Summer 2012 - The Briarwood School

BRIARWOOD
Newsletter for The Briarwood &
Tuttle Schools | S u m m e r E d i t i o n 2012
Briarwood, A School for Children with Learning Differences
The Tuttle School at Briarwood, a School for Children
www.briarwoodschool.org
with Developmental Disorders
From The Head of School
Successes Versus Failures | Traits that Define the Differences
I
t is always interesting how things come together when we least expect it! As I pondered how I could possibly weave a myriad of thoughts together that could
describe with clarity the topic that had landed recently in my lap, I received a celebratory phone call that gave me guidance that was beyond a dream.
Following our most recent tour of families who are interested in Briarwood as an option for their children, a father lingered at the end of the tour. Offered
assistance by another administrator, the gentleman stated that his question could be answered only by the Head of School. As I ushered the couple into my office,
the father quickly posed his question: “You talked about the many successes you have with your students following their education at Briarwood. You did not
mention any failures. Do you have failures?” I responded with an honest “Yes, we do have some students who are not as successful as others. One might consider
a “non successful” student a failure. We do have students we cannot reach, no matter how hard we try.” The father pressed on: “Can you tell me the differences in
those students who are successes and those who are failures?”
The conversation quickly guided me into a rapid analysis of “Successes Versus Failures.” A student who is considered a success at Briarwood possesses the
following characteristics and/or traits, all of which mirror closely the Frostig Center’s Success Attributes, results of a longitudinal study completed approximately
thirty years ago. Three of the six Success Attributes include the following:
Self-Awareness - the student is aware of his learning difference and can articulate how the difference impacts his world;
Self-Advocacy - the student can and does advocate respectfully for himself in what he needs for support in order to learn;
Perseverance - the student possesses a strong work ethic, does not give up and understands the demands of the rigors of learning.
Additional traits that Briarwood has identified over our forty-four year history are as important as the three listed above. A student who is successful at Briarwood
and into transitioning years “owns and buys in” to our program. He has a positive attitude about being at Briarwood. He accepts why he is here, accepts his learning
difference as a part of who he is and can almost always reframe his learning difference into a positive component in his life. Additionally, a successful Briarwood
student trusts the process of learning: he is taught, through direct instruction, how he learns.
The student who might present as non-successful is typically one who resists accepting and owning the reality that he learns differently. A child with
a learning difference becomes an adult with a learning difference. Acceptance and ownership of that learning difference make or break the child and/or adult. As
adolescents with learning differences mature into adults with learning differences, they begin to compartmentalize the learning difference as a part of who they
are. Owning and accepting the learning difference are keys to success. Another trait observed in students who do not experience success is that of impulsivity. A
student who has not been in an educational environment where self-management skills are directly taught and applied will often make choices and decisions in a
moment of impulsivity. Results and consequences can be life-changing in a negative way.
The conversation and the story present only hope. The end of the story came with a phone call from
Alison, a former Briarwood student. Alison entered Briarwood as a kindergartner and transitioned to another
private high school following her freshman year. A gracious young woman, Alison called to share her exciting
news and to give thanks to Briarwood. Her news: Alison is graduating this Spring from The University of Dallas
with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Her words: “I was blessed to be a Briarwood student and to receive the
teaching students K-12 with dyslexia
and similar language based
solid foundation that I did. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Briarwood.”
learning disabilities since 1967
Alison represents those thousands of students who have accepted a Briarwood education, who have
owned their own learning difference and have applied coping mechanisms that support a positive spirit and
T he B r i a rwo o d S ch o ol &
attitude. Congratulations to Alison and to our Upper School Seniors, the Class of 2012, who are the epitome
T u tt l e S c h o o l
of Briarwood’s successes. Each of you has owned who you are, you’ve worked with positive spirits, you’ve
12207 Whittington Drive | Houston, TX 77077
www.briarwoodschool.org
found your talents, and you are well equipped with the tools you have been taught. Job well done! On behalf
281.493.1070 tel | 281.493.1343 fax
of the entire Briarwood community, I applaud you for your successes. We wish you well.
briarwood
The Briarwood School/Tuttle School admits students of any race, gender,
color, national or ethnic origin. The school selects students who are
interested in completing their education and who need a prescriptive
educational program.
Briarwood is a publication of The Briarwood School & Tuttle School.
Briarwood is published biannually and sent to alumni, present and
t h e and
b r friends.
iarwood school
past parents
Carole C. Wills | Head of School
In This Edition
04
Development
The 42nd Annual Benefit: Hats Off!
06
10
Middle-Upper School
Graduation, sporting achievements
and helping out - Go Mustangs!
Lower School
The Lower School keeps busy with
colorful and beautiful artwork. Find
out what the KCC is. Learn about
Briarwood Boot Camp and more...
