Summer 2013 - The Briarwood School

Newsletter for The Briarwood &
Tuttle Schools | S u m m e r E d i t i o n 2013
Briarwood, A School for Children with Learning Differences
The Tuttle School at Briarwood, a School for Children
with Developmental Disorders
www.briarwoodschool.org
From The Head of School
Our Mission | A Time to Reflect & Reconfirm
C
losing yet another successful school year, Briarwood’s forty-fifth, gives us reason to pause, reflect and reconfirm our mission. Our founders,
Yvonne and David Streit, established this stellar school in 1967 out of need for their daughter, Vicky. The decision our founders made at that
time has given thousands of children, all of whom learn differently, an opportunity to change their lives.
It is critical that a school, well established and world renowned, weave generational history and Mission into Vision. What will the future hold for
our students? Our visionary minds must ask questions that deserve wise and thoughtful planning. In addition to the highly individualized and
customized learning opportunities that are basic to a Briarwood education, are we preparing our students to think critically, to embrace their
innovative and highly creative minds, to be skilled enough to navigate a world of constant change, a world that changes minute by minute with
technological advances? Will we remain mindful of the importance of character development, effort, attitude and outreach to others?
Briarwood is the epitome of a specialized education that spans a forty-five year history of successes. In his Commencement Address to the Class of
2013, Nick Lesem, Class of 2009, stated: “The stigma that is attached to having a learning difference is something that can affect a student’s selfconfidence and is something that we all must overcome to be successful. School was never easy, and for me, Briarwood changed that. This school
restored my confidence and gave me a learning environment in which I excelled. Briarwood is truly a special place, and the individualized care that
each teacher puts into a student is what makes this place so special.”
In addition to our diagnostic-prescriptive approach to education, we are unique, also, in that we have three distinct schools in one building. Each of
our three schools, Lower School, Middle-Upper School and The Tuttle School, operates separately and each is specific to the needs of the students.
Our Lower School, pre-school through grade 6, is designed for children who present with diagnoses such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia,
ADHD, and other language-based learning differences. Students in Lower School receive intense remediation in their areas of deficits in learning;
primarily, their needs include difficulties in reading - inabilities to decode, comprehend and/or to read with fluency. The average length of stay for
one of our Lower School students is three to four years. Having received the remediation, our students are equipped with tools that will scaffold
them for success in other environments.
The students in Middle-Upper, grades 7 through 12, also present with language-based learning differences, enter a program that is also steeped
in intense remediation, the Upper School students are building their official transcript at the beginning of their freshman year. Along with the
intensity of remediation, most are planning to continue with their education following graduation. Our students are well aware that their learning
differences are for a lifetime. These students have been taught skills of self awareness and self advocacy, skills that are critical for their successes.
The Tuttle School is another unique school and was designed for students who presented with developmental disorders. Diagnoses in Tuttle School
include autism, Down’s, and Williams, among others. Areas of focus for our Tuttle School students include Functional Academics, Vocational and Life
Skills, and specialty classes that include art, music, expressive language, and motor/physical education/fitness classes, including Special Olympics.
Many of the students in The Tuttle School remain until completion of the program. Each school is unique in its own right.
The last few days of school brought countless words of thanks from parents, students, and teachers. Living our Mission to
remediate so that a student will have the opportunity to transition to another school, the parent of a Lower School student
wrote these words of thanks: “We can’t thank you enough for teaching us to ‘Trust the Process’! You have given us our
son back. Joshua is now confident and ready to continue his journey!” Another parent, new to Briarwood this year, wrote
these words of praise: “My son is finally in a place where he is wanted. To see how you all receive him fills my heart
with joy!” We are thankful for the daily opportunities we have to teach, to open a world, to quench the thirst for
knowledge, to change a life, and, above all, to find satisfaction in who we are. In closing our forty-fifth year,
we give thanks to our Founders, for they set a promising and beautiful stage for us. As we move toward the
celebration of Briarwood’s Fiftieth year, we uphold our Mission and our Vision to provide a learning environment
that will prepare our children to be lifelong learners, to be confident in who they are and, to celebrate their
differences. Our year has truly been one of opportunities and joys.
Carole C. Wills | Head of School
the briarwood school
In This Edition
Check
out Briarwood’s
talented young
artists featured in
this edition!
04
Development
06
Middle-Upper School
10
Lower School
12
Tuttle School
14
Annual Fund Donors
15
Directed Gifts
16
Benefit Donors
19
Giving Back
20
Working Together: TS
24
Year in Review
the
Briarwood
School
a school for children
with learning differences
& developmental disorders
Teaching students K-12 with dyslexia
and similar language based
learning disabilities since 1967
T h e B r i a rwo od S ch o ol &
T u t t l e S ch o ol
12207 Whittington Drive | Houston, TX 77077
www.briarwoodschool.org
281.493.1070 tel | 281.493.1343 fax
The Briarwood School/Tuttle School admits students
of any race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin. The
school selects students who are interested in completing
their education and who need a prescriptive educational
program.
On the Cover:
Sophia Overton, Mark Schmitt, David Morse,
Nick Vachon, Kelli Reichert
Briarwood is a publication of The Briarwood School &
Tuttle School. Briarwood is published annually and sent
to alumni, present and past parents and friends
3
www.briarwoodschool.org
deVeloPment
Thank You!
Benefit Chairs
Julie & Chris Whitten
Shauna & Gregg Steffen
Benefit Board
Susie Ackerman
Cynthia Anderson
Cheryl Bagby
Charles Clark
Sherry Clark
Gina DiLuzio
Rita Fader
Peggy Friedrichs
Nancy Gennaro
Jamie Humphries
Kelly Jones
Donna Jeansonne
Susan Kirby
Sherry Loutchaninoff
Teri Milos
Becky Mooney
Christina Morse
Lori Ordeneaux
Jenn Parent
Linda Parmer
Tammy Sanchez
Annie Seay
Pat Shaw
Katherine Schrock
Jeanie Simonich
LeeAnn Smaltz
Robert Tucker
Gail Van Nest
Mary Whalley
Kate Weatherford
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the briarwood school
Soaring High | Briarwood’s 43rd Benefit
B
irds of a feather stick together. our faithful flock of moms and dads
stuck together, combined their talents and enjoyed the amazing
fruits of their labors - a wildly successful Benefit netting over $490,000!
