Courier
November/December 2012
www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
Cover Photo: Courtney (4th grade) and her mom are
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ready to race the Dyslexia Dash for Team Swift.
In this
Issue
4
Swift Launches Blog Follow the journey online of a family’s first year experience at Swift.
6
Swift Celebrates Dyslexia Awareness Month Find out what strides Swift took to educate others about dyslexia in October.
Having a ball The Spartans’ 2013 soccer season ended on a high note for the team.
PRESENTS
Directed by James Redford
Free Community Screening Followed by a “Success with Dyslexia” panel discussion moderated by Celebrity Radio Host: Adam Goldfein
Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 4:00 pm Studio Movie Grill 2880 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta , Georgia Reservations Required. Limited Seating Available on a First-Come, First-Served Basis. RSVP at BigPictureRSVP@studiomoviegrill.com
“The Big Picture “busts any preconceptions about limits on what people with dyslexia can achieve.” - The New York Times
Courier November
November/December 2012
Volume 3 Issue 2 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
nFeatures
19–23
Thanksgiving Recess (No classes)
26
Classes Resume
Swift Launches Blog ............................................................. 3
28
SPA Meeting
Visit www.swiftschoolblog.com to follow along a first-year family’s
29
Giraffe Assembly
(Dress uniforms grades 1st-5th)
journey at Swift School.
Swift School Celebrates Dyslexia Awareness Month .......... 4
December
Find out what strides Swift took to educate others about dyslexia
7
Winter Formal (Grades 5th-8th)
14
Second Academic
Quarter Concludes
20
Winter Concert
Having a Ball ........................................................................... 6
21
Winter Recess Commences
The Spartans’ soccer season ended on a high note for the team.
at Noon
January 8
Classes Resume
10
Fifth Grade Parent Meeting
11
Lower Division Conferences
13
The Big Picture Movie Screening
21
MLK Day (No classes)
27
Admissions Open House
Annual Swift Family Bowling Event
29
Family & Parent Series
(Grades 5th-8th only)
during the month of October.
Election 2012 .......................................................................... 8 The Lower Division students hold their own election for president.
Dearly Departed ..................................................................... 9 Middle Division students say good bye to their overused words.
Connect with Swift online socially PARENT BLOG www.swiftschoolblog.com Follow Swift School on Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates and information regarding school activities.
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8
nIn Every Issue Head’s Column ......................................................................................................... 2 Alumni Spotlight ...................................................................................................... 10 Famous Faces of Dyslexia ..................................................................................... 10 News You Can Use ................................................................................................. 11
www.facebook.com/theswiftschool @SwiftSchool_GA
www.swiftschool.com
Swift Scene .............................................................................................................. 12 Coming Up .............................................................................................................. 13 November/December 2012
1
nHead’s Message
SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
R i c h a r d W e n dl e k
Executive Committee
Over the past 20 or so years researchers have
Couple this structure with a distracted, media-
expanded our understanding of how people
entrenched society, where the exchange of
learn, making discoveries that challenge the
thoughts by sustained human conversation is
traditional assumptions on which most schools
increasingly rare, and further complications for
are built. The rigid factory model of education
learning often result. Language development is
– the assembly line that moves students through
a largely experiential process; listening to words
a standard curriculum of books and lessons in
develops the ability to create meaning and use
a strict sequence – assumes that all brains are
language; expressing thoughts through words is
basically the same. They aren’t. The myriad
the result of building understanding that words
possible neural connections, as well as the
help us express. This is achieved by the simple
relative strengths and weaknesses of these
acts of talking and listening; expressing and
connections, suggests that our brains are as
interpreting. First listen, then speak; as language
varied and individual as our fingerprints or our
practice and usage grows written words begin
DNA.
to make sense. Homes and classrooms that
The factory model also assumes that
encourage the exchange of this process, while
teaching and learning are synonyms. They are
limiting the intrusion of mass media distractions,
not. Research findings tell us that learning is
help children to understand spoken and
a dynamic process of building and rebuilding
eventually written language.
