WINTER 2020 STORY 60 YEARS JOSH CLARK, HEAD OF SCHOOL The Hula-Hoop was only a year old when David Schenck descended the steps of St. Anne’s Church and met his fate. Nervous and unsure, he might have been running later than expected after filling his gas tank on the way for $.25 a gallon. I imagine he drove in silence the last quarter mile as the radio reports about a Cuban revolutionary named Castro and legislators considering the new Hawaii Admissions Act were irritating distractions. Perhaps he calmed his nerves by thinking about the odd new television program, The Twilight Zone, he and Dee had watched the night before. As he parked the car and made his way inside, he probably thought little of the worn concrete steps framed by cobwebbed corners and filled with the echoes of his shoes. Fifteen orange crates for desks were filled by only seven students. His journey that morning must have felt much more like an uncertain start than the coronation time has rendered it. As David himself said, “It was an insane idea.”

Beginnings can be hard. But beginnings are the business of The Schenck School. morning 60 years ago in the borrowed space of a church basement, David Schenck debunked that myth. He did not Every year approximately 100 students walk down the The have the luxury of a beautiful campus, an army of well- Schenck School’s steps for the first time feeling a lot like trained teachers, or a larger community that understood David on that day. For most students and families, it is an and respected his work. David did not need it. As one unplanned beginning. The vast majority of our students former trustee described it, “David never had to be already had a first day at a new school, and for some of anybody other than who he was, somebody who speaks our toughest and most resilient ones, The Schenck School on behalf of the children.” can feel more like a detour than a start. While we are all raised within a school mythology that tells us if we are Twenty years ago, at the School’s 40 year mark, David was polite, kind, and work hard, we will be rewarded, many of asked about the School’s beginnings. His response reflects our students know at an early age that this notion is “an the sense of urgency and belief in a child’s potential that insane idea.” continues today.

Understandably, many of our students start here believing “I had no idea what was involved. All those hundreds of their story has already been written. They are not good little details a sensible person would solve never entered at school, and it is their fate to suffer through. On a fall my thoughts. You just say, ‘Let’s do it; let’s do it.’” IF YOU’VE SEEN ONE DYSLEXIC, YOU’VE SEEN ONE DYSLEXIC

PEGGY HENDRIX, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

“I’m sure my other children aren’t dyslexic. None of them sight words quickly without much repetition, comprehend has the same symptoms my dyslexic child had.” reading material on or above grade level, and read accurately. The problem with this statement is that it is unlikely to be true. Dyslexia is neurobiological in origin and Remembering that early intervention is best, observe your is highly hereditary. Research has shown that there is other children. Watch for these signs and talk with their familial clustering with dyslexia. Children with a dyslexic teachers to see if they have noted that your child struggles parent have a 40-60% chance of being dyslexic. This risk with any of these reading skills. Early intervention is best, increases when there are other dyslexics in the family. In so don’t delay. As you can see, signs of dyslexia occur in fact, according to the Journal of Medical Genetics, there is very young children. The longer a child goes undiagnosed an estimated three-to-ten-fold increase in the relative risk and unremediated, the weaker his or her self esteem for a sibling. becomes. Children do not grow out of dyslexia, and they are very rarely only “late bloomers.” Have your child So, long story short, if you or one of your children is tested, and give them the remediation they need in order dyslexic, it is highly likely that at least one of your other to become a successful learner. children is as well. But it can be confusing to figure this out. . . no two dyslexics are exactly alike. Most have difficulty spelling, but not all do. Most, but not all, have trouble decoding. Some have an attention deficit disorder, some have receptive or expressive language disorders, some have difficulty with math, some have poor fine or gross motor issues, while others are star athletes with perfect handwriting.

So how do you determine whether you have other dyslexic children in your home? If any of your other children present with red flags for dyslexia, it is important to have them tested. Examples of red flags for preschool children include inability to produce rhymes, divide words into syllables, discriminate between rhyming words, and delete root/syllables/phonemes (for example, “Say ‘cowboy.’ Now say it again but don’t say ‘boy’”). Children at age six should be able to write words, write sentences, blend sounds together, decode nonsense words, segment words into syllables, and identify letters and their sounds. Children in grades two through five should be able to spell well, have good handwriting, enjoy reading, recall