Spirits soared and generosity abound amidst the charged atmosphere of
Briarwood’s 43rd annual Benefit on Friday, april 5 at lakeside country
club. Patrons shook their tail feathers to the rythmns of collector’s item
after being treated to a delectable dinner (no bird food in sight) and silent
and live auctions that included something for everyone - even bird lovers.
resounding applause for yet another soaring success.
Photographs courtesy of Briarwood Alumni Kian Adkins Chance
Left page: Benefit Co-Chairs Chris and Julie Whitten and Shauna and Gregg Steffen; Carole Wills with Live Auction puppy; Master of
Ceremonies and Briarwood graduate Al Farb with Linda Decker; This page: Lorena and Terry Kubera; Jamie and Alex Humphries; Greg
& Mary Whalley with Carole Wills; Bill and Andrea Reed with Susie and Asche Ackerman; Erica and Brian Jordan, Nancy and John
Gennaro, Stephanie and Rich Langenstein; Heather and Jeff Firestone.
www.briarwoodschool.org
5
This page: Cast of The Secret Garden; Sophomores Caroline Manchi, Gladys Wokocha, Allie
Lange, Kyra Rubenstein, Katie Whalley and Val de la Colina; Senior Retreat: Aaron Gorski and
Mark Schmitt; Seniors Justin Fancher, Aaron Gorski and Brittney Hammond; Mrs. Smith’s
Math Class. Right: Ross Ackerman, Insiya Jafri, Sarah Munson and Paige Suvalsky at St. Thomas
University; Mr. Finger’s Science Class; Sophomore Travis Bass.
Middle-Upper School
the briarwood school
Ambassador Girl Scout Seeks Gold Award 
B
riarwood Junior Sarah Munson is going for the Gold! Well, her Gold Award for the Girl
Scouts, that is. Sarah is interested in raising awareness about dyslexia and helping
teachers learn that students with dyslexia are as smart as other students...they just
have a learning difference.
Sarah visited Houston Baptist University and St. Thomas University in Houston and showed
the movie “The Journey into Dyslexia” to Education majors. She brought a panel of her peers
and fielded questions about their personal journeys. Sarah is hoping to raise awareness to
the challenges faced by dyslexics and became aware of the issues they face.
www.briarwoodschool.org
7
mustang Pride | Sports Triumphs 2012-13
male atHlete of tHe Year
Alex Humphries
female atHlete of tHe Year
Sophia Overton
Brian Boles award
Kelsey Fearing & Seth Moran
martHa stanleY award
Andrew Turner
Junior High flag football
• undefeated Season
• W.h.c.a.c. district champs
• W.h.c.a.c. district tournament
t
champs
All StAr teAm: dominick deranieri, matt Gregg,
Patrick ordeneaux
Junior High Basketball
• W.h.c.a.c. district champs
• texas
t christian ttournament: 1st Place
• W.h.c.a.c. district ttournament: 2nd Place
All tournAment teAm texAS ChriStiAn: Frantz Jean-louis
Junior High girls doubles
division c: alexandra day/Katie edmiston, 1st Place
Varsity football
All StAte teAm: alex humphries, corey lutz,
nik Parmer, travis Short
Varsity Basketball
All tournAment teAm CentrAl ChriStiAn:
aaron Gorski, tty Kirby
tennis
StAte QuAlifier: corey lutz
middle-upper scHool Sports
the briarwood school
www.briarwoodschool.org
9
making connections | EPals Program
O
ur adventure began 13 years ago in december of 2000 when the first pen pal link
was established with a school in northhamptonshire, england (central part) in the
town of Silverstone. through the website www.epals.com, mail was exchanged
between our respective students and occasional webcam links occurred about twice a
month. When the British teacher (rob hazelgrove) changed jobs and took a headmaster
position in the same general locale in the village of Weedon lois, we continued the epal
program with his school–St. loy’s. that connection continued for over ten years.
this year, as part of the creative writing courses in the 5th and 6th grades, a decision
was made to continue the epal program and attempt to branch out to other countries in
europe and/or elsewhere in the world. connections have now been established with four
different countries: norway (6th grade), italy (5th and 6th grade), ukraine (5th grade),
and a home schooled student in Sutton, england (5th grade). the epals program takes
place once a week for 30 minutes. tto expedite time for students to compose descriptive
letters about themselves, their city, and a variety of topics, their homeroom teachers have
assisted the students in writing drafts and editing their work in their two other assigned
writing classes.
We have successfully Skyped students in norway, italy, and england. meeting the
children and teachers from these countries “face to face” has been an amazing and
humbling experience. Students in italy have sent us drawings, post cards, and a calendar
by ”snail mail”. We have also mailed the pals in that country ttexas souvenirs and a large
ttexas calendar with postcards of houston and special scenes of ttexas. We found that no
matter what geographic distances exist between us, there are common interests we all
share and a love of our heritage and country. Some of the things we all enjoy are good
food (pizza seems to rank #1 in every country), computer games, and good books!
“This program has been one of the most rewarding and interesting experiences during my
years at Briarwood. It has taught me to go beyond my comfort zone to meet and interact
with teachers and children from around the world.”
