SUMMER 2011 Heart&Sole A SMALL STEPS NURTURING CENTER NEWSLETTER Hope for Children Straight from the Heart

! Inside Oh, The Places You’ll Go this Issue: ongratulations to our ners! C 2011 Graduating Kindergarte 4 After They ongratulations to the new class of 2011 Small Steps Graduate: CGraduates! Twenty-six Small Steps Kindergarten News From students graduated on May 26 and celebrated with their Former Students families, teachers, staff, Board members and volunteers. Thank you to Retta Bravo and the Small Steps Auxiliary for putting on another unforgettable graduation, 5 Barbara Bush appropriately themed Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, filled Visits with memories and excitement over our students’ futures. Small Steps Special congratulations go to our students’ accomplishments and placements in first grade. Twenty- five out of twenty-six Small Steps’ 2011 graduates have 8 Capital Campaign enrolled in TEA exemplary or recognized elementary to Expand schools for first grade. Seven of these students transferred Small Steps from their zoned elementary school to magnet programs. We are so proud of all our students! We will miss all of them dearly, but cannot wait to see what God 10 Thank You has in His plan for them. We ask all of our Small Steps Volunteers! supporters to please pray for all of our graduates as they continue on their journey.

Small Steps Nurturing Center: Hope for Children Straight from Ariel Ashley Aubrey Ava Ayden the Heart “I like coming to Small “My favorite food at “When I grow up, I will “My favorite thing to do “The book I love to Steps because we learn Small Steps is hot dogs be a teacher at Small at Small Steps is play read is: Green Eggs and Our mission is to provide new things.” and salad. I think it’s Steps.” with my friends. I get to Ham.” an exemplary early healthy for kids….the be here to learn about childhood program salad. It’s healthy for ABC’s and numbers. If to instill and foster me.” you can read them, you the social, emotional, can read them to your physical, intellectual, parents.” and spiritual growth continued on page 3 of economically at-risk children and their families. www.ssnc.org • 1709 Depelchin • , TX 77007 • 713.862.1020 2902 Jensen Dr. • Houston, Tx 77026 • 713.236.0330 Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Congratulations to our 2011 Graduating Kindergarteners!

{N E W S B Y T E S } Former First Lady Looking Forward to Fall! Barbara Bush Brand New Luncheon On September 28, 2011, the inaugural Nurture and Nourish Luncheon featuring Alex Hitz of the Beverly Hills Kitchen and benefitting Small Steps Nurturing Center will Visits Small Steps be held at Houston Country Club. Alex Hitz, a Le Cordon Bleu chef and owner of the { Beverly Hills Kitchen, is truly one of the best when it comes to creating the ultimate dining and entertaining experience in your home. Please join co-chairs Jessica Brazelton, Erin Heath, Jill Holstead, Katherine Jones, Amy Murchison, and Courtney Swanson for our inaugural event! To find out more about purchasing a table, please contact Lindsey Fondren at 713-236-0330 or [email protected].

Registration is OPEN for the 2011 Small Steps Energy Classic!

Monday, October 17, 2011 at Champions Golf Club and Northgate Country Club: Join us for a great day of golf, delicious food, networking, and our famous door prizes, all benefiting Small Steps Nurturing Center! Register Your Team Today! Visit http://www.ssnc.org/register.} To learn more about the event, as well as sponsorship levels and benefits, visit: http://www.ssnc.org/special-events/ssec/. Thank you to title sponsors EnCap Investments and Lockton!

Save the Date for the 2012 SSCC!

The 10th Annual Small Steps Clays Classic will be held on February 15, 2012 at American Shooting Center. Please join us for another unforgettable day of sporting clays shooting, great food, and plenty of opportunities for networking. And don’t forget the door prizes! Mark your calendars and be on the lookout for registration information. Come Tour Small Steps!

Please join us for a tour of our Jensen Drive location and a van tour around some of the neighborhoods where our students live. There will also be opportunity to learn about ways to get involved or ask questions! Upcoming dates are: Septem- ber 13 at 10:00 am, October 6 at 2:00 pm, November 2 at 11:00 am, and December 5 at 2:00 pm. Please RSVP to Verna Noack at 713-236-0330 or at [email protected]. We hope to see you then! Did You Know...