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Tuttle School
“Go, go, go!” should be the motto
for Tuttle School. This active group
creates some impressive artwork,
graduates some beloved students,
participates in sports and enjoys
learning and having fun!
14
Annual Fund News
The Annual Fund brings educational
programs, staff development,
community outreach and parent
education to Briarwood!
16
Donors
A big THANK YOU to Briarwood’s
generous donors!
18
Year in Review
Discover what’s been going on
around Briarwood!
www.briarwoodschool.org
3
Development
WANTED: A Few Good
Women (and Men)
Every year women (and men) put their
lives on hold for a cause quite close to
our hearts, Briarwood. They call on friends
and family, work their fingers to the
bones, strategize, organize and just plain
end up ‘hitting it out of the park.’ Here are
just a few of the people who selflessly
have given over the past twelve months
to make this Benefit a success.
Benefit Chairs
Heather & Jeff Firestone
Debi & Sam Mishael
Benefit Board
Susie Ackerman
Gina DiLuzio
Teresa Ferruzzo
Peggy Friedrichs
Nancy Gennaro
Jamie Humphries
Sonya Kelly
Susan Kirby
Bonita Merrill
Teri Milos
Christina Morse
Linda Parmer
Katherine Schrock
Stephanie Shanks
Jeanie Simonich
Lee Ann Smaltz
Robert Tucker
Gail Van Nest
Julie Whitten
4
the briarwood school
Hats Off! | Briarwood’s 42nd Annual Benefit
B
e sure to never underestimate the power of Briarwood supporters! After forty years,
Briarwood’s parent volunteers still have what it takes to throw a party and excel at their
objective: to raise money.
Friday, February 24, 2012 marked Briarwood’s 42nd Annual Benefit, “Hats Off to
Briarwood!” Holding steadfast to the expression “stick with what works!” Briarwood continued
its winning combination of cocktails, live and silent auctions, a seated dinner and musical
entertainment, and guess what? It worked! Briarwood’s volunteers created a venue at Lakeside
Country Club exquisite enough to impress William and Kate, yet not forgetting its main purpose,
supporting a great cause. We tip our hats to all of Briarwood’s supporters...thank you!
Below: Steve and Annie Seay, Kristen and Jonathan Rosenberg: Jeanie Kilroy and Charlie Read.
Photographs courtesy of Briarwood Alumni Kian Adkins
What a huge success! Over $430,000 raised by our fabulous
families and friends!
Above: Co-Chairs Debi and Sam Mishael; Steve and Jeanie Simonich; Susie Ackerman, Andrea Reid, Lisa Hightower, Katherine Schrock;
Bonita Merrill and Heather Firestone; Cindy Sudela and Mary Whalley; Above right column: Teachers and Briarwood Alumni Daniela Ferrari
and Ed Finger; Briarwood graduate and Master of Ceremonies, Al Farb; Jeff Firestone and Asche Ackerman; Peggy Pool and Carole Wills.
www.briarwoodschool.org
5
Food Drive
Our students conducted the most
successful food drive to date, for
the West Houston Assistance
Ministries.
Left: The annual Junior vs. Senior Girls Powder
Puff Game; Sophomores Alex and Michael
searching for clues in their forensic science class.
Top right: Proud 2012 graduate Michael; Leon
8th grade student of the year recipient and Austin,
7th grade Student of the Year; Caroline and mom,
Beth Mitchell
.
Congratulations Briarwood Class of 2012!
Middle-Upper School
the briarwood school
Seniors with Art on the Brain
Ashley A. and Billy M. graduated from Briarwood this May
and are off to fulfill their exciting futures. Ashley, who will
be attending Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, and
Billy, who is attending The University of Houston, were
honored with a scholarship into The Advanced Junior
Studio (AJS) Program from The Glassell School of Art two
years ago. This May, this accomplished, artistic duo completed the elite program
which consists of a 3-hour class held on Saturdays. Congratulations on this
prestigious honor and good luck to you both!
Above: Ashley’s “Poppies” masterpiece was auctioned off at the 42nd Annual
Benefit!
Inset: Middle-Upper Art Teacher Mitzi Prince is known for her inspiring
teaching style and creative approach to, well, everything!
Acting Up The Spring Upper School production of “Clue.”
www.briarwoodschool.org
7
A Year of Accomplishments
Junior High .....................................
Flag Football
All District: Dominick D., Matt G.
Girls Basketball
All Star Team: Liann F., Addie H.
Boys Basketball: District Champions
All Star Team: Dominick D., Gabriel L.,
Patrick O.
Girls Volleyball
All Star Team: Liann F., Addie H., Tori P.
Tennis
Boys Doubles: District Champions
Christian L./Jake S.
