THE COVE CHRONICLE COVE 2020 EDITION

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Cove Family and Friends,

Last school year’s theme, Cove Courage, certainly resonated the past several months with all of us at Cove as we faced the impact of the pandemic, and how it would change our lives, and that of others, forever. Our community’s astute thinking, patience, COURAGE, and fl exibility were necessary to thrive during the beginning of an unprecedented time in history.

I am extremely proud of how our community of students, administrators, faculty and staff, worked alongside our Board of Trustees, donors and volunteers, to provide a stellar remote learning education for the students we serve. Supporting our students and families at a time of increased uncertainty and fear couldn’t have been more important. I want to personally thank each of you for your courage and willingness to assist us throughout these challenging times.

In the pages that follow, you will see examples of how our amazing community worked together to continuously provide our students with opportunities that couldn’t be possible anywhere else. You will see the pride and joy on the faces of our students, families, and staff as they celebrated the Dr. Sally Sover, Executive Director with 2020 Prism Award talents, accomplishments, and achievements of all of our students. In addition, you will fi nd some of Recipient David Graff the many alumni and community celebrations that took place, along with our plans moving forward.

Cove is deeply committed to our mission to provide a highly individualized education and life strategies for those with complex learning disabilities, and recognize how critically important that is at these times. On behalf of all of us at Cove, thank you for your courage, dedication and ongoing support!

With All My Gratitude,

Sally L. Sover, Ed.D. Executive Director

1 COVE REOPENS!

Like most around the globe, the past several School-wide facility upgrades for enhanced months have presented new challenges for health and safety include: new bathrooms Cove, but all that is valued at the school has with antimicrobial countertops, antiviral fl oor continued forward. On Wednesday, August tiles in the nurse's offi ce and new specialized 19, Cove students returned to school greeted furniture for students and staff. Innovative by their dedicated teachers, administrators classroom technology for synchronous remote and staff. The entire community was learning features: Viewsonic Interactive Flat encouraged to participate in the First Day Panels in every classroom, Phonic Ear and Assembly where the principals announced this FrontRow microphones, and Padcasters for year’s theme, Stronger Together. live-streaming of classroom instruction. Over the summer months, Cove upgraded “The smiling eyes on all of our students its technology, facilities, and health and the fi rst day said it all,” said Executive safety procedures for onsite instruction and Director Sally Sover. “There was no synchronous live-streamed, highly interactive doubt that they missed our school instruction for remote learning. Currently, and all the joy that comes from being 70% of the student population is enjoying accepted and understood. Their onsite learning, however, we are prepared eagerness to be with friends and to be to adjust from one method to the other easily a part of our community was evident in as needed. countless ways!”

Whether you choose in person or remote learning, the education at Cove is exceptional! This year, The Cove School needs your support now, more than ever. Won't you please help us reach our Annual Fund goal? Please use the enclosed envelope or go to coveschool.org/support-cove/donations.

Volunteers Add That Special Touch! On Friday, August 14, Cove students and parent volunteers, along with Cove's occupational therapists, physical education teachers, and administrative staff worked together to apply and paint new playground activities donated by AbbVie. It is incredible to see all the ways in which our community has come together to welcome our students and staff back to school. We are extremely grateful! "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our corporate donors and the wonderful Cove families that worked so hard on this project," said Kathryn Puszynski, Cove occupational therapist. "We are so appreciative and thankful to have a sensory-rich and creative outdoor space for the students to develop their sensory motor skills and engage safely in outdoor activities." Special thanks to Marianne Sutcliffe and Nataskia Lampe of AbbVie for coordinating this effort!

2 Cove Graduates Celebrated With A One-Of-A-Kind Graduation Ceremony!

The courage and strength of a Cove graduate is celebrated every year with a one-of-a- kind graduation ceremony. We weren’t going to let a pandemic get in the way of honoring our tremendous students! This year’s graduation was held on Thursday, June 4. Cove held drive-through ceremonies for 8th and 12th graders, while 6th graders were able to have a semi-formal ceremony. Congrats to all of our 2020 graduates! We are so proud of you! #CoveKidsCan

Dancing the Night Away... Students attending Cove’s 2020 Prom this year enjoyed all their favorite hits with their very own DJ Principal Laube! Co-Hosted by Ms. Teske, Ms. Campbell, Dr. Lloyd, Ms. Altshul, Mr. Argentar, Ms. Kuo and Ms. Kovin, prom participants were able to learn some new moves, participate in a dance off, view video montages of the high school and their senior class, and join game and chat breakout rooms. Special appearances were also made by Ms. Schrantz, Mr. Seale and CoCo Cougar! Families joined and participated in the memorable event from the comfort of their own homes.

