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Early Literacy
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STEAM Program
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Summer Explorations
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INSIDE Letter from Chris Pomar 03 Swift's Kindergarten 04 Early Literacy 06 STEAM at Swift 08 Movin’ to the Music 10 Summer Explorations 11 Swift Institute 12 Hallie’s World 14
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Multisensory Math 15 Success After Swift 16 Swift Shines On 18
Head of School ★ Letter
Greetings Swift Family, Thank you for taking the time to read this inaugural issue of The Swift Effect. I love the name and content of this publication, because it highlights some perhaps less-than-obvious ways our school lives its mission. Swift School prepares students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences to be successful in life. As much as we have had to reinvent nearly everything we do at Swift School, at least operationally, due to the challenges of the pandemic in the last two years, the school’s mission has always been our constant; that statement is the lighthouse shining brightly through the storms of uncertainty and the unknown. Our mission leads to the life-changing power of The Swift Effect® and its transformative, immersive, and positive attributes. A life-changing, transformative journey begins when students learn to trust, feel a sense of belonging, and discover who they are as learners. Swift is an immersive learning environment designed to teach students with dyslexia. In every class our expert educators use evidence-based techniques tailored to individual learning profiles. The Swift Effect® is evident the minute you walk through our doors; the positive vibe is palpable. Students are smiling, engaged, and actively focused on learning. They emerge with an unwavering belief in themselves and their abilities.
Our Mission Statement: Swift School prepares students with dyslexia and related languagebased learning differences to be successful in life.
Those adjectives are fantastic descriptors not only of our teaching approach and curriculum, but also of some of the best teachers you will find anywhere. I am excited for you to learn more about the faculty who are responsible for making us the school we are. Their focus on our students' right-brain strengths round out the exceptional reading instruction at Swift and take our school to the next level.
brought to bear. With all best wishes,
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Swift School is all that we say we are when it comes to reading remediation, but we're even much more than that. Futures are changed and self-belief is instilled once the full influence of The Swift Effect® is
Programs ★ Kindergarten
KINDERGARTEN An inside look at the new program
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Recent studies show that students are being diagnosed with dyslexia as early as pre-school. Those same studies show that it is time to intervene early, and Swift School received the message. How did it respond? With the addition of a Kindergarten program starting with the 2023-24 school year. “For nearly 25 years, Swift School has been hailed for its transformative approach for students with dyslexia
and language-based learning differences. Now, that experience will be brought to Kindergarten students for the first time,” said Head of School Chris Pomar. THE DIFFERENCE What makes Swift School different from a public school or independent school? The intervention and individual attention that students receive daily. In a public school, a student needs to show 12 weeks of failure
with data collection to receive accommodations. At Swift, they do not have to wait to fail. “Our students receive intervention right when they walk through the door,” said Lower Division Director Roni Battoglia. “We have identified how each child who comes to Swift learns and what they need to be able to be successful.” Teachers at Swift School are all certified educators and have also
Programs ★ Kindergarten Topic Specific ★ Section Header
recognize letters, understand that sounds make up letters, identify numbers, count to 10 without skipping numbers, and understand the basics of addition and subtraction.
earned certification in the OrtonGillingham Approach. In the classroom, students will learn from two teachers and also receive support from a Speech and Language Pathologist. Students will receive Orton-Gillingham instruction and learn using the Wit and Wisdom curriculum and Woodin Math approach. THE APPROACH The Orton-Gillingham Approach delivers language instruction to students in a direct, systematic, and multi-sensory manner. Teachers focus on the individual learning needs of students with specially designed lessons and materials tailored to their specific learning styles.
By the end of the academic year, Swift School's youngest students should understand the process for reading, be able to rhyme,
In the Wit and Wisdom Program grade-level appropriate, wellillustrated books will be used in the academic setting. The pictures will attract students’ attention to the book and the overarching message. Not only will students see illustrations and vibrant colors as part of literature, but they will receive exposure to vocabulary and enrich their communication skills. “They’ll be having so much fun that it will be hard to transition to another subject," Mrs. Battoglia said with a huge smile.”