2 Technology at The Schenck School

HOLLI BICE, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR

This is an app and website that offers practice of math skills at all exciting time levels. The School’s IXL portal can be accessed at to be a student. ixl.com/signin/schenck. Students in third through sixth Technology is grades learn keyboarding skills using the program Typing changing the Club. Access the School’s portal at this web address: landscape of schenck.typingclub.com. Finally, students can listen to education by audiobooks and read ebooks through the apps Overdrive providing new (soraapp.com) and Learning Ally (learningally.org). experiences, Student login information for all of these accounts can increasing student be obtained from your child’s teachers. engagement, and extending learning. Beyond The Schenck School Technology tools now Students save electronic files throughout their time at allow students the School in their own Google Drive accounts. When wider audiences to share their work, opportunities they outplace, students are able to transfer the work they for collaboration, and personalized learning, all while have created to a personal Google account. In your final teaching them 21st-century skills that will help them May conference, parents will receive information about become global citizens. the transfer process, so you can save your child’s electronic work. Making Learning Visible After students leave the School, they will continue to have One way we are using technology here at The Schenck access to Learning Ally through their Schenck School School is to make student learning visible. Students in first accounts. As long as the School continues to have an through fourth grades use Seesaw to share what they are institutional membership for Learning Ally, alumni will be learning in class. Seesaw allows students to create posts by able to access their accounts. This is a tremendous benefit, writing, typing, drawing, taking pictures, shooting videos, since Learning Ally provides human-read audio versions and recording their voices to share in their learning of textbooks that students may use in middle school and journals. It’s a great avenue to showcase what students high school. Student login information can be obtained are learning and see their growth over time. Parents can from your child’s teachers. For students who have access students’ learning journals through the Seesaw for outplaced, contact our media specialist, Kerri Saulnier, to Parents app. obtain account information.

Fifth and sixth grade students are creating their own websites in Google Sites to share their learning. Students work with their teachers to decide which projects they will post on their websites. Students have organized their websites around the four C’s of 21st-century learning: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Sharing their work on a website allows students an opportunity to present to a wider audience and reflect on their learning process.

Connecting at Home

Students use technology throughout the school day to enhance instruction, and there are several tools that can be accessed from home to support learning. IXL is a math

3 I am not a Math Person! WE ALL CAN DO MATH! JANA THOMAS, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION COORDINATOR Math at The Schenck School When we consider the underlying skills (visual memory, is enhanced by the Orton- auditory memory, sequencing, visio-motor coordination, Gillingham Approach that just to name a few) needed for automated understanding is imperative for students of numbers, these concrete, multi-sensory experiences with with dyslexia. Teachers not numbers are imperative. only use CRA (concrete, representation, abstract) to Difficulty in recalling math facts or the need for more strengthen mathematical thinking time in no way predicts or determines a student’s understanding but also mathematical potential. Students may have a solid provide explicit instruction understanding of basic computation but may struggle with of concepts, vocabulary, the application in a word problem. Conversely, students language usage, and who display strong reasoning and logic may struggle to strategies that are critical recall math facts or steps in a multi-step procedure due to for our students. Breaking language retrieval difficulties. For many students, feeling the whole into parts, using the pressure of recalling math facts within a time constraint context to create meaning, creates anxiety about math, as well as the fixed mindset of putting students at the center “not being good at math.” Our Social Emotional Learning of the math, and using gross motor activities with visuals Environment helps students combat this negative thinking and language to help with multi-step processes are all and recognize their mathematics potential. instrumental, as well. Students with dyslexia need to know the “why” behind procedures to make sense of the math. What is the role of language in math? Using manipulatives and visual representations helps Vocabulary is essential for students’ understanding, students display and analyze their mathematical thinking, especially for those with language-based learning while also decreasing the load on their working memory. difficulties. Some studies show students struggle with math Most importantly, as with reading, our students need vocabulary as early as first grade and begin to doubt their time in math; time to think, process, make connections, abilities. Consider just a few of the 12 categories of math comprehend, and show what they can do. vocabulary that can pose challenges:

What if a student has difficulty recalling math facts? • Words that sound similar: half, have, whole, hole, rows, rose Research has found that math facts are held in the working • Words found in math as well as everyday language: memory area of the brain but rooted in language and volume, difference, even, variable, plot, range, prime retrieval. This explains why many students struggle with • Words with multiple meanings, specifically in math: fluency of math facts. Further, “simple arithmetic requires square, second, round phonological processing and phonological memory,” both • Terms only found in math: quadrilateral, quotient of which contribute to difficulty with retrieval (Geary 1995). • Multiple names for the same concept: one-fourth How can we help build fluency? and one quarter • More general terms that are found in word • Using visuals and concrete examples to conceptual problems: at least, often understanding • Make connections and build on prior knowledge The language in our number system is tricky, as well. We • Use patterns (e.g. dots on a die) to create a visual don’t say “two” in the names of numbers 20-29, but we say image in our mind’s eye “seven” in the names of numbers 70-79. There is no pattern • Decomposing and composing number, “playing” when we say the numbers 11-19 aloud. Symbols also must with number be defined. For example: • Use logic and reasoning to derive facts • Overlearning • + means “and” • x means “groups of” • = means “is the same as”