new neural networks (pathways that connect
Swift School is not of the factory model
Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair Laurie Green, Vice Chair Peter Williams, Treasurer Jeff Kudlata, Secretary
Trustees Jason Butler Dr. Paul Cohen Dr. Gail Flanigan Robert Gray Gregory Hill Laura Ries Paul Schur
different regions of the brain). In order to
variety. As a matter of fact because our
understand subtracting or writing, the learner
teaching and learning methods target those
must build a neural network for these skills and
with language based learning differences, this
concepts. Teachers and parents can do all
translates to best practices – for all learners.
the telling they want, but until the learner has
Curricular practices that integrate language
put forth the effort to build understanding,
learning – the fine arts, morphology, public
learning will not occur. And the effort
speaking, performance – further extend
required is considerable because the skill or
opportunities for language learning more
Richard J. Wendlek, Head of School
understanding initially regresses and must be
broadly.
Dr. Andrea Salapka, Associate Head
built and rebuilt. Most schools are not designed for such a process. At Swift instructional
My best wishes for a language-rich Holiday Season!
Gail Swift, Emerita Richard Wendlek, Ex officio
Administration
Karen Buttermore, Director of Development Paul Foltz, Business Manager
strategies are designed to train the right brain to communicate with the left brain.
Parent Association President
The factory model of schooling rests on
Margot Vetrovsky
other faulty assumptions about learning: the belief that thinking is essentially a rational, unemotional process. While creating safe,
Rich Wendlek,
positive classroom environments is important,
Head of School
the role of emotion in learning is much more complex; emotion is essential to good thinking and learning. Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio tells us that “emotion is the rudder for thought.” What this means is that we pay attention to and
Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988
engage in those things that are emotionally relevant or that matter to us. Telling students how math will matter when they grow up, for instance, is not likely to motivate learning today.
2
November/December 2012
www.swiftschool.com
Swift Launches
Parent blog
In October Swift launched its first-ever school
of all the ways that Brayden struggled and
attending classes…meeting administrators. I
blog which is written by a parent for parents.
was able to adapt my teaching to his needs.
am a do-your-research-trust-your-gut type
The blog is meant to provide insight from a
Interestingly enough, before I was even aware
of individual. Ultimately it was the later part
first-year family’s perspective of Swift and to
of dyslexia or Orton-Gillingham, I had Brayden
of the summer when I was introduced to
serve as a resource to potential parents. The
tap words out for phonics.
Swift School. It is difficult to put into words
following is the inaugural post from www.
Unfortunately, the local school was not
the sense of peace that I felt when I entered
swiftschoolblog.com. Visit the blog online to
equipped to adapt to the types of challenges
Swift School. With no students in attendance,
follow along throughout the school year.
Brayden faced and he became more and
I thought ‘how will I know if this is the right
more disheartened as the year progressed.
school, without the benefit of observing the
IN the Beginning
Brayden had multiple accommodations which
teachers and seeing the students’. I immedi-
Welcome to the introductory post of the
furthered his feeling that he was “not good
ately felt at home. It may seem silly but the
Swift School blog. My name is Shannon and
enough”. Brayden’s second grade teacher
building seemed to overwhelmingly radiate
as a first year Swift School parent, I was
recommended that we consider retaining
a sense of warmth, LOVE, and happiness. I
asked to write this blog to share our family’s
Brayden in the second grade. I began to do
was warmly received by Dr. Salapka, associ-
experience/journey by Morgan Sapp, Swift’s
research, consulted friends and professionals
ate head of school and director of admissions,
communications and development associ-
regarding learning challenges.
ate. The goal of this blog is to allow current
I must confess that this was
and prospective families to gain insight into
an extremely emotional time
the awesome opportunity of a Swift School
for our family. We all desire
education from a parent’s point of view.
the very best for our children
About us: We are a family of 5 that includes
and I knew that I had an intel-
our 16 year old son, 13 year old daughter, and
ligent child who required a
our Swift student Brayden. Brayden began
different type of teaching. I
the 3rd grade at Swift this year.
had the benefit of hearing
Our journey to Swift began in earnest at
many individuals generously
and thrilled to find that
“We all desire the very best for our children and I knew that I had an intelligent child who required a different type of teaching.”
