Congrats 2011 Grads!
Transcription
Congrats 2011 Grads!
Acorn The Celebrating Over 25 Years www.parishschool.org of The Parish School • Good News for the Community from The Parish School • Where they’re headed Allison B., Gateway Academy July 2011 Congrats 2011 Grads! Zane B., Compass International School Blake B., Tough Elementary, Conroe ISD Madeline C., St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal School Mary H., Rainard School Lauren H., Unknown Conrad M., The Branch School Adam P., School for Young Children Ryan P., The Westview School Bailey S., Tomball Intermediate School Maris S., Unknown Kate S., St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Fox B., Rainard School The 2011 Parish School Commencement Ceremony and Farewell Reception were held at The Parish School campus on Monday, May 23, 2011. We had 13 talented and bright young boys and girls participate in this annual event. Each student prepared for this special day by sharing their thoughts and favorite memories of The Parish School during a recording session that was presented with a picture slideshow. Each family also prepared written comments about their experiences while at The Parish School which were included in the Commencement Program. Comments were filled with emotion, gratitude and humor. “We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Parish. We drive up to 11001 Hammerly Blvd. and we feel a sense of peace and understanding...a feeling of being home. Madeline has become more confident and is speaking her mind...and what a beautiful mind she has,” parents Amy and Larry Cato wrote. “We would like to thank The Parish School teachers and staff for being part of Blake’s life over these past five years. Your attention and caring for Blake have made a tremendous difference in his life. You know that your child is in a wonderful place when he can’t wait to get to school every day. We will certainly miss you all,” parents Christy and Travis Bolin remarked. As we reflect on the saying “mighty oaks from little acorns grow,” we know that each of these “little acorns” have had their roots firmly planted at The Parish School and are certain to grow into strong and successful “mighty oaks.” Congratulations and best wishes for a bright future! A Year of Living the Legacy by Margaret Noecker, M.Ed, Head of School The Acorn is a publication of The Parish School, a school for children who have language and learning differences, ages 18 months to 5th grade. Contact information The Parish School 11001 Hammerly Blvd. Houston, Texas 77043 www.parishschool.org 713.467.4696 tel 713.467.8341 fax Mission Statement To identify, educate and empower children who have language and learning differences. Administration Margaret Noecker Head of School Nancy Bewley Principal Karen Dickerson Carruth Center, Inc. Clinic Director Wendy Airlie Chief Financial Officer Courtney Suddath Director of Admissions and Family Services Jennifer Wismer Director of Human Resources Barbara Devetski Director of Development Brittany Lacy Director of Marketing and PR The Parish School serves students of any race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin. The Parish School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This newsletter was produced for The Parish School by Brittany Lacy. 2 The theme for this schol year was chosen with our Founder, Robbin Parish, in mind: “Living the Legacy... Early Intervention, Individualized Education.” Following Robbin’s passing in June 2010, The Parish School community gathered together to honor Robbin’s legacy and recommit ourselves to her original dream. As a visionary in the field of speech pathology, Robbin sought to spread awareness of the importance of early intervention for the remediation of language and learning differences. In addition to the gift of her dream for a school for bright children who learn differently than most teachers are taught to teach, Robbin, in her true visionary fashion, gave The Parish School another gift that will keep on giving. With great love for her dream, Robbin made a bequest to The Parish School that included a generous gift from her estate. Her home was deeded to the school with the stipulation that the proceeds would benefit the Robbin Parish Scholarship Endowment Fund. Following her passing, Robbin’s friends and family recognized her legacy with memorial contributions to her Scholarship Endowment Fund. In addition to the support of Rob- bin and her loved ones, donations were also given in memory of Robbin’s Aunt, Nancy Robbins. These contributions along with a generous $57,000 donation from the Boates famliy, in honor of TPS alum Anna Boates, strengthened the Scholarship Endowment Fund so that it can now generate money to fund a significant annual scholarship for a child who would otherwise not be able to attend The Parish School. It was Robbin’s wish that