Briarwood and Tuttle Mustang Review: 2023-2024

Letter: Head of School

Welcome to the latest edition of the Mustang Review. As we embark on an exciting journey toward the future, am reminded to celebrate the rich foundations that make us who we are. In a world of constant advancements and improvements, we continue to navigate the evolving landscape in dyslexia education through our robust professional development program and our commitment to ensuring that we provide a safe, structured, and engaging academic environment. Our commitment to growth revolves around promoting the fundamentals of our program, with a strong emphasis on fostering parent relations and treating parents as valued partners in the educational journey - one of the four tenents of our strategic plan.

At the heart of our vision is the belief that we can be the beacon of hope in the city of Houston for all students and families who need the educational opportunities that both Briarwood and Tuttle can provide. Families and students who aspire to belong to a community of learners and doers. Our mission centers on helping every child learn in the way they learn best through scientific, structured, and systematic instruction. Our goal is to enrich and enhance the lives of our students and families. We have taken a very close look at how we might accomplish this and have come up with a plan that includes assistance from various stakeholders and puts an emphasis on helping our students meet success through innovative and exciting programming that prepares them for a future of true joy and success.

In this issue, we invite you to explore alumni articles that reflect the enduring impact of our program and catch a glimpse into the daily life of current Briarwood and Tuttle students. As you will see, our Core Values of, “Community through Connections” and “Transformation through Confidence” shine brightly every day. The core value pins have been awarded to several community members including faculty, staff, students, and parents! I hope that some of you can make a commitment to join one of our Friday community assemblies to witness a core values pin ceremony. am confident that you will come away with a complete understanding of “The Briarwood Way,” and bear witness to the transformation of your child.

In closing, ask that you join us in celebrating the many successes we’ve achieved as a school community over the past few years. We have instituted new programming, developed systems that welcomed best practices for our student population, and further enhanced the professional development programming of our faculty and staff. As we look toward the future, we are completely mindful of honoring our past, continuing to make steady progress in the present, and approaching our future with full confidence in the direction we are moving. Together, we create a community where learning thrives and each child’s individual potential is nurtured.

Enjoy the inspiring stories, current events, and shared moments that capture the essence of our vibrant educational community.

Warm regards,

Head of School

Board of Directors

David VanHorn

Board Chairman

Barbara Bellatti

Vita Goodell

Zachary Hodges

Mark Kelly

Peggy McGaughy

Suzanne S. Shelton

Vivian Streit Shudde

Nicholas N. Shum

Yvonne Tuttle Streit

J. Scott Thompson

Aaron Young

Founder of The Briarwood & Tuttle Schools

Full Circle:

Briarwood Alumna Returns to Inspire and Give Back

As the halls of The Briarwood School are filled with steps of students new and old, there’s a narrative woven into the fabric of its history — a tale of friendship, loss, and the timeless impact of education.

The Briarwood School has always been more than just a school; it has been a home for lifelong friendships.

Among the many stories that exemplify this, the journey of Briarwood alumna and now Teaching Opportunities in Pragmatic Skills (TOPS) instructor, Jennifer Vastola, stands out — a testament to the school’s influence and the power of friendship that endures over decades.

Vastola’s Briarwood experience begins with a connection between four young women — each entering Briarwood at different stages of their educational journey but

united in the Class of ‘87. “I entered in sixth grade, Shelly in seventh, Kim in ninth, and Sheryl in 11th grade. During our time at Briarwood, we went to dances together, did hair and makeup, and talked about boys. We were typical teens living our best lives, but during that time, I never realized the impact our friendship would have moving forward for 40 years,” said Vastola.

It’s often said that the truest friendships are those that withstand the test of time.

For these women, their bond not only endured but also became a beacon of support during life’s most challenging moments. “In January, received news that Sheryl had an aggressive form of liver cancer. Needless to say, I was devastated,” said Vastola. The women rallied around their friend, channeling the strength of their school-day solidarity to provide comfort in the face of pain.