Girls Singles: Alexandra D. 3rd Place District
Girls Doubles: Cierra C./Abbie S. -2nd Place District
Liann F./Katrina D. - 3rd Place District
High School ...................................
Flag Football
All State: Hayden C., Brian G., Billy M.
Soccer
1st Team All District: Jonathan H.
Honorable Mention All District: Nathan P.
Golf
Girls Regional Qualifiers:
Hannah B.,
Kelsey G., Laura K.
Danielle L., Mary Kate W.
Boys State Qualifiers: Lon B.,
Hayden C., Thomas F., Travis S., Jared v.
- 2nd Regional Tournament,
2nd District Tournament
Tennis
State Qualifier: Boys Singles, Steven R.
District Alternate: Girls Singles, Katya G.
Middle-Upper School Sports
the briarwood school
www.briarwoodschool.org
9
Briarwood Boot Camp
During the last few weeks of school, Ms.
Hobock’s and Mrs. Leppard’s classes
participated in Briarwood Boot Camp - a
fun-filled initiative focused on building
self-management, leadership and positive
character traits, such as respect, responsibility
and cooperation. Structured activities during
specialty classes (such as obstacle course work
during PE) challenged students to set and achieve
goals, both individually and as a group. Students
really enjoyed wearing their special Army hats, marching
through the hallways, and demonstrating “Ranger”leadership.
They earned special patches for their positive effort and attitude.
On Wednesday, April 25th, Sergeant Kevin Betts helped us kick-off Boot Camp.
Sergeant Betts has a special relationship to Briarwood – his mother is our own Devora Miller, Music
Teacher. The kids loved working with Sergeant Betts and his contagious, positive attitude!
Lower School
the briarwood school
KCC: Kindness Compassion Courage
The KCC Club continues the legacy of the Rachel’s Challenge program by spreading kindness, compassion,
and courage throughout our school, homes, and community. During the monthly KCC meetings, students
participate in games and activities to learn more about kindness.
Rachel’s Challenge encourages students to always look for the good in others and to start a
chain reaction of kindness. Students and teachers give KCC hearts to recognize people for doing acts of
kindness, compassion, or courage. The hearts are then posted in the lunch room so that everyone can
see how small acts of kindness really add up! In the words of Rachel Scott, “I have this theory that if
one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same.
People will never know how far a little kindness will go.”
Sixth grade students deserve special recognition for the amazing leadership they have provided
for the KCC Club. They have led small groups, encouraged participation and performed several memorable
skits. Adult sponsors of the KCC Club include Devora Miller, Meg Smith, and Jill Wiseman.
Project Wows!
Senior Michael S. demonstrates
his project from his Chemistry
Foundation’s Class, WOW!
www.briarwoodschool.org
11
All the Beautiful Colors
The Tuttle School showcases its artistic side at
The Annual Tuttle School Art and Reception.
Tuttle School
the briarwood school
www.briarwoodschool.org
13
Donors
Annual Fund Gifts
The following is a list of donors
who have given to Briarwood
during the past year, July 2011June 2012.
Legacy Circle | $10,000 and above
Lillian Bean
Friend of Briarwood
Kim & David Lindsey
Abbie & Kelli McNair
Gerald Gehm
Mary & Kent Lenertz
Gene & Jill Lewis
Melodie U. Halfen
Michael Merritt
Sally & James McGinty
Debbie & Dave Schultz
Gail & Joe Van Nest
Kathryn Williams
The Annual Giving Fund
T
he Annual Giving Fund fulfills the needs that would not be possible
with tuition dollars alone. Your help does impact all students. The total
amount raised was $102,577, which represents a 46% increase from
our inaugural year. Briarwood is thankful to all of its 2011-12 participants!