Swift School’s goals and missions were in line with the type of education we wanted for our child. My child would no longer be accommodated; he would be with students, teachers and administrators who accepted where he was
the beginning of Brayden’s second year at our
share their own stories of
local public school; however I was aware that
learning differences with their children. After
there were learning differences when Brayden
much consideration we began psychological
was in kindergarten. Our older children
testing. Testing revealed multiple language-
year at the Swift School and I am excited to
learned to read easily and we all shared our
based learning challenges. At this point I was
share more information about our first year
love of reading by reading together often.
relieved to get the information that we needed
here at www.swiftschoolblog.com. It would be
When I began to teach Brayden to read it did
to help out Brayden. Now….where to go? Our
my honor and pleasure to answer your private
not come easily for him. Brayden had speech
psychologist highly recommended the Swift
questions. Please do not hesitate to contact
fluency and articulation issues and I felt that
School.
me at shannonbc101@yahoo.com.
the challenges with reading were related to his speech problems. I began to keep a journal
www.swiftschool.com
in his learning journey. JOY!!!! We are experiencing an AWESOME first
I began to do further research…..talking to different schools, making appointments….
November/December 2012
3
Swift Community
Celebrates
Dyslexia
Awareness Month
BROTHERLY LOVE Fifth grader Luke and his big brother Zack finish the Dyslexia Dash side-by-side.
4
November/December 2012
www.swiftschool.com
E
very October Swift celebrates Dyslexia Awareness month by hosting an open house event to prospective parents, publishing educational
information on dyslexia and most visibly by participating in the Georgia Chapter of International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) fun run called the Dyslexia Dash. On Saturday, October 20, more than 250 students, parents, faculty and friends of Swift School participated in this community event. The 5k race, held at Riverside Park in Roswell drew its largest crowd to date with more than 800 race participants. For the second year in a row, Middle
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Division student Will V. (picture 5) crossed the finish line first for Team Swift. Fourth grade mom Celeste Barrow was the first parent to finish the Dash. Several Swift Alumni registered to run the race and participate with Team Swift. Amanda D. was the first Swift alumnae to complete the course. After the race, participants enjoyed games, music, raffle prizes and awards. Proceeds from the Dyslexia Dash will help fund the IDA’s research on neurological, educational and developmental issues as they relate to dyslexia. Swift School is proud to sponsor the Dyslexia Dash
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3
4
5
annually and to be associated with the IDA. Swift believes that with the right tools and methods of teaching, the challenges dyslexic children face will become opportunities for them in the future. 1. Tristan (3rd grade) and his mother add their own flare to the Dyslexia Dash. 2. Third grade mom Karrie Fuerst fist pumps her way across the finish line. 3. Conrad and mom Laura wait anxiously for the race to start. A special thank you to Laura for her work coordinating Team Swift. 4. Fourth grader Alex has his grandmother present to cheer him on.
Dyslexia Goes Digital Swift posted daily facts about dyslexia during the month of October on its Facebook Fan page to raise awareness about this language-based learning difference. Posts were meant to educate and inform friends of Swift’s page that dyslexia is not just a challenge but a gift. Are you on Facebook? Like our page at www.facebook.com/theswiftschool .
www.swiftschool.com
November/December 2012
5
Having A Ball 6
Fall brings beautiful leaves, cooler weather and Spartan Soccer to Manley Campus. New to the Spartan soccer team this year, Maya (pictured) scored three goals during the season under the coaching of Rhett Saylors.
