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A New Space to Thrive
A section of underutilized hallway space was transformed into the new Middle School Kairos classroom, complete with a wall of windows overlooking the 7th-grade outdoor garden.
by SARAH TAYLOR
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
The Kairos Learning Center (KLC) has grown from a budding program into an integral and established part of St. Martin’s Episcopal School in 18 short months. Supporting children with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, the KLC leverages small class sizes and specialized teaching strategies like the Orton-Gillingham method and multisensory math to equip identified Elementary and Middle School students with the tools they need to succeed within and beyond the program. The program’s school-within-a-school structure is tailored to students who can benefit from additional support in reading, writing, math and study skills while joining general studies peers for their remaining curricular and extracurricular activities. Demand is high in Atlanta for dyslexia support programs like the KLC. This year, to accommodate the exciting increase in enrollment, St. Martin’s introduced newly renovated Elementary and Middle School KLC classrooms. In Warrior Hall, the first-floor office space was renovated to accommodate a state-of-the-art KLC suite of Elementary classrooms. In the Middle School, a hallway space was transformed into a unique and cozy classroom with a wall of windows looking out onto the 7th-grade outdoor garden. “It has been impressive to witness the growth of the Kairos Learning Center at St. Martin’s,” says Interim KLC Director, Rosalie Davis. “Our parents and community are so excited about the work we are doing with our students with dyslexia.” The new Elementary Kairos suite was intentionally designed to support the school-withina-school model. Like the KLC suite serving early Elementary students on the main floor of Warrior Hall, upper-Elementary Kairos students mainly use the new space in the basement. This configuration means students do not have to travel far from their general studies classmates to attend KLC classes.
The new Elementary KLC suite features three classrooms, a conference room, the Student Support Services office and a flex space used by a speech and language therapist and occupational therapist. The tall glass windows at its entrance inspire a sense of openness and connectivity to the rest of the school without diminishing the learning center’s small-community atmosphere. Classrooms were designed to accommodate the KLC’s five-to-one student teacher ratio; each is equipped with a SMART Board, document reader and soundproofing. One of the 4th- and 5th-grade classrooms incorporates weighted wobble stools and standing desks with foot fidget bars to help students stay engaged throughout the lesson. “I can keep my students’ focus for their 90-minute language blocks with the use of this new space and new furniture,” says KLC instructor Ashely Richards. “The new KLC suite feels like an oasis.” In the new Middle School classroom, large interior and exterior windows make the space feel open and inviting. “I love the new space,” says MS Kairos teacher Laura Lewis. “The wall of windows provides so much natural light, and because we are next to the 7th grade outdoor garden, students can work outside when the weather allows.” The KLC vision is to equip students with the skills to transition back to a traditional classroom setting after a few years in the program. “We have done a wonderful job maximizing the space available to us on campus to ensure we can serve as many students with dyslexia as possible,” says Lynne Perry, Interim Elementary School Principal and former KLC Director. “In only its second year at St. Martin’s, the Kairos Learning Center has quickly evolved into an integral part of the mission and culture of the school.”
Mrs. Richards' 4th- and 5th-grade classroom utilizes weighted wobble stools and standing desks with foot fidget bars to help keep students engaged throughout the lesson.
Portrait of a Graduate
DEBORAH MCCLEAN WILKENS
SMES graduation year: 2003 High School: St. Pius X
Catholic High School Colleges/Degrees: Georgia
College & State University-
Bachelor of Science in
Nursing; Georgia State
University- Master of
Science in Nursing Current Job: Nurse
Practitioner at Summit
Spine and Joint Centers Personal: Deborah lives in Alpharetta with her husband Mathis and daughters Adeline (3) and
Sydney (9 mo.). She works full time in an outpatient clinic that performs spine and joint injections to manage chronic pain. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys spending time with family, photography, good food and traveling.