4 How can we challenge students who feel confident and are consistently successful in math?

Number Talks are daily activities that give students the As there is no one standard math curriculum designed opportunity to use precise mathematical language and for students with dyslexia, we are constantly vocabulary, reason, make connections, and develop prescriptive and diagnostic, supplementing with conceptual understanding. Other activities, such as “Which activities that reach all learners. Students who One Doesn’t Belong,” “Would You Rather,” and “Choral understand a rote procedure also need to understand Counts” are other favorites that provide opportunities for the underlying concept, so they know when and why usage of mathematical language. that procedure is used and can apply it in various situations. These in-depth encounters with math are Will my child need extra time for math? essential for all students. A reliance on rules can be Yes! Advocating for extra time is imperative due to the limiting, as some “rules” traditionally learned in early potential impact of dyslexia and/or executive functioning elementary math classes expire. For example, 0 is not skills and due to the rapid pace of a standard curriculum. the lowest number due to negatives, and multiplying Students need more time to process, think, organize, or adding only means the number gets bigger until retrieve, and comprehend, especially as math increases in students begin working with fractions. When students difficulty. In solving word problems, not only do students have conceptual understanding, there is less reliance need to comprehend the information, they also must on rules and more flexible thinking. determine where to start, implement a strategy, and, most We also provide open-ended math problems so importantly, make sense of the math. As Sally Shaywitz students are increasingly challenged. These are known states in Overcoming Dyslexia (2005), “Dyslexia robs a as “high-ceiling” activities, as teachers can adjust person of time, accommodations return it.” and/or individualize parameters to challenge all students and create opportunities for collaboration. How can I bring more math experiences into the home? “High-ceiling” activities may be open-ended or have The vast majority of games provide fun experiences with several solutions. Students also have many encounters math. Some of our favorites are Chutes and Ladders, Set, with algebra as they begin to understand the impact Double Shutter, Mancala, and Prime Climb. Yahtzee, Tenzi, of variables. We begin this journey even with young and card games are useful, as they help students develop students in the form of missing addend problems or the mental images of number and quantity. Strategy games equations with the equals sign in the middle (5+3=6+2). are fantastic, as they require logic and reasoning. The previously mentioned activities that also encourage language usage are among the tasks used to challenge Identifying both growing and repeating patterns is also a our students’ mathematical thinking. great way to talk about math. Whether we are identifying patterns in the structure of buildings around the city, seeing patterns in nature, or finding patterns in our daily activities, students need to see math in the world around us. BedtimeMath.org is a great website and a favorite of many of our students! Just as students need to read every night, BedtimeMath encourages families to talk about math each night. It reaches a variety of ages and uses enticing topics to promote engagement and excitement about math in the world. There are also books from Bedtime Math that our students love! Any opportunities to connect literacy and math are a bonus!

5 IDA-GADYSLEXIA DASH

The forecast of 100% chance of rain did not deter the Schenck School team of over 450 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the School. We are proud of our students who represented the School and thankful to our families for their support of all dyslexic learners.

Grandparents & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY

One of the most treasured Schenck School traditions is our annual Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day. The high point of the day is time our students share with grandparents and friends in their classrooms.

6 Founder’s Day 2019

On Friday, October 25, the entire School came together to celebrate “60 Years of Peace, Love & Learning.” For the celebration, students grooved-out to 60’s themed music while rotating through five activity stations, each with a hip 60’s inspired vibe. Games included Twister, Hula Hoop, and the Limbo. Another station had students navigating the popular Mouse Trap game as an obstacle course, followed by time to create far-out sand art and apply peace-sign tattoos. Students enjoyed Ice Pops and candy, including Pixie Sticks, Smarties, and Tootsie Rolls! One sixth grader was overheard saying “This day is far-out man!”

7 WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PET’S NAME? Poker was a dalmation dog TRUSTEESpotlight WHERE WERE YOU BORN? St. Joseph’s Hospital in downton

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES? JIM CHAPMAN Work and spending time with my family WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM? WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE UGA Bulldogs SCHENCK SCHOOL? Former parent and current board member, WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? father Jim Sr. designed the current School Starting my own business building. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A SCHENCK SCHOOL TRUSTEE? ON WHICH COMMITTEES DO YOU I love the School and what it did for my son. I am here to offer any SERVE? service and resources I can to the School in appreciation for the help Finance, Neighbor Relations Ad Hoc, they gave my son. Schenck Long Range Planning WHAT ABOUT THE SCHENCK SCHOOL DO YOU ADMIRE MOST? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? Their selfless attention to their students’ current and future success. The Great Gatsby

