The Story
THE SCHENCK SCHOOL MAGAZINE & 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Fall 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
A look inside The Schenck School Math Model Where Your Story Begins: The Schenck School Strategic Vision
THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF
PLAY » PAGE 26
soaring
around campus
Contents The Story 04. Leadership
& Administration
05. A Message from
26
the Head of School
06. Messages from
the Board Chairs
07. Board of Trustees 08. Campus News
13
14. Notes from ReadSource
16. Professional Development 18. Bookmark
38. Alumni News
47. Development Updates 68. Epilogue
32
18 20
Features 12. Five Questions with… 13. Book Club
20. The Schenck School
Math Model in Action
26. The Serious
Business of Play
32. Where Your Story Begins Continued
The Story • Fall 2025 | 03
Contents Continued from page 3.
Annual Report 50. 2024-2025 Annual Report 52. Annual Fund
54. The Phoenix Legacy Society 55. Alumni Donors
57. Endowed Funds 58. ReadSource
59. Sporting Clays for Kids
60. Georgia Private School Tax Credit
62. Honorary & Memorial Gifts 64. Auction & Gala
66. Parent Volunteers 67. Financial Report
The Story
The Schenck School Magazine
Fall 2025 Editor: Katie Harrigan Director of Communications and Marketing Contributing Editors: Janie Beck Dr. Kara A. Loftin Contributors: Janie Beck Dr Kara A. Loftin Stacey Prusak Lily Stowell Jana Thomas Graphic Design and Art Direction: Dawn Stein Photography: Heidi Harris Alice Park Lily Stowell Faculty, Staff, student, and parent photographers Printing: Drummond Press
The Story, The Schenck School Magazine, is published by the Communications Office twice a year and is mailed free of charge to members of The Schenck School community. For general information about the School, please visit www.schenck.org. To submit alumni news, email alumni@schenck.org. ©2025 The Schenck School, 282 Mt. Paran Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 The Schenck School acknowledges its obligations to prohibit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability/handicap, or religion in admission to its educational programs, activities, and services, and in employment opportunities or processes. Retaliation against an individual for filing a complaint under this policy or participating in the informal or formal resolution is prohibited.
04 | The Schenck School
A Message from the Head of School Dear Families and Friends, Walking through The Schenck School each day, I am greeted by sounds that warm my heart. Beyond the focused phonics lessons and math instruction, I often hear laughter, animated conversations, and the delightful chaos of children immersed in play. These sounds capture the essence of what makes The Schenck School extraordinary. Research and experience have shown me that play is not separate from serious learning; it is serious learning. Our founder, David Schenck, understood this perfectly: “School should always be a fun place. It’s what makes The Schenck School very special. It’s a happy place, and the children gain great confidence in themselves.” At The Schenck School, we build a strong educational foundation while nurturing each student’s remarkable potential. This is achieved through our systematic, multisensory instruction and through every moment of connection and discovery. It is also the heart of our strategic vision, Where Your Story Begins. The vision reaffirms our commitment to students and faculty alike, reflecting what we believe at our core: that every child’s story of growth, confidence, and success begins at The Schenck School through the powerful combination of purposeful learning and joyful play. When children create elaborate stories using block towers, they enhance their oral language skills, which support our reading instruction. Negotiating playground roles and rules allows students to practice the self-advocacy we foster in every classroom. Confidence grows from success, whether it’s reading a challenging multi-syllabic word or leading an imaginative game with friends. Play is an essential part of this process. This magazine explores how play strengthens the skills we nurture in our students every day, such as self-regulation, advocacy, and confidence, and how these skills translate into reading and writing achievements they once thought impossible. I invite you to read on and discover how the magic of play transforms not just learning, but the very way our students see themselves as capable, confident learners ready to soar. Read, Rise, Fly!
Dr. Kara A. Loftin Head of School
Read more from our Head of School Dr. Kara Loftin about The Way of Play. See page 13.
Leadership & Administration Head of School Dr. Kara A. Loftin Principal Foster Soules Director of Advancement Janie Beck Director of Finance and Operations Ryan Hudak Director of Communications and Marketing Katie Harrigan Director of Information Technology Dr. Brannon Fissette Director of Community Engagement Ellen Hill Director of Admissions Cason Given Managing Director of Operations and Administration for ReadSource Cara Laurie
Mission
For more than 60 years, our mission has remained remarkably focused; build a solid foundation for dyslexic students and develop their rich potential. Our strategy to accomplish this goal is focused, accelerated remediation of dyslexia using the highly effective Orton-Gillingham Approach. While reading and writing are central to our curriculum, The Schenck School offers a comprehensive educational program for Kindergarten through sixth grade to help students develop intellectually and to prepare them to thrive in school, and in life.
The Story • Fall 2025 | 05
Messages from the Board of Trustees Chairs Outgoing Board Chair Dear Schenck School Community, As I write this final note as Board Chair, I find myself already missing the sound that best captures our school and has accompanied my visits to campus over these past several years. It is laughter. If you have walked through The Schenck School, you have heard it in the hallways, before the school day begins, during carpool, at specials, and in classrooms throughout the day. That sound says something essential about who we are, because at Schenck, play and learning move hand in hand. Throughout my time as Board Chair for The Schenck School, I’ve watched our teachers weave play into the fabric of instruction, not as an add-on, but as a way of thinking. For dyslexic learners, play is practice for life. On the playground and in the classroom, our students learn to collaborate, take thoughtful risks, and celebrate each other’s wins. That joyful spirit has shaped me, too, as a former Schenck student, and as a parent of three who have Soared On successfully to new schools. I am deeply grateful for the people who make this possible. To our faculty and staff: thank you for meeting each child with expertise and heart, and for turning curiosity into confidence. To our families: thank you for your trust, partnership, and encouragement. To our donors and volunteers: your generosity powers the programs, professional development, financial aid, and spaces where students read, rise, play, and fly. To our alumni: your stories remind us that dyslexia is not a limit, it’s a different path to extraordinary potential. We are entering a hopeful season, one that includes reimagining outdoor spaces, strengthening our core programs, and expanding our reach through ReadSource, so that more children experience the freedom and growth that come from both targeted instruction and purposeful play. I’m excited to pass the baton to Jennifer Dangar, whose leadership and love for this community will carry Schenck forward with energy and vision. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Board Chair and for the countless moments that made these years meaningful. I leave this role with profound gratitude and great confidence in the future of this remarkable school. With appreciation, Jeffrey Wright ’88, P’19,’19,’22 Outgoing Chair, Board of Trustees
06 | The Schenck School
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Board Chair and for the countless moments— large and small— that made these years meaningful.
Incoming Board Chair Dear Schenck School Community, It is a privilege to greet you as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Schenck School. As I step into this role, I am reminded of the extraordinary community that makes Schenck so special; a place where bright, capable students with dyslexia are given the tools, the confidence, and the freedom to thrive. In this issue of The Story, we shine a spotlight on something that may seem simple, but is in fact essential: play. For children with dyslexia, play is more than recreation. It is a bridge to learning, a way to build friendships, and a pathway to social and emotional growth. As we reflect on this theme, I am struck by how play represents the balance we strive for at Schenck. Just as our specialized instruction builds a solid academic foundation, our commitment to play nurtures the whole child— mind, body, and fun-loving spirit. By investing in spaces and programs that encourage movement, imagination, and joy, we are creating an environment where students not only learn to read but also learn to soar. None of this would be possible without you. Your support fuels our mission, making these transformative experiences possible. When you read through this edition of The Story and the annual report, I hope you see more than accomplishments; I hope you see the ripple effect of your generosity, extending from our classrooms and playgrounds into the lives of children who will carry these lessons with them for years to come. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your partnership in this joyful and important work. I look forward to the exciting work ahead and serving this community as your Board Chair. Together, we are helping every student read, rise, play, and fly. With gratitude, Jennifer Dangar P’17 Incoming Chair, Board of Trustees
2024-2025 Board of Trustees Mr. Jeffrey L. Wright, Board Chair Dr. Mark R. Bell II Mrs. Sarah P. Bottini Mrs. Nancy Bryant Mr. James B. Chapman Sr. Mrs. Robyn M. Curnow Ms. Jennifer R. Dangar Mrs. Katherine Denny Mr. John A. Draughon Jr. Mr. John Curtis “JC” Fisher Mrs. Mary B. Hanson Mrs. Jessica A. Jones Mr. Andrew Kang Mrs. Susan S. Krendl-Armstrong Mrs. Elizabeth S. Miller-Tucker Dr. Arun V. Mohan Mrs. Jennifer C. Morgan Mr. Paul M. Ollinger Mrs. Michaeline M. Roland Mr. Richard R. Rollins III
Mrs. Elizabeth J. Shults Dr. Adam C. Webb Mrs. Caroline H. Wildman
Emeritus Trustees
Mrs. Betty Ann H. Abblitt Mr. Richard M. Asbill Mr. Frank J. Belatti Mrs. Kimberly R. Berman Mr. Kenneth W. Bomar Mr. Emmet J. Bondurant II Mrs. Kay Bondurant Mr. Joseph Breiner Mr. Eric B. Brock Mrs. Evelyn Carter Mr. J. Donald Childress Mrs. Barbara M. Coats Mr. Richard W. Courts IV Mrs. Emily Dannals Davis Mrs. Margaret P. Denny Mr. Mark L. Feidler
Mr. R. Brad Foster Mr. J. Rex Fuqua Mrs. Duvall S. Fuqua Mr. S. Taylor Glover Mrs. Nancy Green Mr. David P. Higgins Mr. Robert C. Hill Jr. Mr. Brannon A. Huntz Mr. Charles D. Hurt III Dr. E. Ladd Jones III Mrs. Andrea M. Kauffman Dr. John C. Knox Mrs. Kimberly C. Marks Mr. Laurin M. McSwain Mr. John W. Miller II Dr. Carlos S. Moreno Mrs. Mary E. Morris Mrs. Joan B. Pattillo Mr. Mark N. Phillips Mr. Neal J. Quirk Mrs. Selma Ridgway
Mrs. Tina S. Roddenbery Mrs. Margaret H. Rollins Ms. Pamela R. Rollins Mr. H. Jerry Rosenberg III Dr. Randal H. Rudderman Dr. Ernst M. Ruder Mrs. Ellen F. Schneidau Mrs. Linda Sewell Mr. Taylor W. Smith Mrs. Janice K. Story Mr. Calvin S. Stowell Mr. David B. Stromquist Mr. S. Andrew Sullivan Mr. F. Neal Sumter III Mrs. Julie Vickers Mrs. Gwyneth G. Webb Mr. Peter C. White Mrs. Polly Williams Mr. Robert G. Woodward
The Story • Fall 2025 | 07
CAMPUS
news
Solis Wins House Cup Congratulations to Solis, winner of the 2024–2025 House Cup. Known for its warmth, cheer, and joyful spirit, Solis truly lived up to its name, which means “sun” in Latin. With the eagle as its bold and soaring symbol, Solis brought light, energy, and consistent enthusiasm to every challenge and event. From showing school spirit to supporting classmates, Solis earned points across the board and demonstrated what it means to lead with heart. We are proud of all four Houses and celebrate Solis for shining the brightest last year!
08 | The Schenck School
BAMfest BAMfest, The Schenck School’s annual celebration of books, art, music, and movement, was a joyful and engaging event once again. Students participated in a full-day of creative experiences, ranging from high-energy performances to hands-on workshops that connected learning with the arts. A highlight of the day was the collaborative creation of a giant mural featuring the House Seals. Students used colorful chalk to bring the artwork to life, proudly representing their Houses and working together to complete the vibrant display. The day ended with a lively school-wide parade led by The Black Sheep Ensemble.
The Story • Fall 2025 | 09
1. At the Capitol: Feb. 4 (
231)
Dyslexia Day at the Capitol is a big day to connect face-to-face with our state legislators! Schenck 5th graders joined Decoding Dyslexia Georgia to advocate and learn about state and local government. Together, we’re making a difference for the dyslexia community!
Instagram Highlights
🌟
1
💪
2. Steve Shaw: Apr. 23 (
477)
After 27 incredible years, we celebrate and honor the retirement of Mr. Steve Shaw, our beloved art teacher and part of the Solis house. Mr. Shaw’s impact stretches far beyond the art room. From inspiring generations of students to find their creative voice to starting the cherished clay face tradition that still lines our hallways, his legacy lives on in every corner of our campus. Comment your favorite story of Mr. Steve!
🐦
3. Young Alumni Party: Apr. 28 ( 174)
POV: You are a young alumni back at The Schenck School! Our Young Alumni Party brought together familiar faces and fun flashbacks—and we loved seeing our middle and high school alumni back on campus! Once a Phoenix, always a Phoenix.
