Angels are everywhere

Transcription

SUMMER 2012
THE FLETCHER SCHOOL
THE RANKIN INSTITUTE
8500 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270
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, 2012
non-profit
U.S. Postage
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Permit #3243
2011-12
Board of Trustees
Kelly Graves, Chairman
Ted Laporte, Treasurer
George Mackie, Secretary
Michael Kahn, At-Large
John Allbert
Elizabeth Ashe
Chris Berry
Mike Blair
Bill Byron
Margaret Clair
Elliott Crutchfield
Ellen Daniel
Robert Deaton
Tom Dulin
Fletcher Gregory
Al Guarnieri
Rick Hopkins
Bryan Ives
Michael Kahn
Ted Laporte
George Mackie
Tony Orsbon
Kama Pierce
Anne Pipkin
Bob Speizman
Steve Sutherland
Margaret Sigmon,
Ex Officio
9
November 1
alm
Celebrating CM
with Kr 2i8r,k2012 artin
February 7
A NEWSLETTER for the FRIENDS & FAMILIES of THE FLETCHER SCHOOL
& THE RANKIN INSTITUTE
Fletcher Celebrates
My wife, Carol, and I have been
blessed with four wonderful
children. Two of them graduated
from Charlotte Latin and two from
Charlotte Country Day. Along the
way, though, one of those children
became the impetus for creating
The Fletcher School.
30 Years!
…A Reflection
In 1979 our 8 year old son was
diagnosed with “Dyslexia.” He was
being tutored both during and after
school. School was a nightmare
for him and we desperately wanted
to help. After much research, we
realized our only option was to start
our own school.
By now it was the fall of 1981. Our
oldest son was on the wrestling team
and one of his friends was Richard
Fletcher, son of Mac Fletcher. Mac
and I became friends at the wrestling
matches. He told me he had a child
who very much needed help. He,
too, did not want to send his child
to a boarding school.
Mac lived on Providence Road directly across from Charlotte Latin
School and had more than five acres of land. I asked Mac if he
would donate two acres of his land so we could build our school on
it. He immediately said, “Yes.” I immediately said we would name
the school “The Fletcher School.”
Continued on page 9.
Novembe
orum
F letche,r2F
013
exclamat ons
The “Point” of the Story
what’s inside!
Envision Tomorrow Society . . . . 2
Rankin Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Global Education Conference . . 8
New Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Commencement/Seniors. . 10-11
Fletcher Abroad . . . . . . . . . . .16
Parents’ Council . . . . . . . . . . .18
In 1969 Mac Fletcher was sitting in an airport restaurant in Chicago, IL, when he drew a simple idea for his
company’s logo on the back of a cocktail napkin. The exclamation point that he drew came to represent the sales
promotion company of Fletcher-Barnhardt & White, and became an industry icon. As most of you know, Mac
was one of the original founders of The Fletcher School. In honor of him, we have decided to name our publication
“Exclamations!”
We hope you will find that it features some of the exciting and not-to-be-missed happenings of The Fletcher School.
We invite you…
…to make an investment in the future of
The Fletcher School by joining
THE ENVISION TOMORROW SOCIETY.
The
Envision Tomorrow
Society raises
– Robert Deaton, Chairman
$1 Million!
The Envision Tomorrow Society was created by
Fletcher supporters to provide an endowment
which will reduce the school’s dependence on
the Annual Fund. It provides the school with
the flexibility to pursue its mission while keeping
tuition as low as possible. Gifts to the Envision
Tomorrow endowment are invested to supply a
THE
ORROW
ENVISION TOM
SOCIETY
the
As a member of
row Society,
Envision Tomor
ef
rating your beli
st
on
em
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e
ar
u
yo
the school
in the mission of
success
by ensuring its
to come.
for generations
* TOWARDS A
$1.5 MILLION GOAL
the fletcher school
2
*
steady, annual source of funds to support the longterm financial health of the school. Endowment fund
investment is overseen by the Finance Committee of
the Board of Trustees and a portion of investment
earnings are contributed to the annual operating
budget.
The Fletcher School meets a vital need in the
Charlotte community and is a life-changing
resource for students who have been diagnosed
with specific learning disabilities. The school
provides a comprehensive education, restores
self-esteem, and offers hope to bright children
who cannot learn successfully in another
setting. Unlike other private schools, it truly
is a school of need, not one of choice, for
these students who cross all socioeconomic
boundaries.
Gifts to the endowment fund tie together
the present and future by providing
lasting financial support for Fletcher’s
educational mission. When you join The
Fletcher School’s Envision Tomorrow
Society, you are truly making a gift with a
future! Your commitment guarantees that
financial support will remain available
for the future needs of the school and its
students. As a member of the Envision
Tomorrow Society, you are demonstrating your belief
in the mission of the school by ensuring its success
for generations to come. We invite you to make an
investment in that vision today, by joining the Envision
Tomorrow Society with your donation of $100,000
over 5 years or less.
lent Show
Ta
Alex McClellan at the
many thanks to the
2011-12 Parents’ Council
THANKS TO THE
LEADERSHIP
OF OUR
2011-12
ENVISION
TOMORROW
SOCIETY
MEMBERS
John M. Belk
Educational Endowment
The Cherok Family
The Crutchfield Family
Gaither and Robert Deaton
Meredith and Kelly Graves
Kelly and Rick Hopkins
The Michael A. Kahn
Family Foundation
The Tommy Morgan Family
The Ryan Family
The Stubblefield Family
Family Festival
President: Ellen Daniel
Secretary: Reid Campbell
Treasurer: Allison Kitchen
Committee Chairpersons
Art Show: Laura Berry
Belk Charity Days: Betsy Gantt
Book Fair: Pam McCarthy, Lynn Nielson
Faculty/Staff Appreciation:
Paula Chapman, Elizabeth Sigmon
Faculty/Staff Half-Day Luncheons:
Rebecca Schrader
Field Days:
Grades K-5: Margie Divish
Grades 6-12: Ellen Daniel
Fletcher Family Festival: Elizabeth Ashe,
Cathy Dulin, Michelle Tyson
Flight Deck Coordinator: Patti Thomas
Grade Parent Coordinators:
Grades K-5: Julie Peach
Grades 6-12: Diana Wakefield
Holiday Gift Coordinator: Debbie Long
Lunch Assistants: Dawn Ryan
New Families:
Grades K-5: Raechel McClellan
Grades 6-12: Kathryn Frank
Newsletter (Falcon Flash): Page Henderson
Spiritwear: Karen Clark
Sports Concessions Coordinator: Kim Stone
Talent Show: Susan Allbert
Talent Show Dinner: Sharyn Eisdorfer, Marla Wolfe
Fall Party
Caroline Hopkins at the Talent Show
exclamations
19
Fletcher Teachers
are Finalists…
Parents’
Council
update
My Child Has WHAT?
Margarent Sigmon, Ellen Daniel, and Susie Harris
…at Microsoft’s Partners
in Learning U.S. Forum
It was a good year...,
well really since we’ve been at
Fletcher, every year has been great! I’m so thankful that the
school was here when we needed it.
One of the goals of the Parents’ Council is to foster a sense of
community within our school. The smiling faces and laughter
at the Fall Family Festival and the Family Dinner and Talent
Show were proof enough that we achieved our goal! We
also welcomed new families, hosted teacher luncheons, and
held the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Week in May. These events
and many others could not have been accomplished without
participation in our membership drive at the beginning of the year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the chairpersons on the
Board for their hard work. Each one put 100% into their job, and I am very grateful
for their dedication. I also want to recognize the parents who volunteered to make each event a success.
I am pleased to announce that Julie Peach will serve as the 2012-13 Parents’ Council President. Julie and the new
committee members will do a terrific job planning the events for next year.
My best wishes to all of you for a safe and fun filled summer. To our 14 graduates, I send Parents’ Council’s sincere
congratulations for your accomplishments! To those of you leaving Fletcher, we wish you continued success in your
next journey. And for those of our families who are returning, I look forward to seeing you all in the Fall.
Sincerely,
Ellen Daniel
Parents’ Council President, 2011-2012
18
BookFair
success continues
for The Rankin
Institute:
Lorraine Ethridge (above left) and Stephanie Hall (right) have been selected
by Microsoft as two of 102 educators from 25 states to showcase the
innovative ways they are using technology in and beyond the classroom
at the MICROSOFT PARTNERS IN LEARNING 2012 US Forum. The
Partners in Learning Forum is an annual event that celebrates the nation’s
top educators for the outstanding work they are doing with technology to
creatively engage students. Educators will compete for a chance to represent
the United States at Microsoft’s global forum this fall in Athens, Greece.
The Rankin Institute enjoyed another successful
year in 2011-12. Our workshop series, My Child
Has WHAT? continues to be our most popular
program. All topics in the series experienced excellent
attendance; especially Auditory Processing and
Aspergers, both of which were attended by more
than 100 people. We saw many new faces at all
of our workshops, demonstrating that more and
more people are learning of our wonderful outreach
programs. In particular, there was an increase in
the number of home school parents coming to our
workshops.
Katz Speaks at Fletcher Forum
The Fourteenth Annual Fletcher Forum featured
Dr. Mark Katz, a clinical psychologist, who spoke
about resiliency in children who struggle in school
but succeed in life. He also taught a workshop for
teachers on incorporating resiliency factors into
students’ lives to help them succeed.
Coming in 2012-13
Ethridge and Hall were selected for their project, BizMovie, which was
modified to fit their 8th grade curricular needs. The unit gives students
the real-world experience of running their own production company. The
8th graders shot live video and learned to edit it to create a movie. They
learned about the entrepreneurial cycle by designing, producing, marketing
and selling tickets to their film. The students collaborated on brainstorming
and script writing across the curriculum of writing and computer classes.
They created their own marketing materials and kept track of their finances.
Students learned the importance of creative and critical thinking as they
gained practical experience in the business world.
“These educators are essential in ensuring that our students are armed with
the 21st-century skills that are vital to compete in the globally competitive
workforce.” said Andrew Ko, General Manager, U.S. Partners in Learning,
Microsoft.
Ms. Hall notes that “to be recognized by Microsoft as among the best in our
field for inspiring students to learn through technology is incredible.”
In response to the increasing demand for more
information on Auditory Processing issues, the
Fifteenth Annual Fletcher Forum will feature Dr. Jay
Lucker, a licensed audiologist and speech-language
pathologist. Save the date of February 7, 2013 for
the Community Workshop and February 8, 2013 for
the Teacher Workshop.
The Rankin Institute is excited to add some new
workshops for the upcoming school year. Be There
Dad is a four-part series for fathers. It will be led
by Jeff Usher and is scheduled for October. We
will also welcome Kirk Martin and his Celebrating
Calm workshop in November. Keep an eye out for
forthcoming information on these great programs.
We look forward to another successful year!
exclamations
3
Angels are Everywhere
by Laura King Edwards
In the spring of 2006, The Fletcher School
accepted Taylor into their incoming third
grade class. It wasn’t until that summer –
just weeks before her first day at Fletcher
– that a geneticist delivered the crushing
diagnosis of infantile Batten disease, and
our lives changed forever.
Some people find it easier to block out
life’s most painful moments, but I haven’t
forgotten anything about the days and weeks
following Taylor’s diagnosis. I remember
when Mom called the school’s leaders
and tried to put into words the
tragedy that had befallen our
family. She told them she would
understand if they no longer
had a place for my sister.
But The Fletcher School did
more than just accept my
younger sister into their student
body. They adopted her. It has been
nearly six years since the administration
assured my mother they would figure things
out together. Today, my “little” sister is
almost as tall as I am and will be 14 in
August. When she first walked through the
doors of The Fletcher School as a third
grader, she still had almost all of her vision;
on the surface, infantile Batten disease had
very little of her.
