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Dear WSSA Community,
It is my privilege to present this annual report of our progress in providing an outstanding education to the young scholars of our community. We are proud of our long-standing and newest programs which continue to meet the needs of students who learn differently
Our program is strong because our highly skilled teachers are passionate about helping all students become successful learners, and our families are partners, supporting their children’s learning every step of the way.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your invaluable contributions to The Winston School San Antonio and its mission-driven initiatives Thank you for championing the transformative work that our students need and deserve.
MICHELLE SPOONEMORE, PH.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Winston School Community,
I would like to share our deepest gratitude for your support of The Winston School San Antonio. Your dedication to our School allowed us to continue to provide an extraordinary educational experience for students who learn differently Every day we see the impact of your generosity and investments Your gifts provide vital support for curricular and programmatic innovations and enhancements, computer and assistive technology, ongoing faculty professional development, and financial aid for our families in need
To all our donors, friends, volunteers, and others who have let us share in their generosity, and on behalf of everyone at The Winston School San Antonio, we offer our sincere gratitude. Thank you for helping us carry out our mission to provide a personalized, college preparatory education to students with high potential and identified learning differences and graduate confident, well-rounded, and lifelong self-advocates.
On behalf of the WSSA Board of Trustees,
On January 20, 2023, and in conjunction with the 33rd Annual Learning Symposium, The Center for Neurodiversity at The Winston School San Antonio was officially opened to increase the services offered to neurodivergent students and their families
The mission of The Center for Neurodiversity at The Winston School San Antonio is to provide the highest quality psychoeducational testing, (cognitive, academic, and psychological) and extension and support services to families in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
The Center offers a wide range of testing options conducted by WSSA Licensed Specialists in School Psychology and certified Diagnosticians. This testing is vital for identifying learning strengths and weaknesses to inform the most effective interventions
In addition to comprehensive cognitive and academic testing, The Center also offers both executive function and ADHD coaching conducted by certified WSSA Coaches
Tutoring and targeted intervention services including dyslexia therapy and credit recovery, as well as college and career counseling, homework support, and consultation services, are also offered for Winston students and private clients attending other schools.
All services offered by The Center are extensions of the School’s mission and aimed at empowering neurodivergent students of all ages to recognize and develop their unique strengths while gaining the skills and accommodations needed to maximize cognitive function and selfconfidence
The Learning Symposium showcased a Keynote Lecture titled “Emotional Intelligence”: Key to Raising Healthy, Happy, and Successful Children By Marc Brackett, Ph.D. author of “Permission To Feel” and founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and a professor in the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine at Yale University.
In this interactive presentation, Marc discussed his Center’s research on the “emotional state” of our nation’s children and families and described the theory and skills of emotional intelligence, which have been shown to support optimum health, well-being, and academic success. He shared the skills, tools, and practices developed at Yale, which can immediately support parents in developing their own and their children’s emotional intelligence
I graduated from The Winston School San Antonio in May 2019 and began my journey at Beacon College, a postsecondary institution for students who learn differently, the following August. I chose Anthrozoology, the study of human and animal relationships and how those relationships impact society, as my major and Psychology as my minor Throughout my studies, I followed a path that led me toward working for a zoo or aquarium, or in conservation.
When I got to Beacon, I was overjoyed to be in an environment where others shared my struggles with high noise and large classroom settings. It made me feel at home right away I wanted to get involved on campus, so I joined the school's Equestrian Club and was immediately elected into the position of Vice President, then President shortly after During my presidency, I reimagined the organization to ensure that all students, regardless of their previous equestrian experience, could be involved.
During my junior and senior years at Beacon, I completed internships at a zoo and a primate/prosimian sanctuary and was a member of the Honor Society. I was also selected to share my college and personal experiences with potential students, their parents, and visiting educators during in-person and virtual events on multiple occasions In May of 2023, I graduated from Beacon and began looking forward to my next stage of life.
I am now a Zoologist at the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach Florida. I work with all of the primates in the facility, as well as the African Servals and several other species It is the job I always dreamed about having and I couldn't have made it here without The Winston School San Antonio and Beacon College pushing me to pursue my dreams and passions!
I attended Winston from fifth through twelfth grade. Prior to Winston, I was diagnosed with dyslexia but did not receive any accommodations from my school, causing me to fall behind several grade levels and struggle with self-esteem issues However, the supportive environment at Winston allowed me to flourish, boosting my self-esteem and academic performance. Engaging in various activities like sports, science fairs, and the Interact Club, I fully immersed myself in the school community Graduating as valedictorian was a proud moment, representing my peers with honor.