🐦🔥🎉
4. BAMFest: May 12 (
🎶 2
3
125)
🎉🎨
BAMfest 2025 brought the energy! Our community came together for a day filled with Books, Art, and Music— celebrating creativity, connection, and joy. From inspiring performances to colorful creations, it was a day to remember at The Schenck School!
5. Graduating Seniors: May 16 ( 190)
🔥 From Phoenix to graduate. We’re
so proud of our young alumni as they prepare to walk across the high school graduation stage. Your journey started here, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you next. Once a Phoenix, always a Phoenix.
4
10 | The Schenck School
5
Follow us @SchenckSchool
Field Day With the help of parent volunteers, students enjoyed another successful field day full of activities and fun! Thank you to Coach Jenny, faculty, and parent volunteers for ensuring the students had a wonderful time!
The Story • Fall 2025 | 11
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Five Questions With...
Ryan Hudak 1. How long have you been at Schenck? I have been at The Schenck School for five years. I began my career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and have worked in school finance and operations for the past 25 years. I love working in schools because it is an opportunity to continually have a positive impact on generations of students.
2. What is something or someone who inspires you? My children are my biggest inspiration. My oldest daughter, Cate, is an 8th grader who is kind, caring, curious, and studious. She is always teaching me something new, and she motivates me to be a lifelong learner. My youngest daughter, Lucy, is a silly, carefree 10-year-old who doesn’t take anything seriously. She is incapable of judgment and wants to be everybody’s friend. She helps me to see the positive in any situation.
3. What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my extended family. I enjoy traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, Greenville, Nashville, and Chattanooga with my family. My wife and children are quite obsessed with everything Disney, so we make our way to Orlando at least once a year. I like to watch Disney movies with my girls, and I love watching college and pro football - any game, any time.
4. If you could give your younger self advice about your career, what would it be? Never turn down an opportunity to learn something new. The pathway that you have mapped out in your mind is not the way your life will unfold. Stay curious, try new things, and make the most of every opportunity.
5. What is your favorite part of your job? I get to work with incredibly kind, passionate, selfless, and talented people. I also love being around elementary school kids every day. They are so sweet, silly, curious, and genuine. Seeing the wonder with which they experience the world helps me feel mentally and emotionally young.
12 | The Schenck School
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The Way of Play
By Dr. Tina Payne Bryson • Reviewed by Dr. Kara A. Loftin In The Way of Play, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson offers a deeply human guide to rediscovering play as an essential part of childhood, parenting, and learning. Blending neuroscience, developmental insight, and compassion, Bryson reframes play not as something extra or optional, but as a core way of connecting, understanding emotions, and building resilience. Drawing on decades of clinical and parenting experience, Bryson shows how play nurtures emotional intelligence, strengthens relationships, and supports brain development. The book is rich with relatable anecdotes and practical strategies that feel immediately usable, especially in moments when tension is high and connection feels hard. Strategies like “scaffold and stretch” help kids build resilience by demonstrating that not only do people show up for them when things get hard, but that they can handle more than they think they can. What makes The Way of Play particularly powerful is its emotional grounding. Bryson reminds us that play is not just laughter and games; it’s also how children process emotion, test out ideas, and feel safe enough to take risks. When students feel emotionally safe and engaged through play, they’re more open to growth, even in areas of struggle. This emphasis resonates with frameworks like Yale’s RULER system, which prioritizes emotional awareness and regulation as essential to learning and well-being. A secondary message for teachers, especially those working with neurodiverse learners like students with dyslexia, The Way of Play highlights play as a mechanism for exposure to rich oral language, the foundation of reading and writing. Accessible, affirming, and hopeful, The Way of Play is a must-read for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking to build stronger, more joyful connections with the children in their lives.
Learn how Schenck is incorporating play into learning. See “The Serious Business of Play” on page 26.
The Story • Fall 2025 | 13
NOTES FROM
ReadSource Internationally Recognized: ReadSource Now Offers IACET CEUs This year, ReadSource reached a new milestone. ReadSource is now accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training. For teachers and practitioners, this accreditation means that the time they spend with ReadSource is not only meaningful in the classroom but also counts toward professional growth. Specific courses and workshops that carry internationally recognized CEUs, add real value to the skills and strategies educators gain. To learn more about these courses and workshops, visit www.readsource.com. Each year, hundreds of educators take part in ReadSource training. Whether they’re diving deep into the OrtonGillingham Approach, learning new tools for their classrooms, or working side-by-side with colleagues, they leave with practical strategies that change how students experience reading.
14 | The Schenck School
ReadSource Wins Georgia Reads Community Award The ReadSource Purpose Built Schools Atlanta (PBSA) partnership was one of ten recipients of the 2025 Georgia Reads Community Awards on February 25, 2025. Hosted by the Georgia Council on Literacy, the Georgia Reads Awards recognize communities that have implemented programs resulting in literacy improvements for the populations served; this year, more than sixty community partnerships applied to the award pool. Accepting the award at the Georgia State Capitol were Dr. Kara A. Loftin, executive director of ReadSource; Dr. Nikkita Warfield, chief academic officer of PBSA; Dr. Tonya Williams-Saunders, community engagement manager for PBSA; and Caroline Pasternak, Schenck alum and project coordinator for the ReadSource/PBSA partnership. The award included $25,000 towards the continuation and evaluation of the existing program. To celebrate, ReadSource and PBSA partnered to host a Reading Rally led by Malcolm Mitchell, a Georgia Reads Coach, former professional football player, and CEO and founder of Share the Magic Foundation. At the Awards ceremony, Mitchell said, “Reading gives students hope for the future… reading is a bridge to… move in a direction closer to the desired outcome that you want to possess.” ReadSource and PBSA are pleased to help build bridges to literacy. ReadSource was established in 2014 as the extension arm of The Schenck School; its mission is to empower individuals who struggle to read by equipping educators with the science of reading and providing direct student instruction, expanding access across the community. ReadSource and PBSA have been in partnership since 2018.
We are deeply honored that ReadSource, through our partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta, has been recognized with the 2025 Georgia Reads Community Award. This honor highlights our team’s unwavering commitment to literacy and reflects our belief that every child deserves the tools to become a confident reader.” — Dr. Kara A. Loftin, Executive Director of ReadSource
BY THE NUMBERS
60+
award applicants; ReadSource and PBSA were one of only ten recipients chosen.
$25K
awarded to use towards the existing ReadSource/ PBSA partnership.
7
years of partnership between ReadSource and PBSA.
The Story • Fall 2025 | 15
PROFESSIONAL
Development Sharing Expertise Beyond Our Walls Over the past year, The Schenck School Instructional Design Coaches, Stacey Prusak and Jana Thomas, attended and presented at several Educational Research conferences. These experiences provided opportunities to learn from experts in the field, as well as share knowledge and advocacy for students with language-based learning differences. In March 2025, Jana and Stacey attended the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), where they participated in a full-immersion math workshop focused on math instruction and aligning instructional content to connect arithmetic to algebra. They also attended workshops on the Co-Teaching model, Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), and Educational Policy. At the Orton-Gillingham Academy annual conference in April, they led a workshop on applying the Cognitive Stages of Learning to students’ current level of understanding, as well as using task analysis to analyze student work to create targeted, individualized lessons. And lastly, after several months of showcasing and presenting The Schenck School’s expertise, they presented at the 2nd Annual Joint Conference between the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Research in the Science of Learning continues to reveal connections between reading and math instruction. They presented on Language Comprehension and Word Problem
16 | The Schenck School
Schemas, shared effective, research-informed strategies, activities, and instructional routines. They attended sessions on Literacy in Math, using children’s literature to make math accessible and meaningful, and on the application of the Science of Learning to Reading/Writing and Math, using retrieval practice, a critical instructional strategy that builds and stores knowledge into long-term memory. The Schenck School’s commitment to integrating evidence-based practices in the classroom bridges the gap between research and practice. Jana and Stacey’s involvement in the school’s mission helps provide enriched learning opportunities for our students and enhanced professional development for our teachers.
Research in the Science of Learning continues to reveal connections between reading and math instruction.… The Schenck School’s commitment to integrating evidence-based practices in the classroom bridges the gap between research and practice.
The Story • Fall 2025 | 17
bookmark From above, the spirit of The Schenck School comes alive at BAMfest. Students fill the parking lot with color, teamwork, and House pride, transforming the pavement into a vibrant display of creativity and connection that captures the heart of our community.
18 | The Schenck School
The Story • Fall 2025 | 19
The Schenck School
MATH MODEL IN ACTION
The Schenck School Math Model— Learning Environment, Numeracy & Number Sense, Procedures & Strategies, Language & Reasoning, and Modeling & Problem-solving At The Schenck School, math is more than numbers on a page. It is a carefully constructed journey that fosters confidence, curiosity, and deep understanding. The Schenck School Math Model, which took eight years to develop in collaboration with Lisa Murray, Foster Soules, Jana Thomas, and eager classroom teachers willing to pilot the model, supports the way our students learn best through structure, strategy, and purpose. Each part of the model plays an essential role in creating a math experience that is engaging, intentional, and accessible. The five key components are Learning Environment, Numeracy and Number Sense, Procedures and Strategies, Language and Reasoning, and Modeling and Problem Solving. Together, these components help students grow into capable and empowered mathematical thinkers. 20 | The Schenck School
The Story • Fall 2025 | 21
Thriving in a Safe Learning Environment
Learning Environment
At The Schenck School, the learning environment is a core tenet of our success. A strong learning environment is the foundation of every math lesson. Students thrive in classrooms where trusting relationships with teachers support both academic risk-taking and personal growth. Instruction is diagnostic, cumulative, and paced to meet students where they are, allowing for steady progress over time. Within this environment, students build self-efficacy and learn to persevere, developing the confidence to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience.
• Positive studentteacher environment • Diagnostic, appropriately paced, and cumulative • Similar learning profiles • Self-efficacy, perseverance
Building Meaning Through Numbers: Numeracy & Number Sense
Numeracy & Number Sense • Symbolic connection and understanding: symbol/ quantity, symbol/language • Reading and writing numerical amounts • Place value and magnitude • Numerical relationships • Unitizing
22 | The Schenck School
Developing strong numeracy and number sense means building a deep understanding of how numbers work and relate to one another. Students connect symbols to both quantity and language, which helps them make meaning from numerical expressions instead of simply memorizing procedures. They gain confidence in reading and writing numbers, building fluency in place value, magnitude, and numerical relationships. Concepts like unitizing help students recognize patterns and groupings, laying the foundation for more advanced thinking. This work comes to life in Ms. Mary Bryan and Ms. Madeline’s second-grade class, where numeracy and number sense are woven into daily routines in natural and meaningful ways. Each morning, the class tracks the temperature and uses that data to talk about tens and ones, compare which days were warmer or cooler, and calculate by how much. Eventually, students will use that same data to create bar graphs and line plots, connecting their real-world observations to more formal mathematical concepts.
“Part of understanding and remembering multi-step procedures is making sure students understand why each step occurs. It is important that students can prove their work. It is more than just showing their work, as students can memorize the steps of an algorithm, but they must also be able to explain why it makes sense.” — Jana Thomas
Procedures & Strategies: The Path to Fluency
Mastering math procedures and strategies begins with a solid foundation in counting and builds toward flexible thinking with numbers. Students learn to approach problems with both efficiency and accuracy, developing fluency and automaticity through consistent practice and meaningful repetition. As they compose and decompose numbers in various ways, they begin to see multiple pathways to a solution, gaining confidence in selecting strategies that make sense to them.
Procedures & Strategies • Counting • Efficiency and accuracy • Fluency and automaticity • Composing and decomposing number
The Story • Fall 2025 | 23
Thinking Through Words: Language & Reasoning
Language & Reasoning • Vocabulary • Connections across mathematical contexts • Flexible thinking • Logic and reasoning
Language is central to every learning experience at The Schenck School and serves as a foundational element of math instruction. Students are explicitly taught mathematical vocabulary to help them understand concepts. As they develop flexible thinking, they begin to make connections, recognizing how ideas relate and build on one another. During a visit to The Schenck School, Dr. Sarah Powell, a professor in the Department of Education at the University of Texas at Austin, explained to parents that our earliest experiences with math are rooted in language. Children are taught words like “more,” “less,” “longer,” and “shorter.” This early language lays the groundwork for more complex thinking, allowing students to connect words to reasoning, comparisons, and patterns. With an emphasis on logic and reasoning, students learn to explain their problem-solving processes, justify their answers, and engage in conversations that deepen their mathematical understanding.
“Our Math Model empowers students to implement strategies, persevere, and believe in their abilities to solve complex math problems beyond memorization or computation. No matter where students are in their journey, they will have the tools to make sense of increasingly challenging language and abstract concepts, think critically, and feel successful.” — Jana Thomas
24 | The Schenck School
Modeling & Problem-solving: Making Sense of the Real World
Modeling and problem solving bring math to life by helping students apply what they know in meaningful ways. Schema-based instruction provides a structure for tackling different types of word problems, while visuals support comprehension and recall. Students learn to analyze, compare, and explore, developing spatial reasoning and critical thinking along the way. Through these experiences, they begin to approach problems with confidence, using tools and strategies that make sense to them and reflect their growing mathematical understanding.
