A PUBLICATION OF SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER WINTER 2013 WWW.SPRINGER-LD.ORG

Henry Winkler to Return for Celebration!

Springer School and Center is thrilled to individual who has excelled in his or her Winkler to write children’s books about a announce that actor, producer, director profession, made significant contributions boy who has a learning disability. The pop- and author Henry Winkler will be making on behalf of children, and who has a learn- ular “Hank Zipzer” series features 17 books a return visit for A Springer Celebration! ing disability. about the “world’s greatest underachiever.” 2013. Winkler was the honored guest for Springer’s mission to empower children A Springer Celebration! 2013 will be held the 2004 Celebration, where he received with learning disabilities to lead successful Wednesday, April 24, at the Hyatt Regency a proclamation from Hope Taft, on behalf lives is of special interest to Winkler. When Hotel, and will feature dinner and cocktails, of then Ohio Governor Robert Taft and he was 30, he learned it was dyslexia that a raffle and auctions. Local 12 WKRC-TV herself. Winkler was also awarded the the had made school a challenge for him as a Sports Director Brad Johansen will return Spirit of Springer Award, which honors an child. His personal experiences prompted this year to serve as emcee for the evening and to preside over the live auction. David and Martha Millett of Indian Hill are Co-Chairs for the event this year. “We are so honored to be chairing A Springer Celebration! 2013,” said Martha Millett. “As an educator, parent and board member, I’ve seen the wonderful work that Springer does throughout our community. We are especially thrilled this year to be welcom- ing Henry Winkler.”

Celebration Committee (L to R) Co-Chair Martha Millett, Development Specialist Kirstin Eismin, Proceeds support financial aid and out- Kim Vincent and Nancy Cooper. reach programs. Call 871-6080 ext. 213 or visit www.springer-ld.org.

Admissions Director Jan Annett Retires

Red hair, wigs and kerchiefs were abundant “Mrs. Annett cares deeply about each of on October 12 at Springer. On “Red Hair you, and even though she won’t be seeing Spirit Day,” students and staff honored a you every day, she’ll still be following your much-loved member of the Springer family progress and cheering for your successes.” who was retiring after eighteen years as In addition to her many admissions Admissions Director. The students pre- responsibilities, Jan assumed leadership of sented Jan with a framed collage of notes, other projects that provided students with and Julie Morrow, SFA President, shared opportunities for leadership and self-dis- remarks and gifts of appreciation on behalf covery, including the student tour guides of the parents. In addressing the students, and ambassadors. She was a member of Executive Director Shelly Weisbacher said, Springer’s Leadership Council and chaired

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All our gratitude to retired Admissions Director Jan Annett. A PUBLICATION OF SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER WINTER 2013 WWW.SPRINGER-LD.ORG

letteR fRom ouR eXeCutIVe DIReCtoR

This fall Springer’s long-time Admissions As you progressed through the pro- Of course, the family’s discovering Director Jan Annett retired. For many of cess, Jan and you set up a school visit Springer in the first place precedes all of you reading this, Jan was the first person for your child. You may have worried this work. During the admissions process, you encountered on your way to becom- and wondered about this, but again you families are routinely asked how they came ing part of the Springer family. You prob- found acceptance and warmth. In the to know about Springer. Some learn of ably remember the visit to her office – your ‘golden hour,’ as Jan described the time Springer when their son or daughter under- own anxiety, the tears you may have shed she spent with children during admissions, goes a private diagnostic evaluation. We talking about your son or daughter, and your son or daughter talked with Jan and also reach families through outreach pro- all the while Jan’s warm smile and gentle completed assessments. From there, the grams, through programs sponsored jointly questions. Jan listened intently as you tour commenced, and it was my good for- with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical described your child, prompting you to tune to often be the first stop. Jan would Center and other agencies, through news talk about your ‘whole’ child not just his prompt the students to share something releases and our online presence. or her difficulties. Together, you toured they liked or something she had found Most families tell us, however, that the school, peeking into classrooms and them to be good at. No matter how chal- they had never heard of Springer until a watching teachers and children interact. lenged the child was as a learner, Jan could neighbor, relative or friend suggested they Many of you have expressed that you always uncover an area of strength. call. We firmly believe that there is good left Springer that day feeling understood in As you can imagine, the work of the reason why word-of-mouth remains the a way you never had before, and reassured Admissions Director is far more involved number one source for families. When that there was a place where your child than the time spent meeting parents and someone you trust tells you that Springer could learn to read, solve math problems, children. Files need to be carefully read made the difference, you can’t help but write stories and regain his or her self-con- to determine if Springer would be a good want to know more. Thank you to all within fidence. You realized that Springer could- fit for what a child needs, and profes- the community, for your role in helping become for you a place where you were sionals consulted when the answers are families learn about Springer. And thank understood, and where you would come not readily forthcoming. Once a child is you, Jan Annett, for an incredible eighteen to better understand your child’s learning admitted, careful consideration is given to years of leading our admissions process. disability. You may have been convinced in class placement, and the information col- that moment that Springer was the place lected through the admissions process is for your child, but just as likely questions then shared with all the adults who will be surfaced, and you turned to Jan for more working with the student. Shelly Weisbacher answers and reassurance.

