Image 01

Glenholme Students Enjoy Some Rest & Relaxation!

February 22nd, 2012 by glenholme

The February break is upon us, and Glenholme students have a week to enjoy themselves without the responsibilities of class or homework! While many students travel home, others remain on campus for all or part of the break. Here are some of the great activities we have planned for them:

  • Saturday: Basketball game in the gym, dinner at The Commons
  • Sunday: Video game challenge in the game room, Zumba lesson in the dance room
  • Monday: Soccer game outside, bake-off in the cottage, hiking at the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield, CT
  • Tuesday: Haircuts, lunch, and shopping at the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, CT, bowling at Lore’s Lanes in New Milford, CT, arts & crafts activity in the art room
  • Wednesday: Spinning and aerobic exercises in the fitness center, movie at the Bank Street Theater in New Milford, CT
  • Thursday: Volleyball game in the gym, fitness challenge in the fitness center
  • Friday: Capture the flag game outside, badminton game in the gym, talent show at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted, CT
  • Saturday: Zumba lesson and fitness challenge in the fitness center, home-made dinner in the cottage
  • Sunday: Scavenger hunt and campus hike, movie in the on-campus movie theater

 Enjoy the break!

Tournament Champions!

February 21st, 2012 by glenholme

The Glenholme Grizzlies varsity basketball team took to the hardwood floor on February 3 and 4, participating in the much-anticipated Maplebrook Invitational Tournament. On Friday night, the players faced their first opponent – the Maplebrook CAPS team. While the Grizzlies were a bit nervous and tight to start things off, they became more comfortable with their offensive sets as the game progressed and pulled off a convincing 62-40 win, allowing them to advance to the Championship game.

On Saturday, the Grizzlies faced a new opponent fromNew York – the Oakwood Friends school – who had won their opening game as well. Nerves were tense, and the game started off slow offensively for both teams. By the half, however, the Grizzlies held a six point lead and were showing great composure and focus on both ends of the floor. Although the scales tilted to each team as the second half unfolded, the Grizzlies never relented their six point lead and came away with a 48-40 victory.

All Glenholme players contributed minutes and effort in both games and showed tremendous composure and sportsmanship. Staff and parents alike were impressed by the way the Grizzlies played and conducted themselves on the court. A big thank you to the Glenholme staff who made participating in the tournament possible, and to the strong contingency of Glenholme parents who came to cheer on the team. Go Grizzlies!

 

Daffodil Days: Glenholme Students Raise Cancer Awareness and Fight for a Cure

February 20th, 2012 by glenholme

This February and March, the Glenholme Student Council is sponsoring a Daffodil Days event to support the American Cancer Society and to honor their teacher, who continues to battle the disease. Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested more than 3.5 billion in cancer research to determine its cause, to discover methods of prevention, and to find new cures. The Glenholme Student Council sees the Daffodil Days event as their chance to fight back against cancer by raising funds and awareness – their goal is to raise awareness in 100% of the Glenholme community.

Accompanied by students dressed as daffodils, the Student Council President toured the classrooms and offices of Glenholme to educate students and staff about the American Cancer Society’s work, and to solicit donations. With a donation of $10 – $25, a staff may receive cut daffodils, potted plants, or stuffed bears, or may send a gift of hope to someone with cancer. A student who donates will have a card with his or her name posted on the main bulletin board in the schoolhouse. 

By supporting the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days program, the Glenholme community provides hope to individuals with cancer and helps fight for a cure.

An Overtime Thriller

February 17th, 2012 by glenholme

The Glenholme Grizzlies varsity basketball team continued their winning streak with an exciting and intense home game against Grove School on Monday, February 6. While the Grizzlies held a six point lead during the first half of the match by playing solid defense and aggressively grabbing rebounds, the Grove players started to move the ball more methodically in the second half of the game, scoring at a consistent pace while the Grizzlies hit a cold streak. In a flurry of scoring and defensive stops, the Grizzlies tied the score at 56-56 as the final buzzer sounded.

