit our toddler, preschool and kindergarten classrooms and tour Breakwater’s campus. Children are welcome! Preschool and toddler teachers will be on hand with materials and activities that demonstrate our philosophy of learning. Our Director of Admissions and Early Childhood Coordinator will provide information and applications for families interested in enrollment.

Learn more and RSVP so we are ready to welcome you and your little one! 

Read More

Walk with the Breakwater GSA/ Portland Pride Parade 2017

/
Walk with the Breakwater GSA/ Portland Pride Parade 2017

Breakwater's grade 7/8 GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance) is ending its first year by participating in the Portland Pride Parade on Saturday, June 17, and invites you to come along! This year's event theme is LOVE IS LOVE.

Join the parade with the GSA and our Breakwater walking team. Learn more about this family friendly, inclusive event and sign up by clicking here!
 

Read More