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 | | Issue 1 | October 25, 2010 | | |  | | | | |
Editor's Note:
We hope you enjoy the updated Spider Web newsletter. Based on feedback from last year's Communications' Survey Monkey, we're responding to two major areas of consensus: 1) more information about School functions and what all School departments are doing; and 2) embed the newsletter in the body of the emails. To answer your requests, we're attempting to add content that's of interest to you. If you have any information to share or interesting topics about which you'd like to read, please send them to Jan Paul. | |
| | | | | | | Good News from the Technology Department
Over the past few months, we've been working with our website company to initiate updates to our website. While many of the upgrades are not obvious to most, we've made great strides on the technical side, allowing us to offer more capabilities to our staff, families, and casual observers. One of the first things you've noticed already is that you immediately view Spider Web right in your email rather than it coming to you as an attachment. Also, the calendar is viewed as it appears on the website--as a monthly grid and you can determine which categories you want to view and print. Simply touch "category view" to select the categories you want and click the printer icon if you want to print a copy. In addition, we are able to offer links in the newsletter that will direct you to videos, photos, files, forms, or emails--anything that you have access to on the School's website.
One note for all registered users of our website (parents and staff), it is important for you to login every time you visit the site so that you can see all information that is available to you. The "login" is now at the bottom of every website page and our new site allows us to customize content for every user, including: calendar items, news stories, etc. If you check the "keep me signed in" box, it will keep you signed in as long as that browser stays open. So don't forget to login each time you visit!
Throughout the year we will be adding features to the website to make it a more vibrant, robust site. We are incorporating many of your suggestions and welcome any additional thoughts. While we expect a smooth transition, invariably there may be instances where minor tweaks are needed. If you notice an area that needs attention, please contact Christy Newsome. | |
| | | | | | | Comer's Corner
We hope that the school year is off to a great start for you and your children. As always, the year is flying by. For example, it’s hard to believe that the children and families of the Katherine Hamm Center recently visited a pumpkin farm for the annual fall celebration. Maybe things move so fast because there is so much to do here making sure that we spend every moment helping your children find the surest and strongest footing possible to meet the opportunities and adventures that will come their way for a lifetime.
To meet this responsibility on behalf of your children, among numerous other ongoing efforts, the School has spent the past year seeking accreditation by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SAIS/SACS). The application process included a site visit for three days in September by leaders from five independent schools from across the Southeast.
While we are waiting final word from SAIS/SACS, we are very grateful for the many positive things that the Visiting Team has reported from their time here. Perhaps of most interest to you, they went on and on about the children, their happiness, enthusiasm, abilities and their individual and collective sense of confidence. Among other interactions, they had group interviews with students ranging from sixth grade to kindergarten from the Wardlaw School, Hamm Center, and Kenan Preschool and were wowed by all of them.
With this demonstration of their great judgment, and unnecessary reminder of why we feel so lucky to be on the staff of the Speech School, we certainly will pay close attention to all the other thoughts they share with us for purposes of advancing our work.
Happy Fall. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance.