Modeling & Problem-solving • Schema-based instruction
The Schenck School Math Model is grounded in the science of learning and built on research-backed strategies that have been proven to support deep mathematical understanding. It reflects the same principles that guide all teaching and learning across the School: intentionality, clarity, and a deep belief in each student’s potential. By thoughtfully integrating the learning environment, number sense, strategic thinking, language, and real-world applications, the Math Model equips students with the tools they need to approach math with confidence. It is not just about solving problems. It is about building lasting habits of thinking, reasoning, and perseverance that extend far beyond the classroom.
• Visuals and representations • Data analysis • Equivalence and comparison • Spatial reasoning • Critical thinking
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26 |
THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF
PL AY ! Many of us see play as something that comes after the important tasks are finished, a reward for doing homework, a break between lessons, or just a way for kids to use up extra energy before bed. But maybe we need to look at play differently. Play is actually one of the best ways for children to learn. Through play, kids figure out how to handle their feelings, become more resilient, and build self-regulation skills that will help them for years to come. Play isn’t just fun; it’s essential.
The Story • Fall 2025 | 27
P
lay is vital for human development, preparing children for life’s challenges, both physically and mentally (Sutton-Smith, 2008). Symbolic play, such as pretending building blocks are a castle or action figures that take on characteristics and stories, is beneficial for children with dyslexia. This kind of play creates the language skills that struggling readers often need and helps form brain connections that support learning (Lyytinen et al., 2001). Play moves beyond the intellectual to support emotional health as well. For example, children who experience anxiety, loneliness, or depression benefit greatly from structured play therapy (Khalilzadeh et al., 2025). When kids take part in play-based activities, they not only do better in school, but they also build stronger friendships as they learn to manage their emotions. The “safety of symbolic distance” that play offers children lets them work through tough feelings and big emotions in a safe space (Bryson & Wisen-Vicent, 2025). A child who finds reading hard might become a confident storyteller during dramatic play, or a student who feels stressed at school can practice solving problems while playing a game. For kids with dyslexia, school can often be frustrating, but play provides a chance to feel capable, creative, and even joyful, which may help them take on learning challenges with newfound confidence.
The Language-Rich World of Play
The importance of oral language as foundational to later literacy skills cannot be emphasized enough. When kids use their imagination during play, they are wrapped in a language-rich environment. They might try out new words, practice putting sentences together, and learn to share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings out loud, setting the stage for learning to read and to write. For example, when kids talk about their play, work out roles with friends, or make up stories, they are practicing the skills they will use later in writing. The beauty of playbased language development is that it happens naturally, without the pressure and anxiety that often come with formal instruction. Children are so engaged in their imaginative worlds that they don’t realize they’re practicing the foundational skills for literacy.
28 | The Schenck School
Play: Building Resilient Children
Play does much more than help with language development; it shapes many parts of who we are. It fosters creativity, enhances one’s ability to connect with others and understand feelings, and it even helps with handling new situations. For children with dyslexia, these benefits are especially important during their school-age years. No matter their age, all children need chances to feel joy and confidence and play is a great way to provide that. Older students who find reading difficult can gain just as much from playful, low-pressure experiences as younger children. Play is also one of the best ways for kids to learn how to manage their emotions and behavior. Children are not born with the ability to regulate their emotions and feelings. They learn these skills from caring adults who guide them. Play gives children a safe space to learn. When they are having fun, they feel less stressed and are more open to learning. They can practice handling disappointment, waiting their turn, and bouncing back from setbacks, all while enjoying themselves. Play helps children manage difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed because play reduces stress and allows children to practice remaining calm, which is essential for building resilience (Bryson & Wisen-Vincent, 2025).
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Creating Space for Wonder
We live in a world where achievement is king. Parents, teachers, and even children themselves worry about falling behind or missing out on future opportunities. When children have plenty of opportunities to play, they tend to learn more effectively. They build stronger relationships. They even handle challenges more easily. What matters is adult participation and involvement. Be there, show interest, and let children guide the activity. When we, as the adults in their lives, join in games and share in their excitement, we help children learn in ways that deepen their understanding of the world. The children in our lives, whether at home, in school, or in our communities, need play because play helps them grow. Play isn’t just a bonus nor is it something to earn. It is a key part of human development. Play allows us all to slow down, connect, and find the joy of learning again. At The Schenck School, we believe in this approach. We include play and joy in everything we do, so children with dyslexia can succeed in school and celebrate their unique strengths and creativity.
Play isn’t just a bonus nor is it something to earn. It is a key part of human development.
Curious to learn more?
Here are a few of the strategies to support play found in this year’s community read, The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent. You can turn daily moments into chances for growth, connection, and, yes, even language and literacy development. • Think Out Loud: By narrating our own thought processes during play, we teach children about the rich inner world of thoughts, intentions, and emotions. When we say, “I’m wondering if this block tower might fall if I add one more piece,” we’re modeling how to externalize thinking and make learning visible. • Make Yourself a Mirror: This approach helps children build emotional awareness and empathy. When we reflect on what we see, such as saying, “I notice you’re being very gentle with that baby doll,” we help children recognize their feelings and learn to understand others. • Narrate to Integrate: Through storytelling in play, children learn to resolve problems, handle conflict, and deal with difficult emotions. Stories help them understand what’s happening around them and make better choices.
References: Bryson, T. P., & Wisen-Vincent, G. (2025). The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids. Rodale Books. Khalilzadeh Klagar, E., Sanagouye Moharer, G., & Khanghahi, S. (2022). Effectiveness of Play Therapy on Social Anxiety, Depression, and Loneliness in Children with Dyslexia. International Journal of Education and Cognitive Sciences, 6(1), 47-55. Lyytinen, P., Poikkeus, A.-M., Laakso, M.-L., Eklund, K., & Lyytinen, H. (2001). Language Development and Symbolic Play in Children With and Without Familial Risk for Dyslexia. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Sutton-Smith, B. (2008). Play Theory: A Personal Journey and New Thoughts. American Journal of Play, 1(1), 80-123.
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Every day at The Schenck School, stories unfold. A student reads aloud without hesitation for the first time. A teacher offers quiet encouragement and watches confidence take root. A child who was once reserved becomes the one who gathers others in on the playground. These are not isolated moments. They are part of a larger story that begins with expert instruction and deep care, and continues long after students have Soared On.
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With Where Your Story Begins, the School’s strategic vision, these stories take on even greater depth. It identifies what the School’s most important priorities are and outlines how their outcomes and impact will be carried forward and felt. It is both a continuation and a bold step. Designed to make room for what’s to come.
PRIORITY #1:
Sustaining and Strengthening the Schenck Community and Standard of Excellence The Schenck School’s identity is clear: it is a place where students with dyslexia are taught with care, with evidence-based instruction, and with the belief that confidence and competence grow side by side. The first priority of the strategic vision is to strengthen that foundation. It elevates student outcomes by investing in academic excellence across disciplines, with a particular emphasis on bolstering STEM using literacy as our anchor. It expands the School’s role in the science of learning and integrates that research into daily instruction. It also reinforces the social and emotional development of students, enabling them to grow not only as learners but also as advocates for themselves and others. This work will extend beyond the classroom. The School is widening access through strategic tuition modeling, increasing alumni engagement in meaningful ways, and continuing to define its identity through clear and compelling storytelling. The impact of a Schenck education is lifelong, and that story deserves to be told.
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PRIORITY #2:
Supporting World-Class Faculty and Staff At the heart of every Schenck story is an educator. The teacher who celebrates a breakthrough, who patiently works with a child through the many skills involved in the complex task of reading, or the staff member who greets each child by name every morning. The second priority of the strategic vision is a direct investment in the people who bring our mission to life. It ensures that faculty and staff are supported with compensation that reflects their expertise, benefits that sustain their well-being, and professional development that encourages continued growth. Where Your Story Begins introduces intentional salary scaling, enhanced parity across roles, and increased support for Orton-Gillingham certification. The goal is not just to attract great educators. It is to keep them. Because when teachers are valued, students are seen. And when students are seen, they thrive.
“…when teachers are valued, students are seen. And when students are seen, they thrive.”
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PRIORITY #3: Extending and Expanding on The Schenck School’s Legacy Through ReadSource
The third priority of the Where Your Story Begins reaches beyond the School’s walls. Through ReadSource, The Schenck School shares its teaching approach with educators and schools across the country. It equips teachers with the science of reading and provides students outside the Schenck community with the same tools and strategies that define a Schenck education. This priority calls for deeper integration between ReadSource and the School. It includes a plan for financial sustainability, expanded training programs, and long-term partnerships that bring meaningful change to more classrooms and more communities. The work of ReadSource is rooted in the same belief that has always defined Schenck: every child deserves to understand how they learn and be given the proper tools to reach their potential.
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“Where Your Story Begins… honors the work of the past while shaping the future with clarity and care.”
What the Future Holds Where Your Story Begins is more than a strategic vision; it is an affirmation of what The Schenck School stands for and an invitation to be part of what comes next. It honors the work of the past while shaping the future with clarity and care. And most of all, Where Your Story Begins reflects what has always been true at our special school. That with the right support, the right instruction, and a strong community, everyone will have a story that is entirely their own.
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ALUMNI
news
Young Alumni Spring Party Each April, we look forward to opening our doors to young alumni for a special return to campus. This annual tradition gives former students the chance to reconnect with teachers, visit with friends, and remember the place where their educational journey took flight. It is always a joyful day filled with laughter and the reminder that once a Phoenix, always a Phoenix.
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Upcoming Events: Save these Dates!
2024-2025 Alumni Board
Back to the Nest
Board Members Mr. Anthony J. Bagiatis Mr. Andrew G. Bernhardt Mr. D. Britton Burdette Mrs. Allie McSwain Byrd Mr. John R. Chapman Mrs. Mary Catherine Groome Gober Mr. Martin E. Kilpatrick III Mr. Charles G. Knudsen Dr. Megan McSwain Mann Mrs. Elizabeth W. Gray McEver Mr. Michael C. Murray Ms. Katherine Sellers Mr. Thomas E. Story IV
Monday, January 5, 2026 / 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Fuqua Family Dining Hall at The Schenck School Back to the Nest is a new event for The Schenck School, inviting our local alumni (high school and college-aged) to return to campus on the first day back from winter break. While our teachers enjoy a catered lunch during professional development and planning, alumni are welcomed “back to the nest” to reconnect with one another, catch up with beloved teachers, and celebrate the lasting bond they share with Schenck.
Alumni Social and Share: From Support to Independence Tuesday, January 13, 2026 / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Fuqua Family Dining Hall at The Schenck School Join us for an evening of connection and conversation as Schenck School alumni and parents share their tips, tricks, and insights on transitioning from high school to college. Dinner will be served!
Board Chair Mr. Matthew Sirockman
Soaring on for Seniors Sunday, March 29, 2026 / 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Location: TBD The Soaring On for Seniors dinner was created to honor our alumni as they prepare to graduate from high school and take flight into their next chapter. More than just a dinner, Soaring On for Seniors symbolizes the lasting bond between Schenck and its alumni. We gather to celebrate not only the academic achievements of our graduates, but also the resilience, determination, and creativity that define them as lifelong learners and leaders.
Spring Adult Alumni Social Thursday, April 16 / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Monday Night Brewery (670 Trabert Avenue) A formal invitation will be sent in the spring.
Young Alumni Party Friday, April 25, 2026 / 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. The Kolb Family Lawn The Young Alumni Party is all about coming home to Schenck! This fun-filled afternoon invites our lower- and middle–school–aged alumni back to campus to reconnect with old friends, catch up with their favorite teachers, and relive the joy of their Schenck days. From laughter on the playground to swapping stories in the halls, it’s a chance to celebrate the friendships and memories that make our community so special. This sweet tradition gives our younger alumni a meaningful way to stay connected while simply being kids.
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Soaring On 2025 Eighty-three students were recognized during the spring Soaring On Ceremony, a meaningful tradition that celebrates a transition to the next chapter of a Schenck student’s education. The event featured a thoughtful address from alumnus Tiger Turner ’10, who reflected on his time at Schenck and the lasting impact the School has had on his life. This year’s students have taken the next step in their educational journey, soaring on to schools including Westminster, Lovett, Woodward, Mount Vernon, and many other schools that are the right fit for them. Through determination and consistent effort, they have gained more than academic growth. The strong educational foundation built at The Schenck School will stay with our students long after they soar on from our campus. As they move on to new schools and new experiences, we are confident they will continue to grow and succeed, guided by the values and strengths they developed here.
