COURIER
IN THIS
ISSUE
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FOUNDER’S DAY Swift Celebrates Its 16th Year
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8TH GRADE GRADUATION Meet Swift’s Newest Alumni
Summer 2014
www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
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FIELD DAY Friendly competition among our red, white, and blue
NEW PARENT ORIENTATION August 13-14 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Plan to attend this information-filled night! • Understand How Your Child Learns • Learn About the Orton-Gillingham Approach Adults only, please. No childcare available. Grades 1-4 - Wednesday, August 13 Grades 5-8 –Thursday, August 14
Please RSVP by Friday, August 1 to hgaillet@swiftschool.com or call 678.205.4988.
Ice Cream
SOCIAL TUESDAY, August 12 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Please RSVP with the number attending by Tuesday, July 29 to info@swiftschool.com or call 678.205.4988.
Summer 2014
COURIER
Volume 6 Issue 4 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
nFEATURES
August 1
New Student Orientation
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Ice Cream Social
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New Parent Orientation Gr. 1-4
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New Parent Orientation Gr. 5-8
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Meet and Greet
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Classes Commence
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Curriculum Night Gr. 1-2
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Curriculum Night Gr. 3-4
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Curriculum Night Gr. 5
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Parents Night Gr. 6-8
Founder’s Day.....................................................................3 Swift School celebrates its 16th year.
8th Grade Graduation........................................................4 Meet Swift’s nine newest alumni!
Field Day..............................................................................9
September
Friendly Competition among our Red, White, and Blue.
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Labor Day (No Classes)
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Preliminary Conferences
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Preliminary Conferences
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Middle Division Retreat
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Parent and Faculty Mingle
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Giraffe Assembly (LD Dress Uniforms)
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day........................10 Thanks to all the Grandparents and Special Friends for visiting Swift School.
October 9
Giraffe Assembly (LD Dress Uniforms)
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Professional Day (No Classes)
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Columbus Day (No Classes)
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7th Grade Parent Meeting
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Middle Division Halloween Dance
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Dyslexia Dash
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Conference Week
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No Classes Grades 1-5
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No Classes Grades 6-8
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Fall Festival
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Giraffe Assembly
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Swift-O-Ween
Follow Swift School on Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates and information regarding school activities.
IN EVERY ISSUE Head’s Column ......................................................................................................... 2 Lower Division............................................................................................................ 7 Middle Division.............................................................................................................8 Athletics/Fine Arts..................................................................................................... 12
www.facebook.com/theswiftschool @SwiftSchool_GA
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
Swift Scene.............................................................................................................. 13
SUMMER 2014
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nHEAD’S MESSAGE
SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RICHARD WENDLEK
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Over the course of the past year much focus has centered on the development of North Star, Swift’s new strategic plan that will navigate the School to the year 2020. The guiding vision for North Star is: In 2020, Swift School is the pioneer of a revolutionized model that cultivates the strengths of the dyslexic brain-type. The vision was born on Visioning Day last January when more than 100 members of the Swift community gathered to participate in the planning process! It was extraordinary.
strategies, and initiatives. Indeed, approximately 100 professionals will work to bring the plan to life over the course of the next several years! That’s quite an investment of time, resources, energy, and talent that will transform the way dyslexic learners are educated! The launch of North Star is set to occur at the Parent and Faculty Mingle on the evening of Saturday, September 27 at the Villa Christina in Atlanta. Please put that event on your calendar and expect a formal invitation to that event later in the summer.
In essence, North Star is about a paradigm shift from the traditional thinking about dyslexia as a disability to the scientific findings that demonstrate dyslexia is a brain-type. Contextually, the traditional way of serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences focuses on the remediation of students over a brief period of time. In this model dyslexia is considered a learning disability to be diminished through targeted instruction. Following remediation, students typically leave a specialneeds learning environment and attend traditional schools where they receive accommodations.