- Written by Holly Strapulous, Lower School Resource Specialist
lower scHool
the briarwood school
www.briarwoodschool.org
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Tut tle School
the briarwood school
www.briarwoodschool.org
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annual GiVinG donorS
Legacy Circle | $10,000 and above
A Friend of Briarwood
A Friend of Briarwood
Founder’s Circle | $5,000-$9,999
Jeannie and Trey Able
Mary Crow
Emily Griffin
Joan and John Scales
Martha and Dave Swift
Rachel Syphers
Head of School Circle | $2,500-$4,999
Marie Evnochides
Nancy and Dan Garrison
Carolyn and John Parmer Foundation
Stephanie and Kirby Shanks
Tonya and Mitchell Toups
Leadership Circle | $1,000-$2,499
Apache
Julianne Bass
Marion and Eliot Bowytz
Nora Dobin
Harvey Friedman
Mike Gatewood
Jimmy Gibson
Luis Javier Gonzalez
Halliburton
Kelli Hunter
Jeanie Kilroy
Vicki and John Lange
Camille Leugers & James Musser
Harry Martin
Wiley Mossy
Phillips 66
Susan and John Roper
Sheri and Dave Saunders
Annie and Steve Seay
Stacy and Mike Welch
Julie and Chris Whitten
Kathryn and Tom Wilson
Educator’s Club | $500-$999
Susan & Asche Ackerman
AIG Matching Grants Program
Amerprise Financial
Adria and Ross Baker
Bruce Barnum
Lucinda Berlew
Craig and Galen Brown Foundation
Chevron Matching gifts
ConocoPhillips Matching Gifts
Twila and Bill Day
Ramona and Michael Dimarco
Ella and Paul Dolan
William Donnell
Ralston Foster
Lawrence Ginsberg
Thomas Haight
Lynn and Ronnie Jacobe
Wanda Kibler
Mary and Kent Lenertz
Mr. and Mrs. John Malone
Jim McGinty
Donna and Mark Meyer
Tawnya and Rusty Rubenstein
14
the briarwood school
For 2012-13
Mustang Club | $250-$499
Lori and Randy Barnett
Cindy and Richard Cadle
Rima and Ahmed Hashmi
Tersa and Vincent Ferruzo
Kinder Morgan Foundation
Dea Larson and Alvin Thomas
Lydia and Alfredo Lira
Donald Poarch
Jenifer and Chad Points
Debbie and Dave Schultz
Gail and Joe Van Nest
Dorothy Verhalen
Edith and Henry van Wageningen
Wittig
Hallie and Barry Zietz
Blue & Red Club | $100-$249
David Balat
Karol Barnhart
Kim Kum and Richard Cheung Yeh
Chevron Matching gifts
Linda and Michael Clark
Martin DeVries
Suzanne Duin
Janice and Jim Falick
Mary Finger
Sara and Henry Hope
Mona and Thomas Ignas
Carolyn and Norbert Janik
Lou Ann and Mike Kelly
Ben Krywick
Sherry and Michel Loutchaninoff
Mary Martel
Laura and Mike McDaniel
Sally and Don McGinty
Barbara and L. V. McGinty
Patrick McLane
Debi and Sam Mishael
Peggy and William Samuels
Pat and Mike Shaw
Mary and Skip Skinner
Cindy and Bill Sudela
Lytle Taylor
Cynthia and Lawrence Thomson
Robert Tucker
Debbie Wearing
Sandra and Ralph Weaver
Friend | $1-$99
Richard & Judy Abrams
Anonymous
Osher Elfezouaty
Lisa and Rick Garza
Paul Glaves
Michael Merritt
Suzannah and John Morris
Joy and Tom Roeh
Phoebe Roquemore
The donors listed gave to
Briarwood during the past year,
July 2012-May 2013.
tracking Progress ❘ Athletic Facility
Phase II | track replacement
Currently in progress are the following improvements:
•
•
•
•
•
Remove the track surface and curbs
Increase soil and lime stabilization to acceptable standards
Install extensive new foundation support
Pour asphalt base (to cure 28 days)
Apply Synthetic Track Surfacing System and structural
spray coating
• Layout of line striping and event markings according to
iaaF and ncaa rules
Phase I | athletic Facility completion
The following upgrades have been completed:
•
•
•
•
•
Replaced entire fence around the school
Resurfaced tennis courts and replaced nets and poles
Installed new scoreboard for soccer and flag football
Completed topographic survey
Completed Geotechnical Investigation
Total Projected Cost for Athletic Facility: $533,000
total Funds raised:
413,000
Phase i expenses:
121,000
Phase ii Projected cost:
412,000
Funds Needed:
$120,000
GifTs ReCeived foR AThleTiC fACiliTy
anonymous Gift
hamman Foundation
Junior trustees of the mcnair Foundation
the robert and Janice mcnair Foundation
Fred and mabel Parks Foundation
Briarwood Booster club
charlotte christman
Directed Gifts
for 2012-13
In Honor/Memory
Chris Dooley
Memory of Brian Boles
Rosemary Moriaty
Memory of Kenneth Moriaty
Congregation of Brith Shalom
Honor of Debi Mishael
Community Donors
Kroger
Safeway-Randall’s
Target
Rice Epicurean
Briarwood Revenue/Expenditures
for the 2011-12 School Year
Athletic Facility
The Hamman Foundation
The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation
Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation
Technology
The Hamill Foundation
Strake Foundation
Cindy and Paul Price
Tuition Assistance
Assistance League of Houston, Inc.
The Hamill Foundation
Scurlock Foundation
Shaan and David Tippett
Herbert and Carol Zieben Foundation
General Operating
The Ellwood Foundation
The Hamman Foundation
Hord Foundation
Frances Parker
Andrea V. Reed
Kyle Davenport of Sugar Cycles
Peggy and Lewis Metzger
Briarwood Revenue
for the 2011-12
School Year
 Tuition and fees, net of student
Tuttle School
Maria and Henry Sostman
Robin and Jim Vaiana
Staff Development
M. D. Anderson Foundation
Gay Roane
Ascende Charitable Trust
Middle-Upper Library (Kindles)
A Friend of Briarwood
Drama
Carole and Jim Wills
Matching Gifts
AIG Matching Grants
Amerprise Financial
Apache Corporation
Chevron
ConocoPhillips
Halliburton
KinderMorgan
Phiilip 66
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
TIAA-CREF Employee Giving Campaign
For omissions|corrections|giving opportunities, please contact
Linda Peters in the Development Office, 281.493.1070 or at
[email protected].