The inaugural Kindergarten class will offer up to ten spots. To inquire, call 678-205-4988 or email admissionassociate@theswiftschool.org
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While students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences absorb content differently, they’ll still obtain the same information as students in traditional public schools.
The unique approach to education and instruction at Swift School often means that a student learns through engaging, interactive activities. Take, for example, the Woodin Math Approach. Students will use cubes and dots, and even play-doh, to learn numeracy. The multi-sensory approach to learning is interactive and keeps students engaged, which is pivotal for ensuring that learner's
needs are met and they retain the appropriate information.
Programs ★ Early Literacy
EARLY LITERACY AND DYSLEXIA With Mrs. Felix and Battoglia
When a child is diagnosed with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, many times there is worry, fear, and uncertainty attached to the diagnosis. Parents often fret over the question, “What’s next?”
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That is where Swift School and its Early Literacy Program enter the picture. Lower Division Director Roni Battoglia mentioned that at Swift School, faculty and staff intervene “the day students step through the door” to the building’s main entrance off Grimes Bridge Road in Roswell. Natalie Felix, Swift School’s Orton-Gillingham Fellow, conducts training for faculty and staff and mentors teachers on successfully implementing the Orton-Gillingham Approach in the classroom. Mrs. Felix expanded on the idea of early intervention with a message for parents. Parents sometimes do not know the warning signs to look for regarding dyslexia. The
idea of “the child will catch up, and do not worry” is a myth. In the preschool years, difficulty rhyming and following directions can be a sign. A big red flag when they get to school-aged Kindergarten level is difficulty attaching letters to sounds for reading and spelling. A SOLID FOUNDATION Parents can rest assured that at Swift School, their student is receiving a solid foundation. After all, the early school years
are the most efficacious time to provide intervention for a student with language-based learning challenges and dyslexia. “The best time to intervene and give good, solid, foundational instruction is in Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade,” noted Mrs. Felix. "That's not to say we can't remediate when a child reaches the older grades. Our focus is on providing the necessary remediation as early as possible.
outplacement assistance and move into a traditional public school or an independent school.
PROVEN APPROACHES Students at Swift learn using a variety of unique and proven approaches. From the OrtonGillingham Approach to the knowledge-based language arts curriculum Wit and Wisdom and Woodin Math approach, students will be met where they are, challenged, and celebrated for their success.
“The fact is that we don’t want to see them go, but the excitement of students ‘flying on their own’ holds true,” Mrs. Battoglia stated. “Those are our success stories, and it is always enjoyable to have a student return and reflect fondly on their time at Swift School.”
Eventually, faculty and staff help students successfully transition out of Swift when they are ready and prepared. The average stay of a Swift student ranges from 2.7 to 4.5 years. After a successful Swift School career, students receive
Walk through the doors at Swift School and let topnotch teachers prepare your child for education and beyond. Success with dyslexia starts here.
“Our focus is on providing the necessary remediation as early as possible. We want to change students' trajectories.” –Natalie Felix
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We want to change students’ trajectories. Providing intervention for students in Kindergarten and above can help us achieve that.”
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STEAM PROGRAM A fun, unique approach to learning at Swift
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A person's passions are often determined by the size of the smile on their face when they are asked to discuss what makes them tick. Ask Ken Cressman about his STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Program at Swift School, and you will see the glimmer in his eye and smile on his face as he explains the program's evolution and how proud he is of the students. “At first, we had just bits and pieces of a program, but this year we have been working on developing an entire curriculum for all grade levels,” said Mr. Cressman. “We have been working with the lower division
grades this year to get everything up and running and seeing what we need for the future.”