November/December 2012
www.swiftschool.com
T
he Spartan soccer team had an impressive second year of competitive play. In 2011, the Spartans
ended the season with a record of three wins and five losses. This year, the team ended the season with a winning record of five wins and three losses. In addition to a great season, Swift joined the Atlanta Private Athletic Conference and placed second in the soccer championship game against Sophia Academy. The team’s leading scorer for the season was seventh grade student Will Battle. The Spartans scored a total of 29 goals throughout the season and Will contributed eight of those points. The second highest scorer was seventh grade student Ronin Molina-Salas. Ronin was the 2011-2012 Spartiate Award recipient and scored a total of six goals. 1. Seventh grade student Trevor zig-zags past the competition to score a total of four goals during the season. 2. Will and Ronin team up to drive the ball down the field. 3. Sixth grade student Meaghan warms up with a few practice drills.
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2012 Spartan Soccer Roster Will Battle Maya Blake Meaghan Fritze Harry Goldfein Brian Gormley Josh Hargrove Owen Hodson Erek Karadeniz
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Cooper Kennedy Ethan Kittle Ainsley Kudlata Trevor Masse Grant Meyer Ronin Molina-Salas Sarah Northrop Brandon Reid Gram Smith Lexi Waldman Julia Winter
www.swiftschool.com
The 2012 Spartan Team (plus mascot Will Vesey) after wining second place in the A.P.A.C. soccer championship game.
November/December 2012
7
Election
2012
o
n November 6 the halls of Swift were
buzzing with excitement as Election Day dawned. Who would the polls reveal as the winner? Whose campaign edged past the competition to prove victorious? Would it be Grace, Duck, or Teacher for President? Over the past several weeks, Swift fifth graders have been learning the ins and outs of the election process in conjunction with the 2012 presidential race. Through the guidance of Ms. Grade, the fifth grade students ran their own Lower Division election to determine the students’ favorite book. Prior to the election, all classes in the Lower Division read three books: Duck for President, Grace for President, and Teacher for President. In order for Election Day to run smoothly, fifth graders educated the Lower Division students on
Both supporters of Duck for President, Noah (L) and Manuel (R) exit the polls feeling confident in their candi”duck”.
the voting process. Students from first through fourth grade lined up outside the hall of the fifth grade classrooms with registration cards in hand
by generous donations to the Annual Fund for Swift.
anxiously waiting to cast their vote.
Before each class left the polling precinct,
Students used technology provided by the
students were given an “I Voted” sticker to
Digital Learning Environment (DLE) to cast
promote participation in the election. After
their votes. Teachers created the “ballot” by using Survey Monkey, a free online resource for
results were tallied, Head of School Rich Wendlek announced “Duck for President” as the winner by a
collecting responses. The DLE is an on-going technology program that continues to expand to
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meet students’ need. The DLE was initially funded
landslide.
November/December 2012
www.swiftschool.com
Dearly
Departed The Overused Words Obituaries
It was a cold, gloomy day on Manley Campus when the Middle Division students mourned the loss of their overused words. During the week of Halloween, students created a cemetery so words such as ‘stuff,’ ‘good,’ ‘nice’ and ‘thing’ were laid to rest. A graveside ceremony was held where students read eulogies they had prepared as a part of a creative writing assignment.
Good - By Ainsley Kudlata I remember when Good was born. I remember the first time he rode his new bike. I remember everything about him and everything about him was amazing
Everyone knows Good is good but he is
objects and put a spell on everyone
also loving. He is a doctor just to make
to use his name, but Thing quickly
people happy and he babysits to see
became overused. After he grew very
the smile on little kids’ faces. He really
powerful, he wanted to become rich too,
liked helping the homeless and making
so he became a pirate. He was a very
money for the poor. He enjoyed reading
famous pirate captain and when he had
and doing extra work for his school
mountains of riches, he sailed to America.