Briarwood Expenses
for the 2011-12
School Year
financial assistance of $471,399
$5,722,986
Designated contributions
$445,716
Friends of Briarwood
contribution
$428,850
General and Annual Fund
$211,137
Investment return
$38,158
Other revenue
$12,879
Total $6,859,726
 Educational Programs
$6,306,761
Management & General $237,389
Fundraising
$219,672
Total
$6,763,822
www.briarwoodschool.org
15
Benefit Donors
for the 43rd Annual Benefit
$25,000 and above
Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. Charitable
Foundation, Inc.
Friend of Briarwood
Martha & Dave Swift
$10,000-$24,999
The H.G. Ash Foundation
Mary Crow and Sammy Jones
Ellwood Foundation
Phillips66
Julie & Chris Whitten
$5,000-$9,999
Susie & Asche Ackerman
Sherry Clark/Charles Clark
ConocoPhillips
The Demshur Family
Mr. H. Lee Godfrey
Luis Javier Gonzalez & Angela Munoz
Julie & Louis Mayer
Christina & Steve Morse
Regent Care
Ursula & Mike Sharp
UHY Advisors TX, LLC/
Shauna & Gregg Steffen
Mary & Greg Whalley
$2,500-$4,999
Mrs. Lillian Bean
Gina & Larry Corbin
Mr. Phillip Exnicioius
Dr. & Mrs. Louis Faillace
Nancy & Dan Garrison
Rima & Ahmed Hashmi
Lee & Rebecca Jackson
Stephanie & Rich Langenstein
Dr. Manuel Sanchez
Lisa & Karl Schmitt
Short Benefit Services
Kenneth & Katherine Smith
Rolland & Sherry St. Aubin
Jeannette & Scott Stevenson
Robin & James Vaiana
Carole & Jim Wills
$1,000-$2,499
Apollo A/C & Heating/
Kent Robertson
Barbara & Larry Bellatti
Richard Bohan/ Heather Feray-Bohan
Chris & Sandi Braun
Mr. & Mrs. Martin Brophy
CenterPoint Energy
Charlotte Christman
Kim & John Clarke
Twila & Bill Day
Kathy & Mike Douglass
Brian & Rita Fader
Heather & Jeff Firestone
Friend of Briarwood
Felicia & Jay Fogal
Renee & Gerald Gehm
Dian Ginsberg
Liz & Mike Hartwig
Mr. and Mrs. Saad Hashmi
Mr. and Mrs. George Helland, Jr.
Lynn & Ronnie Jacobe
Frank Jones & Marcia Smith
LouAnn & Mike Kelly
Jeanie Kilroy
Denis & Trey Mayfield
The Arthur & Sara Merrill
Foundation
Donna & Mark Meyer
Teri & Sonny Milos
Debi & Sam Mishael
Christy & Spencer Moore,
honoring Julie Whitten
Betty & John Norkus
Jenn & Jeff Parent
Susan & John Roper
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Rosenthal
Jerry & Linda Rubenstein
Annie & Steve Seay
Lyndsey & Damian Stead
Yvonne & Dave Streit
Cindy & Bill Sudela
Paul & Sandra Swofford
Kate & Brian Thompson,
honoring John Spafford
Tonya & Mitchell Toups
Donna Uliva
Stacy & Mike Welch
Weller, Green, Toups & Terrell
$500-$999
Mary Lou & Jack Area
Drs. Dina & Mike Bahramipour
Crystal & Jeff Blanks
Jeffri & Tim Botkin
Brasserie 19
Elizabeth & Allen Brooks
Bonnie Brookshire, Ph.D.
Sharon Brougher
Debra & Neal Butler
Chris Campbell
Lori & Phil Cohen
Coppa Ristorante
Linda Decker
Denise & John Deiss
Ramona & Michael DiMarco
Elizabeth Dybell, Ph.D.
Paul Elliott
Debi & Karl Fancher
Paige & Richard Fass
Fidelity Investments
Nanette & Patrick Ford
Greenwood King Properties
Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Grembowiec
Suzanne & Eric Gschwind
Marsha & Hal Haltom
Lanette & Scott Harris
Brandey Heckeroth
Lisa & Ole Hofelmann
Lisie & Jay Houren
Dawn & Randy Howard
Ibiza Food and Wine Bar
Janet & Forrest Jenkins
Erica & Brian Jordan
Jennifer & Kenny Kearns
Lorena & Terry Kubera
Linda & Paul Lynn
Nancy & Lamar McKay
Tysh & Jonathan Mefferd
Alison & Alexander Mohr
Moody National Bank
Jean & Kevin Mulholland
Jack O’Donnell
Richard & Karen Ogden
Melanie & Kevin O’Malley
Carter Overton
Tine Tollan Overton
Susan & Jerry Parish
Parker School Uniforms
Kristin & Mike Penny
Teresa & Matthew Pitner
Cindy & Drayton Prator
Lynda & Freddy Quintana
Elsie Layton Rankin
Andrea & Bill Reed
Melissa & Ryan Reichert
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Robinson
JoAnn & Robert Schaffer
Katherine & Joel Schrock
Debbie & Dave Schultz
Stephanie & Kirby Shanks
Pat & Mike Shaw
Grace & Robert Sickler
Gretchen Simmen
Debra & Joseph Slattery
Diantha & Dave Sneed
Brenda & Joe Stubbs
Texas Direct Auto
Paula & Joe Toussaint
Van Nest Financial Services
Kelly & Bill Von Gonten
Cindy & Don Westheimer
Kay & Danny Williamson
$250-$499
Ameriprise Financial
Cheryl & David Bagby
Adria Baker
Karol Barnhart
Alice & Norris Barry
Nancy & David Baxter
Bay Area Gastroenterology
Carol & Gordie Beittenmiller
Cynthia & Bobby Blackburn
Stephanie Mudgett Boates
Marilisa & Mark Brannigan
16
the briarwood school
Barbara & Jay Busch,
honoring The Whittens
Archna Chainani
Chevron Matching Gifts
Priscilla Conoley
Marcia & Mark De Buyl
Equifax Matching Gifts
Julia & Mike Falick
Chris Fearing
Irene & Carlos Ferrari
Candy Horsley
Lilly & Michael Howard
Carole & Larry Huelbig
Lisa & Brad Hutchings
Fatima & Syed Jafri
Margy Jones & Dave Dengos
Sonya & Paul Kelly
Wanda & Greg Kibler
Renee & Mark Lange
Meg Lauck
Analyn & Mark Lee
Kim & David Lindsey
Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Lira
Dr. & Mrs. David Loncarich
Kimberly & Mike Martin
Sally & Don McGinty
R. Talley Melton
Bonita & Bill Merrill
Becky & Mike Mooney
Paula & Tom Munson
Melinda O’Connell
Linda & Jim Parmer
Peltier, Bosker, Griffin, P.C.