Readers might be unfamiliar with the “A” element of the STEAM program, which factors in art, and allows every student to resonate with the lessons. “Some students are really into how their project looks aesthetically,” noted the fifth-year Swift School teacher. “We incorporate that into what we are doing with each project. Our students read The Salamander Room, and there are gorgeous paintings featured
throughout the book. Not only did we look at the art, but we also looked at the engineering and design behind the architecture.” Recently, first and second graders built dugout canoes using recycled materials. The goal was to engineer the canoes so that they could carry a significant weight load and did not tip over in the water. “When we start a project, I tell them that failure is not bad,” he mentioned. “They are developing skills in the STEAM lab like overcoming failure and working with a partner, skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.”
Programs ★ Kindergarten
How did the canoe project start? With a simple sketch and investigation into dugout canoes from around the world. After completing research, students designed the canoe and brought it to life. In the STEAM lab, students start young, yet they construct creations that wow the veteran educator. One of Mr. Cressman's favorite projects was the inside-out house. While he will often give the students ideas and let them pick a design to implement, one student did something extraordinary, something that wowed even Mr. Cressman himself. The student designed his house so that the top of the house opened up and
shifted outward. When he saw the intricacies of the pupil's work, Mr. Cressman took a back seat, and the student became the teacher. “He showed several of his classmates how he did his project,” a beaming Mr. Cressman said. “It was cool for everyone to see him become the teacher. I was proud because he was a student who struggled at first and didn’t know what to expect. Then, he wowed us all and put together something open-ended. I like when students get to become teachers. They discover, try, fine-tune and share with their classmates. That is a big, rewarding part of the program.”
Email admissionassociate@ theswiftschool.org to visit Mr. Cressman's STEAM lab one afternoon and watch the wheels turn in a student’s brain as he or she designs an incredible creation with guidance from one of Swift’s best instructors.
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Programs ★ Music and Movement
MOVIN ’ to the Music with Mr. Tarrant In Lucas Tarrant’s classroom, the music education experience is anything but traditional. Tarrant, a first-year Swift School teacher and classically trained Opera singer, engages students through music and movement to keep class engaging and fun while ensuring that students learn. Mr. Tarrant knew that he wanted to teach in a private school, and the warmth of Head of School Chris Pomar and Lower Division Director Roni Battoglia drew him into the Roswell campus nestled
off of Grimes Bridge Road. After accepting the job, he set out to build a unique program. “Music is important to me,” said Mr. Tarrant, “so I knew how pivotal it was that we had not only music but also the movement aspect. The movement goes hand-inhand with music instruction and is vital for dyslexic learners.” Teaching students with dyslexia and language-based learning challenges has made Mr. Tarrant flexible in his lesson planning.
When building students’ knowledge of music, instruments, and voice, he adds in the movement piece. “If it does not seem like a good day to sit and have a lesson, I incorporate movement,” added the inspirational instructor. “We do a lot of games that make it a fun experience rather than force-feeding information and having them seated the entire class. I create my curriculum and adapt it based on the day. The movement portion and flexibility with lesson plans set us apart from a traditional public school."
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Mr. Tarrant also relishes the fact that Swift School has small class sizes. “I can give students individual attention and understand their needs. I can help them learn the way that’s best for them. They have the freedom of mobility and communication, which is a major part of the class.”
Programs ★ Summer Explorations
A Summer of Unforgettable Fun at Swift School
SUMMER EXPLORATIONS Summer Explorations provides children the opportunity to engage in programming focused on reading, writing, and language, while filling their summer with enrichment and fun! This 3-week program for rising 1st through 5th grade students takes places July 5-22. Registration opened Jan. 25!
Summer Explorations runs July 5-22 from 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Early registration pricing is in effect through March 30, but registration is open until June 15! Don't delay. Register now!
To register, scan the QR code or visit theswiftschool.org/programs/summerexplorations
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Students’ reading, writing and math skills are reinforced through the use of the Orton-Gillingham and WoodinMath approaches. Each student receives individualized attention in classrooms capped at seven students. Students will enjoy enrichment activities in STEAM, drama, and music, which are interspersed with academic units throughout the day.
