a publication of springer school & center | w i n t e r 2 0 0 7 | www.springer-ld.org

Coming Attraction! How can you help? A Springer Celebration! on April 25, 2007 A Springer Celebration! is Springer’s major annual fundraising event. You can include cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, a silent help support this important evening by: auction, live auction, dinner and program. • Donating auction items for our silent Learning changes lives. And so can you. and live auctions. As Springer’s 2006-07 Annual Fund theme • Securing a table sponsorship. (This could broadens the idea of change and encour- be your place of employment, your own ages community participation, Clooney – business or other interested parties.) brother of the late singer/actress Rosemary • Advertising in the event program. Clooney and father of television and movie Call the Springer Development Office star – will also address the at (513) 871-6080 x213 for more details. power of change, from his book The Movies That Changed Us. Roll out the red carpet, don your best Each year Springer hosts an event to logistics while Jay and Amy will head up duds, and pretend this is “Oscar night”! increase awareness about Springer’s mis- the auction committee. Tom and Cindy Springer is excited to announce that sion and to raise funds for scholarships are alumni parents and Tom is a current Nick Clooney, journalist, author and and center programs. Previous events Springer board member as well as being an former host of cable’s American Movie have featured Coach Marvin Lewis, Henry alum himself. Jay and Amy are parents of a Classics, will be the guest speaker during Winkler, and a tribute to Matth. Toebben. current Springer student. A Springer Celebration! on Wednesday, Co-chairs for the 2007 fundraiser are Save the date for this wonderful evening April 25, 2007 at the Newport Syndicate, Tom and Cindy Youtsey, III and Jay and of movies, food, and celebration with Newport, Kentucky. The “movie-themed” Amy Stoehr. Tom and Cindy will focus their friends and supporters of Springer School event, scheduled from 6:00-10:00 pm, will talents on event sponsorships and and Center!

cafeteria and gym will result in flexible, Capital Campaign Springer students enjoying the newly multi-purpose spaces better suited to meet renovated Music Room. Comes to Life! school and center program needs. Stay tuned! In 2006, Springer School and Center’s The two components of the capital $5,000,000 capital campaign, Imagine the campaign are: to preserve and improve the Possibilities, made initial campus improve- campus ($1.2 mil) and increase the ments a reality with the transformation of financial aid endowment ($3.8 mil). To the lower level Music and Motor Rooms date, the campaign has received $3.2 into bright, dynamic spaces. In addition, million towards those goals. new exterior doors were installed through- Campaign Chair and Springer board out the building. This summer, the main member, Kate Lawrence said, “We are very building will undergo major renovation to excited about the generous response from remaining gifts for the campaign so that include: the installation of an elevator; the community for this important work. Springer can continue to change the lives of remodeling of the lobby, front office, gym, The building improvements during this children with learning disabilities through and cafeteria; and the addition of modular next summer will be a visible reminder of the school and center programs. Our region storage units for the classrooms that will our pledge to grow the Springer infrastruc- is very lucky to have the resources that be used to create learning spaces within ture so that more students in need can be Springer provides to the many families the larger room. The renovation of the served. We are committed to securing the affected by learning disabilities.” continued on next page

SPR N&V Winter 07.indd 1 1/23/07 12:36:26 PM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN TALKING WITH… Richard Lavoie shelly weisbacher, executive director

