Courier
January/February 2013
www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
Cover Photo: Fifth grade students Rachel (L) and Maggie show off their musical abilities at the Winter Concert in December
In this
Issue
3
Parent faculty Mingle Photo recap of Swift’s annual event.
4
Do you hear what I hear? Students performed holiday tunes to more than 600 audience members at the Winter Concert.
9
Where in the world is captain Jim? Fourth graders are putting their writing skills to use globally.
Let the Good Times Roll at th
Swift’s 8
Annual Family Bowling Event
Sunday, January 27 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Roswell Brunswick Zone $14.00 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 18. For more information, contact Swift School at 678.205.4988. RSVP to info@swiftschool.com.
Courier January
January/February 2013
Volume 3 Issue 3 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
nFeatures
13
The Big Picture Movie Screening
15-18
Muffins with Mom
Parent Faculty Mingle ............................................................. 3
21
MLK Day (No classes)
Photo recap of Swift’s annual event.
25
Spirit Wear Day
27
Admissions Open House
Annual Family Bowling Event
29
Family & Parent Series
(Grades 5th-8th only)
Do You Hear What I Hear? .................................................... 4 Swift students and music director Caroline Goldstein wow the audience for the second year in a row with their performance of traditional and favorite holiday music.
February 5-8
Donuts with Dad
Adolescence and the Transition to Middle School .............. 6
14
Re-Enrollment Agreements Issued
18
Presidents’ Day (No classes)
Do you know what to expect during the adolescent years?
22
Spirit Wear Day
26
Family & Parent Series
Shooting Stars .......................................................................... 8
(All Grades)
Swift Spartans have skills in the classroom and on the court.
27
SPA Meeting
28
2013/2014 Re-Enrollment Due
Where in the World is Captain Jim? ........................................ 9 Fourth graders in Ms. McClenney’s class are putting their writing
March 7
Spring Photo Day
8
Sadie Hawkins Dance
11-14
Middle Division Extended Trips
15
Professional Day (No Classes)
skills to use globally.
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
www.facebook.com/theswiftschool @SwiftSchool_GA
News You Can Use ................................................................................................. 11 Swift Scene .............................................................................................................. 12 Coming Up .............................................................................................................. 13
www.swiftschool.com January/February 2013
1
nHead’s Message
SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Richard Wendlek
Executive Committee
The speediness of the first semester brings us to this
(Ms. Ehlbeck & Ms. Youmans) December character
point in the academic year! The Holiday Season
formation presentation about helpfulness and caring.
is officially behind us. The Winter Concert was
Andrew led the class in interviews, a very lively hip-hop
extraordinary, and certainly highlights the budding
round, and a closing song. Each Lower Division class
musical talent of our students. Providing students with
prepares a program for the virtue of the month that is
language-based learning differences, the sorts of
performed at each Giraffe Assembly.
learning experiences that require the interpretation
During the month of January, Student
of language – in this case the language of music –
Council President Cooper Kennedy and Council
opens the doors for opportunities to exercise executive
representatives met with A Tasty Touch, Swift School’s
function and working memory. The performing
food service provider. The purpose of meeting was
arts are crucial for our students! All of the activity
to provide A Tasty Touch with recommendations
the fall presented in terms of construction and the
concerning the menu and variety of foods offered.
transformation of the campus was completed just prior
Over the past months an administrative study was
to the end of the semester. We have even managed
conducted concerning food service options for the
to return the Lower Division to the regular academic
coming academic year. They ranged from elimination
hours.
of the food service program altogether to a specialty
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for the latter
order online service. After reviewing the various options
part of January for the new Arts and Athletics building.
in terms of convenience and cost, the most feasible
Roswell dignitaries and officials will be invited to visit the
option is that the current provider will modify meal and
Swift campus and join the celebration then.
