Groves Academy Connections Newsletter Summer 2018

CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER SUMMER

2018

GROVESACADEMY.ORG

[ CONTENTS ] 1 FROM JOHN ALEXANDER A letter from our Executive Director 2 CLASS OF 2018 The Groves Academy 2018 Senior Class 3 EXPANDING OUR REACH Broadening School Partnerships 4 ALUMNI PROFILE Getting Happy Again: John O’Brien’s Story 5 GRIFFINS IN ACTION 2018 Dyslexia Day Rally 6-7 GROVES GALA BREAKS RECORDS 8-9 STUDENT AWARDS Recognizing students' impact in our greater community 10 COMMUNICATION AND CONFIDENCE A Conversation with Meghan Miller, MS, CCC-SLP

Planning Your Legacy with Groves Academy While monthly and annual gifts support ongoing work, legacy gifts can build capacity to make a difference in the lives of more students in the future. Legacy donors of Groves Academy are making a difference through planned gifts.

Whether it is a specific, residuary, percentage or contingent bequest, these donors find it possible to be extraordinarily generous through their wills. Through legacy giving, you can continue supporting transformative learning for future years.

For more information about legacy giving, please contact Becky Busselman at busselmanb@grovesacademy.org or 952.915.4269.

11 STAFF PROFILE Counseling Services at Groves Academy 12 SUPPORT OUR WORK Why I Give 13 SPECIAL THANKS Groves Parent Organization leaders helped build community and fun this year 13 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[ FROM JOHN ALEXANDER ] Dear Groves Friends, It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. It was a year of great change, many accomplishments, and unparalleled support from the Groves Academy community.

Without your unwavering partnership, we could not have impacted the lives of so many students.

Groves is making a difference in children’s lives each and every day. Groves Academy has become much more than a school. It is a multi-faceted organization guided by a vision to redefine the way our nation is taught—one student, one teacher, and one school at a time. Thanks to you, that vision is becoming a reality.

Kim Peeples, Head of School, recently completed her first academic year at Groves.

She has thoughtfully and masterfully guided students, teachers, and parents to one of our school’s best years ever, providing more than 270 students with transformative learning experiences. Kim also formed an education council—comprised of volunteers from our teaching staff, board, administrative staff, and community—to reflect upon strategic questions such as, “Should our school get bigger, or should we invest in social and academic programming?” and “How will we get there?” We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress in tackling these important issues.

Nancy Segreti, Director of the Learning Center, has done a terrific job to ensure that our clients in the community have a first-rate experience with all the services we offer— diagnostic testing, tutoring, speech and language evaluations and services, career counseling, and assistive technology evaluations and training. Last year we provided services to more than 1,000 students in the greater community.

Katharine Campbell, Director of the Institute for Professional Learning (IPL), has doubled our literacy partnerships from 5 this school year to 10 next year. This initiative continues to make a big impact on teachers and students at our partner schools, fulfilling our mission of bringing transformative learning experiences to all students. In this issue of Connections you can read more about our IPL partnership with Friendship Academy in Minneapolis.

On behalf of the children whose lives have been positively changed over the past year, we thank you for your continued support.

Warmly,

John Alexander Executive Director

“Groves is making a difference in children’s lives each and every day."

[ CONGRATULATIONS 2018 SENIORS ]

PRIDE AND JOY

We proudly present the 2018 Groves Academy Senior Class. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors!

MASON "MASIE" ANDERSON

AYLIA MATTA

MALIK BODDEN

HUDSON PASSEY

HANS FORSLINE

TRISTAN SPRING

MAXWELL GRESETH

JOSEPH STOTTS

MADISON HAWKINS

NASH WICKA*

TOMMY HERRLEY

BENJAMIN WRIGHT

DONTAE HERRLEY

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TRUE NORTH

* in loving memory

STUDENTS TRANSITIONING FROM GROVES ACADEMY This spring we said goodbye to 35 students who confidently transitioned to 22 different schools, both private and public, to continue their academic journeys. We wish them well in their new schools next fall.