In a few weeks, Springer School and school and center, and to engage staff Furthermore, through the self-study Q. After working for many years with RL: Develop a support system. We all Center will welcome a visiting team of members in thinking about Springer in a process, we learned much about ourselves as students, parents and educators affected by have support systems as adults, people educators and administrators from the holistic manner. we discussed and reflected on our challenges, learning disabilities, what is the one thing we can call on when we need advice or Independent Schools Association of the What emerged is a self-study report and plans and priorities. For instance, we you wish they all knew and understood about assistance. Many times, the child with living with a learning disorder? LD has a support system of one – mom. Central States (ISACS). The visiting team will based on our five core values: Student know that we want to continue to identify and Those children need to find a support be on-site for three days to evaluate our Growth and Development, Staff Expertise evaluate new assessment tools that will help RL: We need to understand that kids go system they can access in adulthood, and program. As a member of ISACS, we are and Development, Partnership, Communi- us be ever more diagnostic in our teaching; to school for a living. That is their job and figure out who the right people are to lend required to participate in an extensive cation and Stability. These values are the increase recognition of Springer as a regional they do it six hours a day. If you run into support or assistance. accreditation process. This process follows a cornerstone of our work, guide day-to-day resource; and establish stronger connections a kid you haven’t seen in a while, the first Compartmentalization – recognize that thing you ask is “how’s school?” But if you seven-year cycle that includes in-depth and long-range planning and decisions, to alumni. the disability is a part of you, but don’t let run into his dad, you may not ask how work surveying of parents, trustees, and staff; and incorporate all aspects of the organiza- While the ISACS accreditation process it define you. Most successful adults with is going for two hours. For kids, school completion of a written self-study; an on-site tion. Using our values as the framework is just one of the many tools we use at learning disabilities don’t label themselves is their identity. When you ask kids with evaluation; and periodic progress reports. proved to be to an ideal means to address Springer to engage in ongoing evaluation as an LD insurance salesman or an LD learning disabilities, “how’s school?” the ISACS accreditation is important to that which the ISACS self-study requires and planning, it is unique among them teacher. While realizing and working with answer for them is usually “pretty bad.” Springer on several levels. It demonstrates and to accomplish our goals. because of the opportunity to receive input the fact that they have a learning disability Parents need to understand that their kids to the community our adherence to the The self-study process allowed us to from peers working in similar settings. We and that it’s a part of who they are, it’s not carry over their traumatic school experi- and recognize and mimic the culture sur- the whole of who they are. best practices of independent schools, and recognize and celebrate what we accom- know from past experience how valuable ences outside of school. There is a social rounding you. Develop emotional coping skills. Suc- it is an approved measure by the plish in our day-to-day work as well as in this can be and we look forward to the and emotional impact that the child is (Note from Rick: Drawing on more than cessful adults can recognize when they are Department of Education for maintaining our work over time. In the seven years since visiting team’s thoughtful input and going to bring home. Having a learning 20 years of groundbreaking research trac- getting depressed or anxious, and use the our state charter. On a deeper level, it we were last evaluated, many initiatives analysis, and the opportunities this will disability is a 24-hour disability, not just ing the lives of children and adults with LD, support systems they have in place to get provides a structured, formal means for have been realized including: evolving our provide for us to continue to evolve as the a problem at school and it affects many researchers at the Frostig Center in Pasa- themselves re-balanced. self-assessment that is critical to Springer’s core curricula in significant ways; increasing regional resource for learning disabilities. aspects of life, language and learning. dena, have identified key factors Recognize that you are a specialist. As that contribute to success. For more info, ongoing development and future planning. the use of technology at all levels; expand- Q. On page 142 in your book, It’s So Much a child, we are expected to be generalists go to www.ldsuccess.org.) This is the third time Springer has ing the center’s presence in the region Work to Be Your Friend – Helping the Child – knowing and learning about almost completed the ISACS accreditation cycle. through on-site and community based with Learning Disabilities Find Social Suc- everything. Adulthood can be kinder to Q. You have shared many moving experi- As we approached the current self-study, programs; formation of the Diversity Circle, cess, you mention that you have ADHD. the person with learning disabilities, ences, both personal and professional, with we carefully considered the framework we a committee of teachers and administra- What specific insight has this condition given allowing for specialization of skills and your audiences. You seem to really touch would use to write our report. In addition tors; restructuring leadership teams; you in your relations with parents and stu- interests focused on areas of strength people in a way they least expect…sometimes to fulfilling the ISACS requirements, we launching a capital campaign, and planning dents affected by learning disabilities, many and confidence. stirring up feelings that have been buried for who also are dealing with ADD/ADHD? Develop and practice social skills. Look a while. Why do you think people react to wanted to incorporate all facets of the for a major facility renovation. for the hidden “social curriculum” that you and the topic of learning disabilities the RL: What I bring to the table when I deal every business, organization, family, etc. way they do? with children and families is a “been there, has. Look at the behaviors around you continued on next page continued from front cover done that” experience. I remember the difficulties I had in school, the friends, Echoing that sentiment, Board Presi- teachers, and coaches who didn’t under- dent, Russ Wilson said, “The capital stand and viewed me as unmotivated. A lot On November 2 and 3, 2006, Springer campaign will allow Springer to assist even of my behavior as a kid was misinterpreted School and Center proudly hosted Rich- more families by creating a special because back then no one knew about ard Lavoie for two seminars on learning endowment that will substantially increase ADD. I am able to recognize the pain the disabilities. One session, Roots and Wings the amount of available scholarships. I feel disorder can bring but also try to empha- – Parenting the Child with a Learning Dis- size the positive aspects of ADD. People privileged to help support this momentous ability, focused on family and parenting with learning disabilities tend to be creative campaign that will secure Springer’s future issues and the other session, It’s So Much and hardworking, get the job done, and as the leading resource for learning Work to Be Your Friend – Helping the Child come up with greater ways to get it done. disabilities in the region.” with Learning Disabilities Find Social Suc- Thanks to generous gifts and grants Q. Can you suggest five ways that an adult cess, provided professional development from Springer supporters, the “Possibili- with a diagnosed learning disability can con- for educators on the link between learning ties” are becoming reality! tinue to improve his/her life circumstances? disabilities and social competence.