Your Planned Gift Can Make an Impact on Children for Years to Come. A planned gift to Small Steps is a meaningful way to impact more children in poverty in Houston. Please contact Verna Noack or Lydia Jones in our Development office at 713-236-0330 to discuss your interest in making a planned gift to Small Steps. We would love to talk or meet with you to answer any questions you might have. { Way to go, Graduates! You will go far!

Beatriz Braya Brytzel Dedrick Diego Emmanuel “The most important “My favorite thing at “The most important “I think first grade will “If I had $100, I would “The most important thing I learned at Small Small Steps is eating thing I learned at Small be hard…no…, easy…. buy Coca-Cola, libros thing I learned at Small { Steps are the rules: Steps is reading. Will lunch!” Steps is how to color and full of books. It will [books] and bread.” you never forget me at and speak English.” be easy for me because I no screaming inside; Small Steps?” know a lot already!” scream outside!”

Evelyn Geovanni Heather Iris Ivan Jared “I think first grade will “When I grow up, I will “When I grow up, I want “If I had $100, I would “The most important “I think first grade will be different people and be a vet because I like to be a police officer like buy my mom a house. thing I learned at Small be happy because you different cubbies. It will to take care of animals. my dad!” It will be big, pink and Steps is the teachers that have new teachers and be harder.” I will feed them, play have an upstairs.” teach me how to think.” new toys and a new with them and give them playground.” medicine.”

Jordan Joshua Lolly Peyton Phillip Rene “I think first grade will “If I had $100, I “My favorite thing to “I think first grade “If I had $100, I would “When I grow up I will be fun because I will would buy my favorite do at Small Steps is to will be different and count it and then buy be a Forest Ranger at have new friends. I’ll breakfast…..waffles!” play outside and I like interesting. Like you presents for Santa to Jellystone Park (if we learn how to build a to read.” have a locker and do a give my sister and me.” can find it!). My dad will rocket for the astronauts lot of other things.” be my partner.” to go to space.”

Samantha Tya Zayra “I like coming to Small “When I grow up, I “If I had $100, I would Steps because you get will be a police officer buy food and soap.” to learn and play on the because I see police and { playground and work on they look fun. They ride letters.” horses. They help people be safe.” “What Happens After They Graduate?” ne of the most common questions She found out about these schools participants were more likely to Owe receive at Small Steps online and through recommendations be homeowners, earn greater pay Nurturing Center is, “What happens from Small Steps staff. Ms. Gloyd and have happier and more stable after your students graduate?” told us that her goal in researching and family lives. The study also suggests Small Steps has graduated 218 finding a good school is to “prepare a significant reduction in number students to Kindergarten or first my children for the future.” She wants of overall arrests as well as violent grade, and formed partnerships with her children to know that she expects crime arrests for preschool program area magnet programs and exemplary them to excel in school and ultimately participants. The early education elementary schools to ensure that attend college. participants from another major study, Small Steps’ students continue to The Carolina Abecedarian Project, receive high-quality educational We Equip our Students to Excel: were more likely to complete more opportunities. Below are some ways Departing kindergartners are years of schooling and attend a four- that we work to ensure that our tested using both an aptitude and year college than non-participants. students are prepared to excel in first achievement test. The 2011 graduating Research findings from an additional grade and beyond. class scored higher on the achievement long-term study, the Chicago Parent test as a group than they did on the Child study, estimate that for every We Start Working With Parents aptitude test, showing that Small Steps dollar invested in quality early Early: We begin to work with the is preparing our graduates to be ready childhood education for economically parents of Kindergarteners in the fall to achieve in elementary school. at-risk students, society will receive of their child’s Kindergarten year. seven dollars in benefits through We go over different types of schools Research Shows The Investment higher economic productivity and and how to get into the best possible Made at Small Steps Will Last: higher taxes and through lower costs school for their child. Twenty-five Three important, long-term studies of education, crime and government out of twenty-six Small Steps’ 2011 have shown the significant benefits assistance. graduates have enrolled in TEA of a high-quality preschool program exemplary or recognized elementary for economically at-risk children. They Come Back and Share Their schools for first grade. Seven of One study, The High/Scope Perry Success With Us! these students transferred from their Preschool study, identified children In addition to all of the research and zoned elementary school to magnet from low-income families, placing preparation, we hear story upon story programs. some in a high-quality preschool of our former students’ successes! One mom, Mica Gloyd, even program and some in no preschool Below are just a few of the many applied to twenty schools for her program, and has tracked them stories we hear of our former students daughter, who graduated this spring. through age 40. They have observed flourishing in elementary school and significant findings: the preschool beyond.

