Spring 2014 by Swift School

COURIER

IN THIS

ISSUE

VISIONING DAY! Guiding the Strategic Plan to 2020

SNOW AT SWIFT Students checked in to “Hotel Swift” during the snow storm

Spring 2014

www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE Swift held our firstever Father Daughter Dance

You’re invited to

GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY Thursday, May 1 for 1st – 4th grades Friday, May 2 for 5th – 8th grades 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 9:00 a.m.

Refreshments and Welcome

9:50 a.m.

Depart for Classrooms

10:00 a.m. Classroom Visit with your Student 11:00 a.m. Book Fair or Tour with your Student 11:30 a.m. Guests depart Campus • • •

Guests may sign out the student they visited. Handicapped parking available on campus. Please park at the Pavillion parking lot on Dogwood Road behind the school. Shuttles will be available to and from the school.

Related events you might enjoy: April 30 Middle Division Thinkers Coffee House on campus

7:00 p.m.

May 1

7:00 p.m.

Swift Artists Show at Marriott Hotel Please RSVP Regrets Only to info@swiftschool.com or 678-205-4988

COURIER April 2

Celebration Assembly

9-11

Fifth Grade Extended Trip

14-18

Spring Recess

Snow Make Up

Classes Resume

Giraffe Assembly

Sports Banquet

Founder’s Day

28-30

Scholastic Book Fair

Middle Division Thinkers Coffee House

May 1-2

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’

Day 1-2

Scholastic Book Fair

Swift Art Show

National Junior Honor Society Induction

Middle Division Day of Achievement

7-8

Swift Art Show

Lower Division Conferences (No Classes)

Middle Division Conferences (No Classes)

New Parent Reception

Spring Concert

LD Late Arrival

Field Day (5th-8th)

Field Day (1st-4th)

5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony

Middle Division Closing Ceremony

8th Grade Graduation

Lower Division Final Day of Academic

Year and noon dismissal

Report Cards Mailed

Follow Swift School on Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates and information regarding school activities.

Spring 2014

Volume 5 Issue 3 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com

nFEATURES Visioning Day.....................................................................3 Guiding the strategic plan to 2020

Snow at Swift.......................................................................4 Students checked in to Hotel Swift during the snow storm

The Breakfast Club.............................................................6 Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad, yum!

Father Daughter Dance.....................................................9 Swift held its first-ever Father Daughter Dance

IN EVERY ISSUE Head’s Column ......................................................................................................... 2 Lower Division............................................................................................................ 7 Middle Division.............................................................................................................8 Athletics/Fine Arts..................................................................................................... 12

www.facebook.com/theswiftschool @SwiftSchool_GA

Swift Scene.............................................................................................................. 13

WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM SPRING 2014

nHEAD’S MESSAGE

SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RICHARD WENDLEK As an Atlanta area transplant from Tampa Bay, I truly take delight in observing the cherry blossoms as the springtime dawns. Glancing out of the windows of my office, the sparkle of the blossoms at sunrise is truly beautiful. It was not all that long ago that Swift and many other schools served as storm shelters during last winter’s bouts with ice and snow. The seasons here are certainly things of wonder! As we approach the homestretch of the academic year there is much to recount about the busy days of winter. First and foremost is the progress made in forming Swift School’s next strategic plan, North Star. As a part of the community’s involvement in the planning cycle, Visioning Day on January 25th was attended by 107 members of the community! The day was all about parents, students, faculty members, and trustees working side by side in communication and collaboration, helping to form the vision and goals that will guide Swift’s institutional course over the coming years. My sincere thanks is extended to the many who participated in this lively, engaging event. The collective thinking of the Visioning Day participants was captured in the following vision statement: In 2020 Swift School will be the pioneer of a revolutionized educational model that cultivates the strengths of the dyslexic brain-type. Break out and large group sessions conducted on Visioning Day uncovered an overarching strategic agenda: invest in value creation, excel at communication, and expand collaboration. The strategies and initiatives that will bring the plan to life will be unveiled to the Swift community at a special celebration this coming fall at the Parent and Faculty Mingle on September 27, 2014. Between now and then the grand job of identifying and staging the actions of the plan will be crafted. The sure bet is that Swift will emerge from North Star not only as a premier school serving the educational needs of the dyslexic learner, but also as a leader in the field of dyslexic education. Please save that date and plan to join this event. In the traditional (historical) model, dyslexia is considered a learning disability to be diminished through targeted instruction. The