a la carte offerings and augment the salad bar. Cost
Third grader Tristan Littlefield served as the Head of
will rise slightly, but the ‘food appeal’ should increase
School for two days just prior to the winter break. Don’t
significantly. More will be shared on this topic as plans
be surprised if you see Tristan in a school leadership role
firm up.
in the years to come! He is a remarkable young man. The Swift Girls’ Basketball team is the League
Plans for the coming academic year include addition of faculty and administration that will continue
6th graders Ainsley Kudlata and Brenna Vetrovsky ,
to effectively meet the instructional needs of students.
and 7th grader Katherine Bower were the scorers who
The re-enrollment season begins on February 14, 2013.
led the team to the championship in two overtimes!
Prior to then I will compose a letter that provides more
As a matter of fact, 27 middle school students are
detail about the exciting initiatives 2013-14 will bring to
playing basketball this season. A second school bus
Swift School. Based on current trends, we are slated to
was acquired to meet the athletic department’s
grow.
In terms of performance opportunities, auditions
Laurie Green, Vice Chair Peter Williams, Treasurer Jeff Kudlata, Secretary
Trustees Jason Butler Dr. Paul Cohen Dr. Gail Flanigan Robert Gray Laura Ries Paul Schur Gail Swift, Emerita Richard Wendlek, Ex officio
another construction project on campus and the
Champion! On December 12 against Cottage School,
interscholastic teams’ transportation needs.
Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair
Lastly, very special thanks are extended to Swift
Administration Richard J. Wendlek, Head of School Dr. Andrea Salapka, Associate Head Karen Buttermore, Director of Development Paul Foltz, Business Manager
Trustee Laura Ries and Parent Association President
for the Spring Musical Annie were conducted by
Margot Vetrovsky for their execution of The Big Picture:
theater teacher Tara Helrich and music teacher
Rethinking Dyslexia screening that occurred on
Caroline Goldstein. The production will be presented
Sunday, January 13 at Studio Movie Grill. This event
in May. The role of Annie is being played by 4th grader
coincided with Swift School’s 15 Year Celebration.
Michelle Wynne; Miss Hannigan will be played by 5th
Swift parent Adam Goldfein served as the moderator,
grader Helen Moore and Daddy Warbucks will be
and Swift’s Orton-Gillingham Fellow Joan Gerken
played by 7th grader Brian Gormley, to name but a
served on the expert panel. The possibility of another
few. Be sure to watch for the stage dates of what
screening of this HBO feature is being considered
should shape up to be a memorable production.
based on interest.
Parent Association President Margot Vetrovsky
Performance opportunities, whether musical, theatrical, athletic, or otherwise, are all highly
Happy New Year to All!
important learning experiences for students with language-based learning differences. They each, in very different ways, provide the kinds of stimulation that require the brain to cross-communicate. We are pleased that 90% of Swift students participate in these
Rich Wendlek
well designed co-curricular opportunities.
Head of School
Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988
Speaking of performance, 4th grader Andrew Savula served as the news anchorman for his class’
2 January/February 2013
www.swiftschool.com
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3
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5
Parent & Faculty Mingle A great time was had by all at Swift’s annual Parent & Faculty Mingle. This year the event was held in the fall to
1. The Wynnes (L) and Dearmans catch up on fourth grade happenings.
welcome new parents and teachers to the Swift Community.
2. Peggy Carroll (L) and Jeanne Hill enjoying the evening.
This year, nearly 100 new families were added to the Swift
3. (L-R) SLP Jocelyn Gasaway talks with Swift Middle
population. Swift would like to especially thank Peggy and Patrick Carroll for hosting the Mingle at their home.
Division mothers Krista Elema and Laura Northrop. 4. First year parents, Meggan and James Sigler are proud of their third grade student. 5. Fourth grade parents James and Jodie Braner mingle with Mrs. Elhbeck (R).
www.swiftschool.com January/February 2013
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DO YOU Hear WHAT I Hear For the first time, the entire student body joined together for a spectacular holiday musical celebration. The grande finale included a medley from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas� which showcased first and sixth grade students.