After graduating from Winston, I enrolled at Baylor University in fall 2017. In spring 2021, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in Psychology and Corporate Communication, plus a minor in Political Science, I was inducted into multiple honors societies and made the Dean's List seven times.
At Baylor, I delved into diverse fields and gained valuable professional experience. In my senior year, I received the Psychology and Neuroscience Student of the Year award for my academic excellence and research contributions.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I dedicated myself to preparing for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) while working simultaneously Eventually, I chose to pursue my legal education at Duke University School of Law.
In my first year, I worked at the Duke University School of Law First Amendment Clinic, assisting clients with freedom of speech and expression issues
Notably, I contributed to drafting a brief submitted to the United States Supreme Court. Currently in my second year, I serve as a research assistant, focusing on the historical context of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fourteenth Amendment in relation to affirmative action.
During my time at Winston, I realized dyslexia is not a learning disability that would prevent me from learning to read and write effectively but rather a learning difference that had nothing to do with my intelligence, potential, or abilities. Throughout my academic journey at Baylor University and Duke Law, Winston consistently supported and encouraged me I regularly communicate with Mr Canales and have breakfast with him when I'm in town. I keep Mrs. Schexnyder updated on my activities and continue to receive support and guidance from Winston. I'm fortunate to maintain strong relationships with teachers and staff even seven years after graduation Most importantly, I formed lasting friendships at Winston. Despite living in different states, my friends and I stay in touch daily and reunite whenever we're in San Antonio.
Churchill Society $10,000+
Katherine Korbell Brown
William Carrington
HEB Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust
Margie & Larry Warren
Michael Harper Jr
Mark B. Weinstein
Edward B. Kelley
Bonnie Ellison Charitable Fund
Beth Bowman Harper
Dean’s List $2,500 - $4,999
Carol Zernial
Kristen Plastino-Arnold
Christina Bui
Honor Roll $500 - $2,499
Mitch Beres
Timothy Looney
Tracy Calloway
Tracy Vardiman
The Perron and Quintana Family Charitable Fund
Dr. Peri-Anne Chobot
Andrew Auber
Cindy Schneider
Edgar Garza
Fernando Castaneda
Haward Nichols
Evgenia & Arnold Espe
Jennifer McSween Canavan
John Korbell
Jorge A. Olazabal
Dr. Julie Carbajal
Dr. Karen Waldron
Leslie C. Henry
Lisa and Wade Weems
Nancy Dunson
Nancy Kelley
North Central Rotary
Pam Worsham
Roberta Tijerina Garza
Ruth Bowman Russell
Sabina Chowdhury
Stefanie Webber
Sue Snyder
Susan Block
The NonProfit Council
Whole Freight LLC
Mark D. Cuthbert
Henrietta Hildebrand
Isabel Gallup
Stacie Lewis
Amy Feik Garcia
Brett Morgan
Inderjit Singh Mehat
Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Julie Corwin Truss
Karen Znoj
Kurt Warnken
Lesley Cowen
Michelle R. Wilson
Nancy Cadena Williams
Raul Cabaza III
Rebecca Rosser
Robert McCormick
Thomas H. Phelps
Chicken N' Pickle San Antonio
Jon Tom McAnear
Winston School Parent Association
Mark D. Cuthbert
My Locker
Dirk Rihn
Mike Canales
Rick Schorr
Adam Boldt
Alison Dearden
Amber R Hoberg
Anne Alcantara
Britney Abedi
Caroline Seay
Colleen Pryke
Crista Branch
Gabrielle and Carlos Garcia
JDSM Enterprises, Inc
Jessica Nichols
John Sander
Karen Conlee
Kelly and Don Maranca
Matt Freeman
Nancy Cadena Williams
Oscar Jennings
Peter Denney
Raul Rodriguez
Roberta Tijerina Garza
Ryan T. Kelley
Sandra Rojas
Susan Smith
Southtown Cookie Company
Tom Conlee
Alamo Hardwoods, Inc.