In overtime, control of the ball went back and forth, with both teams having an opportunity to close out the win. In the end, it was the Grizzlies who came away with more clutch shooting and rebounding, with a final score of 68-65. Overall, it was a thrilling game that wowed an enthusiastic crowd of Glenholme students, staff, and supporters!

Through Glenholme’s interscholastic sports program, students improve their athletic skills while learning the importance of teamwork, respect, and perseverance. Students who join the basketball team gain confidence in their abilities, practice important communication skills, and develop a sense of comradery with their teammates.

Go Grizzlies!

Students Rise to the Challenge in Glenholme Idol Semi-Finals

February 16th, 2012 by glenholme

In a round where energy and excellence are expected, the top three Glenholme Idol acts were ready to shine. Round Five, the semi-final round of the Glenholme Idol competition, was held in front of an excited crowd of students, staff, and guests on Wednesday, January 25 in The Center for the Arts. After a video recap of Round Four, complete with clips from each performance and a detailed rundown by the Glenholme Arts Director, head judge Matt introduced his selection of judges for the evening. To the audience’s surprise, he announced that the acts would be performing for a panel of three student judges for the first time in the competition.

Cheered on by the enthusiastic audience, each act then showcased their talent, hoping their scores would get them to the Glenholme Idol finals. Contestants delivered a smooth rendition of “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls, performed a captivating “Love the Way You Lie” by Rhianna, and wowed the audience with a Lillian Garcia song sung completely in Spanish. While each performance was incredible, only two acts could advance to the final round. A huge congratulations to the Glenholme Idol finalists!

Glenholme Idol provides the ideal opportunity for students to take healthy risks in a safe and supportive environment. Although many students and staff were initially surprised when one finalist auditioned for the competition, he made his way to Round Six with a number of inventive and unexpected performances. By participating in Glenholme Idol and other Arts activities, he and other Glenholme students expand their skills, learn positive methods of expression, and develop confidence in their talents and abilities.

During Round Six of Glenholme Idol, scheduled for Thursday, February 16, the judges will face the most difficult task of the competition – to choose a winner from the remaining two acts, who received identical scores in the last round! True to the hit television reality series, a full video recap of the competition will be aired before the finalists take the stage, and all of the acts will return to perform together once last time. When all is said and done, the judges will proudly crown the 2012 Glenholme Idol.

Stay tuned to find out the winner of the first ever Glenholme Idol competition!

Spirits Were High During Glenholme Pep Rally

February 15th, 2012 by glenholme

Cheers and excitement filled the gymnasium as the Glenholme Chorus chanted “We Will Rock You,” the Spirit Squad performed two impressive cheerleading routines, and the Grizzlies basketball team showed off their shooting skills. Students and staff were gathered for the Winter Pep Rally, a high-energy, student-run event designed to generate school spirit and foster a greater sense of community at The Glenholme School.

The festivities kicked off with a welcome speech by the Glenholme Student Council President, followed by an impressive rendition of the National Anthem by the Men’s Singing Group. The Spirit Squad Captain then addressed the crowd: “The Spirit Squad helps the school as a community. We bring school spirit to the basketball games by rallying the team with our cheers and support. Today, we wish them luck as they head into a big tournament weekend.” The Pep Rally, held on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, marked the midway point of the Grizzlies’ basketball season, and took place a few days before the Grizzlies competed in a weekend tournament – from which they emerged victorious! 

Glenholme community building events create a positive learning environment, foster strong friendships, and improve students’ commitment to the school and their education. The Winter Pep Rally, which has become a much-loved Glenholme tradition, continues to grow each year. In the words of the Student Council President: “School pride is important. So when it comes to our school: stand tall, be loud, and be proud.”

Go Grizzlies!

