Vanguard December 2019 Newsletter
Winter Break and Ignite Schedule
Our winter break will begin on Wednesday, December 18th at noon. Ignite will be open the afternoon of the 18th and all day on Thursday and Friday (19th and 20th). Students will return to class on Wednesday, January 8th. Everyone enjoy your time off and have a wonderful holiday season!
New Students & Staff
We’ve had several new students start this last month. Please welcome Gavin D., Noah R., and Alex R. to the Vanguard family!
We’ve had several new students start this last month. Please welcome Gavin D., Noah R., and Alex R. to the Vanguard family!
We are pleased to welcome Jessica “Jessy”Coleman to the team as our new Lower School Counselor! She will start on January 6th when we return from winter break. Jessy has a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Oklahoma State University and is currently working on a second Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sam Houston State University. Jessy utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches integrated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Behavioral Therapy principles when working with her clients. She has obtained her Registered Behavior Technician Credential and has worked as a behavioral technician for about two years. Jessy has worked in a variety of therapy settings where she has counseled individuals and groups, primarily children and adolescents, with a range of mental health needs with a focus on social interactions and emotional regulation.
Jessy is a wife and mother who spends what spare time she finds being outdoors. She enjoys the community of trail running while training for ultramarathons and other endurance events.
Student Counselor Updates
We continue to have a robust response to our updates program, and we would like to announce an improvement that will allow us to provide the most current academic, social-emotional, and behavioral information about your child. If you would like information to share with your child’s psychiatrist, counselor, therapist, or other healthcare professional, please request an update via email. The update will be sent home within one week. Note: These updates are intended for outside clinicians and medical professionals working with your child. Please continue to communicate with your child’s teachers and counselor for routine information about how they are doing. Thank you.
Requests for updates may be sent to:
- 18+: Steven Barnett ([email protected])
- High School: Julie Dyer ([email protected])
- Middle School: Steven Barnett ([email protected])
- Lower School: Janette Warne ([email protected])
Vanguard Coffee Shop
If you would like to order a bag of coffee for winter break or for holiday gifts, please complete the order form sent out in a recent Wednesday folder. Orders must be placed by Thursday, December 12th and will be delivered on Tuesday, December 17th. One-pound bags are $12 each. If you have questions, please stop by and speak to one of the coffee shop employees.
Launch School Business
As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, keep the Launch school business products in mind for gifts! All items are hand-crafted by our Launch (formerly 18+) students. See examples of their votive holders, signs, vase holders, and Christmas trees below. Trees are between 14 and 19 inches tall.
Please pick up order forms from Lauren at the front desk or she can email you a copy. They will have products available at the Arts Festival on the 18th. Quantities are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
Vanguard Center for Neurological Health (VCHN)
VCNH is now contracted with United Healthcare (Optum), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and Magellan to provide Applied Behavior Analysis services. Many insurance plans cover this service for children who are diagnosed with autism by the age of 10 years. VCNH provides services to vanguard families as well as the general public. Please contact VCNH @ 214-356-9364 or Kerry at [email protected] for more information!
Launch School Business
As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, keep the Launch school business products in mind for gifts! All items are hand-crafted by our Launch (formerly 18+) students. See examples of their votive holders, signs, vase holders, and Christmas trees below. Trees are between 14 and 19 inches tall.
Please pick up order forms from Lauren at the front desk or she can email you a copy. They will have products available at the Arts Festival on the 18th. Quantities are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
Graduation Planning
Our rep from Everything Graduation will be here this month to help parents order class rings and prepare for graduation. He will meet with parents of Juniors on December 12th (8:00-10:00 a.m.) and Seniors on December 17th (2:00-5:00 p.m.).
Sign-Up for Juniors – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a084caeaf28a46-class1
Sign-Up for Seniors – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a084caeaf28a46-graduation1
Fine Arts Festival and Holiday Parties
We will have band/music performances and art displays/activities on Wednesday, December 18th, at our Fine Arts Festival. All activities will take place in the Rec Room.
– Lower School: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Holiday parties will take place in the classrooms immediately following.