Something special you learned at SMES:
When I started at SMES in 5th grade, I remember feeling immediately welcome in the St. Martin's "family." During my time at SMES, I learned the importance of teamwork and I carried this with me into my high school and college years.
Favorite SMES tradition:
Class trips (particularly our caving trip) and electives (cooking in French class with Madame Carroll was my favorite!).
Most influential SMES
teacher and why: All of my teachers at St. Martin’s were amazing for pushing me outside my comfort zone, especially Mr. Taube, Mrs.
O'Keefe and Miss P!
The person I’d most like
to meet: My maternal grandfather who passed away long before I was born.
Deborah (l) and fellow alum Susan Webster (Monk) (r). Dream job: I love being a nurse but if I wasn't in healthcare I would love to be a National Geographic photographer traveling the world and immersing myself in various cultures.
Favorite way to give back:
Volunteering on the emergency response team at Roswell United
Methodist Church and fostering dogs.
Favorite place I’ve visited:
Italy
Do you stay in touch with fellow SMES alums?
I haven't seen anyone lately but typically, I try to get together with at least a couple of old friends annually. n
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite app: Instagram Favorite book: Anything by Jodi Piccoult Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Pick one per line:
___ Books 7 ___ Movies ___ Sweet 7 ___ Savory ___ Beach ___ Mountains ___ Baseball ___ Football 7 ___Surfing the Internet
___ Lake ___ Tennis ___ Other: and soccer! 7 7
Sports Wrap-Up
CROSS COUNTRY
Even with the restrictions of social distancing, cross country had a wonderful 2020 season. While many things were different, the dedication and hard work of the athletes was a constant. Though cross country did not participate in traditional races, we were part of a virtual meet with Marist, Pace Academy, Wesleyan and Galloway. In addition to the virtual competitions, the team ran intrasquad time-trials at the 1, 1.5 and 2-mile distances. The coaches are extremely proud of each athlete’s effort, and we send a special thank you to our 8th-grade athletes, all of whom were three-year participants in the program. Head Coach Wade Hanse
SOCCER
6TH- AND 7TH-GRADE BOYS
The 6th-grade soccer season was a lot of fun. During each practice, athletes focused on improving their control and getting as many touches on the ball as they could. They worked hard and enjoyed themselves. The intrasquad games were fun and competitive. The 6thgrade squad was full of talent, and I look forward to watching them have success on the pitch next fall.
Seventh-grade soccer was similar in structure to 6th grade. We worked on control, making accurate passes and being more confident with our first touch. The group worked hard and enjoyed their days on the pitch. The intrasquad 7th-grade games were high-scoring and fast-paced. Like 6thgrade, this was a talented bunch that will find success next fall.
Head Coach Mark McDaniel
6TH-GRADE BOYS
8TH-GRADE GIRLS
8TH-GRADE BOYS Ultimate was certainly different from years past, but was still a blast to play and coach. The team learned many new skills and drills thanks to Coach Davis, and improved on leading their receivers, stacking defending stacks and making more targeted throws. The intrasquad games we had were competitive, and the group was incredibly talented. We’re looking forward to competing against other teams again next year! Head Coach Brandon Collins
VOLLEYBALL
6TH-, 7TH- AND 8TH-GRADE VOLLEYBALL Due to the pandemic, volleyball was a little different this year. With the teams divided by grade level, students were able to continue to grow and develop in the sport. This fall, the 6th- and 7th-grade teams each had 21 players, and the 8th-grade team had 15 players. Coaches worked with players on developing their basic skills and knowledge of the sport. The girls were able to divide into intramural teams and play multiple games against each other in a fun and competitive atmosphere. Luckily, we were able to host the annual faculty vs. 8th graders match on Friday, Oct. 30. Everyone played hard, but the teachers pulled off the win with a score of 2 to 1. Overall, this fall season was different but still just as fun!
8TH-GRADE BOYS
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Head Coach Chris Nama
7TH-GRADE GIRLS
