Swift Head’s Letter Richard Wendlek
Courier Swift School Magazine
•
WINTER 2016
•
curiosity
•
persistence
• •
•
•• right brain
adventure
• ••
• navigation
left brain
Swift School
Drew Winslow has his eye on the prize 14
16
Swift Galaxy Grant Meyer checksin for the latest alumni spotlight.
Faculty Focus Three Swift faculty earn certified level designations
Swift Fine Arts Swift’s annual Winter Concerts were enjoyed by all
1
8
2
Courier • Winter 2016
Contents Swift School | Courier | Winter 2016
Head’s Column A message from Head of School Richard Wendlek
4
Swift Galaxy Catching up with Swift Alumni Grant Meyer
8 Swift Highlights A look back at Fall 2015 in pictures
Faculty Focus Three Swift faculty earn certified level designations
18
12 Swift School prepares children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences to be successful in life.
Understanding Dyslexia
Informing and Empowering
Page 6
Page 15
Swift Fine Arts Page 14
The Swift School Courier is published triannually and mailed free of charge to enrolled families, faculty, alumni, Board of Trustees and friends of Swift School. For more information about Swift School, please call 678.205.4988 or visit our website at www.theswiftschool.org. Photos: DeJon Brumfield, Photos by DeJon, photosbydejon@gmail.com; Billy Howard, Billy Howard Photography, billy@billyhoward.com It is the policy of Swift School not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity or service.
Spanish Scholars
Division Highlights
Page 16
Page 20
Swift Head's Letter Richard Wendlek
Talking Data
4
Courier • Winter 2016
A message from Richard Wendlek, Head of School
From the Head of School Richard Wendlek
M
y gratitude is extended to the more than 70% of Swift parents who completed the survey that was launched shortly after school began! Letting us know your thoughts about what matters most to you concerning the education of your children is a fundamental exercise. Alumni, alumni parents, the faculty, middle division students, and community professionals were included in those surveyed. I am very pleased to report that more than 300 surveys were completed! Collectively, the surveys were designed to uncover perceptions about Swift’s communications and programming. The pursuit of excellence in providing the highest quality educational experience available was at the heart of this process. Aspirations for Swift School to further progress as a national center of excellence are a part of strategic initiatives. In short, the survey results will help to guide us forward in the development of a greater educational experience for the students and greater awareness about dyslexia in broader circles. What are the results? Here are some of the exciting survey indicators: • Attributes of Swift School from those surveyed: For alumni, Swift has been empowering and life-changing • Both alumni and students think Swift is a first-choice school for dyslexia and other language based learning differences • Parents consider Swift School as a leader in the education of the dyslexic learner Image of Swift School from those surveyed: • Two of three Swift alumni believe they and their peers have success in gaining admission to their best high school match • Nine of ten alumni believe Swift alumni have success beyond Swift • Swift outperformed or performed equally to high school alumni acquisition of the Habits of Mind • A large majority of Swift parents (91%) agree that the experience at a school like Swift should be designed to teach students how to excel at being dyslexic • Eighty-six percent of faculty agrees that Swift graduates are academically prepared for high school • Ninety percent of alumni are proud to say they graduated from Swift • Swift was the first choice school for 82% of all parents, and 93% for families whose students were admitted to more than one school • Eighty percent of alumni would reenroll • Eighty percent of students would recommend Swift • One hundred percent of alumni would recommend Swift • Ninety-one percent of parents would recommend Swift • Ninety-six percent of parents believe the faculty is well-qualified • Eighty percent of parents and 91% of students agree that Swift has a good academic reputation
The following quotes express the insights of students who are alumni of Swift School: • “What I have gained from Swift School is an understanding of my reading disabilities, and the ways to improve my comprehension and focus.” • “The teachers are really there for you and you alone. Sports are great. Swift opened people up to all sports.” • “The friends I made...” • “Time with Coach Smith, Jill McGuire, Coach Saylors, and Dr. Salapka...” • “I value that Swift taught me self-confidence and it was a small, close-knit environment.” • “The skills Swift taught me I still apply as a senior in college.”
Swift School
This was the first occasion in Swift’s history that such a broad survey was conducted. Our pursuit of excellence and related aspirations to be the very best – to build greater value – was at the heart of the survey process. My thanks to all who participated! The big idea that Swift makes a lasting difference in the lives of the students and their families was clearly articulated by survey respondents.
