CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER SUMMER
2016
GROVESACADEMY.ORG
15th Annual LD/ADHD College and Post-Secondary Opportunities Fair THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016 INFO AND REGISTRATION
GROVESACADEMY.ORG/COLLEGE-FAIR
Find your future at an event exclusively for students with learning disabilities and attention disorders. This FREE college fair has been designed to help students take the next step toward their future.
CONTENTS 1
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Scholarship Gala Recap
2-3 Class of 2016
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Groves Music
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Alumni Profile
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Our Mission, Vision, and Values
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Faculty Profile
12
On the Map
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Board Profile
13
Matching Gifts
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Education Development
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2016-2017 Workshops
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Boys and Girls Clubs Partnership
Letter from John Alexander
CONFIDENCE, SUCCESS, AND PURPOSE Dear Friends of Groves: It seems like students just entered the building for the start of the 2015-16 school year;
instead, we recently finished the school year with a moving graduation ceremony. The class of 2016 joyously celebrated their achievements while there was nary a dry eye among the graduates’ parents. The class of 2016 worked hard to earn their diplomas, and we wish them well as they start the next chapter of their lives. As always, we are proud of all of our students. They shared wonderful musical and theatrical productions, their art adorned the school walls and hallways, and their talent as school ambassadors was evident in the relationships they formed with many visitors who wanted to learn more about Groves. Last but not least, students’ efforts in the classrooms were evident and resulted in academic progress unseen in their previous schools. We take special pride in the comment of a local administrator of an independent (private) high school who remarked, “Of the 121 Twin Cities middle schools that send students to our school, Groves students are the best prepared for high school.” This is high praise indeed. We have even more accomplishments to celebrate. We started last school year with 250 students, a record enrollment, and we have a record enrollment of almost 200 students in this year’s summer program. The Learning Center at Groves Academy hosts six programs including diagnostic testing, tutoring, summer school, career counseling, assistive technology, and speech and language assessments and therapy. We estimate that the six Learning Center services have reached almost 800 students this year and more than 90% are non-Groves students. Finally, we are proud to announce that this past December a generous donor gave us a significant gift as seed money for our newly-initiated Education Development Program. In February, we hired Katharine Campbell as our external Literacy Director. We will form literacy partnerships with two schools and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities this fall. Read more about this program later in this newsletter. It was a busy and productive year at Groves Academy. We thank you for your generous support. Together, we are making a difference for more than one thousand students who need us this year. I hope we can double, if not triple, these numbers in the near future.
“...Together, we are making a difference for more than one thousand students who need us a year.”
Best,
John Alexander Head of School
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MEET OUR SENIORS
CONGRATULAT TO THE GRADUATING CLASS ASHER COHN
MATTHEW DAYTON
Favorite Groves Memory: “Grabbing them” passing grades and playing basketball.
Favorite Groves Memory: On my shadowing day I was super scared. Everyone greeted me with smiles and hellos. I met four guys in the back by the courtyard windows, they changed my life and my whole high school career; they were Quinn, Griffin, Sean and Sam. I can’t thank them enough for being a part of their group and for accepting me for who I am.
Quote: “No.” – Rosa Parks
Quote: “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Wayne Gretzsky
MITCHELL HOLTER
WYATT JOHNSON
Favorite Groves Memory: Field day in 2010 my team was called the Grey Mitchells – it was pretty great.
Favorite Groves Memory: Held a piece of metal in the air during a thunderstorm with Ben. Quote: “I fought the saw and the saw won.”
Quote: “Don’t take yourself too seriously.”
RYDA PETERSON
BOBBY PLOURDE
Favorite Groves Memory: 1. Being in Mrs. Brown’s class with Maren and Annie and staying in at recess and playing teacher. We thought we were so cool doing all the teacher worksheets. 2. Getting saved when my boots came off and Mr. Smith had to save me.
Favorite Groves Memory: Dunking on Mr. Shutte
Quote: “You can never be old and wise, if you were never young and crazy.”
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Quote: “With great power, comes great responsibility.” – (Spider Man) Uncle Ben
ALISHA BULLARD-GREEN
TIONS
Favorite Groves Memory: Math class my freshman year with Mr. Shutte, Maren, Annie, Erick, Andrew. My other favorite memories are laughing with friends and being crazy. Quote: “Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.” – Beyonce
OF 2016! ANTHONY GIERE
ANNIE HILLEN
Favorite Groves Memory: The Upper School trip to Lutsen for the first time.
