The Hillside School is pleased to present Rick Lavoie on Friday, October 11^th, 2013. Rick’s presentation is titled The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn in Fogelsville, PA. If you have any questions please call Donna Henry at 610-967-3701.

Colin Roney has been a teacher for 11 years, and six have been at Groves.  Prior to teaching, Colin went to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.  He received his Undergraduate Degree in Elementary and Special Education in 2000.  He receive his Master’s Degree from Duquesne in Instructional Technology in Education in 2001.  Colin has also taken credits through the University of Alabama – working on a second Master’s Degree!

In the past six years Colin has taught, and been a support staff, in several different ways.  When he first came to Groves he was hired to be a support counselor and also taught a section of high school math.  After two years of that role, he transitioned into being the Project Based Learning teacher (PBL).  He also coordinates the After School Activities Program and during the summer, is the Summer School Principal!

What does Colin do outside of Groves?  He said, “I have many hobbies and interest.  I actually just got back from a once in a life time Moose Hunt in the BWCA, so I am a big outdoors kind of guy.  I love to hike, camp, fish and go hunting with my bird dog Murphy.  I also enjoy snowboarding and surfing when I visit my brothers in Florida.  I am very into sports and love basketball and football.  Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my wife Clare and our son Cole who is 1 ½ years old.  He keeps us super busy and we love to go on weekend adventures.”

When asked what was something unique about him that people may not know, Colin said, “Something unique about me is that I have a Learning Disability too.  I grew up in Allentown, PA (outside of Philadelphia) and I went to a special school just like Groves called the Hillside School.  I had an extremely tough time reading and writing but with the help of my teachers and parents, I spent four years building my skills so that I was able to mainstream back to my school of choice.  I did very well in school from that point on.  I was able to “reach” my dreams and I owe it all to my parents and Hillside.”

What are Colin’s favorite things about Groves?  He said, ”I am certain that PBL is the most exciting and enjoyable class to teach here at Groves.  I love my job, I love the students and I look forward to all of the hands on projects we do each day.  I love the Groves community – the students and staff.  I love what Groves does for students and families and the huge impact it has on their lives.”

An inspiring story?  Colin said, “I was inspired by my PBL students last year with how hard they worked to get the Gala Project Done.  We were asked to make an additional set of Adirondack furniture and within a month my class turned out the additional ten piece set.  The accomplished this without complaining and was able to raise $15,000 for the school.  They were extremely proud to help raise that much money and I couldn’t have been more proud of their hard work and leadership.”

What is it like to have dyslexia?  How does it affect your daily life?  This lively, hands-on program lets participants experience some of the challenges and frustrations faced by people with this language-based learning disability.  The simulation consists of six learning stations that present different language-related learning tasks commonly encountered in the classroom or workplace.  The evening will conclude with a panel which may include a psychologist, students, reading specialists and parents of children with learning disabilities.

Registration Information: Dyslexia Simulation Registration Form

Here are the details:
Free Preschool Pre-literacy Screening: March 4, 9am to 3pm
Call to schedule an appointment

Dyslexia Simulation: March 12, 7 to 9pm
$15 per person RSVP by March 1

Screening and Panel Discussion of “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia”:
April 4, 7 to 8:30 RSVP by April 1

RSVP to ncadwalader@hillsideschool.org
610-967-3701

This year the date is April 6th. In early January, many volunteers will begin the work of planning and preparing for this event.

We are thrilled to announce that Hillside parents, Audrey Atwood and Chris Amelio have agreed to be co-chairs of the auction.  Their goal is to create reasonable and enjoyable opportunities for anyone – parents or past parents, alumni, and grandparents – who would like to help.  So, if you live at a distance, have a busy daily schedule, or may not be able to actually attend the event in April, Audrey, Chris and the Hillside staff will find a way for you to participate.

Watch for additional information in the coming weeks about how you can be part of the activities leading up to April 6th or contact Lindsey Seltzer in the Development Office at lseltzer@hillsideschool.org and let her know you would like to add your name to our list of volunteers.