“During one hospital visit, I was rambling to Sheryl about my work at Briarwood and

she looked straight at me and said, ‘Briarwood saved my life.’ As I was holding back tears, agreed with her and said, ‘Yes, Briarwood saved my life too!’” The statement from Sheryl during her treatments, “Briarwood saved my life,” resonates with a weighty truth. It’s a declaration of the school’s impact, resonating in the heart of one of her friends who now walks the halls of Briarwood as a teacher. It’s a reminder of the sanctuary that the school provided, not just in education, but in life’s challenges as well.

The loss of Sheryl left a void — a missing piece in a puzzle that had been together for over 40 years. Yet, even in the wake of such loss, the spirit of friendship that was born within the walls of Briarwood remains undiminished. It continues to inspire, to teach, and to remind that within these walls, friendships of a lifetime can be forged.

The legacy of these friendships is now imparted to the next generation. As a

teacher, Vastola witnesses the formation of new bonds among her students. The shy introductions on the first day, the nervous laughter, the hesitant sharing of stories — all mirroring the beginnings of what could be another 40year journey. “I get to see the Jennifers, Shellys, Kims, and Sheryls walking in the halls of Briarwood.”

Through sharing her own graduation photo and tales of their travels to Ireland, she instills in her students the possibility that friendships formed at Briarwood can transcend time.

And so, as The Briarwood School continues to educate and foster community, the alumni who have returned to teach carry with them a message — a message of gratitude for friendships that began within its nurturing environment, friendships that have shaped their lives in ways they could never have imagined.

Shelly Dompier, 1987

“Be proud of your school. You are the stones that build Briarwood. If one falls we all fall.”

“Don’t worry about what other people say or do to you. You are the one that matters; make your own decisions.”

“Think positively. You can have what you want and be successful no matter what anyone else says.”

“Growth in life never stops until you shut the door on yourself.”

Jennifer Vastola Lower School T.O.P.S. Teacher

Jennifer Vastola, 1987

Sheryl Strong, 1987

Kim O’Neal, 1987

Unlocking Passions: Student Clubs

Full Circle:

Briarwood Alumnus Returns to Inspire and Give Back

The Briarwood School unveiled a diverse selection of student clubs this year, marking a significant milestone for both its Middle and Upper School divisions. “We take pride in providing this opportunity for our students to explore their interests, broaden their horizons, and cultivate essential life skills through a diverse range of clubs,” said Jeffrey Guedry, Director of Upper School.

From Crafting to Yoga, the club offerings encompass a wide range of interests, providing a platform for students to begin their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether strategizing in Chess, creating in Crafting, or making their argument in the Debate Club, each club offers a unique avenue for students to engage actively in their passions and interests, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging within the school. Guedry expressed his excitement about the future of clubs, saying, “As administrators and teachers, we are excited to witness the positive impact these clubs will have on the students’ academic and personal development in the years ahead.”

This inaugural year of clubs in the Middle and Upper School divisions signifies Briarwood’s commitment to providing an education that goes beyond the classroom. Clubs play a part in nurturing well-rounded individuals who will thrive academically and personally as they explore their passions within the community of The Briarwood School.

Ryan Clark Educational Technology Specialist

Our New Websites Launch

The Briarwood School has always held a special place in the hearts of its alumni, and for Briarwood Educational Technology Specialist Ryan Clark, it’s not just a school; it’s a place that has had a profound impact on his life. Clark’s journey with Briarwood began as a student, where he formed lifelong friendships that he still cherishes today. In fact, some of his closest friends are those he met during his time at Briarwood.

But it wasn’t just friendships that Clark found at Briarwood. Fate played a role in his life-changing experiences as he also met his future wife here. The school has a unique way of bringing people together in more ways than one.

Now, as an Educational Technology Specialist, Clark is thrilled to be back at Briarwood, where he hopes to have a similar positive impact on today’s students as the school had on him. He speaks with excitement about the opportunity to give back and to witness firsthand the transformative power of education.