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Intern Report The Marketing and Communications Office welcomed alumni interns this summer, bringing the Schenck experience full circle. As former students, they returned with fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to supporting the School’s mission. Caroline Tucker ’17 is making her mark both behind the camera and in front of it. A senior at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, she looks back on her time at Schenck as the place that gave her confidence, skills, and lifelong friendships. Inspired by her own journey with learning differences, Caroline hopes to study psychology and one day help diagnose and support students like herself. This summer, she brought her love of film to campus, joining our Marketing and Communications team to brainstorm ideas, tell meaningful stories, and create engaging social media content for both The Schenck School and ReadSource. Kelsey Richardson ’13 is completing her senior year at Florida State University with studies in public relations and psychology. After spending four years at The Schenck School, she was excited to return, this time to the Marketing and Communications team to help shape the way we share our story on social media. With her mix of creativity and strategy, Kelsey helped brainstorm social media plans, create engaging content, and bring a fresh, thoughtful perspective to how we connect with our community.
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Classnotes Graduating Seniors Ellison Baer
Ansley King
Charlie Pope
Graduated from Woodward Academy and is attending Georgia Tech to study Architecture. 01
Graduated from Riverwood and is attending Auburn University majoring in Nutrition/Pre-Med. 06
Graduated from The Lovett School and is attending Furman University. 13
Kendall Brock
Audrey Laue
Logan Roch
Graduated from The Walker School and is attending The University of Tennessee (Knoxville).
Graduated from Marist School and is attending Boston College. 07
Graduated from Fusion Academy Alpharetta and is attending Northeastern University. 14
Marley Brooks
Evan Leister
Dawson Rooks
Graduated from Pace Academy and is attending Appalachian State University. 02
Graduated from Whitefield and attending Ole Miss majoring in Business and minoring in Engineering. 08
Nathan Dobrzynski
Ella Lynch
Sydney Williams
Graduated from Saint Francis High School and is attending the University of Tampa, majoring in International Business Management. 03
Graduated from Pace Academy and is attending the University of Georgia with a major in business. 09
Graduated from Monticello High school and is attending the University of Kentucky. 16
Lily Hernandez Graduated from Westminster and is attending the University of Miami, majoring in Marine Biology & Ecology. 04
Amy McInnerney Graduated from Walton High School and attending Auburn University. 10
Renee Michaels
Graduated from Mount Vernon and is attending Elon University. 05
Graduated from Walton High School and is attending The University of Alabama; majoring in Elementary Education. 11
Reese Kamke
William Parnell
Graduated from The New School – Atlanta and is attending Georgia College & State University majoring in Computer Science.
Graduated from Marist School and is attending Baylor University Fall 2025, studying Finance at the Hankamer School of Business. 12
Aiden Hoath
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Graduated from Druid Hills High School and is attending Georgia Tech. 15
Have news to share? Scan the QR code to fill out our form or email your updates and photos to alumni@schenck.org.
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Advancing Young Alumni at The Schenck School
A Unique Challenge
Unlike most secondary schools, where alumni status begins at high school graduation, Schenck students can become alumni as early as 2nd grade. This creates a unique challenge for our community: our youngest alumni are still children, and their Soaring On year doesn’t necessarily line up with the traditional markers of alumni life, such as their graduation years. As a result, it can be difficult to categorize and track them using the same systems that other independent schools typically use for alumni relations. Adding to this complexity, our only way to stay in touch with young alumni has been through their parents. Most of these students don’t yet have personal email addresses or cell phone numbers when they leave Schenck, which means we lack a direct channel to communicate with them as they grow. As they move into middle school, high school, and eventually college, the likelihood of losing contact
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increases—unless we intentionally create systems and opportunities to keep them connected. Without structured engagement, their relationship with Schenck risks fading at exactly the time when their voices and stories could have the greatest impact.
Why It Matters
Even though they are young, these alumni are entering a formative stage of life where connection, encouragement, and identity matter deeply. They often want to stay connected to Schenck, but without structured opportunities, it can be hard to maintain that bond. More importantly, they are at an age where leadership, service, and meaningful experiences stand out, both personally and on competitive college applications. For high school students, the chance to serve on an advisory council, speak at events, or volunteer with younger students is not only fulfilling but also increasingly important in today’s competitive admissions environment.
A Unique Opportunity
By intentionally creating age-appropriate leadership and service opportunities for our young alumni, we meet them where they are: teenagers and young adults eager to serve, distinguish themselves, and give back to a community that shaped them. These opportunities also allow us to capture and share their stories, which inspire current students, reassure parents, and demonstrate to prospective families the long-term value of a Schenck education. At the same time, we foster a culture of lifelong connection that ensures our alumni see Schenck not just as their beginning, but as a community they belong to for life. It is with this in mind that we seek to advance our alumni engagement at The Schenck School with the Alumni Advisory Council.
Alumni Advisory Council
At The Schenck School, we know that the journey of a dyslexic learner doesn’t end when students leave our classrooms and Soar On to new heights. The skills, resilience, and confidence they begin building here continue to shape their lives well into high school, college, and beyond. By creating formal leadership opportunities for our young alumni, we are affirming that their voices, experiences, and successes matter. For many high school alumni, returning to Schenck offers a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come. Serving on the Alumni Advisory Council gives them the chance to celebrate that growth, while also modeling what’s possible for current students. It’s a way for them to transform their own story into encouragement and advocacy, and to deepen their
Alumni leadership creates a bridge between past and present, enriching our culture of service and ensuring that the mission of dyslexia awareness is carried forward by the very students who embody its impact. The Story • Fall 2025 | 45
connection to a community that has always believed in their potential. These opportunities also strengthen our school community as a whole. Alumni leadership creates a bridge between past and present, enriching our culture of service and ensuring that the mission of dyslexia awareness is carried forward by the very students who embody its impact. In doing so, we not only invest in the personal growth of our young alumni, but also amplify the reach of Schenck’s mission for years to come. The Alumni Advisory Council kicked off its inaugural year on Sunday, August 17, 2025, with an in-person meeting at Schenck. We received 55 applications, and 37 members attended live, with two attendees joining virtually from Savannah, GA, and Dallas, Texas. One member drove in from Columbus to attend the meeting. This impressive group of leaders comprises alumni in grades 9-12, representing 24 public and independent schools, and reflects broad geographic diversity. The council organized into three teams, each with a distinct focus that strengthens the connection between alumni and The Schenck School. The Advancement Team works to reconnect alumni with the School by
supporting admissions, development, marketing, and communications. Members also receive valuable training and instruction that equips them with skills to serve any organization they choose to support. The Outreach Team extends the School’s impact into the broader community by participating in initiatives such as ReadSource, International Dyslexia Association (IDA), and the Dyslexia Dash, as well as supporting fundraising opportunities and sharing alumni updates. The Social Team focuses on fostering connections among alumni by planning two social gatherings each year, developing strategies to track down and update contact information, and exploring ways to keep alumni engaged through digital platforms. The Council meets in person every other month, with team meetings scheduled in the off months to ensure projects continue to move forward. This structure enables alumni to remain connected to the School, the community, and one another, while developing meaningful leadership skills and experiences along the way. Alumni Advisory Council members serve one year, with the option to extend their term for an additional year. The next round of applications will open in the spring of 2026 for the fall 2026 cohort.
Meet the Members
Our alumni continue to inspire us with their creativity, drive, and determination. Even as high school students, many are already finding ways to lead, build, and create, turning ideas into action and passion into purpose. These young innovators remind us that the lessons learned at Schenck last well beyond their time here and continue to shape confident, capable thinkers wherever their stories lead. Max Bell founded WriteToRead.org, an organization that advocates for legislation to support dyslexic students. “Dyslexia is not just an obstacle to academic achievement—it is a pressing equity issue that touches every corner of society. This awareness has driven me to advocacy and to learning more about what I can do for dyslexics in my community,” says Max.
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Jackson Suttle founded Suttle Snow, a snow cone business, as an 8th grader. He served snowcones at the Young Alumni Spring party at The Schenck School in the Spring of 2025. This is Jackson’s second business; he started his first one while at The Schenck School. He created Toybom (spelled like a Dyslexic would spell it), which are homemade bath bombs with a toy inside.
DEVELOPMENT
updates A Message from the Director of Advancement
Being connected to The Schenck School has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Each day, I am reminded why our work matters, as the School operates in steadfast alignment with our mission: to build a solid educational foundation for students with dyslexia and develop their full potential. My role is to help ensure we deliver on this extraordinary promise, and I am deeply committed to inspiring greater levels of generosity year after year. This past year, our community came together in extraordinary ways. Faculty and staff, current and past parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends joined hands to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed. Together, you made 1,176 gifts totaling $817,988.66—the largest annual fund support in the School’s history! This incredible achievement is a testament to your unwavering commitment to our students and their success. Every contribution, no matter the size, reflects a shared belief in The Schenck School’s mission and in the bright futures of our students. What inspires me most is seeing how your generosity comes to life each day, shaping the student experience in countless ways. I watch our students work with determination, and I am continually moved by the love, care, and encouragement that surround them. Because of your support, they are able to thrive, not only in the classroom, but in every aspect of their lives. This year also marked a new chapter for me personally, as I became a Schenck parent myself. Experiencing firsthand the dedication of our teachers and the joy of watching my own girls grow within this community has deepened my gratitude in profound ways. I now see our mission not only through the lens of an advancement professional but also through the heart of a parent, and as most of you know, it’s pretty spectacular. The Schenck School’s story has always been one of hope, determination, and transformation. Thank you for writing this chapter with us and for investing in the bright futures of our students. I am honored to share this journey with you and look forward to another year of extraordinary success together. With gratitude,
Janie Beck Director of Advancement
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Board Spotlight
Welcoming our newest members to the Board of Trustees.
Tillman Douglas P’24
With a marketing degree from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and decades of experience in brand storytelling, Tillman Douglas is a seasoned marketing professional specializing in real estate. He has driven the success of more than 21 ventures across residential, multifamily, commercial, and hospitality projects, while also guiding architectural, engineering, construction, and design firms. His background includes investor relations as both a licensed financial advisor and equity raiser for start-ups and real estate ventures, and he brings a unique perspective as a student of the “Experience Economy,” which emphasizes creating memorable consumer experiences that maximize value for developers and buyers alike. Tillman enjoys time with his wife and children, he has two sons and two daughters. He plays golf, enjoys fitness, bird hunting, and sports with the boys.
What Schenck means to Tillman:
“As a native Atlantan, I’ve known the magical reputation of The Schenck School my whole life. Yet, like so many other people who have real interaction with the School, you don’t know how the place—the people (teachers and team), the campus, and more—truly change young people’s lives who now know dyslexia and learning differences are their ‘super powers!’”
Beth Mayfield P’10
Beth Mayfield graduated from Auburn University with a degree in accounting and received her J.D. from Emory Law School. She practiced law for 24 years and has been with CIBC Private Wealth since 2018, where she serves as a Relationship Manager and head of the Atlanta office. Beth and her husband, Scott, have four young-adult children: McRae, Lizzie, James, and Annie.
What Schenck means to Beth:
“The Schenck School holds a special place in my heart—my daughter, Lizzie, spent three years at the School, so I know firsthand the confidence, skills, and joy Schenck gives to children with dyslexia and their families. Schenck is a true gift!” 48 | The Schenck School
Save THE Date
Michael Zelickson P’23
Michael Zelickson is a Managing Director on the Financial Risk Management team at Regions Bank. He is responsible for corporate and commercial foreign exchange sales across the Southeast. Mr. Zelickson brings extensive expertise to his role, with more than 20 years of financial industry experience. Mr. Zelickson earned an MBA from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and a BSc in Business Management, with a minor in Spanish from North Carolina State University. Michael and Cissy Zelickson have two children, Cole (9th grade) and Livi (7th grade), who both attend The Mount Vernon School. In addition to recently joining the board at Schenck, Michael remains active with undergraduate recruiting at N.C. State and is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives at Mount Vernon.
What Schenck means to Michael:
“The Schenck School played a transformative role in our family’s educational journey. Thanks to the School’s exceptional faculty and dedicated leadership, our daughter not only mastered her reading skills but also maintained her confidence throughout the process. My family remains deeply grateful for the profound and lasting impact Schenck has had on her development and look forward to giving back to the school.”
An evening of games, giving, and good times to build a new place to play.
S AT U R DAY, F EBRUARY 7, 20 26 T HE PA I N T ED P IN
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The Schenck School Auction & Gala at The Painted Pin promises fun, friends, and fundraising you won’t want to miss! For sponsorship opportunities, visit schenck2026.givesmart.com.
