Swift School Courier

www.swiftschool.com [email protected]

3 95In thIs Issue

Fall 2013

North Star PlaN: NavigatiNg SwiFt thru 2020Swift is in an exciting strategic plan process!

StudeNtS agaiNSt BullyiNgOctober is National Bullying Prevention Month.

Middle diviSioN retreatSwift’s Middle Division traveled for the annual team-building retreat.

the aNNual FuNd For SwiFt 2013-2014

We are 100% for our kIdsthey are CountIng on you

gifts to the annual fund are tax-deductible and bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating your student.

Contributions will be used to:

• attract and retain top faculty• Provide Cutting-edge Professional development

• enhance academic Programs

100 PerCent PartICIPatIon in the annual fund for swift is crucial to the success of our program. We ask that every member of our

community (parent, board, faculty and staff) contribute.

gifts of all sizes are appreciated by swift and our students.

donate today online, or mail your check or credit card gift to the school before dec. 31, 2013.

WIll you helP us reaCh 100 PerCent?

Volume 4Issue 1 [email protected]

nFeatureS

In every IssueHead’s Column ......................................................................................................... 2

Lower Division............................................................................................................ 7

Middle Division.............................................................................................................8

Fine Arts .......................................................................................................................11

Athletics .............................................................................................................. 12

Swift Scene.............................................................................................................. 13

www.SwIFtSCHOOL.COM FALL 2013 1

CourIerFall 2013

October5 Parent and Faculty Mingle8 Parent and Family Series Begins10 7th Grade Parent Meeting17 Photo Retake Day19 Dyslexia Dash21 Professional Day (No Classes)24-25 Conferences26 Autumn Festival30 Giraffe Assembly 31 Swift-O-ween

November3 Admission Open House4 GISA Conference (No Classes)7 High School Decision Night18-21 LD thanksgiving Presentations21 Parent Association Meeting25-29 thanksgiving Recess

December6 Middle Division winter Formal13 Professional Open House14 Holiday Gathering Faculty17 winter Concert18 Lower Division Late Arrival19 Giraffe Assembly (Dress Uniforms)22 Second Academic Quarter Concludes 12 p.m. Dismissal

follow swift school on facebook and twitter for frequent updates and information regarding school

activities.

www.facebook.com/theswiftschool@swiftschool_ga

North Star Plan: leading Swift thru 2020..........................3

Swift is in an exciting Strategic Plan Process.

New Spaces at Swift...........................................................4

Swift School underwent major construction this summer.

Students against Bullying..................................................5

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.

Middle division retreat......................................................9

Swift’s Middle Division traveled for the annual team-building retreat. retreatretreat. retreat.

SwiFt Board oF truSteeS

ExECUtIVE COMMIttEE

Dr. Richard Phillips, Chair

Laurie Green, Vice Chair

Peter williams, treasurer

Jeff Kudlata, Secretary

tRUStEES

Jason Butler

Dr. Paul Cohen

Dr. Gail Flanigan

Robert Gray

Laura Ries

Paul Schur

Gail Swift, Emerita

Richard Wendlek, Ex officio

ADMINIStRAtION

Richard J. wendlek, Head of School

Dr. Andrea Salapka, Associate Head

Karen Buttermore, Director of Development

Paul Foltz, Business Manager

PARENt ASSOCIAtION CO- PRESIDENtS

Allison George and Debbie Hogan

Swift School300 Grimes Bridge Road

Roswell, GA 30075678.205.4988

2 FALL 2013 www.SwIFtSCHOOL.COM

nhead’s Message r ichard weNdlekEach day is launched at Swift with a sense of wonder. Middle Division students who are members of the soccer team arrive in their team uniforms on game days. they gather and buzz about the sorts of things young people typically discuss. Many are already asking about basketball try outs as the date approaches. It is appropriate that the cover of this edition of the Courier captures a scene from the recent Middle Division Retreat in North Georgia. I believe what is best portrayed by the photo is what is often termed ‘the right fit’!