“Coming back to Briarwood means getting to see the other side of what my teachers did for me, and I feel blessed to have the chance to shape the future of the students who now walk the same halls I once did. I admire the grit and perseverance of today’s Briarwood students and find inspiration in their determination to succeed,” said Clark. As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, Clark is eager to contribute to the legacy of a school that provides not only education but also a great deal of hope. Briarwood continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured, and he is excited to be part of that journey.

The Briarwood and Tuttle Schools have recently launched revamped websites, highlighting our dedication to academic excellence and user-friendly design. Emphasizing the value of ‘community through connections’, these platforms aim to foster interactions among students, parents, educators, and stakeholders.

By improving access to information and resources, and encouraging dialogue and collaboration, the websites reflect a commitment to building a stronger community. The digital transformation has attracted more prospective families and stakeholders, demonstrating the schools’ mission in design and functionality. As the sites continue to evolve, the focus remains on strengthening community ties and introducing enhancements to further this goal.

“

Briarwood helps me with math and reading. I love it so much. I ended up at a great school.”

-Rhett

Briarwood Home Page

Tuttle Home Page

In the early stages of the 2022-2023 school year, the faculty and staff at The Briarwood and Tuttle Schools began re-evaluating the core values shaping their educational mission. Exploring various words and phrases reflecting daily life on campus, a theme emerged: connections. Recognizing the importance of connections in fostering student-teacher bonds and strengthening ties within educational communities, the Core Values Committee embraced this concept as foundational.

The committee, comprised of dedicated faculty and staff members, recognized relationships as the foundation of a thriving independent school community. Inspired by founder Yvonne Tuttle Streit’s emphasis on the unique connections

Briarwood has helped me excel in everything I do and given me a whole new confidence. It basically kind of remade me.”

between teachers and students, they championed the core value “community through connections.” This value underscores the school’s commitment to fostering a diverse, respectful, and nurturing environment where all members — students, faculty, and families — are valued contributors to a shared educational journey.

Over months of collaboration, the committee’s focus shifted to examining the school’s academic environment, leading to the adoption of a second core value: “transformation through confidence.” This value reflects the commitment to a structured, supportive, and intellectually challenging academic program that nurtures confident, self-advocating learners prepared for life beyond graduation.

“Here at The Briarwood and Tuttle Schools, we take pride in the progress achieved through extensive discussion, reflection, and deliberation. Today, individuals exemplifying these core values are honored and awarded a core values pin, symbolizing their contributions to the shared mission and values of the schools,” said David Mendlewski, Head of School.

The journey of re-evaluating core values at The Briarwood and Tuttle Schools highlights a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and empowering students to transform through confidence.

Mustang Athletics Receives a Boost with New Van

Season Recap

State championship participants:

Michael Wood

Jace Mata

Justin Cox

Taylor McLaughlin

Keatyn Lessner

Maylene Joheir

Aliyah Olajuwon

Girls Golf team: 5th place overall in state

SOCCER

Coach: Ron Lessner

All District

2nd Team: Rhys Davies

Honorable Mention: Graves Gardiner

TRACK & FIELD

Coach: Lisa Antes

Jim Biscardi

Darrell Causey

VOLLEYBALL

Coach: Lisa Antes

All District

1st Team

2nd Team

McLaughlin

Kennedy Carter Camfield

Honorable Mentions: Aubrey Black Emily Newingham

BOYS BASKETBALL

Coach: Darrell Causey

District Honorable Mention: Gregory Khuri Ben Lewis GOLF

Coach: Stephanie Gore

Record Breakers

Reese Kennedy, Graves Gardiner, Rhys Davies, Gregory Khuri, Nate Sero, Christiane Griggs

State Results

8th in Shot Put: Keatyn Lessner

8th in 800m: Allie Burke

7th in 3200m, 8th in 1600m, & 6th in 800m: Christiane Griggs

5th 4x200 Relay:

Nate Sero, Rhys Davies, Gregory Khuri, Graves Gardiner

3rd 4x400 Relay:

Nate Sero, Rhys Davies, Gregory Khuri, Graves Gardiner

TENNIS

Coach: Cindy Price

Boys District Champions

2nd in District and State Runner-Up:

Brandon Hiemstra

Thanks to the generous contributions of donors, The Briarwood and Tuttle Schools’ athletic programs received a significant boost with the purchase of a new van. This van symbolizes more than just transportation; it embodies the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the school community, representing the culmination of donors’ efforts to enhance student athletes’ experiences at Briarwood and Tuttle.

The van’s arrival sparked enthusiastic anticipation, particularly from Rayna Williams, Briarwood Athletic Director, who wasted no time taking it for a celebratory spin around the parking lot. “This van will transport a lot of winners,” remarked Williams.

Already proving to be a valuable asset, the van has been put to use transporting athletes to various events. Special thanks to the Briarwood Athletic Booster Club and Davis

Tuttle School Pathways

Program

In the fall of 2022, the Pathways Cafe began with a generous donation that enabled the purchase of an espresso machine. This contribution laid the foundation for a cafe that would soon become a hub of activity and learning at The Tuttle School. Spearheaded by Tuttle faculty members Ruth Wilson and Ashley Gipson, the Pathways Cafe started to take shape. Together, they have created an environment that is both welcoming and educational for Pathways students.

Students at The Tuttle School can grow and learn in a protected environment until they are 25 years old. The Pathways Program builds upon students’ abilities and interests by providing opportunities to work in various community and campus environments under the supervision of a Tuttle faculty member.

“The Pathways Cafe is a great opportunity for our students to practice social skills, self-advocacy, and job skills,” said Ruth Wilson, Pathways Homeroom Teacher.

The Pathways Cafe started with four students, and its success has seen this number grow to ten. These students engage in various activities that enhance their skills, ranging from handling financial transactions, whether cash or

card, to delivering coffee and preparing cups with thoughtful touches like stickers or quotes on the sleeves. They also operate syrup and espresso stations, showcasing their proficiency in product management.

The impact of the cafe extends beyond the walls of the teachers’ lounge, where the cafe is located. “Our students have provided coffee for board meetings and parents, which has fostered a deeper connection between the students and community members across the Briarwood and Tuttle campuses. Students and staff who would not usually interact with each other now know each other by name,” said Brinkmeyer.

Learn more about the Pathways Program by visiting tuttleschool.org/our-approach.

Wilson Reading Program

The Briarwood School prioritizes effective instructional methodologies that align with a Structured Literacy approach, as endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Leveraging the renowned Wilson Language program based on Orton-Gillingham principles and recognized by the IDA for its excellence in delivering Structured Literacy, Briarwood ensures support for students encountering challenges in reading.

The Wilson Language program encompasses three comprehensive Structured Literacy programs: Fundations, Just Words, and Wilson Reading System. As part of the WRS program, students receive specialized instruction in decoding, encoding, high-frequency words, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

At Briarwood, each of these programs caters to the diverse learning requirements of students with language-based learning differences from kindergarten through ninth grade, tailored to the specific needs, grade level, and age of individual students. Teacher knowledge is a critical factor for student success, and with extensive professional development, Wilson

instruction is delivered to achieve positive student outcomes.

“Students are provided ample practice with feedback from teachers, and instruction is differentiated diagnostically,” said Elisha Kalvass, Structured Literacy and Wilson Reading Coordinator. “All Wilson Language programs adhere to an approach that is sequential, cumulative, explicit, and multisensory, ensuring thorough understanding and retention.”

The Briarwood School’s commitment to excellence in literacy education is evident through its implementation of the Wilson Language program. Briarwood delivers a comprehensive learning experience that fosters deep understanding and retention for students.

