COURIER
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PARENT AND FACULTY MINGLE Swift Celebrates the Launch of the Strategic Plan
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NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Welcome to our New Families
Fall 2014
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MIDDLE DIVISION RETREAT Middle Division students had a blast at their annual retreat
THE ANNUAL FUND FOR SWIFT 2014-2015
August 13-14 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Twinkle, Twinkle Swift Star; Support our dreams and take us far. We need your help to achieve great feats; Expansions, enhancements, and teachers who are neat. Twinkle, Twinkle Swift Star; With your help we will go far.
• A gift to the Annual Fund is the single most important gift we ask of families each year • Every family is expected to participate at their level of capacity • Gifts to the Annual Fund help control tuition increases • All gifts are tax-deductible • The deadline for gifts and pledges is December 31, 2014 Please make this essential investment in our students! Mail in your gift today, or give online through the Swift website.
COURIER GISA Conference (No Classes)
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School Photo Make-Up Day
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High School Decision Night
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Middle Division Open House
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5th Grade Dance
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LD Harvest Presentations
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Thanksgiving Holiday Commences
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Thanksgiving Holiday
Volume 7 Issue 1 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
nFEATURES
November 3
Fall 2014
Parent and Faculty Mingle.................................................3 Swift celebrates the launch of the North Star Strategic Plan
New Kids on the Block.......................................................4 Welcome to our New Families
December
Curriculum Nights...............................................................9
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Classes Commence
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Middle Division Winter Formal
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Winter Concert
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Giraffe Assembly
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Middle Division Exams
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Middle Division Exam Make-Ups
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Winter Break
Our parents experienced a day in the life of their student
Middle Division Retreat.................................................................10 Middle Division students had a blast at their annual retreat
January 1-2
Winter Break
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Professional Day (No Classes)
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Classes Commence
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5th Grade Parent Meeting
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Conference Week
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No Classes 1-5
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No Classes 6-8
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MLK No Classes
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Muffins with Mom
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Swift Family Bowling Event
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7th Grade Luncheon
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
www.facebook.com/theswiftschool @SwiftSchool_GA
Athletics/Fine Arts..................................................................................................... 12 Swift Scene.............................................................................................................. 13
WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
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nHEAD’S MESSAGE
SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RICHARD WENDLEK
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
We began to hear all about the ever increasing pace of change as the 21st Century came about. It is a message in which contemporary life is fairly well steeped. Among those who ponder the purpose and future of schools, it is most often messaged that due to the increasingly rapid rate of change, schools are attempting to prepare students for jobs that don’t yet exist… using technologies that haven’t yet been invented. This messaging is rather ominous, even unsettling. However, let’s reflect on this for a brief moment with respect to key neurological findings concerning the function of the human brain and Swift School’s implementation of dyslexic brain-type programming. Just one century ago the same could have been said about the pace of change. Schools were designed, among other purposes, to prepare students for work, and the dominant work paradigm of an era influenced the design of schools. In the United States early grammar and common schools followed an agricultural calendar; the public schools – and schools in general - reflect an industrial structure spawned by the Industrial Revolution’s assembly line model. In 1957 Russia’s launch of Sputnik sent American schools reeling into the Space Race that has yet to end. Many scientific and technological advances are linked to the predominant Space Race notion that all Americans must attend college and acquire proficiency in the application of scientific and mathematical principles. During this period less and less emphasis has been placed on vocational education because American technological superiority required physicists, not plumbers. A century ago, technologies were introduced that forever changed the human experience. The automobile, the telephone, the radio, the electric light bulb, refrigeration, airplanes, and later on in the 20th Century, the television were all introduced as inventions that replaced the horse and wagon, the candle and gas lamps, ice boxes etc. The fact is that the pace of change as guided by new technologies is a rather long-standing phenomenon and certainly not exclusively a 21st Century happenstance.
occurring that relate to experiential education as somewhat of a by-product of technological applications. This is the link to the dyslexic brain-type educational programming at Swift. No matter the era, schools are typically designed to reach left-brain learners. Leftbrain programming is designed for very different kinds of learners than the highly right-brained dyslexic learners. Dyslexics who attend schools where left-brain approaches are standard fare usually experience frustration, failure and the resulting social and emotional accompaniment of experiences that cause the loss of self-confidence. Experiential education is the right-brained approach to learning. The North Star plan directs Swift School, over time, to create a Maker Space, design studios, a greater fine arts emphasis, and other valuable learning opportunities directly geared to the strengths and talents of the dyslexic brain-type. Past eras of the American education scene failed to value the talents of the right brain. The aim of Swift’s North Star plan is to be the pioneer of a revolutionized model that cultivates the strengths of the dyslexic brain-type. As we consider the pace of change, the onset of the lifelong learning era with a renewed emphasis on the importance and benefits of experiential education, we know more than ever that we are on the best track possible. The true fact of the matter is that all learners benefit significantly from right brain learning strategies and programming.