Drop off for the Lower Division consists of welcoming handshakes and the accompanying hustle and bustle of arrival. Projects and oftentimes birthday cupcakes are carried in while questions about all sorts of things are routinely asked and addressed. Oddly, the sense of wonder mentioned above has much to do with the predictability of school combined with all of the other ‘stuff’ that, like childhood itself, makes each day almost alike, yet very different. At a recent energy-filled Giraffe Assembly, Lower Division students met, for the first time, Jules the Giraffe. Jules is the icon of Swift’s character formation program. the towering giraffe captivated their imaginations. Jules’ message is simple: stick out your neck for the good. the wonder of youth!

Little happens by chance. the educational experience crafted for Swift students is the result of careful planning and resulting implementation over many years. Growing educational programming and timetables, specific agendas, new and expanded facilities, the Middle Division launch, the introduction of fine arts curricula, and a changed market position for Swift were all the result of the strategic vision for Swift School developed in the Founder’s Plan. Now the time has come once again to dream further and create Swift School’s next vision as we plan for new strategies and initiatives that will be launched in the coming spring. North Star: Navigating Swift through 2020, Swift’s next plan, is in formulation as you read this message. the

energy surrounding the planning process is remarkable! Parent constituents – both past and present – are providing highly valuable information that will help to direct the momentum that is now building. It is my hope that you will join the faculty and Board at Visioning Day on January 25, 2014.

Fundamental to planning are guiding beliefs – institutional core values – that guide all action on behalf of students. Believing that all children can learn with confidence and success drives our action. Providing an engaging, comprehensive, multi-sensory academic program designed to address the dyslexic brain-type is basic to this belief. Researched, well-practiced instructional methodologies make all the difference for students in meeting learning objectives. Swift is full of highly talented students – largely right-brained - who benefit so significantly from the right-brained instructional programming.

Swift is poised to build on its success and significantly expand its leadership role in the educational community. the planning process will take us forward to the realization of a next vision. I venture to say that in the coming years Swift School will leverage the proven strengths and transformational qualities of the School, and will continue to reach a broader segment of students and families who would benefit from a Swift School education.

we are off to a dynamic start! My thanks to each of you for your presence and participation in this exceptional school community!

Rich wendlek, Head of School


this is a transformational time in the history of Swift School. Commissioned by the Board of trustees, 2013-14 marks a planning cycle in Swift’s strategic planning process. what occurs in planning this year will navigate us for the next 3-5 years toward the image of Swift School in 2020.

Strategic planning has guided the ascent of Swift School to its current position. Growth, program

development, added amenities, and the establishment of an identity have placed constant demands on the School’s resources. In order to effectively meet the future, it is imperative that we explore and identify the essential elements of our existence. In the process of planning, critical issues will be identified – issues that if not addressed will stand in the way of the achievement of a successful future in serving students now and those yet to come.

Guided by consultant Christina Drouin, and led by Chair Laura Ries, the 17-member planning team is composed of Board members, School executives, teachers, current parents, and alumni parents.

Plan to join the faculty, administration, Board of trustees, and fellow parents on Saturday, January 25 at Swift School’s Visioning Day. the research team will present survey results and participants will join in the establishment of strategic goals for our future based on the data established through the survey process. Invitations to follow!

North Star Strategic Planning teamFront row left to right: Grace Battle (Parent), Richard Phillips (Past Parent/trustee), Laura Ries (Parent/trustee), Christina Drouin (Consultant), Jason Butler (Parent/trustee), Carol Madden (Division Director)

Back row left to right: Paul Foltz (Business Manager), Richard wendlek (Head of School), Andrea Salapka (Associate Head), Kim Huffman (Parent), Jeff Kudlata (Past Parent/trustee), Harriet Litzky (Faculty), Carolyn Berk (Faculty), Kathi Francesconi (Division Director), Karen Buttermore (Development Director)

Not pictured: Bob Gray (Past Parent/trustee), Bruce Smith (Past Parent)


New SPaceS at SwiFtConstruction during the summer yielded beautiful new facilities for

our students when they returned to campus.

top left: Students enjoy lunch provided by A tasty touch in the new Dining Hall, which is also used for meetings, assemblies and programming.

top right: The new Guidance Counselor’s office welcomes students.

center left: In the new clinic, students visit Nurse Ryan for all of their medical needs.

center right: Fine arts and athletic achievements are proudly displayed in the new trophy cases in the main hallway.

