The Horizon December 2014 A Newsletter for Alumni, Families & Friends of Shelton School 2013-2014 Annual Report (See Page 25) The Horizon Table of Contents December 2014 Remembering Kierstin Eaddy 1 From the Executive Director 2 Development Doings May 20, 2000 – July 26, 2014 4 Outreach/Training Offerings 5 Shelton Outreach is Everywhere 6 Shelton Speech / Language / Hearing Clinic 7 Shelton Evaluation Center 8 Accolades 9 Lower School News 10 Upper Elementary School News 11 Middle School News 12 Upper School News 14 Fine Arts Features 16 From the Head of School 18 Alumni Updates This edition of The Horizon is dedicated to the memory of 19 Off the Shelf Library News Kierstin Eaddy, who died in a go-kart accident July 26. Kierstin entered Shelton School in seventh grade in 2012 20 Spotlight on Sports and successfully completed eighth grade with honors in 21 Parents’ Page the spring of 2014. Kierstin was outstanding, soaring both in 22 Community Connections Beyond the Campus academics and athletics. While maintaining an A average, 24 Staff Stuf Kierstin broke numerous track records. This year she had 25 Annual Report of Gifts 2013-2014 participated in the Junior Olympics national qualifier event. Kierstin also set an example of service through her involvement in Girl Scouts and volunteer work with SpiritHorse, MISSION STATEMENT a not-for-profit organization where she donated many hours Shelton on a mission to help autistic children build skills and confidence. a school and resource center dedicated to — making a difference — Kierstin won praise from both teachers and peers and by serving and empowering the lives of unanimously won the Spirit of Shelton Award this year. The — students who learn differently — votes included such student comments as: “I have never Because Not All Great Minds Think Alike seen such a positive person,” and “She is an awesome friend, honest and good.” At the final awards ceremony for eighth grade, Kierstin was recognized for her special qualities of VISION STATEMENT integrity and compassion. — a world model of education — for — individuals who learn differently — The Shelton community, along with many others, celebrated through her life on November 8 at Texas Motor Speedway in a special Education — Evaluation — Therapy event that Kierstin would have enjoyed. Families came for a Research — and — Outreach movie night and to drive laps. Partial proceeds of the event went to the Kierstin Eaddy Endowed Scholarship Fund at The Horizon is published by the Public Relations Department. Shelton. This issue includes Shelton’s 2013-2014 Annual Report. Kierstin will always bring Suzanne Stell, M.Ed., CALT, Executive Director to mind a beautiful, Anne Hendrick-Thomas, APR, SPHR, Director of Public Relations giving spirit, full of fun Theresa Bruno, CRFE, Director of Development and talent. She was an exceptional young person who achieved much in 14 years. Her legacy will always include the exceptional standards by Shelton students attend memorial 972.774.1772 www.shelton.org which she lived. event at Texas Motor Speedway From the Executive Director Suzanne Stell, M.Ed., CALT Shelton Focused on 2025: Exciting, Engaging, Energizing Shelton is in the midst of developing a ten-year plan. It has two parts – business and marketing. The business plan will set the course for where we want to be in 2025, followed by a marketing plan to support it. The process underway is exciting, engaging and energizing, and I eagerly anticipate our next steps. Starting in January 2014, committees comprising board members, parents, faculty, staff and administrators have formed to examine Shelton’s four business entities: • School • Speech / Language / Hearing Clinic • Evaluation Center • Outreach / Training Center Shelton Opens Its Doors Each committee met for several months and created its Each year we have many requests for internship placement respective “state of the union” summary, based on a review of at Shelton. This spring we’ll have interns in our Speech Clinic, mission, vision, and the business ramifications tied to all products School Speech Program, and Upper Elementary division. and services. These summaries were presented to our board in We enjoy the interaction with those from major educational November, and they form the preliminary body of knowledge institutions and value the fresh young faces of those joining related to our next actions. with us – it keeps us young as well, and we all learn from one another. In the Spring of 2015 we will continue to define our business goals, refine our forecast, and begin the fun part of making Shelton’s voice rise above the rest with new messages. All Forward at 40 involved are enthusiastic, creative and supportive of the work The timing and synergy of all remaining. these activities above could th not be better, as we are poised to celebrate Shelton’s Collaborations Continue 40th anniversary next year. We continue to join forces with other organizations as we share As we formulate our plans, I expertise, information and