Favorite Groves Memory: My favorite memory is playing on the soccer team and being in the plays my senior year.
Quote: “Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, would an idiot do that? And if they would, I do not do that thing.” – Dwight Schrute
Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
MAREN LINDBERG
INNA PETERSEN
Favorite Groves Memory: My favorite memories are being in 9th grade meeting Mr. Shutte, and having fun in math. I also had fun being weird with Alisha and making friends.
Favorite Groves Memory: A favorite memory is having fun with my friend Rosa and Mrs. Eggers class because would always make it fun. Quote: “Never run away from fear – fear can hurt you but it won’t scar you – live your life with no regrets and always be true to yourself because you never know what life will be.”
Quote: “Be yourself. Let no one tell you otherwise. Let yourself shine through.”
MITCHELL STARKEY
CULLAN VAVRUS
Favorite Groves Memory: When my Spanish class went to the mid-town global market. We took the Groves Academy short bus there (which is funny) and I ordered all my food wrong in Spanish which is hilarious. All in all I had a good time and it was a fun day.
Favorite Groves Memory: My favorite memory at Groves would be going on both Junior/Senior trips.
Quote: “I had a good time at Groves.”
Quotes: “Kick logic to the curb, and do the impossible.” and “Forget the risk. Take the fall. If it’s what you want, it’s worth it all.”
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A Love for Discovery and Learning Grows at Groves Groves Academy alum, Ella Beaudoin, just completed her junior year at American University in Washington, DC. Ella is studying Paleolithic Archeology and she is working on her senior thesis which is focused on stone tools, edge damage, and calculating edge damage. Last year, she was an intern at the Smithsonian where she worked on evaluating tooth marks on a modern bone assemblage. We caught up with Ella before she took off for the Koobi Fora Field School in Kenya where she will be a teaching assistant for other college and graduate students. Ella’s learning disability was diagnosed early on. When she was seven years old she transitioned from her public school where she struggled to Groves Academy where she flourished. Ella has an abundant amount of gratitude for her parents because their advocacy for her changed her life. Once Ella arrived at Groves, she learned how to read and also began to improve in math. “My greatest academic achievement is learning to read. I can never thank Groves enough because the teachers there gave me the tools, focus and support to learn to read. I read my first entire book at age 11. I wouldn’t have gone to college let alone have dreamt of graduate school had it not been for Groves Academy.” In addition to the significant learning strides made during her time at Groves, Ella also discovered more. “Groves let me figure out I was smarter than how I felt.” Ella commented that the teachers at Groves encouraged her by explaining that she was bright but just learned differently and with some hard work she would achieve just as much as other students, if not more. Another key to Ella’s success was the other Groves students. “Being around other Groves students who were persevering and working with their learning disability inspired and motivated me to keep going. It also taught me patience. We live in a world where everyone is not the same as you and you need to learn how to interact with people different from you.” When asked what Ella would say to current Groves students or students thinking about attending Groves Academy, Ella answered without hesitation, “Your disability doesn’t define you. You are just as smart and wonderful as everyone else.” Groves Academy is proud of all of our alumni and we love hearing stories like Ella’s. Ella has a bright future and upon graduation is planning on attending graduate school. She hopes to continue to do research work and be a professor someday. Ella said, “I want to teach others because the teachers at Groves taught me that I could do things I never thought I could. I want to do the same and be that teacher for someone like me.”
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Faculty Profile | Betty Williams We sat down with beloved long-tenured teacher Betty to hear about her experience at Groves Academy and why she loves teaching. Why did you choose to teach at Groves Academy? My father worked for Mr. Hartzell (one of the founders of Groves). Also, my brother attended Groves for a couple of years of summer school and one school year. Groves helped my brother significantly. After I received my Master’s Degree I wanted to be involved with the school that helped my brother.
You have been on the faculty since 1987 – how has Groves Academy changed over the years? How has your role at Groves evolved? The changes and growth in the physical school building have been pretty incredible. Also, I have enjoyed watching Groves hone in and focus on its very important mission. I appreciate how Groves is mission driven. I started out as a preschool teacher and a middle school math and science teacher then spent the next 17 years as the Director of Preschool and Kindergarten. After the preschool/kindergarten program ended, I started teaching Home Science and have been teaching it ever since.