4 January/February 2013
www.swiftschool.com
O
n Thursday, December 20, more than 200 student voices filled the
Swift faculty. Caroline Goldstein began rehearsing
theater of the Roswell Cultural
with the students in October for the
Arts Center during Swift’s Winter
December performance. In addition to
Concert. Swift continues to add milestones to its
singing and incorporating choreography and dramatics, students tackled songs
history. Last year the school integrated a
in different languages. Songs were
fine arts program into the daily curriculum
accompanied by Orff instruments played
of students. This additional programming
by students.
provides the opportunity for concerts showcasing student performers. In one year the Winter Concert grew to
The night concluded with a joint performance of two songs by the Lower Division and Middle Division Choruses. The
incorporate students in every grade level.
students performed Jingle-Bell Rock and
The concert featured performances by
Grinch! A Christmas Choral Medley led by
the Lower Division Chorus, Lower Division
soloist and narrators Josh Hargrove, Ainsley
Advanced Chorus, Mrs. Sweeney’s first
Kudlata, Evan Fuerst, Courtney Salmon,
grade class, the Spartan Singers and
Sean Murphy and Conrad Brown.
special guest soloist Coach Rhett Saylors. The student performers sang, played,
Swift would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped make this concert
acted, and danced to traditional and
a success plus the generous patrons who
popular holiday selections.
contribute to the Annual Fund for Swift.
The Roswell Cultural Arts Center was
Without the financial support of donors,
packed with more than 600 attendees
programming such as the Winter Concert
including family members, friends, and
would not be possible.
www.swiftschool.com January/February 2013
5
Adolescence &
the transition to
Middle school
by Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D
So your student will enter middle school next fall and you are
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION IS DIFFERENT
wondering how to manage the transition? The answer is, “very
Now teachers seem to focus more on a student’s acceptable conduct
mindfully” because your child’s life is about to undergo a number
and adequate performance. As one middle school teacher put it, “We
of significant changes. Here are a few things to consider when
treat kids as less delicate and more responsible here. We expect them
transitioning to a middle school experience.
to act more grown up.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL IS AN ADJUSTMENT FOR CHILDREN
Part of the mission of middle school is helping students learn the
Middle school is not the same as elementary school. It is a much
self-management and social system skills that will be necessary to
larger facility and one enters from being at the top of the heap in 5th
successfully cope with high school.
It’s not that middle school teachers care less; they care differently.
grade to the bottom of the heap in 6th grade. The greater number of students and being in the lowest grade can cause an entering sixth
EARLY ADOLESCENCE BRINGS A CHANGE FOR THE WORSE
grader to feel overwhelmed, now counting for less than before.
Around ages 9 - 13 a child usually starts separating from childhood
In addition, school life is very different. Now there are multiple
into early adolescence. By middle school, most students are being
teachers to get used to, more study responsibilities to take care of,
transformed and destabilized by this first adolescent stage. They start
increased hall travel between classes, lockers for storing belongings,
pulling away, pushing against, and getting around adult authority in
and a more impersonal feel to how one is being treated. All the while,
order to create more freedom to grow and to live on more independent
there is more challenge, push, and shove between students who are
terms. Now complaints, arguments, delays, disobedience, and testing
jostling for position at an older and more socially aggressive age.
limits become part of the young person’s repertoire at home and at school as both parents and teachers find themselves contending with
THERE IS ANXIETY ABOUT ENTERING MIDDLE SCHOOL
more active and passive resistance.
Talk to fifth graders about what middle school will be like and along with the excitement of growing older are fears about what entry will be
THERE IS A DISCIPLINARY DISCREPANCY
like. “Suppose I can’t get into my locker?” “Suppose I can’t find my way
Factor in puberty (which begins for most students during middle
around and am late to class?” “I’ve heard that middle school teachers
school, and about which children should be told) when the task of
are really strict and mean.” “Suppose older kids pick on younger kids?”
defining and asserting young manhood and young womanhood begins,
“Suppose I have no one to sit with at lunch?” “Suppose I have no
and a common discrepancy arises. Now disciplinary referrals for boys
classes with any of my friends?”
are significantly greater than for girls as male students may express
Entry anxiety is common. To allay it, going to a school orientation
their sense of emerging manhood by being more resistant to being
helps as well as parents who normalize fears and assure that within the
told what to do by adult authorities, particularly when in front of their
first week the new school routine will establish a sense of familiarity.
peers. To reduce the need to establish self-respect by asserting social opposition, encourage your child to develop multiple sources of self-
MIDDLE SCHOOL IS AN ADJUSTMENT FOR PARENTS
esteem - others ways to challenge and affirm oneself by developing
For parents of entering middle school students, there is also adjusting
interests and capacities.
to do. “This isn’t Kansas anymore,” was how one parent described leaving the intimate and welcoming world of a small elementary school
SOCIAL CRUELTY GETS WORSE
for the larger and more daunting secondary setting of middle school.
Come early adolescence both boys and girls become more socially
In middle school, the advent of multiple teachers means that none of
aggressive with each other as they jostle for a place to socially belong
them know a student as well as one dedicated teacher did in back in
among their independent community of peers. Now social cruelty
elementary school. For the parent, this means there is no one go-to
at school comes into serious play -- treating each other meanly as a
teacher with whom the parent may have cultivated a supportive and
means to secure social membership and standing. Most commonly
collaborative relationship.
attacked are students who appear “different.”
This does not mean that middle school teachers are not approachable, only that they have more calls on their time.
Even if they don’t give or receive it a lot, they see the five forms of social cruelty occurring all around them - teasing, exclusion, bullying, rumoring, and ganging up. And they know that what is happening to others could happen to them. Middle school is less socially safe than elementary school in this way. Continued on page 12
“Middle school is a minefield of developmental challenges for students, a time when significant parental supervision and support must be given.” 6 January/February 2013
www.swiftschool.com
Seventh grade student
Stellar Gala
Will V. drives past an Eagles’ player for a scoring opportunity.
SWIFT SCHOOL'S 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
It’s Time to Celebrate Success Tickets are on sale now for the 2013 Stellar Gala. Do not miss this extrodinary event honoring Swift’s 15th anniversary and inaugural 8th grade class. Purchase your tickets online today by visiting
http://cloud.bidpal.net/Portal/bpe22587
Shooting
Stars
BOTH TEAMS HIT THE COURTS HARD WITH MULTIPLE HIGH
MARCH 22, 2013 7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. at the ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB SCORERS in 2012.
The Spartans’ basketball season is off to a great start. Both
teams have steadily been gaining momentum winning games against their opponets.
The Lady Spartans recently defeated The Cottage School in a mid-season tournament. The game went into two overtime
SILENT & LIVE
periods. The final score read Lady Spartans, 8; The Cottage School, 6.
AUCTION
The Spartans have played five games and the Lady
Spartans have played four games. points in five games each. Cumulativly the teams have scored 118 this season. The top
DINNER
scorers for the Spartans and Lady Spartans are as followed:
Will Vesey - 15 points
Will Battle - 12 points
Owen Hodson - 12 points
Katherine Bower - 10 points
Ainsley Kudlata - 8 points
& DANCING
Support the Spartans in January as they face their athletic
rival Sophia Academy on Wednesday, January 23. A complete
1. Katherine looks for an open Lady Spartan to pass to. 2. Amelia dribbles the ball down the court. 3. Fast and furious Will heads to the hoop to shoot for two. 4. Jenna pauses before scoring two points against Sophia Academy.
schedule can be found by visiting www.swiftschool.com.
TICKETS: $85.00 Per Ticket until January 15, 2013. After January 15, 2013 the price will increase to $90.00.
www.swiftschool.com January/February 2013
5
Price includes seated dinner, entertainment and complimentary cocktail. Tables available for groups of 10 or 12.
Seventh grade student Will drives past an Eagles’ player for a scoring opportunity.
Shooting
Stars
BOTH TEAMS HIT THE COURTS HARD WITH MULTIPLE HIGH SCORERS in 2012.
The Spartans’ basketball season is off to a great start. Both teams have steadily been gaining momentum winning games against their opponents.
1
2
3
4
The Lady Spartans recently defeated The Cottage School in a mid-season tournament. The game went into two overtime periods. The final score read Lady Spartans, 8; The Cottage School, 6. The Spartans have played five games and the Lady Spartans have played four games. Cumulatively the teams have scored 118 points this season. The top scorers for the Spartans and Lady Spartans are as followed: - Will Vesey - 15 points
- Will Battle - 12 points
- Owen Hodson - 12 points
- Katherine Bower - 10 points
- Ainsley Kudlata - 8 points Support the Spartans in January as they face their athletic
1. Katherine looks for an open Lady Spartan to pass to. 2. Amelia dribbles the ball down the court.
rival Sophia Academy on Wednesday, January 23. A complete
3. Jenna pauses to find an open teammate.
schedule can be found by visiting www.swiftschool.com.
4. Fast and furious Will heads to the hoop to shoot for two.
8 January/February 2013
www.swiftschool.com
Where’s Captain Jim? Ms. McClenney’s fourth grade class’ Interactive geography lesson turns into a quest for global domination!
The students in Ms. McClenney and Mrs.
Australia. Before Thanksgiving
expecting mail soon. This activity has helped
postcard to Ms. McClenney and Mrs. Dearman’s fourth
Dearman’s fourth grade
break, the class was
engage students’ desire to
grade class, the students
class are practicing their
determined to get mail
learn about other cultures,
would love to read it and
reading and writing
from Antarctica. The
customs and continents.
mark the location on their
skills in a unique way.
October character
If you would like to send a
map.
The teachers teamed
formation trait was
together language arts
“determination”. The
and geography to make
class read, Trapped By
reading an exciting
the Ice which was about
United States of America
Islands
adventure into learning.
Sir Ernest Shackleton
Arlington, Virginia
Dominican Republic
and his crew embarking
Chicago, Illinois
Freeport, Bahamas
on a dangerous journey
Detroit, Michigan
Nassau (Atlantis)
husband, Jim. Jim travels
to Elephant Island in
Fort Myers, Florida
the world as a pilot for
Antarctica in 1914.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Central America
Great Smokey Mountains, North Carolina
Cancun, Mexico
story, the students
Jacksonville, Florida
Mexico City, Mexico
sending postcards to
were “determined”
La Jolla, California
the class from wherever
to receive mail from
Memphis, Tennessee
Africa
Miami, Florida
South Africa
New Orleans, Louisiana
Maun,Botswana
New York City, New York
Palm Island, Dubai
The idea was inspired by Mrs. Dearman’s
Delta. Captain Jim began
After reading the
he visited. The students
Antarctica. The class
started marking the
wrote individual letters
location on a map the
to a US research team
postcards came from in
stationed in Antarctica.
relation to Atlanta. Once
The letters showcased
the students became
their knowledge about
very interested, additional classroom parents began participating. The class
Postcards from around the world
Orlando, Florida Pensacola Beach, Florida
Europe
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Amsterdam, Holland
Salt Lake City, Utah
London, England
Sir Shackleton and his
Seattle, Washington
Munchen, Germany
endurance.
Tampa, Florida
After writing the letters,
Washington D.C.
map now has flags on
the class received an email
almost every continent
from the US research
South America
except Antarctica and
team in Antarctica and is
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Asia Hong-Kong, China St. Petersburg, Russia
www.swiftschool.com January/February 2013
9
nFamous Faces of Dyslexia
Quotes from famous dyslexics “Great spirits have always
“The looks, the stares, the giggles ...
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
encountered violent opposition from
I wanted to show everybody that I
- Walt Disney
mediocre minds.”
could do better and also that I could
- Albert Einstein
read.”
“I hated school . . . . One of the
- Magic Johnson
reasons was a learning disability,
“A teacher sent the following note
dyslexia, which no one understood at
home with a six-year-old boy: “He
“I felt like an alien. I always felt like I
the time. I still can’t spell . . .”
is too stupid to learn.” That boy was
never belonged to any group that I
- Loretta Young
Thomas A. Edison”.
wanted to belong to.”
- Thomas Edison
- Steven Spielberg
“If I wasn’t dyslexic, I probably
“I couldn’t read. I just scraped by.
a hard time reading today. Accept
wouldn’t have won the Games. If I
My solution back then was to read
the fact that you have a problem.
had been a better reader, then that
classic comic books because I could
Refuse to feel sorry for yourself. You
would have come easily, sports would
figure them out from the context of
have a challenge; never quit! ”
have come easily… and I never
the pictures. Now I listen to books on
- Nelson Rockefeller
would have realized that the way you
tape. ”- Charles Schwab
“I was one of the ‘puzzle children’ myself — a dyslexic . . . And I still have
get ahead in life is hard work.” - Bruce Jenner
My advice to students at Swift is just relax
nAlumni Spotlight
and enjoy the ride. The teachers really do want
RORY V ETRO V S K Y
to help each student
One meeting with Rory Vetrovsky and
referred to Swift School.
you would learn the following things
“Rory’s life began on the
about her:
first day of school at Swift,”
• She is a freshman at St. Pius X Catholic High School; • she is a lovely, easy-going young lady; • and she has a passion for writing. You would never guess that Rory is challenged with the gift of dyslexia. Rory showed signs of dyslexia at a very young age. Her parents noticed she had a difficult time rhyming words, mastering sight words, identifying nouns and eventually reading. As she progressed through grade school it was evident something was wrong. After seeking professional help from Dr. Danielak, the Vetrovskys were
reach their potential in life. Just try!
said her mother and current
confidence I wish everyone could have,”
SPA President Margot. “She was going
said Rory. “I even tried out for the St. Pius
into fourth grade and barely reading
swim team and made it!”
on a kindergarten level. Ironically, her
Since Swift, Rory has made wonderful
bedroom was full of books she had
friends that she claims are amazing and
collected and diaries full of words no one
supportive. She agrees that the small
could read. By that October, Rory was
classroom setting at Swift helped her to
doing something she had only dreamed
focus on her challenges and see that
of doing - reading.”
many other students are like her.
Rory attended Swift for fourth and fifth
“One thing that I definitely learned
grade. After Swift she enrolled in her local
at Swift was how to work in groups
middle school – another “huge unknown”
doing class projects, which seem to be
but Rory said everyone at Swift had faith
never ending in school,” says Rory. “My
in her ability to succeed especially Mrs.
strongest subject is Language Arts. I love
Kidder, Mrs. Cherry and Coach Smith.
writing and recently completed a poetry
“They gave me the knowledge, skills and
portfolio. Who knew?!!”
10 January/February 2013
www.swiftschool.com
News You Can Usen ADMISSION NEWS Hard as it is to believe, re-enrollment for the 2013-14 academic year will occur between February 14-28, 2013. You will receive a complete re-enrollment packet via the U.S. Mail. As Swift continues to grow, the competition for seats is keen. There is currently a wait pool of students who will be offered admission for 2013-14 during the re-enrollment period. On Sunday, January 27, 2013 an Admission Open House will take place for students
Stellar Gala Tickets on sale now Excitement is building for Swift’s most anticipated event- the Stellar Gala – which will also be the major celebration of the school’s 15th Anniversary. Ticket sales are underway, with a sellout expected. Guests have two options for purchasing tickets: (1) online by going to www.swiftschool.com and then clicking on Support Us and then on Swift’s 15th Anniversary Celebration and Stellar Gala or by (2) returning the reply card which was contained in the invitation. Guests will enjoy a wine and beer reception, a silent
in grades 1-7. Rising 6th grade parents are invited to attend
auction, a seated dinner followed by a live auction, and
an event at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening, January 10, to be
then dancing. Reserve Friday, March 22 from 7:00 until 11:00
introduced to the Middle Division at Swift School. Middle Division
p.m. for this community event. The gala takes place at the
Director Patty Nathan and the faculty will be involved. We look forward to seeing you then.
Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek. Adult guests and family members are welcome to attend. Cocktail attire with no denim is dress code for this evening. Tables are available for purchase if you wish to invite guests. Or several Swift parents may want to sit together at a table for 8, 10 or 12. Parents who want to share a table must appoint a table captain to list attendees and collect payments which need to be submitted at the same time. The Gala Committee is still accepting donations for both the silent and the live auction. Sponsorships are available for those who want to help underwrite the cost of the event.
Information and registration information about Swift’s exciting Summer Explorations program for students in grades 1-5 will be available by late February. Academic programming designed to maintain and enhance skills taught during the academic year are offered, and enriching programs that help put the pizazz in summer complement morning offerings. Watch for information in your mailbox. Summer Explorations is highly recommended for all Lower School students entering Swift School.
Proceeds will be used for campus expansion for our growing student body.
Annual Fund Support Climbs, But Still Short of Goal Swift families have been generous to The Annual Fund for Swift 2012-13, but the school is still striving for 100% participation among families. As of Dec. 31, 2012 the participation rate among current families was 60%. It is important that all families contribute because when Swift seeks outside funding from charitable foundations and other
Important Dates to remember January 23: SPA Meeting January 24: Day of Manners/Dress Uniforms January 25: Spirit Day January 27: Admissions Event February 14: Re-Enrollment Issued February 18: Presidents’ Day (No Classes) February 28: 2013-2014 Enrollment Due February 29: Day of Manners/Dress Uniforms
donors, their first criteria is to learn the level of support inside the community. Outside donors evaluate the enthusiasm level and financial commitment of parents, as well as faculty & staff, regarding the school’s needs. As of Dec. 31, 2012 gifts and pledges to the Annual Fund totaled $95,690. This represents 77% of the financial goal of $125,000. Gifts in any amount are welcome in order to help us raise the percent of participation. All gifts are taxdeductible because Swift is a non-profit 501(c)(3)institution. Proceeds from this year’s Annual Fund are used for campus improvements, expanded programming, and attracting and retaining top teachers.
www.swiftschool.com January/February 2013
11
nSwift Scene
Notes from the Middle Division Director - Patty Nathan Beyond the classroom The Swift experience extends beyond academics in the classroom.
students received collection boxes for the January fund-
We strive to create future citizens who understand the importance
raiser. Snippets and teacher newsletters will provide more
of giving back to the community. Middle Division students are spearheading community service projects for Swift. Listed below are projects the Middle Division and school are involved in:
information on this fund-raiser. • Swift is supporting the pediatric hospital in Rwanda in the spring by selling gifts made in Rwanda before Mother’s Day. • Environment protection is an ongoing project in the Middle
• Students wrote letters to soldiers prior to the holidays.
Division. Students collect recycled paper and bottles every
Jonathan Youmans, son of fourth grade associate teacher
Friday. A school-wide magazine and phone book drive will
Janice Youmans, distributed the letters and cards to soldiers
take place in February. Students will also plant flowers along
on the USS Winston S. Churchill in Dubai. Students look
the Dogwood Road fence.
forward to receiving letters from the soldiers. • Middle Division will continue to sell Chick-fil-A biscuits on Friday mornings. The proceeds are going towards the purchase of gift cards. Students will hand these out at the Atlanta airport to soldiers returning home in February. • We kicked-off the Pennies for Patients Project at the
• In March Swift will host a canned food drive. There is an ongoing need for food at area food banks all year. Please mark this on your calendar and support our efforts. • We wrap up community service for the year with a schoolwide stuffed animal, coloring book and crayon drive for local children’s hospitals.
