Fall 2009 - The Norman Howard School

FALL / WINTER 2009
275 Pinnacle Road
Rochester, NY 14623
P 585.334.8010
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rochester, NY
Permit #7103
What Our Students
Say About NHS…
Return Service Requested
About NHS Teachers
l “Awesome, down-to-earth, easy to talk to, get to know
you personally”
l “Go out of their way to help me make up work when
I have been out”
l “Understanding of the difficulties the students have”
l “Do a good job; they already know ahead of time that the
students get anxious-they know the signs and come around
and ask if they can help”
l “Closer to students than in other schools”
l “Make me feel more relaxed”
l “Teachers are the students’ friends here. They know
who you are and what you’re doing
normanhoward.org
Join NHS Alumni
On FaceBook!
Do you want to reconnect with old friends and be informed about
what’s going on at NHS? If so, join us on Facebook and check
out the new Norman Howard School Alumni page!
Frontier General Manager, Trent Bridges, &
VP of Operations & GM, Tom FitzGerald,
with NHS teaher Ms. Edina Fitzpatrick.
About NHS
See Dr. Ross Greene
December 11th
Dr. Ross Greene, a distinguished
Harvard clinician, a pioneer in
working with behaviorally
challenged kids and author of
the acclaimed book, The Explosive
Child is coming to Rochester
December 11th.
In his newest book, Lost at
School, Dr. Greene offers a
groundbreaking approach for
understanding and helping
resistant kids and he does so with a powerful sense of hope
and achievable change. In a lively and compelling way he
describes how his evidence-based approach called
Collaborative Problem Solving can help challenging kids
at school, home and in their neighborhoods. Dr. Greene
believes that kids with behavioral challenges do well if
they can. He argues that they lack the skills to know how
and when adults understand this, and teach kids the skills,
the results can be astounding!
For more information or to purchase a ticket, please call
Julie at 585.334.8010 or email [email protected].
l Easier to get help when needed
l I don’t have to deal with as many people
l Teachers can pay closer attention to you
l Not as much to worry about
New CEO Joseph M. Martino
The Norman Howard School proudly announces
the promotion of Joseph M. Martino as President
& Chief Executive Officer of Education Enterprise
of New York, Inc., the Executive Director of The
Norman Howard School, and Executive Director of
EnCompass Resources for Learning. Prior to his
new appointment, Joe served as Chief Operating
Officer of Education Enterprise of New York (E2NY).
Before joining E2NY, Joe served as Principal
Accountability Officer for Monroe County. In
this role he was responsible for developing and
implementing countywide systems to address revenue maximization, grants
management, contract compliance and performance. On behalf of the County
Executive Maggie Brooks he provided leadership and support to public-private
partnerships addressing economic development, sustainable energy and
educational success. Joe has also been involved in multiple projects focused
on improving outcomes for vulnerable youth and families in New York
and Pennsylvania.
“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our E2NY family of
organizations and we are delighted to have his leadership. His immeasurable
experience in human services and education brings the business acumen
needed to lead these organizations.” say Richard Sands, E2NY Chairman.
Joe has a bachelor’s degree in History and Government and a master’s
degree in History from Duquesne University, and has done post-graduate
studies at Lehigh University. He lives in Penfield with his wife Denise and
their daughter Isabel Grace, age 4, and son, Teshome, age 3.
Instruction
Javier Fonseca
l Personalized instruction, because they (teachers) know me
l More “hands-on”
l Modifying and prioritizing work when I have been out
l Pre-activities before reading a book
l Starting homework in class so I can get the help I need right
then and there
l Lighter workload, but more direct to what we need to learn
l Advisory—“extra time for help”, more of a chance to get
homework done”, allows closer monitoring”
Sense of Belonging, Acceptance and Safe Community
l “I was on the outskirts at my old school. I was different. No one
understood me. People here understand. I feel more confident
because of the way people treat me here. All these people
support you. I take more chances.”
l “NHS is one of the least stressful places I go every day.”
l “Non-bullying was a real grabber for me because I was bullied
since second grade.”
l Relaxed setting, knowing you can talk to people
l Being accepted for who you are, you can be yourself
l The total environment—nurturing, when you ask for help, you get it
l “No matter where I am in the morning, there is someone I know.”
l Peer network is really supportive, peers that are more like me
that I can talk to.