he went to. As I said before, Good and
He planned on taking over the world, but
everything about him is amazing. I and
instead he brought a giant mansion that
hopefully everybody else will miss my
he filled with tons of things. He owned
great friend Good. Everyone will miss and
an emporium and lived happily with his
still love Good here or not - especially
wife, Piece for almost 300 years in their
his wife, Swell; children, Great, Brilliant,
gigantic mansion and they had three
Respectable, Excellent, and Fantastic;
children. When modern times came, he
mother, Perfect; father, Super; brother,
became the head of Amazon.com so he
Mind-blowing; and sister, Fine.
could control items all over the country. Thing was very passionate about his
and positive. Good always had a great attitude even when he was sad or angry. Good and I never fought and when I tried to start a fight with him he would hug me or say “it’s okay”. I can’t remember a time he was never positive. He really liked to buy things for other people when they’re sad and to pick up trash and recycle.
Thing - by Sarah Northrop
products and owned almost every item
When he was young, Thing was very
on Amazon. His children, Matter, Object,
curious and wanted to learn everything.
and Being also had similar careers. They
Once he learned almost everything there
were the head of UPS, and e-Bay and
was to know, he became a sorcerer and
an auctioneer. Thing died quietly in his
practiced magic so he could become
mansion with his family and he will be
very powerful. He owned a huge castle
missed a lot.
that he filled with a hoard of magical www.swiftschool.com
November/December 2012
9
nFamous Faces of Dyslexia S t e v e n S p i e lb e r g
As many as 15 percent of the world’s
Jobs, are highly intelligent, even
population exhibits some of the
gifted.
symptoms of dyslexia, according to
Spielberg, who grew up in the 1950s before dyslexia was even a
Researchers are learning that
diagnosis, was mislabeled by teachers
the International Dyslexia Association,
individuals with dyslexia tend to have
as “lazy.” Today, there’s more
and not surprisingly, a great number
strengths in other areas, in creativity
awareness and more help for people
of them are famous.
and imagination. Dyslexics are often
with dyslexia, including oral readers,
said to be able think outside the
books on CD and voice recognition
proverbial box.
software, to help people manage the
Steven Spielberg is among the long list of celebrities to come forward with the struggle of dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that makes it difficult to turn printed words into
Spielberg dealt with his dyslexia, which he says was not diagnosed until five years ago, by making movies. “Making movies was my great
lifelong condition more effectively. Some of Speilberg’s most well know works include: - Indiana Jones
sound. It primarily shows up in reading,
escape, it was how I could get away
- Jaws
and includes slow or inaccurate
from all that,” he says in a video for
- Jurassic Park
reading as well as trouble with
the website Friends of Quinn. “Movies
- Saving Private Ryan
pronunciation and comprehension.
really helped me, kind of saved me
- Schindler’s List
from shame, from guilt, from putting
- War Horse
It has nothing to do with intelligence, however. A lot of
it on myself...when it wasn’t my
dyslexics, like Apple founder Steve
burden.”
nAlumni Spotlight M e g a n P h i ll i ps
Megan’s journey to Swift began in the 4th
probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it
grade while attending Queen of Angels
was not for her.”
School. She was tested by the counselor at
In 2012 Megan
“I probably
the school who led the Phillips family to Gail
graduated from
Swift. At the time, Swift was running a small
Pope High School.
school in Marietta that would eventually turn
She is currently a
into the school current families know today.
freshman at Texas
today if it was
Megan began attending Swift in the 5th
A&M. Texas A&M
not for her.”
grade and was enrolled for two years.
has more than
wouldn’t be where I am
Before transferring to Swift, Megan was
50,000 students and ranks as the sixth-largest
nervous. She said she previously had a hard
university in the country. She attends school
time making friends and didn’t know what
on a scholarship and rides for their NCAA
to expect at Swift. “Every time you move
(National Collegiate Athletic Association)
schools it’s hard,” she said. “But going to Swift
equestrian team. Megan admits that she
was worth it.” During her two years at Swift,
still struggles from time-to-time but credits her
Megan remembers being in Mrs. Cherry’s
success to the strategies she learned at Swift.
