Courier
Volume 2 Issue 6 May/June 2012 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
Cover Photo: Sophie and Emma Claire get ready to wow the crowd at the Spring Concert.
In this
Issue
3 4 Gala Breaks Records The Swift Gala drew a record attendance and raised a significant amount for the school.
The “Sky”pe’s the Limit
8
Technology takes students to another country.
Swift Goes Broadway Students perform a tribute to Broadway at the Spring Concert.
LanguageEXPLORATIONS
DigitalLearningEXPLORATIONS
8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. l RISING 1ST - 2ND
8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. l RISING 3RD - 8TH
LiteratureEXPLORATIONS
EnrichingEXPLORATIONS
8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. l RISING 3RD - 5TH
1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. l RISING 1ST - 8TH
Experience an educational, enriching, and exciting summer at Swift School. Rising 1st-8th graders will explore literature and language through the Orton-Gillingham Approach. Students can also register for Swift’s afternoon options including art, technology, sports, music & more!
June 11 - July 6 Register Today For more information call 678.205.4988 or visit www.swiftschool.com
EDUCATIONAL l ENRICHING l EXCITING
300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell, GA 30075 l 678.205.4988 l www.swiftschool.com l cstewart@swiftschool.com
Courier
Volume 2 Issue 6 May/June 2012 www.swiftschool.com info@swiftschool.com
nFeatures
MAY May 15-16
Conferences for Primary and Intermediate
May 16
New Parent Welcome Reception
May 21
Field Day
May 22
Middle Division Exam Review Day
May 23-24
Middle Division Exams
May 24
5th Grade Moving Up
A Star-Studded Night to Remember ....... 3 Swift Gala sets record numbers!
The “Sky”pe’s the Limit ............................. 4 Fifth grade students use Skype to talk to
3
students in Holland.
Ceremonies/7:00 p.m. May 25
Fourth Quarter Concludes Final Day of Academic Year Early Dismissal/12:00 noon
May 29-31
Middle Division’s Excellent Adventure ..... 5 Swift Middle Division students do some behindthe-scenes learning on their extended trip.
Professional Days
Founder’s Day Celebration ...................... 6
JUNE June 1
Final Progress Reports Posted
June 11 - July 6
Swift Summer Explorations
Swift celebrated Founder’s Day and honored Susan Osberg.
Swift Goes Broadway ............................... 8 Follow Swift School on Facebook
Students perform in Spring Concert.
and Twitter for frequent updates and information regarding school activities.
An Eventful Spring ...................................... 9 Photo recap of spring events.
9 www.facebook.com/theswiftschool @SwiftSchool_GA
nIn Every Issue Head’s Column ......................................................................................................... 2 Famous Faces of Dyslexia ..................................................................................... 10 Swift Alumni Spotlight .............................................................................................. 10 News You Can Use ................................................................................................. 11 Swift Scene .............................................................................................................. 12 Coming Up .............................................................................................................. 13
www.swiftschool.com May/June 2012
1
nHead’s Message
SWIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Richard Wendlek
Executive Committee
As the show tune from Oklahoma declares,
When students return to school in August it
‘May is busting out all over!’ And so it is at
is strongly anticipated that Swift will not only
Swift School! It’s that time of the academic
have more students, but also will have more
year when plans are busily being formed
space to continue effectively delivering the
and forged. It’s both a reflective time and
high quality education that is expected. In the
a rousing phase of the school’s history.
next several weeks I hope to communicate
Reflection is natural in an academic year of
with you again about the particulars of the
many firsts for Swift School:
developing plans concerning campus growth.
• first Middle Division students
As the opportunities at Swift continue
• first school bus
to broaden in the fine arts, athletics,
• first enrollment level more than 160
technological applications and in language processing strategies, students are provided
students • first student dances
a truly multi-sensory learning environment to
• first off-campus physical education
grow in their abilities to communicate and to express their talents. Though this was a
experiences • first formal fine arts curriculum
rousing year of firsts, the resulting benefits to
• first formal art show
the students’ learning achievements are the
• first student council
truly remarkable outcomes of those offerings.