continued from front page the Diversity Circle, planning numerous known for establishing effective working staff development programs and working relationships with parents, empowering with other schools in the area to coordi- them to better support their children, and nate student programs. Jan also taught for her work with educators, delivering at Springer for two years in the 1970s. one-day to weeklong workshops. During a staff celebration for Jan, Shelly While living in Indiana, Carmen earned said, “Jan has left an indelible mark on our a Master’s degree in education and worked community.” as the sole resource teacher in a PK-8 Assuming the Admissions Director role school setting. She was a resource not only is Carmen Mendoza. Carmen worked at to the children and their parents, but also to Springer from 1996 until a family move her colleagues and the school administra- in 2006 took her to Brownsburg, near tors, helping them create education plans Indianapolis. She held several positions and implement differentiated instruction. while at Springer including Intermediate This fall everything fell into place for level teacher and Center Program Carmen, her husband and three sons to return Coordinator. Carmen was especially to Cincinnati. Welcome back Carmen!

Springer’s new Admissions Director, Carmen Mendoza. Read about Springer’s mission and values at www.springer-ld.org/mission_values

the Value of Giving

Reaching out to those in need is a value at embracing the theme by earning canned Springer that plays out as student involve- goods from parents and teachers for acts ment in various contributory activities of kindness, and donating those items to throughout the year. the Walnut Hills Kitchen, along with notes, Student Council has already poured poems and cards the children will write. their energy into “Wishing You a Warm Nicole Kloesz’s and Cari Kelly’s December,” an annual collection of winter Intermediate classes are reaching out wear that coincides with the holiday to help maintain habitat for gorillas in Above: Student Council President Emily Finken- season. This year, Student Council was Africa, and keep the environment clean in stead is embraced by Stacy Pavin of Families to able to present more than 200 winter coats, America, by collecting used cell phones. Families while Placement Director Terri Moor- head looks on. along with hats, gloves, mittens and toilet- Called “Go Bananas!” the project arose ries to Families to Families, a local organi- from connections many students have Below: Students sort winter coats for “Wishing zation that supports victims of domestic with the Cincinnati Zoo, and student CeCe You a Warm December.” violence. Jones’ success with a neighborhood Tied to their learning about Canadian phone collection over the summer. Boxing Day (December 26), Kim Lankford’s Other Intermediate classes are serving and Dawn Attebery’s classes collected as pen pals for residents at St. Margaret socks and mittens in decorated boxes. The Hall, a residential care facility for the boxes were given to children at Westwood elderly, located close to Springer’s campus. Elementary School as holiday gifts. The Upper School is planning a reprise of Many contributory activities are woven last year’s successful walk-a-thon. This into the annual All School Quest, this year year the donations they raise will go to an with the theme Making Connections: organization that drills safe water wells for Ourselves, Our Community, Our World. villages in Africa. Students in the Primary Department are

Connecting with our World

Springer students had a unique oppor- symbolism of Chinese fans, and a number tunity to connect with teachers from of other aspects of Chinese culture. halfway around the world through “The opportunity for students to hear Cincinnati’s involvement in the Sister City from these women fits so well with this Association. Through the Association year’s All School Quest,” said Assistant and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Principal Sandy Kohn. “The theme of the Hamilton County, five teachers from Quest is Making Connections: Ourselves, sister city Liuzhou, China, are visiting Our Community, Our World. The students Cincinnati for a 21-week immersion pro- responded very positively to the teachers, gram. Teachers of English to Chinese- and the visit provided a tangible connec- speaking students (English as a Second tion to their world.” Language), the women are building their The Chinese teachers spent most of skills in English, and learning about the their time here speaking to the students, educational system in America. but they discovered enough about Springer At Springer, the teachers gave presen- to plan a return visit when they can learn tations on Chinese culture to students about our unique strategic approach to in each department, speaking about the teaching students with diverse learning Chinese New Year, the Peking Opera, the needs. A PUBLICATION OF SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER WINTER 2013 WWW.SPRINGER-LD.ORG