5
These results indicate that a much better effort to communicate about our graduates and alumni must become an emphasis. Middle Division students report at a rate of 94% that self-improvement in areas of confidence building was the result of their educational experience here. Ninety-one percent report academic growth achievement in written expression, reading comprehension, executive function, and reading fluency.
What was learned? • Swift School alumni should be publicly featured in terms of their success beyond Swift • The faculty must be provided opportunities to experience Swift’s broad educational programming • The faculty must be provided with the profile of a Swift graduate • Communications concerning the high school placement of 8th graders must be highlighted • Communications concerning performance and athletic opportunities at Swift must be expanded
Informing and Empowering Understanding Dyslexia
Six Common Myths about Dyslexia Copyright 2015, The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, Yale School of Medicine, http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Myths.html
Dyslexia is a visual problem. Dyslexic children and adults see and write letters and words backwards. If a child does not reverse b’s and q’s he or she cannot be dyslexic. Fact: Many children reverse letters when learning to write, regardless of having dyslexia. Reversing letters is not a sure sign of dyslexia.
Smart people can’t be dyslexic; if you are dyslexic you can’t be very smart. Fact: On the contrary, some of the very brightest boys and girls struggle to read. Dyslexia occurs at all levels of intelligence - average, above average, and highly gifted. Many gifted people at the top of their fields are dyslexic.
6
Courier • Winter 2016
If you perform well in school, you can’t be dyslexic. Fact: Some dyslexics perform very well in school. These students are highly motivated and work incredibly hard; many have received necessary accommodations that allowed them to demonstrate their knowledge. Dyslexic students have completed rigorous programs at highly selective colleges, graduate and professional schools.
Swift Head’s Letter Richard Wendlek
Dyslexia only affects boys. Fact: Both males and females can be dyslexic. In a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, we demonstrated that dyslexia affects comparable numbers of boys and girls. Although more boys are referred by their teachers for evaluation, these referrals appear to reflect more rambunctious behavior of boys in the classroom.
People who are dyslexic are unable to read. Fact: Most commonly, dyslexic children and adults do learn to read; the problem is the effort required to read. Typical readers of the same ability level early on become ’fluent’ readers so that reading is automatic, fast and pleasurable. In contrast, dyslexic children remain ’manual’ readers who read slowly and with great efforts.
Swift School
7
Fact: Since reading is based on spoken language, clues to a possibility of dyslexia are present before a child enters school. Children with dyslexia often have slightly delayed speech, don’t recognize rhyming words and there is often a family history of reading difficulties. Tests can be performed early on, and, thus, help can come earlier and many difficulties may be prevented.
There are no clues to dyslexia before a child enters school.
Swift Galaxy Alumni Profile
Grant Meyer Swift Class of 2015
A
lthough he graduated from Swift just a year ago, Grant Meyer is already paving an impressive path in high school. The 14 year old freshman attends Mount Pisgah and balances a full academic course load while enjoying exploratory courses such as Digital Imaging. The self- proclaimed ‘intermediate photographer’ appreciates the opportunity to express his creative abilities.
When not immersed in English homework or building his digital imaging portfolio, Meyer makes time for his hobbies that include ice hockey, soccer, lacrosse, magic, Cardistry and photography galleries.
A Brief Chat with Grant Meyer... What was your experience at Swift School? “Unlike most schools, I found Swift School welcoming and it made me feel very comfortable for asking questions and making new friends.”
How do you feel Swift prepared you for high school? “Swift School definitely prepared me for high school. I still use tools that the teachers thought me so that I can do my best in school.”
8
Courier • Winter 2016
What advice would you give incoming middle school students?? “I would give tell middle school students to finish homework and projects as soon as they are assigned and to not procrastinate. If you procrastinate, you will be more stressed.”
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Swift? “My Swift School experience had so many memories that it would be hard to recall all of them, but just having fun learning with all of my friends and teachers everyday was the best part of Swift School.”
Informing and Empowering Beyond Swift
9
To submit features, notes and Facebook posts contact Swift Communications via email at communications@theswiftschool.org
Swift School
Swift Parents and Alumni:
Swift Highlights Middle Division
High School Decision Night Eric Osorio, Associate Head of School for Student Affairs, discusses Swift’s annual event for 8th grade parents and students.
