Cove Connection Fall 2016

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. Your suggestions and feedback

Fall 2016

Welcome to a New School Year!

As we begin the 2016 - 2017 school year, we are thrilled to welcome 23 new families into our community. Since 1947, Cove has served students with learning disabilities throughout the Midwest and we are extremely proud of the rich history, strong foundation, and bright future of our school.

The fundamental belief in a highly individualized education within a safe and nurturing environment is the cornerstone of our mission and provides the basis for the strength in our academic program. For nearly 70 years, Cove’s leadership in the field of learning disabilities has reached thousands of children.

Today, we have 109 staff members serving 166 students. With our small class sizes and comprehensive staffing, we are proud of the individualized attention we are able to provide to all of our students. As the number of students who require a specialized education continues to grow, so does our urgency for continuous improvement.

Last year, we implemented year two of our 5-year Strategic Plan that allowed us to accomplish the following academic goals: • A one-to-one technology device was made available to all students with specialized technology available to all • A new 3-year technology plan was initiated • An expanded athletic program was implemented

•O ur assessments were expanded to more fully diagnose and thus plan for stronger individualized services • There was an increase in after school programs and clubs at all levels • New and expanded relationships with businesses and foundations supported our school and enhanced our transition program •O ngoing professional development supported our literacy, math, writing, social/emotional learning, and behavior management system that included training from the Beck Institute and extended Wilson training to 26 staff members • Expanded parent education series Last year, we also surveyed our stakeholders as part of our Accreditation Review, which helped us to guide the development of our specific goals for this year.

As we enter into the third year of our plan, I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders on the following goals:

•S TEAM classes were expanded throughout the year

Continued on page 11

are welcome!

Inside this Issue

Executive Director

1

Elementary Happenings 4

Clinical Connections

6

Peg Dawson Speaks

8

Director of Education

9

2

Junior High Happenings 4

HS Student Council

6

Multi-Cultural

We’re Growing at Cove 2

High School Happenings 5

Parent Association

7

Community Connection 10

70 Year Anniversary

3

Transition

5

Ways to Support Cove

7

YPC Update

11

Cove’s New Mascot

3

Wilson Training

5

Warren Rosen Speaks

8

Benefit Save the Date

12 1

From the Desk of the Director of Education

Cove Celebrates 70 Years!

By John R. Stieper, III, Director of Education

Enrich your child’s learning experiences…

Cove offers a variety of after school programs and activities including homework assistance, sports, and student social events. Research demonstrates that participation in after school programs and social activities supports classroom learning by offering students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations. In turn, this kind of real-life application helps boost student motivation through experiential learning and builds positive expectations for the future by exposing students to new ideas, people, and places beyond their everyday experiences. Encourage your child to participate in at least one after school program and student social event this year. Participation in extra-curricular activities provides students with a variety of enriching experiences which in turn promote increases in a child’s overall academic, social, and emotional growth, as well as help with building the broad range of skills students need to be successful in school and life. Additionally, research

supports that student participation in after school programs and social events helps increase student connectivity, motivation, and engagement in school.

The following after school programs are underway: homework club, track & field, soccer, dance, Piven Theatre, robotics, Monday maker studio, bowling club, choir, school of rock. The new programs we have added this year include art club, baseball clinic, and Girl Scouts. The following after school programs begin the first week of November 2016: basketball, poms, and cheerleading. Additionally, Cove offers students and families a variety of student social events and family events. This past August’s Cove Picnic and September’s Bingo and Family Fun Night had record-breaking attendance.

To learn more about current and upcoming after school programs and social events, please check out Cove’s website at www.coveschool.org and click on the “Extracurricular Activities” link under “Programs”. Or, visit Cove’s “Virtual Backpack” to download the after school program sign up forms. Please direct inquiries on how to sign your child up for any of these after school program oppor-

By Abby Lasky, Development and Communications Coordinator

tunities to Beth Pickus in the main office by phone 847-562-2100 or by email bpickus@coveschool.org. Or, please contact me directly by phone 847-562-2100 ext.2105 or by email at jstieper@coveschool.org with any questions. Enrich your child’s learning experiences by encouraging your child to participate in at least one after school program and/or one school social event.

