Stephen Perry, Director of Educational Services

2010: Year in Review

From an educational perspective, this year was extremely productive and successful for the Heartspring School. At a time when school districts all across the nation were making record breaking cuts in staffing and funding of programs and services, Heartspring, from a client and services standpoint, had to assume a position to wait and see how these cuts would affect our organization as a service provider to many different state school districts. Heartspring was able to meet this challenge and maintain the number of students enrolled because of the quality of services and expertise that we provide to
our students.

Over the school year the Heartspring classrooms had many successes. Classrooms successfully implemented the TEACCH structured curriculum model for the delivery of instruction to students, and the educational department played a key role in the successful completion of the Heartspring programs and transitions of five students to adult services, workshops and residential placements. All of the students at Heartspring experienced their own unique and individual achievements during the last school year.

Overall the educational program at Heartspring has been blessed with wonderful and hard working students, supportive parents and school districts, and also with committed teachers, specialists and direct care staff. Heartspring was a great place to be in 2009-10 and Heartspring will continue to be a great place next year because even though the years may change and students may leave to meet different challenges and expectations, the goals, standards and professional commitments will stay the same and those goals, standards and commitments will always be driven by what is best practice for Heartspring students.

Education

The Heartspring School provided education and therapies to 60 students from 14 states throughout the year. Fourteen of those students are from Kansas, and six of those students participated in our day only program. Children ages five through 21 are eligible for enrollment at the Heartspring School.

Holiday Program

Filled with singing, dancing and skits, the holiday program, which is open to the public, showcases the hard work of Heartspring students, led by music specialist, Verlene Warner, who has dedicated 31 years of service to the Heartspring School.

Graduation

Each year we say goodbye to students who have completed the Heartspring program and move on to the next chapter in their lives. We’re so proud of all of our students’ achievements and wish them the best as they start their journey outside of Heartspring.

Community Support

Following the theft of seven bicycles from the Heartspring School, the community rallied to replace the bikes and more donating almost 50 bikes so students could continue their program goals and enjoy a life-long leisure skill. Additionally, Heartspring received cash donations totaling $1,450 and a dozen helmets from a local insurance carrier.

TEACCH

Teachers utilize TEACCH, a structured teaching model where the classroom is set up with designated areas for one-on-one, independent, small group, large group, or leisure activities for the students. Environments are organized to emphasize meaningfulness, which has been proven to help each student’s ability to learn, comprehend and apply across learning situations.