• first community service projects
Whether it is the ability of our intermediate
• first interscholastic athletic teams
and middle school students to use the
• first winter and spring concerts
technological apparatus that is routine or
• first Thinkers’ Coffeehouse
the chorus assembled for presentations or
• first-time accreditation by SAIS-SACS
students manipulating scientific principles
• first feasibility study
digitally or the excitement of interscholastic
• first student email accounts
sports teams, or the sounds of the Orff
• first electronic access to grades and
ensembles – Swift students are indeed taking
assignments for parents and students
advantage of the comprehensive offerings
It has been a wonderfully energy-filled year for
that have been put in place. In the end this is
the Swift School community.
what school is all about – teaching students
The core of our work with students –
about their individual and unique potentials to
providing instructional programming and
learn and contribute within a community that
co-curricular opportunities for dyslexic learners
calls them to find their talents.
– is the affirmation of Swift’s mission and the
Summer provides a respite from the steady
commitment of the Board of Trustees, the
rigors and hectic schedules of the other
administration and faculty. In the coming
seasons of the year. Enjoy! We look forward to
academic year Swift will be home to
seeing you back on campus in late August.
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 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 Development Paul Foltz, Business Manager
Parent Association President Heidi McFarland
many more students, and space for more classrooms and ancillary programs tops the collective agenda. Modifications to the main building have been approved and are slated to occur over the coming summer. Taking steps to meet the future as the demand for a
Rich Wendlek
Swift education outpaces current capacity
Head of School
is also being addressed as possibilities are explored to provide additional classroom
Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 678.205.4988
and programming space on the campus.
2 May/June 2012
www.swiftschool.com
Below: 2012 Steering Committee (Not pictured: Marcos Arias, Elise Hodson, Debbie Hogan, Susan Slifer and Becky Weatherford.)
Stellar Gala
A Star-Studded Night to Remember
1
More than 275 guests
live and silent auctions. Wes
Steering Committee
gathered at the Atlanta
Durham, voice of Georgia
Marcos Arias
Athletic Club in late March
Tech athletics and the
Celeste Barrow
to participate in Swift’s
Atlanta Falcons, served as
Grace Battle
largest and most successful
the emcee. A professional
Karen Buttermore
spring gala. Net proceeds
auctioneer added
Elise Hodson
from the event were
excitement to the bidding
Debbie Hogan
nearly $58,000 and will be
in the live auction.
Jill Norton
donated to the Campus
2
Congratulations to
Morgan Sapp
Building Fund so that Swift
Gala Chair Tena Hargrove,
Susan Slifer
can better serve current
Vice Chair Kim Masse and
Lara Smith
and incoming students.
the Steering Committee
Loren Statia
Gross proceeds were
who worked tirelessly from
Marian Stelling
37% more than last year’s
October through March to
Becky Weatherford
event, and after expenses,
achieve this success!
net proceeds increased
Please turn to page
33%. Guests enjoyed a
11 for a full list of Gala
cocktail reception, wine
sponsors.
pull, seated dinner, and 3
1. Michael and Kelly Hargis, Kelly Gage-Cole, Jill Norton and Ted Smith enjoy browsing items in the Silent Auction. 2. Karen and Michael Murphy await the start of the Live Auction. 3. Athletic Director Mell Smith and his wift Ginna.
www.swiftschool.com May/June 2012
3
the
“sky”pe’s the limit
o
Telephones are for the birds! Swift students use social media to make a video call halfway around the world!