History The Cove School was founded in 1947 by Dr. Alfred A. Strauss, a child psychiatrist-neurologist, and his research assistant, Dr. Laura Lehtinen Rogan. The name comes from its original location on the sleepy cove of Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin.

1950 - Dr. Rogan opened the first Cove day school in Wilmette, IL.

Thank you for partnering with us to provide the best educational opportunities and experiences for our students.

Warm regards, John R. Stieper, III, Director of Education

6th grade: 8 students, 7th grade: 2 students, 8th grade :3 students, 10th grade: 1 student and 11th grade: 2 students.

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1996 - the school moved again to its permanent location in Northbrook.

Today In its 70 year history, Cove’s curriculum and programs have continued to evolve and change to reflect current pedagogy. Every student at Cove receives an individualized academic education from our highly trained and qualified staff members based on the goals of their individualized education plan.

Here are what some our programs look like today: Technology - every student in each unit has a device to access the internet and use assistive technology for classroom work and homework.

Math and Science - utilizing STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) courses that include robotics, 3D printing, coding, designing apps, and using a 3D printer.

Sports and Fitness - state-of-the art fitness equipment, a fitness room, yoga, movement, dance, and sports.

Art and Music – yearly art shows, art wall, centerpiece and benefit artwork, annual school musicals, Cove Singers, and School of Rock.

2006 - complete renovation of the school

Transition – career readiness programs, internships, visits to local businesses, and colleges as well as life skills training.

Special Services - individual or group sessions in speech, reading, physical therapy, and social work services.

Thought Leadership From its earliest beginnings when it was founded in 1947 until today, Cove remains a leader in the field of learning disabilities.

Cove is committed to providing ongoing education and professional development for all staff members as well as area LD professionals. Professional development has covered areas such as ADHD, Dyslexia, and Executive Functioning. Training sessions have occurred on topics such as math, reading, behavior, and diversity just to name a few. By enhancing our knowledge on these and other important LD topics, we continue to make Cove the best place for students to learn and flourish.

As we reflect on this milestone anniversary, we take great pride in the hard work of our leadership and staff members who have built this incredible school for the past 70 years.

Together with our students, parents, and community, Cove looks forward to “shining on” for many years to come!

By Abby Lasky, Development and Communications Coordinator

Nothing gets a crowd excited at an event like a mascot! Who isn’t drawn to someone dressed up in a fur costume that dances and performs getting everyone in the audience to clap and cheer for the home team?

Well now, Cove is no exception to the rule.

Cove is pleased to be welcoming 23 new students this year, many of whom started attending Cove during our summer program. This brings our total student population to 166, which means the school is at capacity. As always, students enter in various grades and come from all over the greater Chicago area. Here is a breakdown of our new students’ grade levels: 4th grade: 2 students, 5th grade: 1 students,

1973- the school found a home in a remodeled mansion in Evanston.

took place. The facility currently serves 166 K-12 students.

Cove’s New Mascot Makes a Debut

Bigger and Better. Cove Has Record Enrollment This Year!

1st grade: 1 student, 3rd grade: 3 students,

Cove is thrilled to be celebrating its 70th year and platinum anniversary. We are so proud of all of the accomplishments we have made as leaders in education for students with complex learning disabilities. From humble beginnings in 1947 to the tremendous school that exists today, Cove has reached unimaginable milestones never dreamed possible.

Today, we continue to seek out best practices in order to provide every student with an individualized education and life strategies to reach their fullest potential. As we look back through the years, we celebrate the progress, breakthroughs, and successes of The Cove School.

Our new students come from the city and suburbs which include: Chicago, Glencoe, Palatine, Skokie, Wilmette, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Plainfield, Crystal Lake, Mt. Prospect, and Grayslake.

We hope everyone will help welcome our new students and their families to Cove!

On August 20th, Cove held its annual picnic to close the summer and welcome families back for the start of the new school year. But this year, there was a new edition to the picnic – Cove debuted its new cougar mascot for the first time. Although the athletic and cheerleading teams have long been known as “The Cove

Cougars,” it wasn’t until this year that Cove had its very own Cove Cougar mascot.