North Star Plan embraces new research perspectives and consequently a new model for serving the educational needs of dyslexic learners. Brock Eide, M.D., M.A. and Fernette Eide, M.D., two neurolearning experts and the authors of The Dyslexic Advantage (www.dyslexicadvantage. com) reveal the hidden benefits of having a dyslexic brain-type. Their research strongly indicates that dyslexia is not thought of as a condition people have, but rather a part of who someone is – which can be cultivated as a great strength. Swift’s next strategic plan greatly shifts the paradigm about education for dyslexic learners. More to come; stay tuned! Spring is a season of events! Fifth graders are preparing to head off to a 3-day learning experience at Nature’s Classroom in Mentone, Alabama just prior to spring break. Following spring break we will look forward to welcoming Swift School founder Gail Swift to the annual Founder’s Day festivities on April 25. Our student athletes will reflect upon and celebrate their successes and near successes at the Sports Banquet at the Doubletree Hotel on the evening of April 24. We look ever so forward to welcoming grandparents and special friends on May 1 and 2. Next to Pet Day, Grandparents’ and Special Friends Day is highly anticipated by the students. On the evening of April 30 the Middle Division will present the Thinker’s Coffeehouse. This promises to be a memorable evening of coffee and performance by the 6th-8th graders. The Spring Concert will be held at the Cultural Arts Center (Roswell) on May 15.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair Laurie Green, Vice Chair Peter Williams, Treasurer Jeff Kudlata, Secretary

TRUSTEES Dr. Paul Cohen Robert Gray Laura Ries Paul Schur Gail Swift, Emerita Richard Wendlek, Ex officio

ADMINISTRATION Richard J. Wendlek, Head of School Dr. Andrea Salapka, Associate Head Karen Buttermore, Director of Development Paul Foltz, Business Manager

PARENT ASSOCIATION CO- PRESIDENTS Allison George and Debbie Hogan

In the days ahead it is our hope that Swift students will fondly recall their many cocurricular experiences. After all, one of the best and most important learning practices has to do with sharing common experiences as a community. Happy Spring…

Rich Wendlek Head of School

2 SPRING 2014

Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988

WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM

Swift School Visioning Day On January 25, more than 100 members of the Swift community (including parents, students, faculty, trustees and alumni) gathered for Visioning Day. This important day in the strategic planning process allowed for facilitated discussion about the vision of Swift in the year 2020.

1. (L-R) Trustee Jeff Kudlata, Strategic Planning Committee Chair and Trustee Laura Ries, Consultant Christina Drouin, Richard Wendlek, and Chairman of the Board Dr. Richard Phillips pose for a picture after a successful Visioning Day. 2. Student Tristan Littlefield votes for his favorite visioning statement.

3. The “Whoopi Goldberg Group” discusses their goals and strategies. Each group was named for a famous dyslexic person. 4. Chairman of the board, Dr. Richard Phillips addresses the crowd.

4. Mrs. Coulter votes in the “Dotmocracy”. 5. Ms. Grade is all smiles as she records for the Jay Leno Group 3

WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM

SPRING 2014

Snow at Swift 1

1. Luke Etheridge shows off his snow-dusted hair. 2. Haley Smith makes a snowball. 3. Reese Nickels catches snowflakes on her tongue. 4. The Swift Deck covered in snow. 5. Danielle Dupont keeps warm in her penguin hat. 4

4 SPRING 2014

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Family Bowling

1. (L-R) Christopher Renno and Avery Ward pose for a photo before getting back to their game. 2. Carly Perez gets ready to bowl a strike. 3. Cameron Carr is all smiles and no gutter balls. 4. Anna Scalf is ready to bowl! 2

WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM SPRING 2014

Muffins With Mom Donuts with Dad

6 SPRING 2014

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LOWER DIVISIONn Spring has ushered in an exciting round of activities in the Lower Division. Students have been busy with academics, testing, performing and learning excursions. They introduced their pets to classmates and teachers on Pet Day, shared a letter of kindness and support with a peer on Buddy Day, and enjoyed a wonderful mix of talent at the Variety Show. Students engaged in learning about the virtues of resiliency and self-discipline through the Giraffe program and they will conclude with April’s virtue, forgiveness and May’s virtue, enthusiasm. The fifth grade is excited about their upcoming outdoor trip to Mentone, Alabama to attend Nature’s Classroom. Spending the nights in cabins and learning about nature through outdoor activities provides the fifth graders an opportunity to learn lessons about their surroundings that last a lifetime. Students are getting excited about having their grandparents come to school for Grandparents and Special Friend’s Day. They enjoy sharing what their school and what they do during the school day. We have many artistic students at Swift School and their work will be showcased at the Swift Art Show at the Marriott. The spring semester will close with exciting games during our field days and our moving up ceremony for our 5th graders, soon-to–be middle schoolers. The Lower Division Closing Ceremony of May 23rd will be a time for reflection and goodbyes as students look forward to a break and some family time during the summer. But, rest assured, we are already in the process of planning wonderful learning opportunities for your children for next year. Have a restful summer. I look forward to seeing you and your wonderful children in August! - Kathi Francesconi