As you return for the 2014-15 academic year, some changes to the structure of instructional programming will be apparent as a result of North Star’s prescribed strategies. Four teachers in the Lower Division will serve students as Language Intervention Specialists. Students who require additional support in the area of language acquisition skills will be assigned to these specialists’ classes in order to receive intensive decoding and reading fluency instruction. In the Middle Division, three teachers have been assigned to students who require supportive instruction in the areas of reading development and reading comprehension. Additionally the combined position of Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) and Student Assessment Specialist (SAS) was approved and will launch on July 1. Swift has made great strides in the utilization of technology with students over the past several years. The ITS will assist with the development of a plan that is a part of North Star that will identify the next steps Swift will take to effectively use technology for student learning outcomes. The SAS role will help Swift to assemble and report data concerning student achievement results. These important enhancements are the result of the research conducted during the data gathering phase of North Star last fall. As this article is penned, a study of how we will augment fine arts course offerings is being conducted. This may mean that in addition to general and choral music, instrumental music offerings may be added.
The brain-type model is based on recent scientific research and findings (The Dyslexic Advantage, Brock Eide, M.D., M.A. and Fernette Eide, M.D., Hudson Street Press, August 2011) that tells us a different story: dyslexia is a brain-type shared in the general population by approximately one in five people (in the U.S. about 60,000,000 people) and with it comes many strengths and talents. North Star addresses the need for specialized instruction for dyslexic students, but also recognizes the unique thinking abilities that are most often not found in the non-dyslexic population. Whereas, the traditional model is focused on remediating dyslexic students, the brain-type model recognizes, based on research findings, that the dyslexic brain-type is not something that is cured, but rather a part of who someone is – which can be cultivated as a great strength. The use of new brain science is helping us to serve students who not only perceive the written word differently but also conceive space more intuitively, see connections between unrelated objects, and are able to make great leaps creatively that others simply miss. As the Eides reveal, contractors, engineers, rocket scientists, designers, attorneys, architects, entrepreneurs… present professional fields with a high incidence of dyslexics. Knowing this provides us with an assistive framework concerning learning programs. North Star directs us to continue constructing a learning environment that cultivates the dyslexic brain-type by providing continuous educational programs and opportunities designed to allow our students to excel at being dyslexic. If you are interested in learning more about this topic I suggest an initial read of The Dyslexic Advantage. It will help you to gain an appreciation for the vast changes occurring in our understanding of dyslexia. You can also visit DyslexicAdvantage. com. I look forward to chatting with you over the course of time concerning North Star’s goals, 2
Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair Laurie Green, Vice Chair Peter Williams, Treasurer Jeff Kudlata, Secretary
TRUSTEES Dr. Paul Cohen Robert Gray Laura Ries Paul Schur Gail Swift, Emerita Richard Wendlek, Ex officio
ADMINISTRATION Richard J. Wendlek, Head of School Dr. Andrea Salapka, Associate Head Karen Buttermore, Director of Advancement Paul Foltz, Business Manager
I hope your family is enjoying summer’s slower pace. During the month of July, modifications to the main building are planned. We look forward to seeing you in August. Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988
Rich Wendlek
Head of School
SUMMER 2014
On the Cover: The back of the unique graduation shirt intersperses the names of Swift’s Class of 2014 with dyslexic celebrity names. Please see photo on page 5.
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
Founder’s Day School Founder Gail Swift joined students and staff on April 25 to celebrate the school’s growth and service. The annual Founder’s Day event took place on the front lawn. Students, teachers and special guests enjoyed an afternoon of singing performances, speeches, and a special presentation from a few of our graduating 8th graders. The highlight of the afternoon was the awarding of a 10-year service medallion to Athletic Director Mel Smith and Swift registrar Angela Kidder. Swift School is incredibly appreciative for the years of service from Angela Kidder and Mel Smith.
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1. Founder Gail Swift awards Athletic Director Mel Smith the 10-year service medallion. 2. Mr. Wendlek is invited to dance with the students during their rendition of “Happy.” 3. Development Director Karen Buttermore
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welcomes everyone to Founder’s Day. 4. Caroline Hegwood interviews founder Gail Swift. 5. 8th Grader Will Battle and founder Gail Swift hug after the 8th Grade presentation.
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
SUMMER 2014
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Swift School’s Newest Alumni* Alex Ardagna
Harry Goldfein
Trevor Masse
Dominion Christian
Riverwood International
Roswell High School
Future Eagle Scout
Future Billionaire
Future College Graduate
Will Battle
Owen Hodson
Michael Rosen
Walton High School
Brandon Hall
St. Francis
Future Sports Manager
Future Computer Information Manager
Future Academy Award Winner
Nick Davis
Ethan Kittle
Will Vesey
Brandon Hall
Brandon Hall
North Springs High School
Future MLB Player
Future College Graduate
Future Coast Guard Officer
* Each Graduate was asked to name a long term goal 4
SUMMER 2014
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
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Middle Division Closing Ceremony and 8th Grade Graduation
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1. Congratulations to the class of 2014! (L-R) Ethan Kittle, Alex Ardagna, Will Vesey, Will Battle, Owen Hodson, Nick Davis, Trevor Masse, Michael Rosen, and Harry Goldfein 2. Jack Gruskin receives the Determination Award. 3. Taylor Pace is proud to receive the Leadership Award. 4. Mr. Wendlek recognizes Conor Schur for receiving the Spirit Award. 5. Teresa Lee is recognized for her achievement in drama. 6. Ethan Kittle receives the prestigious Director’s Award. 7. The 8th Graders surprised everyone with their custom made t-shirts.
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WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
SUMMER 2014
8. Alex Haertel is recognized for his sucess in Music.
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Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony
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1. Bryan Dwane shakes Mr. Wendlek’s hand as he receives his certificate of completion. 2. Justin George carries his light past the audience. 2. (L-R) Faith Cole, Ms. Grade, and Lindsay Eden pose for a picture after the ceremony. 2
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3. Carly Perez waits for her teacher Mrs. Coulter to light her candle. 4. Ayden Nulty is all smiles as he walks past the audience. 5. Caroline Ruban is happy to receive her certificate of completion. 6. Michael Bender receives recognition for his service as a Student Ambassador
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WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
LOWER DIVISIONn Swift School Lower Division had a wonderful ending to the 2014-15 school year. Our 5th graders looked sophisticated and demonstrated their maturity as they engaged in the rites of passage activities during the 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony. Many goodbyes were said to Swift friends who had been together for several years, but many more students were excited to hug the friends they knew would be joining them as Swift Middle Division classmates in August. The Spring Concert was very well attended and the music and drama was enjoyed by all. We are fortunate to have so many musically talented students at Swift! Student talent was also evident in the beautiful artwork displayed at the Spring Hill Suites during the Swift School Art Show. The hotel lobby and halls came alive with colorful pieces of our students’ art. Our Swift School grandparents enjoyed a morning of songs, performances and smiles when they visited with their grandchildren on Grandparents Day. Students were very proud to show their grandparents their classrooms and introduce them to teachers and friends. Field Day was an exciting event in May. Fifth graders enjoyed the privilege of joining the middle division students for their field day. Students exhibited good sportsmanship and team spirit as they made their way through the activity stations. The events were enjoyed by all, especially the culminating activity - the tug-of-war rope pull. It has been an exciting year at Swift School. We have seen a lot of growth and change. We continue to honor our mission, which is to prepare children with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences to be successful in life. The activities our students have participated in this spring have contributed to their academic growth and learning. We have already begun the planning and preparation for next year. Swift School teachers will be engaging in professional development to enhance their skills to educate dyslexic students and students with language-based learning needs. They will be acquiring new skills in classroom management through the Love and Logic program for Teachers, similar to the program that many of you took at Swift School this past year, Love and Logic for Parents. Enjoy a relaxing and safe summer. We look forward to seeing your children and you in August. Kathi Francesconi
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1. Mrs. Felix welcomes the rising students to 4th Grade. 2. The Lower Division is ready for Tug-of-War 3. Dr. Salapka congratulates Shea Jones for receiving the Athletic Award. 4. Coach Gonzalez gives Aspen Mille a big hug as she receives her award. 5. Swift is very proud of our 5th Grade students who move forward to Middle School.