Becky Roach
Joy & Tom Roeh
Shell Matching Gifts
Jeanie & Steve Simonich
Cindy & Paul Smith
Laura Smith
Gerard Sperling
Terrye & Darren Stidham
Denise McGaha & Chris Travis
Robert Tucker
Terry Walker
Sylvia Walker
Belynda Kurio & Mark Hayden
Teresa & Lance Witt
Heather Womble
Kenna Zierer Worthington
$150-$249
Anchor Communications
Cynthia & Bob Anderson
Scott Andrews
Cindi & Mike Atchison
Gail Bailey
Harrietta & Miles Baldwin
Lori & David Barnett
Bellaire Dermatology Associates
Lucinda Berlew
Frank M. & Rita N. Blumenfeld Fund
Michael J. Brady
Gerry & Leonard Broussard
Liz & Phil Buelow
Kathy & Geoff Cane
Elvia & Paul Cardinal
Becky & Dan Carter
Julie & Dan Chew
Clinic for Academic Therapy
Nancy Corkill
Sarah & Michael Davitt
Todd Dillingham
Gina & Dan DiLuzio
Jan & Billy Doherty
Doyle’s Pharmacy
Debbie & Bart Duckworth
Carole & Chuck Dunlap
Becca & James Edmiston
Leah & William Edmundson
Debbie & Randy Etheridge
Kim & Phil Fraher
Karoline & Scott Gammeter
Lisa & Ricardo Garza
Dana & Max Grigsby
Theresa & Kent Hanszen
Patrice & Lloyd Hartsfield
Healthy Lunchbox
Marjorie Nicol & Matthias
Heinkenschloss
Josefina & Pablo Hernandez
Jamie Humphries
Sheila & Mike Hutchings
Maria & Frantz Jean-Louis
Donna & Clay Jeansonne
R.J. Kepke
Setara & Ali Khan
Susan & Kevin Kirby
Rachel & Melvin Krezer
Tammy & Michael Lane
Janet & Mike Lauritsen
Carol LeBlanc
Teri & Jeff Lee
Sherry & Michel Loutchaninoff
Johna & Judd Lowe
Cheryl & Kent Marshall
Mary & John Martel
Brandy Martinez
William McIlwain
Kathy & Patrick McLane
Samantha & Gil Melman
Beth Mitchell
Dr. Mike Mizell
Jennifer & Cliff Moore
Kristen & Chance Mullins
Neuhaus Education Center
Ivy & Rob Nulisch
Jane & Nathan Pash
Cindy & Paul Price
Kelly & Kurt Prohl,
honoring G. Steffen
George Ragsdale
Kristen & Jonathan Rosenberg
Tammy & Manuel Sanchez
Jane & Bill Schoellhorn
Cliff & Michelle Shedd
Naomi & Adam Soffar
Mark & Kathleen Spangler
Speech & Language Remediation
Liliana & Tony Staples
Janice & Bruce Streeter
Tracy & Ron Sullivan
Lisa & Bob Suvalsky
T’s Quality Automotive
Cris & Jim Treadway
Lynn & Mike Turner
Gail & Joe Van Nest
Martha Vance
Tylor & David Welch
The Wellness Center
Amanda & Jason Willingham
Cliff & Michelle Shedd
$125-$149
Julia Beckham
Trina & Michael Blood
Melanie & Steve Browne
Annabel & Richard Gonzalez
Michelle Curb
Sarah & Robbie Fish
Melanie & Samuel Louis
Cheryl & James McAnear
Lesley McBride
Patty & Phil McGraw
Tisha & Sam McKissick
Kerrie & Mike Moran
Tawnya & Rusty Rubenstein
Emily Saathoff
Monica Simpson
Jenni & Brad Slivensky
Lee Ann & Randy Smaltz
Robert Stehr
Jennifer & Fernando Villarreal
Todd Womble
$100-$124
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Barrett
Nancy & David Baxter
Laura & Ralph Clinard
Alice & Bill Cook
Sheryl Ellis
Craig Engles
Mr. & Mrs. Eskridge
Linda & Barry Goldware
Betty & Jerry Gosda
Michelle & Bll Hickl
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Horne
Morton L. Katz, Ph.D.