Bottom left: the new physical education room is great for rainy days, indoor sports, and Above and Beyond programming.

Swift School is participating in National Bullying Prevention Month during October as part of the school’s character education initiative. Founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the purpose of this campaign is to unite together as a school to raise awareness of bullying prevention through events, activities, and education. Swift School supports PACER’s belief that “the End of Bullying Begins with Me” and the importance of educating students to be kids against bullying.

Activities will take place in each division: a kick-off assembly, weekly theme days, Monday morning public service announcements (PSA), and guidance lessons which will focus on bullying prevention, kindness, and respect. the month will end with a “Students Against Bullying” pledge signing.

Students will also participate in a Language Arts creative expressions activity. After listening to the story, One, written by Kathryn Otoshi, students will reflect on ways that they can be the one to make a difference when witnessing teasing or bullying behavior.

“i am glad that Swift School students are having the opportunity to participate in this special campaign. i am proud to be working at a school that values the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect and takes the subject of bullying very seriously, “Mrs. Molloy said.

Students againstBullying

Schedule of events

october 7: “Sock it to Bullying” day. Everyone is encouraged to wear crazy socks to express their individuality. Middle Division morning PSA in homeroom

october 14: “Hats Off to a Bully Free School” day. Everyone is encouraged to wear a hat of their choice during the school day to show their support. Middle Division morning PSA in homeroom

october 21: “Sticking Up For Oth-ers” day. Students will receive a lollipop to remind them to be an active bystander. Middle Division morning PSA in homeroom

october 28: “Boo to Bullying” day. Students will receive a sticker to remind them to help scare bullying away. Middle Division morning PSA in homeroom.

November 1st: Lower Division students will discuss and sign the “Students Against Bullying” pledge during class. Middle School stu-dents will participate in a pledge signing assembly.

Leah Molloy, Guidance Counselor


During the bully-free kick-off assembly on Oct. 2, the students had the opportunity to Skype with Jules, the Giraffe.


Swift Family Autumn FestivalSaturday, October 26, 2013

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.Please join us for an afternoon of family fun!

Games, inflatables, face painting, photo booth, dancing & more.

Thank you to The Varsity for providing the food.

Event charge is $10 per child and $5 per adult.(max of $30 for children; 3 and under free)

Prepaid wrist bands and tickets will be provided at the event.

Swift Family Autumn FestivalSaturday, October 26, 2013

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.Please join us for an afternoon of family fun!

Games, inflatables, face painting, photo booth, dancing & more.

Thank you to The Varsity for providing the food.

Event charge is $10 per child and $5 per adult.(max of $30 for children; 3 and under free)

Prepaid wrist bands and tickets will be provided at the event.

StellarGalaMarch 21, 2014

Atlanta Athletic ClubChair: Susan Duncan

Theme: Twenties Inspired(Think Great Gatsby)

Save the Date

Parent Coffees were delightful events! thanks to the many parents who

joined the faculty and administration in just getting

to know each other!

Parent coffeesSept. 23-27


loWer dIvIsIonn

Kathi Francesconi, Lower Division Director, has training and a level of understanding concerning educational programming for students with language-based learning differences that sets her apart! Mrs. Francesconi brings to Swift the experience of almost three decades of professional service. Over the course of her career she has touched the lives of thousands of students in the Atlanta area.

Kathi earned graduate degrees in both learning differences and educational leadership. Her experience includes a wide variety of situations – initially as a classroom teacher and small group instructor. In her position just prior to signing on at Swift, she served as a specialized instruction consultant and was responsible for the professional development of a broad audience of teachers. Kathi has served students in both the private sector and in public education. to quote her, “In a specialized private environment such as Swift, the mission of the institution remains at center stage. Students are served remarkably well.”