Blue & Red Club | $100-$249
Diane & Steven Anderson
Laura & Skip Cornelius
Founder’s Circle | $5,000-$9,999
Shannon & Marco Juarez
Stephanie & Richard Langenstein
Mike & Lou Ann Kelly
Head of School Circle | $2,500-$4,999 Julie & James Mayer
Jim McGinty
Scott Pierce,III
Talley Melton
Annie & Steve Seay
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS INITIATED & EXPANDED
Lynne & Charles Miller
Julie & Chris Whitten
Paula & Tom Munson
 RAVE-O (Remediation Program in K-3)
d
Alix & Jimmy Nakfoor
Leadership Circle | $1,000-$2,499
o
o
 SYMPHONY MATH (Remediation Program/Technology
Briarw Teresa & Matthew Pitner
Nora Dobin
Nancy & Michael
Harvey Friedman
ts
in Lower School and Middle School), Nov. 2011
Loves I
Polychronopoulos
Martha & Alex Galbraith
 RACHEL’S CHALLENGE PROGRAM (Character/Respect)
Mildred & Steven Poock
Jackie & John Gaylord
Donors
Jennifer Reichek
Antonia & George Helland
in Lower and Middle-Upper School
Melissa & Ryan Reichert
Kelli Hunter

iPAD
for each Tuttle School Teacher
Peggy & William Samuels
Wanda Kibler
Pat & Michael Shaw
Lisa & Jean Michel Lavergne
Tracy & Ronald Sullivan
Joan & John Scales
BRIARWOOD PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Jerome Truax
Jenni & Brad Slivensky
 Houston Branch IDA - Fall Symposium attended by all Teachers
Ruth Smith
Friend | $1-$99
Diane Strassmann & Jeff Smisek
 Depression & Bipolar Workshop presented by DB Support Alliance (DBSA)
Steven Duin
Katherine & Brian Thompson
 Symphony Math Training for Lower School Teachers
Pam & Jim Gaspar
Toyna & Mitchell Toups
Paul Glaves
Robert Tucker
 William Van Cleave -Writing Workshop for Lower School Teachers
Sari & Rubin Gutman
Pam & Bill Wallace
 Autism Conference-attended by Tuttle School Teachers
Christopher Haskins
Michelle Friedman & Joseph Weiss
Susan & Joe McDuffie
Carole & Jim Wills
 Rachel’s Challenge Symposium (Dallas) attended by Teachers and Peggy & Lewis Metzger
Administrators
Stephanie Phillips
Educator’s Club | $500-$999
Kathleen & Mark Spangler
Lori & Phill Cohen
 Epilepsy Foundation presented training film on seizures
Twila & William Day
Gina & Dan DiLuzio
In Honor/Memory
BRIARWOOD PARENT EDUCATION
Ramona & Michael DiMarco
Barbara & Larry Bellatti
Carolyn & Charles Fetzner
 Symphony Math Parent Meeting
Memory of Ruth & Dale Williams
Terri & Tom Haight
 Texas Children’s Learning Differences Simulation
Chris Dooley
Klara & Kirt Keelan
Memory of Brian Boles
Donna & Mark Meyer
 Counselor Breakfast for LS/MU Parents “Friendship and Bullying”
Marie Fay Evnochides
Debi & Sam Mishael
 iPad Training for TS parents with Bonita Merrill
Honor of Jan Doherty
Rosemary & Keith Moriarty
Margaret Funderberg
Tawnya & Rusty Rubenstein
Honor of Mary & Greg Whalley
Brenda Short
BRIARWOOD COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Charles G. Hooks III
Katherine & Joel Schrock
 Student Teacher from University of St. Thomas in Spring
Honor of Sue Ann Hooks
Marcia Smith
Mark Williams Family
Cindy & Bill Sudela
 HBIDA-sponsored film (Journey Into Dyslexia) screening at Kinkaid School,
Honor of Ione Harrell
Edith Wittig van Wageningen
Oct. 20, 2011 – Carole Wills chaired and moderated panel of experts
Katherine & Tom Wilson
Briarwood’s Donors helped provide some of
the following programs in 2011-12:
!
Mustang Club | $250-$499
BP Fabric of America
(Ahmed A. Hashmi)
Pam & Mike Davenport
Debi, Bart & Ben Duckworth
Debbie & Karl Fancher
Community Donors
Kroger
Rice Epicurean
Safeway-Randall’s
Target
following screening
 Consulting with Educational Diagnostician, Board Members, Administrators and Parent Group - private school in Conroe area
For omissions|corrections|giving opportunities, please contact Linda Peters in the
Development Office, 281.493.1070 or at lpeters@briarwoodschool.org.
14
the briarwood school
Directed Gifts
Athletic Facility
Friend of Briarwood
Technology
Vale-Asche Foundation
William and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation
Friend of Briarwood
Briarwood Revenue/Expenditures
for the 2010-11 School Year
Tuition Assistance
Ascende Charitable Trust
Assistance League of Houston, Inc.
Galleria Area Rotary Club
The Hamill Foundation
Herzstein Foundation
The Huffington Foundation
The Looper Foundation
Strake Foundation
General Operating
The Ellwood Foundation
Scurlock Foundation
Lower School Library
Luis Javier Gonzalez-Cimadevilla and
Angela Munoz-Eustace
Community Speakers Luncheon
Comerica Bank
Briarwood Revenue
for the 2010-11
School Year
Tuttle School
Henry and Maria Sostman
Middle-Upper School
Jonna Grizzle
Lower School Art Department
Lois & Jim Black
Laurine Miller
Leisa & Galen Miller
Peggy & Lyle Miller
 Tuition and fees, net of student
Science Classes
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company
Rachel’s Challenge
Roger Wadsworth
Matching Gifts
Amerprise Financial
Apache Corp.