no child be turned away due to lack of funds and while we are not there yet, it is a goal that we will continue to work towards. Following Robbin’s example, please consider making a bequest to The Parish School in support of children who have language and learning differences. Bequests make a significant difference in the lives of the students and families that we serve. By giving a gift that continues to give once you are gone, you not only ensure the future success of the school, but also the success of our students. Our legacy has thrived for more than 28 years due to the generosity of our donors and the gifts they have left behind after they are gone. Should you choose to include The Parish School in your estate plans please let us know. Network with The Parish School We are always excited to hear good news about our alumni. If you have a great accomplishment to share or just want to let us know how you’re doing, please email Bailey Haidamous at [email protected]. Be on the lookout for these updates which will be shared in our quarterly alumni enewsletter. You can become a fan of The Parish School on Facebook! Join our network of fans and help cheer on TPS. It’s a great way to keep up to date on the day to day campus activities as well as reconnect with past Parish School friends. As a Facebook Fan you can RSVP to events, view photos, share your thoughts and more! Looking for a speaker for your social or professional group? The Parish School has experts in the field of speech language pathology willing to speak about language development, developmental red flags, and many other topics. Contact Bailey Haidamous at [email protected] for info. What a great year! 2010-11 was a great year for Parish School students to continue Living the Legacy...Early Identification, Individualized Education. 3 2010-2011 Parent Education Opportunities Susan H. Landry, Ph.D. honored with Golden Oak Award September: “Infant DevelopmentWhen Should We Be Concerned?” presented by Dr. Pauline Filipek. A specialist in childhood developmental disorders, Dr. Filipek presented video footage while discussing typical and atypical infant development. January: “Apraxia Diagnosis and Treatment” presented by Nancy Kaufman, M.A., CCC-SLP TPS and Carruth Center consultant, Nancy Kaufman, educated our staff and parents on the topic of speech and expressive disorders and treatment. February: “Experiencing a Language Learning Difference” presented by Karol Musher, M.A., CCC-SLP, Linda Narun, M.A., CCC-SLP and James Carter, M.A., CCC-SLP Elementary families were invited to participate in this hands-on presentation designed to teach participants how a learning disability impacts a child’s ability to be successful in the classroom. March: “Life After Parish School” presented by Leon & Robert Tucker, Kevin & Elizabeth Brueggeman and Paige Freeman Former TPS parents and students spoke about their transition from TPS, the challenges they faced and how they overcame those challenges. The panel included guests of varying ages from both public and private schools. The Parish School offers a variety of Parent Education opportunities throughout the year. If you have an idea for a great topic, or would like a Parish School expert to speak at your next event, please contact Bailey Haidamous at [email protected]. 4 The Parish School honored Susan H. Landry, Ph.D., Director of the Children’s Learning Institute at The University of Texas Health Science Center, with its Golden Oak Award at the annual Gala in January held at the Omni Houston Hotel. Dr. Landry is recognized for her commitment to education as well as her advocacy for quality early childhood learning environments. The Golden Oak Award is presented annually in recognition of those individuals who exemplify the values of The Parish School: commitment to life long education, early identification and treatment of learning differences, and advocating for individualized education to meet the needs of all learners. Dr. Landry’s research into environmental factors that promote early cognitive growth and development built the framework for the Center for Improving Readiness of Children for Learning and Education (CIRCLE), which led to the implementation of the research proven early childhood school readiness program, Texas Early Education Model (TEEM), in pre-kindergarten classrooms across Texas. “With extensive research, multiple training programs and her unwavering leadership in the field of early childhood education,” said Principal Nancy Bewley, “Dr. Landry has made a significant contribution to the welfare and learning environment for young children in our community and across the United States.” Dr. Landry conducts numerous research projects and training activities promoting quality learning environments for young children. Her numerous research programs have generated a large database on early