Please keep in touch and let us know how it’s going!

[ INSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS ]

Expanding Groves Academy’s Reach

Groves Academy makes a profound difference in the lives of its 271 students. Determined to expand the school’s reach, Executive Director John Alexander began nearly a decade ago exploring partnerships with other grade schools.

After a first successful partnership in Minneapolis in 2009, in which a Groves reading coach took the school’s scores from the bottom 10 percent to the number two spot in the city, John approached the board about expanding the partnership program.

That is where his true passion lies, he said, in getting reading instruction to as many kids as possible, because “everyone deserves that help.”

Fast forward eight years and today Groves is home to the Institute for Professional Learning (IPL), which this fall will be helping children in 10 Twin Cities K-3 programs solidify and improve their literacy skills.

of fourth graders cannot read at a basic level and 61 percent—80 percent of those receiving free and reduced lunch—cannot read proficiently.

That need will be addressed more fully this fall, when the number of schools the IPL is helping will double from 5 to 10. Taking the literacy framework developed at Groves and using the Orton-Gillingham methodology, the IPL model sends a literacy coach into a school once a week. The first year that coach works for 30 minutes with each teacher in K-2, adding third grade in the second year.

“All the kids are involved, not just the struggling readers,” says Katharine, “It’s essential for some, beneficial for all.”

Led since its official launching in 2016 by Katharine Campbell, now its director, the IPL has trained more than 500 teachers, reaching more than 1,500 students.

Friendship Academy, a tuition-free K-6 charter school in South Minneapolis, began partnering with Groves last fall, and by spring was showing promising results, especially among its kindergartners and second graders.

“They’re a great school with terrific teachers,” says Katharine, who notes that Friendship Academy is poised to double in size.

But the need, Katharine points out, is far greater: In Minnesota, 29 percent

Next year, the IPL literacy coach will add third grade teachers to the training

at Friendship Academy, as well as providing coaching to intervention teachers, allowing additional sessions for those children who need extra reading support.

The goal, says Katharine, is to “grow each school to self-sustainability.”

By the end of year one, all the K–2 classroom teachers will have become master literacy teachers. Then in year two, the IPL coach will identify an internal person who can replace him or her, and begin to train that person to become the building’s literacy coach.

During year three, the school’s internal literacy expert will shadow the IPL coach, taking on more and more of a leadership role.

Ultimately, says Katharine, the IPL hopes to develop an official certification program for in-house reading/literacy coaches.

Democratization of the Groves model is the goal, she says. “Groves is our lab school for IPL. Now we are making the good evidence-based literacy instruction at Groves available to more students, which means we are able to impact so many more kids.”

Find out more about the nationwide literacy crisis and school partnership information at grovesacademy.org/ipl

[ GRIFFIN PRIDE ]

Getting Happy Again: John O’Brien’s Story Alumni Profile How did the Groves experience transform John O’Brien? “We saw a guy who hadn’t been happy for awhile get happy again,” says his father, Chris.

After entering middle school, John—a recent high school graduate— began to struggle academically for the first time. “I couldn’t pay attention in class,” he remembers. Adds his mother, Annie, “Moving between different rooms and being in a big building, John’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) became apparent. We knew he was intelligent and had a lot going for him—he’d do his homework, but then he’d forget to turn it in.”

However, it was not John’s disorganization but their normally ebullient son’s growing sadness that motivated the O’Briens to seek an alternative.

Having heard about Groves Academy from neighbors, they toured the school with John toward the end of his sixth grade year. “And he wanted to start at Groves immediately!” laughs Annie. “We had to explain that he needed to wait until the fall.”

Once John began seventh grade at Groves, he “became happier again almost immediately,” says his dad. From there the positives just snowballed, his parents say. “His newfound happiness led to him doing better socially, and his increasing academic achievement led to his growing confidence,” says Chris. “We saw the boy we knew come back.”