Students and Staff Honor Glenholme Parents

February 13th, 2012 by glenholme

The exchange between a child’s family and school is vital to his or her growth and development, especially when the child has special needs. For this reason, The Glenholme School strongly encourages parents to be involved in their children’s treatment, and provides them with regular training opportunities and around-the-clock support. By actively participating in the Glenholme program, following through with recommendations and expectations, and maintaining frequent communication, Glenholme parents help to bridge the gap between their children’s school and home lives, allowing for a more successful transfer of treatment. Though it may not always be easy, Glenholme parents have risen to the challenge – demonstrating grace, humility, and a much-needed sense of humor in even the most trying circumstances.

During Parent Appreciation Week, held from January 2 – 8, The Glenholme School thanked parents for their unwavering commitment to their children and to the Glenholme community. Through daily notes, e-mails, photos, phone calls, videos, and mailings, students and staff shared some of their favorite experiences at the school while acknowledging Glenholme parents’ tireless effort and dedication. The response was nothing shy of sensational - below are just a few of the many wonderful affirmations that staff received from Glenholme parents:

“Wow! This video is packed with good work, effort and care: the concept, organization, direction, cooperative community spirit, tech, timing and person power. We played it three times–it was so much fun to watch–and it works great. Best of all it feels great.”  -Jerry and Myron

“What a wonderful phone message to receive! Certainly was a bright lift to our day. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words about our son. Whatever he has been achieving at Glenholme musically is due to the help and support of the staff and the confidence that has gradually been instilled upon him, and especially from you.”  -Vicki and Larry

“Thank you so much for the wonderful work you are doing with our son. It is nothing short of amazing. Your picture of our son holding the basketball with the other student brought tears to our eyes. Please keep them coming. They are precious.”  -Kim and Arthur

Thank you, Glenholme parents, for all that you do!

This adorable birdfeeder was one of the prizes raffled off to Glenholme parents during Parent Appreciation Week.

 

Music Makers Look to the Future

February 10th, 2012 by glenholme

As you walk past the Glenholme Music Building, the sound of pianos, drums, guitars, and voices fills the air. Day and night, students participate in music classes, rehearsals, private lessons, and even their own recording sessions, thanks to the recent addition of a digital recording studio. According to Robert Fappiano, a Glenholme technology instructor and the head of studio production, “the new digital recording studio has created quite the buzz at Glenholme. There are so many eager students wanting to schedule time in the studio.”

Over the past few months, Mr. Fappiano has been busy recording student soloists, singing groups, and instrumentalists, along with a few special guests. “The interest has been incredible – both from students and faculty,” he said, “all expressing excitement that this incredible resource is available for the students of the school and the community.”

Click the image to watch Glenholme students record Marry the Night!

 

Dreams of having a state of the art digital recording studio began several years ago, as the school sought new ways to support Glenholme’s flourishing Arts Program. Once two adjacent rooms in the Music Building became available, the plans for a recording studio were set in motion, and construction began shortly thereafter.

The studio, which had a soft opening in the winter of 2010, rivals most college facilities with a recording space, a master control room, and an equipment room. “The recording studio is the ideal environment for instruction,” Mr. Fappiano continued. ”The students are producing quality recordings from singles to full length CDs.”

Mr. Fappiano added, “Over the coming months we will continue to refine the studio as we work on several student recording projects. A few students are planning to follow in the footsteps of a recent graduate who sent in a demo track with his college applications and was accepted to Berkley School of Music.”

Click the image to watch Glenholme students and staff record Jingle Bells with Buster the Rat!

 

Matt DeLong, the Arts Director at Glenholme, noted, “Glenholme is never short of quality performers – particularly when it comes to the prospect of recording their own tracks. This is a rare, inspirational opportunity for students to work in a professional level studio such as ours.”

In the view of Mr. Fappiano, Mr. DeLong, and Glenholme Executive Director Maryann Campbell, the studio is a solid investment in the musical and technical talent at the school. A course in music production and sound engineering will likely be added to the afternoon curriculum to foster the growth of emergent Glenholme musicians, music enthusiasts, and sound technicians.