Liam Lynch, a seventh grade student at Cove had the idea of creating a mascot. As a result, at Cove’s annual benefit last March, one of the auction items allowed attendees to bid on the opportunity to become the school mascot for the year. Amanda Gordon, our new student mascot, worked with Cove’s dance and poms coach, Krystle Schrantz, to learn a dance and cheer. At the picnic, the mascot was joined by the Cove cheerleaders on stage where they danced to Justin Timberlake’s song

“Can’t Stop the Feeling.” And led a cheer called “Cove Kids Can!” Tracy Gordon (the mascot’s mom) had this to say, “What we love about Cove is that the students get to participate in the same activities that they would in a typical school. We are just so glad that a student can have an opportunity like this. Whether its music, sports, cheerleading, theater, or being the school mascot, Cove has it all.”

Cove’s mascot will be featured at home basketball games, health and wellness day, and at next year’s 5K in June. Go Cougars!

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GRADE LEVEL HAPPENINGS

Elementary

By Sue Petersen, Elementary Case Manager

The elementary students and teachers are off to a fantastic beginning for the 2016-17 school year! After our summer break, new and returning students were welcomed back to their homerooms (some new, some the same!) by the friendly faces of their teachers. The beginning of the school year is always a marathon of testing, but our students persevered through all of it, showing great amounts of patience and flexibility every time the schedule had to change to accommodate these important assessments. The good news is, we are done! The elementary students have had fun reconnecting with both old friends and getting to know the new students at Cove.

The long anticipated opening of the Cove School Store happened earlier this week, and several children have already been shopping!

After-school activities have already begun, but it is never too late to sign up for Homework Club, Art Club, Bowling, etc.

Your Elementary Teachers: Laurie Bender, Kristy Bonolo, Stacy Franke, Grace Hollander, and Sue Petersen

Our High School has Grown!

Cove’s High School has grown by leaps and bounds this year and now has 80 students! Our expanded staff is eager to tap into the strength and talents of our amazing student body.

Transition and Parent Education Series at Cove

By Christine Becker, Transition Specialist

Transition planning is the development of program and instructional activities based on the student’s post-secondary Transition Plan outcomes. The goal of Transition is to facilitate movement from school to post-school/adult life. Transition planning begins at age 14 ½ and is an integral part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Best practices in Transition planning involve programming and instructional activities that address the student’s needs in moving forward from school to the adult world in the areas of employment, independent living, social/recreation, and education.

Cove’s Transition Parent Education Series offers informational programs to families. Some of the topics that have been presented included post-secondary education, estate planning, guardianship, SSI & Medicaid, Department of Rehabilitation Services (Employment), and housing options.

We wish to thank all of the parents (or other significant adults) who came to our Back-to-School-Night in September. We realize a lot of information was shared with you that night, but hopefully you left with good knowledge of how your child spends the day at school.

Please join us this year as we continue our Transition Parent Education Series. All evening programs are at 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the Cove School Media Center.

Thank you for sharing your children with us, and we are all looking forward to a grand school year ahead!

10/25/16: Transition overview/Post-Secondary Options 11/29/16: SSI, Medicaid and Benefits planning 02/07/17: High School Orientation and Fair 04/25/17: Special Needs Trusts, Estate Planning, and Guardianship.

Junior High

By Jan Diehl, Junior High Case Manager

The Junior High staff and students kicked off the new school year with our first Mall Lunch trip to Northbrook Court on September 9th. Prior to our trip to the mall, Cove staff evaluated each student through a role play situation. We set up menus for Tony & Bruno’s and Subway in our lunchroom. Menus included food items and beverages with prices, and each student was given a specific amount of money. As students ordered their meal, they were asked to make an estimate of the total cost. We also asked them about how much change they would receive. This activity was very helpful because it made us aware of which students need to work more on money skills. In fact, this year we have five specific goal areas in which students will work. These include the following: money management, self-advocacy and problem-solving, social communication and social skills, functional/life skills, and safety. We will be setting goals for each student and then tracking these goals after each Mall Lunch trip. Our walks to the mall provide us with fresh air and exercise, and we were fortunate to have lovely weather for our first trip! We are looking forward to the valuable experiences our Mall Lunch trips provide to our students throughout the school year!

