Getting to Know You

Today was only the second class day of this new year. After parents' orientation day on Wednesday, the teachers and therapists are very busy with initial assessments of our new friends in areas of abilities, disabilities, anxieties and a whole checklist of needs.

Below are some introductory remarks from our new friends. (with thanks to Kate Harper Designs at kidcards.blogspot.com.)

Speech therapist Sharon Hanvey is determining who needs what in the areas of speech and language therapy, which is required for every student.

Physical therapist Eliza Bankert will be teaching gross motor skills, specializing in things like how to go up and down stairs and how to step up on curbs...safely.

Occupational therapist Vicki Demaster specializes in "fine motor" and "visual motor" skills in areas such as handwriting, self-dressing, and "crossing the midline" – the ability to reach across the middle of the body with the arms and legs crossing over to the opposite side. It's a skill needed for reading, writing, and even for reaching toward your foot to put on a shoe and sock with both hands.

That's not all that's new! Check out the school's completely revamped website at: frankielemmonschool.org. There's even a link to my blog. (Look up "Volunteer Opportunities" under "Ways to Give".)

More new things are afoot…
Look for updates on the future expansion of the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, continued advancement of school programs, and increased collaboration with the community and like-minded partners.

Last but not least…what is TIE?
Harris Teeter's Together In Education program (TIE) helps schools raise funds for anything from basic supplies to computers. Next time you go to the store, just give the cashier your VIC Card along with the Frankie Lemmon school number (2569). From then on, whenever you purchase certain Harris Teeter Brand products, the store will automatically contribute a percentage of your purchase to the school. It's painless and you are giving away someone else's money!

There are many other ways to "Shop and Give" as well. Look under "Ways to Give" on the school's website.