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Social competance integral to academic success
Wendy DeSpain | November 30, 2009 | Comments (2)
While reviewing some research literature recently, I came across a quote that really spoke to me and to my passion for The Grove School mission.
“Mastering phonics or learning to subtract at age 3 or 4 doesn’t translate into later school success,” says Lilian Katz, PhD, professor emeritus of early childhood education at the University of Illinois. In fact, “too much early experience in work sheets, drills, or flash cards may backfire later,” she says. “Researchers think that gaining social competence—learning how to cooperate, solve problems, and think about other people—is what really makes a difference later on. Playing and working together on projects with other students is one way we build these crucial social skills. The educational learning in the classroom is integrated into the daily routine and is relevant to the students.”
Dr. Katz and other researchers in early childhood development have found that social competence is most integral to later academic success. This makes sense to adults who realize that collaboration, communication, and compromise are essential for success in the work place and at home.
At The Grove School, we focus on academics while also emphasizing the arts and the environment. By nurturing responsibility and independence in all content areas, we encourage the development of problem solving skills. Through hands-on, interactive activities, students not only gain cognitive but also social development. Based on these similarities, I believe Dr. Katz would be supportive of the instructional program at The Grove School.
One of the things I am personally very passionate about is physical health and its two necessary components: exercise and nutrition. As the father of an 18-month old, I try to model healthy behavior for her, and give her a well-rounded diet that includes an appropriate amount of protein, carbohydrates and fats.
That being said, it’s difficult to see the multitude of unhealthy food options available – and marketed to – the parents of young children. When you factor in the realities of modern society – busy schedules that leave little time for exercise and a plethora of convenient, yet unhealthy, food options – it’s no wonder that obesity rates are on the rise in the U.S. This is one of the pressing reasons that we felt The Grove School was necessary (and why I am personally involved). We wanted a place where we could model, teach and foster healthy behavior for future generations.
A recent study by the United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention entitled, “The Future Costs of Obesity,” outlines the potential costs to America in the coming years of this trend. The authors find that, beyond the obvious social and public health problems, rising obesity rates will have a real economic impact, primarily in health care costs, over the next ten years. Other major findings by the study include:
· Obesity is growing faster than any previous public health issue our nation has faced. If current trends continue, 103 million American adults will be considered obese by 2018.
· The U.S. is expected to spend $344 billion on health care costs attributable to obesity in 2018 if rates continue to increase at their current levels. Obesity-related direct expenditures are expected to account for more than 21 percent of the nation’s direct health care spending in 201.
· If obesity levels were held at their current rates, the U.S. could save an estimated $820 per adult in health care costs by 2018 – a savings of almost $200 billion dollars.
Clearly, we aren’t going to fight this problem alone. However, our first two schools are an important step toward elevating the importance of health in those two communities. Furthermore, as we look to expand nationally, we hope that The Grove School will play an important role in not only curbing the rise of obesity, but in setting an example for other schools and pushing the education field toward the future as well.
In order to address this and other pressing social issues, we must start by educating our children.
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It’s time: a lesson learned from Y2K
Scott Andersen | November 24, 2009 | Comment
I am sure many of us remember all the frenzy around the Y2K bug from 1999.
If you recall, there was world-wide concern over how the many systems that rely on computers were going to be affected by the change in date from 1999 to 2000. Because many software programs were written with only two characters in the date field for the year, e.g. 05/06/99, instead of what we are now accustomed to 05/06/1999. There was concern that many computer programs were going to cause serious problems at midnight on 12/31/1999 when the year rolled over to 2000 because many of the computers might think it was the year 1900 versus 2000.
Leading up to this most important New Year’s Eve, there were many news stories. I am sharing one that I heard today in church.
This would be a typical television talk show. The host was interviewing a man who was an expert in computer software for the airline industry. He was answering questions and he seemed to not be alarmed and was relatively calm about the potential fallout of the Y2K bug. As the show was winding down and the end of show music was beginning to play, the host asked one last question, “Will you be on a plane on New Year’s Eve at midnight?” After speaking for about 19 minutes on his relative lack of concern about this issue, his response to that question brought great concern to the viewers I am sure. He responded, “No way.”
This story reminds me of something that I think we all get caught up in from time to time: saying one thing and doing another. This software expert professed one thing but acted in another way. He was in essence, a hypocrite on this matter.
From its conception, to the planning, to the implementation and to the impending opening, The Grove School has put itself forward as a “seriously fresh new preschool.” We are professing to be something that no one else is. We have a vision that intersects with a commitment, ability and most importantly, the passion to move our profession of being a “seriously fresh new preschool” into the realm of reality.
Unlike the software professional in the story above who did not need to be held accountable for what he was saying in the first 19 minutes of the show by actually flying on a plane at the stroke of midnight, we do need to hold ourselves accountable at The Grove School to bring about our vision.
I am calling on all of us: staff at the corporate and local levels, parents, students and members of the community to be stewards of our vision and purpose. We must walk together in communion to bring to pass the fruits of that vision: a school that is serious in immersing its students in extraordinary educational opportunities and is fresh in how its sense of purpose is as healthy for our student’s minds and bodies as it is for the planet.
These following words were written on whiteboard in a room several years ago when the concept of The Grove School began to take shape. I think they are even more powerful today. Two simple words that are a clear call to action for all us committed to this vision: It’s time.
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First look at our sign
Scott Cervenak | November 24, 2009 | Comment
It is so inspiring to see the culmination of our team’s work come together. So much has gone into the development of our new brand in discussions, on paper, in numerous research exercises and so on. With both of our projects now under construction, it was really exciting to see our sign for the very first time.
We developed a prototype street sign to be used in Plano, TX and had it shipped to our offices for inspection. These photos taken from the production floor prior to shipping are the first any of us has seen of this important part of the school’s exterior.
Our sign strategy echoes many of the cultural traits consistent with The Grove School. We used recycled metal products for starters. The main components of the sign give it a very unique, contemporary and forward looking feel. In addition, the sign is externally illuminated which should save us energy and maintenance.
We feel that our sign is very representative of how we do things and that you will find the inside of our schools and playgrounds equally unique, contemporary and forward thinking.
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Hours of operation
Scott Andersen | November 16, 2009 | Comment
We’ve set our hours!
Our core day runs from 9am–3pm.
We offer additional learning opportunities from 7–9am and 3–6pm.
We also offer 2, 3 and 5 day options.
Please email me for details.
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My personal philosophy
Wendy DeSpain | November 16, 2009 | Comment
I believe self-esteem is the cornerstone of all student achievement. Starting each day with a clean slate and a confident attitude are essential. Making every student feel welcome, safe, and valued are my personal priorities.
I believe in focusing on the positive traits each child possesses and using poor choices as learning experiences. I entered the field of education to be an advocate for the child.
I always act in the best interest of the individual child, and I do anything within my power to help each student enter the building every day with a mind set ready for learning and growing.
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Hi, I’m Wendy
Wendy DeSpain | November 16, 2009 | Comment
Since I was a middle school student, and I began babysitting my younger nieces and nephews, I have had a passion for young children and been driven to make a positive difference in their lives.
I further developed my knowledge and insight while fueling my passion by coaching soccer and swimming as well as working in day care situations throughout my high school and college years.
After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University, I began working in the Plano Independent School District, where I have spent the last 15 years interacting with and learning from colleagues, families, and students. I value the opportunities I have had in Plano ISD: from the humility I learned as a teacher in setting expectations for students, to the experience resulting from assisting in curriculum development at the district level, to the value of building capacity in teachers as an assistant principal, and to the global perspective gained as a principal and as president of the Plano Principal’s Association.
Most recently as the district’s NCLB Coordinator, I have learned to appreciate the legal and bureaucratic tentacles of state and federal accountability systems and enhanced my understanding of cognitive growth and of assessment tools. I have cherished my time positively impacting students and supporting teachers; I have had a rewarding and enjoyable career in Plano ISD.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in reading and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a major in special education. I also have a Principal’s Certificate in Texas.
On the family front, I have three children, Madison Louise, who is 5 years old and twin boys, Aiden Richard and Gabriel Harold, who are 4 years old. My beloved spouse is Kevin DeSpain, a Plano native who is now a research biologist at UT-Southwestern Medical Center.
Other members of our family include our cats, Chiliwompand Achilles, and our dog, Thunder Paw. Furthermore, Kevin and I both have a great amount of extended family in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with whom we enjoy several weekends each month. Together, we relish family time camping, hiking, backpacking, and bike riding, in addition to gardening, reading, and cooking.
Now I am in the position to synthesize all of my experience and knowledge and apply it to The Grove School. My personal philosophy is reflected in that of this school. I am environmentally conscious, committed to early childhood education and early intervention, enjoy collaborating with kids, staff, and parents, and believe in connecting the mind and body with the planet.
In everything from teaching science to kindergarteners and Biology I to elementary students, to facilitating the planetarium for all elementary grades and employing Project Wild ideals, I fostered a respect and love for the outdoors. As a day camp counselor, I modeled environmental consciousness throughout daily hikes, sailing, canoeing, and swimming, as well as through recycling and clean-up efforts.
I’m also looking forward to bridging the transition from The Grove School to kindergarten, and making it easier for families. Plus I have so many ideas for collaborating with the community and ensuring increased cognition in all of the students.
Finally, I feel The Grove School and I are a perfect match. I have been so excited about this opportunity because I believe this is my pathway. This is the opportunity for which I have been unknowingly grooming myself.
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The right start makes all the difference
Scott Andersen | November 16, 2009 | Comment
In 1979 a large passenger jet with 257 people on board left New Zealand for a sightseeing flight to Antarctica and back. Unknown to the pilots, however, someone had modified the flight coordinates by a mere two degrees. Therefore the plane got off to a wrong start.
This error at the beginning of the flight placed the aircraft 28 miles to the east of where the pilots assumed they were. As they approached Antarctica, the pilots descended to a lower altitude to give the passengers a better look at the landscape. Although both were experienced pilots, neither had made this particular flight before and they had no way of knowing that the incorrect coordinates had placed them directly in the path of Mount Erebus, an active volcano that rises from the frozen landscape to a height of more than 12,000 feet.
As the pilots flew continued their flight, the white of all the snow and the ice covering the volcano blended with the white of the clouds above creating an illusion that they were flying over level terrain. When their cockpit alarms sounded the warning that the ground was rising fast toward them, it was too late. The airplane crashed into the side of the volcano, killing everyone on board.
It was a terrible tragedy brought on by a minor error—a matter of only a few degrees and the result of getting off to a bad start.
Fortunately, the world of educating our young children is not quite as grave as the physical life or death situation depicted in the story above. However, the theme of how you start makes a big difference in how you finish is very consistent with educating our children.
Research abounds in how students benefit greatly from the best possible educational foundation. What is good about the research is that it also is common sense. I love it when research and common sense come together to create practical solutions.
It is not only best for the child to get the best possible start, but it is also best on the pocket book. The savings for parents, communities and taxpayers are tremendous when students are able to meet learning expectations at the earliest possible age.
I love to find win-win situations in life. One of the best win-wins is providing a focus on early childhood learning. It is not just a win-win; it is a win-win-win-win-win-win…etc. (I think you get the point!)
For this reason, I am thrilled to be a part of the important work of The Grove School. And I am competitive. I don’t like to lose. I like to win-win-win-win-win…
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Heads of School announced for Cary and Plano
John Fread | November 16, 2009 | Comment
The Grove School has announced the Head of School at each of our locations. Dr. Scott Andersen and Wendy DeSpain will be joining the Cary and Plano schools, respectively, bringing with them extensive experience in education and passion for the school’s healthy mind, healthy body, healthy planet philosophy and dedication to educational excellence.
After an in-depth interview process, The Grove School identified two credentialed individuals to lead its inaugural locations. In the Head of School role, Dr. Andersen and DeSpain will support The Grove School and the guiding principles behind its philosophy. The leadership position requires both visionary and managerial abilities, as its leaders embrace the school’s mission and play an active role in the parent and children’s experience, employee growth and school development. The Head of School will also be very involved in the day-to-day supervision of the school staff, providing constant and consistent guidance mapping to the school’s unique principles and goals.
Dr. Andersen’s qualifications include Ed.D., Ed.S. and M.S. degrees in literary science and educational technology, and a B.S. in computer science. He also taught Spanish, English, math and technology in public schools, was an adjunct professor of digital-video editing, and served as a principal and superintendent of several schools. With seven children of his own, Dr. Andersen is a natural educator and leader both at work and in his personal life. In addition to this extensive education experience, Dr. Andersen has also worked as a software developer and is an award-winning photojournalist.
After receiving her M.S. in elementary education, specializing in special education, her B.S. in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on reading in the teaching field and Principal’s Certificate, DeSpain has worked in various roles, from teacher to principal, within Plano’s school district. With 14 years in the field, DeSpain was most recently the No Child Left Behind coordinator in the Plano Independent School District in its Department of Assessment & Accountability. She was also a third grade teacher, as well as a science and math teacher to elementary students, involved with Plano Principal’s Association for several years as a Board member and President and assisted in curriculum development in Plano Independent School District. In addition to working with hundreds of children throughout Texas, DeSpain has three children of her own and 25 nieces and nephews.
“Both Scott and Wendy have varied, valuable and extensive experience in education,” said Ty Durekas, president, The Grove School. “We are confident as Head of School in the Cary and Plano locations, they will help us achieve our goals of offering parents and children a sustainable learning environment with research-based curriculum focusing on nutrition and a sense of community, as well as the structure and concepts presented in traditional elementary schools. We are excited to have these extremely credentialed leaders help bring The Grove School’s healthy mind, body and planet philosophy to the Plano and Cary communities.”
“Joining The Grove School team has been a wonderful and enlightening experience,” said Dr. Scott Andersen, Cary’s Head of School, The Grove School. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with such passionate and smart people. The enthusiasm among this group is contagious.”
“I have been immersed in education in Texas for the past 14 years and am thrilled to be a part of this innovative new preschool,” said Wendy DeSpain, Plano’s Head of School, The Grove School. “The combination of traditional curriculum with topics on social responsibility is an ideal learning environment for today’s children and will produce students well prepared for K-12 schooling. It is something for which I have great passion and can confidently support and advocate.”
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Clean house with healthier alternatives
Regan Sheeley | November 13, 2009 | Comment
I have a 14-month old child, and lately focused on reducing my family’s exposure to household chemicals/toxins. I learned that small children are more susceptible to exposure to environmental toxins and consume more pound-for-pound than adults because of their natural behavior. While crawling around on the floor and putting everything in their mouths helps them to learn about their environment, it also exposes them to potentially harmful substances.
So I’ve been using vinegar, baking soda, lemon and good old fashioned elbow grease to clean my home. I only bring out the “hard-core” stuff (commercially produced disinfectant) when I have a “hard-core” mess to clean up. Poop happens–sometimes in the tub–and when I do use it I make sure to use according to the package instructions. When I am done I rinse, rinse, rinse and ventilate the area.
I think these little changes make a big impact on the health of my family.
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