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2024-2025
ANNUAL
REPORT 2024-2025 Annual Report | 51
The Schenck School
Annual Fund At The Schenck School, the Annual Fund plays a vital role in advancing our mission. More than simply covering expenses, it sustains the programs and opportunities that help students grow intellectually, socially, and personally. Each gift affirms a shared belief in the value of specialized education and honors the individuals who have made a lasting difference in the lives of our families. We are proud to share that in 2024–2025, the Annual Fund achieved unprecedented success, with participation and giving at an all-time high.
Cornerstone Club: $20,000+ Patricia and Pablo Diego Margaret H. Rollins Pamela R. Rollins Janice and Ed Story Lauren and Thomas Story Syla Foundation The Coca-Cola Company The Ma-Ran Foundation
Founder’s Club: $10,000 - $19,999
Virginia DerMoushegian and Robert Braden Elizabeth and Britton Burdette Darrell and Patricia Steagall Family Foundation Kate and Jim Denny Elizabeth and Jack Draughon Katie and Brad Gates Shearon and Taylor Glover Andrea and Mark Kauffman Vickie and Mark Randazza Garnet and Dan Reardon Lauren and Rick Rollins Kate and Matt Santore Liz and Rob Shults Robin and Gabe Steagall The Ann and Buck Woodruff Family Foundation, Inc. The Hawkins Foundations The Shearon and Taylor Glover Foundation, Inc. The Zeist Foundation, Inc. Ann and Buck Woodruff
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LEADERSHIP GIVING CIRCLE DINNER
We are deeply grateful to our Leadership Donors whose generosity sustains and advances the mission of The Schenck School. In recognition of their commitment, a beautiful dinner was held in their honor at the home of Elizabeth and Jack Draughon, offering an evening of connection and celebration.
Trustee Club: $5,000 - $9,999
Anonymous Amy Morris Interiors Judie and Millard Bowen Anne Valliant and Chet Burgess Jennifer Dangar Duvall and Rex Fuqua John Rex Fuqua Lucy Inman Allison and Andrew Kang Steven Klinger Cathy Krendl Carol and Doug Lacy Dorothy Mitchell-Leef and Forrest Leef Amy and Kirk Morris Jessica and Ross Poole Robert and Carole Julian Charitable Foundation Betsy and Lee Robinson Lindy and Jack Rogers Alexia and Lin Rogers Mary and Alan Roos Rosenberg Family Foundation, Inc. Dulcy and Jerry Rosenberg Karen and John Schuerholz The Camp Family Foundation, Inc. The Lacy Foundation, Inc. The Pattillo Family Foundation, Inc. Laura Van Winkle Karen and Michael Warren
Honors Club: $2,500 - $4,999
Anonymous Rodes and Frank Bazzel Betty Ann and Larry Abblitt Marcia Abernethy Sara and Andrew Alias Patty and Shaler Alias Susan Krendl-Armstrong and Kraig Armstrong Heather and Brian Batchelor Natalie and David Batchelor Bianca and Mark Bell Kori and Lynwood Bishop Roz and Lynwood Bishop Gina and Trevor Bleedorn Karen and Steven Boor Sarah and John Bottini Max Brauer Carrie and Barrett Brown Nancy and Doug Bryant Allie and Josh Byrd Katherine and Jim Chapman Barbara and Bill Coats Diana and Daniel Cohen Stephanie and Brian Corbett John Davidson Lin and Jerry Daws
Kate and Justin Dinerman Ann and Norman DuPre Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation Aleene and Joe George Burch and Mark Hanson Jessica and Justin Jones Maggie and Will Killgore Ana and Adam Krohn Jennifer and Alex Livingston Kara and Joe Loftin Megan and Reuben Mann Kim and Greg Marks Missy and Anthony Martin Jennifer and Andrew McGuinness Helen McSwain Margaret and Andrew Miller Carmen and Arun Mohan Robyn Curnow and Kim Norgaard Whitney and Will O’Brien Nancy and Mark Oswald Piedmont Charitable Foundation, Inc. Deborah and Steve Rogers Christine and Scott Simonton Mary and Billy Snowden Alyssa and Bryan Steele Jennifer and Cal Stowell Tamer Foundation Elizabeth Miller-Tucker and Scott Tucker Tricia and Wes Washington Vira White Nancy and Joe Wilen Becky and Tom Williams Cheryl and Kevin Windom Mary Stoney and Jeffrey Wright
Investor: $1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous (4) Erin and Patrick Abernethy Kay and John Alexander Melissa and Ryan Alfred Kim and Jeff Berman Willy Bitter Christine and Spencer Bomar Deborah and Todd Brock Kate and Wells Burke Patty and Wade Bush Mistalene and James Calleroz White DD and Bick Cardwell Karen and Giorgio Carera Gina and Mason Carter Lana Cauble Lauren and Jack Chapman Sidney and Don Childress Lindsay and Drew Collins Greta and David Crowley Stephanie and David Cusimano Margaret and Dallas Denny Heather and Blake Dexter Katherine and Ryan Dowling Misha and Ward Ebbert
Sara and Nathan Flood Jan and Phil Fortune Phil Fortune Krista and Brian Friedman Mark Gilson Rebecca and Stephen Glasgow Brittany and Price Glomski Maggie and Steve Goodsell Jennifer and Donnan Gray Leah and Andy Green Liz and Scott Green Catie and Michael Hart Kitty and Dave Hartman Tookie and Keith Hazelrig Kristen and Brent Herrin Britt and Jim Hogan Lauri Hughes Amanda and Walker Inman Julie and Bryan Jones Rebecca and Matthew Junger Amy and Andrew Kelly Judy and Marty Kogon Heidi and David Krutek Laurel and Danny Lawrence Roberta Miller Shirley and Barry Millwood Antonia and Wright Mitchell
Annual Fund Parent Volunteers Annual Fund Parent Challenge Co-Chairs Robin Steagall Gabe Steagall Parent Volunteers Melissa Alfred Harrison Bain Neeley Bain Lindsay Bays Mary Jane Brent Patrick Broderick Carrie Brown Elizabeth Burdette Laura Leigh Caswell Emily David Katherine Dowling Amanda Gomel Britt Hogan Taylor Inman Harrison Jones Allison Kang Missy Martin Lizzie Rollins Palmer Stratton Caroline Van Eaton
2024-2025 Annual Report | 53
Jennifer and Brand Morgan Molly and Chip O’Neal Judy and Dolph Orthwein Shetal and Dipesh Parekh Vivian and Fred Price Megan and Rob Raville Fran and Joe Rogers Michaeline and Ed Roland Ellen and Lenny Samet Angelle and Zach Schaumburg
Melissa and Tad Stahel Mary Elizabeth and Meade Stone Palmer Stratton The J. Donald Childress Foundation, Inc. The L&C Wood Family Foundation, Inc. Jackie and Rob Townley Laura and Kyle Ulep Chris and Bill Van Looy Vickers Family Fund Julie and David Vickers
The Phoenix Legacy Society The Phoenix Legacy Society recognizes those who have committed to Schenck’s future by making a planned gift. Planned gifts support Schenck’s long-range plans and help to ensure its specialized program serves future generations of children with dyslexia. To make a planned gift, you can name The Schenck School as a beneficiary of: • Your will, with either a percentage of your estate or a specific gift amount • An insurance policy • Your IRA To learn more about planned giving, including setting up a planned gift or informing the School of the existence of one, please contact Janie Beck, director of advancement, at jbeck@schenck.org or 470-397-5818.
Thank you to the members of the Phoenix Legacy Society Ginger Abblitt Nancy C. Black Anonymous John Curtis Fisher Jennifer and David Foster Anna Glaser Marissa and Wendel Greider William C. Hatcher (d) Cindy and Mike Hufler Brannon Huntz Twiggs Kelley Sigmund and Nancy Lee Kimberly Marks Steve Moreland Anne Mori
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John Patterson Karen and Chris Ratcliffe Kim Nikles and Michael Roach Julie and Yasha Sack David T. Schenck (d) Ellen and Marc Schneidau Elizabeth Shults
Michael Vickers Vogel Family Foundation, Inc. Kevin Vogel Judy and Bill Vogel Lily Walton Summer and Sean Warren Jessica and Dave Wasserman Emily and Adam Webb Jill and Bryan Wells Harvin and Curtis Whitaker Caroline and Andy Wildman Pat and Don Williams Katherine and Michael Woocher Carla and Leonard Wood Dancy and Charlie Wynne Erica and David Yates
Partner: $500 - $999
Anonymous (3) Diane and Kent Alexander Barbara and Paul Arne Lindsay and Chris Backscheider Linda and Brian Barish Christy and Richard Barlow Janie and Michael Beck Mary and Bill Bergin Sara and Andrew Bernhardt Terry and Bob Betkowski McCall and Brian Blythe Merritt Bond Sandy and Peter Briggs Virginia and Edward Buzzell Laura Leigh and Jim Caswell Marcia and Quin Christian Coker Jennifer and Phil Corwin Katie and Michael Cotton Betty Jo and Andy Currie Emily and Britt David Lisa Dobbs Anna and Mike Elmers Marie and Jimmy Faulkner Natasha and Mike Fenili Tricia and Brannon Fissette Julie and David Frushtick Callie and Kevin Fuller Sarah and Jon Gallant Annie Godfrey and Jack Kittle Amanda and Brad Gomel Dara and Andy Grant Stephanie and Mike Hanley Jean and John Hatfield Margaret and Mal Hill Elinor and Jeff Hitt Louise Hodapp Eryn and Craig Houck Lindsey and Scott Hutchison Sarah and Chip Hyle Angelique and Ray James Lauren and Jonathan Jarrell
Alumni Graduates of The Schenck School, now numbering at more than 3,200, play a vital role in preserving our School’s history and helping ensure its future. We are grateful to those alumni who have remained engaged with the School, whether by volunteering, attending events, or including the School in their philanthropic priorities. Thank you, alumni donors, for helping carry on David Schenck’s legacy and for celebrating the impact of your own time at Schenck. Your contributions allow current students to benefit from the same life-changing educational experiences that you did.