Even as Batten disease continued to tighten
its grip on my sister during the past several
years, I never worried that the kids at school
would be cruel to her. I simply worried that
they would be human - that they would get
caught up in their own lives, and that Taylor,
blind and struggling with her speech, would
simply miss the wave.
4
It would be disingenuous of me to claim that
Taylor has had the benefit of every moment
– of every memory – that her friends have
experienced. I refuse to sugar-coat Batten
disease; nothing about it is easy; there is
no silver lining. But her friends have made
every effort to illuminate Taylor’s dark world
with small acts of great love. I think many
adults would do well to take a lesson from
the students at Fletcher who have found a
way to put a smile on my sister’s face when
she has every right to be angry at the world.
I can only imagine the number of inspiring
stories that will continue to make their way
to me in the coming days and weeks, but
here are a few I heard today:
Students had to pay $5 to attend the
fundraiser. But one student donated the
contents of his allowance jar – over $150.
One student paid the minimum $5 to attend.
The day before the fundraiser, she told one
of the teachers she wanted her money back.
When asked why, she produced a $20 bill.
She explained that she received the money
for her 16th birthday; when she realized that
many children with Batten disease never get
to celebrate their 16th birthday, she knew
she wanted to give her birthday money to
Taylor’s Tale.
Taylor’s girlfriends danced with
her throughout the entire event;
when the crowd turned to face a
different wall, they always made
sure she faced the right way.
When Andre invited the girls
onto the stage toward the end
of the program, they helped her
navigate the stairs so she wouldn’t
get left behind.
A few weeks ago, my parents told me the
kids and teachers at Fletcher were working
on a “cardio craze” fundraiser for Taylor’s
Tale. They planned to ask Andre Hairston,
a local celebrity and fitness instructor who
had supported our organization in the past,
to lead the session.
We didn’t hear much more after that. This
morning, when Dad dropped Taylor off at
school, he guessed that half the student
body wore purple or pink – Taylor’s favorite
colors. And when I entered the gym for the
event this afternoon, I walked into a sea of
glitter, sparkle and love.
The kids at Fletcher put on an event that
took place in a school gym, lasted a mere 45
minutes and yet raised more than $3,500 in
support of our fight against Batten disease.
That is a lot of money. But I hope they know
that more than the money they raised, the
heart they put into the event – and the
kindness they show toward my sister each
and every day – are what define them. Today,
they gave me a much-needed reminder that
even in the face of great tragedy, angels are
everywhere.
Special thanks to The Fletcher School’s
students, teachers and administrators and
Andre Hairston for staging this incredible
event for Taylor’s Tale.
Outside
the Classroom
2011-12
Overall Participation in activities 75% (197 students)
Kid Corral program a success
(97 students or 87% of the Lower/Intermediate School)
Three Sessions per year
Fall: 170 participants
Winter: 166 participants
Spring: 191 participants
Lower School: 40 participants
Intermediate School: 50 participants
Middle School: 65 participants
Upper School: 42 participants
90 student athletes/14 participated in 3 sports/
28 participated in 2 sports
Study Hall (57 students)
Homework Hall (45 students)
Extended Day, grades 1-5 (25 students)
Before School, grades K-8 (46 students)
Half Day Homestretch, K-8, implemented for the first time
(25 students)
Conference sports
Hosted Basketball Tournament
Activities offered - cartooning, chorus, movement and dance,
social skills, drama, jump rope, Legos, Fun with Science, etc.
Athletics: swim team, volleyball, basketball, soccer, ultimate
Frisbee, cross country
FIRST ATHLETIC AWARDS CEREMONY
Second place - tournament and conference Middle School Boys Basketball
Second place - conference - Middle School Boys Cross Country
Third place - conference - Middle School Girls Basketball
Cooper Roberts named All Tournament
and All Conference Player for basketball
Rachael James named All Conference for Basketball
Jayden Kraizel named All Tournament for Basketball
Makayla Somers named All Conference for Volleyball
Jayden Kraizel named All Tournament for Volleyball
Zach Dougherty and Ed McGavran received
medals for Cross Country Championship
exclamations
17
The Fletcher School
Supporters 2011-12
Fletcher Abroad
Patrons Club
$5,000+
George W and Ruth R Baxter
Foundation
Chris and Laura Berry
Sally Gambrell
Kelly and Meredith Graves
Bryan and Gibbs Ives
The Michael Kahn Family
Barrett and Astri Kollme
Kulynych Family Foundation I, Inc.
Andrew and Gwen Lindner
Tommy Morgan
John and Andra Norman
Jeff and MC Pilon
Kurt and Andrea Powell
Mark and Dawn Ryan
Courtney Scott
John Scott
Fred and Lyn Stubblefield
Eric and Annette Telljohann
John and Debby Wallace
Tom and Jeanne Wickwire
The 2012 Fletcher Abroad entourage traveled to Australia,
New Zealand, and Fiji during the last two weeks of June. The group was lead
by Suzi Stephens, Division Head; and Debbie Holzberg, a Fletcher teacher.
They were joined by students and chaperones from Ardrey Kell, Myers Park,
Providence, and Hough High.
Fletcher travelers included Cooper Roberts, Chase McNaughton, Ben Jones,
Henry Howle, Robert Elwood, Everett Wickwire, Mike Farrell, Caleb Abbott,
Will Stone, Hunter Cox, and a former student, Dalton Hatley.
geothermal area, ride the Skyline Gondola, visit the
Agrodome and see Aukland’s Mount Eden. Next,
the group flew to Brisbane and traveled through
the Glasshouse Mountains and Noosa National
Park before taking a Ferry to Fraser Island. Back on
the mainland, they visited the Underwater Work
Oceanarium and Surfers Paradise. Other adventures
along the way included a harbor cruise in Sydney, a visit
to Sydney Wildlife World, a walking tour of The Rocks,
and a trip to Coffs Harbour.
The trip itinerary began in Fiji, then on to Auckland, New Zealand. From
there, the group traveled to Rotorua to tour the city and lake, visit the Whaka
Fletcher Hosts Annual Conference
The Fletcher School hosted the 2012 Annual Conference of the North Carolina Chapter of the International Dyslexia
Association (NCIDA). The NCIDA was established in 1986 with the purpose of increasing public awareness of dyslexia
throughout North Carolina. Many of the 300-plus members are actively involved in the treatment and remediation of dyslexia.
The members are educators, psychologists, physicians, social workers, tutors,
and parents who have dealt with learning disability issues as well as individuals with dyslexia.
The conference was held at The Fletcher School March 2-3 and offered an opportunity to learn and collaborate.
Those who attended left better prepared to make a difference in the lives of the individuals with whom we work and live.
Founders Club
$2,500 - $4,999
Steven and Sarah Berrard
Cherok Family
Glenn and Leslie Duffy
Andy and Cathy Dulin
Tom and Jo Claire Dulin
Todd and Pamela Duvick
Brotherhood Foundation
Jeff and Liz Gore
Alex Hemby Foundation
Beverly Leahy
Debbie Long
Jim and Debbie Millis
Clyde and Carol Preslar
Rick and Margaret Sigmon
Greg and Kim Stone
Fletcher Club
$1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous
Earl and Markay Alford
John and Susan Allbert
Steele and Debby Alphin
Eric and Laurie Andreozzi
Dr. and Mrs. William S. Ashe, Jr.
Charlie and Karen Bald
Brian and Elizabeth Barbery
Claudia Belk
John and Lou Boyte
Julie Bradlow
Walt and Helen Brinkley
Bill and Dana Byron
Charles and Reid Campbell
Brandon and Ellen Carter
Strawn and Susan Cathcart
Chris and Liz Choka
Tom and Marcy Coker
Philip and Lisa Cope
Jay and Ellen Daniel
Robert and Gaither Deaton
George and Meg Dewey
The Dickson Foundation, Inc
Paul and Heather Dillingham
Chris and Brook Edwards
Fred and Rose Fowler
Charlie and Caren Gale
Sarah Belk Gambrell
Jeff and Bari Gorelick
Fletcher and Mary Gregory
Chris and Leeann Gregson
Rick and Kelly Hopkins
Will and Sally Wise Howle
Martin and Page Hull
Greg and India Keith
Janice Ladley
Ted and Ginna Laporte
Keith Law
Keith and Angie Lowe
George and Wandra Mackie
Mike and Connie Martin
Craig and Connie May
Rob and Raechel McClellan
Chris and Caroline McDowell
Ted and Melanie McGavran
John and Civil McGowan
Edward McMillan and
Margaret Divish
Mike and Lesli McNamara
Flint and Julie McNaughton
Mark Miralia
Morton and Myrna Norman
Dino and Susan Pacifici
Art and Nell Parker
Cary Pickard
Anne Pipkin
Lew and Dannye Powell
Preston and Lynn Purdum
Rone and January Reed
Becky Rencher
Benjamin and Ceci Robinson
Dr. Russell A. and Lynn D. Salton
John and Candy Scanlon
Hank and Mary Schmulling
William and Elizabeth Sigmon
Tommy and Amy Thalman
Tillie Tice
Wells and Alison Van Pelt
Matt and Diana Wakefield
Chet and Christine Walker
Edward and Ainslie Wall
Bill and Paige Wallace
Mr. Charles I. Waters
Ms. Sara K. Waters
Robert Wicker and Suzanna Fox
Ben and Angela Williams
Richard and Marla Wolfe
We have diligently sought to include the names of all the individuals and
organizations that made new pledges or gifts to The Fletcher School during
the 2012 Fiscal Year, which ended June 30th. In the event that we have
omitted or misspelled an individual’s or organization’s name, we offer our
sincere apology and ask that you contact the Development Office at
704-365-4658 ext. 1103 so that we can correct our records.