– Middle and High School: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Winter parties will take place in the morning with potluck breakfasts and various activities. Look out for a SignUp Genius.
Chili Cook-Off
Join us for our family-fun, free, annual Chili Cook-off on January 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.! Whether you have a recipe to enter into the competition or just want to come taste some great chili, we would love to have you. More details will be sent home in early January.
Vanguard Annual Gala
The gala will take place on Saturday, April 4th, at Four Corners Brewery. Please mark your calendar as the VPA is already hard at work planning for another fun and successful gala. Friends and family members are welcome to join us.
Prom – Friday, May 8th at Brookhaven Country Club. More details to come.
Junior Ring Ceremony – Thursday, June 11th. More details to come.
Senior Capping Ceremony – Thursday, June 18th. More details to come.
Annual New Mexico Trip
Every year, students in the middle and high school have the opportunity to hike, whitewater raft, play games, hang with friends and explore the wonders of beautiful Taos, New Mexico area along with some of our Vanguard staff! We will stay at SMU’s Fort Burgwin in camp-like group casitas. If you are interested, please mark your calendar for July 25th – August 1st and watch for more information to come out soon.
Parent Education and Support
Join us for our upcoming parent education session on December 12th. It is not uncommon for kids to engage in challenging behaviors in order to avoid difficult tasks or demands. Some demands are unavoidable and, in some cases, critical to a child’s development. Behavior momentum can be an effective strategy to reduce challenging behaviors during these unavoidable times. Join us as we discuss the “mine field” of transitioning from daily activities to bedtime and morning time routines.
Remember that these classes are scheduled throughout the year at no cost to our families. Childcare is available for $5 per family; email [email protected] to RSVP for childcare.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday, 12/13 – Saturday, 12/14
– Social Club Camp-In
Wednesday, 12/18
– Fine Arts Festival
– Holiday Parties
– Noon Dismissal
December 19 – January 7
– Winter Break
Wednesday, 1/8
– Students Return from Winter Break Thursday, 1/16
– HS students volunteer at NTX Food Bank
Monday, 1/20
– MLK Day/No School/Ignite Closed
Thursday, 1/23
– Chili Cook-Off
Thursday, 1/30
– End of 2nd Quarter/Noon Dismissal
Friday, 1/31
– P/T Conferences/No School
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Vanguard October 2019 Newsletter
We are excited to welcome Tanya Goforth to our team! Tanya has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and has been in the field of education for over thirteen years. She has experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, is a Reading Intervention Specialist, and has an Elementary Masters of Teaching certification. She is joining the lower school in classroom 10.
School Happenings, Clubs, and Teams
North Texas Giving Day
Thank you to everyone who made donations on North Texas Giving Day! This year donations nearly reached $20,000. While we don’t necessarily look forward to the pies in the face on Field Day, we are very grateful for the funds to use to enrich our school and support students who cannot afford to attend without aid. Thank you to all who donated to the VPA!
‘Tis the Season for Illness
Since fall is a common time for colds and the flu, please remember to keep your child home if they are sick. Apparent illness includes, but is not limited to, elevated temperature (100.4 or above), thick green or yellow nasal discharge, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. The school will provide an area away from other students if they become ill while at school. Families will be immediately notified to pick up their child should he/she present with one of these symptoms. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
West House Service Project – Socktober
We are collecting new socks for homeless people at Dallas Life during the month of October! Socks are the most needed and least donated item. There is a collection box near the front desk and House Points will be assigned for all donations. Find more information at https://www.happysocktober.com/
Vanguard Coffee Shop
In addition to coffee, the coffee shop has snacks for purchase each morning. All snacks are $1 each. Also, if anyone is interested in purchasing a bag of coffee for home, please stop by and speak to one of the coffee shop employees.
LAUNCH School Business
LAUNCH, formerly known as the 18+ program, is happy to introduce a new school business which makes hand-crafted projects. See examples of their votive holders, signs, and vase holders below. Displays and order forms will be available at Grandparents/Special Friends Day! More to come on how you can make your purchases moving forward.