In his four years at Groves, John learned to work with his ADHD and his dyscalculia, a math learning disorder diagnosed by Groves staff. “The teachers taught me a lot about organizational and study skills,” says John. “I learned how to ingrain information in my brain.” Says Annie, “He really just needed how to learn in a different way.” He also had plenty of fun at Groves, joining the weekly ski club and the theater group, among other activities.

John’s parents, in turn, were relieved by the school’s smaller class sizes and the close personal attention of its teachers and staff. “At Groves the teachers are your advocates,” says Chris. “They are so helpful and available—we’ve even called on

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them for advice and recommendations since John left, following 10th grade.”

Although transitioning to a college prep high school in 11th grade was a bit intimidating, says John, “I felt prepared.” And indeed he succeeded at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, earning good grades and quickly making friends.

After being accepted to every college to which he applied, John will enroll at the University of Colorado-Boulder this fall. He’s interested in that school’s film production program and in its plentiful nearby recreation opportunities, thanks to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. “The whole Boulder area seems relaxed, like a place I could fit in,” says John. “I’m excited to move out there, live on my own, and get a different kind of education.”

With the firm foundation of Groves behind him, the success of John’s next stage of education seems assured.

Griffins in Action Students, families, and advocates working together for change in Minnesota A group of Groves Academy students and staff took part in the Dyslexia Day rally on April 10 at the Minnesota State Capitol, where they joined other advocates in supporting legislative education reform.

This rally was organized by Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota, a grassroots movement driven by families and educators who recognize the need for conversations with Minnesota school districts and policymakers regarding dyslexia.

April’s event was the group’s 4th Annual Dyslexia Day on the Hill and Rally, which is designed to raise awareness about dyslexia and to support legislative change benefitting those with the condition.

Stay informed with the latest info about our work, fun, and events at:

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[ TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION ]

GROVES GALA

[ Breaks All Records ] The 41st Annual Groves Academy Gala, presented

by Wagner SprayTech, was a huge success, raising $660,000 to help close the literacy achievement gap. It was an inspiring evening celebrating Groves Academy’s leadership in advancing literacy education in our school and community.

More than 500 Groves friends and families joined together on April 28 to propel our mission of building confidence, success, and purpose through transformative learning experiences.

All proceeds from the gala go toward Groves Academy’s work in transforming lives through education. This includes advancing literacy education in our community, providing scholarships for 30 percent of students who attend our school, and closing the literacy achievement gap with our partner schools and organizations.

Chaired by Trish Blake, the evening included an inspirational keynote address by Dean Bragonier,

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founder and Executive Dyslexic at NoticeAbility Inc. There were also silent and live auctions, a competitive heads-or-tails game, and a celebration of all the important work happening at Groves.

Thank you to the many volunteers, sponsors, friends, and donors who made the gala such an enormous success. Be sure to save the date for next year’s event —April 27, 2019—and in the meantime, please visit our website for more information: grovesgala.org.

ARE YOU LOOK IN G FOR WAYS TO G IVE BACK TO G ROV ES ?

Please contact Ashley Gotreau at gotreaua@grovesacademy.org.

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[ STUDENT AWARDS ]

Award winners and their teachers (from left): Andy Tolan, Ian Filkins, Luca Dalsin, Kim Perkl, Ava Monro, Rebecca Oeltjen

29th Annual Roland and Doris Larson Caring Youth Award Roland and Doris Larson began the Caring Youth Awards in 1989 to recognize young people in the community for their spirit of caring and concern for others. Nominated by their Groves Academy teachers, three students were honored at the 29th Annual Roland and Doris Larson Caring Youth Recognition Awards on April 10 at the Marriott Minneapolis West in St. Louis Park.