Marathon Club
$500 - $999
Anonymous (2)
Rashsaan Alston
Kenneth and Christina Benkeser
Phil and Tracy Bennett
Jack and Jeanette Bicket
Gail Bloomer
Niles Bolton
Lynda Bridger
Sandy Burnett
James D. Cox
Elliott and Lynn Crutchfield
Dr. and Mrs. John Culp
Jon and Teresa Currier
Yvonne Dunlap
Michael and Kim Farr
Lee and Dina Feiden
Mimi and James Fountain
Tom and Carol Fourre
David and Ellen Framm
Bruce and Cindy Grier
Al and Leslie Grygiel
Al and Kristen Guarnieri
Ned and Ellen Hardison
Will and Kate Hardison
Robert Harley and Justina Clemons
Wayne and Judy Harris
Kirt and Kathy Hibbitts
Dan and Karen Howard
Timothy and Lisa Kendrick
Shawn and Tammy LaBelle
Mark and Beverly Ladley
Michael and Holly Lawroski
Tom and Cindy Libhardt
Sybil Lynch
George and Linda Mahoney
Sam and Jenny McElhaney
Jae and Riley McGuirt
K. B. and Mary Beth McIntyre
Stuart and Lisa Meyerson
Tony and Susan Orsbon
Bill and Litsa Pappas
Andy and Julie Peach
Vick and Sue Phillips
Joseph and Kama Pierce
Mrs. John Benton Pipkin, II
Andrew and Claudia Plepler
Jay and Cathryn Rivers
Mark and Melinda Roberts
Shel and Stacy Robinson
Tripp and Kamie Rudisill
Patrick and Julie Russo
Joe and Rebecca Schrader
Amy Seitlin
Carolyn and Harold Sharpe
Greg Sizemore and Michaela Arndt
Ellen Smith
John and Suzi Stephens
Paul and Melissa Stroup
Mark and Nikki Vasco
Michael and Lori Wehmueller
Rex and Linda Welton
Scott and Susan Young
Stepping Stones Club
$300 - $499
Frank and Mitzi Alexander
Rick and Margaret Bange
Peter and Winslow Barlow
Penny Benkeser
Beth Bennett
Christopher and Carol Benson
Skip and Pam Berry
Michael and Elizabeth Blair
Peter and Shirley Brauning
Charles and Rebecca Cheney
Stacy and LaShawn Flynn
Darren and Kathryn Frank
Jay and Rebecca Grant
Paul and Gray Green
Gary and Merna Johnson
Jim and Kee Marshall
Debi Medlin
Greg and Catherine Plough
Larry and Gay Porter
Butch and Lynn Robertson
Bryan Smith and
Susan Spencer-Smith
Steve and Janet Sutherland
Tommy and Patti Thomas
David and Tess Whelpley
Douglas Williams
Footprints Club
$100 - $299
Anonymous (4)
Charles and Aimee Almond
Darrell and Katherine Baber
Doug and Paula Banks
Malcolm Barlow
Mary Barlow
Bailey Barnett
Ruth Barnhouse-Colon
Don and Marilyn Barrier
Dow and Kitty Bauknight
Mr. and Mrs. John Benninghoff
Ralph and Sandra Besnoy
Kimberly Binford
Jeff and Mary Bobbitt
Len Brinkley
Fred and Opal Bryant
Jerry and Kay Burns
Roger and Cindy Burns
Merrily Caldwell
Don and Janet Carter
John and Jane Chanon
Richard and Beverly Cheniae
Margaret Clair
Paul and Karen Clark
Kevin and Lisa Clarke
Carter and Julie Clements
Cliff and Becca Collins
Charles and Gwen Cook
Jack Costin
Jim Cox
Tom and Janine DeFeo
Mark and Adele Dillon
Roddey Dowd, Sr
Will and Valrie Duke
Roger and Suzanne Edwards
Ken and Sharyn Eisdorfer
Brian Elliott
Lincoln and Jackie Ely
Gordon and Teresa Folz
Bess Forshaw
Steve and Lisa Friedman
Larry and Wanda Fuschino
Matt and Betsy Gantt
Scott and Molly Gartlan
Don and Kathy Gately
Frank and Sarah Gentry
Gerry and Joanie Gerken
David and Marianne Gertner
Jonathan and Angela Grauel
Florence Groen
Llew Haden
Lib Harkey
Scott and Susie Harris
Grant and Nancy Hawgood
Richard and Betty Hechenbleikner
Mark and Page Henderson
Sandra Higdon
Paul and Bobbie Jo Hille
David and Kay Hilliard
Harold and Sandra Hintz
Kim Hintz
Tiger and Jacque Holmes
Alex and Chris Horchak
Andy and Christy Horwitz
Jay and Frankie Hughes
Steve and Doris Hurr
Bill and Jamie Jenkins
Carolyn Johnson
Dick and Hanna Kane
Helen Kaufman
Julie Kimmel
Keith and Allison Kitchen
Frank and Jane Knox
David and Rudy Koehler
Fred and Sidney Lancaster
Al and Helene Levine
Garry Lickfelt and Stephanie Neal
Rob and Page Mack
Michael and Laura Maguire
Greg Mangum
Rev. and Mrs. James R. Martin
Jerry and Judith Maxwell
William and Ina McCoy
Lee and Mary Beth McGaugh
Arch and Jennifer McIntosh
Bridger and Heidi Medlin
Tom and Becky Meleney
James and Beverly Moss
Tom and Christina Mueth
Don and Amy Mullen
Bill and Susan Munson
Edwin and Jill Newman
Peggy Newton
John and Sonya Nowak
John E. O’Malley
Joanne Oliver
Paul and Beth Osowski
Brian and Alison Parrella
Vince and Melanie Payne
Brian Paynter and Stefany Ferrell
Rob and Jane Pearson
Sonny and Martha Pendleton
Matthew Perry
Geoffrey and Julie Person
Randy and Emily Phillips
Enrico and Dianne Piraino
Charles and Cynthia Pitts
5
16
The Fletcher School
Annual Fund Contributors - cont’d
Dal and Jane Poston
Jon and Eileen Powell
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald J. Prescott
Tony and Mara Purcell
Gene and Cindy Ramm
Rick and Yvonne Rayburn
Willie and Laura Rea
Kathy Roberts
Erich and Jean Rupprecht
Chuck and Michelle Salerno
Mr. and Mrs. James
Michael Sanders
Bill and Betsy Simerville
Bob and Jen Simmons
Alan and Patty Simpson
Lee and Libby Smart
Courtney Smith
Stephen and Tracy Smith
Doug and Melanie Somers
Bob and Carol Speizman
Elizabeth Spencer
Ron and Suzi Stephens
Treva Stephens
Mark and Marsha Stiegel
Paul and Lib Stroup
Bryan Sturkey and Kimberly Law
Andrew and Ashley Swistak
Donald and Georgia Szabo
Norman and Judy Taylor
Brian and Darla Terrick
John and Carter Tierney
Tim and Marilyn Tierney
Richard and Jane Tilley
Financial Aid Donors
Anonymous
William and Elizabeth Ashe
Blumenthal Foundation
Karen Trigg
Matt and Anna Tucker
Nordy and Kim Vater
Marion and Shirley Ward
Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Way, Jr.
Sharon Weiss
Martin and Amy Welton
William Willits
Mike and Julie Woodie
Mr. and Mrs. Landon Wyatt, Jr.
Contributors
$1 - $99
Joe and Susan Aldrich
Suzie Amick
Brian Anderson
David and Michelle Anderson
Craven and Carolyn Austin
Jon and Jennifer Babb
Kenneth and Faye Barnett
Arthur and Ellen Bennett
Sean and Lisa Benninghoff
Dan and Wanda Boley
Chris Boone
Ladd and Barbara Brearley
Bryant and Arden Brewer
Lindsay Bridges
Jenks Caldwell, Jr.
Annalee Caruso
Allen and Julie Cassell
Shelly Chandler
Brian and Paula Chapman
Pam Cox
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Culp
Dennis and Cathy Daniels
Patricia Divish
Michael and Barbara Dougherty
Donna Dunlap
Steve and Jennifer Engel
Lorraine Ethridge and Ron Osso
James and Tracy Farrell
Jeffrey Ford and Pegi O’Shea-Ford
Tony and Virginia Franco
Dave and Sharon Fryer
Darin and Kathleen Gantt
Greg and Harriet Geiger
Shirley Gibb
Geoff and Penne Gibson
Richard Graham and Regina Taylor
Sheila Grossek
Terry and Stephanie Hall
Jay and Mary Fran Haney
Jeff and Leah Hanood
Kristen Harper
Clark and Gen Hawgood
Gene and Pauline Healey
Tom and Barbara Henson
Jay Hipkins
Wendy Hoffman
Gill and Siri Holland
Rick and Debbie Holzberg
David and Mary Lou Hudspeth
Chris and Laura Hutchison
Jack and Pam James
Marjorie Jones
Richard and Alyse Jones
Mark and Bonnie Johnson
Michael Kahn
The Leon Levine Foundation,
Sandra and Leon Levine
Bob and Sheryl Mayberry
Daniel and Kelley Ripp
Rankin Institute Donors
Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation
The Rankin Institute
Matching Gift and Corporate
Charitable Donors
AIG
Allegheny Teledyne Inc.
Allen Telecom Inc.
Alliance Bernstein
Ally
Altria Group, Inc.
Ameriprise Financial
AT&T
AXA Foundation
Bank of America
The Beach Company
6
Donna Dunlap
Lee and Dina Feiden
Jon Patrick and
Donna Campbell-Patrick
Bob and Linda Perry
Frank Petersen
Wendell and Linda Phillips
Tom and Betsy Pierce
Regina Pineiro
Rick and Kathy Poe
Bill and Jeannette Price
Michael and Dena Raffler
Reese and Mandy Rencher
Beth Rich
Amy Romeo
Jorge and Carla Sanchez
Liz Schoening
Cathy Scott
Joan Scott
Stephanie Seagraves
Hugh and Greer Shafer
Tracy and Connie Short
Richard and Dorothy Sigmon
Frank and Moira Skopowski
Jim and Leyf Starling
Faye Starnes
Dina Stolpen
Steven and Page Stroup
Anne Sweeney
Scott and Cannon Thomas
Ted and Stephanie Townsend
Ceres Vandiver
Furman and Dorothy Walker
Ginny Wheelock
If you give a kid a…
In-Kind Donations
Restricted Donations
…microphone!
The following list reflects new gifts and pledges to the Create a Bright Future
capital campaign received during the 2012 fiscal year.
Capital Campaign Donors
Anonymous
Doug Buchanan
Sharon Campbell
Anne Jordan
Michael Kenna and
Jennifer Twichell-Kenna
Brian and Judy Killough
Jim and Sharon King
Dan and Kathy Kirkland
Wendy Kraizel and
Aaron Williamson
Kevin and Laurel Lair
Mercer Langley
Angie Lindsay
Shane and Allison Lunsford
Judy Lupse
Dave and Diane Lyon
Karol Matthews
Keith and Pam McCarthy
Jeromy and Nicole McConnell
Tom and Robin McCoy
Denise McKibben
Bill and Frances McMillan
Jon and Tara Meek
John Meinzer
Louis and Elaine Molnar
Burley and Ginger Moss
Michael and Jennifer Newman
Cyndi Oklar
Laura Oliphant
Stephen Olliver and
Christine Plunkett-Olliver
Lanny and Mary Openshaw
Judy Papageorge
John and Jean Parr
Lisa Huntting
Michael and Laura Livingston
Debbie Long
Carlisle Companies
Carroll Financial Associates, Inc.
CB Richard Ellis Inc. Foundation
The CIT Foundation, Inc.
Citigroup Foundation
Cogentrix Energy
Duke Energy Foundation
Prudential Foundation
G E Foundation
The Goodrich Foundation
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
IBM
ING Foundation
Becky Rencher
Scott and Ashley Roehrig
Bobby and McKinsey Samuelson
Ingersoll-Rand
Jefferson-Pilot Corporation
Knight Ridder
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Marsh USA
McKesson HBOC Foundation, Inc.
Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Nucor Corporation
Olympus Corporation
Philip Morris USA
Piedmont Natural Gas
The Charles Schwab Corp. Foundation
Sprint Foundation
Standard Insurance
TIAA-CREF
UBS Foundation
United Guaranty Corporation
The Vanguard Group
Washington Group Foundation
Wells Fargo Bank
XL Global Services
Zurich-Kemper Life
(
((
Teachers and students in grades 2-5 are
discovering creative ways to use technology to
improve reading fluency, accuracy and intonation.
Using programs such as PowerPoint to illustrate
and record original stories, projects and class
readings, students are learning to self-correct their
oral reading and to become invested in the effort
they apply to their work. They record themselves,
listen to the product, and then re-record until
they are happy with their tone and expression. By
presenting their recorded and illustrated projects,
the students are sharing their work in a nonthreatening manner. Some of the most reserved
students are finding their voice and are learning to
be more expressive in other settings.
(
((
exclamations
15
Annual Report 2011-12
Wteo hleoarvferom Former Students!
Endowment: Envision Tomorrow Society Members
John M. Belk Educational Endowment
The Cherok Family
Gifts in Honor of
HANNAH ALDRICH (Fletcher 2006-2008) graduated in May from
Peace College with a degree in psychology. She is currently looking
for employment in the Raleigh area.
Benton Ashe
Tripp and Benton Ashe
Lydia Barlow
Mary Barlow
ANDI BOSTON (Fletcher 2005-2011) finished her freshman
year at Gaston Day School. She was recognized at the school’s
awards night receiving honors from both her English and Spanish
teachers. (3)
RICH DEVITA (Fletcher 2005-2008) graduated in May from East
Carolina University with a degree in Communications with a focus on
Public Relations. Rich spent 3 years working as a marketing assistant for
the ECU athletic department and spent four months in the summer of 2011
in Miami working in Sponsorship Sales for the Orange Bowl Committee. He is
currently working in Chicago and will be married November 24, 2012. (4)
Bailey Barnett
1
Jack Benninghoff
CLAIRE DROPPELMAN (Fletcher 2005-2009) will be studying physical
therapy at Queen’s University, where she received a $20K academic
scholarship.