O
n October 15th, Swift held its annual High School Decision Night, an evening intended to kick off the beginning of the high school application process for our eighth graders.
10
Courier • Winter 2016
Representatives from seven area independent schools joined us to both introduce our families to their schools as well as to demystify the high school application process. The schools varied in size, mission and programming, offering a variety of examples of great school communities. Representatives spoke about a range of different topics, including the interview process, applying for financial aid, and what to expect from an on-campus interview. After the presentation, students and parents cruised around the tables to learn more about each of the schools in attendance. It was a fun and informative kickoff to the admission season! For some, the application process can seem overwhelming, particularly given the deadlines, tests, and visits that are typically part of the process. Families walked away from the evening knowing that the school search process is a two-way street; students and parents should prepare themselves to assess whether a school is a proper fit just as much as schools are engaging in the same practice with prospective families. While there will likely always be some level of nerves and anxiety that enter this process, it should be a great opportunity to think and dream about what a great school looks like for each student. I encourage you to engage your children in conversation around the definition of a great school?
What does it look like? What does it offer? Who will I meet there? Who can I BE there? Thoughtful reflection on the next school chapter will not only make this process a smoother one, but it can also open doors to great conversation with your children.
The Move to High School Middle Division Director Melissa Jozefov shares how we prepare our 8th graders for the great leap • Students develop close relationships with teachers which opens the door for more teachable moments and more whole-child development. • Teachers meet weekly to discuss student needs and to create individualized plans for students.
As the calendar turns to 2016 and the • Confidence and executive admission process function are also areas we really kicks into intentionally work on to gear, please keep in increase the potential for a mind the wealth of more positive transition into resources and help high school. you have here at Swift. In addition • Equally important, we keep in to middle division touch with our graduates and director Melissa their parents from both public Jozefov, I am more and private school settings. than happy to answer Their stories show that Swift any questions or prepared them well. provide any assistance I can in the coming • “We are all in this together months. There is and the Swift Middle Division so much excitement team considers it a privilege ahead for our eighth to be a part of each student’s graders; it is a great journey.” - Melissa Jozefov time to be at Swift!
Swift Head's Letter Richard Wendlek
Swift Head’s Letter Richard Wendlek
Stay Connected Build the Swift Community!
FACEBOOK: Like: TheSwiftSchool
TWITTER: Follow: @swiftschool_ga
Swift School
INSTAGRAM: Follow: “SwiftSchool_GA”
11
11
Courier • Winter 2016
YOUTUBE: Subscribe to: /theswiftschoolga
Swift Highlights Faculty Focus
Faculty Focus Swift faculty Natalie Felix and Sandra Epstein and Speech and Language Pathologist Jocelyn Gasaway earn certified level designations from the Academy of Orton-Gillingham.
T
hree Swift School educators have earned Certified level designation from the Academy of OrtonGillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE).
12
Courier • Winter 2016
The Academy certifies individuals who have demonstrated competence as practitioners and educators or the Orton-Gillingham approach. Additionally, the Academy accredits programs that train practitioners and educators and instruction within schools, clinics and summer programs that meet Academy standards. “Achieving the Certified Level of Membership in the Academy, validates my years of work and dedication as an OG Educator and Practitioner. For me personally, having their ‘stamp of approval ‘ is comparable to receiving an advanced academic degree in my profession,” explains Sandi Epstein, Swift Frameworks Teacher.
Epstein, along with Natalie Felix and Jocelyn Gasaway, were accepted at the Certified level after preparing for submission over the course of a two year practicum study. The educators join Swift’s Director of Technology and Assessment, Donna Cherry, who earned the designation over a year ago. The Academy of Orton-Gillingham certifies teachers at three levels: Associate, Certified and Fellow. Applications are held to a high standard. To meet the Academy’s Certified level, members must complete 160 hours of Orton-Gillingham coursework, 300 hours of practicum experience and 10 lesson observations.
Informing and Empowering
My Letter to 10-year old me Dyslexia advocate and Virgin Records founder Richard Branson reminds us to never stop dreaming and exploring in a letter penned to his 10 year old self in response to #ChallengeRichard Copyright, December 14, 2015, Virgin, http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/my-letter-to-10-year-old-me
Your imagination is one of your greatest gifts – this will become more and more apparent when you enter secondary school. You will face many challenges, and often feel like you don’t fit in and that you can’t always keep up. Don’t let this hold you back. Use your imagination to find inventive ways around it.