Alumni Donors Ginger Abblitt John Thomas Alioto Magill Beard Mark Bell Max Bell Jackson Berger Andrew Bernhardt Mia Bomar Max Brauer Mary Jane Stacy Brent Britton Burdette Chet Burgess Allie McSwain Byrd Mills Campbell Camryn Carter Margaret Snoddy Casto Jim Caswell Matt Cathell Jack Chapman Steffi Walker Claytor Emily Head David Allison Vinson DeFrees Grant DiGiovanni
Ashley and Ryan Jenkins Brittany and John Jennings Rozalind and Cody Jensen Cary and Ladd Jones Rebecca and Zach Kennedy Jen and Gary McCarthy Charlotte and Marc McDonnell Laurin McSwain Joanne and Lewis Newman Kate and Michael Neyhart Sarah and Reid Olsen Katheryn and Wilson Oswald Karina and Ram Parajuli Betty and Gerry Purvis Ritu Kelotra and Jordan Reynolds Chada Saetie Sloane Sapra Laurie and Bill Shimp Ann and Will Simpson Foster and Terrill Soules Barbara Roden and David Sowell
Will Dunton Mattison Durden Elsie Elgar Ellie Emerson Jocelyn Sarvady Fena JC Fisher Phil Fortune John Rex Fuqua Joey George William Gillespie Andy Grant Kinsley Happel Tucker Herakovich Jay Heslin Patrick Heslin Cooper Higgins Charlie Higgins David Higgins Jack Higgins Jim Hogan Chip Hyle Mack Jackson Penelope James Harlan Johnson
Brayden Kaufman Abby Killgore Harper King Ford Libby Alice Long Kyle Magee Megan McSwain Mann Brenna McGinniss Bradley Mischner Jacqueline Morris Will Mueller Carter Munn Candace Newman Annie Oates Wilson Oswald Caroline LaBriola Pasternak Ally Peterka Kevin Rabinowitz Carly Reifenberger Sutherland Rogers Rick Rollins Mila Rosario Lily Ruehlmann Jack Rykowski
Marty Spry Harrison and Brennan Spry Silpa Reddy and Drew Stephens Mary Beth and Micah Stevenson Spencer and Glenn Stewart Hart and Elliot Stuck Mimi and Brian Sturgell Cathy and Tom Towles Heather and Michael Turton Caroline and Billy Van Eaton Laurie and Joel Vece Betty and Steve Walker Magan and Daniel Ward Lynne and Bill Warren Oliver Webb Kelly and Matt Wells Lou and Blanton Winship Cappa and Bob Woodward Caryn and Mike Woolley Allyson Young
Jordan Sack Sloane Sapra Katherine Sellers Colin Shea Matt Sirockman Andrew Stone Thomas Story Lily Stowell Emily Suarez Anne Hamilton Taylor Laura Pattillo Van Winkle Michael Vickers Kevin Vogel Lily Walton Oliver Webb Caroline Hall Wildman Charlotte Wood Cammy Wooddall Charlie Wooddall Cole Wooddall Jeffrey Wright
Associate: $250 - $499
Anonymous (7) Alex Smith Garden Design Kathy and Mike Alioto Amy and Ian Anderson Lyn and Rick Asbill Megan and Pritpal Aujla Neeley and Harrison Bain Lindsay and Brad Bays Katie and Chris Boehme Erin Bradley and Mark Haven Mary Jane and James Brent Louise Brown Susan Muller and Steven Budnick Ken Callaham Annie and Patrick Carlini Cathie and Shannon Clute Annie and Maurice Cohen Emily Grush and Chris Cortez
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Friend: up to $249
Karen and Mark Crittenden Beth and Bob David Anne and Jim Davis Cole Deming Lisa Dobbs Margaret and Tillman Douglas Loretta Edmond Lori Evers Alice Pope and Michael Fritz Ashley and Byron Gatewood Marla Eastwood and Jeff Glaser Caroline and Steven Guitar Taylor and Thomas Gwynn Lacey and Daniel Hayden Amanda and Matt Hene Emily and Jay Heslin Luanne Heslin Mona and Patrick Heslin Holly and Tommy Hidell Ellen and Rob Hill Donna and Bill Holden Callie and Ryan Hudak Hugh Inman Deirdre and Jim Jasmin Traci and Judson Jones Margaret and Wiley Jones Nicole and John Jordan Jay Levitt Natalie and Chip Lewis Suzanne and John Lynch Catherine and Jason Martin Meredith and Lee McBrearty Laura and Brandon McFarland MJS Design Group Beth and Jeff Moeller Robin and Jay Moore
56 | The Schenck School
Carter and Hampton Morris Elizabeth Morton Chava and Chaim Neiditch Jessica and Ryan Newth Amy Norris Karen and Jay Oates Judy and Michael Pacifico and Friends of Jim Heslin Corinne and David Patton Mary Megan and Nathan Pearson Stacey and Alan Prusak Nora and Benjamin Rachelson Mallory and Faisal Rahman Regeneron Selma and Rayburn Ridgway Janet and Chip Roach Sarah and Mike Robinson Morgan and David Rogers Nancy Ross Vicki and Herb Rusk Marla and John Sadler Janie and Rick Sager Nancy and Joe Sieve Helen and Chip Smith Sharon Tate Carla and Kevin Tolleson Tiffany and J.R. Torbert Virginia and Brian Twynham Lindsay and Brian Vines Krista and Jason Wilhelmsen Sarai and Kelley Williams Julia and Kyle Williams Linda and Berke Wilson Lori and Jonathan Woolfson Wyatt Designs Emily and Ross Wyatt
Anonymous (16) Ginger Abblitt Charlie Abraham Brantley and Jon Abrams Emily Aldridge John Thomas Alioto Martha Anderson Sarah and Thomas Anderson Melinda Pitts and Brian Armour Egen and Sean Arnold Carolyn and Jonathan Baggett Benita Baird and Ron Barab Halle and Kegan Baird Paula and Matt Baker Lee Barton Stephen Bates Laura and Ben Beacham Magill Beard Max Bell Jackson Berger Barbara Blanchard Mary Bryan and Will Blumberg Mia Bomar Caroline and Stewart Bragg Elizabeth Broderick Rosie and Adam Brown Chelsea and Chris Brown Grace and Chase Brown Kathy and Greg Bruyn Elizabeth and Eric Buergler Jen Burch Ashleigh and Troster Byrne Brigid and Kevin Cadin Mills Campbell Shelby and Ian Carey Ansley Carter Camryn Carter Margaret and Michael Casto Cheri and Norman Chappelle Veronica and Michael Chen Nancy and Ken Christensen Steffi Claytor Shari and Stephen Coan Avital and Michael Cohen Lisa and Walter Cohen Beverly Coleman Maureen and Kevin Conboy Margaret and Drew Conway Darcy and David Copeland Betty Cornwell Elham Danaie Lizzie Darby Amparo de La Peña Laura Deane Allison and Sam DeFrees Melissa and Kirk Demetrops Kristy Deming-Fahr Rosanna and Kenrick Dennis
Beth and Eric Diersen Grant DiGiovanni Pat and Joe Distel Kelley and Watts Douglas Jennifer Downes Jessica and Ryan Doyle Haley and Paul Dozier Laura Dreyer and Christian Blake Ashley and Cleve Driver Alyson and Hunter Duke Will Dunton Mattison Durden
Bree and Ben Eaton Marlin Ebbert Tina and Matt Eberhart Misa and Dimitrios Efstathiou Elsie Elgar Janet and Sid Elliott Ellie Emerson Alexa and Ryan Erwin Mary Katherine Evans Jackie and JC Fisher Tristan and James Ford-Hutchinson Forthright Wealth Management
Erica and Raanon Gal Mary Galloway Chanley Small and Mike Gannon Kathryn Garcia Ellie and George Gee Joey George William Gillespie Cason and Christian Given Betsy Godfrey and Andrew Godfrey-Kittle Susan and John Gornall Meg Griffith Stacey and Joseph Guith
THE SCHENCK SCHOOL
Endowed Funds Endowed funds, which are designed to sustain Schenck’s mission in perpetuity, offer vital security for independent schools. Predictable income provides the School with both flexibility and stability, presently and in the future. We are deeply grateful to the visionary leaders, talented educators, and dedicated families and friends whose generous support of Schenck’s endowed funds helps ensure that The Schenck School will continue transforming the lives of dyslexic learners for generations to come. For information on establishing an endowed fund, please contact Director of Advancement Janie Beck at jbeck@schenck.org or 470-397-5818.
Endowment Funds Janet & Martin Schenck Scholarship Fund
Janet and Martin Schenck were David Schenck’s aunt and uncle. A letter dated May 10, 1966 (seven years after David and Dee founded the School), states: “It gives me great pleasure to send you the enclosed check to use in any way you and the Trustees wish for The Schenck School. Not only am I interested because of my regard for you but because, as somewhat of an educator, I am concerned that experimental schools going into new fields such as this one, should have an opportunity to make their great contribution.” With this in mind, the Board of Trustees chose to establish a financial aid endowment.
Nan T. Schenck Endowment
The fund was established in 1982 and named for David Schenck’s mother. The family’s intent was to establish a general endowment to ensure the continued success and financial stability of the School. In 2017, a substantial sum from the will of Emeritus Trustee William “Bill” C. Hatcher was added to this endowment.
The Faculty Endowment Fund
The fund was established in 1998 during the Schenck 2001: The Next Generation Capital Campaign. It is intended to support new leadership and new programs, including music, recreation, and technology.
Building Endowment Fund
In April 1990, a gift was received from a foundation that wishes to remain anonymous. The funds are considered a permanent capital asset and restricted to capital maintenance.
The Goizueta Scholarship Fund
In 2002, The Goizueta Foundation established and endowed The Goizueta Foundation Scholarship Fund to provide need-based financial assistance annually to Schenck School students with preference for Hispanic/Latino students.
David and Dee Schenck Scholarship Endowment
The Board of Trustees established this fund in 2003 in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Schenck’s retirement after more than 50 years of distinguished and extraordinary service to the educational community, particularly in the field of dyslexia.
Cam Street Scholarship Fund
Cameron Street, an alumnus of the School, son of Janet and Bruce, and brother of alumna Courtney (CoCo), died in December 2009 after battling cancer for several years. This fund was established by the family for the purpose of financial aid.
Gena Calloway Endowed Fund for Professional Development The fund was established by the Board of Trustees in 2014 in honor and recognition of Gena’s retirement as head of school. The purpose of the fund is restricted to support current faculty and staff education and training opportunities.
The Shults Family Endowed Fund for Financial Aid The fund was established in 2017 by gifts from the Shults and Julian families to ensure that financial need will not be a barrier to attending The Schenck School.
Endowment Donors Liz and Rob Shults
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ReadSource Founded in 2014 as an extension arm of The Schenck School, ReadSource’s mission fulfills a critical community need: building on The Schenck School’s legacy of remediating dyslexia, ReadSource empowers individuals who struggle to read. We equip educators with the science of reading and provide direct student instruction, expanding access across the community. Recognized as a leader in teacher training and offering programs to share the impact of Schenck beyond campus, ReadSource’s initiatives include: • Teacher training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach • S.H.I.N.E. (Schenck Helping Individuals In Need Excel), a pro-bono tutoring program • Adult Dyslexia Program, designed to meet the needs of learners in adulthood who did not have the benefit of research-backed instruction in their childhood • Partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta (PBSA), established in 2018 and recognized as a 2025 Georgia Reads Community Award recipient We are deeply grateful to those who have supported ReadSource. Your generosity helps fulfill ReadSource’s mission, thereby ensuring Schenck can enrich the lives of many more people than those who can enroll in our School each year.
ReadSource Donors
Ginger Abblitt Erin and Patrick Abernethy Sara and Andrew Alias Janie and Michael Beck Bianca and Mark Bell Sarah and John Bottini Brand Properties Max Brauer Patrick Broderick Jessica and Casey Brown Rebecca and Alex Brown Nancy and Doug Bryant Laura Elliott and Brian Budnick Jen Burch Kate and Wells Burke Leigh and Lee Cardwell Katherine and Jim Chapman Nancy and Ken Christensen Katy Cobb Diana and Daniel Cohen Robyn Curnow and Kim Norgaard James Curvey D & M Scheible Family Foundation Jennifer Dangar Kate and Jim Denny Margaret and Tillman Douglas Elizabeth and Jack Draughon Loretta Edmond Falfurrias Capital Partners Jackie and JC Fisher Tricia and Brannon Fissette Cason and Christian Given Governor’s Office of Student Achievement Nathan Griffin
58 | The Schenck School
Burch and Mark Hanson Catie and Michael Hart Kristen and Brent Herrin Jill Hicks Jessica and Justin Jones Tianna Jones-Cannady Allison and Andrew Kang Andrea and Mark Kauffman Rebecca and Zach Kennedy Susan Krendl-Armstrong and Kraig Armstrong Leslie and Steve LaBriola Laura Hamilton Collection Cara Laurie Kara and Joe Loftin Margaret and Jason Long Missy and Anthony Martin Jeffrey Marx and Jessica May Charlotte and Marc McDonnell Jori and Brett Mendel Elizabeth Miller-Tucker and Scott Tucker Carmen and Arun Mohan Amelia Morel Jennifer and Brand Morgan Stacey and Paul Ollinger Anju and Abe Pachikara
Jessica and Ross Poole Greer and Bryan Pope Stacey and Alan Prusak Publix Super Market Charities Carly Reifenberger Robert and Carole Julian Charitable Foundation Jenifer and Ben Rogers Michaeline and Ed Roland Lizzie and Chris Rollins Lauren and Rick Rollins Hunter Ryan Kate and Matt Santore Kerri Saulnier Mary and David Scheible Mary Margaret Schulte Liz and Rob Shults Nancy and Joe Sieve Anna Terry The Kauffman Foundation Jackie and Rob Townley Sara Washington Emily and Adam Webb Oliver Webb Kayleen and Mark Whitmer Caroline and Andy Wildman Mary Stoney and Jeffrey Wright
Remmie and Charlie Hachat Jayne and Kent Hammond Kinsley Happel Megan and Ted Harbourt Patty and Tom Hardy Katie Harrigan Inger Harris Mary Helen and Andrew Heaner Rebecca and Michael Heberton Nolan Heiter Betsy Morris and John Helyar Peggy and Phillip Hendrix Tucker Herakovich Cooper Higgins Charlie Higgins David Higgins Jennifer and David Higgins Jack Higgins Stephanie and Ted Hight Devina Bhasin and Tom Hiley Kelli and Danny Holcomb Phyllis and Hugh Holley Sarah and Merritt Huber Bevin and Claiborne Irby Kathleen and Freddy Ivey Mack Jackson Penelope James Christine Jenkins Wendy and Jim Jensen Harlan Johnson Amrah and Casey Johnson Anna and Harrison Jones Suze Jones and Patrick Nicholas Tianna Jones-Cannady Charlotte and Allen Kaminsky Brooke and Chad Kamke Pratima Raavi and Arun Kantamneni Brayden Kaufman Mary and Mark Kilduff Abby Killgore Harper King Gale and Steve Klayman Kim and Ken Koett Cara Laurie Nancy and Larry Lemer Liz Levine Sara and Daniel Levy Ford Libby Alice Long Erin and Chris Loonam Leah Garcès and Benjamin Lopman Tracy and Alex Lurey Kyle Magee Jill and John Marshall Helen and Don Martin Jessica May and Jeffrey Marx Sally and Sandy Matthews Evelyn Mayblum Kelby and Bennett Mayfield Kathy McArthur Karen and Richard McCrea
Brenna McGinniss Susie and Craig McIntosh Courtney and Garrison McMillan Jenny and David Melton Ian Mendelson Bradley Mischner Genie Mize Lizeth and John Molina Amy Molyneux Linde and Tyler Moore Amelia Morel Aisha and Eric Morgan Will Mueller Carter Munn David Murphy Candace Newman Liza and Bill Nordmark Nicole and Brad Norman Jeanie and Greg Nowicki Annie Oates Faye and Lofton Odom Tanya Odonnell Erin and Shaun O’Leary Lollie and Pierce Owings Anju and Abe Pachikara Monica Pancare Liz Pastor Carolyn and Matt Pastush Briana Patterson Ally Peterka Jamie and Chris Petitt Sherrell Oliver Pierman Meghan and Kyle Pietrantonio Erin Pitt Gena and Jim Poje Stephanie Poje Larkie and Eric Post Winnie and Victor Prall Mary Grace and Corey Price Christina Pryles Suzy Quenzer Lisa Galanti and Hal Rabinowitz Kevin Rabinowitz Carol and Dale Rackers Tara and Jason Ralls Rachel Olson and Mark Rasberry Linda and Walter Reeve Kellie and Drew Reifenberger Maggie Richards Kaitlin and Jonathan Ricketts Jenifer and Ben Rogers Sutherland Rogers Gardner Rordam Mila Rosario Dawn and Adam Ross Jenna Rubin Lily Ruehlmann Jennifer Rujstad Hunter Ryan Jack Rykowski Jordan Sack
Sporting Clays for Dyslexia
Sporting Clays for Dyslexia, an annual benefit hosted by Schenck alumni, raises money each year in support of a chosen School initiative. The 2024 event benefitted Schenck’s Annual Fund, with funds raised helping to enrich Schenck’s student programs, technology offerings, and teacher training. We are grateful to the alumni who lead this initiative each year and to all those who supported the event!