n Tuesday, April 17, Swift fifth
graders traveled more than 4,000 miles and back – no passport needed- to talk to students in Holland with the use of Skype, a free video conferencing service. For the past several weeks, Donna Cherry and Harriet Litzky’s students have been engaged in a novel study about students in Holland. The Wheel on the School, a novel by Meindert DeJonga, explores the life of Lina and her classmates in Holland trying to discover why there are no storks in their small village. When Swift teachers discovered that one of their
Mrs. Litzky and Mrs. Cherry’s class gather to Skype with students in Holland.
students had family connections to Holland, plans began evolving on how
friends across the ocean were nearing
students in Holland taught the Swift
Swift students could turn their project
dismissal.
fifth graders how to say words like
into a collaborative effort with a classroom thousands of miles away. Thanks to the technology resources
Prior to the Skype video call, Swift
“candy” and even displayed an
students prepared a list of questions
American flag in their classroom to
and sent the list thru email to the
help make Swift feel right at home
Swift incorporates into every
students in Holland. Each Dutch
during “their visit.”
classroom, the students were able to
student was assigned a question for
Swift’s DLE currently includes the
integrate the use of Skype to interview
homework to answer. The students
use of SMARTBoards, laptops, speech-
the Dutch students. Holland is six hours
in Holland practiced their answers
to-text programs and cloud services
ahead of the United States so the
in Dutch and English to help bridge
to help students achieve their learning
teachers planned to do the video
the language barrier. Swift students
goals. Swift continues to explore
call immediately after the students
wanted to know if they wear wooden
ways to expand its Digital Learning
arrived for school. While Swift students
shoes and what sports they liked
Environment.
were just starting their day, their new
to play. During the video call, the
Page 4 May/June 2012
www.swiftschool.com
The Middle Division’s
e r u t n e dv
Excellent Swift Students Take an Extended Trip to Florida
A
In March, Swift sixth and seventh
In EPCOT, the teachers
graders traveled south for an
prepared a picture scavenger
incredible educational experience.
hunt for the students to
On the students’ first day they visited
complete. Clues led them to
Crystal River Preserve Park, about two
find iconic cultural examples in
hours outside of Orlando. There the
each “country.” Some of these
students saw Native American Indian
included:
mounds and took a boat ride that explored the coastal marsh. The group then made their way to Orlando to visit EPCOT and Busch Gardens. Students studied
• Belly dancers and camels in Morocco; • tea in England; • and gondolas in Italy. The next day the students toured
gorillas. The day ended with a trip to Tarpon Springs for a dolphin tour . Field trips are an excellent way for students to learn through experience and broaden their thoughts on
different countries and continents
the animal park at Busch Gardens.
the world that they live in. These
in Geography this year. At EPCOT,
The guide taught the students and
experiences are essential to a
students saw first hand some of the
teachers interesting facts about
student’s growth. Swift will continue to5
things they have learned about Asia,
each animal along the way including
provide opportunities such as this to its
Europe, and Canada.
Bengal tigers, orangutans, hippos, and
growing curriculum.
www.swiftschool.com May/June 2012 5
Founder’sDay Celebration On Friday, April 27, Swift School hosted its annual Founder’s Day Celebration on the front lawn of the school. Students, teachers and special guests enjoyed an afternoon of singing performances, speeches and the debut of the “Swift School Song” written by Swift Middle Division students. The highlight of the afternoon was awarding the 10-year service medallion to associate teacher Susan Osberg. Mrs. Osberg’s journey to Swift began when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia. Gail Swift taught Susan’s son, encouraged Susan to volunteer, and then hired her in 2002. “Susan’s gentle spirit and kind direction have enabled many students to take academic risks in order realize their own true potential,” remarked Associate Head of School Dr. Andrea Salapka. “Students in Mrs. Osberg’s room feel safe and quickly learn that their needs will be met, but that they will also have to work hard along with their teacher.”
6 May/June 2012
www.swiftschool.com
Swift Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Richard Phillips, Teacher Susan Osberg, Founder Gail Swift and Head of School Rich Wendlek pose for a photo after the Founder’s Day Ceremony.
www.swiftschool.com May/June 2012
7
Below: Caroline Goldstein leads the Lower Division Honor Chorus in a song titled, “The Wind”.