And when you do make mistakes, know that your parents will always be there for you. While you may get in trouble at times, they always have your best interest at heart and love you unconditionally. You will understand this better when you become a father yourself. Be nice to your family and listen to your mum and dad – they will guide you through life and be there for you at every turn. Remember to treat others as you would want to be treated. Above all, always remember to have fun. As you grow older you will realise just how important it is to do what you love and love what you do. Don’t waste your time doing things that don’t excite you. Find your passions and go out there and grab at them with both hands. Life is for living and try to enjoy every day. Good luck, Richard
On the topic of imagination, never stop dreaming and creating. Children are too often told that they cannot do this, and they shouldn’t do that – ignore them. Don’t ever let anyone prevent you from going after your dreams. Balloons, trains, planes and spaceships – whatever comes into your imagination, continue to dream big.
Challenges will be a constant in your life. You will make a lot of mistakes and fail time and time again. But don’t let this discourage you. Failure teaches us life’s greatest lessons, and often shows us a better way of doing things. Don’t ever let failure get you down. Everyone fails. Your biggest heroes – including Douglas Bader, Ernest Shackleton and Scott of the Antarctic (did you know you’re related?) – have all failed at some point; but look what they achieved in the end.
Swift School
I’m writing to you from 55 years in the future. You’re now 65 years old, and while you’ve lived a happy and healthy life with no regrets, I have some advice for you. You know how you love to play outdoors and explore the world around you? Never stop doing that. Always seek adventure. Learn to swim, find your own way home, and climb trees with Lindy, Vanessa and your friends. The spirit of adventure will keep you curious; open your mind to great opportunities; and steer you on a lifelong quest to prove that impossible is just a word. You will have many wonderful adventures in your life with the most incredible people – I won’t give away exactly what they are, as I don’t want to spoil the fun.
Your ability to think differently will become one of your biggest advantages in life – taking you places where most straight-A students will never go.
13
D
ear Ricky,
Winter Concerts Swift Fine Arts
Cameras were ready and holiday cheer was present as the Swift Community gathered to enjoy Swift’s annual Winter Concerts.
G
uests were entertained by Swift’s talented students in a three-day concert series.
Holiday festivities kicked off with the annual Swift Winter Concert, featuring the Fourth and Fifth Grade Choruses and Sixth Grade ORFF Ensemble. The event, held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, featured a musical adaptation of the book Old Bear by Kevin Henkes that included holiday and seasonal songs ranging from the timeless classic Blue Skies by Ella Fitzgerald to fun, rhythmic pieces like Mbira Jam by Walt Hampton. Of course no Winter Concert would be complete without traditions like Carol of the Bells.
14
Courier • Winter 2016
Music Director Hudson Gillot led the annual event along with the assistance of Fine Arts Associates Marie Barker and Beverly Barnhard. Swift’s First and Second Grades joined hands to perform a wonderful afternoon concert together on December 15th, with Third Grade performing the following afternoon. Both concerts were full of cute faces and holiday cheer with classics like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells. Students even demonstrated their dance skills with a performance of Dance for Hanukah by Syncoop. With three fantastic concerts enjoyed by all, the Swift annual winter events were a school highlight!
Swift Head’s Letter Richard Wendlek
The Importance of Art
Swift School
and Rembrandts that can succeed, but also the Picassos and Jackson Pollocks. A student who cannot always use words successfully can use colors and lines and shapes to put together a masterpiece. Confidence is gained. Art lends support to the left side of the brain. Measuring for a weaving uses math… mosaics link us to Greek art… creating a dream catcher reinforces the Native American culture studied in history. The art room is truly a place for discovery. I am honored to teach our future architects, designers, illustrators, builders, independent thinkers, and explorers.
15
W
alking into the art room at The Swift School is an entryway into the right side of the brain. A creative chaos. Laughing and talking…tables covered in supplies… drips and scraps on the floor. A wonderful haven for expression. Art is a welcome outlet during the school day. Yes, there are directions and guidelines, but a little thinking out of the box is highly encouraged. Art history shows a student that it’s not just the Leonardo da Vincis
Swift art instructor Lynn Kaplin shares the importance of an art program for dyslexic learners.
Swift Highlights Academics
Spanish Scholars Spanish instructor Lisa Armorer shares a snapshop into Swift’s new language instruction course.