Robotics Team
The Vanguard Victors are working hard to have a robot ready for the competition on October 19th. So far, the team has designed and built a prototype chassis, fashioned wheels, wired motors, and written and uploaded a program to the robot’s “brain.” It is already a fully functioning robot that can be driven around via a wireless joystick. Next, the team is working on a prototype of a movable arm and claw to pick up and transport game pieces. The competition on the 19th will be held at Brookhaven – mark your calendar so you can come cheer on your Vanguard Victors!
Viking Soccer 2019
The 2019 Soccer season is fast underway. With a record of 1 (W) 0 (L) 1 (T), Vanguard is tied for first place in the league and in position to defend last year’s league title! Led by returning veterans and captains, Nick Dean and Collin Turner, the team has been working hard and playing better each week. The additions of Karan Kandanala and Jake Peterson have helped create a potent offense with 10 goals. David Foust, Kris Harris, and Nico Kooijmans-Dage lead a smothering defense surrendering only 7 goals. Come meet us at SOAR United (4207 Simonton, Dallas TX 75244) on Fridays in October to cheer on the Vikings for the rest of the season!
• 10/4 5:30 Vanguard vs Great Lakes Academy
• 10/18 5:00 Great Lakes Academy vs Vanguard
• 10/25 4:30 Vanguard vs Oak Hill
• 10/26 TBD Playoffs: 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3. Winners play for championship
Vanguard Basketball
Calling all Middle and High School students! Please keep an eye out for a basketball sign-up in early November.
Halloween Costumes – Vanguard Policy
Students are allowed to wear costumes to school or bring them to change into for Halloween. We require costumes be in good taste and school appropriate: no gore or blood, nothing that would be frightening to small children, nothing revealing, and no weapons (even pretend). We encourage superheros, favorite book characters and such. Students will be asked to change or be sent home if these guidelines are not followed. Please feel free to call the school if there are any questions.
Upcoming Events
PSAT
The PSAT will be administered to college-prep sophomores and juniors on Wednesday, October 16th. Students will need to be well-fed, bring an approved calculator and pencils, and be ready to start at 9:00 a.m. Please contact Julie Dyer at [email protected] if you want to confirm your student for the PSAT.
Book Fair
The Book Fair is coming October 14-18. Come visit and purchase before school, during lunch, and 2:45-3:30 each day. Please note that the Fair will end at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. There is something for all ages and each purchase benefits the school!
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
On Thursday, October 17th from 1:30 to 3:00, our students will honor their Grandparents and Special Friends. There will be scavenger hunts throughout the school, displays of student work, visits to the Book Fair, and refreshments for all. Please join us and help make this a special celebration.
‘Screenagers: Next Chapter’ Screening
Screenagers examines how screens and technology impact children’s development. Filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston previously produced an award-winning film related to social media, video games, and how to help our kids better navigate the digital world. Her second film, Screenagers Next Chapter: Uncovering the Skills for Stress Resilience, focuses on improving adolescent well-being in this digital age. A screening is scheduled at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas on Monday, October 21st at 7:00 p.m. We will send more details regarding exact location closer to the event. No registration is required to attend. Check out the trailer here.
Trunk or Treat
The VPA sponsored Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., in the school’s parking lot. An online sign-up will be sent out closer to the event to register your trunk and ask for your support. Remember, House Points are earned for your family and your child’s participation. We will have bounce houses, a cake walk, and a spook house this year. It is always a fun event for everyone!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
1st Quarter conferences are just around the corner on November 1st. You will receive a meeting request via paper form or email from your child’s homeroom teacher. Please make every effort to attend your the conference. If you are unable to make a time work on November 1st, your teacher will have times available the following week.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- October 1 – November 12 (Tuesdays, 6:00-8:30)
– NAMI Basics - Friday, 10/4 – – Ignite Social Club outing to the Coyote Drive-In
- October 7 – 11 – Fall Break (No School)
- October 14 – 18 – Book Fair
- Wednesday, 10/16 – PSAT
- Thursday, 10/17 – – (1:30-3:00) Grandparents/Special
- Friends Day – (6:30-8:00) Parent Education Class
- Monday, 10/21 – Staff Development Day (No School)
- Saturday, 10/26, 5:00-7:00 – Trunk or Treat
- Thursday, 10/31 – End of 1st Quarter (Noon Dismissal)
- Friday, 11/1 – Parent/Teacher Conference Day
Family Learning Opportunities
Parent Education and Support
Our next session is scheduled for Thursday, October 17th with a topic of What is Differential Reinforcement. All classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. and taught by Kevin Goodnight. These classes are great opportunities to learn skills that can improve behavior in the home setting and other environments outside of school. Remember that these classes are scheduled throughout the year at no cost to our families. Childcare is available for $5 per family.