Alumni News

Justin Andrade, a 2010 graduate of Small Steps, was awarded one of two First Grade Student of the Year awards at his elementary school! He attends The Rusk School and is in a Sci- ence and Technology Magnet Program. His mother, Alicia, tells us that Justin’s teacher noticed something different about Justin when she met him at the beginning of the year. She knew he had to have had a great education background before being in her first grade class. We are proud of you, Justin! Former First Lady Barbara Bush Visits Small Steps

n April 21, Former First Lady Barbara Bush Ovisited Small Steps’ Jensen Campus to tour the school and read to our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Thirty students listened as Mrs. Bush read their favorite classroom books titled, The Many Colored Days and The Perfect Nest. Students also had time to ask Mrs. Bush questions about her time in the White House. Some of Mrs. Bush brought her dogs, Mini and Bebe, along for the visit. The students loved getting to pet the dogs! the questions asked were, “What do you eat in the White Photos courtesy of Sarah Snider Photography House?”, “Do kids get presents in the White House?”, and “Does the White House have nice things in it?” One student even asked if he could go with Mrs. Bush to the White House! Mrs. Bush also visited the students’ classrooms where they showed her all the books they had been reading, including one about her husband, President George H.W. Bush. The students, teachers and staff of Small Steps Nurturing Center are so grateful for Mrs. Bush taking the time to visit Small Steps. Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for your support of literacy and education in the lives of families all across our nation. Students listen as Mrs. Bush reads a book titled The Perfect Nest.

Ebony Garlington, a 2010 graduate of JeFran Butler, a 2010 graduate of Small Small Steps, shared some very exciting news with us recently. was also awarded the Student of the Year (Best Boy) award at Steps, She received four awards, including the Principal’s Award, at Kennedy his elementary school, BK Bruce Elementary. Congratulations, JeFran! Elementary School. She also received all A’s on her final report card! Congratulations, Ebony! James Chestnut, a 2006 graduate of Small Steps, will be entering sixth grade this fall. He will be attending Quenlyn Roach, a 2010 graduate of Small Woodcreek Middle School in Humble. His mother sent us the following Steps, returned to show off her glowing report card this past spring. email: “James will be in middle school this fall!!! He did a FANTASTIC She had received all A’s at her elementary school, Ross Elementary! She job getting prepared during these past years, and I’m so very proud of especially wanted the news to be passed along to her former Buddy, Ms. him!! Thanks so much for the FANTASTIC START AT SMALL STEPS, we Connie. will never forget your contribution to his continued success!” A Parent’s PERSPECTIVE: Small Steps Mom Writes About Her Personal Experience with Early Childhood Education

time. We would practice during story time at our local library; no success. We would practice at home working on puzzles, but it wasn’t long before he would just go to the next activity; no success. I can say that teachers at Small Steps really take the time to teach every child, if they have to, how to focus on one thing at a time. Sitting still can still be a hassle every now and then; I can say it has gotten a lot better within this year he has been in school. As Fujawa says, what children really need to learn in preschool is more meals, transportation, to diapers, if the ne of our parents, Lucy than just than ABC’s and the 123’s (33). Gonzalez, wrote an essay about student is not potty trained. It sounds O It all starts with the parents. Parents Small Steps for her English class. She unreal; but to tell you the truth, we are are the first teachers in a child’s life. I is going back to school to pursue a living it, and it’s all real and we feel very highly recommend giving your child the nursing career and for her class this fortunate. opportunity to be someone in this world spring, she selected Early Childhood Small Steps not only devotes to their early instead of keeping him guessing Education as the topic for her student’s but also their families. They what’s next. Talk to your child, give him research paper and used her personal have Parent Education programs such experience at Small Steps in the essay. the tools he needs and put the right people as “The Junk Drawer” which teaches Lucy was kind enough to share what she learned through research and “Personally, I feel [Small Steps deserves] more than through her personal experience at Small Steps. We have included some ten hours [of volunteer time] which is why I dedi- selected excerpts from Lucy’s paper: cate my free time to offer my help.”

When my son was about one and a half, –Lucy, a Small Steps parent I was given the chance to go back to parents to learn fun and inexpensive ways in his life to help him do that. Small Steps school and finish my career in nursing. to create activities for their children with has done wonders for me and my child; Immediately, I started looking for a day supplies right out of their junk drawer. and I can’t wait to see what my child will care but preferably a pre-school within There are many types of preschool be capable of doing when he starts grade my budget; I was stunned to realize how programs out there that ultimately can school. expensive it was for someone to watch confuse a parent. You have the child a child. I was recommended to go check centered, teacher directed, and play based out a pre-school of the name Small Steps (Wana 64-65). Small Steps does all three. Nurturing Center located in the center of Their classrooms are teacher directed but Fifth Ward here in Houston, which was the school also provides speech therapists not far from my home and based their that will give the child a one-on-one admission on parent’s income. session through play. In the end, these Small Steps provides everything a children are getting the attention they need child would need at school at no cost. individually. The cost: ten hours of volunteer service Focusing and sitting still is sometimes towards the school from the student’s very hard for boys, especially my parent(s). Personally, I feel they deserve hyperactive child. Before I enrolled him in more than ten hours which is why I preschool, I was constantly trying to find dedicate my free time to offer my help. ways to get him to focus on one thing at a They cover everything from nutritional The 2nd Annual Small Steps Ultimate Wine Classic, held on Thursday, April 14, 2011, at , was a success for Small Steps Nurturing Center! Master Sommelier Paul Roberts led the program, which was matched with a superb menu and pairing of wines.

Co-Chairs Julie and John Howie and Theresa and Jeff Eaton hosted the event in its second year, bringing in over $445,000 for Small Steps Nurturing Center.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for your support of Small Steps Nurturing Center! Your support is making an impact in the lives of Houston’s children in poverty.

Barbara and Bert Davey Champagne Champions Burgundy Beauties Megan and Greg Davis Colleen Foster and Chris Canavan Andrews Kurth LLP Karen and David Lail Cathy and Tim Goff Barclays Capital Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP Julie and John Howie Bowden / Gilbane / Morgan / Kimberly and Richard Lucas Michelle and James Mouton / Shughart / Wood Zeina and Crawford Moorefield Aimee and Wynne Snoots / Kristy and Chris Bradshaw NGP Capital Resources Company Kat and Brian Thompson Brazelton / Millard / Moriniere / Sanders Elizabeth and Greer Pagan Liane and Marty Phillips / Bud Light / Silver Eagle Distributors Jen and Dan Pickering Barbara and Bob Zorich Cabes / Hendricks / Leonard / Kathleen and Townes Pressler Loweth / Villa Leslie and Curtiss Roach Judy and Charlie Eaton Kolja Rockov Malbec Masters Sarah and Doug Foshee Amy and Brian Rogers Connie and Jonathan Gregory Lexie and Collin Rose Theresa and Jeff Eaton Cecilia and Wil Harris Mari Salazar Jefferies & Company, Inc. Kay and Steve Head Oswald J. Scott, Jr. SCF Partners Linn Energy Pamela and Rand Sterling Kathy and Mike Mattina / Meredith and John Stilwell Anne and Barry Siller Sonoma Super Stars McGriff, Seibels & Williams Lilly and Thurmon Andress / Leslie and Randy Newcomer Special Thanks To Gayle and David Pratt Thompson & Knight Foundation / Sandy Cazemier Carlson / Gregg / Tosch Michael K. Pierce Megan Davis of Toast & Laurel Sylvie and Gary Crum W&T Offshore Mad Potter Deutsche Bank Securities / Vinson & Elkins Kate and Logan Walters Charlie Nelson El Paso Corporation Gabriella Nissen Photography Goldman Sachs & Co. Paul Roberts Lockton Marine & Energy Charming Chardonnays Jimmy Vitulli The Trini and O.C. Mendenhall Foundation Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Anna and Ryan Moss Aon Elizabeth and Gary Petersen Jason Burk Pipkin and Swyka Families Meg and Mark Clemans Misty and James Roeder Courtney and Doug Swanson, Jr. address the needs of the community THE NEED- We face a high and to fulfill Small Steps’ mission. demand for additional student capacity. Because of the high demand we face, Small Steps will build an There are 10,400 children under the additional four classrooms at the age of five in the 32 census tracts Jensen Drive campus, bringing the Small Steps serves, with 4,785 of total number of children served to 180 these children living below the poverty by 2015. Pictured above is our current school line. In the seven census tracts which The current Jensen Drive (Fifth on Jensen Drive. We are expanding surround the Jensen campus, there are Ward) campus serves 60 children and to add four more classrooms, thereby 1,942 children under the age of five, its kitchen and library were built large serving an additional 60 students. 1,330 of whom live in poverty. The enough for a campus of 120 children, median household income in these with the eventual expansion in mind. Small Steps Nurturing Center’s seven census tracts is $17,370. The DePelchin Street (First Ward) expansion of its Jensen Drive (Fifth As Small Steps serves 118 campus will continue to serve 60 Ward) facility is critical in order for students, demand continues to grow children. Small Steps to provide an exemplary each year. Small Steps receives As a part of the expansion, we will early childhood education program approximately three applications build in additional meeting and service for more children. Please consider an for each space available. Over the space for our current collaborative investment in the lives of Houston’s last three years, we have averaged partners and potential future children and families in poverty. 113 applications during our open collaborative partners. This addition Through helping us build classroom application period from mid January will include two Student Evaluation space for sixty more children, you to the end of February. After the and Therapy Rooms, where cognitive are changing the trajectory of these application period ends, we receive testing, speech therapy, occupational students’ lives, and the lives of many many, many inquiries about enrollment therapy, and physical therapy will all more children for years to come. in our program, including a significant take place. Please help us Grow Hope for burst of activity each August. Additionally, we hope to grow the the Future. Small Steps Continuity Fund, a fund SMALL STEPS’ PLAN- that Small Steps Nurturing Center Please contact Small Steps’ We plan to build four more classrooms has established in order to support the Development office at 713-236- to serve more students. ongoing operation of its program. 0330 with any questions or for more The total investment required for detailed information on the expansion, The Board of Directors has developed our expansion plan is approximately or if you would like to make a pledge a long-term strategic plan to help $2,600,000. toward our campaign. Students dress up in traditional Art comes to life! Mexican dress at our Jensen Students participate campus this summer. in a fun art project painting their own stained-glass window at our DePelchin campus this summer.