RAYMOND LUPSE (Fletcher 1997-2000) graduated in
May from The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
with Bachelor Degree in Biology.
Cathy Harris
Chris Boone’s Children
and Grandchildren
Chris Boone
Susie Harris
Michael Kahn Family
Susie Culp
Michael Kahn Family
Mr. and Mrs. James Michael
Sanders
Faye Starnes
3
Ben Eisdorfer and
Sam Eisdorfer
William Willits
Katie Flanagan
RJ SWEENEY (Fletcher 1999-2002) graduated in May from Catholic University of
America.
4
Cameron Greelish
GUY PAYNE (Fletcher 2006-2010) received the 9th Grade English
Award at Ardrey Kell High School.
HOGAN WILDER (Fletcher 2005-2011) has been awarded the Adams Gately Spirit
Award by Boy Scout Troop 55 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. (1)
Benjamin Carmack
Pam Cox
SARAH GRAVES (Fletcher 1999-2002) graduated from
Elon University in May with a degree in psychology. She
is currently in New York City looking for a job. (2)
Don Gately
Michael Kahn
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mayberry, Jr.
Margaret and Rick Sigmon
Marell Cook
2
The Fletcher School
Class of 2012
Will and John Thomas
Bicket
Mary Coffield
CASSIE EAKER (Fletcher 2005-2009) is a senior in college
with a 3.3 grade point average. She is studying abroad in
South Africa with Queens University.
The Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation
The Scott Harris Family
Taylor Harris
Ben and Linda Hawfield
McDade Hawgood
Richard and Betty
Hechenbleikner
Bailey Barnett
Jack and Linda Hinson
Kim Hintz
Fletcher Faculty and Staff
Jay Hipkins
Michael Kahn Family
Fletcher K-5 Faculty
John and Jean Parr
Charley and Lynn Hodges
The Fletcher Students
Bess Forshaw
Brandon Hoffman
Wendy Hoffman
The Fletcher School
and its Mission
Henry Howle
The Ryan Family
Doug and Lanier Hoy
Pinkney and Jo Rankin
Hadley and Hannah Wilson
Charlie Hupe and
Emma Hupe
Andrew Adams Ripp
John Wilson
Rachel James
Burke and Carolyn
Robertson
Gifts in Memory of
Dick and Hanna Kane
Mary Rita Ryan
Mark and Dawn Ryan
Robert Lee Adams
Cantey Kelleher
Matthew Ryan
Carl Cooke
Jerry and Kay Burns
Mason and Aiden Kenna
Michael Kenna and
Jack and Foard Scott
John Scott
Judy Cooke
Jerry and Kay Burns
Ceres Vandiver
Nordy and Kim Vater
Chip Kiefner
Cabell Sheild
Jeff and Debbie Long
Margaret Sigmon
Ray Lupse, Jr.
Judy Lupse
Julia Smith
Elizabeth Spencer
Meredith Martindale
Suzi Stephens
Stephanie Seagraves
Raechel McClellan
Caroline Stroup
Paul and Lib Stroup
Jackson McFarlane
Ray and Jan Swetenburg
The K.B. McIntyre Family
Sandra Higdon
Georgia Szabo
Cherok Family
James McIntyre
Tillie Tice
Sam Meyerson
Doug and Cathy Mitchell
Ashley Norman
David Orsbon
Reed and Harriet Owsley
Nick Pacifici
Guy Payne
David and Harriet Pharr
Yoni Raffler
John and Claire Tate
James Thomas
Carolyn Johnson
Jane Tilley
Michael Kahn Family
Edwin Vaden
Nicholas Vasco
Dorothy Walker
Martin Welton
Bill and Gray White
Walter and Jean Wilkinson
Erica Ely
Dan and Wanda Boley
The Fletcher School
Parents’ Council
Mac Fletcher
Adams Gately
Doug Buchanan
Mercer Langley
Ceres Vandiver
Sallie Hackney
Len Brinkley
Earl Mack Harris
Anonymous
Donald M. McIntosh
Officer Norberto Ortiz
Steve Papageorge
Judy Papageorge
James and Ellen Ross
Lynda Bridger
Louis Seitlin
Dina Stolpen
Tad Tierney
James Trigg
Karen Trigg
Pat Weber
Nordy and Kim Vater
Laurens and Libbie Willard
7
14
Lynn Robertson Celebrates Twenty Years
Each year, with the help of The Parents’ Council, Margaret Sigmon
recognizes the faculty and staff of The Fletcher School for their
dedication to the school and all they have done for our students and
their families.
During the week of activities, teachers were honored with a luncheon
and a generous gift. The luncheon, organized by parents Elizabeth
Sigmon and Paula Chapman, featured a slide show of all of those
being recognized for reaching milestone anniversaries. While every
year of service is noteworthy, faculty and staff members who have
given extended time to The Fletcher School are celebrated. This
year’s list of honorees included the following:
First Annual Global Education Conference:
Empowering Through Education in Eastern Africa
A large component of preparing Upper School students to be successful is
helping them become more globally aware of issues affecting others, both
in their own community or in other countries. To facilitate this objective
and to give students experience in the cooperative requirements of a group
project, we piloted the first Global Education Conference. This conference
was designed to provide the students with a unique opportunity to explore
their interests in a chosen discipline while requiring them to enhance the
skills needed to conduct research, synthesize ideas, collaborate with peers,
and present their finished products through multi-media and multi-sensory
means. The students met in small, cross-grade-level groups over a fourmonth period to explore a key global issue: how education empowers
people.
Several countries in Eastern Africa do not currently have education systems
aimed at providing opportunities for everyone to learn basic academic
principles or essential life skills. Therefore, each group researched
8
more defined areas of need within this broad theme.
The Conference was broken into three sessions. The
“Presentation Session” required each group to conduct
a PowerPoint presentation which enhanced their
public speaking skills while introducing their focus to
their peers. Second, students participated in a “Poster
Session” comprised of table exhibitions that promoted
their plan of action to help empower people through
education in Eastern Africa. Finally, the students
participated in small “Group Forum” discussions where
they analyzed the connections between what each group
presented. Throughout, students had to manage their
time, collaborate with their peers, critically assess the
information they found, and design a plan of action
through which they could make a positive difference in
the life of someone in Eastern Africa.
Lynn Robertson and Margaret Sigmon
Len Brinkley, Anne Jordan, Suzi Stephens, Darla Terrick,
Deb Medlin, and Margaret Sigmon
Tara Meek, Molly Gartlan, Laura Hutchison, Margaret Sigmon,
Andrew Swistak, Anna Tucker, and Jon Babb
Kathleen Gantt, Kim Hintz, Margaret Sigmon, Kim Vater
Helen Kaufman, and Dianne Martin
13
Continued from cover story.
GABE PRATT MEMORIAL
SPIRIT AWARD
The Gabe Pratt Memorial Spirit
Award is presented annually in
loving memory of Gabriel Foy
Pratt, a student at Fletcher from
1993-1996. He died tragically
on February 28, 1998. Gabe
demonstrated an exceptional
spirit of adventure, creativity,
and determination. This award
is presented to the middle
school student(s) who best
exemplifies Gabe’s spirit. This
year’s recipients were Ben Engel
and Jayden Kraizel.
Honors & Awards
MAC FLETCHER AWARD
FALCON SPIRIT AWARD
The Falcon Spirit Award is
presented to those students who
go above and beyond to show
school spirit.
These people
exemplify school pride while
cheering on their classmates.
The winners of this year’s award
were Molly Bloomer and Chip
Kiefner.
The Mac Fletcher Award is
presented at graduation to
the Upper School student who
best represents the spirit of
Mac Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher’s
vision of a school for children
with learning disabilities was a
driving force in the foundation
of The Fletcher School. This year
the Mac Fletcher Award was
given to Sam Moss.
HONOR STUDENT
AWARD
Each year at graduation the
Honor Student Award is given
to the student in the senior class
with the highest grade point
average during the high school
years.
The Fletcher School
Honor Student for 2012 was
Meg Hibbitts.
INTRODUCING
OUR NEW
TRUSTEES
That plan dissolved, but through one of our board members
we found St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Queens Road.
They were receptive to having our school in their educational
building and it was directly across from a small park. We
thought this was an ideal place to begin the school.
CHRIS BERRY (right) has lived in
Charlotte, working in commercial real
estate development, for the past 14
years. He has three children enrolled at
Fletcher – Cameron, Cooper, and Luke.
Chris and his wife, Laura, also have a
son attending Avon Old Farms School
in Avon, Connecticut.
ROBERT DEATON (right) is a
Managing Member of Fat Pitch Capital
and Managing Principal at Southeast
Apartment Investors. He has lived in
the Charlotte area for 12 years and
has a son, Jimmy, attending Fletcher.
Robert and his wife, Gaither, also
have a son, Rob, who is a student at
Charlotte Country Day.
Steve Cherok Chairs a
Successful Annual Fund Drive!
Gabe Pratt Award
Ben Engel
Falcon Spirit Award
Molly Bloomer
Mac Fletcher Award
Sam Moss
Valedictorian
Best Senior Exit Presentation
Meg Hibbitts
END OF YEAR AWARDS
Junior Marshals
Maggie Johnson
Parker Levy
Allie Plepler
Gabe Pratt Award
Jayden Kraizel
12
Falcon Spirit Award
Chip Kiefner
Community Service Society
Phillip Daniels
Maggie Johnson
Meg Hibbitts
Cooper Roberts
In the spring of 1981 we held a meeting to announce to
the public the news of our new school. It was held at
Providence Road Baptist Church which would later become
another home to the school! There were about 20 parents
in attendance. I explained our goals and told the audience
we would have to charge about $5,000 to $7,500 for
tuition. From the very beginning, Mac Fletcher volunteered
to solve all of the tedious problems one-by-one. Whenever
we needed a computer or a minivan, Mac figured out how
to get it.
We started that first year with six students and one teacher.
We were always trying to expand student enrollment in order
to help more kids and produce enough revenue to keep the
school open. I am amazed that today we have our own 13acre campus, serve 260 students, have a staff of 90, and an
outreach program through The Rankin Institute that allows
us to offer educational programs to the community. Am I
proud to serve once again on the Board of Trustees? Yes.
Am I proud to have a grandchild attending Fletcher? Most
definitely!
Steve Cherok served as the Chairman of
the 2011-2012 Annual Fund Drive. He
says that since his son, Steven, started
at The Fletcher School in 2010, he has
seen first-hand the impact the Annual
Fund has on the school’s operating
budget.
The school would never have been successful without the
dedication of our original board members, who included
Gay Pender, Mac Fletcher, Becky Rencher, Larry Porter, and
me. I can assure you that the school’s existence is due to
the many people who took it on as a labor of love. I will
always remember the committed people I met, as we shared
the same heartaches and tried to find solutions to our kids’
struggles. By the way, the child I started the school for went
on to graduate from Charlotte Latin and the University of
Georgia and even started his own business!
Steve and his wife, Cyndi, have three
children; daughter, Katherine, in 9th
grade at Providence Day; son, Steven,
in 6th grade at Fletcher; and daughter,
Emery, a 4th grader at St. Gabriel School. Steve has been employed
with The Trion Group since 1996 and has been a Managing Partner of
the Carolinas since 2007.
I know without a doubt that starting The Fletcher School
was one of the best things I have ever done. If I could offer
one bit of advice to the parents and students today, it would
be to never, never give up. Just keep on working and trying,
and you will succeed.
Thank you to Steve and to all who donated and helped us not only
reach, but surpass our goal!