Chevron
ConocoPhillips
Halliburton
Marathon Oil MEPAC
Merck Partnership for Giving
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Briarwood Expenses
for the 2010-11
School Year
financial assistance of $423,639
$5,599,287
Designated contributions
$1,009,404
Friends of Briarwood contribution
$484,649
Investment return
$398,848
General and Annual Fund
$117,907
Other revenue
$4,711
Total
$7,614,806
 Educational Programs
$6,692,120
Management & General $233,485
Fundraising
$234,141
Comerica Bank Gives Back
Total
$7,159,746
Carole Wills and Linda Peters accepted a $5,000 check from
Shelley Ewart, Donna Mittendorf and Carl Dase of Comerica Bank
to kick off the Community Speakers Luncheon.
www.briarwoodschool.org
15
Donors
Benefit Gifts
Benefit gifts included for the
42nd Annual Benefit.
$25,000 and above
Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. Charitable
Foundation, Inc.
Pam & Steve Eakin
Friend of Briarwood
Martha & Dave Swift
$10,000-$24,999
The H.G. Ash Foundation
ConocoPhillips
Mary K. Crow
Ellwood Foundation
Stephanie & Scott Pierce
Mary & Greg Whalley
$5,000-$9,999
Susie & Asche Ackerman
Twila & Bill Day
Angela Munoz &
Luis Javier Gonzales
Mrs. Emily Griffin
Regent Care
Nancy & Clive Runnells
Dirk Sostman & Maria Preka
Lori & Kurt von Plonski
$2,500-$4,999
Gina & Larry Corbin
Dr. & Mrs. Louis A. Faillace
Heather & Jeff Firestone
Rima & Ahmed Hashmi
Jeanie Kilroy
Debi & Sam Mishael
Carol & Ron Ostermayer
Tine Tollan Overton
Richard Poole
Carol & Dan Price (honor of Olivia Shanks & Andrew Firestone)
Annie & Steve Seay
Katherine & Ken Smith
Sherry & Rolland St. Aubin
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Streit
Julie & Chris Whitten
Carole & Jim Wills
$1,000-$2,499
Teecie Aldridge
Joan & Stanford Alexander
Barbara & Lawrence Bellatti
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Brophy
Dr. Dennis & Laurel Brown
Charlotte Christman
Ella & Paul Dolan
Jenny and Jim Elkins Family Fund
Chris Fearing
Fidelity Investments
Nancy & Dan Garrison
Mr. & Mrs. Saad Hashmi
Sheila & Mike Hutchings
Marcia Smith & Frank Jones
Stephanie & Rich Langenstein
Ranson Lummis & Isabel Lummis
Atty. & Mrs. Harry D. Martin
Charisse Mayer
Denis & Trey Mayfield
The Arthur & Sarah
Merrill Foundation
Donna & Mark Meyer
Teri & Sonny Milos
Christina & Steve Morse
Mr. Wiley Mossy
Shelly Mulanax
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Rosenthal
Linda & Jerry Rubenstein
Leslie & Shannon Sasser
Family Fund
Lisa & Karl Schmitt
Ursula & Michael Sharp
Brenda Short
Jeanie & Steve Simonich
Cindy & Bill Sudela
Thompson Custom Homes
Mitchell Toups
Paula & Joe Toussaint
Lynn & Mike Turner
Jenni & John Vogel
$500-$999
Cynthia & Robert Anderson
Tissie Bean & Susan Williams
Bank of Texas
Bank of River Oaks
Dr. Bruce Barnum
Bonnie Brookshire PhD
Olga Bullock
Linda Decker
Denise & John Deiss
Dr. Elizabeth Dybell
Paige & Harding Erwin
Debbie Etheridge
Debbie & Karl Fancher
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Griffin
Mr. & Mrs. T.D. Howe
Janet & Forrest Jenkins
Erica & Brian Jordan
the briarwood school
LouAnn & Mike Kelly
Deborah & Edward Koehler
Janet Lauritsen, Realtor
Sara & Jim Ledbetter
Charlie & Christina LeDoux
LMI Painting
Linda & Paul Lynn
Bonita & Bill Merrill
Moody National Bank
Jennifer & Clifford Moore
Parker Uniforms
Cindy & Drayton Prator
Gay Roane
Mark Sass
Katherine & Joel Schrock
Michael & Pat Shaw
Jeannette & Scott Stevenson
Texaco Matching Gifts
Tommy Vaughn Ford
Julie Toups
Kay & Danny Williamson
Kathryn & Tom Wilson
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Wozencraft
$250-$499
Ann & Keelan Adamson
Dina & Mike Bahramipour
Kathie & Paul Boitmann
Archna & Kenny Chainani
Chevron Matching Gifts
Keith & Sue Chiles
Page & Gregory Cokinos
Maria Colome
The House at Pooh Corner
Priscilla Conoley
Anne Conner
(honoring Andrew Firestone)
Debi & Bart Duckworth
Michelle Friedman
Bellynda & Mark Hayden
Marjorie & Matthias Heinkenschloss
The House of Pooh Corner
(honoring Heather Firestone)
Lillian & Michael Howard
Lisa & Brad Hutchings
Sonya & Paul Kelly
Wanda & Greg Kibler
Renee & Mark Lange
Ellen LeBlanc
Levine Velva G. & H. Fred Levine
Kim & David Lindsey
Albert Lira
Lesley McBride
Chris Travis & Denise McGaha
J.D. McGinty
Beth Mitchell
Diane & David Modesett
Cathy Moore
Linda & Jim Parmer
Rice Epicurean Markets
Susan & Tim Rohr
Debbie & Dave Schultz
Stephanie & Kirby Shanks
Gretchen Simmen
Speech & Language Remediation
Gerard Keith Sperling
Teacher’s to Go
Texas Children’s Pediatric Assoc.