What do you like best about teaching Home Science? I enjoy watching the students get excited about cooking and sewing. I love when the students are enthusiastic and start to bring recipes to share and ask for recipes to take home to try. I also think teaching the students to use the sewing machine helps prepare them for driving since there is a steering component combined with using the foot pedal.
Do you have a funny story or interesting story to share? I learned this past year that some of my students think of me when they are skiing the black diamond hills. When I teach them how to use the sewing machine – I’m always saying don’t drive off the “cliff” as they use the presser foot (“skis”). So apparently they say that they salute me as they are skiing down the hill and heading off the “cliff.”
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Karen Sanger Groves Academy Board of Trustees The Sanger Family has been involved with Groves Academy since 1994 when their oldest son, Mark, enrolled as a student. Shortly after Mark’s arrival at Groves his mother, Karen, joined the board and she has been an active volunteer and board member ever since. For the last two years Karen has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees, capping more than 20 years of dedicated service on the board. We talked to her about the work of the board, her children’s experiences as students at Groves (her daughter Ashley also attended), and why their family continues their strong support of Groves.
How has Groves changed in your tenure on the board? What changes are you most proud of helping accomplish? Groves has changed so much since we first walked through its doors 20 years ago and I am proud of many things. The construction of the new building elevated Groves to a school for a full range of ages. It was hard for older students to feel excited about going to school in a former elementary school building. The new addition helped every student take pride in being a student at Groves. Another change has been the significant growth in extracurricular activities. The addition of sports teams, the theater program, the music program and other after-school activities have helped Groves students grow socially. Participation in these programs gives them a way to relate to other kids at Groves and feel connected. It helps them build confidence, selfesteem, and social skills. I am proud of all of the curriculum enhancements and improvements over the last 20 years. The addition of the Wilson reading program, the Kansas writing program and Singapore math – just to name a few – have all made Groves strong academically and a resource for Twin Cities schools and the greater community.
How did Groves help Mark and Ashley? Mark attended Groves from grades 2-12 and is a proud Groves Academy graduate. He went on to graduate from Lynn University and is now a project manager at a real estate company. Ashley attended Groves grades 4-10 and then transitioned to Benilde. She is now a licensed cosmetologist. For Mark and Ashley, the small class sizes and the love, care and dedication of the staff to all of the students were really meaningful. Teachers require Groves students to be the best they can be – they do not accept that the students can’t do something. We are grateful for the education our kids received at Groves and for the key role that Groves played in helping them to continue their educations and to now be employed.
Why do you continue to support Groves long after your children attended? Every child needs to experience success in school. Groves helps ensure this for hundreds of kids across the Twin Cities each year through the school, The Learning Center, and
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outreach programs. In addition, the literacy gap is such a significant issue in our community and we know that Groves plays a role through its outreach program and new Learning Center in addressing this problem. Any way we can help Groves narrow the literacy gap is important. Steve and I want Groves to be able to help students and to make them feel good about themselves and thrive in their education experience. After Mark’s first visit he said “those other schools might be good for parents, but Groves is good for kids.” We could not agree more.
What message would you send to the greater community about Groves Academy? I want to make sure that the community understands that Groves is a school for kids who look at the world differently and have lots of talents and abilities to contribute if they are just given a chance.
Together, we are making a difference for more than one thousand students who need us this year. We thank you for your generous support.
GROVES ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016-2017 John Alexander
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dr. Peter Brown Dan Deikel
David Iverson
Gary Schiess
Scott Lang
Karen Sanger
Nancy Nordmeyer TREASURER
Franklin Groves Jr.
Suanne Orenstein
Debra Hamilton, M.D.