Alison & Scott Lane
Katherine Le
Doris Nantz
Anne Peyton
Leigh & Clinton Rappole
Roadrunner Archives
Peggy & William Samuels
Jim & Chris Scotti
Mr. Edward Simonich
Connie & Dave Smith
Rosa & Willie Stanfield
Pam & Bill Wallace
Mrs. W.M. Wheless III
Patricia Whitten
Candy Williams,
honoring the Steffen Family
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Yeh
Up to $99
Judge & Mrs. Richard Abrams
Sarah & Lane Amos
Jane & Mark Arnold
Gayla & Bryan Baird
Laruen & David Balat
Paul Bass
Judy & Jim Bates
Tissie Bean & Susan Williams
Pam Beckmann
Lucinda Berlew
Barbara & Thomas Blocher
Ronda & Ash Bowden
Marion Bowytz
Martin Brohy
Valerie & Derek Brown
Kristin Buffington
Cindy & Richard Cadle
Teri & Clay Carwile
Rosemary & Ken Cash
Phyllis & John Chancey
Genette Chenevert
Kerry & Chad Courtney
Susan & Brady Crouch
Sally Davitt
Bill & Twila Day
Marcela & Julio de la Colina
Candice De Los Santos
Karla & Gino DeRanieri
Charles Dewhurst
Cheryl & David Diamond
Suzanne Duin
Tommie Duncan
Christa Elliott
Catherine Emmott
Amy & Ricardo Escobar
Vincent & Teresa Ferruzzo
Lucinda & Brad Fleming
Rebeka Garcia
Nancy & John Gennaro
Toni & Reginald
Lynda & James Goodall
Julie Goudie
Debra Grade
Peggy & Michael Gregg
Allison & Brock Griffiths
Mr. Steven Guarino
Deloris Guillory
Angelica & Jason Gustafson
Sari & Rubin Gutman
Marcia & Jim Gharib
Lauri & Glen Hartsoch
Nanette & Christopher Haskins
Monique & Steve Hazell
Jennifer & Scott Heitshusen
Traci Henry
Alice Hilton
Dick & Laverne Hokenson
Mollie & Eric Huelskamp
Rebecca & Steve Joest
Yvette & Leatrice Jones
Erin & Todd Jones
Shannon & Marco Juarez
Klara & Kirt Keelan
Susan & Gina Kirby
Susan & Randall Klein
Deetra & Michael Koch
Marcine & John Kowpak
Meschelle Kreji
Lauren & Drew Krocak
Oscar Leal
Nicki & Richard Lee
Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Lehrer
Matt Lightfoot
Cindy & Edward Long
Karen & Irvin Lutz
Tina & Scott Lynch
Hope & Michael Martin
Jenny & David McCann
Susan & Joe McDuffie
Jim McGinty
Charisse Meyer
Jamie & Charles Neal
Cindy & Chuck Nelson
Amy Nuttall
Lori & Jerry Ordeneaux
Christine & Kelly Paige
Pam & Don Palmour
Carrie & David Pena
Christine & Asquith Phills
Jennifer & Chad Points
Amy Polasek
Nancy & Michael Polychronopoulos
Mildred & Steven Poock
Beth & Nick Posa
Anne Pullen
Susan & Mark Purdy
Rachael Ramos
Alethea Reny
Cathleen & Douglas Reynolds
Renee Ricca & Kelly Jones
Alice & Andrew Roach
Wendy & Lowell Rosenthal
Sheryl & David Saunders
Pat & Mike Shaw
Wes Shows
Shelley & Steve Greene
Deborah Sondock
Mari & Dirk Sostman
Michelle & Will Symonds
Bronwyn & Mark Turner
David Upshaw
Anne & Ron Vachon
Robin & James Vaiana
Carolyn Van Dyke,
honoring Shauna Steffen
Shannon & Jeff Davis
Rilla Walker
Wendy & Patrick Wills
NikiWokocha
Chris Wolfe & Nora Dobin
Heather & Scott Woods
Steven Young & Lynn Harper
Underwriters
David & Martha Swift | $5,000
Steve & Suzy Mahoney | $2,000
Isla & Tommy Reckling | $2,000
Stacy & Mike Welch | $2,000
Joy & Tom Roeh | $1,000
Doris Andrews | $500
Candy Horsley | $500
Parker School Uniforms | $500
Lori & Bill Spangenberg | $500
Lucinda Berlew | $200
Karen & William Rice | $200
A special thank you to Kian Adkins Chance,
Lael Zachry, Al Farb, Marty O’Brien,
Dena and Larry Robinson
www.briarwoodschool.org
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auction donorS
For the 43rd annual BeneFit
300 Bowling
A.D. Players
abientot
Academy
Susie & Asche Ackerman
Addison Boutique Woodlands
Al’s Formal Wear
All Yadayim
Alley Theater
Amy’s Ice Cream
Cynthia & Bob Anderson
Ann’s Clock Shop
Apollo AC & Heating
May Lou & Jack Area
AREA
Ashford Veterinary Hospital
Babin’s Seafood The Woodlands
Gail & Tom Balousek
Chris Barosh
Bath Junkie
Cathy & Dave Beathard
Beautique Day Spa & Salon
Beck’s Prime
Bella Rinova Spa and Salon –
The Woodlands
Bellaire Tire Services
Ben Keith Foods
Berdoll Pecan Farm
Bering’s
Lucinda Berlew
Sueleal Berlin
Bicycle World Houston
Biron Gymnastics
Bistro Le Cep
Blackhorse Golf Club
Trina & Michael Blood
Blue Willow Books
Stephanie Boates
Brasserie 19
Sandi & Chris Braun
BRC
Brooks Brothers -The Woodlands
The Brookwood Community
Sharon Brougher
Valerie Brown
Buffalo Hardware Company
Bullock Estates & Diamond Brokers
President & Mrs. George Bush
Capital Grille
The Car Masseuse
Carmelo’s Ristorante
Carter’s Depot
June Chalon
Cheesecake Factory
The Children’s Museum of Houston
Choice Tee-19
Charlotte Christman
Cinemark Market StreetThe Woodlands
Charles Clark
Sherry Clark
Cleopatra’s Secret
Clos Pegase
Container Store
Contemporary Art Museum
Cookies by Design
Coppa Ristorante
Gina and Larry Corbin
Cornelius Nursery
Cos Bar Cosmetic Beautique The Woodlands
Country Park Portraits
Jim Crane
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
18
the briarwood school
Shannon & Jeff Davis
Dessange Salon & Spa
Diamond Jewelry Factory
Dramatika
Suzanne Duin
Dr. Elizabeth Dybell
Eddie V’s
Becca & James Edmiston
Egg & I
Elaine Turner
Christa Elliott
Lee Evans
Events
Rita Fader
Fifth Grade Parents
Katherine Fitzgerald Photography
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Four Points by Sheraton Galveston
Kim & Phil Fraher
Francesca Collections Boutique
Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation
Gallery Furniture
Lisa Garza
Julie Gaudette
Genesis Art Glass Studio
Nancy & John Gennaro
Gretchen Gilliam & George Lane
Gitting’s
Annabel & Richard Gonzalez
Goodall Family
Donald Gosser
Grace Hart & Co.