Summer Snapshots ummer at Small Steps is always an exciting time for our students. Our Straditional curriculum-based program draws to a close and we put on a more theme-based, half-day program for the month of June. This year, Small Steps students traveled around the world, classroom to classroom. Each classroom studied a different country, which included Mexico, Ghana, Spain, Italy, and Japan. Students explored each country visiting different classrooms learning about the culture, food, native animals and apparel. Some classrooms even had visitors from their countries share their knowl- Our DePelchin edge and experience of their homeland. The Kindergarten and Pre-K class students get to dress learned about Ghana from a Small Steps volunteer who is a native of that up in traditional country. Other fun summer activities included: Splash Day where students Japanese clothing! enjoyed playing in the water on the playground, learning how to cook pizza and bake bread, and creating fun stained-glass window art. Happy Summer!

Two-and three-year- olds at our DePelchin The Kindergarten campus learn to make and Pre-K class learn an Italian about Ghana from a dish together. Small Steps volunteer.

On a safari! One of our 3-year-old students enters the continent of Africa as he tours the Kindergarten classroom! Thank you, Volunteers!

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers for making 2010-2011 such a great school year! We couldn’t have done it without your help!

Board of Directors Lyndsey and Bret Zorich Nadine Brink Elizabeth James Jennifer Randall (see back cover) Wine Committee Groups Reagan and Claudia Burch Webb Jennings Thomas Rasor Ralph Eads AD Players Pierce Bush Ben Johnson Wendy Rassbach Clays Classic Steering Lenoir Josey Bank of Lindsay Carey Charles Johnston Betty and Wayne Register Crawford Moorefield Bay Harbor Methodist Church Committee Pat Cavanaugh David Jones Tracy Richards Bering Drive Church of Christ Marshall Adkins, Co-Chair Tanya and Jon Clarkson Adele Kleindienst Rachel Robins Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant James Wicklund, Co-Chair Auxilliary Clayton Crum Amelia Koziarski Susan Robinson Calpine Corporation Fred Brazelton Lilly Andress Emma Davey Melissa Kramer Amy Rogers Children at Risk – Sandy Cazemier Mary Ellen Bos Megan Davis Srinithi Kumar Melanie Rushe Young Professionals Patrick Connelly Tammy Brindley Susie Denney Karen and David Lail Mari Salazar Christ the King Jerry Crews Claudia Burch Elizabeth Desselle Katie Larkin Susan Sanders Presbyterian Church Greg Elliot Sandy Cazemier Christy Dominy Jo Ludwig Edie Saville ColdRiver Cattle Company Dave Golder Barbara Davey Stephanie Drew Caitlyn Luther Blake Schaufele Duchesne Academy Bill Henn Kim Davis Laura Easton Jodi McNamara-Alexander Jahnavi Schnieder Episcopal High School Butch Mach Susie Denney Tamara Edwards Allie Manning Meredith Shank First Presbyterian Church Larry Mosher Lisa Dierker Nancy Eisenberg Paula Manning Jessica Shannon Grace Bible Church Hardy Murchison Tamara Edwards Olivia Ferrer Caroline Mason Adelaide Snell Grace Presbyterian