childhood. More than 70 peer-reviewed publications and over a dozen chapters describe the findings of these studies. “Dr. Landry is a stellar example of a Golden Oak honoree,” Head of School Margaret Noecker said. “What she has done for early childhood education is immeasurable. By advocating for quality learning environments for young children, Dr. Landry has helped shaped state and national goals of early childhood literacy initiatives, ensuring a solid foundation for future educational performance and success.” The Parish Preserve Recognizes Members Preserve verb /pri’zerv/ Answers.com defines the word preserve to mean “keep,” or “maintain.” Members of The Parish Preserve are dedicated to keeping up The Parish School’s high standards of excellence afforded to children who have language and learning differences and assisting our Board of Directors in maintaining competetive tuition for the individualized education offered at The Parish School. We would like to recognize the following Members of The Parish Preserve was established in October 2008 as a way to offer special recognition to annual giving donors who the Parish Preserve for their dedication to our children: commit to supporting The Parish School over a period of three Mrs. Marion Alexander years. The Parish Preserve is a very special way to support Mr. and Mrs. William Crook Dr. and Mrs. Steven Davenport our Annual Fund which we fondly call Seeds for Growth. Mr. and Mrs. Alistair Dawson Why join the Parish Preserve? Mr. and Mrs. Jacko Garrett Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Gutierrez Mr. and Mrs. Webb Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Michael Koinis Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Noecker Mr. and Mrs. David Peden, Jr. Mrs. Anne Pratt Schulte Charitable Foundation SK Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William Temple Webber, III 1. Your donation will help the school “preserve” our educational, philosophical and professional goals which make us one of the premiere schools in Texas for children who have language and learning differences. 2. Your commitment will assist us as we set our budget each year and strive to keep tuition increases competitive. 3. Your membership will streamline your giving; we will send you an invoice each year as the annual campaign kicks off. 4. You will receive special recognition and invitations to VIP school events. 5. You will have the satisfaction that your tax deductible donation touches the life of every child at The Parish School. Three-year commitment levels range from $500 - $5,000 per year. We invite you to become a member of this important group and help us preserve the specialized education provided for our children. For more information about becoming a member of the Parish Preserve, please contact Barb Devetski at 713-4674696 EXT 125 or [email protected]. Thanks to the Following 2010-11 Recognized Donors Annual Giving Seeds for Growth ConocoPhillips Dr. and Mrs. John Hacskaylo Dr. and Mrs. Larry Cato GE Foundation Matching Gifts Jean Lykes Grace Foundation Lykes Knapp Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Gutierrez Mr. and Mrs. Art Howe Mr. and Mrs. Canon Coleman Mr. and Mrs. David D Peden, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jacko Garrett Mr. and Mrs. James Shaddix Mr. and Mrs. Kent Pickrell Mr. and Mrs. Mark S Miller Mr. and Mrs. Otis Shearer Mr. and Mrs. Webb Jennings Mr. Bob Handy Mr. Chester Sappington Mrs. Patsy Bell The Hamill Foundation SK Foundation Capital Campaign Donors Cockrell Family Fund Fall Luncheon Donors Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Gutierrez Mrs. Carolyn Clarke Mrs. Kay Williamson Mrs. Pam Wallace Mrs. Pat Sorrells Scurlock Foundation Mrs. Tish Peden Scholarship Donors Insperity The Bauer Foundation Baxter Trust The Brown Foundation Inc. The Carruth Foundation, Inc. The Cockrell Foundation The Hamill Foundation The Meyer Foundation M.D. Anderson Foundation Ms. Roberta Kowalishin Nautilus World, Ltd. Robbin Parish Scholarship Endowment Mr. and Mrs. William V. H. Clarke Mr. and Mrs. W. A Stockard, Jr. General Donors Baxter Trust Benton Family Foundation Chevron Matching Gift Program Dr. and Mrs. Larry Cato ExxonMobil Foundation Fondren Foundation George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Lyons Foundation Nickelodeon Simmons Foundation The Cockrell Foundation The Ellwood Foundation Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie Golf Tournament Donors UPS Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lindsay Gala Donors Insperity Amegy Bank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Dr. and Mrs. Mike Metzker The Ellwood Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Art Howe & Oberti Sullivan LLP Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Jessett Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lindseth Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Gutierrez