Gold: $5,000 The Fisher Family
Silver: $3,500 Bleakley Financial Juneau Construction
Bronze: $2,000
Andrew Bernhardt Jones Lang Lasalle Precision Hose and Expansion Joints Service Loan South Liz and Rob Shults Wilson Hull & Neal Real Estate
Shooting Station: $500 The Hoyt Family
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Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program The Qualified Education Expense Credit Program, commonly known as the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program, was enacted in 2008 through HB1133. Through this program, Georgia taxpayers can make a tax credit contribution supporting financial aid for families seeking educational alternatives to public school. For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, The Schenck School partnered with Georgia GOAL, a state-registered Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), to offer donors a dollar-for-dollar Georgia tax credit against their state income tax liability. Schenck utilizes contributions from the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program to help offset the cost of financial aid. For more information, contact Janie Beck, director of advancement at jbeck@schenck.org or 470-397-5818.
Tax Credit Donors
Lyn and Rick Asbill Karen and Steven Boor Mary Jane and James Brent Elizabeth Broderick Claire and Allen Burke Michelle Williams and Harvey Cain Suzanne Coffey Avital and Michael Cohen Greta and David Crowley Jennifer Dangar Lisa Dobbs Betts and John Fisher Jackie and JC Fisher Sara and Nathan Flood Jennifer and David Foster Katy and Robert Fransen Ashley and Byron Gatewood Alice and Randy Gepp Brittany and Price Glomski
60 |
Maureen and Mark Goldman Patty and Tom Hardy Stacey Mutz and Michael Howe Ashley and Ryan Jenkins Kristan Adams and James Knoer Robin and Matthew Koenig Laurie and Michael Kogon Pam and Brad Marcus Missy and Anthony Martin Leigh Anne and Matt Mazzawi Elizabeth Miller-Tucker and Scott Tucker Beth and Jeff Moeller Natasha and Josh Moffitt Chava and Chaim Neiditch Holly and Doug Orsagh Ellen and Dolph Orthwein Judy and Dolph Orthwein Karina and Ram Parajuli Mary Megan and Nathan Pearson Suzi and Pat Renn
Kim Nikles and Michael Roach Lizzie and Chris Rollins Mary and Alan Roos Dawn and Adam Ross Nancy Ross Kathy Schwock Kris and Patrick Shea Liz and Rob Shults Libby and Frampton Simons Mary Susan and Tom Stacy Cindy and Jeff Stemple Mary Beth and Micah Stevenson Palmer Carter Stratton Lisa and Walker Sullivan Beth and Eric Tietz Virginia and Brian Twynham Leslie and Fred Wachter Katherine and Michael Woocher Stephanie and Justin Wyatt Teri and John Xerogeanes
Michele Santa Maria Ashlie and Peter Santora Richard Sarris Jocelyn Sarvady Angela Saspa Kerri Saulnier Tierney Schippers Mary Margaret Schulte Katherine Sellers Lisa, Jeremy, and Jaxson Sells Kelly and Jeff Sexstone Natalie and Steve Shaw Colin Shea Terry Sherali Beth Sherman Becky and Steve Short Sharon and Joshua Sieweke Madeline Simmons Robin Small Brittany and Michael Smith Marcia and Jeffrey Sosebee Mary Liles and Bennett Souter Mark Sperry Lauren Barnett and Tyler Stanley Tonya and David Steele Andrew Stone Michelle Stone Lily Stowell Jessica and Adam Stuart Kimberly Stuart Emily Suarez Karen and John Swingle Ronna and Marc Taub Georgia and Eric Taylor Anna Terry Jana and Jason Thomas Sarah and Sean Thomasson Jenny and Hunter Thompson Ren and Travis Thorne Linda Thurman Laura Thwaite Beth and Eric Tietz Anne Timberlake Marilyn and Jim Torbert Louise and Blanchard Tual Ryan and Tony Valduga Vi Vaughan Curtis Vaughn Leslie and Fred Wachter Cassandra Walker Eva and Brad Walker Sara Washington Missy and Jason Wechsler Lynn Weekley Ashley Weider Abbey Weintraub Lisa and Bryan Weiss Linda and Bob Werner Danae and Bill Wharton Amy and Jeff Wheeler Jacqueline and Chuck Whited
Kayleen and Mark Whitmer Katie and Chapman Wilkinson B.C. Williams Jane Wilson Tasha and Marc Wisehart Anne and Bob Wiskind Charlotte Wood Cammy Wooddall Charlie Wooddall Cole Wooddall Ann Reid Young Sarah and Jack Young
Grandparents Grandparent Donor(s) Grandparent(s) of…
Nancy Ross Leo Ross Vicki and Herb Rusk Asher Cohen Ellen and Lenny Samet Noa Sack Foster and Terrill Soules Cooper Woods Linda Thurman Blakely Doyle Marilyn and Jim Torbert James Torbert Betty and Steve Walker Jocelyn Walker Karen and Michael Warren Grayson Warren
Marcia Abernethy Locke Abernethy
Lynne and Bill Warren Michael Stone
Martha Anderson Rowan Anderson
Linda and Bob Werner Seba Carera
Roz and Lynwood Bishop Walter Bishop
Vira White Lucas Penake
Louise Brown Miller Brown Ryder Brown
Pat and Don Williams Owen Williams
Cheri and Norman Chappelle Pierre Thomas Annie and Maurice Cohen Asher Cohen Lisa and Walter Cohen Ariel Cohen Beth and Bob David Lucy David Patricia and Pablo Diego Jack Krohn Marlin Ebbert Madison Ebbert Annie Godfrey and Jack Kittle Ben Godfrey Tookie and Keith Hazelrig Tee Van Eaton Phyllis and Hugh Holley Keegan Dowling Lauri Hughes Kate Poole Lucy Inman Holden Inman Suzanne and John Lynch Kathryn Cadin Faye and Lofton Odom Bo Bain
Dancy and Charlie Wynne Charlie Jones
In-Kind (Non-Auction)
Jill and John Marshall
Matching Gift Companies American Express AT&T Cisco Systems Delta Air Lines Eli Lilly and Co. Foundation Equinix, Inc. Falfurrias Capital Partners McKinsey & Company, Inc. Microsoft Regeneron Regions Robinson Weeks Partners, LLC Shell USA State Farm Companies The Coca-Cola Company The Home Depot Truist Financial Corporation U.S. Bank Foundation UBS Matching Gifts Program
Vivian and Fred Price Emma O’Leary Carol and Dale Rackers Lydia Pope-Fritz Deborah and Steve Rogers Harrison Inman
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Honorary & Memorial Gifts Honorary Gifts In Honor of… Given by
Mr. Patrick Locke Abernethy Marcia Abernethy Mrs. Brantley J. Abrams Sarah and John Bottini Mr. John Thomas Alioto Kathy and Mike Alioto Ms. Reese C. Armstrong Cathy Krendl Susan Krendl-Armstrong and Kraig Armstrong Ms. Allison M. Arne Barbara and Paul Arne Mrs. Egen A. Arnold Margaret and Dallas Denny Mrs. Janie C. Beck Sarah and John Bottini Beverly Coleman Ms. Abigail M. Beckom Hart and Elliot Stuck Mr. Shakuur R. Beyah Mark Gilson Mrs. Mary Bryan Blumberg Greer and Bryan Pope Ms. Ida C. Blythe and the 2nd Grade Class McCall and Brian Blythe
Ms. Taylor M. Davidson John Davidson
Ms. Christina E. McCoy Marie and Jimmy Faulkner
Ms. Coleman J. Deming Sarah and John Bottini
Mrs. Patricia H. McEwen Jackie and JC Fisher
Mr. Dallas H. Denny, Jr. Egen and Sean Arnold
Mr. Logan D. Mendelson Ian Mendelson
Ms. Sumner G. Dexter Heather and Blake Dexter
Mr. Brendan C. Noll Hart and Elliot Stuck
Mr. William M. Eberhart Tina and Matt Eberhart
Ms. Anne “Annie” P. Oates Rebecca and Zach Kennedy
Ms. Mary K. Edwards Betty Cornwell
Ms. Emma F. O’Leary Vivian and Fred Price
Ms. Allison T. Flood Sara and Nathan Flood
Mr. Rocco J. Pavlovich Hart and Elliot Stuck
Ms. Anna K. Gallant Sarah and Jon Gallant
Mr. Lucas Penake Vira White
Mr. David W. Gallant Sarah and Jon Gallant
Mr. Brody A. Persons Hart and Elliot Stuck
Ms. Payton S. Gannon Chanley and Mike Gannon
Mrs. Mary Grace Price Rebecca and Zach Kennedy
Mrs. Cason Given Janie and Michael Beck Sarah and John Bottini
Mr. Edward “Teddy” C. Quenzer Suzy Quenzer
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick S. Hall Caroline and Andy Wildman Mr. Edward M. Hanson Hart and Elliot Stuck Ms. Katie Harrigan Sarah and John Bottini
Mrs. Janet Roach Suzanne Coffey Ms. Sutherland D. Rogers Morgan and David Rogers Ms. Addison J. Shafer Hart and Elliot Stuck
Mr. Ethan P. Boehme Katharine and Chris Boehme
Ms. Elliana E. Hartman Hart and Elliot Stuck
Mr. Steve Shaw Gale and Steve Klayman Janet and Chip Roach
Mr. Bowen C. Britt Sherry and Chris Britt
Ms. Hannah Grace Hene Amanda and Matt Hene
Ms. Alice A. Simonton Christine and Scott Simonton
Ms. Kendall L. Brock Deborah and Todd Brock
Ms. Katherine F. Hidell Holly and Tommy Hidell
Ms. Macy L. Simonton Christine and Scott Simonton
Mr. Miller T. Brown Rosie and Adam Brown
Mr. Thomas H. Hidell Holly and Tommy Hidell
Mr. William Hampton Spry Marty Spry
Ms. Ryder M. Brown Rosie and Adam Brown
Mr. Harrison W. Inman Deborah and Steve Rogers
Ms. Mary Claire Steele Tonya and David Steele
Ms. Emily E. Burke Kate and Wells Burke
Ms. Madeline J. Ivey Kathleen and Freddy Ivey
Ms. Sydney E. Stewart Spencer and Glenn Stewart
Mr. Cooper R. Bush Patty and Wade Bush
Ms. Molly F. Knowles Mimi and Brian Sturgell
Ms. Lily A. Stowell Sarah and John Bottini
Mr. Sebastian G. Carera Linda and Bob Werner
Mr. Jack N. Krohn Patricia and Pablo Diego
Mrs. Hart Stuck Karen and Mark Crittenden
Mr. James B. Chapman, Sr. Lee Barton
Mr. Ethan C. Leary Mandy and Kevin Leary
Mr. Matthew H. Christensen Nancy and Ken Christensen
Mr. Alexander C. Leef Dorothy Mitchell-Leef and Forrest Leef
The Schenck School Faculty & Staff Joanne and Lewis Newman Mimi and Brian Sturgell
Ms. Anna Rae W. Copeland Darcy and David Copeland
Dr. Kara A. Loftin Haley and Paul Dozier
Ms. Anna E. Crittenden Hart and Elliot Stuck
Mr. Evan R. Maynard Fran and Joe Rogers
62 | The Schenck School
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Vinson Allison and Sam DeFrees Ms. Jocelyn C. Walker Betty and Steve Walker
Mr. Grayson B. Warren Karen and Michael Warren Summer and Sean Warren Mr. Oliver E. Webb Ronna and Marc Taub Mr. Reed L. Wechsler Missy and Jason Wechsler Mr. Noah Wells Kelly and Matt Wells Ms. Joanna S. Wilen Nancy and Joe Wilen Mr. Owen Williams Julia and Kyle Williams Ms. Sydney E. Williams Hart and Elliot Stuck Mr. Wix H. Windom Cheryl and Kevin Windom Ms. Leah F. Woolfson Lori and Jonathan Woolfson Ms. Rachel C. Woolfson Lori and Jonathan Woolfson Mr. Charles W. Wynne II Betty Jo and Andy Currie Ms. Lucy I. Wynne Betty Jo and Andy Currie Hart and Elliot Stuck Ms. Thea V. Xerogeanes Ashley and Cleve Driver
Memorial Gifts In Memory of… Given by