2018 RECIPIENTS: Middle School—LUCA DALSIN Upper School—AVA MONRO Upper School—IAN FILKINS

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"Serve. Grow. Lead. The desire to connect to others gives rise to the best type of and most impactful leadership."

-Kim Peeples, Head of School

B.E.N. Awards To honor the memory of Groves student Ben Ruedesili, each spring one lower, middle, and upper school student is recognized as a B.E.N. (Be Extra Nice) award winner for demonstrating leadership and kindness throughout the year. Our staff and students gathered on April 4 to honor three students who were named B.E.N. award winners.

2018 RECIPIENTS:

Lower School WILLIAM BECK

Upper School HANS FORSLINE

Middle School SILAS ANDERSON

Nash Avery Wicka Leadership through Service Award The desire to connect with others gives rise to the best and most impactful leadership. This inaugural award is one tangible way to honor the memory of longtime student Nash Wicka and to further his legacy of compassion, empathy, and fun while acknowledging Groves students who lead others through service. On May 16 we proudly presented the inaugural Nash Avery Wicka Leadership through Service Awards to three students.

2018 RECIPIENTS:

Lower School SAWYER NEWTON

Middle School LUCA DALSIN

Upper School MICHAEL LEBLANC CONNECTIONS | SUMMER 2018

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[ SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY AT GROVES ACADEMY ] skills (problem solving with peers, using and understanding nonverbal communication, etc.).

Who are you currently serving in The Learning Center?

We serve lower through upper school students from Groves Academy, as well as those in the community who do not attend our school.

Why are speech-language services important?

Communication and Confidence A Conversation with Meghan Miller, MS, CCC-SLP

Meghan Miller, who has worked as a speech-language pathologist since 2014, has just finished her first year in that role at The Learning Center at Groves Academy. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications sciences and disorders from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree in the same field from St. Cloud State University, and is licensed through the Minnesota Department of Health and certified through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

What do Learning Center speechlanguage pathologists do?

Speech-language pathologists, in general, have a large scope of skills that we target in intervention. The skills we focus on at Groves include understanding or expressing spoken language (vocabulary, telling stories, describing concepts and ideas); reading comprehension; executive functioning; articulation; stuttering and cluttering; writing (process, content, structure, grammar); and social

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From conversations with peers to following directions in art class and from understanding a science textbook to explaining to the nurse what hurts, everything students do over the course of a school day requires them to use and understand language. Groves Academy specializes in serving students with language-based learning disabilities, so we have a higher than average number of students who can benefit from our services. We also serve students with attention and executive functioning challenges, areas that are closely linked to language disorders as well.

How do you identify which students need speech-language services?

We review the files of each student, seeking out any difficulties with reading, writing, oral language, articulation, social skills, or executive functioning. We also look to teachers for referrals and for their concerns about students as they get to know them and their abilities. Parents can look for these red flags with speech:

• Improper use of words and their meanings

• Difficulty expressing ideas (using

vague language, such as thing, stuff, or you know; using gestures; stopping and starting over frequently; giving up on what they were trying to say; answering with “I don’t know”)

• Incorrect grammar patterns • Reduced vocabulary • Trouble following directions • Incorrect pronunciation of sounds • Difficulty socializing with peers What does success look like?

Success looks different for each student, depending on his or her needs. Of course, they have goals they work toward as part of their care plan, but that is only one aspect of success. The most important indicator of success, I think, is when students start to feel confident in their skills and comfortable being challenged.

Independently advocating for their needs is another huge marker of progress. The ultimate sign of success is when the skills students have learned in therapy translate to changes at home, in school, and in the community.

Could you share a success story from this year?

My first year at Groves has felt like one big success story. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the students and watching them grow. But one story sticks out: It was so satisfying when a student I had worked with since October told me at the end of the year that she was happy and felt as if she had grown a lot. It’s so rewarding to see students recognize and reflect on their own progress.

