COURIER
Volume 2 Issue 4 January/February 2012 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
Students get ready to wow the audience at the Winter Concert.
IN THIS
ISSUE
4
MOVES LIKE JAGGER Students take to the dance floor at the Winter Formal.
6 11 SHOW AND TELL Swift’s Inaugural Winter Concert was a huge success!
STELLAR GALA APPROACHES Get ready for Swift’s premier event!
YOU’RE INVITED
PARENT &
FACULTY
MINGLE HOSTED BY THE SWIFT PARENT ASSOCIATION
SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 4
7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Oxford Mill
CLUBHOUSE
OXFORD MILL DRIVE l JOHNS CREEK l GA l 30022
ATTIRE: DRESSY CASUAL BEER, WINE AND LIGHT HORS D’OEUVRES PROVIDED RSVP TO INFO@SWIFTSCHOOL.COM OR
678.205.4988
COURIER JANUARY Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 20
Primary Conferences Intermediate Conferences Middle Division Conferences
Jan. 22 Admission Open House Jan. 24 Parent Workshop Series/7:00 p.m. Jan. 25 SPA Meeting/8:30 a.m. Day of Manners/Dress Uniform Jan. 27 Spirit Day Jan. 29 Swift Family Bowling Event
Volume 2 Issue 4 January/February 2012 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
nFEATURES Moves Like Jagger ................................... 4 Swift 5th, 6th and 7th graders have moves you’ve never seen before.
Show and Tell ............................................ 6 4
Swift celebrates the holiday season with friends and family at its inaugural Winter Concert.
FEBRUARY Feb. 4 Parent and Faculty Mingle Feb. 6 2012-13 Re-enrollment issued Feb. 6-10 OG Fellow on campus Feb. 13-17 Faculty Appreciation Week Feb. 16 Preview Day Feb. 17 2012-2013 Enrollment Due Feb. 20 Presidents’ Day/No Classes Feb. 21 Parent Workshop Series/7:00 p.m. Feb. 22 SPA Meeting/8:30 a.m.
Something to Bark About .......................... 9
MARCH Mar. 9
Swift Accreditation .................................. 12
Middle Division Dance 7:00 -10:00 p.m. Mar. 12-16 Lower Division Performance Week Mar. 13-15 Middle Division Trip Mar. 19 Professional Day/No Classes Mar. 20-23 Friendship Week Mar. 23 Swift Gala Mar. 26-30 OG Fellow on Campus Woodcock Johnson Testing Mar. 27 Parent Workshop Series/7:00 p.m. Mar. 28 SPA Meeting/8:30 a.m. APRIL April 2-9 April 10 April 16-20 April 20
Students participate in the K-9 Kids Program.
Swift Gala Details .................................... 11 With only two months left, the Swift Gala Committee is gearing up for a stellar event.
It’s official! Swift received official approval of accreditation from SAIS and SACS.
nIN EVERY ISSUE
6
Head’s Column ............................................................................................. 2 Famous Faces of Dyslexia .......................................................................... 10 Swift Alumni Spotlight ................................................................................. 10
Spring Recess Classes Resume OG Fellow on Campus Middle School Spring Fling
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
News You Can Use ...................................................................................... 11 Swift Scene .................................................................................................. 12 Coming Up .................................................................................................. 13 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
1
nHEAD’S MESSAGE
SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RICHARD WENDLEK
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The search for concise information to include
necessary to do the assignment, doing the
here that is beneficial for parents is ongoing,
assignment, and having it prepared for the next
and the content most often winds up to be
day.
based on many conversations with lots of Swift
As students mature academic success
parents. Happy New Year! The hope is that you
becomes even more dependent on their ability
find use for what is shared.
to supervise themselves for longer time spans.
Do you think school success is mostly a
Self-supervision (aka self-discipline) shows that it
matter of IQ? Think again. Are you worried that
is the winner over IQ throughout the high school
your child’s learning difference is a doomsday
and college years.
diagnosis? It doesn’t have to be. Do you think
Teaching strategies at Swift are designed
that being an ‘average’ kid will prevent your
(dedicated) to help to inculcate executive
child from excelling in school? Not necessarily.
functions. Many parents are astounded at the
Natural ability to learn is only part of the
growth they witness in the academic realm
equation for academic success; motivation
as a result. This serves students as part of the
is another important key. Neuroscience is
magic of Swift. The question most often asked
shedding light on another group of mental
is how does a parent move a child from adult
capacities referred to as executive functions
supervision to self-supervision?