3 Ethan

4 5 Extended School Year

Cove has been proud to offer a comprehensive summer school program for its students and this year’s Extended School Year was extraordinary! Covid-19 did not stop our courageous summer students from focusing on intensive, multi-sensory reading, writing, and math instruction. In addition, science, sports, art, Spanish and a variety of other types of instruction were provided via Zoom. Thank you to everyone that made this year’s ESY program successful. Our students and staff worked hard throughout the six week program and we also recognize the tremendous effort parents put into helping their students with remote learning - thank you! We could not have done it without you.

Shrek Check – Take a Bow!

What happens when the high school spring musical is shut down by a Dr. Lloyd learned how to edit the dialogue scenes and for high school pandemic? You get creative…. Dr. Dorothy-Jean Lloyd and Stuart Seale students currently learning about ‘growth mindset,’ this is a great decided that walking away from all the work and excitement our high example. In fact, Mr. Seale and Dr. Lloyd had never done a show like this school production of Shrek was generating was not an option. "We had before so everything was a challenge. After several missed deadlines for to consider Shrek becoming a remote presentation. But how? That’s completion, they crossed the fi nish line! Shrek was ready for ‘viewing’ when we had to get creative," said Dr. Lloyd. and everyone was anxious to see what had been happening the previous HS cast members demonstrated their resilience and dedication to the three months. project when it suddenly changed direction. The countless recorded The administration posed the idea of turning the Cove school parking lot Zoom meetings became the basis for the show. That required Drama into a drive-in theater. For two performances on Thursday, July 23rd and Coach Mary-Anne Belter, and Instructional Assistant Anne Goodwin- Friday, July 24th. Cast members, Cove students, staff members, and their Neuhaus to become instantly tech-savvy. Parents recorded their students, families were able to sit under the stars and watch Shrek or view the found costume elements, and were often an invaluable resource for simultaneous streaming performance on Zoom from wherever they were. facilitating Zoom recordings with staff members. The cast demonstrated their commitment, and engagement in an Song recordings were shared with Mr. Seale. Mr. Seale took the many E-Learning world. "We all learned how to become more fl exible, and recordings submitted by students, and staff, and turned them into more patient. When we work together, work on behalf of a collaborative artfully edited performances. Mr. Seale continued to post Ms. Schrantz’s project, and keep the lines of communication open, everything is choreography videos in Google Classroom and students practiced their possible!" A special shout out to the cast of Shrek: you have dance moves in order to prepare for their recorded dance videos. participated in a show as no one else has in the annals of Cove history. If you have a chance to watch Cove’s Shrek, you will see two cameo Take a bow! appearances of Anabelle Schrantz; the ‘baby’ rooster in Act II. Just to appreciate how involved the musical process was: Choreography was recorded separately from singing, making some of the musical numbers in the show a double process.

6 Alumni Spotlight Lauren Buchanan '18

Lauren started Cove when she was in sixth grade. She participated in many activities while attending Cove such as the school play, student council, Big Buddy Program, variety show, and was an annual Cove Benefi t volunteer and member of the cheerleading team where she served as co-captain and captain in high school. She graduated from The Cove School in June of 2018. After exploring several transition programs, Lauren chose Bethesda College at Concordia University in Mequon, WI. Bethesda College of Applied Learning is a two-year post-secondary program that provides students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to turn their dreams of a college experience and education into a reality. Lauren lived in an integrated residence hall her fi rst year alongside students without disabilities and enjoyed full immersion in all aspects of campus life. She worked as a Store Assistant and Barista Assistant for Sodexo on campus, and as a Dietary Aide intern for Newcastle Place off campus her second year. Lauren received adult living skills such as budgeting and money management, organization and time management, personal care and independent home living. She participated in many activities while in the Bethesda programs such as Big Buddy, Comfort Dog and Chapel Choir. She attended school dances, athletic events and volunteered in the community. Lauren’s second year with Bethesda ended early due to the Coronavirus, but she fi nished her studies remotely with Zoom classes and meetings with students and staff from Bethesda College. In June 2020, Lauren started the Bethesda STEPS program, which stands for Successful Transition Exiting Post Secondary. She transitioned out of college into an apartment in Ozaukee county. Lauren lives with her friend and the girls have 1:1 live-in home support with daily living skills. She has a network of friends, attends social events, volunteers and participates in community activities. Lauren is also employed with Foxtown Brewing as a Server Assistant. “Lauren often says, “She is living the DREAM!, said Jenine Buchanan, Lauren's mom. “We are very grateful that she received a solid foundation at The Cove School and the confi dence and skills necessary to go to Bethesda College and all the opportunities it has afforded her.”

7 Courage that Ignites Action – The Cove School Annual Benefi t 2020

Under the theme of Courage, The Cove School and its unbelievable community were that and much more at their joyous Annual Benefi t. The event drew together Cove parents, alumni, faculty, board members, and corporate sponsors, as well as friends and guests, to celebrate and raise over $640,000 for the school. The event took place on Saturday, February 22, at Loews Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. With over 500 people in attendance, the room was fi lled with incredible joy and spirit. Cove is so grateful for its many supporters, most of whom have had their lives touched by the school in one or more ways. Leading the way as the Event Chair was Courtney Jack. Lauren Cundiff and Shana Peretz chaired the live auction. Silent Auction Chairs were Lisa Foley and Katie Wright. The Alumni Chairs were Becky Blase, Betsy Crosswhite and Ann Marie Novar. The Benefi t Advisors were Carol Finnegan, Lisa Flanagan, Debra Johnson, and Beverly Petersen. Julie Vanderpoel was Classroom Basket Chair, Maureen Klatt was the YPC Liaison, and Melissa Laudadio was High School Liaison. The Young Professionals for Cove (YPC) Chairs were August Klatt and Nicole Weldzius. Finally, Corporate Sponsorship was Chaired by Brad Stanek. Estate Services and had the honor to manage the development project All of these individuals and their committees have worked incredibly of The Cove School during the 2006 fi rst expansion on Lee Road. hard to bring in larger than ever donations for the 2020 event. David has been married to his best friend and audience, Katie, for This year, Cove honored Former Trustee and Facilities Chair David Graff over 35 years. He is the father of four daughters and grandfather of with its annual Prism Award. David was the founder of Keystone Real two boys.

8 The Cove School is incredibly grateful Annual 5K Run/Walk for our 2020 Corporate Sponsors: Goes Virtual To Support Scholarships

The Cove School’s annual One Step at a Time 5K Race was not held back by a global pandemic. Instead, it thrived by going virtual, expanding race categories, providing participants with an online hub for connectedness throughout the event. Participants from California to Maryland raced between June 20 and July 8, submitting their races and photos of participation by uploading to the race hub. Thanks to wonderful members of the Cove Community who weren’t afraid of a virtual challenge, the race had the highest turnout to date. This annual event encourages Cove’s community of local businesses, corporate partners, families, and friends to come together and support Cove’s Scholarship and Financial Aid Fund. 297 participants came together across over 40 Illinois Young Professionals for Cove suburbs and 16 states. Over $26,000 was raised, with over Host a Sold Out Event! half from corporate sponsors and individual donors. The race provides Cove an opportunity to meet local businesses and To wrap up a successful 2019, the Young Professionals runners from all over the greater Chicago area; this year for Cove (YPC) hosted their Fall 2019 fundraiser on Cove’s reach was country-wide. November 23rd, at Flight Club Darts in downtown With another race in the books, Cove thanks their Chicago. Friends gathered at this sold out event and community for being with them every step of the way! enjoyed a Saturday featuring social dart games, appetizers and drinks. As the fun continued throughout the afternoon and high energy fi lled the room, the event was eventually capped off with raffl e prizes and speeches from some of our YPC members. With record breaking donations and attendance, YPC raised over $2,000 to help Cove students. Thank you to everyone who came out to support YPC and Cove! For more information on how you can get involved with YPC, please contact Advancement Associate Raquel Bautista Holton at (847) 562-2100, ext. 2605 or email her at [email protected].

9 Cove Welcomes New Administrators, Faculty and Staff

Cove is very pleased to welcome Dr. Jackie Owens to our community. A Chicago-area native, Jackie returns to her hometown after a two-year postdoctoral stint in Boston where she worked as a private clinical psychologist at Boston Neuropsychological Services. Jackie holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. from Hope College where she graduated cum laude. In this new role, Jackie will focus on the students’ social-emotional learning as well as student body assessments and data collection. “I’m very much looking forward to working more directly and interacting with the students, their families and the staff. In my short time here, I’ve learned even more about Cove’s huge and unique community and I’m so Jackie Owens, Alana Wett, happy to be a part of it!” stated Jackie. School Psychologist Director of Advancement When she’s not at school, Jackie enjoys cooking, baking and traveling though most of her recent time has been spent enjoying her six-month for facility enhancements and scholarship funding. She resides in Lake old daughter with her husband, Dan. Villa with her husband, Steve, and is the proud parent of two college Cove is also pleased to welcome Alana Wett as our school’s new students. Director of Advancement. Alana comes to Cove with over 30 years of “I am honored and grateful to be a part of the Cove community. A experience in fundraising and marketing in the Chicagoland area. She community known for its welcoming spirit, amazing students, dedicated has a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary with an emphasis in Public and talented faculty and staff, parents, alumni, volunteers, and Relations from Old Dominion University. Most recently, Alana worked at supporters. I look forward to meeting many more of you and working Carmel Catholic High School securing multi-million dollar investments with you to advance Cove’s mission,” said Alana.

We Invite You to be Part Cove's Rave Reviews of Cove’s Lasting Legacy Best of 2020 Leave your own legacy by making The Cove School part of your estate Once again, The Cove School was plans. This is an important way to help Cove continue to deliver vital chosen as Best of 2020 Private services well into the future. With your gift, you could also receive Schools for the Northbrook Award substantial tax and fi nancial benefi ts. Honorary Lifetime Trustee Dan Program and Better Magazine's Best of 2020 Private Schools. Dickinson has committed to a planned gift to Cove. As one of the fi rst Each year, Northbrook Award Program gathers and analyzes members of The Cove Legacy Giving Society, Dan stated,”Making this information to determine winners in each category that enhance type of gift to Cove is one of the best returns on an investment. Cove the positive image of the community and help make the area a has made an enormous and lasting positive impact on our family.” great place to live, work and play. Having now earned the award Please consider this simple way to ensure Cove will be able to provide two years in a row, Cove is now in the Hall of Fame! an exceptional education for students today, tomorrow and beyond. Better Magazine conducts an online survey and encourages Your personal fi nancial advisor or estate lawyer can assist in exploring people on the North Shore and Chicago to vote on their favorite planned giving alternatives. If you have any general questions about businesses and schools. The Cove School is deeply grateful to all planned giving, please contact Director of Development Alana Wett, at who took the time to vote for Cove and showed us their support. (847) 562-2100, ext. 2604 or email [email protected]. If you have already Cove was selected for distinctive praise and made The Cove School inclusion in the new, 2nd edition of part of your estate Dr. Sally Shaywitz’s best-selling plans, please let us book, Overcoming Dyslexia. know so we can express Cove School is specifi cally named and our gratitude and is included on a list of Dr. Shaywitz’s recognize you as part highly recommended schools for of The Cove Legacy students who are dyslexic. Giving Society. 10 More Ways to Show Your Support! Select Cove for Heinen's Rewards By selecting Cove and using a Heinen's Tasteful Rewards Card throughout the school year, Heinen's will donate up to 1% to Cove! Sign up at heinens.com, in-store or call their Customer Relations Department at 1-855-475-2300 ext 2337. Collect Box Tops Welcome to our new and returning Cove families from The Cove School PA and your Box Tops for Education Coordinator! This year we are ramping up our efforts '20-'21 to collect Box Tops for Education, with a goal to earn $1,000! Check out The Cove New Faculty & Staff School Virtual Backpack for information about participating products and the new mobile app for collection sheets. Administrative Staff Consider sharing this information with your friends and family members, as well as co-workers. Every Yael Frankel Bo x Top counts! Questions? - contact Robin Plant ([email protected]). Business Manager AmazonSmile Raquel Bautista Holton AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Shop for all your favorite items and Advancement Associate Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Cove School. Danielle Jacobs All you have to do is sign up at smile.amazon.com and select Cove School, Inc., Northbrook, IL. Community Outreach It's that simple. & Communications Tuition Covers Only Part of the Cost Elementary School The Cove School fulfi lls its important mission through a commitment to quality education, the work Alyssa Caldwell of dedicated faculty and staff, and a deep respect for students with learning disabilities. Another key Stephanie Simon element in the school’s success is generous charitable giving from parents, parents of alumni, friends, Jamie Edelstein grandparents, faculty and staff. Teachers Revenue from tuition covers only a part of the cost of educating students at Cove. A tradition of philanthropy, started over 70 years ago, continues to be a vital part of the life of our school. There are Junior High many ways to become involved. Please give careful consideration to how your family can help, and when next asked for your support, respond enthusiastically. Gabrielle Carsello Brendan Jacobi If you would like to know more about any of Cove’s volunteer or fundraising opportunities, contact Teachers Director of Advancement, Alana Wett, at (847) 562-2100, ext. 2604 or email [email protected].