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| | | | | | | Gala Updates Mark your calendars for the Guild’s annual Gala on Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Biltmore Ballrooms, beginning at 6:30 pm with the live auction at 8:45 pm. New this year, the annual Patron Party was held prior to the Gala with more than 175 people gathering at the home of Ginny and Guy Milner. Presenting sponsor Russell Lands on Lake Martin and Patron Party sponsor Jerry Dilts and Associates, valet services SONS Automotive Group, beverage provider Sherlock Wines and Jenna Humphries who provided flowers were among the many corporate and Speech School family sponsors represented at the party. If you are interested in being a Gala sponsor, please email Mary Frances Garrett. The raffle for the Mini Cooper was officially kicked-off at the Patron Party and tickets are available at $25 each or five for $100. For tickets or more information, contact Kim Nalley via email or at 404-355-0229. Additionally, the live auction will run from Nov. 2-12 at www.biddingforgood.com/atlantaspeechschool. | |
| | | | | | | Screamfree Parenting Comes to the Speech School
Join us on Thursday Nov. 4, 7:00-8:30 pm for a parenting seminar presented by Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist Hal Runkel on “ScreamFree Parenting-Five Truths Every Parent Need to Know.” The ScreamFree approach helps families stay calm and connected during challenging circumstances, achieving much better outcomes in those stressful situations. A frequent visitor to the Today Show, Mr. Runkel has been inspiring family change for more than a decade, leading teachers, parents and families through his ScreamFree relationship methods. Seating is limited and advance registration is required, so please contact Jeanne Cioffari at jcioffari@atlspsch.org. | |
| | | | | | | Fall Community Service Project Kicks Off
Hard to believe that cold weather is around the corner, but the Speech School is preparing to collect gently-used winter coats, scarves, mittens, and cold weather hats for refugees served by the humanitarian organization International Rescue Committee (IRC). Invited by the U.S. government to seek safety and freedom from conflict and persecution, these refugees arrive in the U.S. with little more than their hope, dignity, and determination. The Atlanta IRC provides the basic goods needed for these families to survive, in addition to case management, employment, and educational services. We will begin collecting clothing of all sizes for babies to grandparents from Nov. 1-12. Watch for flyers in backpacks and emails, or contact Lola Stringer for more information at lstringer@atlspsch.org. | |
| | | | | | | Garden Grant Project Bears More Than Food
Over the past three months, students, under the direction of Ken Cressman, have actively engaged in a gardening project that has taken root in both the School’s garden plots and library. Through a $1,000 Innovative Teaching Grant from the Georgia Independent School Association, gardening books were purchased by the library and garden plots were prepared by students to grow herbs and vegetables.
Begun by the students in the Summer Program, the gardening project has grown to include many students and departments throughout the School. Library books are highlighted during the fall reading incentive program and lesson and meal plans were prepared to include the plants in the gardens. Students planted seeds, watched them sprout, transferred them to the garden plots, and tended and harvested the plants. Recently, pumpkins from the garden were used by our food service provider ChefAdvantage to prepare pumpkin muffins for students, giving them the full experience of food cared for by their own hands. | |
| | | | | | | Support the 2010-2011 Annual Fund and help keep them talking!
As we kick-off this year’s Annual Fund, we’re striving for 100% parent participation and every gift counts, no matter the size because our friends in the community consider parent participation when making their funding decisions. In addition to parent participation, more than 65% of the Annual Fund dollars received by the School come from donors who are not current parents. It is easier than ever to participate in the Annual Fund by pledging online at www.atlantaspeechschool.org. For more information or to receive a pledge form, contact Haven Long, Development Officer, at hlong@atlspsch.org. Thank you for supporting the 2010-2011 Annual Fund! Pledges are payable by May 31, 2011. | |
| | | | | | | A Teaching Moment…
Recently, the School hosted a program presented by the Chattahoochee Nature Center, celebrating students’ completion of their summer reading requirements. Students watched as representatives of the Chattahoochee Nature Center introduced two large rehabilitated birds of prey—a Barred Owl and a Red-shouldered Hawk—during the “Hunters in the Sky” presentation. The children listened closely to the information and were very curious about the birds. Chat with your children and see if they remember some of the interesting details, such as:
Did you know that the Barred Owl:
- gets its name from the vertical bars on its abdomen
- it is one of the largest owls with a wingspan of 38-45 inches--its average life span is approximately 8 years
- the standard call is often translated as sounding much like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?"
Or, that the Red-shouldered Hawk:
- is not a picky eater—it consumes just about any small mammal, reptile, large insect, or even other birds
- is a secretive raptor and avoids open areas, living in woodlands along streams, and in wet meadows
- its unusual courtship ritual is to fly together and roll over on its back, flying upside down for short distances.
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3160 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 • Phone: (404) 233-5332 • Fax: (404) 266-2175 | |
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