17 minute read
Local Boy With Autism Graduates From Guyer
by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Alyssa McDonald
Perhaps Cole Summers thought about receiving his high school diploma just like every other kid did on that makeshift stage at Texas Motor Speedway — with a slow, purposeful walk and a proud outstretched hand.
Advertisement
But this wasn’t your ordinary Guyer graduation day. And Cole wasn’t your ordinary kid.
So in true Cole Montgomery Summers form, he playfully took what can best be described as a Tim Tebow kneel (or Tebowing) before standing back up just in time to accept his diploma. Naturally, the Guyer faithful roared with cheers.
“He didn’t tell us that he was going to do that,” Cole’s mother, Alyssa McDonald, said. “The way he did it was so Cole.”
His father, Matt Summers, agreed.
“It was loud and windy that day, but I’m not lying … he did get more people to cheer for him than anyone else.”
While every graduate deserves high educational path, it was a particularly
poignant milestone for Cole, who was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS). The condition is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the people diagnosed with PDD-NOS are “higher functioning,” the condition does affect their social skills and ability to communicate in a variety of ways. In Cole’s case, doctors told his parents that he’d need help for the rest of his life, including the possibility of not being able to work or graduate from school.
Not only is Cole defying those odds, but he took classes at Guyer with the same curriculum as his classmates. He graduated with a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and is going to NCTC. praise for taking that next step in their
He wants to be a sports broadcaster.
“We were told to be ready for him to live with me forever,” Alyssa said. “That fired us up, and we pushed and pushed. But on top of that, it was Cole’s will to succeed that made the difference. In his eyes, he was never going to be mediocre.”
The journey wasn’t easy. Though Cole has one of the more infectious personalities you’d ever hope to be around, he was misunderstood for a long time and regularly faced ridicule and bullying from his classmates. Teachers tried their best to be accommodating, but they either fell short or the school wasn’t set up to meet his needs. Things changed for the better when he came to Denton ISD. Cole went to E.P. Rayzor Elementary, followed by McNair Elementary for fourth and fifth grade and eventually Harpool Middle School. He still craved acceptance from his classmates, but he had a great support system with his teachers. At Harpool, he played football and was the equipment manager for the basketball team.
“What helped Cole was that he went to elementary and middle school with the same kids,” Matt said. “Both of those schools were challenging for him socially, but as his peer group matured and the autism spectrum disorder became visible, and people became more educated, they finally had a chance to understand him.”
By the time he got to Guyer, Cole was flourishing and quickly became a vital piece to the Guyer social puzzle. He was at every game, every pep rally, and even went to prom. He buckled down and committed himself to excel in academics, to the point where he’d wake up and go to school early for tutoring and stay late for more help.
Everyone knew Cole, and when he walked across that stage, everyone was eager to celebrate an incredible journey.
“He’s that kid who would never give up,” Alyssa said. “He always said, ‘Well, if they can do it, why can’t I do it?’ He’s grown so much in this last year. I can hardly believe it’s him.”
Matt agreed, adding that the road ahead is whatever his son plans to make of it.
“I don’t think any of us thought he wouldn’t graduate,” Matt said. “The fact that he did graduate was exciting because it closes one chapter and opens another. And I promise you; Cole is ready for it.”
Neighborhood
Find Your Local Home-Based Business Here!
EXPERIENCE Goddard THE DIFFERENCE
by Steve Gamel photography by Whats That Guys Name? PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T (whatsthatguysname.com)
Elizabeth Aune was very young and didn’t speak a word of English when she and her parents came to America. Well, that’s not entirely true. Elizabeth knew two words: apple and Coca-Cola.
“I was highly caffeinated on the plane ride because the stewardess kept giving me Coke,” Elizabeth said with a laugh.
To say it was a big step to leave their home behind is an understatement. Her father was 52; mom was 43 — and they practically had nothing to their names. But they were hard workers, and Elizabeth was just as eager to make the most of the new opportunity. So she set out to soak in the English language like a sponge, hurriedly looking up words she didn’t know and then asking her teachers to pronounce them so she could write them down phonetically.
Elizabeth’s thirst for knowledge eventually earned her a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Connecticut. She hasn’t forgotten what it took to get where she is today, and giving other children a better head start is what drives her as the owner of The Goddard School of Corinth.
“I look at what we are providing our kids, and I remember that I didn’t have any of that,” Elizabeth said. “When you first come [to America] as we did, you are really on your own.
And you realize the impact a strong education can make.”
She added, “Why not give parents a chance to invest in early education so that their kids have a better head start?”
Elizabeth genuinely believes The Goddard School embodies that investment, and it’s hard to argue her point. For more than 30 years, The Goddard School has been a trusted name among parents and families, with 525 locations across the country. It’s an early childhood learning center for kids as young as 6 weeks old to 6 years old, and their proprietary program consists of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) fueled by a play-based curriculum where children are encouraged to discover their interests through play. This unique learning style works because it grabs a child’s attention, caters to their individual needs, and encourages them to embrace education.
But as big as their footprint is, only 40 Goddard schools are in Texas. This makes Elizabeth’s location on Corinth Parkway both a hidden Lake Cities gem and a trendsetter. In fact, there’s a running joke that Elizabeth loves her job so much that she never leaves the school grounds. And that mentality has become a family affair. She and husband, Jeremy, are very hands-on and often have their children, Alexander, Olivia, and Finley, helping at the school.
Finley also graduated from a Goddard School in Keller.
“Every child is unique, and we embrace that in the way we teach,” Elizabeth said. “Our lead teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in education and development, and they create their own lesson plans and then gear those lessons to each child. Even our infants have their own curriculum. The best part is that the kids are having fun, and they are building relationships. We have one teacher, Ms. Carrie, who is so loved by her students that they all want to take her home. It’s a magical place.”
Beyond the education piece, Elizabeth has gone to great lengths — even before the coronavirus pandemic — to set a new standard in health and safety. Just a few things you can find at The Goddard School of Corinth are finger guards on every
door so that children can’t accidentally smash their fingers and security bollards in the parking lot to protect the property. They also have a hand scan for security to get through the door to the inside of the school. From a health and cleanliness perspective, temperature checks are administered in the front lobby, where they also do drop-offs and pick-ups. Elizabeth invested in a sanitizing machine with UV light to clean and protect anything a child or teacher comes into contact with, including blankets, chairs, books, and other materials. A separate company comes out and sprays an anti-microbial agent on all surfaces, and that company said Goddard’s cleanliness is at the level of a hospital and meat factory.
For Elizabeth, it’s all about creating an educational environment that’s safe and open to exploring every child’s potential.
“It’s such an amazing place,” Elizabeth said. “I look forward to every family getting this magical experience at The Goddard School of Corinth.”
940.278.2020 | www.goddardschools.com 3531 Corinth Pkwy | Corinth, TX 76208
Assistant
Phyllis Brahinsky
Phyllis Brahinsky sat comfortably at home, lightly glancing over a newsletter from the Texas Girls Coaches Association when her eyes did a double-take. At the bottom of one page was the organization’s announcement of the state’s subvarsity coaches of the year. Brahinsky looked to see if she knew anyone on the list. And boy, did she ever.
Right there — smack dab in the middle of the list — was her name.
“You know how sometimes you read a list, and you think you see something, but you’re also not sure if your mind is playing tricks on you? That’s how I felt,” Brahinsky said. “I grabbed my glasses, and that’s when I saw my name.”
She added, “I started tearing up. I ran into the other room to show my husband.”
The TGCA awards recognize coaches from all six classifications in volleyball, basketball, cross country, and cheerleading. Brahinsky, a varsity assistant for Lake Dallas’ volleyball team and the head freshman girls basketball coach, was named the Class 5A-6A Sub-Varsity Volleyball Coach of the Year. Last school year, the volleyball team made it to the playoffs. She also helps when needed on varsity basketball, and last year, she was there when the Lady Falcons made it to the Class 5A region tournament.
But anyone who knows “Coach B” insists that this award is long overdue.
Coach B is starting her 27th year in coaching, 15th at Lake Dallas. Yet she’d never been recognized at the state level, regardless of how many times she was nominated. During her time with the Lady Falcons, both the volleyball and basketball programs have gone through numerous head coaches, yet Brahinsky was that one constant. She embodies the “first one in the gym and last to leave” mentality and has tirelessly worked to give her life to athletes. The head coaches she’s worked with say she’s the best assistant ever.
“Coach B represents exactly what an assistant coach of the year should,” Lake Dallas volleyball coach Kristinn Holbrooks said. “There was not a tournament we attended or an away match we traveled to where another head coach wouldn’t come over and try to convince her to come work for them. She has worked with a different volleyball head coach each year for the last four seasons and treats each one the same if not better than the last.”
Heather Van Noy agreed. She coached volleyball at Lake Dallas before taking the reins at Guyer.
“She’s the most selfless person I’ve ever worked with. She has a heart of gold and is 100% in this for the kids,” Van Noy said. “People she coached 30 years ago are still reaching out to her — because she leaves a lasting impact on you. I nominated her in previous years. Jason [Roemer] did, too. I’m excited that it has finally happened.”
Brahinsky grew up in Irving and, as a freshman in high school, became a national champion in riding horses at rodeos and other events. She went on to Tarleton State, where she played softball and was in the band. Believe it or not, she also has a degree from Hamburger University. She got into coaching a little later than most, but her experience — plus that heart of gold — made her an instant pro.
And the best assistant coach you could ask for — with or without a shiny award.
“I didn’t get to this point by myself. You can give this award to me all you want, but it’s their award, too,” Coach B said. “People ask me how much longer I’ll do this, and I always say, ‘When people retire, they say it’s because they want to spend time with family. I don’t have kids of my own, so these are my kids. This is my family. I get to be around all age groups, and being around them is what I enjoy doing most.’”