Kathi and her husband tom live in Marietta. She is fortunate to have her children and their families close by. Her three-year old grandson Michael puts a twinkle in her eye!

Fall is definitely in the air at Swift School! Students have a bit more pep to their step each morning as they leave their cars and shake hands good

morning. the smiles and excitement are testament to the wonderful fall activities we have planned. Exciting surprises await our students to help them learn about bullying, including a visit from Jules the Giraffe.

Please put on your walking shoes on October 19 and join me at Riverside Park for the Dyslexia Dash-a wonderful way to raise money for dyslexia research.

Our Book Fair is planned for the week of October 21. watch for information from your child’s teacher about the opportunity to purchase excellent literature for your child and support your child’s classroom.

Student Conferences are coming up on October 24. Remember there is no school that day and please plan on having your child attend their conference.

Join us at the Autumn Festival on Saturday, October 26. It will be a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and have some fall fun at the same time.

what a great season fall is. there are so many ways to be involved with the Swift family. Hope to see you there!

-Kathi Francesconi, Lower Division Director

Meet kathi Francesconi, lower division director

Meet the head of the Giraffe Club, Jules!throughout the year, students will help

Jules search for great values around the school by showing appreciation toward those who are “sticking their necks out”

for others.

Fifth grade student ambassadors lead

Swift at every assembly in the

Pledge of Allegiance. they are pictured here

before the first Giraffe

Assembly.


nMIddle dIvIsIon

My career in education began after graduating from Mercer University with a degree in middle grades education. After teaching for five years, I began working on a master’s degree in educational administration and policy from the University of Georgia. Myspecialist’s degree in educational leadership from the University of west Georgia followed about a year later. I also became certified as a special

education teacher. In the past 15 years, I have served in the capacity of a regular education teacher and a special education teacher. My experience has been primarily in teaching math. Most recently, I have been an instructional coach and a testing coordinator.

My philosophy of teaching is fairly simple. I believe strongly that while learning styles differ, all children deserve the best and most appropriate education we can offer them. the children in our care also deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. Our journey as an educator is complicat-ed; the longer we teach, the more we realize that a “one size fits all” education is not possible or desirable. We must stay current in methodology and interventions. while Swift is my first venture into the private school world, I believe this philosophy is relevant in both the public and private schools. Here at Swift I am discovering how important a school mission is with respect to guiding instructional programming.

the Swift Middle Division is poised for great growth. I look forward to further building a dynamic and comprehensive middle school program over the next few years. In the future, we hope to add exploratory classes that have an emphasis in science and technology. we plan to continue to expand the fine arts programs, as well. The experience of the retreat is one that I will look forward to each year. Every decision we make in the Middle Division must be made according to what we believe is in the best interests of students.

It is my privilege to have three amazing children of my own. Justin is 23 and pursuing a degree in epigenetics. Jeremy is 21 and pursuing a degree in film. Anna is 16 and hasn’t yet decided on a degree! My husband, Ron, has always been supportive of my career.

We just had our elections for student council officers. I was so proud of our candidates! Each one presented themselves very well when they addressed the student body. we will be electing homeroom representatives soon. Community service is a big piece of our Middle Division and I look forward to learning their top choices for service. I encourage each of you to be involved with your student at every opportunity as they grow throughout middle school and beyond. these years pass quickly and your support will be invaluable. I look forward to building relationships with the students and their families.

Meet carol Madden, Middle division director

Newly elected MiddleDivision Officers

• President: Owen Hodson• VP of Community Service: Jack Sasser• VP of Special Events: Cooper Kennedy and teresa Lee• treasurer: Harry Goldfein• Chilck-Fil-A Chairman: will Vesey

upcoming events:

Middle division conferences, oct. 25

high School decision Night, Nov. 7, 7:00 p.m.

Middle division winter Formal, dec. 6, 7-9 p.m.