Education ★ Swift Institute for Learning
Advancing the understanding of language-based learning differences
THE INSTITUTE The Swift Institute for Learning is where parents and education professionals come to better understand and support children who are experiencing difficulties in acquiring language literacy skills.
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Swift School faculty and visiting experts conduct free workshops throughout the school year on subjects ranging from social emotional learning (SEL) and understanding language-based learning differences to dyslexia simulations and instructional technology.
THE RESEARCH
ATTENDANCE
REGISTER
Information presented in Swift Institute workshops is based on the latest research and evidencebased practices.
Swift Institute for Learning workshops are open to the Swift community and the general public. Participation is free but reservations are required. The Institute also offers Orton-Gillingham training courses for a fee.
Scan the QR Code to register for summer 2022 courses!
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The goal of the Swift Institute for Learning is to advance the understanding of dyslexia, languagebased learning differences, and related learning difficulties.
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Programs ★ Italian and Drama
HALLIE'S WORLD Foreign Language and Drama with Ms. Poindexter
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Hallie Poindexter teaches a pair of unique subjects – foreign language (Italian) and drama – concepts that seem foreign to many of her students when they first step into the classroom. Ms. Poindexter’s goal is to help her students overcome the nerves of speaking up regardless of whether it is in Italian or on stage.
“Communication is a challenge for students with dyslexia,” she said. “My confidence and extroversion can be credited to studying abroad in Italy and participating in theatre growing up. I have noticed that many of my students are nervous to answer a question in front of their classmates, so I try
to find ways to help them become comfortable.” Ms. Poindexter utilizes a point system in Italian class, awarding points when students ask or answer questions. Students have to receive three points per day. Answering questions always earns a point, so students are encouraged to try, regardless of the outcome. On the stage is where Ms. Poindexter sees several of her students emerge from being quiet and shy into loud performers with bubbly personalities. Her goal is to help her students develop confidence, critical thinking, and self-advocacy.
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“Drama helps students express themselves and increase their confidence. We talk a lot about self-advocacy and speaking up for ourselves. Public speaking and critical thinking both help with that.”
Students in Ms. Poindexter’s class will take a moment years down the road to reflect on what was memorable or cool during their adolescence. Many students will pinpoint their time on stage. “When everyone's participating, then it is no longer cool to sit out. So if you can just get them started, the ones who will love it have a chance to come out of their shells and do it without worrying about what their friends are thinking.” Swift School's first drama performances since prior to the pandemic will take place on Saturday, April 30 and Saturday, May 14 at the City Springs Theatre Company Studios in Dunwoody. Stay tuned for details!
Programs ★ Multisensory Math
MULTISENSORY Having fun with math at Swift! MATH
Swift School's Multisensory Math Clinics provide rising third through seventh graders
with an intensive two-week experience focusing on strengthening foundational skills that will allow students to progress from concrete to representation, and finally to abstract application of math concepts. Students will engage in lessons that utilize the WoodinMath approach to math instruction. Registration is now open! Please scan the QR code for details on which sessions are available to which groups. Students are split into three groups – grades 3-4, grades 5-6, and grade 7. Sessions take place June 6-17, June 20 – July 1, July 5-15 and July 18-29. Sessions run Monday through Friday from 8:00-9:30 a.m. (7th grade) and 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (3rd through 6th grade). Third and fourth graders’ foundational skills and conceptual understanding will be strengthened through multisensory instruction. Concepts covered may include numeration, addition and subtraction, comparing numbers, and procedure and applications of numbers. Over the two-week session for rising fifth and sixth grade students, the foundational concepts may include place value, multiplication and division, fraction-decimal-percent relationships, and basic equation solving. Additionally, daily fluency practice for math facts will be part of each lesson. In the rising seventh grade session, foundational concepts will include pre-algebra skills with an emphasis on fractions, order of operations, and integers. Additionally, daily fluency practice for math facts will be part of each lesson. Students will need to bring a scientific calculator.