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Professional Development: Wilson Reading

By Sue Turner, SLP, Reading Specialist

On June 13, 14, and 15th, over 25 Cove faculty members participated in a Wilson Reading System Introductory Workshop. The Wilson Reading System is a research-based program designed to teach the structure of words in the English language with an organized, sequential system. It provides a complete curriculum for teaching decoding and spelling. The presenter provided the theoretical framework, the Who, Why, What, How, When, and Where’s of the program as well as opportunities to practice the multisensory aspects of the program. Staff left the 3-day workshop with additional knowledge of our language structure and strategies to aid student reading in the classroom. The Cove Wilson Certified Reading Department staff will present follow-up professional development to other Cove staff members.

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News From the Cove Parent Association

Clinical Connections

By Debra Johnson, President, Cove Parent Association

By Dr. Robin Johnstone, Clinical Director, Ph.D., NCSP Clinical Director

The Cove staff has learned through experience that problems that go unmeasured often go unsolved. We believe that consistent, credible data about student achievement is critical to the improvement of their lives – and indispensable to realizing the educational rights of every child.

Data continues to support advocacy and action providing us with facts on which to base decisions and actions to improve children’s lives. New ways of collecting and using data will help target interventions to reach and teach to the individual needs of each student. Data do not, of themselves, make a change. It makes change possible – by identifying needs, supporting instruction, and gauging progress.

Our data gathering would not be complete without active progress monitoring in both academic and social domains. This is done through curriculum-based and informal measures. Data is updated each quarter and this enables us to closely monitor achievement. If we find that a child is not demonstrating their own rate of expected growth in a particular area, we strategize as a team and discuss potential instructional

At the beginning of each school year, this data is used as a comparison point from the previous year to identify growth of students in all academic and social areas.

This process is completed by the end of October. Specifically, our reading teachers will measure word attack skills, word identification skills, reading fluency, and passage comprehension. The speech and language pathologists will measure your child’s receptive and expressive vocabulary, as well as their listening comprehension skills. Our occupational therapists complete an analysis of your child’s ability to independently complete various self-help and executive functioning skills. Finally, the social workers gather data on your child’s social and emotional functioning.

changes and a change of programs or methods to accelerate achievement for the student. This process is Cove Critical Care (CCC) and has been very beneficial in identifying student needs in a timely manner.

Last year the PARCC assessments were administered in March. Parents should receive those results within the next few months. This year, PARCC testing will occur during the week of April 10. If your child completes the alternative form, it will also be administered during the month of April this year. In addition, the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) will be administered to all 5th, 8th, and high school students enrolled in Biology during the month of April.

The state-funded SAT is also required for all grade 11 students. The test date is Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Makeup date testing will occur on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.

Of interest, these tests will not be computer based. We will, however, apply for all of the appropriate accommodations for each of our students.

At Cove, we continue to review the best methods to progress monitor our students to provide valuable information for you, our staff, and appropriate feedback for our students. We can look forward to another year of measured growth with individual needs being addressed. If you have any questions about the assessment processes at Cove, please do not hesitate to contact me at rjohnstone@coveschool.org.

Student Council

By Dr. Robin Johnstone, Clinical Director, Ph.D., NCSP

Volunteers Needed Volunteering through the Parent Association not only helps our students, but strengthens our community and gives parents the opportunity to better know our school and Cove families. Please consider lending your time and talent to one or more of our committees, be it taking the lead on one of our events or simply helping out at one. There are a number of ways to get involved: • Visit the Virtual Backpack at www.coveschool.org for volunteer descriptions and an online sign-up • Watch the Cove Minute for volunteer opportunities • Contact a PA steering committee member or Stephanie Sanderman at ssanderman@coveschool.org

Upcoming Events Ladies Afternoon Out - Sunday, November 6th Find your zen! Come mingle and enjoy hors d’eourves and drinks at the Cove School’s Ladies Afternoon Out on Sunday, November 6th from 3:30-6:00 at Demetri’s Greek Restaurant in Deerfield. Alumni parent Meg Barnhart, along with her business partner Jane McKay, will share with us “the zen of slow cooking.” For more information, please contact Ann Marie Novar at (312) 350-8759 or danovar@sbcglobal.net.