January Celebration Assembly. A representative from Pennies for Patients showed a short video to the students
A special thanks to the Student Council and advisor Jill McGuire
explaining that the collected money benefits The Leukemia &
for all the work put into planning and organizing Swift’s
Lymphoma Society. Student Council will have another whole
Community Service.
school Chick-fil-A biscuit sale on January 18. All profits from the January sale will go towards Pennies for Patients. All
Continued from page 6
Knowing that relationships can become harsher at this age,
students, a time when significant parental supervision and support
parents need to communicate this understanding to their son or
must be given. Summarizing, here are 10 steps parents can take to
daughter. And be sure to enroll your child in other social circles
support a successful entry and passage through middle school.
outside of school so that should classmate relationships become difficult for a while, there are other groups of peers with whom one
• Understand that middle school is not elementary school.
can comfortably belong.
• Identify and allay common entry fears of middle school. • Expect early adolescent changes in your child.
THERE IS AN EARLY ADOLESCENT ACHIEVEMENT DROP
• Supervise the completion of all homework.
With all the forgoing changes, particularly the priority to socially
• Support learning to function in a large secondary system.
belong, it is no wonder that for many young people there is a loss
• Declare your desire to be told about any social cruelty that
of traditional academic focus and motivation, and with this loss an “early adolescent achievement drop” can occur as schoolwork is resisted, neglected, or forgotten. A good measure of middle school
occurs. • Inform your child about the normal changes that come with puberty.
distractibility is the dramatic surge in electronic communication at
• Enroll your child in social circles outside of school.
this age - cell phone texting, computer messaging, social networking
• Encourage the development of multiple sources of self esteem.
-to keep one’s self adequately socially connected to peers. Parents
• Monitor and moderate the increased need for electronic
need to monitor and moderate this use. Most young people at this age do not self-correct from academic
communication (cell phone texting, computer messaging, and social networking.)
failure that results from falling effort. They simply adjust to working less and to accepting more failure as okay, when it is not. Parents
Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D., is a psychologist in Austin, Texas. His most recent
must be diligent in sufficiently supervising schoolwork, particularly
books are: The Connected Father, The Future of Your Only Child, and Stop
homework, so that adequate operating capacity and achievement is
Screaming. Source URL: http://www.psychologytoday.com/node/58710
maintained. Middle school is a minefield of developmental challenges for
12 January/February 2013
www.swiftschool.com
coming upn
Mark your calendars with these important dates Meeting n SPA January 23 2013; 8:30 a.m.
Stellar GALA & 15 Anniversary Celebration n March 22, 2013; 7:00 p.m. th
Attend Swift’s Parent Association (SPA) meeting and get
Make plans now to attend Swift’s Stellar Gala and 15th
involved with your child’s school.
Anniversary Celebration. Tickets are $85 per person and include seated dinner, entertainment and one cocktail.
Open house n Admissions January 27, 2013; 1:00 p.m.
On January 15, the price will increase to $90. You may purchase your tickets online and browse items as they
Swift will host an open house on Sunday, January 27 to
arrive at http://cloud.bidpal.net/Portal/bpe22587.
all parents interested in learning more about the benefits of a Swift education. A presentation will be made at 1:30
This event will highlight Swift’s history, celebrate its
p.m. followed by school tours.
inaugural 8th grade class and raise money to better serve Swift students. Don’t miss this night to remember!
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. The cost is $14 per person. Money is due to Swift by Friday, January 18.
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.
Will You Help Us Reach 100 Percent? TRANSFORMING
www.swiftschool.com January/February 2013
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.