CDR Erin Robertson
Daniella Fisher
Gaye Belcher
Gordon Ivers
Gordon Weiner
Harriet Parnes
Juan Manuel Fernandez
Kristal Kelley
Wayne Ehrisman
Amazon Smile
Miranda and Jim Cushman
Monica Ramirez-Escamilla
Alicia Horn
Central Air Conditioning Company, INC
Kristina D. Barronton
Laura Kate Wilson
The Rotary Club Foundation of Boerne Sunrise
Becky Baskin
Clifton Robin
Molly Groesbeck Solis
Alex Freitag
Amy E. Pillet
Amy O'Shea
Anna M. Fritz
Babette Hilderbrand
Bobbie Koepp
Carolyn Drawert
Charles Acord
Dr. Charles J. Karulak
Charlie Wetherbee
Christopher Reeves
Costco
Debra Lamb
Elisa Rendon
Emily W. Freudigman
Heather Robin
Jay Jordan
Jennifer Borrego
Jessica H. Stotts
John Nevelow
Joseph Sander
Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Julie Saboe
Kathleen Stevens
Kimberly A. Lander
Laura Gonzalez
Leena Siiteri
Liliana S. Oakes
Lisa Anderson
Marina Parra-Noonan
Mario E. Leija
Melanie Balderrama
Ramiro De Leon
Rebecca Archer
The Ewing Halsell Foundation
Tonie Ogier-Bryan
Yvette Garcia
Brandon C Rodriguez
Lisa Trevino Menendez
Kasey Ponce
Kit Prezkuta
Missy Harris
Ivanna Warnken
Kimberly Sultemeier
Mary A Whitaker
Dr. Alvin Marx
Ben Culpepper
Dana Oglesby
Frank Pacheco
Giovanni Cavatorta
Heather A Borowiec
Hector Elizondo
Jacqueline De La Torre
Julie Hanson
Laura Valadez
Louise Pastorino
Marissa Cabaza
Mark Piedra
Mary Collins
Maureen Shy
Melody Templeton
Michael Calloway
Michelle McCay
Mohammed Khalid
Richard Rodriguez
Richard Trevino
Robyn Borth
Stacy Bippert
Steven Solis
Tara Christine Gatten
Tricia Hernandez
Kendra Scott
Nicole Cody
Steven Wand
Anissa Lopez
Fran M. Williams
Katherine Adams-Krick
Brenda Lane
Gregory DeStefano
Israel Tellez
Jennifer Thiem
Leana Tuttle
Sean Daly
Barbara Goldstein
Stacie Lewis
Jennifer Smith
Joseph Bennett
Lauren Suzanne VandeBerg
Rachel Dawn Vega
Alemendra Reyes-Paredes
Ana Lopez
Ashley Guerra
Charles Christain
Christina Ann Gonzales
Cynthia S. Valdez
Deanna Strahl
Felicia Guajardo
Irma Ramirez
Jacquelyn Stovall
Julie Eakle
Kristi Leigh Evans
Kristin Ashley
Michelle Nikkhah
Monica Taub
Sabrina Archer
Rosemary Castoreno
Carlos Alvarado Jr.
Juan Bosco Morales
Bradlee White
Kathy Keller
Lisa M. Guerra Vargas
Noelle Argabright
Noelle Higdon
Sarah Beth Herring
Steven Yocham
Bianca Flores
Adriana Edwards
David Oglesby
Chloe Eseo
Diego E Morales
Greg Ewing
Lori Olazabal
Melissa Lynn Downs
Morgan Fucheck
Rosie Quezada
Sarah Ehrisman Davis
Toni Schexnyder
Tracy Vardiman
Diana Rendon
Elizabeth Donda
Karen Znoj
Leslie C. Henry
Matthew Ayala
Nicholas West
Sara Castaneda
Andrew Pratt
Krystal Ayala
Clair Larkin
Andrea R. Faris
Connie Hooper Shaffer
Leigh Freeman
Megan Fielder
Michelle R. Rodriguez
Michelle R. Wilson
Stephanie West
Aimee MacCabe
Donna Pearson
Elizabeth Looney
Mandy Renee-Marin Randall
Megan Freeman
Mindy Kathleen Sanchez
Patrick Villalpando
Zalena Su'e
Lenore Nagel
Misha Peter
Wendi McNulty
Amy Feik Garcia
Emily Strayer
Katie W. Smithpeter
Campus improvements comprise a new booster club sales trailer and a security exit gate for student emergencies. Three new color laser printers empower teachers and students to create vivid, high-quality materials. The introduction of a computer-controlled automatic gate system streamlines access and reinforces security measures. Additionally, upgrades to athletic facilities, including new dugouts and revitalized football and baseball scoreboards, enhance aesthetics and nurture school pride.