Mrs. Theodora “Dodie” Chapman Janet Chapman Mr. James E. Heslin III Charlie Abraham Beth Adams Fanny Adams Alex Smith Garden Design Christy and Richard Barlow Ken Callaham Shari and Stephen Coan Coker Janet and Sid Elliott Forthright Wealth Management Meg Griffith Inger Harris Mary Helen and Andrew Heaner Emily and Jay Heslin Luanne Heslin Mona and Patrick Heslin Kay Jacoby Christine Jenkins Helen and Don Martin Judson McNeil Genie Mize MJS Design Group Amy Molyneux Robin and Jay Moore Lynn Neilson
Judy and Michael Pacifico & Friends of Jim Heslin Monica Pancare Jewel Quiner Beth Roberts Maggie Richards Richard Sarris Robin Small Jean Smallwood Marcia and Jeffrey Sosebee Mark Sperry Kimberly Stuart Margie Thompson Lynn Weekley Allyson Young Mrs. Rosie Jones Amy Norris Mr. Carson D. McElheney, Sr. Ann and Will Simpson Mr. Alexander Nix Roberta Miller Mary Margaret Schulte Ms. Tanya Picault Kerri Saulnier Terry Sherali Mr. David T. Schenck Lou and Blanton Winship Mrs. Caryn J. Silverman Evelyn Mayblum Mr. Chuck Stokes Beth Sherman Mr. Cameron A. Street Roberta Miller Hunter Ryan Mary Margaret Schulte Laura Thwaite Mr. Charles Christian Tuller Louise and Blanchard Tual Ms. Patricia S. Turner Barbara Blanchard Elham Danaie Amparo de La Peña Laura Deane Kristy Deming-Fahr Kathryn Garcia Nolan Heiter Brooke and Chad Kamke David Murphy Tanya O’Donnell Sherrell Oliver Pierman Gena and Jim Poje Stephanie Poje Jennifer Rujstad Angela Saspa Lisa, Jeremy, and Jaxson Sells Curtis Vaughn Cassandra Walker Ashley Weider Abbey Weintraub Jane Wilson Mr. John F. Williams, Sr. Beth Sherman
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Auction&Gala The Schenck School’s Auction & Gala is a can’t-miss event. Benefitting the School and its extension arm ReadSource, the 2025 Auction & Gala was held at Cherokee Town and Country Club. Gala guests had a ball as they played casino games, connected with members of the Schenck community, and came together to champion a wonderful cause. We are grateful to everyone who supported the event—volunteers, attendees, donors, bidders, paddle raisers and sponsors alike! Every act of generosity helped amplify the event’s impact, leading to more than $110,000 raised for the Fund-a-Need supporting ReadSource initiatives, and more than $200,000 donated to the overall event.
Auction & Gala Sponsors
Double Diamond
Arcus Capital Partners with appreciation to Steve Edwards Papa Johns with appreciation to Nancy and Joe Sieve Lisa and Mark Snoddy
Betty Ann and Larry Abblitt Kori and Lynwood Bishop Greta and David Crowley Holly and Fred DeLoach OneDigital Truist Financial Corporation Caroline and Andy Wildman
Ace of Hearts
Winning Hand
Full House
HB Wealth Management with appreciation to Katherine and Michael Woocher Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law Attorneys with appreciation to Elinor and Jeff Hitt The Steele Family Mary Stoney and Jeffrey Wright
64 | The Schenck School
Melissa and Ryan Alfred Linda and Brian Barish Sara and Andrew Bernhardt Gina and Trevor Bleedorn Elizabeth and Britton Burdette Kimberly and Nathan Curtis Jessica and Ryan Doyle Amanda and Brad Gomel
Jennifer and Donnan Gray Burch and Mark Hanson Ashley and Ryan Jenkins Jessica and Justin Jones Amy and Andrew Kelly Missy and Anthony Martin Elizabeth Miller-Tucker and Scott Tucker Jacqueline Morris Lizzie and Chris Rollins Lauren and Rick Rollins Kate and Matt Santore Farley and Matt Sirockman Jennifer and Cal Stowell Jackie and Rob Townley Summer and Sean Warren Emily and Adam Webb
Cash Donors
Felice and John Catalano Veronica and Michael Chen Docqmax Alexia and Lin Rogers Pamela R. Rollins Julie and Yasha Sack Kate and Matt Santore Silpa Reddy and Drew Stephens Technical Trade Group, Inc. Cissy and Michael Zelickson
Paddle Raisers
Ginger Abblitt Erin and Patrick Abernethy Sara and Andrew Alias Sarah and John Bottini Brand Properties Patrick Broderick Jessica and Casey Brown Laura Elliott and Brian Budnick Kate and Wells Burke Leigh and Lee Cardwell Kate and Jim Denny Margaret and Tillman Douglas Loretta Edmond Cason and Christian Given Catie and Michael Hart Kristen and Brent Herrin Rebecca and Zach Kennedy Susan Krendl-Armstrong and Kraig Armstrong Leslie and Steve LaBriola Laura Hamilton Collection Kara and Joe Loftin
Margaret and Jason Long Missy and Anthony Martin Charlotte and Marc McDonnell Jori and Brett Mendel Elizabeth Miller-Tucker and Scott Tucker Jennifer and Brand Morgan Stacey and Paul Ollinger Jessica and Ross Poole Stacey and Alan Prusak Publix Super Market Charities Carly Reifenberger Jenifer and Ben Rogers Lizzie and Chris Rollins Kate and Matt Santore Nancy and Joe Sieve Jackie and Rob Townley Emily and Adam Webb Kayleen and Mark Whitmer Caroline and Andy Wildman Mary Stoney and Jeffrey Wright
Auction & Gala Volunteers Parent Chairs Greta Crowley Kristen Herrin Jessica Poole Volunteers Marla Eastwood Angelique James Mary Megan Pearson Ren Thorne Julie Townsend Caroline Van Eaton
In-Kind Donors
Atlanta Falcons Atlanta United FC Sally Belenky Christine and Spencer Bomar Nancy and Doug Bryant Deborah Grooms Photography Elizabeth and Jack Draughon Misa and Dimitrios Efstathiou Morgan and Alan Hamilton Highland Diamond Jessica and Justin Jones Katherine Wirth Art Jori and Brett Mendel Moosh Nectar and Nest Interiors Perrine’s Wine Shop Sandy Springs Porsche of North America Alexia and Lin Rogers Michaeline and Ed Roland Lauren and Rick Rollins Rugged Road Outdoors Leslie and Guenter Seeger Jeff Shiver Shiver Hamilton Campbell LLC Liz and Rob Shults Skin by Callie Sneex Alyssa and Bryan Steele Strength Lab Sherry McCann Teixeira Jana and Jason Thomas Truist Financial Corporation Van Michael Virginia Highland Harvin and Curtis Whitaker
2024-2025 Annual Report | 65
Parent Volunteers The Schenck experience is made stronger by the parents who give their time so generously. Their commitment and care make a lasting difference in the life of our school.
Art
Ashleigh Byrne Nicole Chappelle Kimberly Curtis Stacey Guith Britt Hogan Ashley Jenkins Liz Pastor Ashley Osborne
Dyslexia Dash Eric Diersen Misha Ebbert Molly O’Neal Ashlie Santora
Field Day
Melissa Alfred Linda Barish Kori Bishop Mary Jane Brent Rosie Brown Ashleigh & Troster Byrne Karen Carera Laura Leigh Caswell Jess Cathell Megan Cayes Stephanie Corbett Kimberly Curtis Kayla Dirks Alyson Duke Misha Ebbert Alexa & Ryan Erwin Meg Fleming Anne Flinn Tristan Ford-Hutchinson Aleene George Britt Glomski Stacey Guith Allison Hermanson Stephanie Hight Katy Jablon Anna Jones Traci Jones Wiley Jones Ana Krohn Mandy Leary Taryn Lesniak Jennifer Livingston Katherine Lowrey Missy Martin Charlotte McDonnell Brandon McFarland
66 | The Schenck School
Beth Moeller Ross Nicholas Molly O’Neal Mary Megan Pearson Jessica Poole Lizzie Rollins Chada Saetie Pete Santora Kelly Sexstone Nancy Sieve Spencer & Glenn Stewart Palmer Stratton Jessica Stuart Julie Townsend Summer Warren Meredith Weaver Sarai Williams Julia Williams Erica Yates
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day Kay Alexander Karen Carera Avital Cohen Diana Cohen Katherine Dowling Britt Glomski Angelique James Traci Jones Missy Martin Mary Megan Pearson Meghan Pietrantonio Jessica Poole Megan Raville Kaitlin Ricketts Nancy Sieve Spencer Stewart Palmer Stratton Virginia Twynham Missy Wechsler
House of Phoenix
Haley Dozier Allison Kang Mary Megan Pearson Palmer Stratton
Library
Stephanie Cusimano Beth Diersen
Marla Eastwood Mandy Leary Virginia Twynham
New Family Ambassadors Kindergarten Janie Beck McCall Blythe First Grade Britt Glomski Ashley Jenkins Jessica Poole Lizzie Rollins Second Grade Melissa Alfred Beth Diersen Missy Martin Sarah Olsen Nancy Sieve Third Grade Avital Cohen Allison Kang Jori Mendel Adrienne Penake Beth Tietz Fourth Grade Gina Bleedorn Greta Crowley Elizabeth Broderick Fifth Grade Nicole Chappelle Mary Beth Stevenson Julie Townsend Sixth Grade Holly DeLoach Polly Nicholas
Room Parents Kindergarten Laura Leigh Caswell Alyson Duke Ashley Jenkins Lizzie Rollins First Grade Melissa Alfred Beth Diersen Katherine Dowling Jennifer Livingston Missy Martin Virginia Twynham
Second Grade Meg Fleming Kori Bishop Mary Jane Brent Annie Carlini Laurel Lawrence Ritu Kelotra Spencer Stewart Tiffany Torbert Third Grade Misha Ebbert Amanda Gomel Liesel Helms Kristen Herrin Liza Nordmark Kristen Novay Mary Megan Pearson Nora Rachelson Mallory Rahman Anne Flinn Virginia Twynham Eva Walker Lisa Weiss Fourth Grade Kay Alexander Aleene George Bevin Irby Mary Beth Stevenson Julie Townsend Ryan Valduga Missy Wechsler Fifth Grade Holly DeLoach Liza Nordmark Kelly Sexstone Erica Yates Sixth Grade Molly O’Neal
Teacher Appreciation Karen Carera Megan Raville Anne Flinn Spencer Stewart Missy Wechsler
Used Uniforms Mary Brantley Nalley Corrine Patton Magan Ward Eva Walker
Financial Report 2024-2025 10%
REVENUE Day School Tuition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,813,870
9%
Auxiliary Program Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,231,205 Contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,091,418
Revenue
Miscellaneous Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $148,638 ____________ ____________ Total Revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,285,131
1%
80%
EXPENSES Salaries and Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,234,394 Day School Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $836,528 Auxiliary Program Expense . . . . . . . . . . . $690,945 General and Admin Expense. . . . . . . . $2,206,940 ____________ ____________
69%
Total Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,968,807
7%
Expenses
Every effort has been made to ensure that the list of donors who made a gift between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, is accurate.
6%
18%
If you have questions please contact Janie Beck, Director of Development, at 470.397.5818.
2024-2025 Annual Report | 67
68 |
epilogue Rise ‘n Shine is a new tradition started at the School. Every Friday morning, the school community comes together for 15 minutes to reflect and recharge. One important segment of Rise ‘n Shine is the mindful minute—60 seconds of guided breathing and calm by Dr. Kara.
The Story • Fall 2025 | 69
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