Church Collin Rose Sarah Furbee Kelli Fondren Lori Noack-May Sarah Snider Photography Impact Church of Houston Robert Rubey Anne Furse Justin Fountain Doris Maynard Akshat Sood Invesco Doug Swanson Garrett Galloway Sarah Furbee Eric McGuire Eleanor Spain Jane Phillips Society Connie Gregory Garrett Galloway Virginia Melo Harriet Spain Kinkaid School Energy Classic Fiona Guinn Genesis Photographers Jan and Oniel Mendenhall Sarah Stanley Linn Energy Advisory Board Ann Hardy Zoe Gerachis Cynthia Michaud Greg Stirman Mary Queen Catholic Church Thurmon Andress Monika Heinze Morgan Gerson Natul Middlebrook Ben Swisher Museum of Fine Arts Houston Robert Cunningham Stephani Hess James Gerstner Laura Mitchell Nan and Shaun Toole Orthopedic Associates Ron Dierker Linda Hord Megan Glasgow Masami Mizukami Jimmy Vitulli Philips-Van Heusen Rich Eichler Julie Howie Jesse Goff Marva Moore Natalie Wahl Post Oak School Doug Foshee Meg Huber Devin Gohel Charlie Nelson Bill Ward Project Linus Jonathan Gregory Elizabeth James Neva Gohel Gabriella Nissen Photography Jarrett Ward R.E.A.D. for Houston John Howie Alicia Kimmel Shekkola Gray Abbie Norris Jacqueline Waterland Kyle Hranicky Monica Kratz Kay and Will Greer Liam Norris Ruth and Jim Weatherall Spring Branch Presbyterian Chuck Kingswell-Smith Lucy Leonard Craig Griffin Emily Northcutt Emily Weinstein Church Lucy Leonard Audrey Loweth Madison Hankins Monica Olsen Photography Zoey Weinstein St. Agnes Academy Justin Loweth Janet Luby Ann and John Hardy Nora O’Neill Mac Wells St. John’s Presbyterian Church David McCarver Allie Manning Suzette Harrel Amanda Parker Virginia Wells St. John’s School Joseph Mills Lisa Mehos Nichole Harryman Linda Parker Heather White St. Luke’s Methodist Church Ryan Moss Jan Mendenhall David Hartnett Robin Parrish Debbie Wright Triad Resources Marty Phillips Lauren Morgan Bill Heinzerling Amy Pascoe Deiedre Wright Trinity Classical School Michael Pierce Marva Moore Brian Henderson Samantha Perez Kathleen Wrobleske UBS John Rathmell, Jr. Anna Moss Ashlyn Herd Duncan Perkins Denise Zelaya University Place Rick Roberge Emily Northcutt Stephani Hess Elise Peters Wells Fargo Energy Group Wynne Snoots Amanda Parker Darcey Holender Olivia Puccio Windsor Village Church Dan Steele Linda Parker Billy and Betty Horn Samantha Pulaski David Zarr Lacy Rieke Bret Zorich Betty Register Individual Amy Rogers Volunteers Wine Classic Marisol Salazar Franchesca Alamo Committee Kathy Sanders Marie Arcos Margie Sanders Mike Arcos Co-Chairs Jessica Shannon Vicki and Gil Ash Theresa and Jeff Eaton Sarah Shughart Krista Babine Julie and John Howie Sarah Smith Heather Baird Katie Stanton Mead Baldwin Sponsor Committee Dolly Thomas Scott Bayer Karoline and Tim Carlson Emma Tramuto Gabe Birdsall Eleanor and Dan Gilbane Robin Vickers Cynthia and Ed Blizzard Anna and Ryan Moss Kate Walters Nina Bontha Aimee and Wynne Snoots Pam Weatherall Jessica and Fred Brazelton Katie and Bobby Stanton Ruth Weatherall Cherrie Brickhouse Jenni and Nick Swyka Deiedre Wright Tammy and Paul Brindley Kate and Logan Walters Sharing Her Art