Center stays at the leading edge

Springer’s center has always made it a prior- ity to stay current with the latest research and thinking on the education of children with learning disabilities. Members of the center staff are constantly reading and talk- ing with teachers and administrators about initiatives underway throughout the tri- state. “We’re in the Springer classrooms on a regular basis as well,” says Center Director Barbara Hunter, “so that we can speak to how the research-based practices and processes are implemented and working.” Center staff members are in touch with guidelines and new information from the Ohio Department of Education, and with organizations such as ASCD, NCLD and others, to stay on top of what is expected of teachers and districts. Every year, pro- grams for parents and professionals are reviewed and updated to reflect current thinking in both research and state educa- tional requirements. When the State of Ohio recently adopted the Common Core Standards information that helps educators under- “Our National Speakers series is another for education, the center staff created stand what EF is, and how it impacts a way Springer stays at the leading edge,” workshops for educators that help them student with executive dysfunction. The says Barbara. “Partnering with Cincinnati decode the language of the Standards program was so well attended that it has Children’s Hospital Medical Center to and understand how to implement them, been expanded into a two-day summer bring speakers like Dr. Russell Barkley and while differentiating instruction to meet professional development course that Dr. Robert Brooks to Cincinnati gives par- the needs of diverse learners. equips teachers to create a classroom- ents and professionals an opportunity to When psycho-educational evaluations wide environment that both supports EF, hear from today’s experts and implement began to speak of deficits in Executive and helps identify strategies for supporting best-practice methods in their work with Function (EF), the center revised an exist- those students who are having difficulty children.” ing one-day program on ADHD to include with executive dysfunction.

DR. RobeRt bRooks ADDResses PARents AnD PRofessIonAls

Renowned expert on motivation, resil- to become the kind of “charismatic adult” ience and family relationships Dr. Robert who can make a lasting impact on a child. Brooks spoke to educators and clinicians In an evening program, 185 parents on January 22 about strategies for increas- learned ways to manage stress and build ing student engagement in school. Nearly resilience in the family through Dr. Brooks’ 130 professionals attended a day-long personal stories and years of clinical expe- workshop where Dr. Brooks guided them rience. Springer partnered with Cincinnati in examining the mindset they bring to their Children’s Hospital Medical Center to work with children, and encouraged them sponsor Dr. Brooks’ visit. Learn more about Springer’s center at www.springer-ld.org/springer-experience/center mcCutcheon and bacher ukuleles sInG At sPRInGeR

Strumming ukuleles in an array of colors, performed on the final day of the program. Intermediate students sang as they played The students played both traditional folk before an audience of students and par- tunes, and a song about Springer’s All ents. Leading the band was 2012-2013 School Quest composed by the musician Norita Aplin Musician in Residence Jim during his visit. “To play the ukulele before McCutcheon. an audience in only a week gives the stu- Returning for his third visit to Springer, dents experience at training themselves to Jim spent seven days working with the stu- do complicated things quickly,” says Jim. dents. Known as “The Guitar Man,” he plays “Not only have they negotiated the songs a variety of fretted instruments, including on the ukulele, but they have sung along guitar, banjo, ukulele, lute and the Bolivian at the same time.” charango. He performs publicly, com- Jim uses the ukulele for student pro- poses original music, produces CDs, hosts grams because it is easier to manage than a weekly program on Dayton Public Radio a guitar. “It’s simpler because it has only and offers school programs for both stu- four strings,” he explains. “And I tune the Above: Students practice with Jim and then dents and teachers. strings a bit low so that they are looser and perform with him in a ukulele concert. During his residency, Jim spoke with easier to play.” Below: Jim McCutcheon with Norita Aplin. every class, explaining and demonstrating “Springer is a marvelous place,” says the many instruments he brought with him. Jim. “The support from the staff is stellar, Students had an opportunity to touch or and the kids are great! I feel a real connec- even play many of the instruments, and tion with Springer.” they learned the structural components The Musician in Residence program is that all the instruments share. made possible through a fund established Jim then worked more closely with a in honor of Dr. Norita Aplin, recognizing group of 21 Intermediate students, teach- her 14 years of leadership at Springer. ing them songs on the ukulele that they