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SUMMER 2014
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nMIDDLE DIVISION The Swift Middle Division closed the year with several exciting events. The Thinkers’ Coffeehouse provided an opportunity to practice presenting to a large group. The National Junior Honor Society induction celebrated our 7th and 8th grade students’ hard work in both academics and service hours. Our Sports Banquet highlighted our athletes’ dedication and hard work, as well as their representation of Swift. Our 6th grade presented a selection of musical and dramatic talent at the Spring Concert. The arts, sports, academics, and community service were all a large part of the Middle Division this year. We believe each of these areas are critical to the development of a wellrounded student and will continue to provide opportunities such as these during the coming school years. Research supports the idea that students must feel safe emotionally for learning to occur effectively. Although we do believe strongly that Swift is a school where students can rely on their teachers for emotional as well as academic support, the Middle Division will be taking steps to further help students develop positive relationships with their teachers and their peers. Students will be placed in one of three houses and will have specific advisors throughout their time at Swift. Portions of our first week of school will be used for team-building activities that will begin to develop new relationships along with strengthening previous ones. That team building approach will continue throughout the year, largely through our Spartan Houses. Teachers will also participate in a year-long study of teaching with Love and Logic. We look forward to a new year in the Middle Division and are excited to see the growth of our students! Carol Madden
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1. (L-R) Grant Meyer and Michael Rosen prepare for the National Junior Honor Society Induction. 2. The 2013-2014 National Junior Honor Society inductees 3. (L-R) Jack Sasser, Katie Elema, and Annie Howard serve coffee during the Thinker’s Coffeehouse. 4. Will Vesey gives founder Gail Swift a big hug at Founder’s Day. 5. (L-R) Will Battle, Trevor Masse, and Alex Ardagna prepare the coffee during Thinker’s Coffeehouse. 6. (L-R) Lauren Robb and Julia Northrop showcased beautiful art pieces during the Thinker’s Coffeehouse 8
SUMMER 2014
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
FIELD DAY 2014 2
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4 1. (L-R) Kate Stellmach, Lexi Iannone, and Zella Pardue play on the tire swing. 2. (L-R) Charlotte Leber, Taylor Hayes, Celia Bixler, and Danielle Dupont pose for a photo before they begin their next activity. 3. Mrs. Epstein’s class celebrates their victory. 4. The boys of Mrs. Battoglia’s class have a group huddle to plan their strategy.
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5. (L-R) Marissa Prusak and Katherine Adair get ready for the tug competition. 6. (L-R) John Henry Claeys and Evan Fuerst goof off while waiting their turn.