Mr. and Mrs. Andres Reiner Mr. and Mrs. Arish Rustomji Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bellinger Mr. and Mrs. Marc Herzstein Mr. and Mrs. Mick Cantu Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bryant Mr. and Mrs. Nef Partida Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Noecker Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Gobe Mr. and Mrs. Robert M Bryant, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R Reckling, III Mr. and Mrs. Webb Jennings Mr. Luis Moratinos Mr. Peter McLaughlin and Mrs. Didi Garza Mr. and Mrs. William V.H. Clarke Mr. and Mrs. Charles Neutzler PKF of Texas UT Health Science Center at Houston Recognized Donors gave monetary contributions of $1,000 and above August 1, 2010 through June 28, 2011. All Donors from the 2010 fiscal year will be named in the Annual Report distributed in October. 5 The Parish School Named Resident Training Site This year, The Parish School and Carruth Center, Inc. were selected by the University of Texas Medical School at Houston’s Children’s Learning Institute as a site for resident neurologists and pediatricians to visit as part of their training rotations. Throughout the school year, sixteen medical students spent two days a week on The Parish School and Carruth Center campus visiting classrooms and therapy rooms to learn about identification and intervention techniques for children who have language and learning differences. “This is a wonderful way to help future neurologists and pediatricians identify early warning signs, and to make appropriate referrals to parents in need of early intervention for their children,” Parish School Principal Nancy Bewley said. “We have lots to teach and share with the medical professions.” Dr. Pauline A. Filipek, Professor of Pediatrics said The Parish School and Carruth Center were ideal training locations because the diversity of language disorders represented in the client populations and the campus’ combined school and clinic presents a unique op- portunity. “I hope that through this rotation the residents will gain an appreciation that educators and therapists, as well as primary care doctors, are members of a team that provide care for our children,” Dr. Filipek said. “The idea is that they can learn from the educators and therapists and the school and clinic concerning non-medical care and also recognize and take advantage of the opportunity to become an active, educated participant in the care of their special needs patients.” The Parish School is proud to have partnered with CLI to give residents the opportunity to see first hand how childhood language and learning differences manifest themselves. It is our goal that they will take this information with them and share what they have learned throughout the medical community to better serve and diagnose children who have special needs. Team Parish A Success at Chevron Houston Marathon For the third year in a row, The Parish School participated in Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason program. By urging runners to “make every step count”, Run for a Reason, raised over $1 million for Houston area charities. Our marathon fundraisers surpassed our original goal of $20,000 raising approximately $26,000 in support of Tuition Assistance at The Parish School. We are so thankful for the opportunity to participate in this incredible program amongst many of Houston’s esteemed charities. Team Parish, which started at six runners in the 2008-2009 marathon season, grew to thirty six runners this year. Thank you to our runners who dedicated their time to help raise funds to support children who have language and learning differences. We give a special thanks to our top fundraising duo, Allison and Freddy Feldman who collected contributions totaling over $4,000-- a Team Parish record! The Parish School has been approved as an official charity for the 2011-2012 race to take place January 15, 2012. If you plan to participate in the marathon or its supporting races, please choose to support children who have language and learning differences by joining Team Parish. We also have guaranteed entries for those who were not chosen in the lottery! For more information on how to race for The Parish School please visit www.parishschool.org or e-mail Bailey Haidamous at [email protected]. Team Parish runners celebrate after crossing the finish line at The Parish School’s tent located in the Post Race Party area at Discovery Green. 