High School Donate to Cove in Tribute or Honor. Here's How. Pay tribute to that teacher, therapist, fi rst responder, neighbor, or friend Kevin Kucbor whose actions and efforts make a difference for a loved one in your life. Teacher Or, if you want to express your sympathy through a memorial gift as a meaningful way to offer consolation on the loss of a friend or family Clinicians member, it’s easy. Madeline Serota, Simply contact the Advancement Offi ce at (847) 562-2100 or use the enclosed envelope. We will Speech & Language Pathologist acknowledge your generous gift and send an acknowledgement card to the family with a beautiful Matt Wright photograph taken by a Cove student. Proceeds support our students and all donations are tax deductible. Social Worker Help us celebrate someone in your heart by making their life or memory a part of the Cove community. Alyssa Gill Social Work Intern

11 Administrative and Key Staff Board of Trustees 2019-20 Sally L. Sover, Ed.D. David Crosswhite Joseph Hickey Executive Director President Courtney Jack Jan Morgan, Ed.D. Rob Flanagan Maureen Klatt Clinical Director Vice President, Chair Donald Olsen Jackie Owens, Ph.D. Advancement Committee Changing Lives. Building Futures. Elan Peretz School/Clinical Psychologist Jay Goodgold Mark Ditthardt Treasurer, Chair Matthew Regan District Liaison/ Finance Committee Linhard Stepf Director of Admissions Andy Tinucci Christine Wiedmayer Save the Date Stacy Post Chair David Woodhouse Director of Finance Facilities Committee Virtual Open House Alana Wett Debra Johnson Honorary Lifetime Trustees Wednesday, October 14 Director of Advancement Chair Regina Aniolowski Marketing Committee Scott Canel RSVP - Mark Ditthardt at EL & JH Principal Lisa Flanagan Carey Cooper (847) 562-2100 Alex Laube Secretary, Chair Dan Dickinson HS Principal Committee on Trustees Edward Finnegan Mark Wall Gregg Berman The Cove School's Dean of Students Dean Gerber Jo-Ann Hoeppner, Ph.D. Daniel Collins Donald Law Virtual 2021 Benefi t Clinical Consultant Howard Ellen Edward Weil Saturday, Civic Advisory Board Charlie Bobrinskoy Joel M. Friedman Eileen Kamerick Elaine Nekritz February 24, 2021 Robert Chodos Susan Garrett Steven Koch William Pate Join us to celebrate Cove! Dan O. Dickinson Jeffrey Hechtman Mark Koulogeorge John Pratt LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONS | ENTERTAINMENT Richard DiStasio Marvin Isles State Senator Juile Morrison Michael Sachs More information to follow. Eileen Frank Academic Advisory Board Jo-Ann Hoeppner, Ph.D. Doris Johnson, Ph.D. Pearl Rieger, M.A. Warren Rosen, Ph.D.

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