1. (L-R) Hayden Forestner, Carlye Nesseth, Avery Wilburn, and Courtney Dunlap get ready to perform at the Swift Talent Show. 2. Carson Phillips performs his hilarious comedy routine, “School” for the parents. 3. Walker Wellford plays a convincing John Henry at the 1st grade wax museum. 4. Mrs. Battoglia’s 2nd grade boys support the Stellar Gala on Pajama Day. 5. Mrs. Sweeney’s class celebrated the 100th Day of School by dressing like 100 year old people. WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM SPRING 2014

nMIDDLE DIVISION Many exciting events have occurred during the first three months of 2014. The Middle Division extended trips were the perfect ending to the third quarter! Our sixth grade students traveled to Florida where they took a ride on glass bottom boats and learned about the underground springs and wildlife in that area. Students then participated in a program that allowed them to swim with manatees in Crystal River. The up-close and personal encounter with these marine mammals was an experience students and teachers will remember for a very long time! We concluded our trip to Florida with a day spent at SeaWorld where we watched dolphins and sea lions perform, observed trainers working with an orca, and of course, rode the rides! Our seventh grade students traveled to New Castle, Virginia, to experience many outdoor activities with the guides from Wilderness Adventures. Students were able to go caving, zip lining and hiking during the days and enjoyed campfires by night. Eighth grade students traveled to Washington, D.C. for an action-packed tour of museums and monuments. Students were also able to observe our legislators in action. Since our return from the extended trips, students and teachers have been hard at work to develop presentations for Thinkersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Coffeehouse, which will occur the evening of April 30th. Soon we will begin working on presentations for the Middle Division Day of Achievement which is scheduled for May 7th from 1:30-2:30pm. As this fourth quarter will be very busy, please encourage your student to be at school as much as possible. The year is winding down quickly and we still have much to look forward to! -Carol Madden

1. Taylor Pace pets her new manatee friend in the Crystal River. 2. (L-R) Meghan Fritze and Jenna Dodd paddle down the river. 3. Teresa Lee zip lines through the wilderness 4. Katie Elema walks across the suspended ladder high above the ground. 5. Cooper Kennedy bravely takes a flying leap. 3

8 SPRING 2014

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Father Daughter Dance 1. Charlotte Leber and her father Darren pose for a quick photo. 2. Aspen Mille and her father Todd found a creative way to slow dance. 3. Celia Bixler and her dad Ryan match their shades of red perfectly.

4. Caryle Nesseth and her father Jeffrey take a break from dancing to chat on the sidelines. 5. Callie Goodson and her dad Craig enjoy a slow dance together.

4 WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM

5 SPRING 2014

6. Grace Thomas and her father John boogie down on the dance floor. 9

Stellar Gala 2

Swift parents, grandparents, friends, and alumni parents gathered at the Atlanta Athletic Club in late March to celebrate our school and raise money for a Library/ Media Center for our students. Cocktails and the silent auction started the evening, followed by a delicious dinner, live auction, and dancing to Uncle Mike Band. Congratulations to Gala Chair Susan Duncan and her committee for staging the most successful Stellar Gala! 6

1. Mrs. Litzky, Mrs. Sweeney, Mrs. Battoglia, Mrs. Rosenthal and Mrs. Epstein all love supporting Swift and bidding on silent auction items. 2. (L-R) Craig Goodson, Danielle Goodson, Doneen Compton and George Campbell enjoy a cocktail reception before dinner. 3. (L-R) Wendi Spear and Shelli Upchurch channel their inner Gatsby. 4. (L-R) Eric Elema, Krista Elema, Kelly Wilburn and Christopher Wilburn stop to participate in the Wine Pull. 5. Jodi and Jim Braner pose for a picture before entering the ballroom. 6. Alumni Parents (L-R) Margot Vetrovsky and Nancy Herbert reunite at the gala.