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
SUMMER 2014
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Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day 1
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Declan Cooley and his grandmothers
Walker Wellford and his grandmother Nina Frangis and her grandparents
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Hank Glidden and his grandparents
Cameron Carr and his long term nanny and special friend Tristan Nowiak and his grandfather
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Aidan Willson and his grandparents
James Maichle and his grandmother Kimberly Farmer and her family
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SUMMER 2014
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
SWIFT WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS FOR 2014-2015n Anna Bonds, 2 Katelyn Bradberry, 6 Alex Brandes, 4 Elizabeth Bundy, 3 Harry Cain, 6 Harper Carey, 1 Abigail Ann Celecia, 5 Cavan Clary, 3 Dalen Clift, 5 Meredith Cline, 3 Cole Connolly, 4 Cade Coppedge, 2 Lawrence Cowart, 2 Owen Dieterle, 3 Jacob Dorris, 2 Savanna Dorsey, 2 Bridget Dunn, 6 Ethan Eiler, 6 Katie Flom, 3 Gustavo Fonseca, 4 Anna Friedrich, 3 Owen Fusco, 1
Eleanor Gaffneystone, 1 Elise Goldman, 1 Nina Gomez, 3 Virginia Grosshans, 2 Hayden Gunckel, 4 Marie Harris, 3 Oliver Healey, 1 Carson Hein, 4 Cole Hilmer, 2 Linnea Imhoff, 2 Zachary Issacs, 4 Cole Lazzara, 3 Chase Lent, 2 Isabell MacDonald, 4 William Malcolm, 1 Quinn Martin, 1 Will McClure, 6 EllaMarie Miffiett, 2 Hannah Miller, 4 Maxwell Moreira, 6 William Morris, 5 Luke Mueller, 2
Chris Pellizzi, 4 Christopher Phillips, 3 Frank Reese, 2 William Rieck, 1 Taylor Robb, 5 Brad Robinson, 5 Randall Robinson, 5 Joseph Scarmuzzi, 3 Jake Schmitz, 3 Devin Schwartz, 3 Ashton Smith, 3 Diya Sriraman, 3 Madeline Swanson, 5 Sarell Tutt, 2 Jack Van Dyke, 1 Marie Vaughan, 2 Stephen Weatherby, 4 Jack Wilburn, 2 Sam Williams, 6 Ewan Wilmath, 2 (Enrolled as of 6/30/2014)
nFACULTY CHANGES 2014-2015 Swift welcomes the following faculty members... As of 6/30/14 Marie Barker, B.A. Theatre, Drama Instructor Jamie Bouck, M.A. Early Childhood Education, Lead Teacher Jennifer Clark, B.S. Sports Administration, Registrar Anna Fallon, B.S. Art Education, Receptionist Caroline Grigsby, M.A. Reading, Lead Teacher Octavia Ivy, M.S. Education, Associate Teacher Deborah Kloder, B.S. Early Childhood Education, Lead Teacher Max Lapushin, M.P.A., Information Technology Manager Alyssa Lee, B.A. Special Education, Associate Teacher Michael Lytle, Ed.S. Teaching and Learning, Middle Division Lindsey Moeller, B.S. Physical Education, Lower Division P.E. Jim Reed, Ed.S. Teaching and Learning, Middle Division
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
Jordan Rosenzweig, B.A English Language and Literature, Associate Teacher Kayla Schiffman, B.A. Early Childhood Education, Associate Teacher Christine Stahl, M.Ed. Special Education, Lead Teacher Stacey Wronker, B.A. Special Education, Associate Teacher Swift bids farewell to the following faculty members… Terri Gonzalez, Kathy Sweeney, and Angela Kidder all retired. Lindsay Salapka is expecting her first child in August. Lauren McClenney moved home to the Washington, D.C. area. Other Changes… Anne Rosenthal was appointed as Executive Assistant to the Head SUMMER 2014
Donna Cherry was appointed as the Instructional Technology Specialist and Student Assessment Specialist The following Lower Division teachers have been appointed as Language Intervention Specialists: Natalie Felix, Maxann Wanamaker, Alison Hirsch, and Beth Cravotta. The following Middle Division teachers have been appointed as Reading Intervention Specialists: Melissa Jozefov, Caroline Stewart Congratulations to… Joan Northup on her marriage in June. She will retain her name. Elizabeth Roddy on her marriage. She is now Mrs. Elizabeth Wells.
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nATHLETICS/ FINE ARTS 1. (L-R) Ethan Kittle and Trevor Masse receive the Spartiate Award. 2. (L-R) Sophie Sasser, Marcella Wicklin, and Coach Schimenti celebrate their victories.
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3. (L-R) Trevor Masse, Coach Saylors and Owen Hodson close the trackand-field season at the Sports Banquet.
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1. Amanda Tuller poses with her cat drawing at the Swift Art Show. 2. Rafaella Shanahan performs a beautiful solo at the Spring Concert. 3. The 6th Grade Theatre Ensemble dazzles the audience with their rendition of “The Giving Tree.”