To learn more about Wilson Reading, visit Wilsonlanguage.com/programs/ wilson-reading-system/

$25,000+

Whaley Family Foundation

$10,000-$24,999

The Ellwood Foundation

Linda & Chris Mitchell

Whaley Concrete Pumping LLC

$2,500-$6,999

Lara & Mike Bloomgren

Laura & Gill Cheesman

Laura & Richard Davis

Caroll & Richard Hamilton

Giovanni & Rashard Lewis

Stephanie & Jon Vaughan

$1,000-$2,499

ADS Services

Mrs. Joan Alexander

Missy & Joe Bob Allaire

Barbara & Larry Bellatti

Angela & Ron Brown

Katy & Michael Casey

Kelly & Jay Cliburn

Amanda & Ira Coveler

Jill & Matt Davis

Ella & Paul Dolan

Laura & Kevin Filippone

Mindi Franks

Fundraising at a Glance

Annual Giving Fund

The Annual Giving Fund provides unrestricted funds to support the full range of programs offered by our school.

Denys & Jose Herrera

Raffle

Students participate in philanthropy at Briarwood & Tuttle.

Penelope & Paul Khuri, in Honor of Gregory Khuri

William S. & Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation

Cyndi & Brad Kornegay

Patricia & Robert Lunn

Amanda & Timothy Mayhall

Kate & Chris Mills

Jenny & Michael Mock

Rene & David Murphy

Hilda & Bruce Poindexter

Ashley & Brian Rundall

Sunny & Chris Saenz

Randa & Ken Schmitt

Rebecca Emrick & Linden Sofer

Kandi & Jordan Handel

Laura & Jarrod Haughn

Sue & Philip Henry

Jennifer & Mark Sondock

Lyndsey & Damian Stead

T & R Mechanical

Sandra & Scott Thompson

Diana & David VanHorn

Lisa & Craig Walker, in Honor of Jordan Walker

Wendy & John Welch

Stephanie & Ryan Whaley

$500-$999

Erin & Richard Abdelnour

Erika Arslan

Jaime & Brian Ball

Mary & Paul Bishop

Kelly Fox

Danielle & Tucker Burkhart

Trisha & John Chambard

Jennifer & Clay Cox

Benefit Gala

Event that builds community and raises funding for Briarwood & Tuttle.

Endowment Fund

Endowment funds provide a steady flow of income to support a variety of programs.

Marcela & Julio de la Colina

The Elkins Family

Teresa & Sal Ferruzzo

Mary & Walter Fortin

Stephanie & Aaron Gabelnick

Amy & Richard Ghiselin

Alyssa Hightower

Carol Trout & Larry Huelbig

Angela & Gregory Hyzak

Laura & Paul Johnston

Melissa & Christopher Kocurek

Kreager Family

Linda & Paul Lynn

Michelle & Roddie Mackenzie

Cindy & Henry Melton

Clay & Marissa Morgan

Daphne & Craig Muirhead

Cheryl Penn

Magda & Heriberto Ramos

Patricia & Tom Ritter

Christine & David Robins

Samantha Rodriguez

Susan & Tim Rohr

Dani Sanchez

Andrea & Daniel Shanahan

Cindy & Jim Thorp

Ofelia & Vuk Vujasinovic

Tara & Will Watson

Nancy & Frank Wilson

Amber & Greg Yates

Stacey & Chris Yetsko

Aaron & Sandy Young

$250-$499

Erin & Richard Abdelnour

Mikell & Will Abney

Sandra Menard & Dan Buck

Brady Carruth

Chimiri Duncan

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Erwin

Rosa & Matthew Giorgio

Erika & Jeff Guedry

Lea & Joe Leon Guerrero

Jens Haegglund

Aileen Ivy

Janet & Will Lewis

Erica Martin

Edward McGaskey

Kelley & Ryan O’Hara

Maher Patel

Emily Roth

Melissa & Scott Santana

Melissa Schepps

Nicole & Timothy Smith

Amy & Dan Traynor

Tabitha Urech

Joette & Hans Van Doesburg

Kay & Danny Williamson

$25-$249.00

Judge & Mrs. Richard Abrams

Martha Buck

Lauren Calautti & Alex Church

Laurel & Mark Carleton

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Cronin, Jr.