Family Potluck Dinner and Book Fair Thursday, November 17th Our annual potluck is a family favorite at Cove. Each family brings an entree or side dish to share. Following our feast, we will be joined by Geoff Akins of Bubble Wonder. Geoff has entertained, educated and empowered children and adults alike for over 30 years. His show captivates and inspires its audience, reminding us all that “Anything is Possible.” During the event, your Cove School Directory will also be distributed, and don’t forget to visit the book fair in the Media Center - another Cove family favorite. For more information, please contact Tracey Redderoth at (630) 699-

4696 or traceyredderoth@gmail.com.

Holiday Shopping Made Easy - Gift Card Fundraising As we approach the holidays, please consider buying your gift cards through our ongoing Gift Card Fundraiser. For each gift card sold, Cove receives a percentage back, anywhere from 3-14%. Whether you are buying a gift for that favorite teacher or favorite family member, or just using a gift card for weekly groceries, you’ll be supporting Cove with every purchase.

Ways to order: • Download an order form found in the Virtual Backpack on the Cove website (www.coveschool.org) and send in with payment by the last Friday of each month. Or email Anna directly with your order at pryilis@yahoo.com

If you have already signed up to volun• Order online at www.mannaorders.net teer - thank you! Prior to the event, the - please contact Anna at (847) 470-2366 chairperson will contact you. Any level of or pryilis@yahoo.com for your particivolunteering is appreciated and we are pation code and password. grateful for the gift of your time!

Thank you in advance for supporting the Parent Association! Should you have any questions, like more information or would like to offer suggestions, please contact any of our Parent Association steering committee members.

Debra Johnson, President debj3@sbcglobal.net, (312) 524-4055

The Cove High School Student Council is off to a good start! Elections were held at the beginning of the school year and we would like to recognize our new officers: President – Destiny Pough, Vice-President – DC Carr , Secretary – Amanda Gordon, Treasurer – Charlie Paul

Betsy Crosswhite thecrosswhites@yahoo. com, (773) 415-9624

Courtney Jack courtneyriordan@ yahoo.com, (312) 371-9560

Maureen Klatt mckklatt@aol.com, (847) 212-4990

Jen Puccini jen.puccini@gmail.com, (847) 323-2601

Tracey Redderoth traceyredderoth@ gmail.com, (630) 699-4696

More Ways to Support Cove!

Several students ran for the offices and we congratulate all of them. Class representatives will be elected at the end of September. The council will meet approximately twice per month. Several service projects are planned. The first project is a warm clothing drive for the Evanston School Children’s Fund. Donations of coats, scarves, and mittens will be collected from October 4-October 25.

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What is the Cove School Parent Association?

The Cove School Parent Association (PA) supports our students, families, teachers, and staff through volunteer service and fundraising. We organize and sponsor events and activities to build community spirit and enhance the experience of our students socially, academically, and culturally. All parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to participate in the PA and school activities. We hope you will join us!

Charlie Paul, Amanda Gordon, Destiny Pough, DC Carr

Tribute Gifts

Shop

Box Tops

You, a friend, or relative can make a gift to Cove in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Proceeds support students at Cove. All donations are tax deductible. Go to: www. coveschool.org/giving/onlinedonations

You can help support Cove every time you shop! Sign up for Amazon Smile and Heinen’s Tasteful Rewards Preferred Card. Learn how you can support Cove by going to their websites and signing up.

Be sure to save your Box Tops and turn them in to your student’s classroom teacher or at the front desk.

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Dr. Warren Rosen Gives Post Secondary Transition Information for Success

By Abby Lasky, Development and Communications Coordinator

On Tuesday, September 14, The Cove Parent Association held its first general meeting at Cove. The guest speaker was Dr. Warren Rosen, Neuropsychologist and member of the Cove Academic Advisory Board. This presentation continued a presentation and discussion Dr. Rosen gave last year. Parents were given an outline of the academic, social, and emotional skills that are helpful in order to have a successful post-secondary transition.

Dr. Rosen said that one of the biggest challenges students face when starting college is not having the same scaffolding to support them as they did prior to college.

Oftentimes, the executive functioning required to make it through a schedule that changes daily is overwhelming. Another challenge can be learning the expectations of each professor and how to manage them. One of the hardest things he said, is a breakdown in how a student is able to express themselves in written or verbal forms in order to properly reflect their understanding of complex information.

