SPRINGER NINTH GRADE


 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome! We are so glad you are here!

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:

  1. Math & English: A flexible schedule will allow students who are one or more grade levels behind in Math or English or who need greater support in the classroom an opportunity to be on the college track by the end of 9th grade. 
  2. Path to Success: Students will begin to explore college and career interest to start their individualized plan for their future. Their planning will start on their very first day of Springer’s 9th grade and continue through the year. 
  3.  Developing Skills: Every Springer student will take three specialized classes to help them plan, prioritize and develop skills that will help them to be successful in life. More information about those classes – and more – is outlined in the drop-down menu below.

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

What Sets Us Apart


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:
  • Ensures students are learning the objectives outlined in the Common Core Standards
  • Is engaging and interactive
  • Allows for modification and flexibility
  • Is developed to allow for more than one year of growth in math and English/Language Arts
  • Is centered around clear learning goals for each individual child
  • Is designed with a diverse perspective in mind
We believe that Technology:
  • Is an important tool in providing accommodations and strategies that can level the playing field and increase independence
  • Must be used intentionally for learning purposes and strategies
  • Must be modeled for students by teachers
  • Requires instruction in order to be used effectively
  • Helps students keep pace with the outside world
  • Prepares students for future career goals
We believe that instructional methods must:
  • Be highly engaging, fun and flexible
  • Be multisensory in nature allowing students to be fully immersed in learning
  • Be built on a foundation of research based instructional practices and interventions
  • Be designed in a way that a gradual release of responsibility and independence can occur
  • Be systematic throughout an educational environment
  • Be created with a constant awareness of cognitive load capacity
We believe the purpose of homework is to:
  • Assist students in building academic confidence by allowing them to experience success
  • Reinforce critical concepts taught in the classroom
  • Allow the teacher to have an increased level of awareness of student strengths and limitations, thereby guiding a more individualized instructional approach
  • Provide opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge and mastery
We believe that homework should be delivered in a way that:
  • Minimizes student and parent anxiety and frustration
  • Honors individualized learning styles and needs
  • Recognizes and respects competing demands for students’ time outside of school
  • Meets individual student need and is strategically designed for each child
  • Recognizes attempts at completion, not just accuracy
  • Recognizes and respects the value of play and recreation outside of school

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:
  • Must be an integral part of what we do
  • Happens when Character Education is explicitly taught
  • Happens when Positive Behaviors are recognized and celebrated
  • Happens when expectations are explicitly taught, practiced and reinforced
  • Is important in order for our students to navigate difficult situations successfully
  • Will help our students approach situations with confidence and a growth mindset
  • Is an important part of long-term success

Are We Right for Your Child?

 
  • They have been diagnosed with a learning disability, ADHD and/or have executive functioning needs
  • They thrive in a small, individualized academic setting
  • They are ready to work hard
  • They have a growth mindset- or are ready to learn what that is
  • They have a bright successful future ahead of them, but needs supports and system to help them achieve their goals
 

FAQs


Will Springer prepare my child for college?
Yes! Our goal is to help your child achieve their goals and be prepared for a future full of success. We will follow a college preparatory curriculum and work to help students identify career areas of interest.
What extracurricular activities will be offered?
We are committed to offering some sports and clubs even in our first year. If a sport is not offered as an OHSAA sport at Springer, OHSAA does allow for students to try out for teams at their residential public school. As Springer grows, so will these opportunities. Schools like us, across the country, successfully compete in 8-10 sports throughout the school year.
How can I afford Springer?
“When we found out about Springer, we NEVER thought we would be able to afford this opportunity, but our wish came true. Call today!” - current Springer parent. Use the contact form below and we will reach out to you for further discussion.
Will Springer’s 9th grade program become a full high school?
In 2022, after a thorough accreditation process, ISACS made the recommendation to Springer that the exploration of a high school program should be a priority. This recommendation was aligned with the years of parent requests for the same opportunity. Mission: The Springer Mission is to empower students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives. As part of this high school exploration, we are opening a Grade 9 program. This program will help us determine the feasibility of a full high school program. Our ultimate goal is to grow into a full high school program.
What is the admission process and how do I apply?
The admissions process is about partnering together. We seek to understand your child and their learning needs, while at the same time, parents are discovering what Springer has to offer. We want there to be a good match, and you do too! Please fill out the contact form below for more information and next steps.

Contact


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