[ STAFF PROFILE ]

SUPPORTING THE WHOLE STUDENT Counseling Services at Groves Academy The Groves counseling team assists students with their social and emotional development. The threeperson staff emphasizes a collaborative approach among the student, parents, and Groves faculty members to deal with issues that can interfere with academic success.

The counseling department provides as-needed support and crisis intervention for students who are struggling at school socially or emotionally. They also work together with teachers and families to identify additional needs and supports, and will observe students in their classroom settings if necessary.

If students have mental health, social, or family concerns that cannot be fully addressed at school, or if ongoing weekly therapy services or psychiatric evaluations are needed, Groves counselors will help identify referrals for the family and will collaborate with these professionals. Counselors can also communicate and collaborate with case managers, social skills therapists, psychiatrists, therapists, and pediatricians working with students.

In the Lower and Middle School, as well as in ninth grade, counselors offer short-term friendship groups

Emily Behrens, Social Skills Program Coordinator and Lower School/Middle School Counselor Emily has worked at Groves Academy for nearly five years, joining the counseling department in 2016. She has a Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of Wisconsin– La Crosse and a Master’s degree in strategic leadership from Stephens College (Columbia, Mo.). Emily worked in therapeutic hospital settings before coming to Groves.

each semester for new students struggling to build peer connections. Counselors and teachers work together to identify students who would benefit from these six-week groups, and parents are notified for consent. If more groups are needed, counselors will form additional short-term groups to meet those needs. For students who require ongoing social support or direct social skills instruction, counselors provide referrals to community groups.

In the Upper School, Michelle Jonas helps students choose a path to pursue after graduation that fits with their learning style, strengths, abilities, and interests. “It’s crucial that each student feels as though they can show up as their whole self when they enter school,” Michelle says. “We work with the teachers to help students build confidence not only in their academics, but in who they are as individuals.”

On a daily basis, Groves counselors collaborate with administrators and teachers to address student needs and develop plans for student success, safety, and well-being.

Michelle Jonas, Upper School Counselor and Transition Manager

Nicole Kirkwood, Lower School/ Middle School Counselor

Michelle has been at Groves for eight years. She has a background in psychology and counseling and previously worked in public schools, as well as in hospital and day treatment facilities. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from College of St. Benedict and Master's in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary's University.

Nicole has been at Groves Academy for four years. She has Master’s degrees in clinical psychology and social work from Columbia University, and worked at schools and hospitals in Manhattan before beginning her work at Groves.

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[ SUPPORT OUR WORK ]

Why I Give Judy Brink is an alumni parent, emeritus board member, past Advancement Committee member, past Dinner Auction co-chair, and current donor. Her son Judd attended Groves from 1982 to 1991.

I discovered early on that my son Judd learned differently, so I enrolled him at Groves Academy when he was eight years old. Judd stayed at Groves until transitioning to Brooklyn Center High School in the 11th grade. He went on to attend Brainerd Community College (now Central Lakes College) and Northland College (Ashland, Wis.), where he obtained a BS degree in Natural Resources and Wildlife Management.

Today Judd runs his own birding business in Brainerd (MN Backyard Birds, birdminnesota.com).

Through his business he does graphic design and communication work, leads birding workshops and offers custom birdscaping to businesses, resorts and private homes (integrating bird feeders into the landscape), as well as bird guiding in the Brainerd Lakes area and beyond. He is president of the local Audubon Society, and was recently featured on the front page of the Brainerd Dispatch for making a rare sighting of a Boreal owl. In other words, he is a confident man, living his passion.

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Judd would not be enjoying the life he has today without having the earlier assistance of Groves Academy. One of the most important skills Judd learned at Groves was that of self-advocacy. He has leveraged that skill in his life, and it has helped propel him to where he is today.

Learning challenges affect more than just a child’s report cards; they affect social and emotional components of that child’s life as well. Today Groves provides so many more opportunities to enrich students’ social lives, including sports, after-school activities, and optional electives to better prepare them for their future.