Bob Speizman
exclamations
9
Graduation
2012
1994 Olympic
Gold Medalist,
Dan Jansen,
Delivers
Commencement
Address
w
o
W
THE FLETCHER SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2012
Layla Barrier
A.J. Dulin
Phillip Daniels
Graham Burns
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
FOR OUR SENIORS
Congratulations Class of 2012 on your college and university acceptances!
Layla Barrier:
Appalachian State University
Graham Burns:
East Carolina University
Phillip Daniels:
Brevard College
A.J. Dulin:
Lees-McRae College
Robert Elwood:
Western Carolina University
Meg Hibbitts:
GAP year
Henry Howle:
High Point University
Ben Jones:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Max Lair:
Gardner-Webb University
Sam Moss:
Savannah College of Art & Design
Emily Purdum:
Jennifer Rice:
School of the Art Institute of
Chicago
Cooper Roberts:
Ringling College of Art & Design
Daniel Woodie:
10
Robert Elwood
Meg Hibbits
Henry Howle
Ben Jones
Max Lair
Samuel Moss
Emily Purdum
Jenny Rice
Cooper Roberts
Daniel Woodie
Four-time Olympic team member, Dan Jansen,
served as the guest speaker at the 2012 graduation
ceremony. Dan, an eight-time world record
holder and winner of 20 world championship
medals, challenged the graduates to redefine
the meaning of success. Instead of giving up, he
told them to recognize obstacles and challenges
as opportunities to demonstrate resiliency and
determination.
Mr. Jansen started the Dan Jansen Foundation
in 1994, which contributes to youth sports,
educational programs, and victims and families
afflicted with leukemia and related cancers. He
has been the speed skating commentator at the
last four Olympic Winter Games.
exclamations
11
Graduation
2012
1994 Olympic
Gold Medalist,
Dan Jansen,
Delivers
Commencement
Address
w
o
W
THE FLETCHER SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2012
Layla Barrier
A.J. Dulin
Phillip Daniels
Graham Burns
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
FOR OUR SENIORS
Congratulations Class of 2012 on your college and university acceptances!
Layla Barrier:
Appalachian State University
Graham Burns:
East Carolina University
Phillip Daniels:
Brevard College
A.J. Dulin:
Lees-McRae College
Robert Elwood:
Western Carolina University
Meg Hibbitts:
GAP year
Henry Howle:
Ben Jones:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Max Lair:
Sam Moss:
Savannah College of Art & Design
Emily Purdum:
Jennifer Rice:
School of the Art Institute of
Chicago
Cooper Roberts:
Ringling College of Art & Design
Daniel Woodie:
10
Robert Elwood
Meg Hibbits
Henry Howle
Ben Jones
Max Lair
Samuel Moss
Emily Purdum
Jenny Rice
Cooper Roberts
Daniel Woodie
Four-time Olympic team member, Dan Jansen,
served as the guest speaker at the 2012 graduation
ceremony. Dan, an eight-time world record
holder and winner of 20 world championship
medals, challenged the graduates to redefine
the meaning of success. Instead of giving up, he
told them to recognize obstacles and challenges
as opportunities to demonstrate resiliency and
determination.
Mr. Jansen started the Dan Jansen Foundation
in 1994, which contributes to youth sports,
educational programs, and victims and families
afflicted with leukemia and related cancers. He
has been the speed skating commentator at the
last four Olympic Winter Games.
exclamations
11
Continued from cover story.
GABE PRATT MEMORIAL
SPIRIT AWARD
The Gabe Pratt Memorial Spirit
Award is presented annually in
loving memory of Gabriel Foy
Pratt, a student at Fletcher from
1993-1996. He died tragically
on February 28, 1998. Gabe
demonstrated an exceptional
spirit of adventure, creativity,
and determination. This award
is presented to the middle
school student(s) who best
exemplifies Gabe’s spirit. This
year’s recipients were Ben Engel
and Jayden Kraizel.
Honors & Awards
MAC FLETCHER AWARD
FALCON SPIRIT AWARD
The Falcon Spirit Award is
presented to those students who
go above and beyond to show
school spirit.
These people
exemplify school pride while
cheering on their classmates.
The winners of this year’s award
were Molly Bloomer and Chip
Kiefner.
The Mac Fletcher Award is
presented at graduation to
the Upper School student who
best represents the spirit of
Mac Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher’s
vision of a school for children
with learning disabilities was a
driving force in the foundation
of The Fletcher School. This year
the Mac Fletcher Award was
given to Sam Moss.
HONOR STUDENT
AWARD
Each year at graduation the
Honor Student Award is given
to the student in the senior class
with the highest grade point
average during the high school
years.
The Fletcher School
Honor Student for 2012 was
Meg Hibbitts.
INTRODUCING
OUR NEW
TRUSTEES
That plan dissolved, but through one of our board members
we found St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Queens Road.
They were receptive to having our school in their educational
building and it was directly across from a small park. We
thought this was an ideal place to begin the school.
CHRIS BERRY (right) has lived in
Charlotte, working in commercial real
estate development, for the past 14
years. He has three children enrolled at
Fletcher – Cameron, Cooper, and Luke.
Chris and his wife, Laura, also have a
son attending Avon Old Farms School
in Avon, Connecticut.
ROBERT DEATON (right) is a
Managing Member of Fat Pitch Capital
and Managing Principal at Southeast
Apartment Investors. He has lived in
the Charlotte area for 12 years and
has a son, Jimmy, attending Fletcher.
Robert and his wife, Gaither, also
have a son, Rob, who is a student at
Charlotte Country Day.
Steve Cherok Chairs a
Successful Annual Fund Drive!
Gabe Pratt Award
Ben Engel
Falcon Spirit Award
Molly Bloomer
Mac Fletcher Award
Sam Moss
Valedictorian
Best Senior Exit Presentation
Meg Hibbitts
END OF YEAR AWARDS
Junior Marshals
Maggie Johnson
Parker Levy
Allie Plepler
Gabe Pratt Award
Jayden Kraizel
12
Falcon Spirit Award
Chip Kiefner
Community Service Society
Phillip Daniels
Maggie Johnson
Meg Hibbitts
Cooper Roberts
In the spring of 1981 we held a meeting to announce to
the public the news of our new school. It was held at
Providence Road Baptist Church which would later become
another home to the school! There were about 20 parents
in attendance. I explained our goals and told the audience
we would have to charge about $5,000 to $7,500 for
tuition. From the very beginning, Mac Fletcher volunteered
to solve all of the tedious problems one-by-one. Whenever
we needed a computer or a minivan, Mac figured out how
to get it.
We started that first year with six students and one teacher.
We were always trying to expand student enrollment in order
to help more kids and produce enough revenue to keep the
school open. I am amazed that today we have our own 13acre campus, serve 260 students, have a staff of 90, and an
outreach program through The Rankin Institute that allows
us to offer educational programs to the community. Am I
proud to serve once again on the Board of Trustees? Yes.
Am I proud to have a grandchild attending Fletcher? Most
definitely!
Steve Cherok served as the Chairman of
the 2011-2012 Annual Fund Drive. He
says that since his son, Steven, started
at The Fletcher School in 2010, he has
seen first-hand the impact the Annual
Fund has on the school’s operating
budget.
The school would never have been successful without the
dedication of our original board members, who included
Gay Pender, Mac Fletcher, Becky Rencher, Larry Porter, and
me. I can assure you that the school’s existence is due to
the many people who took it on as a labor of love. I will
always remember the committed people I met, as we shared
the same heartaches and tried to find solutions to our kids’
struggles. By the way, the child I started the school for went
on to graduate from Charlotte Latin and the University of
Georgia and even started his own business!
Steve and his wife, Cyndi, have three
children; daughter, Katherine, in 9th
grade at Providence Day; son, Steven,
in 6th grade at Fletcher; and daughter,
Emery, a 4th grader at St. Gabriel School. Steve has been employed
with The Trion Group since 1996 and has been a Managing Partner of
the Carolinas since 2007.
I know without a doubt that starting The Fletcher School
was one of the best things I have ever done. If I could offer
one bit of advice to the parents and students today, it would
be to never, never give up. Just keep on working and trying,
and you will succeed.
Thank you to Steve and to all who donated and helped us not only
reach, but surpass our goal!
Bob Speizman
exclamations
9
Lynn Robertson Celebrates Twenty Years
Each year, with the help of The Parents’ Council, Margaret Sigmon
recognizes the faculty and staff of The Fletcher School for their
dedication to the school and all they have done for our students and
their families.
During the week of activities, teachers were honored with a luncheon
and a generous gift. The luncheon, organized by parents Elizabeth
Sigmon and Paula Chapman, featured a slide show of all of those
being recognized for reaching milestone anniversaries. While every
year of service is noteworthy, faculty and staff members who have
given extended time to The Fletcher School are celebrated. This
year’s list of honorees included the following:
First Annual Global Education Conference:
Empowering Through Education in Eastern Africa
A large component of preparing Upper School students to be successful is
helping them become more globally aware of issues affecting others, both
in their own community or in other countries. To facilitate this objective
and to give students experience in the cooperative requirements of a group
project, we piloted the first Global Education Conference. This conference
was designed to provide the students with a unique opportunity to explore
their interests in a chosen discipline while requiring them to enhance the
skills needed to conduct research, synthesize ideas, collaborate with peers,
and present their finished products through multi-media and multi-sensory
means. The students met in small, cross-grade-level groups over a fourmonth period to explore a key global issue: how education empowers
people.
Several countries in Eastern Africa do not currently have education systems
aimed at providing opportunities for everyone to learn basic academic
principles or essential life skills. Therefore, each group researched
8
more defined areas of need within this broad theme.
The Conference was broken into three sessions. The
“Presentation Session” required each group to conduct
a PowerPoint presentation which enhanced their
public speaking skills while introducing their focus to
their peers. Second, students participated in a “Poster
Session” comprised of table exhibitions that promoted
their plan of action to help empower people through
education in Eastern Africa. Finally, the students
participated in small “Group Forum” discussions where
they analyzed the connections between what each group
presented. Throughout, students had to manage their
time, collaborate with their peers, critically assess the
information they found, and design a plan of action
through which they could make a positive difference in
the life of someone in Eastern Africa.
Lynn Robertson and Margaret Sigmon
Len Brinkley, Anne Jordan, Suzi Stephens, Darla Terrick,
Deb Medlin, and Margaret Sigmon
Tara Meek, Molly Gartlan, Laura Hutchison, Margaret Sigmon,
Andrew Swistak, Anna Tucker, and Jon Babb
Kathleen Gantt, Kim Hintz, Margaret Sigmon, Kim Vater
Helen Kaufman, and Dianne Martin
13
Annual Report 2011-12
Wteo hleoarvferom Former Students!
Endowment: Envision Tomorrow Society Members
John M. Belk Educational Endowment
The Cherok Family
Gifts in Honor of
HANNAH ALDRICH (Fletcher 2006-2008) graduated in May from
Peace College with a degree in psychology. She is currently looking
for employment in the Raleigh area.
Benton Ashe
Tripp and Benton Ashe
Lydia Barlow
Mary Barlow
ANDI BOSTON (Fletcher 2005-2011) finished her freshman
year at Gaston Day School. She was recognized at the school’s
awards night receiving honors from both her English and Spanish
teachers. (3)
RICH DEVITA (Fletcher 2005-2008) graduated in May from East
Carolina University with a degree in Communications with a focus on
Public Relations. Rich spent 3 years working as a marketing assistant for
the ECU athletic department and spent four months in the summer of 2011
in Miami working in Sponsorship Sales for the Orange Bowl Committee. He is
currently working in Chicago and will be married November 24, 2012. (4)
Bailey Barnett
1
Jack Benninghoff
CLAIRE DROPPELMAN (Fletcher 2005-2009) will be studying physical
therapy at Queen’s University, where she received a $20K academic
scholarship.
RAYMOND LUPSE (Fletcher 1997-2000) graduated in
May from The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
with Bachelor Degree in Biology.