Sarah Davis

Claudia & Chris Diaz

Catherine & Paul Foley

Dr. Lawrence Ginsberg

Susan & Riccardo Gentile

Tuck Ho

Marissa & Christopher Kiefer

Sally Kinchen

Rebecca & Luke Kuwertz

Janet & Alan Mann, in honor of Daliah Gabelnick

Isa Mejia Family

Carolyn & David Mendlewski

Barbara Metcalf

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Mock

Delbert Overstreet

Nicole & Luis Roca

Kim Rubinson

Arish Rustomji

Karen & Samuel Santibanez

Tiffany Kennels

Gloria & Ronald Villanueva

Wang Family

Carrie & Ronald Woliver

Kenna Zierer Worthington

Yazici Family

LEGACY GIVING CIRCLE

$10,000 OR MORE

Marvy Finger Family Foundation

Anonymous

Mr. Richard Scalzitti

The Ellwood Foundation

Anonymous

FOUNDERS CIRCLE - $5,000-9,999

Missy and Joe Bob Allaire

Ms. Sarah Davies

Mr. Adalberto Diaz

Fidelity Charitable Foundation

Mrs. Lillian Huey Phelan Bean

Ms. Lora Kilroy

Mrs. Jane Petty

Shell Oil Charitable Foundation

Mrs. Tanya Wood

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Yen

HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE - $2,500-4,999

Range Resources

Schwab Charitable Foundation

The Rubenstein Foundation

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE - $1,000-2,499

Mrs. Mary Bishop

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Bruno

Mrs. Heather Camfield

Ms. Laurel Carleton

Conoco Phillips Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Cory Driskill

Mrs. Marie Fay Evnochides

Mr. Aaron Gabelnick

Mr. Peter Hans

Kendra Scott

Mrs. Susan Love

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mills

Mr. and Mrs. Rene L. Murphy

Pershing Charitable Foundation

Mr. John Welch

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Stevenson

Mr. Christopher Witten

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Yetsko

EDUCATOR’S CLUB - $500-999

Albertson’s/Safeway

Bank of America

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bellatti

Mrs. Linda Brock

Exxon Mobil Foundation

Mrs. Paula Faillaice

Mrs. Laura Filippone

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Foley

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ghiselin

Mrs. Melissa Kocurek

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Poindexter

Mr. and Mrs. David Robins

Ms. Nghia Tran

Mr. and Mrs. Vuk Vujasinovic

Mr. Eric Wang

MUSTANG CLUB $250-499

Albertson’s Companies

Mr. R. Braud

Ms. Elizabeth Dooley

Mrs. Aileen Ivy

Mrs. Penelope Khuri

Kroger

Mr. Anastasios Montesantos

Mr. and Mrs. Annette Sondock

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Villanueva

HJ Wageningen and Edith Wittig

Rev. and Mrs. Paul B. Wehner

Mrs. Janice Willett

BLUE AND RED CLUB $100-249

Mrs. Susan Ackerman

Mrs. Beth Anchondo

Mr. Howard Batt

Mr. and Mrs. David Baxter

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Beckman

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Brookby

Mr. James Buck

Mr. Clyde Dunn III

Mr. and Mrs. Brad Fleming

Mr. Jeffrey Guedry

Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Jordan

Ms. Sammie Kirkpatrick

Mr. and Mrs. Luke Kuwertz

Ms. Dea Larson and Mr. Alvin Thomas

Ms. Suzanne Leoir

Ms. Avis McCray

Mrs. Cindy Melton

Ms. Cindy Price

Mrs. Susan Rankin

Mr. and Mrs. John Scales

Mr. and Mrs. Chad Schorre

Mrs. Judie Shelhamer

Ms. Shellyn Shoenthal

Mr. Richard Yeh

Ms. Erica Zack

Ms. Ellen Buchmann

Ms. Kathleen Corte

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dunn

Mrs. Jennifer Ferreira

Mrs. Libby Hall

Mrs. Ruby Karimi

Ms. Kathleen McLane

Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Hara

Mrs. Holly Pessoa

Ms. Ashley Ackerman

Ms. Deborah Bievenour

Ms. Landrey

I have a bigger dream for Carmen than she could ever dream for herself. The lessons of hope and discovery she learned at The Tuttle School will help her achieve that dream.”