Swift Goes Broadway the Swift Lower Division Chorus and Lower Division Honor Chorus paid homage to some of Broadway’s most Magical musicals.
1
On Thursday, May 3 parents were treated to a Spring Concert fit for the stages of Broadway. Students in the Lower Division (grades 1st-5th) performed adaptations from classic Broadway musicals such as “South Pacific” and “Mary Poppins.” The Lower Division Honor Chorus also performed several numbers including, “Four White Horses, “True Colors” and “Shine on Me.” For video clips and photos from the Spring
2
Concert visit Swift’s YouTube channel (http:// www.youtube.com/user/SwiftSchoolRoswell) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ theSwiftSchool). 1. Second grade student Blake shines as a Von Trapp child during “The Sound of Music” medley. 2. Sarah played Sally from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” 3. Katina, dressed as Cat in the Hat, gets ready to close the show with a number from “Seussical the Musical.” 4. Cooper, Chase and Ainsley greet and hand out Swift Playbills to guests.
3
8 May/June 2012
4
www.swiftschool.com
An Eventful
Spring at Swift
The Spring months not only bring beautiful flowers to Manley Campus, but also a variety of events for the Swift Community to enjoy. From the Spring Concert to the Spring Dance, students and families have been busy having fun and giving back. Here’s a photo recap of a few of the events that have been held.
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
1. Third grader Carly sings a solo in the finale at Swift’s Spring Concert. 2. This year on Pet Day, students collected supplies to be donated to Canine Assistants. 3. Amanda impersonates the Queen of England during the Middle Division’s Thinkers’ Coffeehouse. 4. In costume and ready to perform at the Spring Concert, these third graders put on a show fit for Broadway. 5. The Swift Picnic featured a velcro wall for students to play on. 6. A talent show was held during Friendship Week at Swift. Nolan and his classmates entertained students with a comical skit. 7. Also at the Swift Picnic were a selection of inflatable toys for the students to climb and jump on. Fun for all ages!
8
8. The Spring Fling for Middle Division students and up was luau themed and included a taco bar for all to enjoy.
www.swiftschool.com May/June 2012
9
nFamous Faces of Dyslexia Guy Ritchie
As a child, Guy Ritchie knew he was
dyslexic, I didn’t give a hoot. Even
stories since I was a boy. I used to
different from the other children in
when IQ tests showed that I was
listen to them on tape before I could
school but he did not know why. It
bright, I wasn’t interested.”
read so I knew them very well.”
was not until adulthood that he
Fortunately for anyone who saw
In fact, because he was able to
discovered the cause of his difficulties
him in the blockbuster 2009 version of
focus on the words he was hearing
with reading and writing. By then he
Sherlock Holmes, Ritchies’ inability to
rather than trying to read, he was
had dropped out of school without
read the stories did not stop him from
able to form a mental image of how
graduating and had even done a
knowing them and learning them
Holmes should look and move and
turn as a day laborer.
well.
think and bring Holmes’ character to
“By the time I found out I was
“I was very fluent in all the [Holmes]
life.
nAlumni Spotlight Andrew Walker
Before coming to Swift, Andrew Walker
Springs Academy and an accomplished
admits, “I was really unhappy and angry
student, vocalist, and actor. “Swift
and frustrated.” His parents, Tom Walker
gave Andrew the foundation that has
and Suzanne Moon, recall that he had
enabled him to be successful at Mill
a hard time socially and was barely
Springs academically and socially and
reading or able to do any math. That
in his acting and singing pursuits.” And,
all changed the day Andrew visited
successful he is! Academically, Andrew
Swift for the first time and met with Gail
is on the Honor Roll and Honors Council
Swift. “When I came in for my interview,
and was awarded for having the highest
I tried not to make any mistakes and I
GPA in Social Studies and Science. In
remember Mrs. Swift telling me that it
vocals, Andrew was selected to the GISA
was okay to make mistakes. It sounds
All Select Chorus and competed in the
weird, but she made me feel okay.”