Middle divisionretreat

On September 11 and 12, the Swift School Middle Division had its annual retreat at Fortson 4-H Center in Hampton, GA. the attendees included the Middle Division students and faculty, Coach Rhett Saylors, Coach Mel Smith, Guidance Counselor Leah Molloy and Drama teacher Cory Bradberry. the students were divided into three teams: Red Crew, Blue Crew, and Green Crew, and completed three activities with the staff at the 4-H Center. Each session lasted two hours and included: archery, a team building exercise with a ropes course, and a wilderness survival session. During the breaks between the sessions, nominations for officers were conducted for the upcoming student elections and the students decided on their community service projects for the year. this year the group decided on the Rwandan Hospital. On wednesday night of the retreat, the group had a campfire and shared hilarious skits and songs.

“It was so fun getting to know the students outside of the classroom,” Middle Division Director Carol Madden said, “I’m glad we got the experience to take them away from the school and really see who they are.”

1 2 3

4 5

1-Megan Fritze and Jenna Dodd take a break from archery to pose for a picture.2-Will McHugh shows off his flexibility during a team-building exercise.3-Shawn Jackson makes the shot during a basketball game with his friends.4-Corey Bradberry and Connor Schur practice trust exercises.5-Lauren Robb and Julia Northrop are all smiles during the break between sessions.


nWhy fIne arts?When you arrive at Swift for the very first time, it is not unusual to see many works of art hanging on the walls. As we are quick to tell you, these pieces are all completed by our very talented students. Art is an area where dyslexics excel. when given opportunity to excel, our students become engaged, stimulated and challenged to expand their horizons with what they can create. when we look at our students, what do we see? we should be seeing someone who is very intelligent, with very strong visual skills, a vivid imagination, strong creativity and also someone who is full of innovation. Dyslexic students have a greater appreciation for color, tone, and texture. they have a more acute grasp of two dimensional and three dimensional form. these students can visualize their art before reaching for the paint brush and their imagination will allow them to go beyond the norm to create new and innovative expression.

the following information was taken in part from the Artist and Dyslexia article titled “why dyslexia in an artist can be a good thing.” by Marion Boddy-Evans, About.com Guide

“Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Chuck Close, August Rodin, Andy warhol, and Robert Rauschenberg were all dyslexic. these artists all are right-brained people, born with dyslexia. But more importantly they were born with creative abilities that must be encouraged and applauded daily.

the concept of right-brain and left-brain thinking developed from the research in the late 1960s of an American psycho-biologist Roger w. Sperry. He discovered that the human brain has two very different ways of thinking. One (the right brain) is visual and processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture and then the details. the other (the left brain) is verbal and processes information in an analytical and sequential way, looking first at the pieces then putting them together to get the whole story.

the Right Brain/Left Brain concept is very relevant to artists in many ways. when you start a painting, you need to be able to visualize the final painting in your mind (right-brain activity), then develop the painting, choosing the elements, matching and mixing colors, placing in the shadows and highlights but at the same time you must be able to look critically at what you are doing (left-brain activity – analytical).”

the following chart breaks down activities according to “right-brain activity” and/or “left-brain activity”. It is interesting to go through the list and find out which part of your brain is dominant.

right-Brain inventory left-Brain inventoryVisual, focusing on images, patterns

Verbal, focusing on words, symbols, numbers

Intuitive, led by feelings

Analytical, led by logic

Process ideassimultaneously

Process ideas sequentially, step by step

‘Mind photos’ used to remember things, writing things down or illustrating them helps you remember

words used to remember things, remember names rather than faces

Make lateral connections from information

Make logical deductions from information

See the whole first, then the details

work up to the whole step by step, focusing on details, information organized

Organization tends to be lacking

Highly organized

Free association Likes making lists and planning

Like to know why you’re doing something or why rules exist (reasons)

Likely to follow rules without questioning them

No sense of time Good at keeping track of time

May have trouble with spelling and finding words to express yourself

Spelling and mathematical formulas easily memorized

Enjoy touching and feeling actual objects (sensory input)

