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| Springer School and Center Newsletter | June 2012
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Greetings!  Another school year draws to a close at Springer, full of celebrations, transitions, welcomes and goodbyes.
Sadly, we must say goodbye to Springer's first Executive Director, Sr. Mary Jean Fields, who passed away on Thursday.
Springer welcomes new Trustees as we extend our best wishes to graduates and retiring staff members.
As classrooms are cleaned and packed, we look forward to welcoming new friends through Adventures in Summer Learning!
Read on, to learn more. |
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Sr. Mary Jean Fields Our First Executive Director
Springer bids a sad farewell to Sr. Mary Jean Fields, the  school's first Executive Director. An archdiocesan school at the time of Sr. Mary Jean's tenure, Springer was operated by the Sisters of Charity until 1971.
Sr. Mary Jean presided over Springer's separation from the Archdiocese, and the founding of the Springer Educational Foundation. The Foundation was established with a mission focused on serving the needs of children with learning disabilities at a time when learning disabilities were only beginning to be recognized and discussed.
Sr. Mary Jean passed away on June 7, at the age of 83. Springer extends deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
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Board of Trustees Adds Four New Members
 | New trustees Casey Boland, Patty Wolff,
Mimi Gerwin Cooper and Ashley Rouster |
The Board of Trustees for the 2012-13 school year was announced at this year's Annual Dinner on May 15. The Board will welcome four new members this year, and say goodbye to two.
New Trustee and Springer alum Casey Boland is a Vice President at Hengehold Capital Management in Cincinnati. A 1991 graduate and recipient of the Outstanding Achiever Award at Springer, Mimi Cooper Gerwin is After School Services Supervisor at the Children's Home of Cincinnati. Ashley Rouster is Administrator in FemCare Research and Development at Procter and Gamble. The parent of a 2003 Springer alumnus, Patty Wolff is Security Director for dunnhumbyUSA.
 | | Executive Director Shelly Weisbacher with outgoing Board President Randy Cooper and past President Tom Leugers |
The Board of Trustees bids farewell to two members this summer. Tom Leugers served as President from 2008 to 2010 and has been a Board member since January, 2004. Also ending a term of service this year is Cheri Derrick. Cheri served on the board for 4 years.
New officers for the 2012-13 Board were announced at the May 15th Annual Dinner. Outgoing President Randy Cooper is succeeded by Vice President Sean McGrory. Matthew Blickensderfer will serve as Vice President and Treasurer, and Nicholas Spadaccini will continue in his role as Secretary.
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 Springer Alum Earns Scholarships for College Rebecca North, a 2006 Springer graduate, earned nearly $30,000 in scholarships from Otterbein University and the Madeira Women's Club. Rebecca graduated this spring with both a high school diploma and LPN from Madeira High School and Scarlet Oaks, and will attend Otterbein University in the fall, where she will major in nursing, and ride with the Equestrian Team. Rebecca's brother, Will, graduated from Springer on May 31. |
| Commencement a Time for Reflection
 Thirty-nine students shared their thoughts about their time at Springer with family and friends at Commencement ceremonies on May 31.
"Before I went to Springer," said Upper School student Drew Holland," I had a teacher that made me feel as small as an ant, and made me think I would never get anywhere in life. Now I know I will be able to get somewhere in life."
Fifty-one students will be making the transition to new schools in the fall, armed with confidence and strategies that can help them to succeed in school and in life.
 | | Bolan Scholarship recipient Ken Covey with Jean Bolan Shurmer |
Springer Executive Director Shelly Weisbacher offered two pieces of advice to transitioning students. Don't be hesitant to ask for help where you need it, she suggested, and offer acts of kindness whenever you can.
Shelly announced the winner of this year's Bolan Scholarship Award, given to a graduate who demonstrates an understanding of his or her learning disability, applies the strategies learned at Springer, displays a positive attitude and demonstrates leadership and concern for others. This year's scholarship winner was Upper School student Ken Covey.
View more photos
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Springer Staff Member Celebrates 35 Years Springer faculty and staff celebrated art teacher Corrinne Thaler at the Annual Dinner in May for her 35 years of service to Springer. Corrinne has also served as Clinic Coordinator and Admissions Director during her tenure. Executive Director Shelly Weisbacher also celebrated a milestone this year - her 25th anniversary at Springer. Other staff marking anniversaries this year are Kathy Besecker and Sharon Schinasi (20 years), JoAnne Rouse-Clark (15 years), Julie Flowerdew, Cari Kelly, Phil Jensen, Nancy Norris and Debbie Phelps (10 years), Lindsey Himmler and Wendy Lerer (5 years).
Two Springer staff members announced their retirement at the end of this school year. Kathy Besecker has been with Springer for 20 years, for the past 15 in the role of Technology Coordinator. Pam Thomas has been a teacher for 12 years. Springer thanks both Kathy and Pam for their years of service, and wishes them all the best in the coming years. |
| Alum Wins President's Award for Academic Excellence
Tennessee Wallick is a 2010 graduate of Springer who just  completed 6th grade at Lake Bluff Elementary in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He recently received the President's Award for Academic Excellence for both his academic performance and character.
His parents credit Springer with his success. Tennessee plays drums for his school band, and is involved in lacrosse and speed skating.
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Students and Staff Enjoy Perfect Weather for All School Outing
 Sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s made for a perfect day for Springer's All School Outing on May 25.
Each spring, students and staff spend a day at the Cincinnati Sports Club where they can enjoy swimming, tennis, basketball, soccer and a variety of other activities.
The All School Outing is a perennial favorite end-of-year event.
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