I
n a globalized world, knowledge of several languages, lands and cultures is no longer a privilege, but a requisite. This semester we embarked on a wonderful journey and our scholars surpassed their own expectations as they began joking, selfcorrecting and admonishing one another in Español!
16
Courier • Winter 2016
Our Swift Scholars had an opportunity to learn both European and Latin American introductory Spanish in a communicative way, and they finished this semester with a bilingual bang! In addition to being one of the six (6) official languages of the United Nations (SCARFE*), according to the highly regarded Instituto Cervantes, more than 470 million people worldwide claim Spanish as a first language, making it the 2nd most important business language after English and before majestic Mandarin. In the United States of America, Spanish is also the secondmost widely spoken language. There are 41 million native Spanish speakers and over 11 million more bilingual Spanish speakers in the US.
There are more Spanish speakers in the USA than in Spain (with 46 million)! Two-thirds of the Spanish GDP is generated in North America (USA, Canada, México) and in The European Union. As current world travelers and future leaders, our Swift Spanish scholars shall have robust opportunities to meet and make great use of their new linguistic skills as they cross the globe developing lasting friendships, and local, national and international business deals The United States does not have an official language, however, more than 7 million students of all ages are studying Spanish. Los Estados Unidos Mexicano (México), is the only country where there are more Spanish speakers (121 million). Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, España (Spain), Guatemala, Guinea Ecuatorial (located in central Africa), Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, Puerto Rico, La República Dominicana, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Los Estados Unidos (The United States) are 22 countries and territories wherein Spanish is either the 1st or 2nd dominant language.
Swift School
17
The course was taught 95% in the target language. Our Swift Spanish scholars attended classes either two or three days a week depending upon their schedules. All of our scholars have learned that acquiring a second, third or fourth language is about more than mastering new sounds
The Honorable South African Leader Rolihlahla Dalibunga Madiba, also known as President Nelson Mandela said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in HIS language that goes to his heart.” “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” - Ludwig Wittgenstein
These multisensory conversations and activities included short Spanish vignettes, daily affirmations, mindfulnessquiet time, cognitive motivation, art, Spa-Karate, dynamic reasoning, collaborative and communal team tests, Phrase Ball, Spanish Bingo, music, singing, dancing, cross-cultural etiquette, dining and final presentations with salutations in Spanish.
Call it vision, grit or grace; our scholars are better equipped to understand and learn the nuances of a new language and the commitment it takes to be conversant because many have powerful, dyslexic processing minds, and have studied their own mother tongue (a rarity around world).
Swift School
Given the opportunity to develop their capacities to the highest cognitive level, not only did our 7th and 8th graders learn to speak Spanish in an immersive, interactive, communicative and repetitive manner, but they also enjoyed interconnected dialogues.
and/or symbols. In an affirming, motivating atmosphere, their possibilities are endless.
17
Interestingly, due to geography and/or colonial history, the countries and territories of: Andorra, Belize, Brazil, Gibraltar, Jamaica, The Philippines and Western Sahara, either speak Spanish or have a shared Spanish history.
Swift Highlights
Swift 8th grader Conrad Brown and his family participate in the International Dyslexia Association's Dyslexia Dash.
18
Courier • Winter 2016
trella ue Es ith his iq r n r E stival w grade Fe Third s the Fall y enjo er, Ana. moth
Fourth and fifth grade choruses and sixth grade ORFF Ensemble perform at Swift's Winter Concert.
ruck ood t r at f y jo y en sbte facult Maine Lo . d n a t s s n ' t e Paren ith CousinMingle ev fun w's annual Swift
Anna Bonds 2015-16 schoprepares for the ol year at Mee Greet. t&
ow off n students sh io is iv D r e w h it creative Lo een spirit w their Hallow r Swift O'Ween. costumes fo
first slexia llenging y d d f cha ience exper a series ow Parent s t n e Par through uring Ne hand nments d assig tation. Orien
Second grader Diana Mueller is greeted by Associate Head of School Eric Osorio during the first day of school
Special guest Division Broad, Laura Ries, helps the Mid edition of Sw cast Class with the latest dle ift News.
19
Second grade lead teacher Deborah Kloder details the coming year to parents during Swift Curriculum Nights.
