COURIER
SWIFT SCHOOL SUMMER 2015
Gearing Up for 2015
HELLO My name is
SWIFT SCHOOL MEET & GREET FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher, learn about Swift’s Extended Day Program, purchase used uniforms and more. A successful year starts at Meet and Greet!
Please come to Meet & Greet during your child’s grade slot to help Swift provide enough parking for guests and maintain a proper flow throughout the day. We greatly appreciate your cooperation!
Grades 1 & 2: 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 3rd grade: 9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. 4th grade: 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 5th grade: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Grade 6: 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Grade 7 & 8: 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
EDITOR: JON SNOW PH: KHALEESI
Contents 6
INFO FOR NEW FAMILIES A look at key information for Swift’s newest community members
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4
10
SWIFT SCHOOL SUMMER 2015
SUMMER EXPLORATIONS A quick glance at Swift’s summer enrichment program
ADMISSIONS SPOTLIGHT Swift welcomes several new families in 2015-16
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HEAD’S COLUMN
14
SWIFT SCENE
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TEACHING WITH TECHNOLOGY Technology is on the horizon with Swift’s new 1:1 initiative
A SWIFT SNAPSHOT Highlighting Swift through an infographic perspective
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DIRECTOR’S DIGEST
MARK YOUR CALENDAR AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
17
CLASSES COMMENCE
3-4
PRELIMINARY CONFERENCES 1-5
8
FIRST QUARTER CONCLUDES
24
ABOVE AND BEYOND BEGINS
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LABOR DAY – NO CLASSES
9
PROFESSIONAL DAY NO CLASSES
24-27
CURRICULUM NIGHTS
9
PARENT COFFEE
12
COLUMBUS DAY NO CLASSES
10-11
MIDDLE DIVISION RETREAT
17
DYSLEXIA DASH
16
PARENT COFEE
22
CONFERENCES 1-4
17
STUDENT PHOTO DAY
23
CONFERENCES 5-8
22
PARENT COFFEE
24
FALL FESTIVAL
25
PARENT FACULTY MINGLE
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SWIFT-O-WEEN
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL As July appears on the calendar Independence Day parades and celebrations are a highlight of the season. Red, white, and blue abound! Thank goodness that the slower melody of summer continues! Here at Swift summer means busy times. Dr. Salapka concluded her service at the end of June and by this time she is settling into her new life in the Richmond, VA area. Martha Moore stepped into the development office on 7/1 as our development director. Eric Osorio has just arrived from the Boston area, and he is preparing for his leadership role as Associate Head of Student Affairs. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for – the lively beat of summer plays on! I must mention how good it was for Swift alumni to join us during last spring’s various events. Michael Rosen (’14, now a sophomore at St. Francis School) and Ethan Kittle (’14, now a sophomore at Brandon Hall) each spoke at Andrea Salapka’s retirement event on May 17 about their relationships with and fond memories of Dr. Salapka to the crowd of 250 folks at the reception. Laughter and tears flowed! Owen Hodson (’14, now a sophomore at Brandon Hall) delivered the alumnus perspective at the 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony on May 21. Kudos to Owen for the wisdom he imparted to those about to launch their high school careers as he did just a brief year ago. As the North Star strategic plan is further employed preparations to survey all of Swift’s constituents are underway. As Swift School continues to gain greater recognition it is important to access the perceptions and experiences of Swift’s educational programming and practices. Swift students have achieved previously unimagined success, while educators, consultants, counselors, and psychologists have come to Swift to train in our practices and methods and/or to learn about us. Success goes well beyond language remediation. Students grow dramatically, not just in reading and writing, but also in their overall achievement, engagement, and maturity. The gains in self-confidence, the rediscovery of the joy of school, the opportunities that dyslexic students encounter are all part of the educational design here at Swift. Language development and acquisition happens in many ways. Chatting with our students further tells that story. Though dyslexia and language based learning differences are not cured, this is a brain-type that does not close doors. Uncovering the strengths and talents our students uniquely possess brings great satisfaction to the faculty and administration. I am pleased to report that research is underway for exciting opportunities that will engage students through media and technology that will provide research, language arts, and expressive language through highly technical mediums.
