Dear Friends,
For nearly a year Springer has been involved in a study to better understand whether families and students in our region would be interested in a high school program offered by Springer. There are many independent schools across the country who have missions similar to Springer’s which operate very successful high schools. We have talked with many of those schools as well as local schools, independent school governing bodies, and current Springer faculty, staff and parents. It is clear that there is not only great interest, but a great need, for a program like this in our city. Therefore, as a natural extension to our study we are thrilled to announce that in January we will begin to enroll 9th grade students for the 2023-24 school year!
In the broader picture, we know that our students are smart enough to excel in college but many of them will either not have the chance, will choose not to, or will choose a path they feel is best for their success in life. No matter the student or the path our flexible program will prepare them for college and career readiness on their way to a successful life! Springer’s unique program offerings include:
Springer’s program is modeled from best practices of over 17 schools like Springer who offer high school programs across the country. These details – and many others – truly make Springers program stand alone in our region.
For more information about our program please reach out – we are excited to share this exciting news and will be even more excited to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Tara Willig, Senior Director of Special Projects
Students in Grade 9 will have access to extended blocks for English and Math. This allows students the opportunity for scaffolding and/or extensions in the areas of English and Math. Students who are behind in these areas could master the content with foundational instruction and reinforcement. Those students excelling would have the opportunity for enrichment in the areas in which they thrive.
We believe that curriculum must be designed in a way that:Students will engage in daily targeted interventions focusing on their specific learning needs. We will use research-based curriculums to target skills our students need to develop in order to be successful. Unique to Springer, 9th grade students will have access to other related services based on their individual needs including Occupational Therapy and Speech/Language Therapy.
Intervention and Executive Functioning
Students will participate in a daily Intervention and Executive Function Bell. During this time, students will methodically be taught to establish a routine, stay organized, meet deadlines, and communicate with teachers. These habits of executive functioning skills and independent work skills will become habits of practice for our students. As students become more competent and independent with their executive functioning skills, they will require less and less support.
Learning Strategies
Students will participate in a daily learning strategies class. During this time, students will learn specific learning strategies that can be used across curriculums and will engage in exploring technology resources. We believe technology is a powerful tool in creating independence for our students.
The Springer Way
The entire Springer organization derives its greatest strengths from the traditions of service and caring which have evolved over many years of studying students who learn differently and the most effective ways to teach these students. We know that our students do best in environments with explicit structure and routine. Our students need to focus on academics and not on understanding the expectations or worrying about what comes next. Our staff will be provided with expected instructional routines, a strong foundation for all instruction in each and every classroom.
As students progress and begin to successfully accomplish daily tasks, a method of gradual increase in independence will be introduced and encouraged.
We are committed to keeping core content class sizes at 14 or less. We believe that our students will have more opportunities to learn and grow and feel safe with taking risks. The outcome of such an approach fosters curiosity, increases confidence and builds potential on their path to a successful future.
Throughout a student’s time at a Springer grade 9 program, students and families will meet regularly with a staff member to discuss plans. Our staff will develop options for students based on their individual needs and future goals. This could be exploring the next steps in their high school journey, assessing their career interests and planning for college.
With our small class sizes, holistic Student Growth will be an integral part of the day at Springer. Students will feel a sense of belonging, as they grow into compassionate members of our community.
We believe that Student Growth: