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Perspective Newsletters
Spring 2004
LEARY SCHOOL, PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
Page 3
 This
school year began with formative changes to the program. In an effort to improve
the academic programming and increase opportunities for our students to learn socialization
skills, we moved from a self-contained classroom model to a "pod" system and began
the year with two pods. Students rotate between classes within their respective pods,
changing from the single teacher model to each student working with three or four
different teachers. In order to accommodate the needs of all our students, we maintained
one self-contained classroom as well.
 Students
and staff have gotten into the swing of changing classes and are enjoying it! This,
of course, did not occur in the absence of a learning curve. We expect lessons realized
during this pilot year of the new programming to facilitate further changes for the
2004-2005 school year.
Once again, we participated in Youth Athletic League (YAL) team sports in volleyball,
basketball, and softball. Instrumental in the success of the teams have been Coaches
LaChance, Highsmith, Bonham and Sewell. Their dedication to seeing to it that the
students have opportunities to experience league play has made a difference for many
students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. While they served the front
lines, the rest of the staff gladly covered for them back in the building and exhibited
outstanding teamwork and dedication to our students.
 Monthly
assemblies are a mainstay of the program and are enjoyed by all. Many staff work
hard to make sure they happen most months and make arrangements for the student to
participate in the Student of the Month luncheons and honor roll festivities.
Leary School, Prince George's County, celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with a
turkey dinner and all the fixings for each classroom again this year. A generous
donation was made on behalf of the students from Hope Presbyterian Church who supplied
the meals and all the trimmings. We thank them for their kindness and support! A
special bulletin board in the main hallway was dedicated to messages from staff and
students about what we each are thankful. It serves as a daily reminder to keep the
positives in life foremost in our minds.
 The
winter holiday was celebrated with a trip to Magill's restaurant in Annandale, Virginia.
Each year, students and staff travel to Magill's to enjoy a buffet lunch and play
the many games available there. Mike Magill, the restaurant's owner, is a long time
supporter of the Leary Schools and his generosity is greatly appreciated.
In January, we participated in the "School Information Exchange" at the Tantallon
Country Club in Fort Washington, Maryland. The event was sponsored by the Tantallon
Citizens' Association who sought to provide informal information sessions for local
residents on the public and private school opportunities in our community.
 Also,
in January, we celebrated the achievement of 15 students who earned honor roll for
the entire first semester! Each of the 15 students received a $20 gift card good
at any AMC theater for their efforts. We anticipate several more students earning
that distinction for the second semester, evidence that our new programming is paying
off in terms of student achievement.
May events include career week under the direction of Job Placement Specialist Cynthia
Petty. During this week, several guest speakers will address the students and talk
about their chosen professions. This annual event has been a popular one with students
and staff alike! The Science Fair will also take place in May, hosted by Ms. Gbadegesin
and Ms. Warneka, our science teachers.
 The
year moved by quickly. We survived Isabel, the continuation of war, and the loss
of a student who was dear to us. Sometimes when I reflect on the job we do together
each year, through the happiness and sadness, through the times when we are tired
but forge ahead and through the times filled with the high energy and drama of our
students, I realize that Gibran was right, "work is love made visible". As one staff
member aptly said to a student in a mediation meeting, "Don't you know Leary School
is about love." I found his spontaneous remark to be a poignant one, one that accurately
expresses, I think the reason we all work here.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful staff who work hard each and
every day to help our students grow and learn. Their dedication and efforts continue
to make Leary School, Prince George's County, a successful student environment, a
true place dedicated to growth and learning.
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Program Information
Leary School, Prince George's County
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Total Number of Students:
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67
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Gender:
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Male
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50 |
Female
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17 |
Jurisdictions:
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Baltimore City
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3 |
District of Columbia
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38 |
Montgomery County
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1 |
Prince George's County
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25 |
Deni Brancheau, M.A.
Program Director
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