Dr. Rosen recommends that students that are not ready for the processing, reasoning, and inference needed to reach hypotheses and conclusions, might be better off in a precollege program or a gap year to build those necessary skills.

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Students must also learn to manage daily living tasks.

Waking up, taking medication, doing laundry and budgeting expenses might all be new skills for a child who has always had these tasks managed for them.

Additionally, college can offer students potentially dangerous and illegal enticements, that if not handled properly, can lead to a self-destructive path. He cautions again, that these skills can be worked on as part of pre-college preparedness.

In conclusion, Dr. Rosen gave this list for considerations for a student’s transition readiness: • child’s abilities • child’s self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self advocacy • child’s drive and passion • child’s determination and persistence • child’s executive functioning in life • child’s social needs and affiliative skills • parents’ psychological and interpersonal readiness • unconscious translation of parents’ readiness to the child If you would like to listen to the entire presentation, please go to News Releases on our Cove School homepage and click on the audio file of the lecture. (Both last year’s and this year’s are available).

Dr. Peg Dawson Will Present to Parents on Excutive Functioning

By Donna Torf, Speech-Language Pathologist, M.A., CCC

On January 12, 2017 Peg Dawson, Co-0author of Smart but Scattered and Smart but Scattered Teens will speak to Cove parents about best practices for addressing exeutive functioning.

Peg Dawson, Ed.D., is a staff psychologist at the Center for Learning and Attention Disorders at Seacoast Mental Health Center in Portsmouth, NH. Together with colleague, Richard Guare, Ph.D., who is Director of the Center, Dr. Dawson has decades of experience assessing and addressing the needs of children with learning, attention, and behavior difficulties.

Drs. Dawson and Guare have co-authored Smart but Scattered, Smart but Scattered Teens, and other books that clarify executive functioning and provide practical supports. Dr. Dawson received her doctorate in school/ child clinical psychology from the University of Virginia and has worked as a school psychologist in Maine and New Hampshire. Included in her many years of service within professional organizations, Dr. Dawson has been President of the NH Association of School Psychologists, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the International School Psychology Association. She is the 2006 recipient of NASP’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Multi-cultural to Multi-marvelous!

By Dr. Robin Johnstone, Clinical Director Ph.D., NCSP

The Cove staff had the opportunity to participate in a workshop presented by renowned multi-cultural expert, Susan O’Halloran and her associate, Erika Walker Thomas on August 17. This was the kick-off to a year’s commitment of professional development on diversity training for staff.

The workshop highlighted culture as a shared design for living.

The focus was on feelings of others and our sense of self. An activity involved groups of insiders and outsiders. Feelings of the insiders included feeling uncomfortable, empowered, and glad to not be the person who was left out. In contrast, outsiders were left with self-doubt, disbelief, recognition that they needed new strategies to be included, and feelings of being emotionally small and alone.

We discussed that some outsiders at the beginning of the school year can be new students, new staff members, new parents to the community, and students of color to name a few. This can impact the following: • School performance • Feelings of resentment • Aggressive behavior • Feelings of depression • Anxiety

• Internal distraction • Somatic complaints • Attendance • School refusal

Monday, February 13 All of the discussions will take place at Cove from 6:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you would like to attend these discussions, the form to RSVP and order the book is available in our Virtual Backpack on our website. Please fill out and return to the front office.

Contact Donna Torf with questions at dtorf@coveschool.org.

The workshop ended with strategies to help us recognize historical and organizational patterns. We practiced using “I” messages to communicate our own self-awareness and to contribute multiple solutions to a problem. The L.I.V.E. formula is something we have committed to as a school. Live Through Any Conflict is the theme. The following principles will be integrated throughout the curriculum and during interactions with others.

They include leaning in and listening, encouraging investigation so that we show positive intention, instilling a vision for change, and setting expectations to make sure a change will happen!

On that note, our expectation is to reinforce these principles throughout the school year. We look forward to multiple opportunities to learn and practice what we have learned. Overall, we appreciated this experience and look forward to a school year of growth in this area and beyond!