Laura Ries, Vice Chair Peter Williams, Treasurer Jeff Kudlata, Secretary
TRUSTEES Dr. Paul Cohen Robert Gray 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
Swift School
Head of School
300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988
On the Cover: 6th grade girls wear pink in honor of breast cancer month.
Many now believe we are entering the lifelong learning era – anytime, anywhere learning that is the result of advanced technologies. Although schools will not lose all the vestiges of the past over the next decades, some interesting developments are 2
Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair
FALL 2014
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Parent and Faculty Mingle On Sept. 27, Swift Parents, Faculty and Staff mingled at the Retreat at Perimeter Summit and celebrated the launch of the North Star Strategic Plan which will navigate Swift through 2020. This was a wonderful event and many thanks to all who attended.
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1. (L-R) Anna Fallon, Josh Needle, Anna Needle, and Donna Cherry break from conversation to pose for a picture. 2. (L-R) Alan and Karen Dunbar and Mrs. Campbell share a laugh. 3. (L-R) Lynn Iannone and Lynn Kaplin are all smiles at the Parent and Faculty Mingle. 2 5
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4. (L-R) Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Laura Ries and Mr. Wendlek toast to the launch of the strategic plan. 5. (L-R) Jennifer Stone, Sharon Gaffney, Mrs. Battoglia, and Mrs. Grodin discuss all the joys of 1st grade. 6. Teachers and Parents had a wonderful time chatting at the Mingle.
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SUMMER 2014
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7. (L-R) Deborah and Kevin Smith, Ms. Grade, and Ms. Hirsch enjoy each other’s company. 3
New Kids on the Block In August, we welcomed 90 new families to the Swift community with our annual ice cream social. New friends were made, new relationships with teachers were formed, and fun was had by all.
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1. Ms. Grade and Ms. Hirsch welcome you to Swift 2. Ms. Felix says hello to her friend Daniel Sullivan 3. Dr. Salapka greets the new families 4. The Tutt family is happy to be at Swift 5. Christopher Phillips gets a piggyback ride from his dad 6. Our 2nd Grade Teachers are ready to welcome their new students 7. Emiliana Lutz and Michael Pozzobon pose in front of Mrs. Lutz 8
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8. Anna Friedrich and Anna Fallon bond over their names WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
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Curriculum Nights
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3 1. Krista and Eric Elema listen intently as Mr. Wendlek addresses the crowd.
2. Mrs. Menshon and Miss Shiffman welcome the parents to second grade. 3. Glen and Charlotte Hegwood are eager to learn what their daughter is doing in 7th grade 4. Martha Dodd and Sharon Jones review curriculum in 8th grade. 5. 1st grade parents experience a day in the life of a first grader.
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6. Jodi Turnquist and fellow parents watch the presentation in Mr. Lytle’s room.