Choate & Assoc., and Woolley and Co. based in is a 2019 graduate of The , where Norcross, . He and his wife, Tish, have she held several leadership positions, including three children and live in Atlanta. FCA Leadership Team and Bible Study Leader, 1980’s and was also on the Scholar’s List and a member of the School’s Honor Council. Outside the classroom, Gabrielle was a four-year varsity soccer player which included a 2016 State 2000’s Championship title. She was also named to the AMELIA BAUMANN (‘00) graduated from all-state soccer team for two consecutive years Johnson Ferry Christian Academy in May while in high school. 2019. In high school, Amelia played volleyball and took art classes. She attends the University MARSHALL LYNCH (‘09) First grade teacher Charles Woolley (‘89) and his son, Ryder, third of Georgia, where she is majoring in graphic Jill Marshall and her husband met Marshall grade. design and advertising. Amelia says her favorite Lynch and his family in the Cody, Wyoming, memory from The Schenck School was in airport. For his Eagle School project, Marshall CHARLES WOOLLEY (‘89) is happy second grade when she and her classmates were installed the alphabet garden in the Schenck to have his son, Ryder, in third grade at The allowed to wear their pajamas to school where School courtyard and created a display explaining Schenck School. Charles says, “I’m happy to be they watched the movie The Polar Express and the plants. He is a junior at Berry College. back at the School. It reminded me how much drank hot chocolate. She says, “That was a I loved the place.” His favorite memories from great day!” COURTNEY when he was a Schenck School student are Pero’s “COCO” (STREET) Pizza Wednesdays, playing kickball on the “old” GABRIELLE ELVE HEDRICK (‘01) field, and of course, hiking and camping with (‘09) is a first-year married Boston Hedrick Mr. Schenck. After leaving The Schenck School, student at the University on June 1, 2019, at Charles attended and of the South, where The Estate in Atlanta, Georgia Institute of Technology. He currently she plays soccer for the Georgia. Courtney is a is president of Coldroom Systems, James E. Sewanee Tigers. Gabrielle 2015 graduate of Texas 8 Christian University and is a sales operations her coaches as the winner of the Georgia Positive School, Jack founded his non-profit JaxSox.com, analyst at Trend Micro, a cyber security firm. She Athlete Award, and Woodward faculty selected whose mission is to provide clean, new socks to and Boston live in Dallas, Texas. Jenna for both the spirit and leadership awards. children who receive support from Atlanta-area Outside of the classroom, Jenna was a member shelters. To date, Jack has donated over 2,000 RYAN GEPP (‘04) met of the varsity soccer team through eleventh grade pairs of socks to Atlanta shelters. His mother his future wife, Caryn, at and is an avid artist. Her artwork was exhibited writes, “The leadership skills and confidence Oglethorpe University, in the Binders Art Show and Georgia Ceramics Jack gained from being at The Schenck School where Caryn was Ryan’s Symposium during her junior and senior years at allowed him to recognize others in need and be assigned note-taker Woodward. Over the course of Jenna’s high school the one to help lift them up. Jack will forever be for economics. Ryan career, Jenna studied in France for two weeks and grateful for the opportunity he has been given to shared their story.“Often attended the Oxbow School in Napa, California, read, rise, and fly!” enough, to her frustration, I would beat her by a as a five-month boarding student studying studio JEREMY GALLUP few points on our exams. It took us longer than arts and honors academics. Jenna currently attends (‘10) our family and friends to realize we have more Auburn University’s Honor College, where she graduated from than a healthy love for banter and competition is majoring in communications and journalism Saint Francis High connecting us. We did know that we would always with a minor in business. Jenna writes, “I am School in May 2019. support one another with a loyalty that turned super excited about my next chapter at Auburn He plans to major in out to be a great foundation for love. After several University’s Honors College. I am so grateful for psychology at Kennesaw unconventional years filled with adventures and how well The Schenck School prepared me for my State University. plenty of growing pains, we were married in endeavors.” KAKI HAILEY (‘11) is August 2019.” 2019 graduate of Holy NATHAN DELANGE (‘17) is in the seventh Innocents’ Episcopal grade at Intown Community School. Outside of School, where she ran school, Nathan is in Boys Scouts of America Troop for four years on the 77 and is active in theatre at Orbitz Arts Academy. school’s cross country 2010’s Nathan says he loves reading for fun. His favorite team and in her senior memory from his time at The Schenck School DREW BRYMAN (‘12) was on the wrestling year, was the team’s is his last day of school during the Soaring On team at Walton Comprehensive High School, captain and social chair. In addition, Kaki was Ceremony, when he got to walk across the stage. where he graduated in May 2018. Drew is a the president of the school’s winter running Nathan says “The Schenck School gave me the freshman at Troy University in Troy, Alabama, club. Outside of school, Kaki attended the confidence to say ‘I am dyslexic.’” and received the Troy University Opportunity YMCA Advanced Leadership Academy from Scholarship. JACK ELLENBURG eighth through twelfth grade. (‘19) JENNA CODNER a sixth grader EVAN HUNTER JR. at Lovett School, was (‘11) is a 2019 graduate (‘13) is a freshman at honored as a “Giver of Woodward Academy. Auburn University. He We Love” in the At Woodward, she was a graduated in May 2019 October 2018 edition member of the National from Holy Innocents’ of Buckhaven Lifestyle Honor Society, World Episcopal School, Magazine for his work Language Honor Society, where he received the to raise awareness and help homeless children in Woodward Serves Club, Woodward Spirit Club, Chaplain’s Award. and Woodward Art Club. Jenna was selected by Atlanta. In 2015, while a student at The Schenck