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Additionally, the Tech Squad (composed of Middle Division students) will continue to learn the nuts of bolts of the operation of the computer network, and apply their learning to keep the network running smoothly. In terms of technology, significant investment is being made in the electronic tools students will engage in the classrooms from 1st -8th grade. The addition of iPads in the primary grades and Chromebooks in the intermediate grades and middle school provide for an integrated approach to facilitate instructional delivery and student performance according to the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS). As this column is penned the work of rezoning the prospective 18.5 acre site continues. Hopefully the green light will flash as the process continues and the work of site preparation will commence once zoning approval is decided. If all goes as planned, during the 2016-17 academic year it is anticipated that the Middle Division will move to the new site (located approximately one mile from the Grimes Bridge Road campus). The additional space a new campus will provide also means that programming will be able to spread out on the Grimes Bridge campus! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that all moves forward concerning the City of Roswell’s extensive rezoning process. A new year here figuratively means turning to a new page and beginning to write the next chapter! On behalf of the faculty and staff, enjoy the balance of summer. Rich Wendlek,
SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair Laura Ries, Vice Chair Peter Williams, Treasurer Jeff Kudlata, Secretary TRUSTEES Dr. Paul Cohen Robert Gray Jefferson Pace Gail Swift, Emerita Richard Wendlek, Ex officio
ADMINISTRATION Richard J. Wendlek, Head of School Eric Osorio, Associate Head of Student Affairs Martha Moore, Director of Development Paul Foltz, Associate Head of Business and Operations PARENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT TBA
300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988 www.theswiftschoo.org
Head of School 5 SUMMER 2015 WWW.THESWIFTSCHOOL.ORG
INFORMATION FOR NEW FAMILIES Ice Cream Social for New Families Tuesday, August 11, 6:30 p.m.
New students and families are invited to join some of Swift’s veteran families and faculty members to enjoy ice cream and conversation. The ice cream social offers students and their parents and opportunity to meet other families new to the Swift Community. We look forward to meeting all of you there!
New Parent Orientation
Grades 1-4, August 12, 7 p.m. Grades 5-8, August 13, 7 p.m. The new parent orientation program provides parents new to Swift with an overview of Swift’s mission and an opportunity to experience dyslexia and language-based learning differences from a student’s point of view. Swift’s Orton-Gillingham Fellow, Joan Gerken, and several faculty members will divide parents into small ‘learning groups’ and provide learning simulations designed to demonstrate the typical experience o f children with dyslexia and other language -based learning differences.
Meet and Greet
August 14, 8:30 A.M. - 1 P.M. We look forward to seeing all of our Swift families at our annual Meet and Greet Event on Friday, August 14. Meet and Greet provides parents the opportunity to enroll in Swift’s Before/After-Care programs for Lower Division students as well as in Swift’s Extended Day Program, Above & Beyond, which provides specialized programs each afternoon from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to meet teachers, deliver school supplies, purchase used uniforms and learn about other upcoming events and athletic programs.
Dress Uniforms Throughout the academic year, Lower Division students (Grades 1-5) are required to wear a dress uniform at least once each month in conjunction with Giraffe Assemblies, Swift’s Character Formation curriculum. The dress uniform consists of: - Oxford long sleeve shirt (boys/girls) - Swift School tie (boys/girls) - Khaki slacks (boys and/or girls) - Khaki skorts or skirts (girls) Please order dress uniforms at www..landsend.com/ schools. Swift’s preferred # is 9000-6073-2. The dates of all Giraffe Assemblies are listed in the Family Calendar; available via RenWeb and via Google Calendar.
Middle Division Athletics Student athletes in grades 6-8 are required to have a physical exam on file in the athletic office prior to participation. Sports seasons for the 2014-15 academic year are: - Coed Soccer (Fall Season) - Boys Basketball (Winter Season) - Girls Basketball (Winter Season) - Coed Track & Field (Spring Season) Sign-Ups for the soccer season will be available during Meet & Greet. If you have any questions, please contact Athletic Director Mel Smith at msmith@theswiftschool.org. Fees for athletic participation will be invoiced by the business office.
Questions? General Information: Reception Manager - Josy Roman Email: info@theswiftschool.org Phone: 678.205.4988 Enrollment//RenWeb/Student Records: Registrar - Victoria Jimison Email: registrar@theswiftschool.org Phone: 678.205.4988 x 232 Financial/Business: Accounts - Linda Rapozo Email: accounts@theswiftschool.org Phone: 678.205.4988 x 217
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LANDS’ END SCHOOL
School Uniforms have never been easier! • School and student information can be saved in your account, so you can easily find specifics for your child’s grade and gender. • Your order history will be saved for easy reference. • Your school’s dress code guidelines will show up on shopping checklists.
To get started:
- Visit landsend.com/school and create OR sign-in to your account - Include your child and school information in My Account - Start shopping with the personalized product checklist
If you have any questions as you shop, contact a Lands’ End Customer Care Representative at 1-800-469-2222 or start an online chat at landsend.com/school.