The Class of 2014 By Dr. Andrea Salapka

As we began planning for our eighth grade graduation, we couldn’t help but notice that this year’s graduating class was different from others. Upon taking a closer look we found out what made us think about these boys differently. This is a unique class of nine young men with varying beginnings at Swift. Four of them began their academic journey at Swift in 2nd grade, two of them began in 3rd grade, one began in 4th grade, one in 5th grade, one in 6th grade and one in 7th grade. Bonds were formed early on with these boys and they became an integral part of all that happens at Swift. They led the division with their dedication to our community service program; they attended all functions with a determination to have fun and lead the way for others to emulate their attitudes and activities, and they honored each other every day. I spoke with the boys one morning and was impressed and delighted to see them interact with one another. A true bond exists within these nine young men. They listen to one another, they laugh together and they have the same serious attitude towards their studies. As we spoke of their entry into high school and how that would feel, each one of them voiced their concerns that they would not be together and that this was the one thing they regretted as they made plans to move on to other schools. There was plenty of excitement about moving on to the next step in their education but it was mixed in with a longing to keep what they had among them. I asked what it was they might miss when they had completed their years at Swift . Their responses were thoughtful and endearing. They spoke of their teachers and how they would miss them, they mentioned the progress they have made and how they give the credit to the patience and understanding the teachers have shown over the years. One of the boys mentioned that he found instant friendships at Swift and how that had never happened to him before. They all spoke of “our brotherhood” and how they counted on each other for support, for friendship, and for that sense of belonging. One of the boys summed up our conversation with “it has been life changing here at Swift and we will never forget how Swift managed to bring out the best in each of us”. I personally have watched these boys grow from little boys who were afraid to take risks academically to fine young men who are capable of moving on from Swift and fulfilling their potential. It has become commonplace whenever we have a job to be done or are in need of new thoughts on a topic, for us to say, “Find the eighth graders, they will be able to help us”. This graduating class is special to all of us and they will be sorely missed.

WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM

SPRING 2014

nATHLETICS/FINE ARTS Upcoming Events The Swift warriors took first place in the APAC Basketball Tournament. (L-R) Owen Hodson, Harry Goldfein, Will Battle, Nick Davis, Coach Rhett Saylors, Alex Ardagna, Ethan Kittle, Trevor Masse, and Will Vesey. Congratulations warriors!!

April 15-16 - APAC Track & Field Championships April 24 - Sports Award Banquet May 16 - Swift School Field Day (5th- 8th Grades) May 19 - Swift School Field Day (1st- 4th Grades)

SAVE THE DATE

Sports Award Banquet DoubleTree Hotel 1075 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell 30076 Thursday, April 24th at 6:30 p.m.

A NOTE FROM MS. GOLDSTEIN On Friday, February 28th, the Swift Lower and Middle Division Choruses attended Georgia Music Educators Association’s Large Group Performance Evaluation. Each group performed two selections for a panel of judges. We’re excited to announce that our students earned straight “superiors”, the best rating possible, from all of the judges! Congratulations to Cameron Carr, Alex Haertel, Jameson Listermann, Carly Perez, Riley Schutt, and Emily Suarez on their recent performance with the Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Children’s and Youth Honor Choirs! These students submitted recorded auditions to OAKE in the fall and were selected to join singers from over thirty states to participate in this prestigious event. After rehearsing for three days with top conductors, Cameron, Alex, Jameson, Carly, Riley, and Emily performed for a packed audience at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall. On Friday, April 4th, the Lower and Middle Division Choruses will perform the Canadian National Anthem at the Gwinnett Gladiators game. We’re thrilled to have received this exciting invitation to perform for the Greater Atlanta community!

12 SPRING 2014

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SWIFT SCENEn Thanks to all of the parents and friends who attended Swift’s Variety Show! Performances included songs, dances, jokes, magic, hula hooping, a cooking demonstration, card tricks, piano, acrobatics, guitar, poetry, and comedy. We enjoy a very talented population of students at Swift School! Pictured on the left is Avery Wilburn in 4th grade performing “Nothing More.”

(L-R) Mrs. Lane, Michael Rosen, Nick Davis, Harry Goldfein, Alex Ardagna, Trevor Masse, Will Battle, Ethan Kittle, Will Vesey and Mrs. McGuire travel to the Roswell Senior Living center for a day of community service. The 8th Grade boys and their teachers sat and talked with the residents while creating a fun Valentine’s Day craft. This is the second trip the 8th grade class has taken to visit the residents this year, and the 43 residents always enjoy spending time with these nice young men.

Pet Day at Swift is always a favorite event. This year we had many furry, slimy, and scaly friends join our students on the lawn. Mr. Wendlek even brought his furry pal, Cooper! WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM

SPRING 2014

Experience an educational, enriching, and exciting summer at Swift School. Rising 1st-6th graders will explore literature and language through the Orton-Gillingham Approach. Students can also register for Swift’s afternoon options including art, technology, sports, music & more!

EDUCATIONAL l ENRICHING l EXCITING 300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell, GA 30075 l 678.205.4988 l www.swiftschool.com l Contact: cstewart@swiftschool.com

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! If you have not yet made a gift to this school year’s Annual Fund appeal, we are accepting gifts until May 31. Gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible and bridge the 12% gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating your student. 100 PERCENT PARTICIPATION in the Annual Fund for Swift is crucial to the success of our program. We ask that every member of our community (parent, board, faculty and staff) contribute. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated by Swift and our students.