l-r: Shaun and Nan Toole with Denise Wilborn

an Toole, known as an for Small Steps is contagious, as her animals and humans as well as parts NEnvironmental Chemist in husband, Shaun, testifies. He now of the day, the seasons, holidays and the business world, is the resident volunteers at Small Steps too! elements. art volunteer at Small Steps. Her One day, Retta Bravo, Small When students study the mural, friend, Denise Wilborn, Pre-K and Steps’ Volunteer Coordinator, asked they will be challenged to discover Kindergarten teacher at Small Steps’ Nan about transforming the huge, which figures go together to represent DePelchin campus, started telling Nan blank wall at the back of Small Steps’ the entire cycle of life. But that’s not about Small Steps several years ago. De Pelchin campus into a mural to all! The squares contain letters that One visit was enough to convince Nan be enjoyed by the students and staff. are part of a secret message waiting that her art talents could be shared Volunteers from First Presbyterian for the observer to decipher: “Live and appreciated by the children at Church and Spring Branch each second like you are opening a Small Steps. “I can think of no better Presbyterian Church came alongside present.” way to spend my time than to create to help with the preparation, and soon, Life’s presents come in many something beautiful and fun with the wall began to take shape. It has forms. Nan Toole has been such a gift the great kids at Small Steps. They been a work in progress for months for all of us at Small Steps and we are the bright spot in my week,” she now and the result is spectacular. look forward to sharing her artwork said. Nan began visiting Ms. Denise’s Measuring sixty feet long and twelve with all our friends and neighbors for a class, helping our young children see feet high, it contains eighty squares long time to come! the magic and value of art and how it filled with bright, vibrant colors. The can touch their lives. Her enthusiasm mural portrays the life cycle of plants,

The Sole Purpose his spring, we went through a by Kathie Hartzog Tfamiliar process once again—our annual student enrollment: caught my attention during this year’s interacts with his younger sister  January and February: Accept process. During the New Student now.” student applications for the coming Orientation this May, the parents • “I like the way my older children school year. of next year’s incoming students, learned to talk to each other at  March: Fill next school year’s many of whom have already sent one Small Steps. I want the same thing openings, beginning with “legacy” or more child to Small Steps, were for my youngest son.” students and siblings, those families asked, “Why do you continue to send • “My two-year-old already knows who have one or more children that your children to Small Steps?” One so much because of how his older we have already served. by one, around the table, the words sister and brother play with him.”  April: Send acceptance letters to were different but the sentiment was The parents of next year’s one out of three applicants. consistent: incoming students understand that  May: Hold our New Student • “I like the person my daughter the Sole Purpose of Small Steps is to Orientation for new students’ became when she attended Small equip their children through social, parents. Steps. I like who she is on the emotional, physical, intellectual, and While the process remains the inside.” spiritual growth. It is the number one same each year, something special • “I like the way my older son reason they keep coming back! NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE Small Steps Nurturing Center PAID 2902 Jensen PERMIT NO. 1948 Houston, TX 77026 HOUSTON TX

Address Service Requested

Small Steps Executive Director Former First Lady Mrs. Barbara Bush Evan Harrel Visits Small Steps! Small Steps Board of Directors Fred Brazelton President and Board Chair Doug Swanson, Jr. Vice President Greg Stirman Secretary Chuck Kingswell-Smith Treasurer

Patrick Connelly Robert Rubey Jerry Crews Mari Salazar Jonathan Gregory Brad Sanders John Howie Oswald Scott Nancy Kornegay Wynne Snoots Lucy Leonard John Stilwell Justin Loweth Kate Walters Shea Morenz Reverend John Ryan Moss Worthy Hardy Murchison Michael Pierce Townes Pressler Kolja Rockov