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7 Habits Safari
This year, as a part of our character initiative, students will be introduced to the 7 Habits of Happy Kids and 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Both of these books, written by Sean Covey, are based on Stephen Covey’s “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Through consistent and focused teaching of the Seven Habits across the curriculum, students will learn to apply these important habits to their everyday lives. Lower Division students were introduced to the 7 Habits yearly theme - 7 Habits Safari - during the first Giraffe assembly. Through monthly guidance lessons led by the tour guide school counselor Mrs. Molloy, and reinforced by classroom teachers, students will be guided toward their most valuable treasure of all: being happy and successful. Middle School students will also be participating in 7 Habits lessons that will be taught by teachers weekly during advisory. • Habit #1: Be Proactive (I’m in charge of my thoughts, feelings, and choices) • Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind (I know how to look at the consequences of my choices. I know how to set goals and work toward achieving goals) • Habit #3: Put First Things First (I am responsible. I start with the most important things first. ) • Habit #4: Think Win-Win (I am able to come up with solutions where everyone wins) • Habit #5: Seek First to Understand; Then to Be Understood (I take time to listen to others, I show empathy. I am confident in voicing my opinions and own ideas) • Habit #6: Synergize (I know how to work as a team and get along with people who are different from me) • Habit #7: Sharpen the Saw (I do things that help me improve my body, mind, soul, and heart)
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LOWER DIVISIONn As the excitement and novelty of the new academic year has wound its way to the broad waters of the journey, it is pleasing to observe the engagement of the students in their various courses of learning. It seems just yesterday that we were able to meet at the various events that launched this year. As the initiatives of Swift’s new strategic plan, North Star, are acted upon there is a growing excitement among the faculty. Strategic initiatives include the development of a refreshed professional development plan with a focus on the relative strengths of our learners in spatial and narrative cognitive processing styles. The investment that’s made in the faculty, in terms of their continuing professional development, has a direct and lasting impact on the educational programming experience of Swift’s students. As a learning community our emphasis on learning about the instructional implications of the dyslexic brain-type is key in the development of educational programming that provides targeted avenues for the strengths and talents of dyslexic learners. As the conclusion of the first academic quarter draws near all students are being assessed to determine academic growth trends. Observing students in their various activities is always a treat. Art students, music students, drama students, the athletes, the engineers and designers – they are all a part of the student community here at Swift. Before we know it the Winter Concert (scheduled for Tuesday, December 9) will be upon us! Enjoy this glorious time of year.
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1. Ms. Grade, Carson Phillips, Reese Nickels, and Alexa Iannone pose for a quick picture before entering the Giraffe Assembly. 2. Students get excited about learning the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. 3. Ashton Smith smiles for the camera before the Giraffe Assembly. 4. James Hungerbuhler and Shea Jones announce the new spirit wear policy they petitioned to change. 5. Colton Bardusch gets ready to sing the 7 Habits Safari theme song. 6. The 5th grade ambassadors get ready to lead the student body in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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nMIDDLE DIVISION The 2014-15 academic year began smoothly in our Middle Division. Students and teachers were given many opportunities to spend time in activities outside the classroom that allowed us to work on getting to know each other and building relationships. Students adjusted quickly to their schedules and their attitudes have been positive and enthusiastic. Plans for the extended trips are well underway. Sixth grade will tour the Coastal Islands of Georgia; seventh grade will attend an outdoor activity camp in North Carolina; and eighth grade will travel to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. Students traveled to see a production of Sleeping Beauty at Brenau University September 26. It was a phenomenal opportunity to see what can be accomplished on stage with great costuming and set design. The Middle Division Retreat in September was a meaningful experience. Students participated in zip-lining, canoeing, and a pond ecology class. The students were grouped by their house; Menelaus, Leonidas, or Archidamus. Each house was given two disposable cameras and elected students to take pictures at each activity. Our first house competition will center around the development of a slide show by each house using the pictures taken by students. During the retreat, students also voted on community service projects and nominated students to run for student council offices. On September 24, students presented their campaign speeches and voting occurred on September 26. Congratulations to the following for being elected to serve as officers by their peers: Grant Meyer, president; Caroline Hegwood and Taylor Pace, vicepresidents; and Conrad Brown, treasurer. Our first community service project kicked off October 1. Caroline Hegwood presented the details to Lower Division students during the first Giraffe Assembly. Students will be collecting gently used shoes to donate to a homeless shelter. The shoe drive runs through the end of October. We look forward to more opportunities for students to serve their community; including returning to the nursing home we “adopted” last year. We are very excited about the introduction of RenWeb as our student information system. All of your student’s information can be found on RenWeb. This includes grades, calendars and other documents such as the family handbook and extended trip letters. Please plan to check your student’s grades at least once a week so that you stay informed about progress. Teachers are always available to answer questions. We look forward to seeing you at conferences! Carol Madden
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3 1. Congratulations to our new student council officers. Conrad Brown - Treasurer, Caroline Hegwood and Taylor Pace - Vice Presidents, and Grant Meyer - President 2. (L-R) Taylor Pace, Marcella Wicklin, and Caroline Hegwood support breast cancer research efforts by wearing pink. 3. The Middle Division had a pink out day to show their support for breast cancer awareness. 4. Middle Division students hosted a shoe drive during the month of October for homeless men, women and children in Atlanta. 5. Katie Elema donates a pair of shoes to the shoe drive.