– the self-governing, goal directed skills that
The answer is, of course, somewhat involved,
enable children to meet academic challenges
however, building executive functions is most
and become independent learners.
often related to consistent structure and
Executive skills are different from intelligence
consistent rules. Within this realm ‘discipline’
– in fact, they steer it – and include adaptive
should be construed as ‘self-regulation’, and not
attention, flexibility in problem solving, self-
as correcting misbehavior or misdeeds. Create
monitoring, adaptive inhibition of impulses,
‘me-supervising-me’ moments by asking simple,
and the capacity to follow through with
direct questions like ‘Do you have what you
intentions. They function as a steering wheel of
need to complete your homework?’ ‘How much
sorts concerning resources by setting priorities;
time will you need to do that assignment?’ Also,
deploying attention; setting and keeping goals
natural consequences are excellent motivators
despite distractions; and in organizing time,
for the emotional growth executive functions
responsibilities, and materials.
require. Facing consequences may serve as a
How do executive skills interface with
good incentive for further independence. Keep
intelligence? Watch your child(ren) read or do
in mind that executive functions continue to
a homework assignment. Intellectual resources
grow and develop and do not fully mature until
– visual memory of sight words, decoding skills
young adulthood. As children develop their own
that break down unfamiliar words, language
executive strategies they move toward greater
skills that make sense of what is being read,
and greater levels of
and memories that store information and tap
self-supervision and
back into it so questions may be answered
they typically soar.
later, are all at work. Simultaneously, executive
Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair Robert W. Gray, Vice-Chair Peter Williams, Treasurer Laura Green, Secretary
TRUSTEES Dr. Paul Cohen Thomas J. Flanigan Gregory Hill Jeffrey Kudlata Douglas Martin Laura Ries Paul Schur Gail Swift, Emerita Richard Wendlek, Ex officio
ADMINISTRATION Richard J. Wendlek, Head of School Dr. Andrea Salapka, Associate Head Angela Kidder, Assistant to the Associate Head Morgan Sapp, Advancement Associate Karen Buttermore, Director of Development Paul Foltz, Business Manager Ellen Ascher, Business Associate Kelly Phillips, Reception Manager Joe Ramaglia, Information Technology/Operations Linda Rapozo, Business Associate
PARENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Heidi McFarland
skills enable them to begin the assignment and work through it, monitor understanding, reread when necessary, and pick answers from among multiple choices. It also regulates consulting
Richard J. Wendlek
an assignment book, having the materials
Head of School
2
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
Information about the Annual Swift Family Bowling Event, Sunday, January 29, 2012 2-4 p.m. at Roswell Lanes Admission News
7TH ANNUAL SWIFT FAMILY BOWLING EVENT Sunday, January 29 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Roswell Brunswick Zone $13.00 per person (Includes 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soda and all the fun you can imagine!)
Money is due to Swift no later than Friday, January 20.
For more information, contact Swift School at 678.205.4988
MOVES LIKE JAGGER On Friday, December 9, 2011 the Swift Great Room transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the Middle Division formal. The Middle Division invited the 5th grade class to be their special guests. More than 40 students attended the formal. Students enjoyed dinner and hours of dancing with friends. These dancing machines are already asking about the dance in March!
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
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3
4
1. Is that Justin Bieber at the Winter Formal? Nope, that’s 6th grader, Ian Laizer. Bieber beware - Ian’s dance moves will give you a run for your money. 2. The seventh grade class takes a break from dancing for a group picture. 3. Belles of the Ball: Emma Motter and Betsy Hill came prepared to “Par-Tay!” 4. Dancing Queens: Swift Middle Division teachers joined in on the fun both on the dance floor and in the photo booth. 5. Swift fifth graders were ready for their close-up in between dancing the night away.
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
5
SHOW & TELL 6
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
Swift students are no strangers to putting on a good show thanks to the fine arts program and the talented Caroline Goldstein. The varied musical selections and Orff accompaniments delighted the students and audience.
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
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On Dec. 15, 2011, more than 100 student
different languages. Many songs were
voices filled the sanctuary of the Dunwoody
accompanied by Orff instruments. Student
Community Church during Swift’s inaugural
musicians are learning to play percussion
Winter Concert.
instruments as another facet of Swift’s Fine
The concert featured students in the third through seventh grade general music
Arts Program. One of the highlights of the concert was
classes, the Lower Division Chorus, the Swift
the final number, “Let There Be Peace”
Singers, and the Swift Syncopations. The
composed by Andy Beck. Students were
student performers sang, played, acted,
led by soloists Michelle Wynne and Alex
and danced to winter selections, world
Haertel. The number concluded with a
music, and holiday favorites.
gospel flair.
