Glowing and Growing Together
Parents and children spent quality time together at a family mindfulness and yoga retreat, engaging in fun yoga and mindfulness activities. Participants learned ways to foster a growth mindset at home and practiced effective stress management strategies through interactive games and crafts.
On February 7, the class of 2027 came together for the first time at GHS to learn about what makes Greenwich Public Schools so amazing. Approximately 800 students had the opportunity to learn about the incredible elective offerings and how they can get involved at GHS. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming the class of 2027 this fall!
Children's Books with Disability Representation
The American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Awards are given to authors whose books represent the disability experience and “embodies an artistic expression.” They include a winner from the following age categories: teen, middle grade, and young children.
This year’s teen winner is “The Words We Keep,” by Erin Stewart; the middle grade winner is “Wildoak,” by C.C. Harrington; and the young children winner is “Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion,” by Shannon Stocker.
You can find a list of the winners, runners up, and the book descriptions on the American Library Association website.
Reading Lab
by MaryPat Caldwell
This month I would like to address another frequently asked question: "What is Orton Gillingham?"
Orton-Gillingham (“OG”) is a research-based instructional approach, initially developed in the 1930s by neuropsychiatrist Samuel Orton and educator and psychologist Anna Gillingham to teach struggling readers.
At that time, dyslexia was referred to as “word blindness." The basic principles of the OG approach include instruction in the phonetic structure of the language system that is direct, systematic, sequential, and uses multisensory teaching strategies.
Many programs have been developed based on this OG approach. In 1988, the first edition of the Wilson Reading program was published. In 1995, the Orton Gillingham Academy was formed with its mission to educate and certify teachers using the OG approach.
The Wilson Reading program is now in its fourth edition, and many other programs have been developed including Preventing Academic Failure (PAF); S.P.I.R.E; and Project Read. These programs have their own training and/or certification process.
While no one program is considered “the best,” the critical elements of Orton Gillingham include a highly structured approach to instruction that is prescriptive, diagnostic, sequential, cumulative, individualized, and multisensory (visual, auditory and kinesthetic).
If you would like to learn more, the International Dyslexia Association is a great resource.
What is a 504 Plan?
By Michele Iannello
A 504 Plan can help students with disabilities access their education by leveling the playing field with accommodations to help support their learning and growth. If you are wondering if a 504 Plan is right for your child, we encourage you to contact support staff at your child's school (school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists) to talk about your concerns. We are all happy to help and always want to ensure all children have what they need.
The article, 504 Plan: Why is It Important and Who Does It Serve?, is a short narrative that may help with some of your questions.
The Office of Special Education and Student Supports
Email: stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/special-education
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 625-7493