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6. Avery Hodson donated his shoes to the shoe drive. The entire Middle Division donated the pair of shoes they wore to school that day. WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
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1. (L-R) Tyler Wardle, Braxton Duncan, and Ayden Nulty paddle down the river 2. (L-R) William Butler, William Fuqua, and Jacob Wright are ready for the ropes course 3. (L-R) Maddi Ariail and Mrs. Campbell strike a pose 4. Julia Northrop roasts her marshmallow 5. Chris Hamill, Lauren Gomez, and Katie Elema are excited to canoe 5
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6. Jameson Listermann climbs a tree 9
Fire Truck Fun The Roswell Fire Department visited the 1st and 2nd grade classes to allow them to explore their fire engine and fire rescue truck, The students were so excited for this experience and had a great day learning about our local heroes.
Fireman Randy allows the first graders to explore the inside of the fire rescue truck
Isabel Davis is eager for the fire truck to arrive
The students ask questions to the firemen. 10
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Harper Carey patiently waits her turn to explore the truck WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
FINE ARTS n
Artworks by Caitlin Hayes (3rd Grade, left) and Riley Schutt (5th Grade, above) have been chosen to represent Swift School at The International Dyslexia Association annual conference youth art gallery.
The Lower Division has been working on the art of “Tableau”. They must use team work, body, and facial expressions to create stage pictures based on illustrations from a story. Pictured above: Mrs. Dugger’s class recreated “Where The Wild Things Are”. Mr. Gillot is teaching his students musical instruments. He is pictured here with 5th Grader Rafaella Shanahan. WWW.SWIFTSCHOOL.COM
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nATHLETICS For the 4th year in a row, the Middle Division returned to River Pines Golf Club, to play the 9 Hole, Par 3 Golf Course. This is a great introduction for the non-experienced golfer and a challenging encounter for the more experienced golfer. Over a six-day period, Middle Division students from the 6th, 7th & 8th grades enjoyed the weather, the course, the camaraderie and the overall experience of the game of golf. There have been varying levels of success at driving the ball off the tee, chipping the ball from the fairway to the green, and the putting of the ball into the hole. But as always on the course, as many people experienced, the shanking of the ball into the rough, the sliced ball into the water hazard (what water!), and the too hard of a backswing on the putt to the hole are just some of the many amusing outcomes of learning and/or playing the game. Just one good shot, one expert chip, and one extra-long putt, can keep players coming back for more. One can never tell how many students will be attracted back to the game for whatever the reason, we just strive to give our students the opportunity to try something different. So until this time next year……………FORE!
1. Brandon Tillson runs a lap before the game.
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2. Taylor Pace execuates perfect technique as she dribbles the ball down the field. 3. Marissa Martin throws the ball back into play. 4. Conor Schur attacks the ball with his power kick.
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SWIFT SCENEn
Ahoy! Ms. Grade’s Pirates celebrate “International Talk Like A Pirate Day” complete with eye patches, pirate hats, treasure, and lots of pirate lingo.
(L-R) Cooper Medved, Trey Jones, Alex Haertel, Jacob Wright and Mr. Lapushin serve as the “Tech Squad” for the school.
UPCOMING EVENTSn
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It’s the Season to Fall Into GOAL! Education expense tax credits are being reserved quickly for 2015. But, there’s still time to take part in this incredible program and rake in the credit. Be thankful for this opportunity, and submit your form by Thanksgiving!
Are you a Georgia business owner? Members of limited liability companies, shareholders of “S” Corporations, and partners in partnerships are allowed a Georgia income tax credit for up to $10,000 of the amount they contribute to a SSO, so long as they would have paid Georgia income tax in that amount on their share of taxable income.
Reservations for the Georgia income tax credit are taken on a first-come, first-served basis! Individual taxpayers may redirect up to $1,000 while married taxpayers filing jointly may redirect up to $2,500 of the Georgia tax they are required to pay anyway. PLEASE make sure that you designate SWIFT SCHOOL on your application, or your funds will go into a general fund to be divided among all private schools in Georgia. You may apply online at http://tinyurl.com/cxu6a4p or mail the paper form that you received from Swift to school Attn. Karen Buttermore and Swift will submit the application for you.