A full house consisting of family
For video clips and photos from the
members, friends, and Swift faculty were
Winter Concert visit Swift’s YouTube
present to enjoy the Winter Concert.
channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/
The students began preparing for the Winter Concert in October. In addition
SwiftSchoolRoswell) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/theSwiftSchool).
to singing and incorporating creative movement, students tackled songs in three
8
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
something to
bark
about
SWIFT SCHOOL WAS RECENTLY RECOGNIZED IN LOCAL MEDIA FOR ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE K-9 KIDS PROGRAM. THESE INITIATIVES INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PRACTICE THEIR READING SKILLS. SWIFT IS DEDICATED TO FINDING WAYS TO HELP STUDENTS DISCOVER A
S
LOVE OF READING.
wift School students, who once upon a time were
experience re-interested me in the program and I decided to
too shy to read aloud because of the challenges
see how Swift could get involved.”
they face with dyslexia, are gaining confidence in
Swift is currently participating once a month in the K-9 Kids
their reading abilities, thanks to programs like K-9 Kids Reading
Reading program with the hope of increasing the frequency
Program.
and expanding student involvement in 2012. This reading
Fourth grade students at Swift are participating in the K-9
environment is a win-win situation for both child and canine.
Kids Reading Program organized by Canine Assistants, a local
Students improve their reading fluency and self-confidence
metro Atlanta charity. On Friday, Dec. 2, students spent the
while the dog enjoys the company of a child. This program
morning reading books to a visiting service dog being trained
is exceptionally special to Swift because children are often
to aid adults and children with physical disabilities or other
reluctant to read aloud. The presence of a dog eases fears
special needs.
and gives the readers a genuine opportunity to orally read.
“It was a little weird at first but it’s fun! We’re doing this to
“I read How to Eat Fried Worms to her because it’s funny,”
help our class become better at reading,” said Peyton, a Swift
said Isabelle, another Swift 4th grader. “She is sweet, listens to
School 4th grader. “It’s good for her [the dog] to get to know
me and doesn’t bark while I read.”
people.”
“Reading with purpose truly engages students,” said Felix.
Natalie Felix, an associate teacher at Swift, got involved in
“When they read to a dog, they are not intimidated at all! It
Canine Assistants several years ago. This past summer, Felix’s
is a relaxing experience for the student and the dog. I tell
son was in the hospital at Scottish Rite. During that time, her
the students that we are performing a significant service by
son and other patients were visited by dogs from Canine
helping train and prepare the dog for future placement with a
Assistants.
person with disabilities. This is very empowering!”
“The kids loved the visits and it made the hospital stay much nicer -- even for my 17 year old son,” said Felix. “That
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
9
nFAMOUS FACES OF DYSLEXIA BRUCE JENNER
Bruce Jenner was a champion, a champion in the spirit of
“I would not have won the Olympic decathlon games.
the ancient Greek games. He was the model of the well-
Dyslexia made me outwork the next guy.
balanced athlete, one that was great enough to appear on
Jenner continued, “When I won the Olympic games, no
Wheaties. Bruce Jenner won the 1976 Olympic decathlon
one knew I had a problem. The only tough time I really had
games smashing his own world records.
was in school with my esteem. Look at successful people.
These games brought Bruce a gold medal, a new life of
They all find a niche in life. Dyslexia was my gift for it made
opportunities and fortune, but mostly they helped Bruce
me different and special. If I hadn’t had dyslexia, I wouldn’t
realize his gift of dyslexia.
have needed sports.”
“If I had not been dyslexic,” Jenner told KidsRunning
Article derived from www.kidsrunning.com
nSWIFT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT MELISSA MASHBURN If you visit the campus of Walton High School,
In her “free time,”
chances are you’ll find Swift alumna, Melissa
Melissa has found
Mashburn practicing her backhand on the
time for others. In
tennis courts. Melissa is a junior at Walton
addition to coaching
and has played on the state champion
young tennis players,
Walton Varsity Girls Tennis Team since her
Melissa was accepted
Freshman year. She was recently ranked #47
into the highly-regarded
on the national “Prince Hot 100” list.