Dana Griffin
The Grove Restaurant at Discovery Green
Gulf States Toyota
Mark Habinski, DDS
Hal Martin watch & Jewelry Co.
Hanzell Vineyards
Health Source Chiropractic &
Progressive Rehab
Hilton Westchase
Candy Horsely
Hotel Sorella
Houston Astros
Houston Symphony
Houston Dairymaids
Houston Ballet
Houston Area Driving Schools
Houston Rockets
Daniel Hudson
Jamie Humphries
Ibiza Food and Wine Bar
Mona & Thomas Ignas
IW Marks
Lynn & Ronnie Jacobe
James Avery Craftsman
Jasper’s Backyard Cuisine
Janet & Forrest Jenkins
Josephine’s Day Spa & Salon
Jubilee Gifts/Fashion
Ben E. Keith Foods Company
Kenny & Ziggys
KHOU Debra Duncan
Susan & Kevin Kirby
KMA Wine Specialists
Cindy & Don Knight
Meschelle Krejci
Esta Kronberg, M.D.
La Toretta Lake Resort & Spa
Lakeside Country Club
Langford Market - The Woodlands
Lasagna House III
Laurie-Anne & Todd McElreath
Janet Lauritsen
Analyn & Mark Lee
Liberty Kitchen Oyster Bar
Lindy Wreaths & Home Decor
Los Tios Mexican Restaurant
Luke’s Locker
Mad Potter
Maggie’s
Magpies
Suzy & Steve Mahoney
Maida’s Accessories
Main Street Theater
Maison Maison
Mark’s
Marshall Cart Leasing
Hope Martin
Sally McGinty
Tysh & Jonathan Mefford
The Melting Pot
Memorial Health Club
Bonita & Bill Merrill
Middle School Parents
Karen Miller
Teri & Sonny Milos
Sam & Debi Mishael
Susan & Tom Mitchell
Priscilla & Beth Mitchell
Barry Moore/Gensler
Lisalynn Morgan
Rosemary & Keith Moriarty
Christina & Steve Morse
Jean & Kevin Mulholland
Katherine Mulholland
Nails by Tracey
Niko Niko’s
Norris of Houston Salon & Day Spa
Norton Ditto-The Woodlands
The Nuttall Family
Melinda O’Connell
Angela Ortiz
Orvis -The Woodlands
Palazzo’s Café
Jennifer & Jeff Parent
Jerry Parish
Linda and Jim Parmer
Pattywhacks & Company
Kristin & Mike Penny
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill
Petite Sweets
Phillip Mitchell Salon
Pinot’s Palette
Pizzitolas
Pleasant Hill Winery
Nancy Polychronopoulos
Porsche of West Houston
Charles Post
Melissa and Ryan Reichert
Rice Epicurean Markets
Ronald K. Rich D.D.S. FAGD
Ronald Ripley & Martha Keller
Alice & Andrew Roach
Robert’s Fine China
Rockefeller Hall
Joy & Tim Roeh
Alina Rominger
Linda Rosenfeld
Royal Oaks
Emily Saathoff
Siarrah Schneekloth
Katherine & Joel Schrock
SeaWorld Aquatica
Charlotte Seay
Sensia Studio & Japanese Day Spa
Shade
Stephanie & Kirby Shanks
Brenda & Charlie Stubbs
Silver Eagle Distributors
Laura Smith
Sandra Smith
Cindy Smith
Southside Skate Park
Southwell’s Hamburger Grill
Spec’s Wine, Liquors Stores
Sports Express Tennis
Lyndsey & Damian Stead
Shauna & Gregg Steffen
Charles Stehr
Sugar Cycles
Martha & Dave Swift
Cynthia Tait H.Ed,/Whole Health
Tall Plants
Taste of Texas
Alicia Tegg
Texas Rock Gym
The Boardroom Salon for Men The Woodlands
Tommy Bahama Cafe Restaurant The Woodlands
Tony Mandolas
Julie Toups
Tous Nouveaux/Christine Kubiak
Joe and Paula Toussaint
Tranquility Personal Care Home
Treebeards
Robert Tucker
Lynn & Mike Turner
Tuttle School Parents
Donna Uliva
Upper School Parents
Ron Vachon
Gail & Joe Van Nest
Vanity Salon
Venus Hair
Villa Capri on Clear Lake
Craig Wakefield
Sylvia & Randall Walker
Debbie Wearing
Kate Weatherford
The Welch Family
The Westin Houston Memorial City
Mary & Greg Whalley
Julie & Chris Whitten
Whole Earth Provision
Carole Wills
Henry Winkler
Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
Palmer Grille, The Woodlands Country Club
David Yates
SPotliGht on GiVinG BacK
celebrating history & Partnership | Assistance League
T
he assistance league of houston’s chapter house was filled
to overflowing on tuesday, april 23, as students, parents
and Briarwood administrators arrived for the Scholarship
awards
wards Breakfast and Presentation. this year, the assistance league
of houston presented thirteen Briarwood students with scholarship
awards that totaled over $23,000 for the upcoming school year.
the Briarwood/assistance league of houston partnership dates
back to 1970, early in the history of both organizations. historical
documents report that members of alh first began volunteering
in the classrooms at Briarwood as teacher
t
assistants. at that time,
Briarwood had just two dedicated teachers and a few children in
a church basement. in 1971, financial aid was given to students
and in 1984, the assistance league Scholarship Program was
established. ttoday, enrollment at Briarwood totals over 300 students with a faculty and staff of over 100. Students in the middle upper
School have been the fortunate recipients of alh scholarships for well over forty-three years.
the missions of the assistance league of houston and the Briarwood School parallel; for forty-five
years, the mission of the assistance league has been to help the children and young
adults in the houston community to reach their potential and fulfill their dreams,
for themselves and for their community. For forty-five years, the mission of
the Briarwood School has been to teach children with learning
differences to reach and maximize their potential.