Embracing Growth:

Briarwood’s Addition of Advisory Classes in Middle and Upper Schools

At Briarwood this year, there has been an introduction of advisory classes, marking a significant shift in Middle and Upper Schools. These 30-minute sessions convene a small group of five to seven students from the same grade, accompanied by a faculty member who serves as their advisor. The advisor serves as a point of contact for families but also as an advocate for their students. The essence of these advisory sessions lies in their tailored approach to student needs.

Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific focus, guiding students through their own developmental journeys. Mondays are devoted to honing Executive Functioning skills, and Tuesdays focus on Academic Intervention Time for students to visit the classes where they need extra support. Thursdays are reserved for fostering socialemotional skills, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience that can be used by students both in and out of the classroom. Fridays offer a platform for student-led clubs or community time assemblies, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within the Briarwood Middle and Upper School communities.

Matthew Giorgio, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, emphasizes the embodiment of Briarwood’s Core Values of Community through Connections and Transformation through Confidence throughout the campus: “Our core values play out across our campus in a variety of settings. It’s in advisory, however, where they’re intentionally rooted and nourished; where community becomes family and where transformation begins to look more and more like independence and self-advocacy. Advisory plays an important role in satisfying both student wants and student needs, namely their desire for camaraderie as well as a voice and choice in how they learn; the need to grow student executive functioning skills and a dedicated time for focused intervention.”

Marcy Schroeder Scholarship

Sydney Chambard

Established in memory of student Marcy Schroeder by the Schroeder family.

Awarded to an outstanding female Middle or Upper School student who exemplifies perseverance and hard work.

Paige Suvalsky Scholarship

Samuel and Sarah Bonnet

Established in honor of Paige Suvalsky, class of 2014, by her grandmother Rita Blumenfeld, this scholarship goes to outstanding Middle or Upper School students.

James Wills Scholarship

Eilee Yates - LS

Grant Fordham - MS

Ava Adams-Marsh - US

Established in memory of James Wills, son of former Head of School Carole Wills and her husband James Wills, this scholarship is awarded to students who exhibit artistic interest, and demonstrate perseverance and kindness to others.

Carole C. Wills Scholarship

Nathan Spiers - LS

Mia McNeely - MS

Maylene Joheir - US

Established in honor of former Head of School Carole Wills, this scholarship is awarded to students who exhibit leadership qualities, dedication to their education, and kindness.

Ashley Ackerman Scholarship

Petra Selever

Established by Susan and Asche

Ackerman in honor of their daughter

Ashley, class of 2012, this scholarship is awarded to a female Middle or Upper School student who exhibits kindness and compassion, enjoys learning, and is dedicated to their education.

Ross Ackerman Scholarship

Sam Sondock

Established by Susan and Asche

Ackerman in honor of their son Ross Ackerman, class of 2014, this scholarship is awarded to a male Middle or Upper School student who exhibits dedication to their education, kindness, and compassion to others.

Scholarship Recipients

Friends of Briarwood Community Service Scholarship

First Place Eamon McCormick

Runners-up - Ian Kawaja and Brandon Walker

Awarded by the Friends of Briarwood parent organization to seniors who write an exceptional essay about their community service experience.

Assistance League of Houston

Ellen Jones

Keatyn Lessner

Eli Henkel

Anna DeFazio

The Assistance League has generously underwritten scholarships to Briarwood students for over 40 years. This year, scholarships were awarded to outstanding graduating students, for the purpose of higher education tuition, books, and other expenses.