Enjoy observing

trouble prioritizing, so often late, impulsive

Plan ahead

Unlikely to read instruction manual be-fore trying

Likely read an instruction manual before trying

http://painting.about.com/library/blpaint/blrightbraintable.htm


fIne artsn

Save the date:

On the evening of Tuesday, December 17, Swift’s Choruses and third through fifth grade general music classes will present a concert of winter and holiday favorites at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Participation in the concert is mandatory for all students in these grade levels. Please note that due to limitations in space, families are asked to limit their attendance to three people (not including their performers). On Friday, December 20 at 9:00 am, Swift’s first and second grade students will present a winter recital to parents and friends. this performance will take place at Swift. we look forward to showing you many of the things we’ve accomplished in music!

gMea district v honor chorus:On November 1 and 2, Cameron Carr, Nathan Dunbar, Katie Elema, Luke Evens, Lauren Gomez, Alex Haertel, Olivia Hall, Caroline Hegwood, Shane Hendrickson, Jameson Listermann, Aspen Mille, Avery Pipkins, Jennifer Parravicini, Carly Perez, Emily Suarez, Raffaella Shanahan, Riley Schutt, and Olivia Robertson will represent our school at Georgia Music Educators Association’s District V Honor Chorus. these students will rehearse for two days with other talented singers from public and private schools in Fulton County and the city of Atlanta. At the end of the rehearsals, the singers will perform in a concert under the direction of Suzanne Logue and Ken Berg, two nationally recognized choral directors. the concert will take place on Saturday, November 2 at 3:00 pm at Roswell Presbyterian Church. All members of our community are invited to attend.

gMea Statewide elementary honor chorus:On November 8 and 9, six of our outstanding fourth and fifth grade singers will attend Georgia Music Educators Association’s Statewide Elementary Honor Chorus. At the event, our students will join 500 singers from all over the state of Georgia to work with Dr. Rollo Dilworth from temple University and Dr. Julie Skadsem from the University of Michigan. the students will present a concert on Saturday, November 9 at the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro at 1:30 pm. the performance is free and open to the public!Congratulations to the following students for being selected to participate in this prestigious event: Courtney Dunlap, Jameson Listermann, Jennifer Parravicini, Carly Perez, Olivia Robertson, and Ava wojtczak

Several Swift School Lower Division students will have their artwork displayed during the month of October for National Arts and Humanities Month at Renasant Bank in Roswell, Ga. the exhibit will be available until Oct. 31.

2nd grade: Carissa Speros

Reese Nickels

3rd grade: Hank Glidden

Livvy Shirah

4th grade: Nicky Adams

Sabrina Skolnick

5th grade: Caitlyn

Surdykowski Haidyn Johnson

Sarah Hunt

Samuel Kopkowski

Connor Haines

Michelle wynne

Jack Balthasar Lindsey Eden

James

Maichle

Ayden Nulty

nathletICs


volleyBall tournament:tuesday, Oct. 22 and wednesday, Oct. 23 4:00-5:00 p.m. @ Sophia Academy, 2880 Dresden Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341

BaSketBall Season:Practice begins for Boys team and Girls team 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. tuesday November 5 @ waller Park Recreation Center, 250 Oak Street, Roswell 30075

BaSketBall Schedule:All Home Games to be played at:waller Park Recreation Center250 Oak StreetRoswell, GA 30075

November 2013(Home) GIRLS tuesday, Nov. 12 @ 3:00 p.m. V. Cottage School.(Home) BOYS tuesday, Nov. 12 @ 4:00 p.m. V. Cottage School.(Away) BOYS thursday, Nov. 14 @ 4:00 p.m. V. Cumberland Academy.(Away) GIRLS wednesday, Nov. 20 @ 4:00 p.m. V. Sophia Academy.(Away) BOYS wednesday, Nov. 20 @ 5:00 p.m. V. Sophia Academy.

december 2013(Home) GIRLS wednesday, Dec. 4 @ 3:00 p.m. V. waldorf School.(Home) BOYS wednesday, Dec. 4 @ 4:00 p.m. V. waldorf School.(Home) GIRLS tuesday, Dec. 10 @ 3:00 p.m. V. Cottage School.(Home) BOYS tuesday, Dec. 10 @ 4:00 p.m. V. Cottage School.