Learning challenges affect many families, so everywhere I go, I talk up Groves. I continue to stay involved with and support Groves because I believe our community is really fortunate to have this school right in our own backyard—and all of us need to get the word out!

SPECIAL THANKS A special thank you to our Groves Parent Organization (GPO) leaders for helping build community and fun this school year.

2017-2018 GROVES ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Thomas Schnack CHAIR Megan Prindiville VICE CHAIR Dan Deikel TREASURER Cari Ann Wolfson (LS co-chair), Colin Roney (Assistant Head of School), Kim Peeples (Head of School), Catherine Steffen (LS co-chair), and Maria Vittone (MS co-chair).

Not pictured, Melissa Feierabend (MS co-chair)

Tom Grover SECRETARY John Alexander EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Trish Blake Dr. Peter Brown

GROVES PARENTS

Anne Harbison

All parents are considered GPO members and we welcome your involvement in the many areas of our school and in your child’s education.

Volunteers are very important and are needed to ensure a successful school year.

David Iverson

For more information and how to get involved, visit:

grovesacademy.org/our-school/gpo Please contact Joanna Lackram with questions at 952.283.3310 or lackramj@grovesacademy.org

Scott Lang Cindee McCarthy Meredith McGuirk Suanne Orenstein Steve Pontius Gary Schiess Deborah Sundal

3200 HIGHWAY 100 SOUTH ST. LOUIS PARK, MN 55416 GROVESACADEMY.ORG

2018-2019 COMMUNITY EDUCATION WORKSHOP SERIES Groves Academy is committed to expanding the benefits we offer to the greater community.

Our events are designed to support all parents, educators, and students. The majority of workshops are low cost and all are open to the public. Information about each workshop and registration is available online at grovesacademy.org/events.

Overview of Executive Functioning Thursday, September 13, 2018 • 7-8:30 pm

Meditation and Mindfulness Thursday, February 21, 2019 • 7-8:30 pm

Who Am I? How Career Choice Impacts Post-Secondary School Choice Thursday, October 11, 2018 • 7-8:30 pm

High School and College Transitions Thursday, March 7, 2019 • 7-8:30 pm

Managing Stress and Anxiety Thursday, October 18, 2018 • 7-8:30 pm Study Skills and Support at Home Thursday November 8, 2018 • 7-8:30 pm Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Dyslexia Simulation* • 6-7 pm Workshop • 7-8:30 pm ADHD and Executive Functioning Tuesday, November 27, 2018 • 7-8:30 pm Diagnostic Testing Overview: IQ and Key Academic Assessments Tuesday, December 4, 2018 • 7-8:30 pm Assistive Technology Presentation and Demonstration Thursday, January 10, 2019 • 6-9 pm Panel Presentation: ADHD Over the Lifespan Thursday, January 17, 2019 • 7-8:30 pm

Why Groves Reading Instruction Works Tuesday, March 19, 2019 • 7-8:30 pm IEP and 504 Plans: Advocating for Your Child Tuesday, May 7, 2019 • 7-8:30 pm How to Assess if your Child needs Speech Therapy Thursday, May 23, 2019 • 7-8:30 pm

2019 SUMMER WORKSHOPS:

Monday-Wednesday, June 24-26, 2019 9 am-noon Study Skills and Assistive Technology Managing Stress and Anxiety Overview of Learning Disabilities and Understanding Dyslexia June 26: Dyslexia Simulation* • 9-10 am Workshop • 10 am-noon

* Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required Dates, times, speakers, and topics are subject to change.

Understanding Dyslexia Tuesday, February 7, 2019 Dyslexia Simulation* • 6-7 pm Workshop • 7-8:30 pm $15 Admittance | Current Groves Academy families and Learning Center clients attend free of charge

grovesacademy.org/events or call us at 952.920.6377 © 2018 Groves Academy. All rights reserved.