Swift School
e orang their g Above r o f test durin dents wan-Do u t s t K Swif in Taebelts yond. & Be
From the desk of Roni Battoglia A note from Swift’s Lower Division Director
t is difficult to believe that the first part of our school year is coming to an end. Our school community has been very busy with various activities and learning opportunities. Students continue to grow and blossom into confident, talented, and knowledgeable individuals. They are encouraged to participate fully, take risks, to be self-advocates and to create lasting memories. One of our goals is to provide an enriching, engaging, and challenging curriculum that will prepare students for success. We believe that students, parents, and teachers all play an important role in helping students reach their greatest potential. Along those lines, the students in the Lower Division have been participating and experiencing a wonderful array of learning opportunities. Many grade levels have taken field trips around Atlanta to further expand on their science and social studies units. Some of our 1st and 2nd grade students were able to spend time with our Roswell Fire Department Firemen as they learned about fire safety. Our 3rd grade students have heard storytellers and were mesmerized by our visitors’ ability to bring a story to life. Recently, our 4th graders shared their knowledge of colonial times by creating candles and butter the old fashion way, presenting colonial times through characterization through a wax museum, and sharing research conducted in school. Finally, our 5th grade continues to be role models for our Lower Division. The job of Safety Patrol is taken very seriously. Many of our 5th graders are reading buddies for the younger students or help out with various tasks throughout the school. The social/ emotional development is as essential to student success as academics.
Students have proudly worn their capes during our Giraffe Assemblies and are being recognized each month for creating a positive environment.
We began the year with a kick off of our “Rock the Cape” campaign where students are celebrated for sticking their neck out for others in the school and community.
I wanted to thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school, the teachers, and most important to your child. Your partnership is invaluable and treasured.
20
Courier • Winter 2016
I
Recently, I have had the pleasure of attending the International Dyslexia Association’s Annual Reading, Literacy & Learning Conference in Texas. Collaborating with other professionals in the field was both inspiring and validating. Swift School is truly on the cutting edge and is steeped in all of the new research and current educational trends. Our practice at Swift is aligned with many of the prominent researchers and schools across the country that believe dyslexic learners have strengths in many areas and it is through their strengths that their true talents and abilities shine. The information gleaned from this conference by myself and my colleagues are being integrated into our teacher professional development plan as well as future parent lunch and learn sessions. Looking ahead, our students will engage in enriching activities as they perform in the variety show and create art projects for an exhibit for grandparents/special friend day. They are eagerly anticipating pet day and field day in the spring. With much excitement we strive to expand our students horizons through thoughtful and purposeful academic instruction. Teachers continue to gather data, observe student growth, collect work samples, and create instructional plans, which will be shared with you during conferences. We will open our doors to you on the evening of February 4th to give you a glimpse of what next year will look like at our Current Family Open House.
Lower Division Highlights
Beth Walter's first graders performed holiday and seasonal songs during their Winter Concert.
ith ins w deer g e b n d Rein seaso liday Red Nose 3rd grade o h e Th lph the ing the Rudo rmed dur perfoert. conc
Giraffe Assemblies teach the importance of character and celebrate “sticking your neck out� for others.
ir ff thned grade do e w 2 t o s 1 & rs sh gradeduring the d n o c ls Se g skil singinert. conc
Plenty of foo n and dan enjoyed at thd, fu e 5th Grade D cing were ance.