SPR N&V Winter 07.indd 2-3 1/23/07 12:36:29 PM FROM THE CENTER Center Provides Professional Development Program for Local Schools

Springer offers new strategies for strug- Learner, Really Learning: Teaching the Way Good news! Program evaluation and gling learners. Springer School and Center Children Learn Best, and Strategic Teaching review. Springer studied teacher evalua- continues to broaden its reach into the for Optimal Learning were among the most tions from each program to look at overall community by offering tailored professional popular picks. After each school identified effectiveness of the professional develop- development to local schools and educators. appropriate programs, Springer staff went ment. Several themes emerged from that During the last several months, the center to the schools to deliver a brief synopsis of study. Teachers and administrators felt that provided training and consultation to the the work that would be completed in the fall the information was relevant and extremely staff at seven schools, thanks to a generous of the 2006-07 school year. Teachers and practical. They appreciated the hands-on grant from SC Ministry Foundation. The administrators had the information to read strategies that were offered and found them schools involved in the program were Seton and think about over the summer months. to be ready for immediate use in the class- High School, Resurrection, Holy Family, St. On-site consultation and observation. room. Teachers also were appreciative of Vincent deSales, St. Lawrence, St. Teresa, Many of the professional development days the diagnostic tools and frameworks to use and St. Williams. “This is a new day for were presented in August, just prior to the with students who were struggling with con- Catholic Schools with the voucher system start of the new school year. This provided cepts. Administrators felt, that additionally, now in place. We are seeing a diverse group the opportunity for staff to begin the school many of the strategies could be generalized of students coming to us, who in the past year, having experienced at least one of the to assist learning for all students. would have stayed in the public system,” two training days. Springer then returned to Empowering teachers who reach many IntroducingIntroducing SPASPA OfficersOfficers forfor 2006-072006-07 SchoolSchool YearYear says Kathy Sparks, principal at Resurrection each school throughout the fall months to students. The SC Ministry Foundation grant School. She went on to say that teachers complete the second professional develop- offered Springer the opportunity to build The Springer Parent Association (SPA) is The Parent Association plays an integral day Shop, the SCRIP program, Order Out want to serve this population in the best way ment day, and work with individual staff strong community relationships and share pleased to announce its officers for the role in the school community, supporting Days, the Visiting Author program, the they know how, but some students present members or small groups of teachers to techniques with nearly 150 teachers. The 2006-07 school year: Springer’s philosophy and activities for Room Parent program, Staff Appreciation academic profiles that are more challenging fulfill the consultation hours. The con- greater impact will be seen in the thousands the benefit of all students. SPA provides a Week, and the Bike/Hike & Family Picnic. than the typical learner. Equipping staff with sultative piece proved to be of particular of students who will pass through the President – Caroline Cox communication forum that allows parents Additionally, at the beginning of this school as many strategies as possible to meet these interest to several of the schools. Due to doors of those classrooms throughout each Vice President Fundraising Programs – to share ideas with each other and with year, SPA presented each teacher with a students’ needs is critical. the complexity of some of the students, teacher’s careers. Empowering teachers Candace King the school administration. Each year, SPA $100 gift certificate to benefit individual Tailored instruction for individual teachers and support staff used this model who in turn empower students to lead suc- Vice President School-Wide Programs – members support and sponsor programs classroom programs! Many thanks to SPA schools. In order to determine which of to team around those students who needed cessful lives – this is what Springer School Brandi Voss that benefit students and staff. Some of for all the wonderful work they do! the professional development programs extensive supports in order to be academi- and Center seeks to accomplish. Vice President Classroom Programs – Linda Spadaccini these activities include the purchase of offered by Springer would best fit each cally successful. Springer staff went into the Treasurer – Lisa Gamblin school equipment and supplies, Primary school’s need, the participating schools classroom to observe students, met with Information about SC Ministry Foundation Recording Secretary – Patty Lufkin and Intermediate Family Picnics, Spirit were surveyed in the spring of 2006. teachers and provided suggestions and can be found at www.scministryfdn.org. Wear & gift wrap sales, the Secret Holi- Classes such as ADHD And the Successful strategies to augment instruction.