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The following faculty concluded their service to Swift School • Retired: Dr. Salapka, Karen Buttermore, Maureen Ehlbeck and Carol Grodin • Transitioned: Carol Madden, Jocelyn Gasaway, Stacey Prusak, Samantha Spennato, Helen Gaillet and Anna Fallon • Relocated: Stephanie Schlanger, Marie Barker and Max Lapushin
swift scene....
FACES of swift faculty
Welcome to the following faculty members. As Swift School continues to grow, additional roles and responsibilities have been established as guided by the North Star strategic plan: EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT • Eric Osorio, Associate Head of Student Affairs, M.A. Columbia University, Klingenstein Fellow • Martha Moore, Director of Development, B.A. Jacksonville State University • Josy Roman, Reception Manager, B.S. Berry College • Roberta Osorio, Exec. Assistant to the Head/Admission Associate, M.A. Harvard University • Victoria Jimison , Registrar, Kennesaw University, Nursing NEW FACULTY • Beth Walter,Lower Division Lead, M.A. Education • Stephanie Walkey, Middle Division, M.A. Language Development • Danielle Sheldon, Lower Division Associate, B.S. Early Childhood Education Jennifer Cairns, Lower Division Associate , M.A. Elementary Education INTERNAL TRANSFERS • Roni Battoglia, Lower Division Director • Jennifer Clark, Communications Manager • Melissa Jozefov, Middle Division Director • Harriet Litzky, Dean of Instruction • Angela Robertson, Admission Officer • Natea Wallace, Middle Division Teacher
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SWIFT BOARD ELECTS TWO NEW TRUSTEES Congratulations to the two new trustees, Adam Goldfein and Jefferson Pace, elected in May/ June. Each trustee serves a two-year term. The collective energy of the Board will focus on the tasks associated with the acquisition and development of the prospective new campus.
Adam Goldfein is a well-known talk show host, attorney and entrepreneur. Adam is President of Goldfein Claims Management, LLC a nationwide firm servicing Fortune 500 companies, banks, and large financial Institutions which he founded in 2008. He is also a radio talk show host on News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB. His previous experience includes operating and owning auto dealerships, serving as the Automotive Director for CBS Radio, and hosting two live television shows - Lawyer Talk and AutoScoop on the CW69 Network. He is frequently engaged as a public speaker for corporate events and Employee Training. Adam earned a degree in history from Emory University and law degree from Fordham University School of Law. He is eligible to practice law in Georgia and New York. His son Harry attended the Swift School for his 5th through 8th grades. Harry graduated Swift in 2014 and is entering his sophomore year at Weber High School.
Jeff Pace is a veteran enterprise seller, having spent 31 years at IBM. He was recognized multiple times locally, regionally and nationally for his enterprise sales skills as he progressed at IBM from individual contributor to first and second line management positions and finally to a country general management position for the Asia-Pacific region. In 1999, Jeff and his wife Linda founded Pace, Inc a growing sales process consulting company in Marietta, Georgia. At Pace, Inc. Jeff has led successful consulting engagements with Microsoft, Schlumberger, and other Associates, IBM and KimberlyClark companies. Jeff graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and has served two six-year terms as a Mercer University trustee. Jeff’s daughter, Taylor, has attended Swift since 6th grade and will graduate in 2016.
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what a wonderful w rld Swift Summer explorations
What a wonderful summer for our Swift Summer Explorations participants. Campers participated in a variety of multi-sensory activities that helped to build their coding, comprehension, writing and fluency skills. Some campers wrote and illustrated their own folktales, others wrote in shaving cream, on gel boards and in rice. Other campers traveled to imaginary planets. Specials guests visited each day and campers created art projects, performed magic tricks, made tie dye articles, to name just a few of the many exciting activities that occurred. Each day camp concluded with camp songs, popsicles, the ever-popular Wet Wednesday and other summertime favorites. Much learning and great fun was had by all!
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Teaching with technology
In 2014-15, a new Technology Plan was developed as a part of North Star, Swift School’s strategic plan launched in 2014. In order to stay on the cutting edge of technology, improvements have been made in every classroom. Tools for creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are essential. With Swift’s new 1:1 initiative, Middle Division students will bring their own Chromebooks to school this fall! The use of personally owned devices at home and school increases proficiency and, in turn, allows increased focus on educational content and higher level cognition. First to third graders will participate in Swift’s new tech plan through the use of Apple iPads, which offer yet another way for multi-sensory exploration within the classrooms. Fourth and fifth graders will also experience improved technology with new Chromebooks and upgraded PCs. Swift is now a Google Apps for Education school, making it quick and easy for students to collaborate and to showcase their success. 11 SUMMER 2015 WWW.THESWIFTSCHOOL.ORG
DIRECTOR’S DIGEST Dear Swift Families and Friends, Welcome to our new 2015-2016 school year. As you continue to enjoy the warm summer days, I look forward to greeting students upon their return. It is an exciting time to join the administrative team as we embark on recognizing the dyslexic brain type based upon current research. Rolling out iPads in first through third grade, Chrome books in fourth grade and continuing to provide laptops for all fifth graders. Swift is a leader in being a 21st Century School.