resources. In October Shelton again am grateful for the ideas and 40 partnered with 16 other private schools through the Common contributions of so many. ANNIVERSARY Ground speaker series. Dr. Madeline Levine was the featured Stay tuned, and feel free to speaker. We linked with seven other schools to sponsor Lenore share your thoughts with me. Skenazy’s presentation, How Did We Get So Afraid for Our Kids? And we have had a major grass roots involvement with Commit! (see pg. 23, Community Connections). I feel we are all enriched through these endeavors. The Horizon | December 2014 1 Development Doings Theresa Bruno, CRFE, Director of Development Supporting Shelton Everyday we reflect upon how fortunate our community is that Shelton remains true to its mission of providing a quality education to students who learn differently. We are grateful to be part of a school that has an incredible history and a generous community of parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, friends and alumni. Our community continues to inspire us and we are united by a vision to build upon our successes. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is a testimonial to our unique partnerships with our students, families and community. Shelton is grateful for our well-trained faculty and staff, dedicated volunteers, committed families, and our generous donors for their support. Each year, in our Annual Report, we recognize and acknowledge the gifts of our supporters and celebrate the generosity and giving spirit seen throughout the year. It is with deep gratitude that we thank our entire community for its support of Shelton Development Department staff and its mission. We rely on your partnership to realize our goals and thank you for your (Seated L to R) Betty Glasheen, Theresa Bruno (Standing L to R) Janie Robertson, Leslie Robinson ongoing financial support. Together we can.... make a difference! Assuring the Future — Shelton Endowment Campaign Shelton is currently conducting Phase II of a $10,000,000 Endowment Campaign. Growth of the Shelton School Endowment Fund is one of the school’s highest priorities. In 2016 Shelton will celebrate its 40th anniversary. This milestone year will be the perfect time to celebrate our accomplishments. It is also a time to set ambitious goals that honor these accomplishments and to open doors to all of the extraordinary possibilities the future can bring. With a larger endowment, Shelton will have additional financial resources to: • Attract and retain the best teachers for our students • Provide financial aid to needy students • Offer enhanced programs and improved facilities for our students • Continue our community outreach programs and research An investment in Shelton’s Endowment Fund will help guarantee that Shelton is here not only for those who need (L to R) Shelton’s Suzanne Stell and George Teague receive AEDs us today, but more importantly, for future generations to from Tiffanie Huffmaster come. Your contribution to Shelton’s Endowment Fund is a true endorsement of our mission and an ever-lasting form of financial Living for Zack support. Shelton received two automated external defibrillator (AED) packages from an anonymous donor that were The Development Office would be delighted to meet presented to the school at the 2014 Homecoming Pep with you to answer any questions or discuss endowment Rally by the organization Living For Zachary. Thank you opportunities. Please call Theresa Bruno at Ext. 2230 or for helping raise awareness of keeping our students email [email protected] for further information. heart-healthy. 2 The Horizon December 2014 2014-2015 Shelton Annual Fund Drive — Together We Can....Make A Difference Thank you to our 2013-3014 Annual Fund Drive Co-Chairs Laura and G. Ellison Hurt and Lucy and Don Witte for their leadership and support. We would like to express our deep appreciation to all those who supported the 2013-14 Annual Fund Drive. We are delighted to report that we raised $617,346. (L to R) Co-Chairs Charlie and Mitzie Wheeler, Stephanie and Bryan Rigg lead the drive Goal: $650,000 and 100% parent participation A gift to the Annual Fund Drive is the first and most important way you can support Shelton. Your donation provides necessary funding for operational and educational enhancements that tuition alone does not cover. Annual Fund gifts help bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the full cost of providing a unique quality education for each student. (L to R) Ellison and Laura Hurt; Lucy and Don Witte Every gift we receive makes a difference in the lives of our students. It takes all the members of our community to make the Annual Fund Drive successful, and together we can meet our goals and make a difference. Shelton Stampede Auction — Bringing It Back Home Special Thanks to our Shelton February 21, 2015 Community Co-Chairs: Karen Higgins, Mickie Bragalone and Courtney Dios It is with deep gratitude that we thank our entire community for their SAVE THE DATE for this year’s exciting event.