continued from previous page Wishing You A Warm December RL: I’ve had unique opportunities to learn Sometimes these stories hit a familiar book, Its So Much Work to Be Your Friend Springer Students Launch Winter Clothing Drive as a professional because I ran residential chord with many experiencing the pain and – Helping the Child with Learning Disabili- schools for 30 years. Seeing the “whole frustration of learning disabilities with their ties Find Social Success. The book could As temperatures dropped and the first ing success! Students sorted and counted child” – from the moment they wake up, own children. potentially affect many more people than snow fell, Springer students wanted to the many coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and until they go to sleep – these experiences I could ever hope to meet, impacting their Q. What do you feel has been your greatest make a difference this holiday season. Stu- socks – totaling more than 340 donated have given me a greater appreciation for families and the lives of their children. success in the field of learning disabilities? dent Council representatives and officers items! On Friday, December 15th, Student the pervasive problems that children with organized “Wishing You a Warm Decem- Council officers and advisors took the items learning disabilities are experiencing in the RL: My greatest accomplishment has to be ber,” a winter clothing drive to benefit local to One Way Farm Children’s Home and classroom and how complex the problem my thirty years spent in residential special service organizations. The clothing drive Celebrate the Child, two local organizations is. Some of my best teachers have been education facilities, helping children with lasted two weeks and was an overwhelm- dedicated to helping children in need. storytellers so I try to tell stories as a way learning disabilities, and what I feel to of teaching – to parents and educators. be the product from my life’s work – my

SPR N&V Winter 07.indd 4-5 1/23/07 12:36:32 PM ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

Liz Scherzinger ’04 participated in a Mitchell Jett ’02 is working as a student four years, and studied abroad in Sydney, mission-trip to Anapra, Mexico this manager at the Power In Transition (PIT) Australia. Following graduation, Kim summer with a youth-ministry group from Coffee Shop at Dixie Heights High School. relocated to and is currently All Saints Church. Along with two The PIT operates out of the teacher’s working in the restaurant field. Off To A Record Start! chaperones and six other students, Liz lounge and sells tea, coffee, cappuccino, Springer’s Annual Fund Campaign is part of this important fundraising effort! helped build a cinder-block house by hand and hot chocolate to students and teachers for a mother and her two children. The trip before school. The shop was opened as a well underway. Along with Annual Fund Maximum participation will ensure that we gave the students a chance to get to know way to provide a service to the school Co-Chairs and Springer Board Members, reach our fundraising goal. the people of the community and the community, as well as provide students the Nick Spadaccini and Arlene Roane, current Why your gift matters: family who would live in the new house opportunity to learn life skills. Of his job, and alumni parent volunteers include: Many grant and sponsorship committees they helped to build. Michael says, “It’s cool, because it’s like Cheryl Bakes Marcia Beck will look at Annual Fund participation when Demarcus Banks ’04 is currently having a regular job, but you’re in school. Ellen Zembrodt Lisa Gamblin considering grant awards or donations. enrolled at Purcell Marian High School and It’s just fun to be here.” He is currently a was recently accepted into the Project junior at Dixie Heights. Rick Godar Carol Marsh Every gift counts towards our goal! SCOPE program at the College of Mount Andrew Reutcke ‘99 is currently Ray Huelskamp Gary Pranger St. Joseph. Project SCOPE (Summer studying to be a Graphic Artist at the Mary Pranger Money raised through the Annual Fund Collegiate Orientation Program and College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, is used for Springer’s financial aid program Thanks to many generous supporters, Enrichment) brings together African and will graduate in the summer of 2007 and continued development of center we’ve already reached 90% of this year’s American high school students from the with a certificate in Digital Prepress programs for students, parents, and Annual Fund goal of $220,000! However, Greater Cincinnati area to assist them in Productions. teachers. We thank all those who have preparing for college. Students reside on , graduated from we still need your help! Stephen Brandner ‘96 Alumni Website & Updates already given to the Annual Fund, and our campus for two weeks, attending classes The College of Mt. St. Joseph with a Calling all springer grads and alumni What you can do: wonderful volunteers for their time in and earning credit to apply toward a Bachelors Degree in Science and a families! We’d love to hear from you – give Give to the Annual Fund and become a planning and executing the campaign! college degree. This program is a three- concentration in Marketing. us an update! Send your updates to: year commitment beginning in the Kim Johannigman ‘98 (pictured) student’s sophomore year of high school. graduated from Mercyhurst College in Erie, [email protected]. Visit our alumni At the conclusion of the three-year Pennsylvania on May 20th, 2006, earning a webpage at www.springer-ld.org/alumni. program, students earn six transferable Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel Restau- Check out the Alumni Online Scrapbook I want to change the lives of children with college credits to the college/university of rant & Institutional Management. At and see what old friends and classmates learning disabilities by giving a gift of $ their choice. Mercyhurst, Kim played varsity lacrosse for are doing now!

Payment Options (check one): Check payable to Springer School and Center Transfer of appreciated stock (call (513) 871-6080 x213 for transfer instructions) memorial & tribute gifts Credit Card Payment (Visa or MasterCard only – circle one) Thank you to the following friends of Springer In memory of Mr. Ruby Jones Tributes School and Center who made Memorial or Trib- Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Marsh In honor of Mrs. AK Carey In memory of Eunice Kemper ute gifts from July 2006 through December 2006. Mr. and Mrs. Snowden Rowe NAME ON CARD Mrs. Kris Courtney Memorials In honor of Ms. Mary Frances Clauder In memory of Ms. Julia Kinneary Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Clauder In memory of Mr. Kenneth Aplin Mr. and Mrs. Robert Conners CARD NUMBER EXP. In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Katz Dr. Carolyn McCabe In memory of Mrs. Meredith Leblond Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Charles Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Richard Abraham Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Barone In honor of Kate and Bobby Lawrence In memory of Mr. Lowell Mazer Contact Information: Mr. and Mrs. Phillip C. Long In memory of Mrs. Patricia Bray Mrs. Shirley Allen Ms. Elizabeth F. Wenker In honor of Mr. Kevin P. Riley In memory of Valerie-Miller Myers Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Clauder NAME In memory of Ms. Linda Conners Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Kemper Mr. and Mrs. Robert Conners Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Beery In honor of Saul Sheller’s 90th birthday In memory of Mr. Robert B. Duggan Mr. Dale C. Hayes Mrs. Shirley Allen ADDRESS Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Youtsey, III Mr. Harold Hayes In honor of Sam Wilson’s graduation In memory of Mr. Leonard Gerber In memory of Mr. John Rupp from high school Mr. and Mrs. Richard Abraham Ms. Elizabeth F. Wenker Mr. and Mrs. Ramon J. Hoffbauer CITY STATE ZIP Mrs. Kris Courtney In memory of Mr. Jack Sobel In memory of Mrs. Miriam Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Crumby Dr. Bruce H. Allen Mrs. Shirley Allen PHONE In memory of Ralph and Carol Haile In memory of Mr. Jack Steuerwald Mr. and Mrs. Robert Conners Ms. Elizabeth F. Wenker

SPR N&V Winter 07.indd 6-7 1/23/07 12:36:42 PM 2121 madison road | cincinnati, oh 45208 | school: 871-6080 | center: 871-9174 | www.springer-ld.org

inside Talking With... RIchardRichard Lavoie

New SPA Officers

and more!

UPCOMING STAY PROGRAMS CONNECTED! & EVENTS CENTER PROGRAMS Coming June 18 – July 13 Do we have your e-mail address? February 22, 2007 – Really Learning! Teaching So All Students Learn Have fun with learning this summer! Sign up to receive Springer’s new March 7, 2007 – Helping Your Child If your child has average or above average E-newsletter, featuring current & upcoming Become a Strategic Learner potential and is not making expected programs, learning disability resources, and March 20, 2007 – The ADHD Child in progress in school, Springer School and much more. Send your email address to: Your Classroom Center’s four-week Adventures in Summer [email protected], and you can Learning morning program can help. receive this great resource, coming soon! SPRINGER ADMISSION OPEN HOUSES Geared for students entering grades 1-6, the March 18, 2007 program provides your child with strategic April 25, 2007 instruction in language arts, math, and group problem-solving. Space is limited. To SPRINGER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS receive an application, call (513) 871-9174. March 29, 2007 – All School Quest April 22, 2007 – SPA Bike/Hike and Family Picnic April 25, 2007 – A Springer Celebration!

SPR N&V Winter 07.indd 8 1/23/07 12:36:45 PM