Cookouts, sunshine, laughter, camps, and vacations describe the excitement that floats in with each summer spent with children. These precious days seem to drift or speed by depending on the day or the week. As I begin this year as Middle Division Director, I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our students. Our team will strive to accomplish this by setting high expectations for every student and by providing the support needed to ensure success. It is our goal to increase self-confidence in all students so that they are more willing to take chances, be involved, and make wise decisions.
I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I attended Hofstra University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Sociology. I remained in New York where I attended New York University for my Masters in Elementary This year, in addition to the Education and Reading. I have over language arts class, every student 20 years of educational experience will take a language development spanning grades K – 12. Prior to joining class that focuses on reading and the Swift School, my administrative writing fluency. Using the Orton responsibilities consisted of mentoring Gillingham approach, teachers and supervising teachers in creating, “I am committed to will target areas of reading and/ developing and teaching lessons making a positive or writing weakness and use difference in the lives of using the Orton Gillingham Approach our students.” systematic, direct instruction along with a variety of cutting edge that is sequential, incremental, educational programming. It was and cumulative. Along with this implemented throughout their teaching of reading, math, science, course, students will have many social studies and the arts. I have opportunities to strengthen designed and implemented faculty executive function skills, especially in-service and yearlong professional those related to working memory development. I served on the International Dyslexia and mental flexibility. Advisory class is dedicated Association board for two terms and this year was to assisting students with organization, time honored with the International Dyslexia Association – management, and effective study skills. We Georgia Branch 2014 Service Award. embrace all students as unique individuals who have gifts and talents to share. Our I am elated to bring my skills as an educational leader amazing team desires to challenge students to Swift School and work with you as a partner in both academically and personally. As Martin L. education to ensure your child’s success. As Lower King, Junior so wisely wrote, “Intelligence plus Division Director, my door is always open and I character--that is the goal of true education.” welcome your input. Please feel free to stop in or call to make an appointment to discuss any suggestions, concerns or ideas to help make this the best year yet. Warm Regards, I look forward to meeting you at Meet and Greet and throughout the school year.
Melissa Jozefov Middle Division Director
Warm Regards, Roni Battoglia Lower Division Director
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admissions spotlight 2015-16 new families
As of June 15, 2015 the following students are warmly welcomed to
the Swift School community for the coming academic year. Many grade levels are now established with admission wait pools due to the high
demand for seats. Additionally, the attrition of students is at its lowest level in the School’s history:
Christopher Alvarez, 2
Jason Gossett, 1
Eva Mills, 4
William Amershadian, 3
James Griffith, 1
Mia Moonan, 5
Alex Barber, 4
Anna Guest, 6
Schuyler Nebel, 5
Christopher Benosky, 5
John Kelly, 4
Parker Perry, 2
James Burrell, 4
Connor Kalinski, 4
Amanda Reppenhagen, 3
Helen Chapman, 3
Amelia Lohr, 3
Steele Ross, 3
Oliver Clark, 1
Jonah Lorman, 1
Fozia Shash, 3
Bryce Covell, 4
Cole Margavio, 1
Grady Simmons, 1
Rogan Dunn, 3
Layla McSorley, 4
Jonathan Simmons, 4
Enrique Estrella, 3
Abbey Miller, 2
Noah Stocke, 6
Matthew Galligos, 4
Ana Mills, 5
Rebecca Stroup, 4
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Thank You!
New soundbars were installed in Swift’s classrooms this summer for multimedia presentations. This was made possible by your generous donations to the 2015 Stellar Gala’s Donate to a Cause.
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For more information, contact Martha Moore at MMoore@theswiftschool.org
300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075
admission open house November 10, 2015, 10 a.m. Presentation at 10:30 a.m. followed by school tours
Strategies for learning • Specialized Faculty • Small Class Sizes Stimulating Learning Environment • Sense of Community 300 Grimes Bridge Road • Roswell, GA 30075 • 678.205.4988 • www.theswiftschool.org