From top to bottom: Carolyn Avery, Michelle Brasser,
Javier Fonseca, Lee Lande, Danielle Stacklyn, Reid Wilson
Jason Cromey working on a computer donated
by Frontier as GM Trent Bridges observes
THANK YOU
Frontier Corporation!
Special Thanks
to The John & Jayne
Summers Foundation!
Six NHS
students are
the beneficiary
of a Summers
Foundation
Scholarship
for the 2009-10
school year.
John & Jayne
Summers
2009 Fall—Alumni Stars H
the application process for The Norman Howard School cite anxiety as a
reason for applying. According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
anxiety disorder is the number one mental disorder in children, adolescents
and adults. In fact, about 13 of every 100 adolescents, ages 9 to 17,
experience some kind of anxiety disorder. In addition, anxiety often
accompanies other disorders such as Asperger Syndrome, Non-verbal
Learning Disabilities, and Tourette Syndrome.
Brandon Calitree class of 2001, entered The Norman Howard School as an 8th grader reading at a fourth
grade level with very poor reading comprehension skills. After graduation, he enrolled in Monroe Community College
and ultimately transferred to the University of Buffalo (UB) where he received a Bachelors in Science (Chemistry).
Brandon will graduate with a Ph.D in Medicinal Chemistry in 2011 from UB.
Brandon with
fiance Diane Terrell
NHS teacher Chuck Koffenberger wasn’t surprised to hear about Brandon’s great
accomplishments. “Brandon was such a hard-worker; he always turned his work in
on time and it was always quality work. He was also very goal oriented and just an
overall outstanding young man”. Brandon says he has many fond memories at NHS.
“The teachers at NHS helped me develop the tools and skills I needed to succeed.
NHS is unique; the teachers have such dedication in supporting students and
helping them in every way possible. I still have my learning disabilities, I know
I always will, but graduating from NHS has taught me how to work hard and
overcome any obstacle. Maybe more importantly, they instilled the notion that I
CAN overcome anything and do whatever I want—it just takes a little effort. I want
to say thanks to all the teachers at NHS for giving me the skills to make it to the
next level...I couldn’t have done it without you guys!!”
Brandon is engaged to Diane Terrell. They will be married June 2010.
For these students, The Norman Howard School is seen as a safe, accepting
learning environment and is reflected in their own words...
Understanding NHS Students
& Strategies for Success!
Mr. Koffenberger
Kayla McCrossen, NHS class of 2006, first walked through the doors of The Norman Howard School as
an 8th grade student. After graduating from NHS, Kayla enrolled in the Liberal Arts program at Monroe Community
College, later transferring to a Hospitality Management program at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where
she is now a Junior.
Kayla’s favorite classes at NHS were Reading Comprehension and Photography. “My Reading Comp teachers told
me there will be a lot of reading and writing in college and laid out what I had to do to manage it all and that really
helped me.” says Kayla.
Kayla McCrossen
“Kayla was an asset to the NHS school community. She grew to
be a mature and thoughtful young woman who is motivated to
succeed. She puts forth maximum effort to maintain success in all
that she does while being a compassionate individual who is always
willing to help others. I have all the confidence in the world that she
will be successful.” says NHS Reading teacher, Mrs. Helen Larkin.
Kayla says she keeps pretty busy between school and her job at
Tastings Restaurant in Pittsford. Kayla says of her years at NHS,
“Mrs. Pudetti had a huge impact on me. The strategies she taught
me while I was at NHS I find I am still using today. I learned a lot
at NHS...I learned how to work as a team and I learned a lot about
myself and my classmates.” says Kayla.
