Leary School, Prince George's County

This has been an eventful school year, with both a positive and a negative impact on the happenings within the school, in the community, and in the world. Early in the school year, the entire Washington metropolitan area, particularly our school communities, were held hostage by the sniper attacks. Our students, along with all students in the region, were held inside for their protection. War and the potential threats of chemical and biological attacks have caused all of us to think differently and plan for a worst case scenario.

Through it all, however, the students have met the new challenges and shown us once again that they can adapt to life's many changes! We are very proud of our students and the level of adjustment they have been able to make throughout this difficult school year. Their ability to adapt is in no small part a product of an excellent and supportive staff who continues to be there for each student each day. I offer them a heartfelt thanks for all that they do each day to make Leary School, Prince George's County, an effective and therapeutic environment that supports student learning and growth.

We had the pleasure of hosting an Egyptian artist this fall, Ms. Amany Saad, who did considerable artwork around the September 11th terrorist attacks. She met with students and completed a painting for the school to keep that now hangs in the front office. The purpose of Ms. Saad's trip to the United States was to promote art and its healing qualities.

We have continued to enjoy an energetic group of reading tutors who also serve to support our students and the program at large. Our reading tutors include Mr. Edward Lacey, Ms. Carolyn Tyson, Ms. Chyullene McLaughlin, Rev. Marion Hughes, Ms. Diane Tanner, and Ms. Nancy Cliff. We thank them very much for the weekly assistance they provide our students! If you are interested in being a volunteer at the school, please feel free to contact me at 301-839-5486.

We were also sponsored again this year by the Hope Presbyterian Church who has adopted the school and, for the second year in a row, provided a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings! Additional monetary contributions that will be used for outdoor benches were made by Jean and Paul Brancheau, Rob and Janice Brancheau, Jim and Janey Brancheau, Jon and Anne Brancheau, Polly and Ed Basile and Bill Brancheau. The students and staff thank you for your support!

This year, we have added more computers in each classroom to assist students in understanding technology and accessing information via the Internet. We also became a PBIS school. PBIS stands for "Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support" and is sponsored by the Maryland Department of Education for selected non-public schools. The goal of a PBIS school is to assist students in changing behaviors through positive incentives and reinforcements. Our multidisciplinary team of staff members includes Ms. Celestin, Assistant Program Director, Ms. Vera, Instructional Coordinator, Ms. Furey, Behavior Management Coordinator, Mr. Roddy, Counselor, Mr. Mays, Behavior Management Staff, Mr. LcChance, Physical Education Teacher, Ms. Countee, Behavior Management Staff, Ms. Beck, Clinical Supervisor, Ms. Howard, Teacher Assistant, Ms. Blackwell, Teacher Assistant, Ms. Jones, Teacher and PBIS Coach, Ms. Warnecka, Teacher, and me. As part of our first year of participation in the program, we took on the issue of respect as a key component of our work. From this core value, the Leary School pledge was born.."I pledge to respect myself, to respect others, and to respect property." The pledge is known to students and is infused throughout the school as a core value and focal point of our program.

On a monthly basis, we recognize student achievements through award assemblies. This is an important event, along with several other schoolwide events that serve to join the school community. Nations' Day, States' Day and the Science Fair are annual events enjoyed by all. This year, we had a successful Career Week, hosted by Job Placement Specialist, Ms. Cynthia Petty. Featured speakers included Mr. Stefan Gansert from Fairfax Fire and Rescue, Ms. Donna Barton from Southern Maryland Hospital, Ms. Linda Clarke from Applied Career Training, Dr. Jerry Stemper from Stemper Associates Coaching, and Mr. Burt Hawkins from Excell Institute.

This year, we also started a few student clubs, which got off to a successful start! All in all, it has been a good year, a year that once again makes me both proud and happy to be a part of the Leary School community!

Deni Brancheau, M.A.
Program Director