Steve Pontius
Anne Harbison
Megan Prindiville
CHAIR
Tom Sass
SECRETARY
Thomas Schnack VICE CHAIR
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EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT At Groves Academy With significant achievement gaps in both reading and math in Minnesota, there is an obvious need to share the success of Groves’ curriculum model on a broader basis and to better prepare all teachers so that students can experience greater success in the classroom. Groves Academy has established a proven teacher-training program involving reading and spelling instruction, and has had successful partnerships with schools from the community. Over the past six years, Groves has partnered with public and charter schools, sharing its unique literacy framework with the schools and their teachers. These partnerships have positively impacted the education of hundreds of non-Groves Academy students in the community. As a part of its five-year strategic plan, Groves Academy will be significantly expanding its education development program. The expansion will feature two initiatives: providing professional development opportunities for individual teachers in the community and implementing the Groves Academy Literacy Framework™ by providing consulting to entire schools. Both initiatives will enable Groves Academy to impact a greater number of students each year by improving teacher preparation. Katharine Krogness Campbell has joined Groves Academy as the Director of Literacy, to lead the education development program. She will work with teaching staffs at partner schools, in addition to teaching classes to individual teachers. Groves will partner with multiple schools to implement the literacy framework. This summer, Groves Academy is offering public workshops in word study to K-3 classroom teachers and teachers who provide intervention to struggling readers in grades K-12. “Our goal may be ambitious but we really believe we can move the needle,” said Campbell. “We will arm teachers with the most effective tools they need to guide their students to maximize their learning and become fluent readers.” To learn more about Groves Academy’s Education Development courses please visit grovesacademy.org/teacher-language-training/ or call 952.283.3301.
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RECORD BREAKING SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS RAISED AT GROVES GALA
Groves Teacher Training
Redefining the way our nation is taught Groves Academy's new education development program will help close the reading achievement gap in the Twin Cities. “We will share our most valuable and advanced resources and expertise in reading literacy with teachers, schools and organizations serving at-risk youth, targeting K-12 students in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota,” said Head of School John Alexander. One of our first initiatives will be with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. The non-profit will take full advantage of Grove’s nationallyrenowned programming while it serves more than 12,000 K-12 students—86% of whom are considered low income—in five metro area locations.
500 friends of Groves Academy came together on April 9, 2016 and raised more than $560,000 to support deserving students for whom a Groves Academy education would not be possible without out a scholarship. Some of the highlights of the evening included an inspirational keynote address by author David Flink, exciting silent and live auctions, a competitive heads or tails game for a piece of Max’s jewelry, and an afterparty with dancing and a wine toss from Surdyk’s. Groves Academy is grateful for all of its volunteers, sponsors, and donors for making the gala a huge success. Visit our website for info on next year’s event at grovesgala.org
SAVE THE DATE
FOR GROVES EVENTS GRANDPARENT AND GRANDFRIENDS DAY September 30, 2016
Our goal is to directly impact 1,500 teachers and 7,200 students by the end of the year 2020. This includes approximately 200 intensely trained teachers who could become Groves Academy or Learning Center teachers.
COLLEGE FAIR October 6, 2016 GIVE TO THE MAX DAY November 17, 2016 40TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA April 8, 2017
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Groves Academy Bucket Drum Ensemble performs at the 39th Annual Scholarship Gala, April 2016
Groves Music Raises the Bar One of the very first calls John Alexander received as Head of School came in June 2005 when a parent, Shelly Johnson, phoned and asked John what he thought about having a music program for students. John has a strong belief that bright students with learning differences should not only focus on their academics, but should be offered a well-rounded curriculum that provides ample opportunities to foster innate talents and creativity. John and Shelly met about the development of a music program and she brought good news to the meeting: Shelly had found a donor who was willing to provide a gift to start a music program. During the summer of 2005, staff met with administrators from the MacPhail Center for Music and by that fall, thanks to special donor support, a music program was born. For two years, MacPhail instructors provided lessons in music appreciation and instrument instruction. The program was well received by students, teachers, and parents.
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In 2007, Groves Academy’s current theater director Simon McAllister grew both the music and theater programs. Under Simon’s leadership, students began giving public performances at Groves during Grandparents Day, Taste of Nations, and graduation. During the summer of 2015, Simon became the fulltime theater director as theater became an elective class, and Groves had the very good fortune to hire Jennifer “Jen” Lundstrom. Over the last year Jen greatly expanded the music program, including having students perform in the community and at even more events. Groves also expanded music classes for the middle school students and high school students were offered a drama class elective. We are grateful to the Johnson family (including Groves alumni Natalie and Wyatt) for pushing to get this program started 10+ years ago. While the Groves music program started with one sweet note, it is now growing into a full-fledged symphony!