Martha Vance
Dorothy Verhalen
Jackie & Roger Wadsworth
Waste Management
Randa & K.C. Weiner
Tylor & David Welch
Cindy & Brian Whitewater
Kenna Worthington
$249-$150
Anchor Communications/Steve Smith
Apache Corp.
Adria & Ross Baker
Gail Bailey
Lori & Randy Barnett
Nancy & David Baxter
Mike & Susan Bilberry
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Brady
Leonard & Gerry Broussard
Melanie & Steve Browne
Kathy Cane
Julie & Daniel Chew
Regina & Dan DiLuzio
Becca & James Edmiston
Julie & Mike Falick
Paige & Richard Fass
Ed Finger
Freeman Photography
Daniel Grimmer
Mark P. Hablinski
Jeannine & Kelly Haizlip
The Healthy Lunch Box
Jamie Humphries
Sheila & Michael Hutchings
Donna & Clay Jeansonne
Yvette & Leatrice Jones
Lindy Kahn, M.A.
Jennifer & Kenny Kearns
Ali & Setara Khan
Susan & Kevin Kirby
Rachel & Melvin Krezer
Pam & Bill Krocak
Tammy & Michael Lane
Carol LeBlanc
Jill & Gene Lewis
Robert Tucker
Beth & Jim Watt
Janette Lorenz & Michael Lemen
Michel & Sherry Loutchaninoff
Cheryl & James McAnear
Dr. Mike Mizell
Jennifer & Clifford Moore
Paula & Tom Munson
Alix & Jimmy Nakfoor
Neuhaus Education Center
Cindy & Paul Price
Terri & Matt Pitner
Kristen & Jonathan Rosenberg
Tawnya & Rusty Rubenstein
Cindy & Paul Smith
Naomi & Adam Soffar
Kathleen & Mark Spangler
Speech Language Learning
Shauna & Greg Steffen
Tracy & Ron Sullivan
Lisa & Bob Suvalsky
T’s Automotive
Cris & James Treadway
Gail & Joe Van Nest
Peggy Vaughn
Jennifer & Fernando Villarreal
Pam & P.J. White
Niki Wokocha
Todd Womble
$125-$149
Trina & Michael Blood
Elvia & Paul Cardinal
Suzanne Duin
Kim & Phil Fraher
Rebeka Garcia
Pam & Jim Gaspar
Monique & Steve Hazell
Syed & Fatima Jafri
Julie & Louis Mayer
LaSchel & Tim McCoy
Patti & Philip McGraw
Dr. Raja Nasir
Amy Hammond Polasek
Carolyn & Dennis Roy
Peggy & William & Samuels
Kim & Robert Sickler
Lee Ann & Randy Smaltz
Terrye & Darren Stidham
Laurie & Charles Swihart
$100-$124
Rita Blumenfeld
Dilly Letter Jackets
Janice & Jim Falick
Mary B. Finger
Patricia Gow
Morton L. Katz, PhD
Mrs. Ben Lange
Mary K. & Kent Lenertz
Cheryl & Kent Marshall
Linda Mauterstock
Christine & Kelly Paige
Heidi & Tim Perry
Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Quintana
Peggy & William Samuels
Michelle & Cliff Shedd
Diane & David Swedelson
(honoring of the Mishael Family)
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Thomson
Libby Vester
Kay Walker
Pam & Bill Wallace
Kim & Richard Yeh
$99 and below
Judge & Mrs. Richard Abrams
Sarah & Lane Amos
Robert Albright
Christa Alliott
Joan Anderson, Ph.D.