We recognize that the learning needs of our students often extend beyond
remediation and strategy instruction. Currently, at least 50 percent of our
students experience high levels of anxiety that affect school performance
and attendance. This year, at least one third of students who completed
Building on what already works, The Norman Howard School has taken on
a major professional development initiative that will support our practice and
build on our ability to serve our students whose anxiety is of such a degree
that it impedes participating in the school day and negatively affects learning.
Working with national and local experts, Norman Howard staff will come
together as a community of learners to increase our understanding of
anxiety disorders, develop exemplar case studies, and increase our repertoire
of effective classroom strategies. Several evaluation tools will be used to
assess teacher learning and student engagement.
Support Scholarships for NHS & EnCompass Students By Joining Our
Education Circle of Friends Today with an annual gift of $1,000!
Mrs. Larkin & Mrs. Pudetti
NHS Teacher Jeffrey Parker to Speak at National Convention
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Parker will be speaking
at the 2009 NCTE Annual Convention.
Mr. Parker will be presenting during the panel session, “Literature in New Contexts: Using a Variety of Literature
to Explore New Possibilities.” An excerpt from the description of this session in the Convention Program reads:
An important element of teaching literature is helping students understand the context of what they are reading.
Strategies will be presented for very different ways of contextualizing: using technology and pop-culture as well.
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Professional development has been an ongoing commitment of The
Norman Howard School since it was founded in 1980. Faculty and staff
are encouraged to attend conferences at the local, state and national levels.
Schools Attuned training has allowed teachers to take a comprehensive look
at students’ profiles—understanding their strengths and needs, leading to
the implementation of individualized management plans. Teachers have
participated in ongoing training in order to deliver evidence-based
remediation in the best manner possible.
Teachers understand me and accept me for who I am.
I was on the outskirts at my old school.
I was different. I feel more confident because
of the way people treat me here.
The teachers support me. I take more chances.
I get personalized instruction because
the teachers know me.
BUY A BOOK…in Honor
or Memory of Someone
at Amazon.com for NHS!
This is just a sampling of the books on our wish list.
Go to Amazon.com then Gifts & Wish Lists and type
in Norman Howard School for the complete list.
Creating Meaning Through Literature and the Arts:
An Integrated Resource for Classroom Teachers (3rd Edition)
by Claudia E. Cornett (Author)
$61.56
The Cold War (Timelines) by R. G. Grant (Author)
$32.80
Understanding Global Warming (Saving Our Living Earth)
by Rebecca L. Johnson (Author)
$30.60
Balancing Act: Teaching Students With Disabilities
To Handle A Budget And Bank Account
by Kathy Bunkers (Author)
$29.95
Phonological Awareness: From Research to Practice
(Challenges in Language and Literacy)
by Gail T. Gillon Phd (Author)
$29.00
When Kids Can't Read: What Teachers Can Do:
A Guide for Teachers 6-12 by Kylene Beers (Author) $28.65
The TOON Treasury of Classic Children's Comics
by Art Spiegelman (Editor), et al.
$26.07
Kristallnacht, The Night of Broken Glass:
Igniting the Nazi War Against Jews (Snapshots in History)
by Stephanie Fitzgerald (Author)
$25.28
Florida Panthers: Struggle for Survival
(America's Animal Comebacks)
by William Caper (Author)
$25.27
Subjects Matter: Every Teacher's Guide to Content-Area Reading
by Harvey Daniels (Author), Steven Zemelman (Author) $25.11
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NHS Students Celebrate School
with an Ice Cream Social!
The Importance of Education
Walter Cooper, Ph.D.
