2009 November : The Grove School: A seriously fresh new preschool in Cary and Plano!

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.

Wendy is our Head of School in Plano, TX. She has deep community ties, having spent 15 years with the Plano ISD in various teaching, administrative and leadership roles. In addition to her zeal for helping children learn, Wendy enjoys being in the great outdoors with her family.

Keywords: Grove School, social competence

Curbing obesity for future generations

Dan Flood | November 25, 2009 | Comment

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.

Dan steers our business development. As the father of a toddler and a conscientious consumer, he's energized by The Grove School's focus on high-quality education and the triple-bottom line (social and environmental responsibility in tandem with profitability).

Keywords: Grove School, nutrition

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.

Scott, a.k.a. Dr. Andersen, is our Head of School in Cary, NC. He brings 16 years of experience as a teacher and school/district administrator. He has also worked as a photojournalist and software developer.

Keywords: Dr. Scott Andersen, Grove School

First look at our sign

Scott Cervenak | November 24, 2009 | Comment

sign progress 2 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.

sign progress 1 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.

Scott oversees design and construction of our school buildings and playgrounds. His vision is to create sustainable spaces that encourage amazing learning experiences.

Conference report: insights on emotional regulation and brain pathways

Lisa Daley | November 24, 2009 | Comment

I recently had the wonderful experience of attending the Texas Association for Infant Mental Health Annual Meeting and Conference. This meeting was attended by many people interested in optimal development of our youngest children, not only infants, but those through age 5.

Carrie Contey, Ph.D., gave a fabulous lecture during which she spoke about the importance of emotional regulation. She explained that emotional regulation is built into the relationship children have with their caregivers. She talked about the importance of eye contact, proximity, touch, facial expression, and tone of voice. Each of these components is extremely important when considering optimal social and emotional development in young children.

This gave me tremendous insight into the components I already place most valuable in the characteristics of outstanding teachers. I thought about the similarity in several of the ideal competencies we are searching for in The Grove School teachers: compassion, composure, and patience.

Carrie also talked about Bruce Perry and his studies on brain development. Bruce Perry explained that the more a neural system is “activated,” the more that system changes to reflect that pattern of activation. This is the basis for development, memory, and learning. It is the repeated exposure to extraordinary experiences which cause the connections to become well worn pathways permanently etched in the brains.

I contemplated this for a moment and became overwhelmed with excitement. I can only imagine the pathways that will become permanently etched in the brains of those students at the Grove School.

The exposure to organic gardening will allow our students to naturally want to nourish their body with fresh, organic foods in the future. Our on-site greenhouse and focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling will again create the instincts later in life to preserve our planet. The fine art and dramatic art experiences will allow children to formulate their own creativity that will flourish for years to come!

My attendance at the conference solidified the importance of our holistic approach to education coupled with teachers who naturally create nurturing interactions. The Grove School has found the formula through innovative curriculum and outstanding staff that creates the perfect combination for optimal brain development!

Lisa is our education manager at The Grove School of Plano. Her day-to day responsibilities include mentoring, coaching, leading and celebrating the outcomes of educational success for all children and teachers.

Keywords: conferences, Educational Philosophy, Grove School, teacher hiring

Plano families, join us at the Dallas Museum of Art

Lisa Daley | November 19, 2009 | Comment

This Friday, November 20th from 6 to 7:30 pm, I’ll be at the Dallas Museum of Art for the Materials & Me program. This is a free event for 2-4 year olds. It invites them to examine different art using the medium of fabric. There will even be a bedtime story!

I’ll be there with two of my children and several prospective families. I’d love to meet you and answer any questions about The Grove School and our extraordinary learning experiences. Grab your kids and come join the fun!

Keywords: Dallas Museum of Art, events, Plano

Our first local event!

Lisa Daley | November 17, 2009 | Comment

The introduction of The Grove School to the public was so exciting!! A few weeks ago I was honored to be the first member of our leadership team to spark the interest within the Plano community.
lisafair1
Thank you to the Prestonwood Private School Fair for helping to make that possible. Numerous potential parents were energized by our educational excellence coupled with our sense of purpose through a concentration on a healthy body, mind, and planet.
lisafair2
Most families were excited by the possibility for their child to grow and harvest from the organic garden, to use the Smartboard technology in their classrooms, and to run and play on our natural outdoor playscape. Many parents identified with The Grove School being a “seriously fresh new preschool” by saying they had never heard of this approach to learning before. Many of the families requested to attend an upcoming Open House or tour the school as soon as it’s ready for visitors.

This was just the beginning of the fascinating evolution of The Grove School. I can not wait to see what happens next!!

Keywords: Grove School, Plano

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.

Keywords: Cary, Grove School, Hours of operation

Meet Lisa Daley, our education manager

Lisa Daley | November 16, 2009 | Comment

Hi! My name is Lisa Daley. I am both honored and ecstatic to be a part of the evolution of the Grove School! I am truly excited to be responsible for the extraordinary learning experiences we will be providing for young children every day.

I’ve been working within the field of early childhood education for 15 years. I’ve been a teacher, director, and trainer for educational excellence over the years. I identified my passion for changing the lives of children through education at a very young age. You can say I was raised with education in my blood!! I was born and raised in New Jersey where my mother was a teacher, and now a director of curriculum and instruction. The apple has not fallen far from the tree!

Education was always important growing up and my mother showed me how to be impactful with children through unique interactions. I followed in her footsteps and am determined to inspire all children to genuinely love learning.

I am a candidate to receive my doctoral degree in Early Childhood Education through the University of North Texas. In addition, I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the University of Oklahoma. (I am with Scott–Go Sooners!!)

Within the field of Early Childhood Education, I am most interested in the promotion of healthy mental health for young children through optimal social and emotional learning environments. For this reason, the healthy mind portion of The Grove School holistic approach is extremely exhilarating to me. This innovative approach to education will create a new type of early learner that will be successful in many distinctive ways moving forward. I look forward to sharing additional resources pertaining to this topic.

While working on my doctoral degree and working full time, I gave birth to three beautiful children. I love to be busy Mecca is my three year-old daughter and is also known as “mini me”, a natural born leader. Alisa is two and is my extremely sweet…and equally as stubborn baby girl. Elijah is my baby boy. He is one year old and balances everything out. I am looking forward to having my children grow up within The Grove School family!

As you can probably tell, I am an enthusiast for early education and can’t wait to watch The Grove School change the world of preschool forever!

Keywords: Grove School, Lisa Daley, Plano

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.