Mark & Jane Arnold
Cynthia & Michael Atchison
Cheryl & David Bagby
Gayla & Bryan Baird
Lauren & David Balat
Miles & Harrietta Baldwin
Paul Bass
Judy &Jimmy Bates
Barbara & Michael Baudler
Stephanie Boates
Ash & Ronda Bowden
Valerie & Derek Brown
Joy & Ed Buettner
Kristin Buffington
Karen & Bruce Burton
Teri & Clay Carwile
Rosemary & Ken Cash
Genette Chenevert
Andrea & Greg Chilson
Lori & Phil Cohen
Kerry & Chad Courtney
Michelle Cub
Pamela & Mike Davenport
Shannon & Jeff Davis
Jeff Davis
Marcela Ortega & Julio de la Colina
Karla & Gino DeRanieri
Dianna & John DesJardins
Ramona & Michael DiMarco
Rita & Brian Fader
Elham & Babak Far
Janice & Ed Fastow
Carolyn & Charles Fetzner
Sarah & Robbie Fish
Lucinda & Brad Fleming
Nanette & Pat Ford
Karoline & Scott Gammeter
Lisa & Rick Gardner
Jackie & John Gaylor
Gerri & David Geller
Nancy & John Gennaro
Jim & Marcia Gharib
Lynda Lea & Jim Goodall
Dayna Gorski
Audrey & David Gow
Peggy & Michael Gregg
Debra & Victor Grinshstein
Deloris Guillory
Sari & Rubin Gutman
Carrie & John Hacker
Teresa & Rob Hanna
Theresa & Kent Hanszen
Nanette & Christopher Haskins
Josefina & Jose Hernandez
Alice Hilton
Mona & Thomas Ignas
Erin & Todd Jones
Shannon & Marco Juarez
Klara & Kirt Keelan
Susan & Randall Klein
Ellen Wallace & Mitch Kreindler
Lorena & Terry Kubera
Janet & Mark Lauritsen
Niki & Richard Lee
Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Lehrer
Lily & Luis Lomeli
Cindy & Ed Long
Tina & Scott Lynch
Elizabeth & Galen Madison
Hope & Michael Martin
Kim & Mike Martin
Brandy & Edwin Martinez
Jennifer & David McCann
Susan & Joe McDuffie
Sally & Don McGinty
Tina & Keith Miller
Moshe and Barbara Mishael
Becky & Mike Mooney
Rosemary & Keith Moriarty
Jean & Kevin Mulholland
Cindy & Chuck Nelson
Amy & Robert Nuttall
Michelle O’Byrne
Beatriz O’Hara
Djuanna Oglesby
Lori & Jerry Ordeneaux
Carter Overton
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pack
Pam & Don Palmour
Christie & Allen Pearl
Kristen & Michael Penny
Fiona & Colin Perkins
Christine Phills
Nancy & Michael Polychronopoulos
Mildred & Steven Poock
Cindy & David Portugal
Beth & Nick Posa
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pullen
Kate & Stephen Pults
Susie & Tim Randall
Melissa Reichert
Alethea Reny
Wendy & Lowell Rosenthal
Pat Ross
Emily & Mike Saathoff
Maria & Heinz Schneekloth
Pat & Mike Shaw
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Mary Catherine Shouse
Elsa Silva
Edward Simonich
Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Sisk
Jenni & Brad Slivensky
Shelley & Stephen Smaby
Leah & Chris Sperry
Christy & Greg Swidensky
Michelle & Will Symonds
Susan & Philip Szota
Bronwyn & Mark Turner
David Upshaw
Anne & Ron Vachon
Robin & James Vaiana
Rilla Walker
Mary Ann & Lawrence Ward
Mrs. Ellen West
Najja & Robert Williams
Nora Dobin & Chris Wolfe
www.briarwoodschool.org
17
Year in Review
W
e celebrated the end of the 2011-2012 school year with three commencement ceremonies for three outstanding groups of students! Congratulations
to our four Tuttle School students, who graduated on May 16. Two graduates will continue their work at The Brookwood Community, one will continue
with art classes at Houston Community College and one currently is undecided.
Twenty-six Upper School students received their diplomas on May 17. Their post high school plans include Baylor University, Curry College, LeTourneau
University, Sam Houston State University, Schreiner University, Trinity University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Houston, Houston Community
College. Lone Star College and Wharton County College. Congratulations to all!
On May 23, thirty sixth graders completed their Lower School education with a ceremony attended by families and friends. Most of the sixth grade
graduates will transition to the Middle School at Briarwood. Congratulations to our newest Middle School students!