Regent Executive, University of the State of New York
In the 21st century, the most grievous form of child abuse is not to educate a child. The result is to relegate that
uneducated individual to a marginal existence in the United States of America. A quality education is fundamental
to an individual’s ability to compete in an economy that is global in scope and function. One of the consequences
of not achieving a quality education is the inability of the individual to achieve economic viability in the reality that
knowledge has replaced labor. There is little opportunity for solely the strong back and the weak knowledge base.
It is imperative that an education should be broad enough and deep, which permits the individual to be integrated
in an economy that is driven by knowledge and world-wide in scope.
Unexpectedly on September 24, 2009,
Susan H. Horwitz, Ph.D., University
of Rochester Associate Professor
of Psychiatry and Founding NHS
Board Member died of brain cancer.
Dr. Horwitz believed in the strength
of families and the ability of family members to support each
other and heal their relationships.
The consequences of a poor education are obvious—poverty, criminality, social dislocations and in extreme cases,
hunger. Furthermore, the very health and vitality of a community are diminished by illiteracy. Since all education
is for the future, the quality of life of a community, a state and nation is dependent upon the quality education
and innovations of its citizens.
Education is fundamental to preparing our future generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills our nation
needs to be competitive in the 21st century.
Encouraging youngsters to stay in school, K-12 and to pursue higher education makes sense, because in the present
economic climate, unemployment is likely to remain high for an extended period of time. Additional educational attainment has strong financial benefits
when compared to seeking a job which may not be there. According to the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a male worker who
obtains a college degree earns $186,000 more on the average in gross earnings and benefits than the worker who does not in the developed nations.
John Ben & Isaiah
In the United States, males who achieve a college education the difference in the economic lifetime, the payoff is $367,000. And for women it is
$229,000. The data show the tangible economic benefits of a college education. It is apparent that education has increased value in elevating the
quality of life possibly provided by the economic benefits of an education.
National Learning Disabilities
Expert Rick Lavoie Visits NHS!
Lavoie has served as an administrator of residential programs for children
with special needs since 1972. These experiences have provided Rick with
a “living laboratory” in which he developed and refined his methods and
philosophies related to the education of adolescents with special needs.
Rick has delivered his message to over 500,000 parents and professionals
throughout North America. He holds three degrees in Special Education and
has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous
universities including Syracuse, Harvard, Gallaudet, Manhattanville College,
University of Alabama and Georgetown. He is a member of the Professional
Advisor Board of the Learning Disabilities Association.
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Dr. Horwitz taught family therapy theory, research and clinical practice
in the Institute for the Family’s Family Therapy Training Program at
the University’s Medical Center since 1988. She was clinical supervisor
for Strong Family Therapy Services and associate director for education
of the Department of Psychiatry’s Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence
and Victimization. She also taught professionals in Finland, Hungary,
the former Yugoslavia, and New Zealand. Her students routinely
praised her intelligence and teaching abilities, but also her
compassion and commitment.
Dr. Horwitz also worked as a family therapist and a consultant to school
districts regarding family issues, learning disabilities and mental health
concerns for students and to courts for custody evaluations.
NHS Recognized
as School of Excellence
Rick Lavoie kicked off the NHS school
year with an inspirational message to
staff regarding Strategies that Don’t Work
for Anxious and Struggling Kids...and
Strategies that Do! During the day long
workshop Rick identified different types
of anxiety disorders and discussed student
physiological responses to stress. Rick’s
underlying strategy is, “Prepare the child
for the situation and the situation for the
child.” Rick met with staff to provide
additional insight into the anxious child. Given
the increased number of students enrolled at The Norman Howard School,
his workshop was very timely. Lavoie noted that students with anxious
behaviors often manifests into poor attendance and school performance.
Teachers have enthusiastically already begun to employ the strategies
discussed at the workshop and report initial results are very encouraging.
NHS Bids A Sad Farewell
To Susan Horwitz…A Master
Teacher And Clinician Of
Family Therapy
And Advocate
For Families
A special scholarship fund has
been established at NHS in honor
of Susan’s dedication to education.