NAMI Basics
This is a six-week education program for parents or other caregivers of children and teens who have symptoms of or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. This class is taught by family members who have experience caring for a child with a mental health condition. Join us to learn the facts about mental health, discover ways to support and advocate for your child, and hear about the experiences of other families.
Classes are scheduled on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., October 1st through November 12th (except 10/8). This program is offered at no cost to our families and childcare is available for $5 per family. Please contact Janette Warne at [email protected] if you are interested in this class.
Counselor Corner
Dear families,
One of the foundational DESSA/CASEL pillars is Self-Awareness. While the meaning of this term may seem obvious, we believe it is important to expand upon how we are helping your children to strengthen their intrapersonal functioning. The primary goal within this pillar is to help children be able to identify their feelings and thoughts with useful words. Teachers and counselors practice identification of feelings using reflection of feeling. This is something that you can do at home, too. Here is an example:
Student: I don’t understand this work and I’m really hungry – I can’t concentrate.
Teacher/Counselor/Caregiver: You’re feeling overwhelmed.
While this is a simplistic example, this is a powerful communication tool for bolstering meaningful self-expression.
In the lower school, we use a coloring activity that prompts students to draw a picture of their heart, create a color-coded key with at least three feelings, and color in how much of each feeling they are experiencing in the present moment.
I’ve included an illustration of this below.
It is also important to target understanding of cognitive processes with students. In the lower school we watch a fantastic video called Kids Want to Know: Why do we lose control of our emotions? This video helps kids to develop vocabulary related to the various parts of the brain and their associated roles in emotional dysregulation. This facilitates a more integrative understanding of why an individual may “Flip Their Lid” (to borrow a term from the video), the importance of recognizing emotional dysregulation, and the crucial role of coping skills. We look forward to witnessing the growth of your child’s self-advocacy and authentic self-expression of feelings, thoughts, desires and needs.
Warmly,
Lea M. Roman, M.S., LPC, RPT, AutPlay® Certified, EMDR Trained
Lower School Counselor
Vanguard September 2019 Newsletter
Dear Vanguard families,
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year!
Our theme this year for students and staff alike is ‘Work hard, play hard!’ as those of you who attended the Open House meeting know, the inspiration for this was solidified during our annual Middle and High School Taos, New Mexico trip this summer when some boys played a prank (a good one, I’ll admit) involving food and all of my car windows.
What this moment inspired was the realization that play is such an integral part of a healthy, fun, and trusting relationship…core to the social/emotional side of our school’s foundational belief system.
The balance, of course, is that we also believe that life and academic learning must be approached with a work hard mentality and the resilience and perseverance that hard work requires.
My hope and prayer for all of our students, staff, and you as parents and guardians is a year full of meaningful work balanced by some truly enjoyable moments of play. As always, thank you for sharing your children with us!
Becky Hodnett
Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
- Saturday, 9/14 – SAMA Training
- Thursday, 9/19 – Parent Education Session
- Friday, 9/27 – Fair Day (No School)
- October 1 – November 12 – NAMI Basics
- October 7 – 11 – Fall Break (No School)
- October 14 – 18 – Book Fair
- Thursday, October 17 – Grandparents/Special Friends Day
- Wednesday, 10/16 – PSAT
- Monday, 10/21 – Staff Development Day (No School)
- Saturday, 10/16 – Trunk or Treat
- Thursday, 10/31 – End of 1st Quarter (Noon Dismissal)
- Friday, 11/1 – Parent/Teacher Conference Day
New Students & Staff Members
We want to welcome our new students and families to Vanguard!