Cathy Harris
Chris Boone’s Children
and Grandchildren
Chris Boone
Susie Harris
Michael Kahn Family
Susie Culp
Michael Kahn Family
Mr. and Mrs. James Michael
Sanders
Faye Starnes
3
Ben Eisdorfer and
Sam Eisdorfer
William Willits
Katie Flanagan
RJ SWEENEY (Fletcher 1999-2002) graduated in May from Catholic University of
America.
4
Cameron Greelish
GUY PAYNE (Fletcher 2006-2010) received the 9th Grade English
Award at Ardrey Kell High School.
HOGAN WILDER (Fletcher 2005-2011) has been awarded the Adams Gately Spirit
Award by Boy Scout Troop 55 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. (1)
Benjamin Carmack
Pam Cox
SARAH GRAVES (Fletcher 1999-2002) graduated from
Elon University in May with a degree in psychology. She
is currently in New York City looking for a job. (2)
Don Gately
Michael Kahn
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mayberry, Jr.
Margaret and Rick Sigmon
Marell Cook
2
The Fletcher School
Class of 2012
Will and John Thomas
Bicket
Mary Coffield
CASSIE EAKER (Fletcher 2005-2009) is a senior in college
with a 3.3 grade point average. She is studying abroad in
South Africa with Queens University.
The Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation
The Scott Harris Family
Taylor Harris
Ben and Linda Hawfield
McDade Hawgood
Richard and Betty
Hechenbleikner
Bailey Barnett
Jack and Linda Hinson
Kim Hintz
Fletcher Faculty and Staff
Jay Hipkins
Michael Kahn Family
Fletcher K-5 Faculty
John and Jean Parr
Charley and Lynn Hodges
The Fletcher Students
Bess Forshaw
Brandon Hoffman
Wendy Hoffman
The Fletcher School
and its Mission
Henry Howle
The Ryan Family
Doug and Lanier Hoy
Pinkney and Jo Rankin
Hadley and Hannah Wilson
Charlie Hupe and
Emma Hupe
Andrew Adams Ripp
John Wilson
Rachel James
Burke and Carolyn
Robertson
Gifts in Memory of
Dick and Hanna Kane
Mary Rita Ryan
Mark and Dawn Ryan
Robert Lee Adams
Cantey Kelleher
Matthew Ryan
Carl Cooke
Jerry and Kay Burns
Mason and Aiden Kenna
Michael Kenna and
Jack and Foard Scott
John Scott
Judy Cooke
Jerry and Kay Burns
Ceres Vandiver
Nordy and Kim Vater
Chip Kiefner
Cabell Sheild
Jeff and Debbie Long
Margaret Sigmon
Ray Lupse, Jr.
Judy Lupse
Julia Smith
Elizabeth Spencer
Meredith Martindale
Suzi Stephens
Stephanie Seagraves
Raechel McClellan
Caroline Stroup
Paul and Lib Stroup
Jackson McFarlane
Ray and Jan Swetenburg
The K.B. McIntyre Family
Sandra Higdon
Georgia Szabo
Cherok Family
James McIntyre
Tillie Tice
Sam Meyerson
Doug and Cathy Mitchell
Ashley Norman
David Orsbon
Reed and Harriet Owsley
Nick Pacifici
Guy Payne
David and Harriet Pharr
Yoni Raffler
John and Claire Tate
James Thomas
Carolyn Johnson
Jane Tilley
Michael Kahn Family
Edwin Vaden
Nicholas Vasco
Dorothy Walker
Martin Welton
Bill and Gray White
Walter and Jean Wilkinson
Erica Ely
Dan and Wanda Boley
The Fletcher School
Parents’ Council
Mac Fletcher
Adams Gately
Doug Buchanan
Mercer Langley
Ceres Vandiver
Sallie Hackney
Len Brinkley
Earl Mack Harris
Anonymous
Donald M. McIntosh
Officer Norberto Ortiz
Steve Papageorge
Judy Papageorge
James and Ellen Ross
Lynda Bridger
Louis Seitlin
Dina Stolpen
Tad Tierney
James Trigg
Karen Trigg
Pat Weber
Nordy and Kim Vater
Laurens and Libbie Willard
7
14
The Fletcher School
Annual Fund Contributors - cont’d
Dal and Jane Poston
Gene and Cindy Ramm
Willie and Laura Rea
Kathy Roberts
Erich and Jean Rupprecht
Chuck and Michelle Salerno
Mr. and Mrs. James
Michael Sanders
Bill and Betsy Simerville
Bob and Jen Simmons
Alan and Patty Simpson
Lee and Libby Smart
Courtney Smith
Stephen and Tracy Smith
Doug and Melanie Somers
Bob and Carol Speizman
Elizabeth Spencer
Ron and Suzi Stephens
Treva Stephens
Mark and Marsha Stiegel
Paul and Lib Stroup
Bryan Sturkey and Kimberly Law
Andrew and Ashley Swistak
Donald and Georgia Szabo
Norman and Judy Taylor
Brian and Darla Terrick
John and Carter Tierney
Richard and Jane Tilley
Financial Aid Donors
Anonymous
William and Elizabeth Ashe
Blumenthal Foundation
Karen Trigg
Nordy and Kim Vater
Sharon Weiss
Martin and Amy Welton
William Willits
Mike and Julie Woodie
Mr. and Mrs. Landon Wyatt, Jr.
Contributors
$1 - $99
Joe and Susan Aldrich
Suzie Amick
Brian Anderson
David and Michelle Anderson
Craven and Carolyn Austin
Jon and Jennifer Babb
Kenneth and Faye Barnett
Arthur and Ellen Bennett
Sean and Lisa Benninghoff
Dan and Wanda Boley
Chris Boone
Ladd and Barbara Brearley
Bryant and Arden Brewer
Lindsay Bridges
Jenks Caldwell, Jr.
Annalee Caruso
Allen and Julie Cassell
Shelly Chandler
Brian and Paula Chapman
Pam Cox
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Culp
Dennis and Cathy Daniels
Patricia Divish
Michael and Barbara Dougherty
Donna Dunlap
Steve and Jennifer Engel
Lorraine Ethridge and Ron Osso
James and Tracy Farrell
Dave and Sharon Fryer
Darin and Kathleen Gantt
Greg and Harriet Geiger
Shirley Gibb
Geoff and Penne Gibson
Sheila Grossek
Terry and Stephanie Hall
Jay and Mary Fran Haney
Jeff and Leah Hanood
Kristen Harper
Clark and Gen Hawgood
Gene and Pauline Healey
Jay Hipkins
Wendy Hoffman
Gill and Siri Holland
Rick and Debbie Holzberg
David and Mary Lou Hudspeth
Chris and Laura Hutchison
Jack and Pam James
Marjorie Jones
Mark and Bonnie Johnson
Michael Kahn
The Leon Levine Foundation,
Sandra and Leon Levine
Bob and Sheryl Mayberry
Rankin Institute Donors
Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation
The Rankin Institute
Matching Gift and Corporate
Charitable Donors
AIG
Allegheny Teledyne Inc.
Allen Telecom Inc.
Alliance Bernstein
Ally
Altria Group, Inc.
Ameriprise Financial
AT&T
AXA Foundation
Bank of America
The Beach Company
6
Donna Dunlap
Lee and Dina Feiden
Jon Patrick and
Donna Campbell-Patrick
Bob and Linda Perry
Frank Petersen
Wendell and Linda Phillips
Regina Pineiro
Rick and Kathy Poe
Reese and Mandy Rencher
Beth Rich
Amy Romeo
Jorge and Carla Sanchez
Liz Schoening
Cathy Scott
Joan Scott
Stephanie Seagraves
Hugh and Greer Shafer
Tracy and Connie Short
Jim and Leyf Starling
Faye Starnes
Dina Stolpen
Steven and Page Stroup
Anne Sweeney
Scott and Cannon Thomas
Ted and Stephanie Townsend
Ceres Vandiver
Furman and Dorothy Walker
Ginny Wheelock
If you give a kid a…
In-Kind Donations
Restricted Donations
…microphone!
The following list reflects new gifts and pledges to the Create a Bright Future
capital campaign received during the 2012 fiscal year.
Capital Campaign Donors
Anonymous
Doug Buchanan
Sharon Campbell
Anne Jordan
Michael Kenna and
Jim and Sharon King
Wendy Kraizel and
Aaron Williamson
Kevin and Laurel Lair
Mercer Langley
Angie Lindsay
Shane and Allison Lunsford
Judy Lupse
Dave and Diane Lyon
Karol Matthews
Keith and Pam McCarthy
Jeromy and Nicole McConnell
Tom and Robin McCoy
Denise McKibben
Bill and Frances McMillan
Jon and Tara Meek
John Meinzer
Louis and Elaine Molnar
Burley and Ginger Moss
Michael and Jennifer Newman
Cyndi Oklar
Laura Oliphant
Stephen Olliver and
Christine Plunkett-Olliver
Lanny and Mary Openshaw
Judy Papageorge
John and Jean Parr
Lisa Huntting
Michael and Laura Livingston
Debbie Long
Carlisle Companies
Carroll Financial Associates, Inc.
CB Richard Ellis Inc. Foundation
The CIT Foundation, Inc.
Citigroup Foundation
Cogentrix Energy
Duke Energy Foundation
Prudential Foundation
G E Foundation
The Goodrich Foundation
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
IBM
ING Foundation
Becky Rencher
Bobby and McKinsey Samuelson
Ingersoll-Rand
Jefferson-Pilot Corporation
Knight Ridder
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Marsh USA
McKesson HBOC Foundation, Inc.
Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Nucor Corporation
Olympus Corporation
Philip Morris USA
Piedmont Natural Gas
The Charles Schwab Corp. Foundation
Sprint Foundation
Standard Insurance
TIAA-CREF
UBS Foundation
United Guaranty Corporation
The Vanguard Group
Washington Group Foundation
Wells Fargo Bank
XL Global Services
Zurich-Kemper Life
(
((
Teachers and students in grades 2-5 are
discovering creative ways to use technology to
improve reading fluency, accuracy and intonation.
Using programs such as PowerPoint to illustrate
and record original stories, projects and class
readings, students are learning to self-correct their
oral reading and to become invested in the effort
they apply to their work. They record themselves,
listen to the product, and then re-record until
they are happy with their tone and expression. By
presenting their recorded and illustrated projects,
the students are sharing their work in a nonthreatening manner. Some of the most reserved
students are finding their voice and are learning to
be more expressive in other settings.
(
((
exclamations
15
The Fletcher School
Supporters 2011-12
Fletcher Abroad
Patrons Club
$5,000+
George W and Ruth R Baxter
Foundation
Sally Gambrell
The Michael Kahn Family
Barrett and Astri Kollme
Tommy Morgan
Jeff and MC Pilon
Kurt and Andrea Powell
Mark and Dawn Ryan
Courtney Scott
John Scott
John and Debby Wallace
Tom and Jeanne Wickwire
The 2012 Fletcher Abroad entourage traveled to Australia,
New Zealand, and Fiji during the last two weeks of June. The group was lead
by Suzi Stephens, Division Head; and Debbie Holzberg, a Fletcher teacher.
They were joined by students and chaperones from Ardrey Kell, Myers Park,
Providence, and Hough High.
Fletcher travelers included Cooper Roberts, Chase McNaughton, Ben Jones,
Henry Howle, Robert Elwood, Everett Wickwire, Mike Farrell, Caleb Abbott,
Will Stone, Hunter Cox, and a former student, Dalton Hatley.
geothermal area, ride the Skyline Gondola, visit the
Agrodome and see Aukland’s Mount Eden. Next,
the group flew to Brisbane and traveled through
the Glasshouse Mountains and Noosa National
Park before taking a Ferry to Fraser Island. Back on
the mainland, they visited the Underwater Work
Oceanarium and Surfers Paradise. Other adventures
along the way included a harbor cruise in Sydney, a visit
to Sydney Wildlife World, a walking tour of The Rocks,
and a trip to Coffs Harbour.