♥
We are proud of our partnership with the assistance league of houston
and thank everyone who, in giving to alh,, is also helping to make dreams
a reality for current and future generations of Briarwood students.
the assistance league of houston has been steadfast in its support of
Briarwood, and we are thankful for this remarkable group of volunteers who
continue to believe in us.
Re be
k
wa s ah
k ind
An example of a
good deed placed on
the “Giving Tree.”
Above right: ________________________; Briarwood recipients of Assistance League scholarships.
tuttle School has heart 
I
n the spirit of giving, the tuttle School collected fifty-one pounds of food for Wham
Wham (West
houston assistance ministries)! to continue cultivating students’ love of charity, teachers posted
nice deeds on paper hearts on the tuttle School “Giving tree.”
www.briarwoodschool.org
19
Spotlight on creativity
Work of Heart ❘ Tuttle School Quilt Creation
H
ave you ever seen something amazing and thought to yourself “I
wonder how they did THAT!” That’s the general reaction year after
year at the Briarwood Benefit when the Tuttle School unveils its’
quilt. Every single student in Tuttle School takes an active role in creating
the much-anticipated masterpiece - and it NEVER disappoints!
The Tuttle School Art teacher, Daniella Ferrari, has been in charge of the
compilation, design and construction of the quilt for over ten years!
Under her guidance, students paint and perfect their work of “heart.”
After being quilted, off it goes to the Benefit to bring in high bids in the
live auction and sighs from jealous party-goers who aren’t fortunate
enough to bring it home.
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the briarwood school
www.briarwoodschool.org
21
looK What’S neW
unlocking Success ❘ Early Intervention is Key
I
n response to compelling research, Briarwood has added a new program, Early Intervention, designed to meet the needs of
children who have demonstrated difficulties in developing early literacy skills: phonological awareness, oral language, print
knowledge, and number sense. the early intervention Program will focus on developing the skills necessary to build a love of
learning. the small class size, highly specialized teachers, and developmentally appropriate curriculum will assist four-and five-year-old
children to establish reading and math readiness skills necessary for success.
as evidenced by research, early indication is the key to helping children become life-long learners. the class will provide the security of
a daily routine, multisensory teaching, and enrichment activities. daily activities will include:
• Oral Expression
• Vocabulary Development
NEW
• Phonological Awareness
Briarwood
• Gross and Fine Motor Skills
Program!
• Perceptual Skills
• Math Concepts
• Social Skill Development
in addition, students will have the opportunity to experience art, physical education, music, and library.
 Briarwood is accepting students, ages four and five, who may not have been identified with the learning disability, but who have
exhibited deficiencies in the readiness skills necessary to be a successful learner.
Save the Date
for Breakfast and a Conversation with
Henry Winkler
Join The Briarwood School aT The Junior league
9. 19. 2013
of
houSTon
8 o’clock until 9:30 in the morning
in 2003, henry Winkler began writing a series of children’s novels with his partner, lin oliver. the
books were inspired by henry’s struggle throughout his education due to his dyslexia. henry has
worked tirelessly to bring awareness and support to children who learn differently by advocating for
changes in the educational system and informing parents and teachers about learning challenges.
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the briarwood school
Year in Review
W
e entered our forty-fifth year last August with excitement over the summer enhancements to our athletic facility! Our
students, families and teachers celebrated the addition of Briarwood’s very first scoreboard, new fencing surrounding
our field, re-surfaced tennis courts, and an impressive and welcoming marquee! Without a doubt, it was a great
way to begin the year, for all of our students knew that they would benefit from the changes! The completion of Phase I of our
Athletic Facility is a direct result of generous donors that include our parent organization, FOB, parents, families, friends and
foundations.
As we fast forward to the end of this school year, we have already begun Phase II of our Athletic Facility: replacement of our
track. Expected date of completion will be just prior to the start of the school year, weather permitting. Again, thanks to the
generous and unwavering support of many, we are able to provide only the best to our students: the best education, faculty,
and facilities!
As soon as our school year began, we were notified that our CEI Lab had been named EXEMPLARY! Excitement reigned as CEI
Lab students were filmed for a CEI documentary, interviewed by the leadership of CEI, and accepted a plaque that names our
CEI Lab EXEMPLARY. A special thanks and recognition go to Ms. Holly Strapulos for her initial research into this specialized
program and for her recommending this outstanding addition to our Lower School program. CEI Lab has been a part of
Briarwood for over twenty years and, time after time, student progress is noted as a result of CEI.
We celebrated the end of the 2012 - 2013 school year with two commencement ceremonies. The entire Briarwood community
offers congratulations to the eighteen graduates who received their diplomas on May 16, following a successful senior year in
Upper School! Post high school plans for the Class of 2013 include Blinn College (College Station), College Living Experience,
Houston Community College, Lone Star College, St. Edward’s University, Sam Houston State University, Savannah College of Art
and Design, Schreiner University, Texas Tech University, Tyler Junior College, University of Mississippi, University of The Incarnate
Word, Virginia Tech, and Wharton County Junior College.
On May 22, twenty-eight sixth graders completed their Lower School education with a ceremony attended by families and
friends. At the completion of that impressive ceremony, the Lower School graduates became the Class of 2019! Almost all of
the graduates will transition to Briarwood’s Middle School program. We wish the best to all of our graduates!
As we welcome 2013-2014, another remarkable year that will record students’ progress and accomplishments, we simultaneously
close a stellar year. We move forward with a focus on enhancing and refining our program, reflecting on our Mission, and seizing
the opportunity, once more, to change children’s lives.
Best regards,
Carole C. Wills
www.briarwoodschool.org
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