Ms. Campbell affirmed, “The beauty of the recording studio is that all students who enjoy music stand to benefit from it - from those who are passionate about performing to those who have an interest in sound engineering. The recording program adds yet another option to the school’s vast Arts offerings.”

Click the image to watch a Glenholme student record Deck the Halls with Buster the Rat!

Devereux Celebrates Founder’s Day and 100 Incredible Years of Service

February 9th, 2012 by glenholme

On February 2, Devereux celebrated its extraordinary founder, Helena T. Devereux, and the incredible efforts of thousands of staff and families who support its mission to change lives and nurture human potential.

Miss Devereux was born 127 years ago on February 2nd. At the age of 20, she graduated from the Philadelphia Normal School and began to teach in the Philadelphia School District, developing many revolutionary ideas about working with children who were not successful in traditional classrooms. As more and more of her ideas were published in professional journals, parents from around the country sought her assistance, desperate to find help for their children who had been cast aside by traditional educators. At age 26 – one hundred years ago – Miss Devereux responded to their pleas by working with their children in her parents’ home on the New Jersey shore.

The following September, the first students of Miss Devereux moved back to Philadelphia with her to continue their “special” education. Several years later, Miss Devereux left her teaching position with the Philadelphia School District to focus entirely on a twenty-four hour residential and educational program for her private students.  With instincts that led her to “positive,” “strength-based” approaches decades ahead of her field, Miss Devereux helped her students to develop the skills and confidence they needed to lead full and productive lives. She began a series of programs that would evolve into one of the largest, most well-respected human services organizations in the country: The Devereux Foundation.

Helena T. Devereux

 

Miss Devereux led The Devereux Foundation for 45 years, through two World Wars and the Great Depression. Despite these enormous challenges, the organization grew under Miss Devereux’s leadership from one employee serving three children to almost 1,000 employees serving about 1,000 children and adults in both Pennsylvania and California. Although Miss Devereux stepped down as Director of The Devereux Foundation at age 73, she remained an active consultant to Devereux until her death at age 90 in 1975. 

This year, Devereux celebrates its 100th Anniversary, with 6,000 employees serving more than 15,000 individuals and families every year. Miss Devereux would be very proud of Devereux’s commitment to the highest quality services for its clients, of the organization’s outstanding staff, and of its continuing financial strength. While the economic environment remains difficult,  Miss Devereux is a source of inspiration. Whether selling milk door-to-door to keep her school open in the early years or working with families to establish scholarship funds near the end of her career, Miss Devereux did whatever was necessary to support the organization’s vital work. She was once  asked, “What do you do when you have no equipment, no money – how can you expect to build a school?” Her response characterized her resolve, “I do not expect to personally build it, but I have firm faith in my concepts. First, I think spirit is creative and can be a tool to build on… I believe sympathy, sincerity, and service can be made to bear fruit in the lives of children and will bring us bricks and mortar as necessary. I believe that, and I believe we shall find some friends along the way who believe the same things.”

Happy Founder’s Day, and Happy 100th Anniversary! 

(Revised from a message written by Robert Kreider, President of Devereux.)

The Hard Court Results

February 8th, 2012 by glenholme

On Wednesday, January 25, the Glenholme Grizzlies varsity basketball team faced off against a formidable team from the Grove School, and battled through a difficult night of shooting with a fast-paced offense and a hard-working defense.

Never shy of school sprint, the Men’s Singing Group harmonized the National Anthem to the enjoyment of the numerous visitors, staff supporters, and Glenholme parents, and the Spirit Squad generated excitement with their cheers and stunts. Roars of support filled the gymnasium with every play, and a number of blocked shots, three pointers, and break-away lay ups were among the most memorable moments of the game.

Although each and every player put forth unparalleled effort and showed exceptional focus and determination to earn the team’s first big win, the buzzer ended the game with a 40-64 loss. The players walked away from the court, proud of their effort – individually and as a team – and expressed resolve to gain a win for their record. 

Great game, Grizzlies! Don’t give up!