The trip itinerary began in Fiji, then on to Auckland, New Zealand. From
there, the group traveled to Rotorua to tour the city and lake, visit the Whaka
Fletcher Hosts Annual Conference
The Fletcher School hosted the 2012 Annual Conference of the North Carolina Chapter of the International Dyslexia
Association (NCIDA). The NCIDA was established in 1986 with the purpose of increasing public awareness of dyslexia
throughout North Carolina. Many of the 300-plus members are actively involved in the treatment and remediation of dyslexia.
The members are educators, psychologists, physicians, social workers, tutors,
and parents who have dealt with learning disability issues as well as individuals with dyslexia.
The conference was held at The Fletcher School March 2-3 and offered an opportunity to learn and collaborate.
Those who attended left better prepared to make a difference in the lives of the individuals with whom we work and live.
Founders Club
$2,500 - $4,999
Cherok Family
Andy and Cathy Dulin
Todd and Pamela Duvick
Brotherhood Foundation
Jeff and Liz Gore
Alex Hemby Foundation
Beverly Leahy
Debbie Long
Clyde and Carol Preslar
Greg and Kim Stone
Fletcher Club
$1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous
John and Susan Allbert
Steele and Debby Alphin
Eric and Laurie Andreozzi
Charlie and Karen Bald
Brian and Elizabeth Barbery
Claudia Belk
John and Lou Boyte
Julie Bradlow
Walt and Helen Brinkley
Bill and Dana Byron
Charles and Reid Campbell
Brandon and Ellen Carter
Strawn and Susan Cathcart
Chris and Liz Choka
Tom and Marcy Coker
Philip and Lisa Cope
Jay and Ellen Daniel
Robert and Gaither Deaton
George and Meg Dewey
The Dickson Foundation, Inc
Paul and Heather Dillingham
Fred and Rose Fowler
Charlie and Caren Gale
Sarah Belk Gambrell
Jeff and Bari Gorelick
Chris and Leeann Gregson
Will and Sally Wise Howle
Greg and India Keith
Janice Ladley
Keith Law
Keith and Angie Lowe
Mike and Connie Martin
Craig and Connie May
Rob and Raechel McClellan
Chris and Caroline McDowell
Ted and Melanie McGavran
John and Civil McGowan
Edward McMillan and
Margaret Divish
Mike and Lesli McNamara
Flint and Julie McNaughton
Mark Miralia
Dino and Susan Pacifici
Art and Nell Parker
Cary Pickard
Anne Pipkin
Lew and Dannye Powell
Preston and Lynn Purdum
Becky Rencher
Benjamin and Ceci Robinson
Dr. Russell A. and Lynn D. Salton
John and Candy Scanlon
Hank and Mary Schmulling
William and Elizabeth Sigmon
Tommy and Amy Thalman
Tillie Tice
Matt and Diana Wakefield
Edward and Ainslie Wall
Bill and Paige Wallace
Mr. Charles I. Waters
Ms. Sara K. Waters
Robert Wicker and Suzanna Fox
Ben and Angela Williams
We have diligently sought to include the names of all the individuals and
organizations that made new pledges or gifts to The Fletcher School during
the 2012 Fiscal Year, which ended June 30th. In the event that we have
omitted or misspelled an individual’s or organization’s name, we offer our
sincere apology and ask that you contact the Development Office at
704-365-4658 ext. 1103 so that we can correct our records.
Marathon Club
$500 - $999
Anonymous (2)
Rashsaan Alston
Phil and Tracy Bennett
Gail Bloomer
Niles Bolton
Lynda Bridger
Sandy Burnett
James D. Cox
Jon and Teresa Currier
Yvonne Dunlap
Michael and Kim Farr
Lee and Dina Feiden
Mimi and James Fountain
Tom and Carol Fourre
David and Ellen Framm
Bruce and Cindy Grier
Al and Leslie Grygiel
Ned and Ellen Hardison
Will and Kate Hardison
Robert Harley and Justina Clemons
Kirt and Kathy Hibbitts
Dan and Karen Howard
Timothy and Lisa Kendrick
Shawn and Tammy LaBelle
Mark and Beverly Ladley
Michael and Holly Lawroski
Tom and Cindy Libhardt
Sybil Lynch
George and Linda Mahoney
Sam and Jenny McElhaney
Jae and Riley McGuirt
K. B. and Mary Beth McIntyre
Bill and Litsa Pappas
Andy and Julie Peach
Joseph and Kama Pierce
Mrs. John Benton Pipkin, II
Jay and Cathryn Rivers
Mark and Melinda Roberts
Shel and Stacy Robinson
Tripp and Kamie Rudisill
Patrick and Julie Russo
Joe and Rebecca Schrader
Amy Seitlin
Carolyn and Harold Sharpe
Greg Sizemore and Michaela Arndt
Ellen Smith
John and Suzi Stephens
Paul and Melissa Stroup
Michael and Lori Wehmueller
Scott and Susan Young
Stepping Stones Club
$300 - $499
Frank and Mitzi Alexander
Peter and Winslow Barlow
Penny Benkeser
Beth Bennett
Christopher and Carol Benson
Skip and Pam Berry
Michael and Elizabeth Blair
Charles and Rebecca Cheney
Stacy and LaShawn Flynn
Darren and Kathryn Frank
Jay and Rebecca Grant
Paul and Gray Green
Gary and Merna Johnson
Jim and Kee Marshall
Debi Medlin
Larry and Gay Porter
Butch and Lynn Robertson
Bryan Smith and
Susan Spencer-Smith
Tommy and Patti Thomas
David and Tess Whelpley
Douglas Williams
Footprints Club
$100 - $299
Anonymous (4)
Charles and Aimee Almond
Doug and Paula Banks
Malcolm Barlow
Mary Barlow
Bailey Barnett
Don and Marilyn Barrier
Kimberly Binford
Jeff and Mary Bobbitt
Len Brinkley
Fred and Opal Bryant
Jerry and Kay Burns
Roger and Cindy Burns
Merrily Caldwell
Don and Janet Carter
Richard and Beverly Cheniae
Margaret Clair
Paul and Karen Clark
Kevin and Lisa Clarke
Cliff and Becca Collins
Jack Costin
Jim Cox
Tom and Janine DeFeo
Mark and Adele Dillon
Roddey Dowd, Sr
Will and Valrie Duke
Roger and Suzanne Edwards
Brian Elliott
Lincoln and Jackie Ely
Gordon and Teresa Folz
Bess Forshaw
Steve and Lisa Friedman
Larry and Wanda Fuschino
Matt and Betsy Gantt
Scott and Molly Gartlan
Frank and Sarah Gentry
Gerry and Joanie Gerken
David and Marianne Gertner
Florence Groen
Llew Haden
Lib Harkey
Mark and Page Henderson
Sandra Higdon
Paul and Bobbie Jo Hille
David and Kay Hilliard
Kim Hintz
Tiger and Jacque Holmes
Alex and Chris Horchak
Andy and Christy Horwitz
Steve and Doris Hurr
Carolyn Johnson
Dick and Hanna Kane
Helen Kaufman
Julie Kimmel
Keith and Allison Kitchen
Frank and Jane Knox
David and Rudy Koehler
Al and Helene Levine
Rob and Page Mack
Michael and Laura Maguire
Greg Mangum
Rev. and Mrs. James R. Martin
Lee and Mary Beth McGaugh
Bridger and Heidi Medlin
Tom and Becky Meleney
James and Beverly Moss
Tom and Christina Mueth
Don and Amy Mullen
Bill and Susan Munson
Edwin and Jill Newman
Peggy Newton
John E. O’Malley
Joanne Oliver
Paul and Beth Osowski
Brian and Alison Parrella
Brian Paynter and Stefany Ferrell
Rob and Jane Pearson
Sonny and Martha Pendleton
Matthew Perry
Geoffrey and Julie Person
Randy and Emily Phillips
Enrico and Dianne Piraino
Charles and Cynthia Pitts
5
16
Angels are Everywhere
by Laura King Edwards
In the spring of 2006, The Fletcher School
accepted Taylor into their incoming third
grade class. It wasn’t until that summer –
just weeks before her first day at Fletcher
– that a geneticist delivered the crushing
diagnosis of infantile Batten disease, and
our lives changed forever.
Some people find it easier to block out
life’s most painful moments, but I haven’t
forgotten anything about the days and weeks
following Taylor’s diagnosis. I remember
when Mom called the school’s leaders
and tried to put into words the
tragedy that had befallen our
family. She told them she would
understand if they no longer
had a place for my sister.
But The Fletcher School did
more than just accept my
younger sister into their student
body. They adopted her. It has been
nearly six years since the administration
assured my mother they would figure things
out together. Today, my “little” sister is
almost as tall as I am and will be 14 in
August. When she first walked through the
doors of The Fletcher School as a third
grader, she still had almost all of her vision;
on the surface, infantile Batten disease had
very little of her.
Even as Batten disease continued to tighten
its grip on my sister during the past several
years, I never worried that the kids at school
would be cruel to her. I simply worried that
they would be human - that they would get
caught up in their own lives, and that Taylor,
blind and struggling with her speech, would
simply miss the wave.
4
It would be disingenuous of me to claim that
Taylor has had the benefit of every moment
– of every memory – that her friends have
experienced. I refuse to sugar-coat Batten
disease; nothing about it is easy; there is
no silver lining. But her friends have made
every effort to illuminate Taylor’s dark world
with small acts of great love. I think many
adults would do well to take a lesson from
the students at Fletcher who have found a
way to put a smile on my sister’s face when
she has every right to be angry at the world.
I can only imagine the number of inspiring
stories that will continue to make their way
to me in the coming days and weeks, but
here are a few I heard today:
Students had to pay $5 to attend the
fundraiser. But one student donated the
contents of his allowance jar – over $150.
One student paid the minimum $5 to attend.
The day before the fundraiser, she told one
of the teachers she wanted her money back.
When asked why, she produced a $20 bill.
She explained that she received the money
for her 16th birthday; when she realized that
many children with Batten disease never get
to celebrate their 16th birthday, she knew
she wanted to give her birthday money to
Taylor’s Tale.
Taylor’s girlfriends danced with
her throughout the entire event;
when the crowd turned to face a
different wall, they always made
sure she faced the right way.
When Andre invited the girls
onto the stage toward the end
of the program, they helped her
navigate the stairs so she wouldn’t
get left behind.
A few weeks ago, my parents told me the
kids and teachers at Fletcher were working
on a “cardio craze” fundraiser for Taylor’s
Tale. They planned to ask Andre Hairston,
a local celebrity and fitness instructor who
had supported our organization in the past,
to lead the session.
We didn’t hear much more after that. This
morning, when Dad dropped Taylor off at
school, he guessed that half the student
body wore purple or pink – Taylor’s favorite
colors. And when I entered the gym for the
event this afternoon, I walked into a sea of
glitter, sparkle and love.
The kids at Fletcher put on an event that
took place in a school gym, lasted a mere 45
minutes and yet raised more than $3,500 in
support of our fight against Batten disease.
That is a lot of money. But I hope they know
that more than the money they raised, the
heart they put into the event – and the
kindness they show toward my sister each
and every day – are what define them. Today,
they gave me a much-needed reminder that
even in the face of great tragedy, angels are
everywhere.
Special thanks to The Fletcher School’s
students, teachers and administrators and
Andre Hairston for staging this incredible
event for Taylor’s Tale.