PAIntInG WIth lIGht

Known around the world for his luminous time working with a group of 24 Upper paintings, Cincinnati artist Tom Bacher School students, who created their own spent two weeks at Springer School and luminous paintings under his direction. Center as the 2012-13 Maureen Wenker “It was a privilege for me to have spent Artist in Residence. This was the artist’s two weeks with the students at Springer,” fourth visit to Springer said Tom. “I learned more from the kids Tom developed his unique process for than they did from me, I’m sure. The time creating luminous paintings in the 1970s, went by way too fast!” and his artwork is now featured in galleries On November 9, the final day of Tom’s Students sketch their designs before applying luminous paint. in New York, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. A stay, the artist and students presented their selection of Tom’s work is currently on dis- paintings at a reception for parents and play in Brussels, and six of his luminous paint- staff. The reception was attended by Paul ings of Cincinnati adorn the double staircase Wenker, who established the program in outside the entrance to the Hall of Mirrors at memory of his late wife Maureen, who was Cincinnati’s Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel. a Springer supporter and volunteer, and The artist gave a presentation on his mother of three Springer graduates. This work to each class and then spent extended is the program’s 21st year. A PUBLICATION OF SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER WINTER 2013 WWW.SPRINGER-LD.ORG

Alumni Connections

Anna Cucinotta ‘75 earned an Associate Lee Ann Cliffe ‘90 graduated from Matthew Cummings ‘96 attended of Applied Science in Information Systems the English Nanny and Governess School Flathead Valley Community College in degree from Southern Ohio College in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and is the mother Montana for 2 ½ years before leaving for (Brown Mackie College) in 1989, and grad- of three boys. a job with FedEx. He worked at FedEx in uated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor Chris Miceli ‘90 is living in Cincinnati Montana and Georgia for 9 years, and of Science in Business Information Systems and is employed at Cast-Fab. then worked for 7 months in the North from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2008. Betsy Findlay ‘91 graduated from Dakota oilfields. Matthew currently works Anna is currently a Solutions Architect Wittenberg University with a BA in Art in bridge and building maintenance for for Cerner Corporation of Kansas City, History in 2002. She is currently an Event Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. He Missouri, and lives in Cincinnati. Project Manager for ASAP Event Advertising. has two children. Greg Forster ‘76 earned a Bachelor’s Mike Glassmeyer ‘91 graduated from Sam Cooper ‘97 attended Wittenberg degree from Huston-Tillotson University the University of Dayton, and is currently University and is currently working in in 1991, completed a Master’s degree Vice President of Purchasing at MI Homes. commercial real estate management at Dallas Baptist University in 2009, and Kevin Helmick ‘91 graduated from the and construction. after several years in customer service, University of Dayton and is now owner/ Andrew Babey ‘99 graduated from the is beginning a second career in ele- operator of two locations of The Little Gym. University of Dayton in 2012, with a degree mentary education. Emily Hawkins Stahl ‘91 earned a BA in engineering. Before graduation, he had Christine Glaubitz ’81 has a Master’s degree from Elon College and is now a secured a job with Weatherford, where he degree in Adult and Higher Education, with homemaker living in Cincinnati. She and began as a field engineer. Recently Andrew a focus in Student Development. In the U.S. her husband have three children. received a promotion to district engineer, and in Sydney, Australia, Christine worked Jonah Weiss ‘94 earned a BFA with and moved to Utah. He is engaged to be with university and community college a major in photography at Washington married in June, 2013. students as a student adviser, and has University in St. Louis. After undergraduate Brittany McGuire ‘02 graduated from worked as Student Services Manager for school, he received a Master’s degree in the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow in a university. She currently lives in Bremen, Landscape Architecture at the University 2008. She is now married, with one child Germany, where she is learning German. of Virginia. Jonah is employed as a land- and is expecting a second. Joshua Cohen-Kolesa ‘89 graduated scape designer in Denver, Colorado. His Charlie Wolff ’03 graduated from Holy from Brown Mackie College in December firm specializes in designing parks and Cross High School in 2009, and is currently 2007 with an Associate’s Degree in other public spaces throughout west- a senior at the University of Louisville, accounting. He now works as an Estimator ern United States. majoring in Political Science. at General Data in Cincinnati, Ohio. Stephanie Gfroerer Honebrink ‘95 has Alex Hushak ‘04 has graduated from Jill Jeffers ‘89 earned a BA/BS degree been married for 5 years and has a 2 ½ Traverse City Central High School with from St. Lawrence University, and then year old daughter named Ava. She works at honors. In high school, Alex was senior graduated from the Fashion Institute of Oxford Physical Therapy, and has recently class vice president, and president of the Technology. She is currently employed as become a Jazzercise instructor. school’s business club. He is currently a a Fashion Design Director. freshman at DePaul University.