Zac Atkins
John Beckworth
Allen Biswas
Gabe Cavazos
Daniel Drown
Starlyn Hamper
Hudson Izard
Karan Kandanala
Aiden Mercer
Mason Mercer
Ariel Mulladzhanov
Katelyn Rodney
Hunter Schwartz
Arya Ullah
We are pleased to welcome Selena Harrell to the team as our Recreational Therapist! Selena is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling. She has experience facilitating recreational interventions with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health challenges and social and emotion barriers. Her primary goal is to provide tools for each student to be more successful by reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, building confidence and positive self-esteem through healthy socialization.
As a bonus, we have also welcomed, Lolex, Selena’s therapy dog in-training. Selena and Lolex have already been well-received by the students!
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North Texas Giving Day
This year’s North Texas Giving Day is September 19th. You can schedule your donation any time now through the 19th! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the school year and also one of the easiest to participate in. Share this link with friends and family and let’s see what awesome things we can make happen! As in previous years, for every donation of $50 or more, your student will have the privilege of throwing a pie in the face of a staff member of their choice during Field Day in the spring.
https://www.NorthTexasGivingDay.org/vanguard-preparatory-school
PSAT
The PSAT will be administered to college-prep sophomores and juniors on Wednesday, October 16th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please contact Julie Dyer at [email protected] if you want to confirm your student for the PSAT.
Book Fair
The Book Fair is coming October 14-18. Come visit and purchase before school, during lunch, and 2:45-3:30 each day! (Please note that Friday will end at 1:00). There is something for all ages and each purchase benefits the school.
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
On Thursday, October 17th at 1:30, our students will honor their Grandparents and Special Friends. There will be student-led tours, displays of student work, visits to the Book Fair, and refreshments for all. Please join us and help make this a special celebration.
Trunk or Treat
The VPA sponsored Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., in the school’s parking lot. An online sign-up will be sent out closer to the event to register your trunk and ask for your support. Remember, House Points are earned for your and your child’s participation. We will have a cake walk and bounce houses again this year. It is always a fun event for everyone!
Parent Education and Support
Monthly classes are scheduled throughout the year at no cost to our families. The first session on Thursday, September 19th will focus on the topic of Shaping Behavior through Positive Reinforcement. All classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. and taught by Kevin Goodnight. These will be great opportunities to learn skills that can improve behavior in the home setting and other environments outside of school.
SAMA Training
Our next training class is scheduled for this Saturday, September 14th, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The cost is $100 per person. Please text Frank Farino at 214-770-1518 to register. All families are welcome and encouraged to join!
SAMA (Satori Aggression Management Alternatives) is a method used to diffuse anxious or hostile behavior and to provide safe and appropriate protection and containment when an individual is a danger to self or others. The Vanguard Staff and many Vanguard families have been trained in SAMA.
NAMI Basics
This is a six-week education program for parents or other caregivers of children and teens who have symptoms of or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. This class is taught by family members who have experience caring for a child with a mental health condition. Join us to learn the facts about mental health, discover ways to support and advocate for your child, and hear about the experiences of other families.
Classes are scheduled on Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., October 1st through November 12th (except 10/8). This program is offered at no cost to our families. Additional details and registration will be emailed to all families next week.
Parent Education and Support
Monthly classes are scheduled throughout the year at no cost to our families. The first session on Thursday, September 19th will focus on the topic of Shaping Behavior through Positive Reinforcement. All classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. and taught by Kevin Goodnight. These will be great opportunities to learn skills that can improve behavior in the home setting and other environments outside of school.
SAMA Training
Our next training class is scheduled for this Saturday, September 14th, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The cost is $100 per person. Please text Frank Farino at 214-770-1518 to register. All families are welcome and encouraged to join!
SAMA (Satori Aggression Management Alternatives) is a method used to diffuse anxious or hostile behavior and to provide safe and appropriate protection and containment when an individual is a danger to self or others. The Vanguard Staff and many Vanguard families have been trained in SAMA.