January 2014(Away) GIRLS wednesday, Jan. 8 @ 4:00 p.m. V. waldorf School.(Away) BOYS wednesday, Jan. 8 @ 5:00 p.m. V. waldorf School.(Home) GIRLS wednesday, Jan. 15 @ 3:00 p.m. V. Sophia Academy.(Home) BOYS wednesday, Jan. 15 @ 4:00 p.m. V. Sophia Academy.(Home) BOYS wednesday, Jan. 29 @ 4:00 p.m. V. Cumberland Academy.

girlS BaSketBall championships(the Cottage School and Sophia Academy)(AwAY) Monday, February 3, 2014(AwAY) wednesday, February 5, 2014

BoyS BaSketBall championships(AwAY) tuesday, February 4, 2014(AwAY) thursday, February 6, 2014

GO SPARtANS!

sWIft sCenen

Mrs. Hirsch’s 4th grade class celebrates national “talk Like A Pirate Day” after finishing their unit on explorers in Social Studies.

Swift School teachersattended a professional workshop on Sept. 13 with william Van Cleave, Educational Consultant. Mr. Van Cleave is in private practice as a teacher trainer and educational consultant. A nationally recognized speaker, he has presented across the country on teaching strategies for students

with language- based learning difficulties. Since 1995, Mr. Van Cleave has conducted presentations and workshops at a number of public and private schools and conferences nationwide. He has trained teachers in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, written expression, and morphology. In 2004, hepublished the first edition of Everything You want to Know & Exactly where to Find It, a reference manual for Orton-Gillingham teachers and tutors. that publication was followed by a number of multisensory teaching materials. In 2012 he completed writing Matters: Developing Sentence Skills for Students of All Ages. Swift teachers learned about the latest research on how the dyslexic student builds writing skills. Mr. Van Cleave instructed Swift teachers on how to help their students create sentences, generate ideas for writing topics, and develop paragraphs and essays. Mr. Van Cleave complimented Swift faculty on being a great, caring community where everyone is eager to learn more about the writing process and on being a faculty that is not timid about asking for guidance to help their students become successful writers.


the current session of “Above and Beyond” (Swift’s extended day program) includes: Chess Club, Sports Club, Club Scientific, Tap and Ballet, Hip Hop

Dance, tae Kwon Do, Brickz4Kids and Do-It-Yourself Arts and Crafts.

this year, Swift School welcomed 90 new families to the Swift community. Swift hosted the annual Ice Cream Social and more than 150 people attended. the event provided a time for new parents to connect while students enjoyed eating ice cream, playing tag on the field and meeting some of their teachers.

Reserve your 2014 Georgia Tax Credit Now!

You will not make any payment until 2014, within 60 days following your approval from the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Due to the exceptional popularity of the Georgia Education Tax Credit program, funding was depleted in early May last year. The Georgia Legislature’s 2014 allocation to Student Scholarship

Organizations (SSOs) is predicted to deplete even sooner in the new year.

This program allows Georgia citizens to REDIRECT a portion of their state income tax obligation to a private school scholarship program. This year, S-corporations, LLCs and Partnerships are eligible to

redirect up to $10,000 to a SSO and receive a tax credit. C-corporations may redirect up to 75% of the corporation’s Georgia income tax obligation.

Swift encourages members of our community to participate in this win-win situation whereby the taxpayer receives a tax credit on their State Income Tax Return plus a Charitable Deduction on their

Federal Tax Return while Swift receives scholarship money to distribute to eligible students.

For more information, please contact Karen Buttermore at school either by email at [email protected] or at 678-205-4988, ext. 226.

Swift School Courier

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