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To register, scan the QR Code or visit theswiftschool.org /programs/math-clinic
★ The Swift Effect
Class size is limited to six students per session. Materials will be provided by Swift School, and students will take home a binder filled with materials!
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SUCCESS AFTER SWIFT From lonely to thriving: Matthew's Story Two years into his education, Matthew Rieck experienced a feeling no student should ever experience. As a young first grader, Matthew, who was not attending Swift School at the time, felt lonely.
“I felt like I was always struggling,” he said. “It did not seem that the other kids were that way; it was a very lonely feeling.” Matthew's mother, Jenny, a fourth-grade teacher at Swift, felt relief following his diagnosis of dyslexia. “Before the diagnosis, I worried he would give up trying," said Ms.
Rieck. “Afterwards, I knew why he was struggling and could find him the help he needed to succeed.” After the end of his first-grade year, Matthew’s family decided to enroll him at Swift School, a place he stayed through his eighthgrade year. His feelings toward school did a complete 180 when he entered the Roswell, Ga., based institution.
Alumni ★ Success Story
“I did not dread school anymore,” he stated. “My attitude about school completely changed. The teachers made learning fun. I realized that other kids like me did not learn traditionally either, yet they were as smart as any other kids I had ever known. I gained a lot of self-confidence.” His mother saw a complete change in his demeanor once he enrolled at Swift. “He smiled a lot. When he came home on the first day of school, he told me he had homework, but he knew what he needed to do. I could sense that he was
not confused and that everything was crystal clear to him. He saw himself as the capable, bright kid he had been all along.” After graduating, Matthew enrolled at Woodward Academy, a private school 45 minutes from home and an institution where no one from his graduating class picked. “That kind of risk-taking and bravery is a direct result of the self-confidence that he gained at Swift,” Ms. Rieck said. “Swift gave Matthew the gift of knowing himself as a learner. He knows what he needs and is not afraid to advocate for it.” Added Matthew: “At Swift, I got the tools I needed to succeed in an environment (high school) where the tools for success were not handed to me. I learned what I needed to do to learn.”
Matthew plans to attend college and major in criminal justice with a lofty yet achievable goal of attending law school. Swift School’s teachers receive training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, which Mrs. Rieck credited for much of Matthew’s success. Her closing words of gratitude beautifully sum up the change she saw in Matthew at Swift School. “I would like to thank Matthew's teachers. I often say, if not for Swift, Matthew would have been the kid in the back of the class with a hoodie pulled over his head, trying to fade into the woodwork. I truly wish every child could receive an education like Matthew did at Swift.”
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Don’t know where to turn next and want your child to have a success story like Matthew? Call 678-205-4988 or email admissionassociate@ theswiftschool.org
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Testimonial ★ Parent Review
SWIFT shines on
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“I can't say enough wonderful things about Swift School. It fosters an environment of pride and confidence for kids with dyslexia who struggle in a traditional learning environment. The staff is well trained on how to support students academically and socially. They are also a great resource for parents, especially those unexpectedly coping with the news their child is dyslexic. I am so happy we decided to keep our son at Swift through middle school, where he continued to learn the skills that would help him be successful once he left Swift. Swift helped us find the best fit for high school and advised us during our transition. Our son is now thriving in high school, and I have the wonderful Swift community to thank!” - Parent Review, 2021
No matter how the world changes, what parents want for their children remains the same: to give them the best quality of life and prepare them to succeed as adults. That's Swift School's mission—to prepare students to be successful in life. Swift delivers the highest quality of instruction available for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Success with dyslexia starts here.
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To donate, scan the QR Code or visit theswiftschool.org /giving /swiftfund
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Good schools run on tuition, great schools grow on giving! Interested in supporting Swift School and its mission? Contact the advancement office today at development@theswiftschool.org or scan the QR Code to the left. Your gift will help provide the resources to support outstanding students and the work of a dedicated faculty. All gifts to Swift School are taxdeductible. Please call (678) 205-4988 with questions.
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300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 theswiftschool.org