THE
CoveConnection
Cove’s Mission and Vision Statements
A quarterly publication for the Cove Community
The Cove School provides highly individualized education and life strategies for children with learning disabilities. The Cove School, a private K – 12 day school, is a national leader in educating children with learning disabilities. Cove was founded by pioneers in the field of learning disabilities in 1947. Cove provides children from diverse backgrounds with an individual educational experience in a safe and respectful environment. Cove’s dual purpose is to provide students with customized learning strategies to complete an academic curriculum and to facilitate the development of their social, emotional and self-advocacy skills. Cove’s approach to learning creates an environment for students to build the self-confidence necessary to make a successful transition to their community schools, or to make post-secondary choices. THE
CoveConnection
The Cove Connection is a quarterly publication circulated to parents of the Cove community. The content is provided by teachers, staff, and administrators. Photography and layout are handled by Abby Lasky, Development and Communications Coordinator. All questions regarding the Cove Connection can be directed to Abby at alasky@coveschool.org, or by calling (847)562-2100 ext. 2221. Your suggestions and
A Focus on Continuous Improvement By Dr. Sally Sover, Executive Director
The Cove School is dedicated to serving the needs of students with complex learning disabilities – a mission that requires our school to continuously grow and learn from colleagues in the community, experts in the field, and professionals who span the country and abroad. While professional development is an ongoing practice at our school, the past couple of months have been exceptional. On January 19th, the Cove staff participated in an all day in-service on the Neuropsychology of Reading Disorders. Dr. Steven Feifer, an internationally renowned speaker and author in the field of learning disabilities, presented to over 150 professionals throughout the community. The workshop examined reading from a brain-based educational perspective and classified developmental reading disorders into four distinct subtypes. Recommendations for evidence-based interventions were provided for each type with suggestions for assessments as well. Dr. Feifer is a frequent presenter at the Learning and the Brain conferences and has authored several books that have led to the numerous awards he has received. Cove was very fortunate to have this opportunity at our school, which is a direct result of the Cove @ 65 Campaign that funds thought leadership presentations like this one each year at the school. In February, the Learning Disabilities of America (LDA) held their International Convention at the Hyatt Hotel on Michigan Ave. Over 1200
participants from around the globe attended this four-day event that included speakers and presentations from some of the greatest experts in the field. Cove School was well represented by our staff as attendees, exhibitors, and speakers on the following topics of interest: • Dr. Robin Johnstone presented at a poster session entitled, “Engaging the Unengaged in Writing: Students as Digital Book Reviewers” • “Everyone Needs a Friend” – a workshop
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Inside this Issue
Spring 2015
continued on back page Executive Director Director of Education Professional Learning Clinical Connections Cougar Pride
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Elementary and Junior High Updates 5 Cove Musical 5 Internships 6 Technology 7
V-Show/Project Fair 8 Kindness Connection 8 Student Insights 9 Parent Association 10 Wellness Day 11
Black History Month LDA Conference Cove 5K
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