Northside Hospital
Playing on the courts is a long way from
“Volunteen Program” in the
walking the halls of Swift, which Melissa did
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and has
from 2002 to 2005 as a student of Mrs. Swift,
logged over 100 volunteer hours since last
Mrs. Josefov, and Mrs. Cherry. “I will never
summer. And, in 2009 and 2010, Melissa was
forget how kind my teachers were to me
awarded Walton High School’s “Raider Pride
and how they always encouraged me. They
Award” in recognition of her exceptional
made school a great place to be.” Melissa
character, integrity, and kindness.
credits Swift for teaching her a good work
“You believed in me and showed me that I could be successful.”
Once she graduates in 2013, Melissa
ethic, the importance of keeping a positive
would like to go to nursing school and play
attitude, working hard every day, and
on a college tennis team. Eventually,
never giving up. This is not only reflected in
she would like to work as a CRNA (Certified
Melissa’s tennis playing, but also in her GPA,
Registered Nurse Anesthetist). But looking
that I could be
which has been above a 3.0 every year. “I
forward means also looking back. “One of
successful.”
have to stay disciplined, especially since so
my favorite memories from Swift is going to
much of my time is spent playing tennis. I
Jekyll Island in the 5th grade. We learned a
Swift Alumnus. E-mail us at swiftalumni@
do homework every night and review a little
lot and it was really fun being there with my
swiftschool.com.
every day.”
friends. You believed in me and showed me 10
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
Please send Swift an update on your
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
NEWS YOU CAN USEn ADMISSION NEWS An admissions event is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2012 for the 2012-2013 academic year. Students currently in the Admission Wait Pool will be admitted prior
SWIFT GALA DETAILS The 2012 Stellar Gala will take place at the Atlanta Athletic Club, site of the recent PGA Tournament. All parents and their adult guests are invited to the event on Friday, March 23
to other candidates for the coming year. The re-enrollment
from 7:00 until 11:00 p.m. The Gala is a community event that
period for returning students is from February 6 - February 17,
consists of a cocktail reception during the silent auction, a
2012. You will receive re-enrollment information in the mail.
seated dinner, a live auction, and musical entertainment. All
SWIFT OLD SHOE DRIVE
proceeds from the event benefit the students of the school. THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS SWIFT FAMILIES AND FRIENDS CAN HELP ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE STELLAR GALA.
Swift School is collecting old and gently used shoes as its service learning project for January. Shoes may be dropped off in the designated boxes in the Middle Division and in the main entrance. Please contact the school for more information.
Donated Items - The committee is seeking new items (no used or slightly used items) for both the silent and live auctions. Ask the restaurants, stores and salons you visit frequently if they would like to make a tax deductible donation. Many times the answer is YES! Sponsorship - The top three levels of sponsorships include tickets to the gala plus recognition at the event and in the printed program. Sponsorships also help the committee provide a free ticket to faculty and staff to attend the gala.
Information and registration information about Swift’s
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP IN
exciting Summer Explorations program will be available
MAKING THIS A STELLAR EVENT!
by late February. Academic programming designed to maintain and enhance skills taught during the academic year are offered, and, enriching programs that help put pizazz in the summer compliment morning offerings. Watch for information in your mailbox.
ANNUAL FUND FOR SWIFT UPDATE Swift is grateful to the families who made Annual Fund gifts and pledges by the end of tax year 2011. As of December 31, current parent participation in the Annual Fund for Swift reached 72%. We still have a goal of 100% participation among parents, so please help us move forward
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER January 22: Admissions Event January 25: Day of Manners/Dress Uniforms January 27: Spirit Day
by making a fully tax-deductible gift in early 2012. Gifts to the annual fund help keep tuition more affordable for families. Rather than charge the actual cost of educating a student here, Swift provides tax deductions to those who help fund operating costs through the Annual Fund. Swift seeks outside funding as a way to lessen the impact on parents
February 6: Re-Enrollment Issued
– however – every outside funder asks what is the percent
February 17: 2012-2013 Enrollment Due
participation among families. This percentage indicates an
February 22: SPA Meeting February 24: Spirit Day February 29: Day of Manners/Dress Uniforms March 9: Middle Division Dance March 13-15: Middle Division Trip
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
organization worth funding because it enjoys significant support from its own community. Achieving 100% participation from families opens the door to outside support of our excellent school. Any amount is welcomed. Please contact Karen Buttermore, Development Director, at school for additional information.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
11
nSWIFT SCENE
FACULTY AND CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHTS SWIFT STUDENTS HIT THE ROAD In March Swift Middle Division students will be accompanied by
in some Greek culture in Tarpon Springs.