INDIAN Smokehouse CREEK
by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
Our Marketing Director recently moved out to Pecan Square in Northlake and came to me the other day insisting we visit a new BBQ truck called Indian Creek Smokehouse parked on the corner of FM 407 and 35W. Her neighborhood has been blowing up with rave reviews about this place since they opened just a few weeks ago, with many people claiming that they’re serving up BBQ just as good if not better than some of the most-beloved BBQ restaurants in DFW.
The only words I needed to hear were “BBQ” and “food truck,” and I was in! If you’re a fan of BBQ, you know that many of the greatest BBQ joints get their start as small operations like catering companies and food trucks.
Indian Creek Smokehouse Owner and Chef, Todd Lorch, delivered food that surpassed all my expectations! The quality
of the BBQ he’s producing out of this food truck in Corral City is incredible.
He uses only the highest-quality meats and smokes them right there on the truck which results in brisket, turkey, sausage, ribs, and pork belly burnt ends that are so incredibly flavorful and tender. And speaking of those burnt ends - Todd calls those his “superstar,” and after eating them we understand why! You cannot leave Indian Creek Smokehouse without ordering some of them.
Every great BBQ joint has to have some delicious sides to go with their meats, and Todd definitely has those too! Slaw, Macncheese (yes, it’s so delicious, it’s one word), and baked beans - the perfect accompaniments to whichever meats you choose to order.
With everything you eat at Indian Creek Smokehouse, Todd’s culinary background shines through. And you’d be shocked to hear that when he’s not serving up BBQ out of his truck, he actually has another full-time job that’s feeding his ultimate dream of owning this place.
Head on out to Corral City, at the corner of 407 and 35W, to visit Todd at his truck and chow down on some of his incredible food. You can order it to eat in your car, take home with you, or you can bring your own chairs and camp out in the grassy area across from the truck and play a couple rounds of ladder ball.
Welcome to Indian Creek Smokehouse!
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com
jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022
Denton ISD & Lake Dallas ISD PREPARES FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
by Brooke Ezzo
As we all know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students left schools for spring break this past March and did not return. As extended spring break turned into summer break and now school registration is looming in the background, there is still much confusion.
The ever-changing information from both federal and state entities in regards to the virus has left the district, parents, and caregivers on the edge of their seats as they wait for further instruction on how to reopen schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
With registration deadlines quickly approaching, school districts are coming up with possible plans for the new school year after getting guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
From correspondence via email with Denton ISD Superintendent Dr. Jamie Wilson, he said the district is prepared for whatever COVID-19 throws their way. They plan to be flexible and nimble enough to change at a moments notice.
“Our Plan A is twofold. We will offer face-to-face instruction with health and safety protocols for students and employees,” Dr. Wilson said. “And, we will offer a virtual option for parents who want to make that choice.”
Dr. Wilson added, “should social distancing requirements reduce the number of students in attendance at one time, we have contingency plans in place to rotate students into face-to-face instruction while filling in the gap remotely.”
On June 23, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath shared guidance with all Texas superintendents by outlining expectations for remote learning.
Remote Learning at Home
When students were not allowed to return to the classroom in March the district quickly converted to a virtual learning platform. To continue this form of learning, it will be a family choice but will come with the same expectations for learning as the traditional face-to-face instruction model.
With recent spikes in positive cases throughout North Texas, these districts understand that its students’ health and safety is the priority. With that, families that choose to keep their children at home or are unable to return to a classroom setting will have access to a full virtual learning experience taught online by a district teacher or another online platform.
This includes more teacher interaction and more time in virtual learning and completing lessons. Remote learning might be semi-flexible, but based on state guidelines, the students are still required to mirror the level of work, commitment, and time on a task as they would with in-person learning. Daily attendance rules will apply, and students will be required to show evidence of daily learning. This means saving all assignments until the end of the week will no longer be applicable.
Districts have been on conference calls with the TEA commissioner several times in the last few weeks nailing down guidelines for what remote learning will look like.
In-Person Learning
This is understandably the most difficult decision districts will be making considering opposing views when it comes to what health measures are effective against the virus.
Information from the TEA indicated they have purchased face masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer for every district in Texas to help with the start of the new school year. However, no further instruction was given from Commissioner Morath in the conference call on mandated health measures.
In a newsletter from Dr. Wilson, he states that feedback from the community and staff, alongside any guidance from governing entities, will help determine to what degree Denton ISD will make faceto-face instruction available to all.
The district’s plan to resume school instruction is on track to begin Wednesday, August 12, regardless of the delivery method. Until then, parents and caregivers are encouraged to register their children during the traditional time, during July, via an online platform, and indicate their intended model of instruction for their student.
Families should expect emails with more information regarding the virtual learning option before anyone has to commit to a decision.
For more information from district superintendents and the updated plans for starting the school year, please refer to district websites, www.DentonISD.org and www.LDISD.net.