NHS
students
support
NCMEC
Bike
Riders!
Mr. Monks with Slava & Jobin
NASET award
Cody & Bradly enjoy sundaes
Joven McNight
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GCVM Oak
Opening Restoration
Student Success
Is Our Goal!
We help students of all ages with:
l Reading
l Homework Skills
l Writing
l Organization Skills
l Arithmetic
l Test Taking Skills
Holiday and School Break Programs
Students with an IEP, 504, ADD, ADHD, learning
disabilities, or enrichment classes get the help they need
Endorsed by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks
and RCSD Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard
Corshon at GCVM Oak opening
The Norman Howard School’s affiliation with the GCVM and
their Nature Center is entering its fifth school year. Middle
school and high school students have several opportunities
throughout the school year to participate in hands-on outdoor
labs at the Nature Center that correlate with the topics
covered in the classroom; such as Fall Foliage, Winter
Survival, Orienteering, Astronomy, Weather, Erosion and Oak
Opening Restoration. An oak opening is a unique, diverse
“biome” where fields of tall grass prairies are surrounded
by oak forests. It is one of the rarest natural communities
in North America and can be described as a grassy,
savanna-like landscape. Development, succession, and
subsequent fire suppression have eradicated more than
99% of original Oak Openings throughout North America.
The New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation and the Nature Conservancy have been
working in partnership for nearly a decade to acquire 240
acres of this site and to apply fire management to “renovate”
this Oak Opening. Through data research and field study,
the students in science classes, specifically Ecology, have
the opportunity to assist in the rare renovation process!
“EnCompass provides the
academic services to make
better lives for our children
so they can contribute both
socially and economically,
while enhancing self-esteem
and enriching their lives.We
are pleased to partner with Hillside Work
Scholarship Connection and committed to
student success.”
Richard Sands, Chairman
Constellation Brands, Inc.
“Hillside Work Scholarship
Connection is proud to have
EnCompass as their
education partner, helping
students master the skills
they need to succeed.”
THANK
YOU!
$1000 +
Mr. and Mrs. Burton August
Ms. Joyce Crofton
Jasco Tools
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sands
Mr. C. G. Strakosh
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Wilson
$500 - $999.99
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Broccolo
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Golden
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Turan
$250 - $499.99
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry N. Clifford
Ms. Kathleen Dahl and Mr. Dan Hart
Ms. Patricia Fields
Ms. Robin E. Gardner
Ms. Dawn M. Jones
Rev. and Mrs. Clinton A. McCoy
Mr. Luke A. Santos
$100 - $249.99
Ms. Jennifer Dell
Mr. Paul Dusett
Ms. Trena Fisher
Mr. William E. Gohlman
Rosemary & Tom Hodges
Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Koretz
Linda & Richard Lawrence
Mr. Charles Love
Ms. Vera E. Mack
Mrs. Lisa Record
Ms. Susan Rimore
Ms. Marcie Roberts
Ms. Margaret Stolee
$25 - $99.99
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Baxter
Alan and Alesia Bosko
Mr. Greg Christo
Mr. and Mrs. William Dell
Ms. Judith Fernandez
Dr. Catherine A. Goodfellow
Mr. Stephen A. Kusak
Mrs. Bonnie MacGregor
Ms. Donna Meyer
Mrs. Jane E. Muck
Mr. Timothy Shaw and Ms. Leigh Rader
Dr. and Mrs. Edward W. Sommers
Target Take Charge of Education
$1 - $24.99
Anonymous
Mr. Tobin L. Brown
Ms. Edina M. Fitzpatrick
Mr. Samuel W. Goodwin
Mr. John Huss
Mr. Jeffrey T. Parker
Mr. Walter B. Sanders
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Seppala
TRIBUTE GIFTS:
In Memory of Mrs. Madeline Lilly
Robert D. Hursh
Greg C. Siembor
Mary Ellen Styren
Margaret M. Ziemba
GIFTS IN KIND:
2Adventure Landing
Aladdins
American Eagle Outfitters Foundation
ASICS America Corporation
Bed, Bath and Beyond
Bill Gray's
Biznetix, Inc.