partment swell Fire Dermative o R e th rm d info A visit fo interactive an provided an safety. lesson on fire
Greetings from the Middle Division
A message from Swift’s Middle Division Director, Melissa Jozefov
A
After reading a recent article in Independent School, I thought about how we, at Swift, help students deal with stress and how this evidence-based research article supports the learning approach used with our students. We recognize that while some stress is healthy and natural, too much can be quite harmful. “Stress dominates many of our students’ lives. The word is never far from their lips. As educators, we know it often prevents them from working at their peak potential…” (Kelleher 98)
22
Courier • Winter 2016
In the middle division, teachers constantly assess student learning by taking into account stress. Our Advisory classes allow opportunities for students to ask for extra help, to prioritize homework, and to organize materials, backpacks, and lockers. In all classes, our goal centers around finding that ‘sweet spot’ in learning; the spot where a student is challenged and stretched to achieve more than he or she thought possible without being defeated or being dependent upon the help of others. This is a balancing act and a daily assessment that our teachers do so effortlessly. In the classroom, students are treated as unique individuals who are learning to embrace their mistakes as part of the learning process. Our classrooms are safe places where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow and challenges to work through. Common phrases heard from teachers to students include the following: keep going, I know you can; try that one more time; what do you think went wrong; struggle through it; tell me how you did that; I have faith in you; take a break and come back to it. These types of comments are simple, yet powerful ways of building confident learners who are willing to ask questions,
make suggestions, and try again. Our students smile, laugh, and discuss, which makes learning all the more productive. Life in the middle division is filled with activity. Our language arts and language development classes coexist in such a way that strengthens reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Language development classes, with smaller student-to-teacher sizes, allow for more individualized instruction. The Broadcast Production exploratory class has been busy creating the ‘Swift News’ videos that are seen school-wide. As part of the Physical Education curriculum, our students went on a golf outing at River Pines. Every day, 7th and 8th graders greet Ms. Armorer in Spanish before entering Spanish class. Student Council recently organized our schoolwide shoe drive and 7th grade students volunteered at the Atlanta Food Bank. Like the academic classes, the activities, community service projects, and social events support whole-child learning where students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone to try something new, experience real-world problems, and lead by example. Our middle school students are full of energy, changes, and curiosity and it take a special teacher who is full of patience (to match their energy), consistency (to support their changes), and knowledge (to engage their brains in healthy ways). We have these types of teachers and that is what makes our place exceptional. **Kelleher. “Stress and the Learning Brain.” (Independent School Fall 2015)
Middle Division Highlights
Middle schoolers participated in teambuilding and educational activities during their Retreat to Fortson 4-H Center.
ished am finup after e t is and h nners tans! aylors ionship run. Go Spar S h c Coa Champ 6 seaso APACat 2015-1 a gre
ke... no jo their is n t Dow s take lin Ge n student b o G The le Divisio usly. Midd mes serio costu
Student coun at work campcil nominees were hard aigning for el ections.
Activity abounds...7th grade students visited the Atlanta Food Bank in October, and sorted over 5,141 pounds of food, creating 4,284 meals for needy families!
Informing and Empowering Important Reminders
Reenrollment Around the Corner An important reminder that reenrollment for the upcoming 2016-17 school year is just around the corner!
A
s we welcome the New Year, the school community as a whole begins to think about the next new school year as well. Even while current curriculum and programs are engaged, the school staff is already planning for August and beyond. Part of that planning involves anticipated grade level enrollment with enhanced programs and activities. In the life of a school, commitments to parents, faculty, staff and students begin well in advance of any school year. Last year the school initiated a successful transition to online enrollment via the Renweb interface.
The re enrollment process will again take that form for the 2016-17 school year. In another first for Swift, parents will now be able to have greater sight online into tuition and other school related student account items with more varied payment method options. Renweb has merged with long time tuition payment specialist FACTS and in so doing has created a more integrated resource for families and the school. FACTS will also serve as the main application portal for an expanded financial assistance program available to new and returning families. Enrollment instructions for the 2016-17 school year will be published in late January with re-enrollment beginning in mid-February. Please look for more information regarding the improved and expanded re-enrollment process in the Head’s letter due out in January.
Rising to the Top
24
Courier • Winter 2016
Swift Annual Fund is the most important fundraising program for a school like Swift.
T
he 2015-16 Swift Annual Fund is the foundation for all funding initiatives at Swift School. This year, the Fund is being led by division representatives, Loulie Reese (1-2), Maria Lutz (4-5) and Kim Huffman (6-8) and by Development Committee Chair and Board of Trustee, Jeff Pace.
These volunteer leaders raise awareness and build participation in the most important fundraising program for a school like Swift. Tuition alone cannot provide the assistance necessary to cover program enhancements and growth. The Annual Fund funds the important work and mission of Swift School, is an indication of strong support and improves partnership with the community. The leadership and passion of the volunteers will assure a successful campaign. If you have not yet made a donation to the Swift Annual Fund, please give today. Every gift matters.
28
4
Middle Division Current Family Open House
Lower Division Current Family Open House
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Swift School
THURS. FEBRUARY
25
THURS. JANUARY
Don't miss Swift’s Open House Events!
300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 www.theswiftschool.org
confidence
creativity
right brain engaging life skills left brain
JULY 5-22, 2016
Summer Explorations For more info email: info@theswiftschool.org
curiosity-building
hands-on learning
A World of Wonder Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988 www.theswiftschool.org