Jeanne Marie Drane Dunn Scholarship

Emma Ayars

Established in memory of Jeanne Marie Drane Dunn, mother of Patrick Dunn, class of 1981, this scholarship is awarded to an exceptional Lower School student.

Christine Gaspar Heart Award Scholarship

Annalise Mackenzie

Established in 2023 by Christina Vroulis Isaaks, class of 2012, in memory of Christine Gaspar, class of 2012, this scholarship is awarded to an Upper School student who, like Christine, demonstrates qualities of empathy, volunteerism, and advocacy for others.

After six years of Briarwood, hope has turned into enduring joy and a bright future. On behalf of past students, Graves, his friends, and future students, dreams are coming true. To us,

The Briarwood School IS the most magical place on earth.”

-Ami Gardiner, Upper School Parent

Summer with Tuttle Where Fun Meets Growth

Summer at The Tuttle School is all about adventure, growth, and fun! Our curated day and overnight camps offer students a fantastic time while providing respite services for parents and unique bonding opportunities for siblings.

Camp Sunrise in Burton, Texas: This 5-day, 4-night camp is a burst of excitement, with Tuttle teachers as guides. Students enjoy archery, arts and crafts, campfires, horseback riding, zip-lining, and more, mirroring the summer fun of their siblings. It provides a first-time adventure for many of our students.

Camp S.O.A.R. (Summer Opportunities and Recreation) in Rockport, Texas: Set at Camp Aranzazu, this camp offers beachcombing, fishing, karaoke, sailing, and other activities for five days and four nights. Tuttle teachers ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while providing a break for parents.

Summer Horizons: For day campers, Summer Horizons offers a month-long exploration of Houston’s rich cultural and recreational offerings. Every day brings a new adventure, creating lasting memories and fostering growth in our students.

At The Tuttle School, summer is a time for joy, friendship, and unforgettable experiences.

Summer at Briarwood

Discover Learning Adventures at Briarwood’s Summer Programs

At The Briarwood School, anticipation builds for an enriching summer ahead, tailored for students entering first through seventh grade for the 2024-2025 school year. Two distinctive summer programs, Project Briarwood and Briarwood Plus, promise a combination of education and fun.

Project Briarwood caters to students with languagebased learning differences like dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. With each week themed differently, students immerse themselves in language and math lessons, infused with imaginative elements and guided by specialized educators. Fridays become a platform for showcasing their weekly creations, fostering a sense of achievement and boosting confidence.

“Project Briarwood 2024 will be four weeks of engaging learning and summer fun for both Briarwood and non-Briarwood students,” expressed Riley Moore, AfterSchool Coordinator.

In Briarwood Plus, a four-week journey, phonics and decoding take precedence. Tailored for students with learning differences, Briarwood Plus provides an opportunity to refine reading and writing skills within a supportive atmosphere. Committed educators employ evidencebased strategies, equipping students with skills that go beyond their traditional classroom boundaries.

Phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding receive focused attention, empowering children with the confidence needed for academic excellence. Beyond academics, these programs empower students to embrace their distinct learning styles and flourish. For more information, please visit BriarwoodSchool.org/ Summer-at-Briarwood.

I am more independent thanks to my wonderful teachers.”

-Alumni

This school helps me, and it helps a lot of people.”

-Current Lower School Student Briarwood just works. It just happens. They get the right teachers, the right people. You’re not going to get that anywhere else.”

-Current Upper School Student

I didn’t understand how much I needed Briarwood and how it was going to change my life.”

-Briarwood Alumni

This place makes people with learning differences comfortable in their own skin.”

-Upper School Student

Her confidence in her school work alone makes this school worth every cent.”

-Parent of Alumni

They have given my son so much and thank you will never be enough.”

-Parent of Alumni

Without the help and knowledge of my teachers and counselors, I don’t think I would have been prepared for college.”

-Briarwood Alumni