GISA regional and state competitions as
Andrew joined Mrs. Daughtery’s class
a solo vocalist, where he won First Place
in 2006, then went on to Dr. Salapka’s
at Regional. Andrew also sang at Swift’s
class in 2007, and Mrs. Duckworth, in
2011 Founder’s Day celebration and will
2008. “My teachers were always helpful
sing at the Mill Springs 2012 Graduation
and encouraging and taught me to
Ceremony. Regarding the performing
keep trying. Dr. Salapka, especially,
arts, Andrew has competed in several
taught me never to say, ‘I can’t.’” Mom
GISA One Act Play Competitions at
adds, “That was HUGE for him! When
both regional and state levels and has
we first came, all Andrew ever said was
performed in Mill Springs productions of
‘I can’t.’ He was a very frustrated and
the musicals Putnam County Spelling
angry child who thought he couldn’t
Bee and The Wizard of Oz.
do anything. But, within two weeks of
According to mom and dad,
school starting, Andrew started to like
everyone at Swift helped Andrew to
reading and “I can’t” started to fade
get to where he is today, from the art
away.”
teacher who encouraged his acting
Andrew is now a Freshman at Mill
to the teachers who came to see his
10 May/June 2012
plays at Atlanta Workshop Players to the teachers who coordinated and led the trips to space camp and Jekyll Island. But Coach Smith holds a special place in the family’s hearts, according to mom: “I can’t begin to tell you what Coach Smith meant to Andrew. Coach played a huge role in helping Andrew to see his potential. It’s hard to put into words what Coach did, but he transformed Andrew. When we left in 2009, Andrew was a new kid! Swift School truly changed our lives and we will always be grateful. We are very proud of Andrew. He’s doing so very well, and Swift and Andrew’s hard work are the reasons for his success.” www.swiftschool.com
Spartan Sports banquet
News You Can Usen It’s Not Too Late! If you have not yet given to the Annual Fund, please consider a “participation” gift in any amount. We are striving to reach 100% participation among current families, and today are at 78% participation. Swift Board of Trustees and the Faculty & Staff reached the 100% mark last fall. We have achieved the financial goal of $100,000 and are now trying to build the participation rate. This is an important indicator to outside sources of funding for Swift. May 31 is the deadline to fulfill pledges made to this year’s Annual Fund. Thank you to every family who helped us
Swift hosted a Sports Banquet on April 26 to celebrate a successful first year of competitive play. Congratulations to the first recipients of the Spartiate Athletic Award, Molly and Ronin. The Spartiate Award is given to one male and female who among other things, are in good academic standing and contributed significantly to team efforts.
achieve the financial target!
Deadline to Participate in GOAL Scholarship Program is June 1 If you wish to receive the double benefit of a dollar-fordollar tax credit on Georgia income taxes plus a federal charitable deduction, you must act by June 1. The $50 million allocation of tax credits from the Georgia Legislature is expected to be depleted by August 1. There is a 60-day cycle from the date you apply for the tax credit until it is granted. In the past, funds ran out in late October. Due to the popularity of the program, nearly $21 million has already been claimed. Some Swift families had
Don’t miss your chance to take part in this amazing summer program. Enrollment availability is slimming. Information and registration information about Swift’s exciting Summer Explorations program is available online under the “academics” tab on the Swift home page. Academic
their applications returned to them last year because the money ran out. Please contact Karen Buttermore at school if you have misplaced the mailing sent earlier.
2012 Gala Sponsors
programming designed to maintain and enhance skills
GALAXY SPONSORS
taught during the academic year are offered, along with
GoldLeaf Data, Swift Parent Association,
enriching afternoon programs that compliment morning
The Davis Family Foundation
offerings. Register today! Visit www.swiftschool.com for more
STAR SPONSORS
information.