6 Carruth Center, Inc. Welcomes New Clinic Director This year, Carruth Center, Inc. at The Parish School welcomed new Clinic Director Karen W. Dickerson, Ph.D., CCCSLP. Karen was previously employed with The Parish School as a Level I/II teacher from 1993-1998. Karen received her doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis in early childhood education, from the University of Texas at Austin. Her primary research interest includes the impact of the arts in lives of children with autism. As a specialist in identifying and treating preschool and elementary age children who have language and learning difficulties, auditory processing issues and articulation disorders, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge to Carruth Center. Under her guidance, the clinic is now offering many new and innovative programs including Music Therapy, Apraxia Boot Camp, Behavior Boot Camp and a Transition Program for exiting students. In addition to serving as Carruth Center Clinic Director, Karen continues to offer individual speech and language therapy. The Parish School and Carruth Center are fortunate to benefit from Karen’s expertise as she continues to grow the level of dedication and services to Carruth Center clients. We sincerely thank former Clinic Director, Nicole Devens for ensuring a smooth transition. We applaud Nicole for her years of service as Clinic Director and remain grateful that she continues her role as a speech language therapist at Carruth Center. Located on The Parish School campus, Carruth Center was founded in 1991 through generous funding from the Carruth Foundation. Carruth Center is a private, multidisciplinary clinic offering an array of assessment and therapeutic services year round to the families of The Parish School and the greater Houston community. Carruth Center therapists are a group of highly trained professionals in the areas of neuropsychology, psychology, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, music therapy and licensed professional counselors. Carruth staff specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children in the areas of learning, emotional, behavioral, attention, neurological, communication and developmental concerns. Again we welcome Karen on board as she continues to guide Carruth Center as a first rate facility for children throughout Houston. Adventure Play at TPS Awarded Nickelodeon Grant The Parish School was awarded $2,500 as one of 123 deserving recipients of Nickelodeon’s Big Help Grants designed to help launch or continue environmentally friendly projects in local communities. The Parish School grant was chosen amongst 400 schools nationwide. Aventure Play (AP) used the grant monies along with building materials provided by the City of Houston’s Re-Use Warehouse to construct an outdoor classroom made of aluminum cans collected over four months. Over 2,500 cans were collected and assembled by students and volunteers.This project provided a full sensory, interactive learning tool to illustrate the importance of recycling and sustainability. The structure provided support for Earth Day activities and encouraged discussion of the infinitely recyclable nature of aluminum, while allowing students to see firsthand how much waste one small school of 130 students can produce. On May 5, 2011 AP hosted a Grand Opening of the building to honor all the students and their families who volunteered their time to the project.The finished structure is used as a much needed meeting and storage space for the AP afterschool program. Students who have difficulty interacting with their classmates benefit from AP. Their inability to use expressive language and interpret social cues may cause difficulties in many areas of social interaction including knowing how to initiate play, how to persuade classmates to join them in play, and taking on leadership roles or self-advocating in a social context. In addition, these children must focus so intensely on understanding written media in their classroom settings, that the opportunity to learn through play is a welcome and rich context for trying new things. AP is a unique developmental program designed to encourage children’s ability to use expressive language and interpret social cues in a child-directed outdoor play environment. The children’s primary job on Adventure Play is to conceptualize their own playground and build it with the supplies and tools available. By working together to complete tasks and goals, the children not only develop confidence in their accomplishments but also a a strong sense of community. 7 Attention Alumni! We’d love to hear from you! Please complete and fax or mail to the Development Office. Fax: 713.467.8341 Name Occupation Years attended Schools/Programs attended after leaving TPS Address City State Zip Home Phone What is new with you? Email Is thes an address change? Yes No Parents: If you have a student who attended The Parish School and who no longer lives with you, please help us update our addresses. Thank you! Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Houston, TX Permit No. 440 11001 Hammerly Blvd Houston, Texas 77043 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED