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Perspective Newsletters
Winter 2008 - 2009
Leary School Job Site, Loudoun County
Page 5
As the first semester of the 2008-2009 school year comes to an end, it gives us all an opportunity to reflect back on our progress so far this year. The first semester has been filled with a number of successful events, educational outings, and many accomplishments at the work site. In  addition, we will have two January 2009 graduates – Ever Ordonez and Jonathan Leader. Congratulations!! We, the staff and students, wish both of these gentlemen the best in the future and know they will be successful in whatever they pursue.
One of our more memorable moments during the first semester was our Thanksgiving luncheon. This lunch is served family style, and has become a favorite of both the students and staff. Another favorite activity in which we all participated was Halloween pumpkin carving. The students really enjoy creating some dynamic and creative carvings in the pumpkins. A great deal of time was invested in the designs and carving of the pumpkins with some impressive results.
Prior to the winter break, the group took a trip to Leesburg to celebrate the end of 2008. This has also become a tradition at the Loudoun County Job Site. The whole school participated in this activity and everyone had a good time.
In addition to our holiday celebrations we have also taken some productive and educational trips. Early in the school year, we went to the Catoctin Mountains and Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland. For many of our students, this was the first time that they have been hiking and, despite their lack of comfort in the woods, everyone had fun. It is always nice to be able to get out and stretch your legs. While we were on the hiking trail, our Earth and Environmental Science students had an opportunity to observe geological rock formations, caverns, and the effects that ice, water, and wind have on the Earth’s surface.
At the job site, the students have taken on several projects. One of our fall projects included creating a beach on the shore line of a pond. The students have also been involved in apartment renovations and made some impressive transformations. The first renovation was a three bedroom apartment that required removing old laminate flooring, repairing holes in the wall, and a major clean-up. After this was completed the finishing touches could be applied. The students painted the whole apartment - bedrooms, bathrooms, living room and kitchen. We installed new flooring in the living room and kitchen and a new bathroom exhaust fan. This makeover will provide someone with a comfortable and cozy home environment.
After the first apartment was completed, we started the renovation of two other apartments. The first was a one bedroom with one full bathroom and the second was a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment. As we did with our first renovation, students removed flooring, replaced wood, painted and completed an overall clean up. In addition, the students all had an opportunity to tile a shower stall and kitchen backsplash.
Overall, the 2008-2009 school year is moving along with many successes. We look forward to continuing to renovate additional spaces, take field trips to historically significant locations, and improve the work skills of our students, both academically and vocationally.
As a reminder, please make sure the school has all current contact information for your child. If there have been changes in emergency contacts or any medications (whether your son or daughter takes it at school or not), please call and give the office that information. Thanks!
Alan Peck, M.S.
Vocational Coordinator
mail@learyschool.org
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