GENUINE LOVE OF READING A NOTE FROM LIVY CHAMBER’S (‘16) MOTHER, WIBBY CHAMBERS Livy is a different child since coming to The Schenck School. Most importantly, she’s happy, confident, outgoing, funny, and loves school! Livy attends The Heritage School in Newnan, Georgia, and makes straight A’s. Last year, she was one of two students to receive an award for A’s all year long. Livy LOVES to read. Who knew that a dyslexic child could find a genuine love of reading? Before The Schenck School, Livy could not identify one letter in her own name! To this day, Livy relies on the tools and the work ethic she learned at The Schenck School. Her teacher last year described her as the hardest working student she’d ever had in 25 years of teaching. Before coming to The Schenck School, Livy was completely withdrawn and insecure. She felt she couldn’t do anything right. Two years at the School truly turned her life around in ways none of us could imagine. She feels capable of anything. She knows she’ll have to work harder than most but she has the tools and the desire. The Schenck School truly is a one of a kind educational experience and is a gift to any child and parent who has the chance to be a part! 9 9 MARY CAROL LAUREN RYSDON GRACE DANGAR HUNTZ (‘12) is a 2019 (‘12) graduated from (‘17) is in eighth grade graduate of Woodward Chattahoochee High at Lovett School, where Academy, where she School in May 2019. she loves to volunteer. was an academic merit While there, Allison Recently her class went scholar noted for her maintained a place on the on a field trip to help on a score on the ACT. Mary Honor Roll every semester, nonprofit farm. She plays Carol is attending the University of Mississippi. was a member of the National Honor Society and lacrosse and has made the Spanish National Honor Society, and was a a lot of friends. Grace says, “The Schenck School WILL JACKSON three-year academic scholar. She was also named a really prepared me for Lovett School.” (‘13) is a freshman Furman Scholar. Lauren attends Furman University. KENDALL CAMP at Coastal Carolina WILSON SMITH (‘17) is in eighth grade University. He graduated (‘10) graduated from at Peachtree Charter from North Atlanta High Virginia Episcopal Middle School in DeKalb School in May 2019, School in Lynchburg, County and in the STEM where he won a Gold Virginia, in May 2019. program. When Kendall Key in the Regional Scholastic Art & Writing During high school, was in sixth grade, she Competition. Subsequently he won a Silver he earned his Eagle Scout rank from the Boy was awarded the Science Key in the National Scholastic Art & Writing Scouts of America, and he served on the Honor Achievement award and a member of the National Competition. Committee and as a Residential Assistant. He Junior Beta Club. She was on the Honor Roll for was a Senior Counselor for the student body and both sixth and seventh grades. Kendall plays soccer CASEY LEVY the recipient of the Coaches Award for Soccer. for Peachtree Charter School and the Concorde (‘12) graduated from Wilson attends the College of William and Mary. U15 Southeastern Club Champions League. She Clearwater Central assists with first grade Sunday School. Kendall won LOGAN STARR Catholic High School the Best Manners award at the Dogwood Cotillion. in Clearwater, Florida, (‘13) graduated in May where he was a standout 2019 from Woodberry COLE CAMP (‘18) as varsity football player. Forest School, where he a fifth grader at Austin Casey was featured in a Tampa Bay Times was the captain of the Elementary was on the sports article where his coach Chris Harvey was school’s varsity indoor Honor Roll, received the quoted, “Casey is one of the hardest-working rock climbing team, and an active member of music award, and had kids on the team. He never missed a workout the mountain biking team and the investment perfect attendance. This and is one of the strongest players we have.” club. He is studying electrical engineering at year, he is a sixth grader Casey averaged 49.7 rushing yards per game for Auburn University. at at Peachtree Charter a total of 993 rushing yards over his high school Middle School and received the Pride of Peachtree ANDREW TAYLOR career that resulted in 155 carries and 15 rushing award. Cole won the Peachtree Derby for Cub (‘12) touchdowns. In addition to football, Casey graduated Scouts the last two years, and plays basketball for All wrestled for two years and played baseball for one from Zion Christian Saints Catholic Church and soccer for Concorde year. He was also an Ambassador for Give the Academy in Columbia, Club Soccer U13. He enjoys playing Fortnite and Kids World Village. In the fall, Casey will don a Tennessee, where he having Nerf Gun wars in the neighborhood with red and black helmet when he suits up to play for was a member of the his friends. Catholic University of America. Tennessee Chapter of the American Legion Boys State at Tennessee Tech University, participated ALEXA TALMADGE (‘15) is an eighth grader in the Maury Academy for Students in Health at Renfro Middle School. She plays Dungeons & KATHARINE PIERCE (‘15) is a sophomore at program, was the treasurer for his senior class, Dragons and paints at Color Wheel. She’s proud The Atlanta Girls School, where she plays varsity and was the treasurer for the International to share that she is a “bit of a bookworm and has soccer and has been on the Dean’s List. Thespian Society. In addition, John was a read all the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus member of the National English Honor Society series.” Her favorite memory of The Schenck School RICKEY RANDALL and the National Science Honor Society, as well is her fourth grade famous person biography project III (‘10) is a 2019 as a member of the Beta Club. He is a freshman when she researched and dressed up (in a tuxedo) as graduate of Life High at the University of Tennessee. school founder David Schenck. She even brought in School in Waxahachie, David Schenck’s favorite dessert - a chocolate cake! Texas. He is studying ANNA TAYLOR (‘11) graduated from engineering with an Chattahoochee High School in May 2019 and OLIVIA ROTOLO (‘15) is a sophomore at emphasis on architectural is committed to playing lacrosse in the fall for Lakeside High School. She is on the varsity swim engineering at . Furman University. team and last year went to the Georgia High School State Championship. Olivia also swims CLARE WHEELER CHARLIE ROWE (‘11) was a four year year-round at Dynamo Swim Club. One of Olivia’s (‘13) varsity runner for St. Pius X Catholic High graduated from Schenck School memories is playing Jeopardy with School’s cross country team which included a The Atlanta Girls’ School a classmate, getting excited about the answer, and State Championship year. He graduated from in May 2019. She is banging noses with her friend. She still has a little St. Pius in May 2019. He is a Hope Scholarship attending Virginia Military bump on her nose! recipient and is attending Georgia College. Institute, where she plays Division 1 water polo. 10 LAWSON ALLEN auditions were filmed and took place in front her friend Georgia. Mills says her best memory BYERS (‘17) is in of the Entertainment Arts professors and The of The Schenck School is “all the teachers are eighth grade at Mount Directors of Entertainment Arts. The winning friends.” Vernon Presbyterian group was chosen by the professors and directors ALEXA TALMADGE School and plays lacrosse. as well as a panel of other esteemed professionals. (‘15) His happiest memory of She will tour with the group in Los Angeles, shares “Recently The Schenck School is Atlanta and New York City where she will while on vacation in “all of fifth grade.” showcase SCAD’s talent and perform in front of Greece, I was pulled an invitation-only group of casting agents, actors, aside by airport security, LEAH MAY KOGON (‘17) is in eighth writers, and directors. Mia has been a part of apparently my books grade at Saint Francis School, where she enjoys many productions while attending SCAD and were too thick for the dancing. Last year, Leah May danced a solo in has been on the Dean’s List consistently since her x-ray machine! I am an a competition. Her most memorable Schenck freshman year. Mia is majoring in performing avid reader and especially School moment is reading the book PAX and arts, with a minor in production design. enjoy reading about Greek mythology. This would the end of fifth grade. COBI BERESIN (‘19) not be possible if it were not for the wonderful and challenging experience I had at The Schenck pictured here with his School for second and third grade. I’m in eighth reading buddy, is a fifth grade now at Renfroe Middle School, and I’ve grader at Davis Academy. moved on to both Spanish and French classes. My He loves reading so favorite pass times are roller-blading, singing in much that he chooses my school’s chorus, and participating in an after to read books with this school Dungeons & Dragons club. This picture buddy instead of going is of me on one of the most significant islands of to P.E. Beatrice Jones (left) with other Warren T. antiquity, Delos near Mykonos, Greece, known as Jackson “Risk Taker” recipients CARLTON the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.” BEATRICE JONES (‘19) DIEDRICH (‘18) is is a fifth grader at LYLE GRAVES (‘19) Warren T. Jackson Elementary School where her an eighth grader at is in fifth grade at The teacher and classmates selected her to receive Woodward Academy. Paideia School and is on the Risk Taker award, one of the International As a seventh grader, her third The Land of Baccalaureate traits recognized by Jackson Carlton was awarded Stories book by Chris Elementary. the English department Colfer (400 pages per award for literature and MIA MASON (‘11) book). One Saturday, made the Silver Eagle list (for maintaining a 3.2 - is a senior at SCAD Lyle and her mother, Jen, 3.79 GPA). Savannah and has been were walking around selected for the coveted MILLS BOURNE Decatur and learned Chris Colfer was having a SCAD SHOWCASE (‘19) a sixth grader at book signing at The Little Book of Stories but the 2019. She is one of only , tickets were sold out. Ten minutes later, Jen ran 12 actors and only one stopped by The Schenck into a college friend with an extra ticket, so Lyle of five undergraduate School on one of her free got to get her book signed! Her mom says, “Lyle students who were days to have lunch with is working hard at Paideia in all of her courses and chosen from the highly competitive group. The reading BIG TIME!” The Schenck School changed me MELANY MENAY (‘18) When I first figured out I was leaving my school to go to The Schenck School, I was mad and sad. I was going into fourth grade, and I didn’t want to leave my school. I cried when I thought about leaving, making new friends, meeting new teachers, and a different campus. I was NOT ready to leave.

Summer came to an end, and it was time to go back to school - but not back to my school, to a school where no one knew who I was and where I came from. I walked in on my first day at The Schenck School, and it felt right. I was greeted by teachers with the biggest smiles who looked like they were ready to have a big piece of cake! One of them showed me to my classroom, and that’s when I knew I was going to love it. I only saw eleven desks which was so weird, but it gave me a nice feeling. I met my teachers, Mr. Ralls and Mrs. Carmical, and they made me feel welcome. I never felt so ready to start school. When they taught, I felt so smart because they taught in a way that I understood. It was crazy how I went from below reading level, slowest reader in the class, and not being able to comprehend what I read, to being on level and reading with confidence. I would even offer to read out loud to the class. The Schenck School changed me, the way I learned, and the way I live now. Now, currently I have no grades below a B, and I do whatever it takes to keep my grades up, because that’s what The Schenck School taught me. And on top of working to keep my grades up, I play volleyball, and I have made many new friends. For all this I have The Schenck School to thank.

11 Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Ready.

WORDS OF WISDOM TO THE OUTPLACING CLASS OF 2019 BY ALUMNUS JACK SULLIVAN

Do you know something? You and me – WE are forever, It was big, deep cavernous hole caused by a M.R.S.A. infection. awesomely connected. No matter where we go, we always have It nearly killed me. Doctors told me many things – like that a common ground of hope, healing, and peace. Schenck is your I would never play football again and that this injury would welcome home no matter how far you go. impact me the rest of my life.

If you are going to a new school, if you are returning to your old During a two week stay in the hospital and ten months of school, please, please remember you always have a place there recovery, I’ll admit there were times I felt hopeless – like Luke and you have a place here. YOU BELONG. YOU ARE FANTASTIC Skywalker, alone wondering about his destiny. But then, my JUST AS YOU ARE. parents would give me strength, my brother and sisters would make me laugh, or a friend would text to bring me confidence Now, I have a really important question for you. and a new hope.

How many of you have seen the original Star Wars? Do you I had to train hard and go through immense physical therapy. I know the story? The main character is Luke Skywalker and he had to go through wound changes multiple times a day. But it is a Jedi Knight, but he didn’t know it. He was like a kid with wasn’t just me who got stronger on this journey, people around dyslexia who has this super-power but hasn’t gone to Schenck to me did, too, and we let each other in. My younger sister, Cecily, learn how to use this awesome gift. for example, dreams of being a surgeon. She got trained to do my wound care, and so once a day, she did it. Luke Skywalker had this amazing gift inside; he just needed to learn how to use the force. He had to study with Jedi masters, My friends, you will face rough times. You will face a day when like Schenck teachers, to learn all he needed to conquer life and someone lets you down. You will all at some point have a hole the dark side. And it was hard. He had to undergo adversity, that needs healing. But you CAN marvelously heal. YOU are study with strange creatures like Yoda, go through rigorous incredible WARRIORS. We are Schenck kids and we have already training, and discover how to get along with people. overcome.

Like Luke, you – ALL of you – are Jedi warriors. You have these Today begins a new journey. An exciting, scary, hard, wonderful great, unique powers and you are growing stronger every day. journey after Schenck.

Like Luke, we ALL have to learn how to overcome pain, worry, As you go forward, I want you to remember three things. and doubt to become a mighty Jedi. 1. Be brave. My friends, there are wonderful things ahead. Every once in a 2. Be bold. while, you will have some tough days. This happened to Luke 3. Be ready. when his friend got captured, his hand got cut off, and his greatest enemy turned out to be his dad. Don’t worry when hard FIRST – Be brave. If you have a thought, an idea, or a vision of times come; healing happens. It just takes time. something that you’ve always wanted to do – you do it! Go for it! The biggest and hardest part of doing anything is taking the first I’m sure some of you have had a day when so much is on your step, and once you take that first step, you’re already walking plate that you just feel overwhelmed. That happened to me last in the direction to becoming a more confident and powerful year when I was in the hospital with a hole in my back. person. It doesn’t matter if you don’t make the team, if you don’t get the part, or if the person you liked turns you down. Because the more you try – the more comfortable and confident

12 Alumni Return to Campus for Internship

Kylie Dempsey (‘08), Julia Mixon (‘12), Ally Peterka (‘09) and Cara Prichard (‘07) shared their talents and time this summer as summer associates at the School’s Summer Adventures Camp. The internship allowed each alum an opportunity to experience up-close and first-hand The Schenck School Reading Model in action and gave them the chance to give back to the school they each credit for their continued academic success.

Kylie Dempsey (‘08) graduated from The with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family science in May 2018. She is currently attending New York University’s master’s program in school counseling. She is also interning at The Cottage School, where she works with high school students. Kylie says some of her you become. It is okay to fall down. We all do. Get back up. Try favorite memories as a student at The Schenck again. Be brave. People admire and respect bravery. School are Pero’s Pizza every Wednesday, climbing the rock wall, doing the zip line, and making the clay face with art teacher SECOND – Be bold. Be comfortable being yourself. Be proud of Mr. Steve. your dyslexia. You are going to see throughout your whole life that it is a wonderful gift. Julia Mixon (‘12) is currently attending Clemson University I met some of my best friends in high school because I walked as a psychology major with a up to them and I talked and listened. It’s always hard diving into minor in theatre. Julia says she a new pool, but if you boldly go to the unknown and take the plans to continue her education initiative, you’ll find your friend group. Once you do, don’t be after Clemson to either become afraid to be a leader. It’s so hard to stand up to someone doing an occupational therapist or a the wrong thing and it’s even harder when that person is your teacher at The Schenck School! friend, but if you stay true – if you don’t compromise who you Julia was recently recognized are on the inside – people will respect you, and if they really are for her freshman year GPA on Julia Mixon and Ally Peterka on Clemson’s Dean’s List and your friends they’ll understand. Be bold in kindness, compassion, campus this summer and empathy. was elected ClemsonLIFE chair in Sigma Kappa Sorority. Julia says her memories of her THIRD – Be ready. You don’t have to know your college major time at The Schenck School are many, but if she had to narrow it or choose your career in high school. The best way to be ready down, she says the most valuable and memorable moments for for life is to READ. My dyslexic friends, do not ever let anyone her were when Ms. Calamari taught her sixth grade class how to intimidate you and cause you to stop reading. If they are reading write grammatically correctly and how to write well. Julia says Ms. some thick chapter book and yours is shorter and has pictures, Calamari gave her the writing skills she continues to use everyday in just smile and keep on reading. her college and professional career.

is a student at Flagler College in St. Augustine, My Schenck family, the world needs you. Ally Peterka (‘09) Florida, where she is on the Dean’s List. While in school, Ally is a Big Brother Big Sister mentor at an elementary school in St. Augustine. Be ready for your journey to be AMAZING, even if the journey is After graduation from college, Ally plans to work toward earning a hard. master’s degree in occupational therapy. She said she loved her time this past summer working in the Occupational Therapy room at Friends, I congratulate you. the School! Ally’s favorite memories are of her third grade teacher, Ms. Brown, taking her out to lunch on a half day and of all the close BE BRAVE. BE BOLD. BE READY. relationships she formed with the teachers at Schenck.