Outside
the Classroom
2011-12
Overall Participation in activities 75% (197 students)
Kid Corral program a success
(97 students or 87% of the Lower/Intermediate School)
Three Sessions per year
Fall: 170 participants
Winter: 166 participants
Spring: 191 participants
Lower School: 40 participants
Intermediate School: 50 participants
Middle School: 65 participants
Upper School: 42 participants
90 student athletes/14 participated in 3 sports/
28 participated in 2 sports
Study Hall (57 students)
Homework Hall (45 students)
Extended Day, grades 1-5 (25 students)
Before School, grades K-8 (46 students)
Half Day Homestretch, K-8, implemented for the first time
(25 students)
Conference sports
Hosted Basketball Tournament
Activities offered - cartooning, chorus, movement and dance,
social skills, drama, jump rope, Legos, Fun with Science, etc.
Athletics: swim team, volleyball, basketball, soccer, ultimate
Frisbee, cross country
FIRST ATHLETIC AWARDS CEREMONY
Second place - tournament and conference Middle School Boys Basketball
Second place - conference - Middle School Boys Cross Country
Third place - conference - Middle School Girls Basketball
Cooper Roberts named All Tournament
and All Conference Player for basketball
Rachael James named All Conference for Basketball
Jayden Kraizel named All Tournament for Basketball
Makayla Somers named All Conference for Volleyball
Jayden Kraizel named All Tournament for Volleyball
Zach Dougherty and Ed McGavran received
medals for Cross Country Championship
exclamations
17
Fletcher Teachers
are Finalists…
Parents’
Council
update
My Child Has WHAT?
Margarent Sigmon, Ellen Daniel, and Susie Harris
…at Microsoft’s Partners
in Learning U.S. Forum
It was a good year...,
well really since we’ve been at
Fletcher, every year has been great! I’m so thankful that the
school was here when we needed it.
One of the goals of the Parents’ Council is to foster a sense of
community within our school. The smiling faces and laughter
at the Fall Family Festival and the Family Dinner and Talent
Show were proof enough that we achieved our goal! We
also welcomed new families, hosted teacher luncheons, and
held the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Week in May. These events
and many others could not have been accomplished without
participation in our membership drive at the beginning of the year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the chairpersons on the
Board for their hard work. Each one put 100% into their job, and I am very grateful
for their dedication. I also want to recognize the parents who volunteered to make each event a success.
I am pleased to announce that Julie Peach will serve as the 2012-13 Parents’ Council President. Julie and the new
committee members will do a terrific job planning the events for next year.
My best wishes to all of you for a safe and fun filled summer. To our 14 graduates, I send Parents’ Council’s sincere
congratulations for your accomplishments! To those of you leaving Fletcher, we wish you continued success in your
next journey. And for those of our families who are returning, I look forward to seeing you all in the Fall.
Sincerely,
Ellen Daniel
Parents’ Council President, 2011-2012
18
BookFair
success continues
for The Rankin
Institute:
Lorraine Ethridge (above left) and Stephanie Hall (right) have been selected
by Microsoft as two of 102 educators from 25 states to showcase the
innovative ways they are using technology in and beyond the classroom
at the MICROSOFT PARTNERS IN LEARNING 2012 US Forum. The
Partners in Learning Forum is an annual event that celebrates the nation’s
top educators for the outstanding work they are doing with technology to
creatively engage students. Educators will compete for a chance to represent
the United States at Microsoft’s global forum this fall in Athens, Greece.
The Rankin Institute enjoyed another successful
year in 2011-12. Our workshop series, My Child
Has WHAT? continues to be our most popular
program. All topics in the series experienced excellent
attendance; especially Auditory Processing and
Aspergers, both of which were attended by more
than 100 people. We saw many new faces at all
of our workshops, demonstrating that more and
more people are learning of our wonderful outreach
programs. In particular, there was an increase in
the number of home school parents coming to our
workshops.
Katz Speaks at Fletcher Forum
The Fourteenth Annual Fletcher Forum featured
Dr. Mark Katz, a clinical psychologist, who spoke
about resiliency in children who struggle in school
but succeed in life. He also taught a workshop for
teachers on incorporating resiliency factors into
students’ lives to help them succeed.
Coming in 2012-13
Ethridge and Hall were selected for their project, BizMovie, which was
modified to fit their 8th grade curricular needs. The unit gives students
the real-world experience of running their own production company. The
8th graders shot live video and learned to edit it to create a movie. They
learned about the entrepreneurial cycle by designing, producing, marketing
and selling tickets to their film. The students collaborated on brainstorming
and script writing across the curriculum of writing and computer classes.
They created their own marketing materials and kept track of their finances.
Students learned the importance of creative and critical thinking as they
gained practical experience in the business world.
“These educators are essential in ensuring that our students are armed with
the 21st-century skills that are vital to compete in the globally competitive
workforce.” said Andrew Ko, General Manager, U.S. Partners in Learning,
Microsoft.
Ms. Hall notes that “to be recognized by Microsoft as among the best in our
field for inspiring students to learn through technology is incredible.”
In response to the increasing demand for more
information on Auditory Processing issues, the
Fifteenth Annual Fletcher Forum will feature Dr. Jay
Lucker, a licensed audiologist and speech-language
pathologist. Save the date of February 7, 2013 for
the Community Workshop and February 8, 2013 for
the Teacher Workshop.
The Rankin Institute is excited to add some new
workshops for the upcoming school year. Be There
Dad is a four-part series for fathers. It will be led
by Jeff Usher and is scheduled for October. We
will also welcome Kirk Martin and his Celebrating
Calm workshop in November. Keep an eye out for
forthcoming information on these great programs.
We look forward to another successful year!
exclamations
3
We invite you…
…to make an investment in the future of
The Fletcher School by joining
THE ENVISION TOMORROW SOCIETY.
The
Envision Tomorrow
Society raises
– Robert Deaton, Chairman
$1 Million!
The Envision Tomorrow Society was created by
Fletcher supporters to provide an endowment
which will reduce the school’s dependence on
the Annual Fund. It provides the school with
the flexibility to pursue its mission while keeping
tuition as low as possible. Gifts to the Envision
Tomorrow endowment are invested to supply a
THE
ORROW
ENVISION TOM
SOCIETY
the
As a member of
row Society,
Envision Tomor
ef
rating your beli
st
on
em
d
e
ar
u
yo
the school
in the mission of
success
by ensuring its
to come.
for generations
* TOWARDS A
$1.5 MILLION GOAL
2
*
steady, annual source of funds to support the longterm financial health of the school. Endowment fund
investment is overseen by the Finance Committee of
the Board of Trustees and a portion of investment
earnings are contributed to the annual operating
budget.
The Fletcher School meets a vital need in the
Charlotte community and is a life-changing
resource for students who have been diagnosed
with specific learning disabilities. The school
provides a comprehensive education, restores
self-esteem, and offers hope to bright children
who cannot learn successfully in another
setting. Unlike other private schools, it truly
is a school of need, not one of choice, for
these students who cross all socioeconomic
boundaries.
Gifts to the endowment fund tie together
the present and future by providing
lasting financial support for Fletcher’s
educational mission. When you join The
Fletcher School’s Envision Tomorrow
Society, you are truly making a gift with a
future! Your commitment guarantees that
financial support will remain available
for the future needs of the school and its
students. As a member of the Envision
Tomorrow Society, you are demonstrating your belief
in the mission of the school by ensuring its success
for generations to come. We invite you to make an
investment in that vision today, by joining the Envision
Tomorrow Society with your donation of $100,000
over 5 years or less.
lent Show
Ta
Alex McClellan at the
many thanks to the
2011-12 Parents’ Council
THANKS TO THE
LEADERSHIP
OF OUR
2011-12
ENVISION
TOMORROW
SOCIETY
MEMBERS
John M. Belk
Educational Endowment
The Cherok Family
The Michael A. Kahn
Family Foundation
The Ryan Family
Family Festival
President: Ellen Daniel
Secretary: Reid Campbell
Treasurer: Allison Kitchen
Committee Chairpersons
Art Show: Laura Berry
Belk Charity Days: Betsy Gantt
Book Fair: Pam McCarthy, Lynn Nielson
Faculty/Staff Appreciation:
Paula Chapman, Elizabeth Sigmon
Faculty/Staff Half-Day Luncheons:
Rebecca Schrader
Field Days:
Grades K-5: Margie Divish
Grades 6-12: Ellen Daniel
Fletcher Family Festival: Elizabeth Ashe,
Cathy Dulin, Michelle Tyson
Flight Deck Coordinator: Patti Thomas
Grade Parent Coordinators:
Grades K-5: Julie Peach
Grades 6-12: Diana Wakefield
Holiday Gift Coordinator: Debbie Long
Lunch Assistants: Dawn Ryan
New Families:
Grades K-5: Raechel McClellan
Grades 6-12: Kathryn Frank
Newsletter (Falcon Flash): Page Henderson
Spiritwear: Karen Clark
Sports Concessions Coordinator: Kim Stone
Talent Show: Susan Allbert
Talent Show Dinner: Sharyn Eisdorfer, Marla Wolfe
Fall Party
Caroline Hopkins at the Talent Show
exclamations
19
SUMMER 2012
THE FLETCHER SCHOOL
THE RANKIN INSTITUTE
8500 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270
e
t
a
d
e
h
t
e
v
Sa
y
a
D
’
s
d
n
ie
fr
d
n
a
r
G
, 2012
non-profit
U.S. Postage
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Permit #3243
2011-12
Board of Trustees
Kelly Graves, Chairman
Ted Laporte, Treasurer
George Mackie, Secretary
Michael Kahn, At-Large
John Allbert
Elizabeth Ashe
Chris Berry
Mike Blair
Bill Byron
Margaret Clair
Elliott Crutchfield
Ellen Daniel
Robert Deaton
Tom Dulin
Fletcher Gregory
Al Guarnieri
Rick Hopkins
Bryan Ives
Michael Kahn
Ted Laporte
George Mackie
Tony Orsbon
Kama Pierce
Anne Pipkin
Bob Speizman
Steve Sutherland
Margaret Sigmon,
Ex Officio
9
November 1
alm
Celebrating CM
with Kr 2i8r,k2012 artin
February 7
A NEWSLETTER for the FRIENDS & FAMILIES of THE FLETCHER SCHOOL
& THE RANKIN INSTITUTE
Fletcher Celebrates
My wife, Carol, and I have been
blessed with four wonderful
children. Two of them graduated
from Charlotte Latin and two from
Charlotte Country Day. Along the
way, though, one of those children
became the impetus for creating
The Fletcher School.
30 Years!
…A Reflection
In 1979 our 8 year old son was
diagnosed with “Dyslexia.” He was
being tutored both during and after
school. School was a nightmare
for him and we desperately wanted
to help. After much research, we
realized our only option was to start
our own school.
By now it was the fall of 1981. Our
oldest son was on the wrestling team
and one of his friends was Richard
Fletcher, son of Mac Fletcher. Mac
and I became friends at the wrestling
matches. He told me he had a child
who very much needed help. He,
too, did not want to send his child
to a boarding school.
Mac lived on Providence Road directly across from Charlotte Latin
School and had more than five acres of land. I asked Mac if he
would donate two acres of his land so we could build our school on
it. He immediately said, “Yes.” I immediately said we would name
the school “The Fletcher School.”
Novembe
orum
F letche,r2F
013
exclamat ons
The “Point” of the Story
what’s inside!
Envision Tomorrow Society . . . . 2
Rankin Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Global Education Conference . . 8
New Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Commencement/Seniors. . 10-11
Fletcher Abroad . . . . . . . . . . .16
Parents’ Council . . . . . . . . . . .18
In 1969 Mac Fletcher was sitting in an airport restaurant in Chicago, IL, when he drew a simple idea for his
company’s logo on the back of a cocktail napkin. The exclamation point that he drew came to represent the sales
promotion company of Fletcher-Barnhardt & White, and became an industry icon. As most of you know, Mac
was one of the original founders of The Fletcher School. In honor of him, we have decided to name our publication
“Exclamations!”
We hope you will find that it features some of the exciting and not-to-be-missed happenings of The Fletcher School.

Angels are everywhere

Transcription

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