the faculty on a extended trip to Florida. In addition to a curricular
In April, 5th graders will travel to Nature’s Classroom in Mentone,
excursion through EPCOT students will also experience a ‘Behind the
Alabama for an environmental education experience atop Lookout
Scenes’ zoological experience at Busch Gardens where they will
Mountain. There students will be provided a field experience in the
assist zookeepers and veterinarians in caring for exotic animals. Busch
wonders of the ecosystem and the impact of human interaction with
Gardens contains the 4th largest zoo in the U.S. Students will also take
the natural environment.
THE FACULTY - THE HEART OF SWIFT The faculty is entrusted to provide Swift students with curricular
use of digitized instructional media is also scheduled. The transition
programming that brings the Swift mission to life, and ongoing
from traditional instructional materials (textbooks) to interactive digital
professional development training is an investment that has direct and
materials also requires ongoing training due to the rapid pace of the
lasting benefits for students in this regard. Current plans for professional
introduction of these materials. Additionally, Book Share, Text to Write,
workshops and courses include mathematical strategies that balance left
and other support programming continue to change the methodologies
and right brain learning. In particular, it is well known that math facts must
employed in the delivery of instruction. Over the coming summer
be accessed quickly in the process of solving problems mathematically.
Orton-Gillingham training at the Associate Level and Certified Level
Our cultural environment too often stimulates our right brains and
are scheduled to occur in June. That training will be followed by writing
the consequence is that students often have difficulty recalling basic
process training.
left brain facts. Training will focus upon left brain stimulation in the retention and recall of mathematical facts. Continuing training in the
IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE Full Accreditation by The Southern Association of Independent Schools and The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Swift School proudly joins an international network of prestigious accredited schools which have demonstrated success in educating students according to distinct missions. SAIS-SACS accreditation is broadly recognized throughout the world as a standard of excellence for students, parents, and faculties.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
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COMING UPn
MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE IMPORTANT DATES WORKSHOP SERIES n PARENT JANUARY 24, 7:00 P.M.
AND FACULTY MINGLE n PARENT FEBRUARY 4, 7:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Don’t miss a panel of experts as Swift hosts an interactive
OXFORD MILL CLUBHOUSE, JOHNS CREEK
question and answer forum. The February Parent
Invitations have been mailed for Swift’s annual Parent and
Workshop Series will be held on February 21. Please
Faculty Mingle. RSVP to info@swiftschool.com. The evening
mark your calenders and plan to attend.
has no “agenda,” only to mix and mingle with other
MEETING n SPA JANUARY 25, 8:30 a.m. Get involved in your child’s school. All parents are
members of the Swift Community. Please plan to attend.
GALA n STELLAR MARCH 23, 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.
welcome to attend the upcoming SPA meeting. This is
ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB
a great opportunity to network with other parents and
The Stellar Gala is quickly approaching. All parents and
participate in Swift functions.
their guests are invited to the event on Friday, March
ANNUAL SWIFT FAMILY BOWLING EVENT n 7TH JANUARY 29, 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
23 from 7:00 until 11:00 p.m. The evening will consist of a cocktail reception during the silent auction, a seated dinner, a live auction, and musical entertainment.
ROSWELL BRUNSWICK ZONE
Tickets are $80 per person. Tables are available for
Join Swift for an afternoon of bowling and fun! The event
groups of 10 (tables of eight or 12 are available on a
cost $13.00 per person and includes shoe rental, two
limited basis) Turn in your ticket requests together with
hours of bowling, pizza and drinks. Money is due to the
your friends to reserve your table which includes a
business office no later than Friday, January 20. We look
complimentary bottle of wine.
forward to your participation.
Do you own or work for a C Corporation? Georgia law allows you to redirect up to 75% of the company’s Georgia income tax liability to scholarships for Swift School and 100% of this amount is a tax credit to your company.
Swift School is a member of Georgia GOAL Scholarship, Inc.
To learn details, please contact Karen Buttermore at school 678-205-4988, ext. 232 or kbuttermore@swiftschool.com
300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075
Discover how our
Comprehensive Educational Experience for students in grades 1-8 provides tools and strategies for success.
Sunday, January 22 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.
Potential Is More Powerful Than Dyslexia Use your SmartPhone to scan the code on the right to go directly to our Web site.