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4. Anna Scalf shows off her flower painting. 5. The Primary Division Chorus performs “Nursery Rhyme Nonsense.” 5. Mrs. Kaplin is so proud of her students’ artwork. 6. Cooper Medved gives a wonderful performance as the boy in “The Giving Tree.” WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
SWIFT SCENEn At the close of its May meeting, the Swift Board of Trustees held a reception honoring the Board service of two trustees whose terms are completed. Laurie Green, whose daughter Katherine Thielman is a Swift alumna, served from 2008-2014 including one term as vice chair of the Board, and a previous term as secretary. Paul Schur, whose son Connor is a current student, served one three-year term. (L-R) Board Chair Dr. Richard Phillips presented Laurie and Paul commemorative gifts on May 13.
Rising 4th grader Callie Goodson represented Swift School and Kickin’ it Afterschool at the Georgia State Games Championships in May. She took home 3rd place for her Tae Kwon Do skills. Congratulations Callie! We are so proud of you.
ANNUAL FUND SURPASSES GOAL; GALA AND GOAL SET RECORDS Swift School is grateful to our generous community for their heartfelt support of our students, teachers, and programs. Parents, grandparents, board members, faculty & staff, and parents of alumni combined to give $167,163 in charitable gifts to The Annual Fund for Swift 2013-14 – thereby achieving and surpassing the financial goal which had been set at $150,000. In addition, 28 donors (the largest number ever) are members of the prestigious 1998 Society which recognizes donors whose annual fund gift ranges from $1,500 to $20,000. All gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible. The annual fund campaign begins on July 1 each year and ends at the close of the school’s fiscal year on June 30.
Swift supporters have embraced the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program with great enthusiasm in 2014! • • • •
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Development Director Karen Buttermore commented, “Gifts to the Annual Fund directly benefit our current students. Funds raised are used to enhance today’s programs and facilities, as well as teacher professional development . These gifts make up the difference between tuition and the actual cost of educating a Swift student in the most effective manner.”
Head of School Richard Wendlek and Development Director Karen Buttermore expressed gratitude to parents, grandparents and business owners who participated in Georgia GOAL in 2014 for the benefit of Swift School. “This is a tremendous response which will allow us to enroll and support students from public schools whose parents have determined that the private education that we provide would best serve their child who is dyslexic or challenged by language-based learning differences,” Wendlek said.
The Stellar Gala 2014, chaired by parent Susan Duncan, set records for attendance, number of sponsorships, and amount raised. All proceeds will be used to fund a Library/ Media Center for our students. Swift is especially grateful to the 25 Sponsors, 26 Patrons, and the 7 board members who were Table Sponsors. WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
SUMMER 2014
46 contributors redirected a portion of their Georgia income tax to scholarship funds for Swift $131,975 in redirected taxes was designated by these taxpayers to Swift Contributing individuals and companies receive an Education Expense tax credit on their amount due for state income taxes Deserving students at public schools who would benefit from a Swift education receive assistance with a portion of their tuition Funds for the tax credit are allocated yearly by the Georgia Legislature
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Members of the Swift community who have participated in this tax credit program understand the dual benefit by which the taxpayer gets a tax credit on his/her Georgia tax return (personal or corporate) while Swift School receives scholarship money which the taxpayer has redirected to Swift. Each year, the Georgia Legislature allocates money for this tax credit which is offered on a firstcome, first-served basis to taxpayers from throughout the state. • For 2015, the Georgia Department of Revenue will NO longer require that donors submit an IT-QEE-TP1 form - the ONLY paperwork required is the GOAL Tax Credit Form! • Because the money is depleted quickly each year, Georgia GOAL Scholarship Inc. is accepting completed paper forms during July 2014. • Beginning August 1, GOAL will accept Paperless Process applications through their website. Swift appreciates the support of our students through this program. Any questions regarding GOAL should be directed to Director of Advancement Karen Buttermore at school at ext. 226 or kbuttermore@swiftschool.com