class. “She was always really helpful and
“I would tell current students to keep going.
always took the time to explain something
Things will get hard at times and it sometimes
to you,” Megan said. “She was amazing. I
gets worse before it gets better. But in the
10
November/December 2012
end, that hard work will pay off.” The Phillips family remains heavily involved with the school although none of their children still attend. “Swift gave Megan the skills to be successful in school and to tap her intellectual potential,” said her mother Kelly Phillips. “By providing an environment that allowed her to be successful, she gained a sense of pride and positive self-esteem that gave her the confidence to tackle the world head on. She has now blossomed into a fine young woman.”
www.swiftschool.com
News You Can Usen New Faces at Swift We are delighted to introduce our new reception manager,
Annual Fund UPDATE This is the season for year-end charitable giving decisions,
Angela Robertson. Angela assumed the responsibilities of
and Swift School requests that parents make the Annual
reception manager on November 12. Prior to moving to the
Fund for Swift a giving priority. The school is experiencing
metro area she was a private school teacher in Indianapolis and Macon. Angela and her husband and children live in Alpharetta. Lynn Kaplin joined the Swift faculty as the studio art teacher
unprecedented growth and gifts to the Annual Fund are used to provide academic and facility enhancements that cannot be achieved through the operating budget. Parents may not be aware that gifts to Swift can be
on November 12. Mrs. Kaplin has been an art teacher and
made through the United Way campaign. Our school is
arts director in both private and public education as well as
a non-profit 501c (3) organization, which meets eligibility
in the private sector. She received a Bachelor of Design from
requirements of the United Way. The easiest way to give
the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Art Education from
to Swift through the United Way is as part of a United Way
Georgia State. Lynn and her husband and children live in Atlanta.
campaign at work. If a parent or their spouse works for a company that matches charitable gifts to educational institutions, the
A Tasty Touch - Swift Lunch Provider A Tasty Touch provides lunch food service for Swift students each academic day. In addition to the lunch entrees listed on the menu, students are provided with other food choice
amount of your personal gift can be doubled or tripled. Please contact the Human Resources or Benefits department at your employer to learn if the company matches charitable gifts. The donor gets credit for both the personal and matching gifts. We are striving to close the Annual Fund campaign
options. Sandwiches (turkey and cheese, cheese, ham
by Dec. 31. If you cannot make a gift by that date, we
and cheese, bologna and cheese, peanut butter, PBJ)
accept pledges to be paid before May 31, 2013. Please
and a salad bar (lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers,
contact Karen Buttermore at school regarding Annual Fund
pickles, olives, cheddar cheese chunks and dressings) are also available each day. Students may choose the entrĂŠe
questions.
and salad bar or salad bar and a sandwich. Desserts and
STELLAR GALA 2013
hot vegetables are also offered daily. Drink options include
The Gala Committee is already at work planning the
bottled water, 2% white milk, fat-free chocolate milk, and a juice variety. If your student has a dietary restriction (such as peanuts, peanut butter, cheese, other dairy) please contact Swift reception manager Angela Robertson and she will make
upcoming gala! On Friday, March 22, Swift parents, grandparents, and friends will enjoy a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, and live and silent auctions at the Atlanta Athletic Club. This year, tickets will be sold online beginning the week
A Tasty Touch aware of particular needs. A Tasty Touch will
after Thanksgiving. A savings can be realized by purchasing
meet with Swift Student Council officers following the Holiday
tickets early. From Nov. 28- Jan. 15 tickets are $85 per
Season to discuss other food options.
person. After Jan. 15, tickets are $90 per person. Tables of 8, 10 or 12 guests can be purchased. Parents are encouraged to invite neighbors or relatives to join their
Wait pool established
table as guests, or a group of parents may share a table.