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L to R: Jonah Weiss, Malcolm Harris, Seth Davis. Read more alumni updates at www.springer-ld.org/alumni_updates

memoRIAls AnD sPRInGeR fAmIlIes InVolVeD At sChool tRIbutes The Springer Family Association (SFA) (as of 2/06/2013) works to support the mission of Springer In memory of Sister Mary Jean Fields and to provide enrichment programs William and Margaret Gale for students. SFA coordinates events In memory of David and Anne McConnell such as the Fun Fest in October and the Lois McConnell Jones and Michelle Platz Holiday Shop in December. ”The Fun Fest In memory of Dr. Gregory Miday is SFA’s main fundraising activity,” said SFA Sheila Wall and Ron Tatham President Julie Morrow. ”The students In memory of Colombe Nicholas enjoyed the new venue this year, Gorman Richard and Diane Abraham Heritage Farm.“ In honor of Joyce Kamen Additional funds are raised from SFA’s and Fred Waygshol support of Order Out Days and A Springer Greg and Barbara Sherman Celebration!, grocery gift cards, and Spirit To Rabbi and Mrs. Lewis Kamrass, in Wear sales. Funds generated through SFA’s honor of the birth of their granddaughter activities support special projects, after- Greg and Barbara Sherman school programs, the track and field team, Students pay for their purchases at the and staff appreciation holiday gifts and Holiday Shop. lunches. springer student Awarded Invention Patent

“The moment Blake explained his idea, a fire screen that could be erected at the I knew it was patentable,” remembers windward side of the fire. Matt encouraged Springer parent Matt Stephens. Four years Blake to describe his idea to a patent attor- after he submitted the application, Upper ney and draw diagrams of the fire screen. School student Blake Stephens received The attorney then wrote and submitted the notification that his patent for a moveable application. fire screen had been granted. “I learned a lot about wind and the way Sitting by a backyard campfire, then smoke moves, and about what kinds of metal 9-year-old Blake was frustrated by the to use,” said Blake about his experience. He Blake Stephens displays his approved smoke blowing about in the shifting and Matt are working on other ideas that they patent application. breeze. He began to describe an idea for may seek to patent in the future.

continued from previous page Hailey Hushak ‘04 is an honor student helped build a canoe and paddled the swimming, choir, track and drama. He was at Traverse City Central High School, where Connecticut River - another 300 miles in the competition senior choir, and was she is a member of the swim team and the - camping all the way. Malcolm is attend- nominated for a Cappie Award for sound. Student Senate, and serves as a mentor. ing another semester with Kroka this year, Seth has worked for four summers as a Malcolm Harris ‘05 attended Purcell during which he will bike, raft and moun- Cincinnati Lifeguard, and plans to study Marian High School for two years, where tain-climb in Ecuador. He’ll then return to fire science and work as a firefighter. he acted in all the school plays. Last Cincinnati for the spring semester to finish Ben Kimmel ’09 is an avid Eagle Scout year he homeschooled and also par- high school with Leaves of Learning and and a senior at Butler Tech. He is cur- ticipated in a wilderness semester with Cincinnati State, and to apply to colleges. rently considering colleges through- Kroka Expeditions in New England. He Seth Davis ‘06 graduated from Taylor out the Midwest. and his classmates cross-country skied High School in 2012. At Taylor, Seth was the 300 mile length of Vermont and then on the honor roll and participated in InsIDe:

Springer Prepares Admissions Director Students Learn the for Henry Winkler’s Visit Jan Annett Retires Value of Giving

Springer School and Center 2121 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45208 513.871.6080 www.springer-ld.org

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 6:00pm - 9:30pm Hyatt Regency, downtown Cincinnati Please contact Springer School and Center at (513) 871-6080 for more details.