OUR MISSION
WE BUILD CONFIDENCE, SUCCESS, AND PURPOSE THROUGH TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES. OUR VISION
TO REDEFINE THE WAY OUR NATION IS TAUGHT, ONE STUDENT, ONE TEACHER, AND ONE SCHOOL AT A TIME.
OUR VALUES At the heart of Groves Academy is a community where students, families, faculty, and staff are engaged with a sense of belonging, sharing, and support. As a community, integrity and respect are intrinsic in everything we do.
AUTHENTICITY COLLABORATION · COMPASSION DISCOVERY · TENACITY 11
HAM LAKE ANDOVER
BLAINE
CHAMPLIN
BROOKLYN PARK GREENFIELD
MAPLE GROVE VADNAIS HEIGHTS
LORETTO DELANO
MEDINA CRYSTAL
INDEPENDENCE
MAPLE PLAIN
PLYMOUTH
ROSEVILLE
GOLDEN VALLEY
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LITTLE CANADA
LONG LAKE
MINNETRISTA
MINNEAPOLIS
WAYZATA
ORONO CRYSTAL BAY
SAINT PAUL
ST. LOUIS PARK GROVES ACADEMY TONKA BAY
WOODBURY
MINNETONKA
SHOREWOOD EXCELSIOR
EDINA
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
RICHFIELD CHANHASSEN
WACONIA
G
EDEN PRAIRIE
BLOOMINGTON EAGAN
CHASKA
BURNSVILLE
SHAKOPEE
APPLE VALLEY
SAVAGE
s e i l i m a F PRIOR LAKE
y m e d a c Groves A
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ROCHESTER
ON THE MAP
At least one student attends Groves Academy from each of these 46 communites. We thank all of our Groves families for their commitment and support.
"Our daughter achieved an academic level at Groves that we were told would never be possible for her. She was able to develop social and leadership skills that she may not have imagined she possessed and gained in self-confidence as a result."
- GROVES PARENT
Double or even triple your charitable gift to Groves Academy Did you know that many employers will match your charitable gift or volunteer hours to Groves Academy? We’ve made it easy to find out if your company will double your donation.
Please visit our website: www1.matchinggifts.com/grovesacademy Processing an employer match is easy. Just complete and send your section of the matching gift form provider by your employer – we’ll handle the rest. The impact of your gift to Groves Academy may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies even match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses. If you’ve already made your donation, you can still send us the completed matching gift form, and we’ll verify it directly with your employer.
For questions regarding your company’s programs, please contact your employer’s HR or community giving department. To learn more about matching gifts and to send matching gift forms, please contact Becky at busselmanb@grovesacademy.org or 952.915.4269.
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2016-2017 GROVES ACADEMY WORKSHOP SERIES Groves Academy is committed to expanding the benefits we offer to the greater community. Our events are designed to support parents, educators and students. The majority of workshops are low cost and all are open to the public. Information about each workshop and registration is available online at grovesacademy.org/events. August 25, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Start Here: Planning Your Child's IEP for the School Year September 13, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Reading is Rocket Science September 27, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Speech & Language Services: What, When, How, Where and Why? November 3, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Study Skills and Support at Home November 15, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · High School and College Transitions: It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning December 8, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Diagnostic Testing: What, When, How, Where, and Why? January 5, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Executive Functioning January 19, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · ADHD Over the Lifespan February 7, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · What’s Up with Dys? Dates, times, and topics are subject to change. © 2016 Groves Academy. All rights reserved.
February 23, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · School’s Out for Summer March 7, 2016 · 6:30-8:30 · Managing Stress and Anxiety March 21, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Understanding Dyslexia April 20, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · ADHD and Executive Functioning May 4, 2016 · 6-9 pm · Assistive Technology Mini-Series
6:00-6:55 Active Reading 7:00-7:55 The Writing Process 8:00-9:00 Note Taking and Study Skills
May 16, 2016 · 7-8:30 pm · Taking Charge: Advocacy for Students June 1, 2016 · 7-8:30pm · Meditation and Mindfulness: The Multiple Proven Benefits on Executive, Social-Emotional, and Regular Daily Functioning