It is ever so pleasing to observe all of Swift’s students engaged in their day-to-day routines at school! Veteran students and those newly admitted have become one grand community! Currently a Wait Pool has been established for the Lower
Tickets would need to be purchased at the same time, and the list of guests seated at a table is required. If you have questions, please contact Gala Chair Kim Masse at kimkmasse@yahoo.com or Co-chair Jill Norton at tednjill@ yahoo.com
School . Following the re-enrollment season in February, new students will be admitted for the coming academic year. www.swiftschool.com
November/December 2012
11
nSwift Scene
Notes from the Middle Division Director - Patty Nathan Middle Division Launches Honor Society Swift School is a chartered and affiliated chapter of The
Service includes contributions to the school, classmates,
National Junior Honor Society. Students in seventh or eighth
and the community. Also important is the student’s attitude
grade who meet the required standards in five areas of
toward service. Students must actively participate in at least
evaluation - scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and
two community service projects that Swift is participating in.
character - are eligible for membership. A five member
In addition, eight hours of documented community service
faculty council determines membership and candidates will
outside of Swift is required. Documentation would be a
be notified regarding selection or non-selection by April 30.
signed letter from a service organization or a church leader.
The scholarship requirement is a 3.0 GPA.
The student who demonstrates citizenship understands
Qualities of leadership are dedication, organization,
the importance of civic involvement, has a high regard
empathy, and sense of responsibility in carrying out details.
for freedom, justice, and democracy, and demonstrates
Participation in student council , student council committees
mature participation and responsibility through involvement
and activities, and Swift sports teams is considered
with activities such as scouting and community
desirable.
organizations.
Positive aspects of character such as honesty,
Middle Division is excited to launch the National Junior
responsibility, fairness, courtesy, tolerance, and cooperation
Honor Society at Swift School.
will be considered. Students must have no disciplinary referrals on file for major violations.
Swift has more than 15 reasons to celebrate its anniversary this year. Since 1998, more than 1,000 students have received a Swift education - an education that changes their lives and their family’s lives. Swift looks forward to another 15 years of helping students find success with dyslexia and celebrating this achievement with you this year!
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November/December 2012
www.swiftschool.com
coming upn
Mark your calendars with these important dates Formal n Winter December 7, 7:00 p.m.
Movie Screening of n Free The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia
Middle Division students and 5th graders will attend the
January 13, 2013; 4:00 p.m.
Winter Formal on Friday evening, December 7 from
The HBO release The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia
7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. The event will be conducted in the
produced by Robert Redford’s son James will be screened
Great Room at Swift and will include catered food and
by Swift School at Studio Movie Grill in Alpharetta from
a DJ. Tickets will go on sale following the Thanksgiving holiday. Middle Division students will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. on December 7 to allow the students ample time to prepare for this very special dance.
n
4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2013. Reservations will be accepted beginning in December. Following the viewing a panel of learning difference experts will address the audience. This event is presented by Swift School at no charge and is open to the public.
Winter Concert December 20, 7:00 p.m. Join Swift for an evening of musical bliss. The Winter Concert will be held at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Detailed information will be sent home in the coming weeks.
Swift Family Bowling n Annual January 27, 2013; 2:00 p.m. Swift family bowling is back! Mark your calendar for this wonderful family event being held at the Brunswick Zone in Roswell.
LIFE-CHANGING
They Are Counting on You 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. POTENTIAL
100 percent participation is a key factor to charitable foundations considering a donation to our school. These additional funds help provide even more opportunities for YOUR student to academically develop and discover their true potential. Donate online or send a check to the school. Please help us reach 100 percent participation by December 31, 2012.
TRANSFORMING
www.swiftschool.com
Will You Help Us Reach 100 Percent?
November/December 2012
13
Celebrating 15 years of Success
300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075
The Doorway to Success
Discover how our
Comprehensive Educational Experience for students in grades 1-8 provides tools and strategies for success.
Admission Open House Sunday, January 27 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Presentation at 1:30 p.m. followed by school tours. For more information, visit Swift online at www.swiftschool. com or call 678.205.4988. Use your SmartPhone to scan the QR code to go directly to our Web site.