Reflecting on the beginning of 2012, we hosted our accrediting agency, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A Quality Assurance Review Team,
led by Dr. James May and comprised of Mrs. Jane May, Educator, Dr. Marian Danita Bailey-Perry, Texas Southern University, Ms. LuAnn Park, Cornerstone Christian
Academy, Mr. Lawrence Domino, Klein Forest High School, and Dr. Randy Soffer, University of St. Thomas., spent two days interviewing three groups of stakeholders:
parents, faculty and students.
The culmination of the visit was a report that commended Briarwood on the following:
1) The school has a learning climate for students that makes them feel safe, secure, and confident that they can trust their teachers;
2) The school enjoys parental support that both sustains the daily operations of the school and helps establish mission and purpose of the school; and
3) The school enjoys a financial base of support that provides exemplary facilities and staffing ratios while maintaining costs to parents.
4) The report also presented obligatory recommendations that include the following:
a) Review the existing Mission Statement to ensure consistency to the school’s vision and purpose;
b) Integrate existing technology into instructional practices so that opportunities to individualize learning styles are optimized; and
c) Increase awareness of post-secondary opportunities for students.
We owe a debt of thanks to the many parents, students and faculty who devoted their time, efforts, and expertise throughout the re-accreditation
process. Coming as no surprise, we were re-accredited by SACS.
A milestone in the history of The Briarwood School is the addition of an Advisory Board for Briarwood. Chairing the Advisory Board is Jim Gustafson,
owner of The Gustafson Group, a long-time Houstonian and a student’s grandfather. Joining Jim on the Advisory Board are Charlotte Christman, former parent and
Community Affairs and Education Advocate, John Clarke, former parent and Senior Vice President, Bank of Texas, Dr. Zach Hodges, President, Houston Community
College-Northwest, Barbara Scott, former parent and Community Volunteer extraordinaire and Scott Stevenson, former parent and Vice President, Laredo Energy.
This group of Advisory Board members brings with them a wealth of experience and countless areas of expertise, along with an understanding of and passion
for our school. We are so happy to have this impressive and caring team’s guidance and leadership as we challenge ourselves to only the highest standards of
excellence in our specialized field of education. Barbara Bellatti and John J. Scales, two of the newest additions to the Briarwood-Brookwood Board, are serving as
Board liaisons to the Advisory Board. We deeply appreciate their guidance and service to Briarwood and to the Briarwood-Brookwood Board.
As we close another stellar year, we simultaneously welcome 2012 - 2013, our forty-fifth year! We move forward with focus on enhancing our program,
now world-renowned, to masterfully serve our students who learn differently. We remain thankful for opportunities that come our way every day to change
children’s lives.
Best regards,
Carole C. Wills
18
the briarwood school
Middle-Upper School
Showing Our True Colors!
Lower School
Tuttle School
www.briarwoodschool.org
19
the
briarwood
school
12207 Whittington Drive
Houston, Texas 77077
TE l 2 8 1 . 4 9 3 . 1 0 7 0
F a X 2 8 1 . 4 9 3 . 1 3 4 3
www.briarwoodschool.org
Address Service Requested
Al Farb, Class of ‘05 | Hear Him Out!
Y
ou may have seen, or heard, Al at the Rodeo, around Briarwood volunteering as Master of
Ceremonies, maybe at 93Q? That’s because Al Farb has his capable hands (and mouth) in just
about everything!
Al officially started his radio career at the age of 13; his first big interview was Donnie
Osmand and former President George HW Bush. When the show ended, it was back to school right here
at Briarwood! Then, shortly after High School, Al began working at Clear Channel Radio, where he did just
about everything, finishing up as Assistant Program Director for SportsTalk 790. In January of 2012, Al
started his ‘dream-job’ at The New 93Q, where he currently serves as the Producer for critically acclaimed
”Q Morning Zoo” with Tim Tuttle, Kevin Kline and Erica Rico. Industry professionals have been quoted as saying, “Al’s energy and passion for radio
are infectious.”
In his ”spare” time, Al also enjoys giving back to the community. He serves as Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show &
Rodeo committee volunteer where he is a Rookie Coordinator for the Speaker’s Committee and Committee Member of Lamb and Goat Auction
Committee. Through his work with the Rodeo, Al participates in ‘Rodeo Days’ at Houston-area schools and is a part of the show’s ‘Rookie Boot
Camp’ for newcomers to the Rodeo Committees. You’ll also find him on a street corner during the Rodeo Parade announcing to the crowd as all
of the different trails ride by. Whoa! But don’t think that’s all...he also owns and operates a small live event/audio production company, Al Farb
Productions. You can also see Al (pictured on page 5) as Master of Ceremonies at Briarwood’s 42nd Annual Benefit!
Alumni | Call Us!
the briarwood school
We want to feature You in the next issue of “Briarwood!”