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Perspective Newsletters
Summer 2005
LEARY SCHOOL VIRGINIA
Page 4
 The
end of a school year offers a fleeting opportunity to look back on the year that
has passed as well as a chance to look forward to the new and unique challenges the
new school year is sure to bring.
For those of us at the Leary School of Virginia campus, this is done in the midst
of the Extended School Year (ESY) program. ESY began this year on July 5th and will
conclude on August 9th. This year's ESY is ably directed by Gail Alexanderwicz from
the Prince George's County campus and Lulila Crawford from the Virginia campus. Our
yearly camping trip has departed for their adventures and the remaining students
are settling in to their summer program plans.
Throughout the year, setting and meeting academic and social goals were marked and
celebrated by many schoolwide activities and events. States' Day, Nations' Day and
the Science Fair provided many learning and growing opportunities.
Many specific events and accomplishments provided special meaning and purpose, notably
this year's champion varsity and junior varsity teams and the inception of the student
Step Team. But what stands out the most when we look back on the year is a reflection
of our underlying purpose and function, all the academic challenges, the therapeutic
art and recreation activities, the job training and community events combine together
to create a foundation created to prepare young people for successful futures.
This work is celebrated at our awards celebrations, as well as at graduation but
more truly celebrated in our daily work together.
In our end of the year awards ceremony, we recognized students who demonstrated outstanding
accomplishments this year. Some of the awards that were presented included students
who maintained "On-Levels" status for at least three of the school quarters, students
who were on the Honor Roll for at least three of the school quarters, those students
who were part of the Varsity and Junior Varsity basketball teams, students who were
part of the Flag Football team, students who made achievements in the areas of art,
woodshop or physical education. In addition, the following students were presented
with certificates for Personal Achievement: Vernon Thompson, Nate Coleman, Sean Burl,
Freddrick Gaines, Anton Taylor, Michael Scott, Lisa Bratton, Christopher Abney, Henry
Gosier, Maurice Bundy, and Marcus Robertson. The following students were presented
with certificates for Special Recognition: Lakeshia Gooden, Quante Coleman, Zakat
Norris, Myron Hill and Julian Smith. Student of the Year was Dameon Patterson and
Senior of the Year was Zakat Norris.
At this year's graduation, Ms. Brancheau, Program Director of Leary School, Prince
George's County, and I spoke of these and many other accomplishments. At that time,
we also gave our graduates the following "Leary School Charge":
We recruit you to be peacemakers. Be peacemakers
with your friends, in your families and in your communities. In the difficult
times we face, more peacemakers are needed and you have been shown what it
takes. As Leary School graduates, you have some specific skills that you have
been taught and coached through. You know how to resolve conflicts by talking
things out. You know how to problem solve and how to resolve differences with
personal respect. We ask you to put that knowledge to work in your daily life,
not only for yourself but also for those around you. Be peacemakers!
Best wishes for a safe and restful summer; see you in the fall!
Francesca Creo, M.A.
Director of Programs
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