Bank of North Georgia, Beluga interactive, LLC, Cutie Pies Children’s Boutique (Arias Family),
May Virtue of the MOnth - Compassion Help Swift teach students about compassion this month by your actions. During May, Swift students are learning about compassion. In recognition of the May virtue, the Wanamaker/
Dr. Mary Hynes Danielak, Don Harvey Dental , Liz Hill, Joel and Morgan Moore, Norcross Station Cafe
PATRON SPONSORS Grace and Mark Battle , Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brown, Nancy and Gordon Castle, Mr. and Mrs. Karl Fuller,
Schlanger class is collecting donation items to support the
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gaccione, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Goldfein,
homeless families who receive aid from SafeHouse, located in
IST Management Systems, Mr. and Mrs. Juan Pittman,
Atlanta. Donations are being accepted through May 25. Look for the blue bin in the entry foyer.
The Shusted Family, Sign-A-Rama Roswell, Mr. and Mrs. Brad Simmons , Renee and Joye Solomon, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Trapnell, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Van Dresser
www.swiftschool.com May/June 2012
11
nSwift Scene
Faculty and Classroom Highlights Nature’s Classroom - Fifth Grade Field Trip In April, the fifth grade traveled to Mentone, Alabama for an extended field trip. Over the course of two nights and three days, students hiked mountains, participated in a night-time simulation activity based on the Underground Railroad during the time of Harriet Tubman, squeezed through caves, built bridges and created memories that will last forever. “It was exciting to watch their eyes light up as students saw
Eric crosses a bridge constructed out of rope made by the students.
amazing wild flowers, studied trees up close and observed small living creatures during our hikes,” said teachers. Students learned about the importance of nature and all it has to offer. It was an incredible experience for the students and teachers. “I loved how we made our own candles; how we built a Burma bridge and a Geo Dome; and the hikes. We saw really pretty sights.” Amelia “I wanted to stay in Mentone longer! Nature’s Classroom was amazing.” Teresa “I liked when we made a bridge with rope, made parachutes
C.J. peeks out of the cave that the students and teachers crawled through.
for our eggs and made a Geo Dome with logs. It was so much fun.” Meredith G.
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.
12 May/June 2012
www.swiftschool.com
coming upn
Mark your calendars with these important dates
n 2012-2013 Preliminary Calendar
The preliminary calendar for the upcoming academic
Day n Field May 21, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
year can be found online at www.swiftschool.com.
Come enjoy some fun in the sun with your child at Swift’s
Please visit the “news” tab and click on announcements
Annual Field Day. Swift is currently seeking three parent
to find this downloadable pdf of next year’s events.
volunteers from each classroom for the day. If you are
SUmmer Explorations n Swift June 11 - July 6 Sign up now to join Swift School this summer for three
interested in participating, please contact Coach Smith.
Grade Moving up Ceremony n 5th May 24, 7:00 P.M.
weeks of academic, athletic and artistic skill building
Plan to attend this celebration of students completing the
activities. For more information please contact Summer
5th grade and moving into life as middle school students.
School Director Caroline Stewart.
Deadline to Participate in GOAL Scholarship Program is June 1 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
www.swiftschool.com May/June 2012
13
DRESSING AMERICA’S FUTURE
Campus Wear is located in Downtown Alpharetta 26 Old Roswell Street (just behind Smokejack BBQ) Business Hours Monday—Friday 10:00 –6:00 & Saturday 10:00—3:00 (starting in July)
SHOP EARLY AND SAVE DURING THE MONTHS OF JUNE AND JULY
DON’T WAIT...
26 Old Roswell Street
VISIT CAMPUS WEAR
Alpharetta, GA 30009
FOR PROPER FITTING
770.667.8005 info@mycampuswear.com www. mycampuswear.com