Brio Wine Bar and Grill
Bristol Valley Theater
Charlie's Frog Pond
Chase's Greenhouse Inc.
Colby's Pig Roast Catering, Inc.
Constellation Brands
Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation
Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Cunningham
Custom Brewcrafters, Inc.
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Keesan
DoubleTree Hotel Syracuse
Downstairs Cabaret
Fox Run Vineyards
Full Belly Deli
Mrs. Susan Howe
Irondequoit Country Club
Mr. and Mrs. John Larkin
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
Long Acre Farms
Mirbeau Inn and Spa
Nazareth College
NY Wine & Culinary Center
Park West Hair Design & Spa
Perry's Icecream, Donation Department
RIT Inn and Conference Center
Rochester Americans Hockey Club
Rochester Knighthawks Lacrosse
Ms. Terri Rosenhouse
S & S Limo
Mrs. Gloria Sagen
Seneca Park Zoo Society
Sephora
Six Flags Darien Lake
Skaneateles Suites & Boutique Hotel
Sticky Lips BBQ
The Cheesecake Factory
The Creator's Hands
The Crystal Barn
The Little Theater
The Village Pub
Tops Cooking School
Waterlily
Ms. Carol J. Willson
Donors:
Anonymous
Stuart Bolger
Andrew Britton
Barbara Burrows
Lena Cardone
Vivian Condello
Walter Cooper
Victoria Darcy
Margaret M. Finucane
Jennifer Fonseca
Robert R. Fox
Maureen A. Glegg
Cheryl Holloway
Carol A. Irwin
Parrish Kelley
Cynthia Kimmel
Jeffrey G. LaPointe
Judith C. Lathrop
Harriet Leister
Anthony G. Malone
Michael McCullough
Deborah Melos
Patrick Murray
Lisa M. Oakley
Nettie Oberdorf
Stephen J. Paganin
Denise M. Page
Christine Probst
Sally A. Quataert
Richard Quiram
Abigail Rasnick
Theresa J. Reddick
Joe Rinck
Maureen E. Sampsell
William D. Schlinger
Daniel J. Scurlock
Sharon Scurlock
Joseph J. Shermanl
Gifts made to The Norman Howard
School are from 1-1-09 through
9-30-09. Please know that we make
every effort to ensure this listing is
correct and truly apologize for any
errors. If you do find an error, please
call our Development Office at 266.7277
ext. 206 so that we may correct
our records.
Danny Wegman, CEO
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Upcoming Events
NHS Students
visit EquiCenter
NHS BOARD
CHOOSE US AS YOUR SES PROVIDER
To find out more, call ENCOMPASS today at 585.266.7277
or visit www.encompassresources.org
SPECIAL
THANKS TO OUR
EDUCATION PARTNERS
Chesonis Family Foundation
The Saunders Foundation
Anna Thiel, 6th grade student
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The Jane F. Napier and William J. Napier
Charitable Lead Trust
Robert L. Hartnett
Chair
George Medill
Treasurer
Edward P. Hourihan, Jr.
Secretary
Lisa M. Connolly
Joseph Defendis, P.E.
Joseph M. G. Huber
Joseph M. Martino
James P. Nonkes
Mark J. Rosica, M.S.
Georgia P. Stevens, Ed.D.
December 24-January 1, 2010
Winter Recess
January 13
Half day of school for students.
Dismissal 11:30 a.m.
January 18
Our mission:
Martin Luther King Day, No School
The Norman Howard School fosters the academic growth of students
with learning disabilities while promoting their development as respectful,
responsible, resilient citizens.The school advances the understanding
of learning disabilities and serves as a resource for the community
Presidents’ Week Recess,
No School
February 15-19
normanhoward.org
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