In addition to the January 12th presentation by Dr. Dawson, Cove will be hosting two additional discussions on the books Smart but Scattered and Smart but Scattered Teens. Those dates will be: Monday, November 7

relationship. At times, this may require some repair since the intent of our communication may have a different impact than we realize. It helped us to understand that privilege is the unearned advantage, benefit or reward that individuals have been granted because of particular aspects of their identity. We were reminded that privilege is subtle, and that invisible inequities are usually unrecognized. Being privileged does not make you a good or bad person. We have influence to create fairness.

These characteristics may only be the tip of the iceberg and we make assumptions by what we see. We can miss the complexities. Therefore, we were encouraged to spend more time listening to one another. We all need to build this skill by learning how a person self-identifies themselves.

This way we can determine similarities and gain freedom to not categorize by the assumptions that we make. We were encouraged to not generalize which leads to stereo-typing and then prejudice.

Our attempts to communicate are not always received how we intend. Both people have a responsibility to establish a

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Continued from page 1 I. Academic Program

G. Expand our Parents as Partners Education series

Currently, our staff profile is as follows:

A. Enhance our comprehensive assessment profile and database that will provide opportunities for ongoing individual and group analysis

H. Further develop the ESY (summer school) program

• 7.9 - Average number of years at Cove for Certified Staff

II. Transition

• 84% of certified staff have a Master’s Degree or Doctorate

B. C ontinue the development of a Cove-specific curriculum that identifies specific content, materials, and instructional methodologies to support the diverse learners at the school

A. Develop programs, activities, and a vision for post-secondary options that will ensure internal and external transition success and efficacy

Cove will:

A Special Volunteer, Mentor, and Partner to The Cove School

By Abby Lasky, Development and Communications Coordinator

Cove is proud to have built numerous relationships with valuable community partners. Partnerships often develop through a parent, board member, or transition introductions. These connections help Cove foster deeper ties to the broader Chicagoland community. Our community partners have engaged in activities such as elementary read ins, field day support, curriculum support, educational presentations, and grounds beautification projects. Cove greatly benefits from the generosity of the individuals who volunteer at the school, and in turn these individuals gain a better perspective of students with learning disabilities.

Introducing Cove partner Sandy Speirs: In the summer of 2014, Motorola Mobility partnered with The Cove School to help create a summer STEAM pilot program. As part of the program, they sent 15 employees to Cove to work with Cove’s staff in a number of classrooms on a rotating basis.

The volunteers helped facilitate lessons in robotics, 3D printing, and design basics.

One of the Motorola engineers, Sandy Speirs, developed a fondness for Cove during that summer, and continues to remain involved with the school to this day.

By becoming a mentor to Cove students, Sandy felt he was able to give back to the community. “For me, this opportunity was about two things, the first was giving back.

I felt that Cove and the STEAM Pilot was the perfect vehicle that would allow me to share my technology and workplace experience. Secondly, it was very obvious at the outset that we would be changing lives.”

Sandy recalled a specific memory that stood out that summer: “On the final day of the STEAM pilot we had students walk through a presentation describing their

Since the summer pilot program in 2014, Sandy has returned to the school on several occasions. He describes it as a “special treat” and says that is humbling to see how far students have come, and how much they have developed since that summer. Sandy stays in touch with Cove staff members and meets with them periodically to discuss new ideas and approaches to curriculum.

LEGO Robotics challenge and articulating how they solved the problem and developed solutions through robotics and software programming. One student was having difficulty pronouncing several words in a sentence to the assembled crowd of parents and fellow students when one of his teammates stepped forward and whispered into his ear. The student then took a deep breath and announced the sentence loudly and clearly.”

Finally, Sandy had this to say about his experience volunteering at Cove: “It is the most rewarding volunteer assignment I’ve had in my career. There were times when I actually felt like I was getting more out of it than the students. That’s how much they embraced the STEAM pilot and got involved in their assignments. No matter how much or how little time you can afford to spend volunteering at Cove, you should embrace it head on with the realization that you’ll be making a fundamental difference in the lives of these extraordinary students.”

1. Enhance the literacy program at the school 2. Enhance the math program at the school

Cove will:

B. Create a vision for our alumnae program and implement it C. Develop stronger independence for each student to ensure success in the community

Certified Staff

Instructional Assistants • 22% of instructional assistants have a Master’s Degree • 67% of instructional assistants have a Bachelor’s Degree • 41% of instructional assistants have a teaching certificate IV.School of Choice

C. Implement our new Technology Plan

III. Faculty

Cove will:

D. Assess, analyze, and possibly increase student enrichment opportunities (i.e. electives, “extracurriculars”) that promote student strengths and leadership skills

Cove will:

A. O btain and sustain an optimum enrollment level of 145 – 150 students with a waiting list (Currently Cove is at capacity and is now accepting students on our waiting list for 2017-18)

E. Strengthen the social/emotional program

B. Enhance professional development opportunities for faculty and staff

F. Develop goals, establish rubrics, carry out research, and provide additional teacher training via professional development opportunities (Currently, our school-wide efforts are focusing on diversity training and Executive Functioning)

A. Recruit and retain the most effective faculty, staff, and administration as possible to support the goals of the program

C. S upport the integration of clinical services D. Enhance our salary and benefit package that includes financial incentives for staff retention and non-financial benefits for staff

B. Double the financial aid pool over the next five years, and regularly evaluate its ability to meet the needs of the families C. Expand our community outreach efforts through the development of a formalized Outreach Plan D. Increase local and national awareness of our school Continued on page 12

YPC Corner

By Paige Galassini, Development Associate

In September, the Young Professionals for Cove (YPC) came together with a similar young leadership group, Aspire’s Associate Board (AB), to collaborate and build community.

Aspire is a human service non-profit dedicated to making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of children and adults with development disabilities and their families. Their mission is to support the successes of children and adults with developmental disabilities, strengthen their families, and build embracing communities. After discovering that the two boards have aligned missions, they realized they could be a great resource for each other.

YPC and Aspire’s AB kicked off the school year with a joint meeting at Hutch in Lakeview. By coming together, the two boards were able to brainstorm new fundraising ideas and even discuss the possibilities of a joint event! It was a fun-filled night, and we are excited about the future possibilities together. This partner-

ship brings new opportunities for YPC as well as Cove students.

Do you know someone that may be interested in joining YPC? If so, please contact Paige Galassini at pgalassini@coveschool. org or call (847) 562-2100.

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Continued from page 11 E. Provide resources and programs for students with disabilities who are not currently enrolled at the school

C. Monitor the strategic plan on a quarterly basis and initiate a new plan at least every five years

F. Ensure that our communication with all stakeholders remains highly effective at all times

The committees that have been put in place to focus on these key strategic areas will be communicating our progress to you throughout the year. Much progress has already been made, as you will see in the updates that will now be a part of our monthly newsletter communication.

V. Fiscal Integrity Cove will: A. Ensure that the school’s cash balance is sufficient to sustain all operations for six months B. Develop a broad, diverse, and continuing source of funding that includes a major gifts program C. Develop a planned giving program

The success of this year is one that is dependent upon the strength of the entire community. Our Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students are extraordinary members of our community who are very dedicated and committed to each student’s success.

E. Establish a long-term financial plan

For 70 years, Cove’s community has worked together for the good of each individual as well as for the strength of the whole. As we embark upon this new school year together, I thank each of you for your partnership with us and for your support throughout the year ahead.

VI. Governance

Sincerely,

D. Establish new and maintain existing relationships with lawmakers, state board of education, and others to ensure equity of resource allocation

Cove will: A. Continue to develop and enhance Board membership to further Board effectiveness B. Continue the development of our Young Professionals Group

Sally L. Sover, Ed.D. Executive Director

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YEARS STRONG

Save the Date for The Cove School Annual Benefit Join us for an inspirational evening to benefit children with learning disabilities at The Cove School.

Cocktails, Dinner, Silent and Live Auction Live Music and Dancing

Saturday, February 25, 2017 Loews Chicago O’Hare 5300 River Road Rosemont 2017 BENEFIT CHAIRS Debra Johnson Platinum Event Chair

Betsy and Howard Ellen Benefit Live Auction Chairs

Ann Erie Amy Goldenberg Courtney Jack Beverly Petersen Silent Auction Leadership

Karen and Allan Grane Corporate Sponsorship Chairs

Lisa Flanagan Benefit Advisor

Rebecca Blase Alumni Chair

Ryan Lieberman YPC Chair

For more information contact Stephanie Sanderman at (847) 562-2100 or email ssanderman@coveschool.org.