FOR YOU ARE UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME JUST AS YOU Cara Prichard (‘07) attends the University of ALREADY ARE. North Carolina at Greensboro, where she majors in psychology and sociology. After SOAR ON SCHENCK PHOENIX. SOAR ON!! college, Cara hopes to attend graduate school at the University of Georgia to earn a master’s Jack Sullivan (‘13) graduated from the international baccalaureate in psychology. When not in school, Cara works honors program at North Atlanta High School in May 2019. At North at a restaurant, hikes, and spends time with Atlanta, he was the captain of the debate team, a two-star varsity athlete, her dog. Cara said she fondly remembers the captain of the Georgia All-Star football team, lead anchor on the school news, and Atlanta Public School ambassador. This fall he is a freshman Pero’s Pizza truck coming to The Schenck at Wabash College, where he plays football. School on Wednesdays, and she said she loved P.E. class with Mr. Clay White. 13 Adult Alumni 60th Anniversary & KICKOFF PARTY

The Alumni Association “kicked off” the school year in August with their annual alumni party celebrating the School’s 60th Anniversary and the kickoff of NCAA Thursday Night Football.

(L - R) Todd Servick (‘86) and John Curtis Fisher (‘00) (L - R) Matt (‘98) and Farley Sirockman and Jackie Fisher (L - R) Alli Eustis (‘99) and Andrew Means

(L - R) Andrew (‘98) and Sarah Bernhardt and Freddie Akers (‘96) (L - R) Michael Cobb and Margaret Snoddy (‘03) Josh and Allie (McSwain) Byrd (‘94)

(L - R) Janet and Molly (‘96) Bode with Alex Hendry (‘96) Edging and Kathlean Hendry

(L - R) Eduardo Mejia (‘90), Steve Shaw, and Michael Murray (‘91)

14 Introducing the Alumni Board

L-R Trey Kilpatrick, Chad Knudsen, Jeffery Wright, Matt Sirockman, Britton Burdette, Kelly Garges, Caroline (Hall) Wildman, John Curtis Fisher, and Jack Chapman. Not pictured: Andrew Bernhardt, Duvall Brumby, Allie (McSwain) Byrd, Mary Catherine (Groome) Gober, Grady Luckey, Elizabeth (Gray), McEver, Megan (McSwain) Mann, Eduardo Mejia, Michael Murray, and Katherine Sellers.

As we know, The Schenck School is unique. Every student is dyslexic. They come to the School for a specific reason - to learn strategies to read, write, and spell in order to successfully transition to the next school and beyond.

In 2017, two alumni, Britton Burdette (‘88) and John Curtis Fisher (‘00), created the Alumni Board because they realize the impact the School has had in their lives and careers. Establishing a Schenck School Alumni Board has challenges simply because students are at The Schenck School for only two to four years. Some may barely remember their time here! The Alumni Board has taken on the challenge to locate and engage more alumni, as well as to support the School and The Dyslexia Resource.

This year, The Alumni Board is participating in three events - the Adult Alumni Party, the Auction & Gala, and Sporting Clays for Dyslexia.

Mission Statement Vision Statement

The Schenck School Alumni Association fosters a lifelong To engage The Schenck School’s global community to spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni to the support and advance the School’s effort and contributions School and each other. The Alumni Association advocates to the world of dyslexia and dyslexia remediation. for and supports the work of the School and dyslexia awareness, with a credible, collaborative voice.

We are thankful to our Alumni Board for their time, efforts, and friendship:

Andrew Bernhardt (‘98) Mary Catherine (Groome) Gober (‘94) Michael Murray (‘91) Duvall Brumby (‘90) Trey Kilpatrick (‘91) Katherine Sellers (‘04) Britton Burdette (‘88) Chad Knudsen (‘83) Matt Sirockman (‘98) Allie (McSwain) Byrd (‘94) Grady Lucky (‘90) Caroline (Hall) Wildman (‘83) Jack Campman (‘97) Megan (McSwain) Mann (‘91) Jeffrey Wright (‘88) John Curtis Fister (‘00) Elizabeth (Gray) McEver (‘97) Kelly Garges (‘88) Eduardo Mejia (‘90)

Stay connected, send your updates and contact information to [email protected], and check out The Schenck School Alumni Association on Linkedin. 15 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 4285

282 Mt. Paran Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

Breakfast with a Buddy

Formerly known as Doughnuts with Dads, Breakfast with a Buddy is a fun morning for students to invite one guest - Dad, Mom, or a special friend - to campus. Students and guests met for doughnuts, coffee, and games in the Fuqua Family Dining Hall, then enjoyed a visit to the classroom.