NAMI Basics
This is a six-week education program for parents or other caregivers of children and teens who have symptoms of or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. This class is taught by family members who have experience caring for a child with a mental health condition. Join us to learn the facts about mental health, discover ways to support and advocate for your child, and hear about the experiences of other families.
Classes are scheduled on Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., October 1st through November 12th (except 10/8). This program is offered at no cost to our families. Additional details and registration will be emailed to all families next week.
Vanguard Summer 2019 Newsletter
As a reminder, we will no longer send a paper version of our monthly newsletter and are transitioning to an electronic form only. Please watch for the newsletter to appear in your email each month!
Be Sure All School Fees are Current
Please be sure that all school fees (tuition, beforecare, Ignite, field trips, etc) are paid in full before the end of the school year. Accounts must be current before we release any student records and before your student can return to school next year.
Graduation
Graduation will take place on June 28th at 6:30pm at Northhaven United Methodist Church. The address is 11211 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75230. We invite you to come celebrate this momentous event with our graduates!
End-of-Year Conferences
The end-of-year conferences are optional and will be scheduled on the last day of school, Wednesday July 3rd. Look for more information regarding sign-up in an upcoming Wednesday folder.
Yearbook Delivery
Yearbooks were delivered this week and will be handed out to each student who has purchased one. We have several extras – if you would like one, please complete and return the form sent home in today’s Wednesday folder (6/19). We hope you will enjoy looking back on all that has happened over the 2018-2019 school year!
Family Movie Night
The Houses of Vanguard are proud to host an all school movie night on Thursday, June 27th from 6:00 to 8:30. The featured movie will be Space Jam! Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and any snacks or drinks you would like. The school will provide popcorn and water/sodas as well.
Vanguard Athletics
The 2018-2019 school year marked another success for the Vanguard Vikings! Our year began with an undefeated run in indoor soccer in the fall! Winter saw the Vikings finish second in basketball! Our seasons wrapped up with kickball this Spring. A special thanks to all our Vanguard Viking families who helped support our athletes throughout the year!! Without your support and dedication, none of our programs would be successful.
Now we get ready for the upcoming 2019-2020 sports year! Vanguard will once again be competing in soccer, basketball, and kickball. To allow more students to participate, all of our teams will be open to both high school and middle school students! We will have more information when school is back in session in August. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Chris at [email protected].
Junior Ring Ceremony
Our Junior Ring Ceremony was a special occasion this year. In addition to receiving their high school rings, family members read a personalized letter to each of the Juniors. There were many expressions of pride and words of encouragement shared with these students. We know this will be a day to remember for the students as well as the families!
Prom
Last month, our high school students had a fun-filled night at our Hollywood-themed prom at the Canyon Creek Country Club. They enjoyed good music, lots of dancing, and making memories with their friends.
Spirit Week & Field Day
We ended our Spirit Week with an exciting field day full of fun and games. The Vanguard Houses completed in tug-of-war with the Orange team coming out victorious! Students also participated in a balloon toss and relay races with their own grades levels. The Vanguard Parent Association received many donations for students to throw a pie in the face of the staff member of their choice – this was a favorite part of the day!
Band Concert
The beginner and advanced bands showed off their skills during their spring concert in May. We are so proud of their hard work and achievements!
Jumpstreet Special Event
Jumpstreet will be hosting a semi-private event on the first Saturday of the month for children with special needs. Please visit their website for the location nearest you!
Who is invited: Children with special needs (and siblings)
Time: 9:00-10:00 (private hour)
10:00-11:00 (open to the public)
Price: Ages 4 and above – $8.00 (includes 2 hours and a fun pass); Ages 3 and under – $4.00; Parents/Guardians get in free)
Screenagers – Screen Time Myths
Continuing with the topic of screen time, click here for a recent blog from Screenagers. You can find weekly “Tech Talk Tuesday” blog posts on the Screenagers website.
Middle School and High School New Mexico Trip
Please save the date for our 17th Annual New Mexico trip on July 27th – August 2nd. It’s the perfect opportunity for your child to have a camp-like experience with a group of familiar students and staff. There are still few spots available so let Lauren know if you want to sign up or have any questions. The total cost is $1,585.
Ignite After School and Summer Programming
If you would like to enroll your child in the Ignite after-school program for the summer, please find an enrollment form at the front desk. Dates that Ignite will be in session this summer are as follows; associated fees are noted as well.
• July 1-3 ($100)
• July 8 – August 9 ($250 per week)
• August 21-30 ($180)
Ignite will be closed on the following dates:
• July 4 (Holiday)
• August 12-20 (Staff Development Days)
Counselor Corner
During the summer, the counselors and therapists are working hard to help students remember all they have learned during the year by putting it into practice! We are working on teamwork and sportsmanship by playing games, building Lego structures and turn taking in groups. Students are encouraged to work together to achieve a common goal, all while using communication, conflict resolution and observing and setting boundaries. As the 2018-2019 school year comes to a close, the counselors and therapists all want to challenge students and families to continue to grow, share and learn from each other over the summer break. Thank you for all of your hard work this year! We look forward to continuing the journey in the fall!
Important Dates to Remember
6/20 Senior Capping Ceremony 1:00pm
6/27 Last day for Seniors
6/28 Graduation 6:30pm
7/3 Last day of School; Optional End of Year Conferences
7/4 Ignite Closed
7/4 – 8/20 Summer Break
2019-2020 School Year – Fall Save the Date
8/12 – 8/20 Staff Development; Ignite Closed
8/15 New Parent Orientation 6:00pm
8/20 Meet the Teacher / MS and HS schedule pick-up
– Lower School – 5:30pm
– Middle School – 6:00pm
– High School – 6:30pm
8/21 First Day of School / Ignite Resumes
8/30 Open House 8:15am / VPA General Meeting 9:00am
9/2 Labor Day (No School) / Ignite Closed
9/27 State Fair Day (No School) / Ignite Open
10/7 – 10/11 Fall Break / Ignite Open
10/21 Staff Development Day (No School) / Ignite Open
10/16 PSAT
10/26 Trunk or Treat
Our Mission…
Our mission is to enrich children’s lives by fostering independence, self-esteem, and compassion for others.
Values
Integrity | Compassion | Service | Independence | Resilience
nav·i·gate
verb | navigate
To steer, plan or direct the route or course.
Tagline
Teaching Kids to Navigate Life
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March 2019 Newsletter
Announcing the Vanguard Center for Neurological Health
Over the years, families have requested access to a range of clinical services at Vanguard including individual and family counseling and speech-language, occupational, and neurotherapies. The availability of these services on campus would be convenient for families and improve communication and collaboration with teachers and staff. We listened to you and we are excited to announce the new Vanguard Center for Neurological Health! Effective immediately, individual and family counseling and neurotherapies are available on a limited basis. We have added two counselors this year and are adding a psychologist, counselor, speech-language pathologist, and occupational therapist to offer a full range of services during the 2019-2020 school year.
For Vanguard families, individual and family therapy is $100 per hour. Neurotherapies are $125 per hour. To schedule an individual or family therapy appointment with Kevin Goodnight, Julie Dyer, Steven Barnett, or Lea Roman or to schedule a neurotherapy consult with Dr. Jay Mishalanie, please contact Kerry @ [email protected] or (214) 356-9364.
Staff Updates
Jill Herrington has consulted with Vanguard on process improvement for the past year and also volunteered on the VPA Scholarship Committee. We are excited to announce that Jill has joined the school full-time as Operations Director and will also assume the registrar functions previously handled by Martha Sharrock. Jill can be reached @[email protected]. Martha has completed her Registered Behavior Technician coursework and will begin working with students who need more individualized attention while Lauren Campos has assumed the role of receptionist. Lauren can be reached @ [email protected]. Please join us in welcoming Jill and Lauren to the team and congratulating Martha on her new role!
2019-2020 Enrollment Contracts
Congratulations to Brian and Julie Himpelmann on winning the drawing for a free month’s tuition! Please remember to return your student’s enrollment contract by this Friday, March 22nd to ensure a spot for next year. We will begin releasing spots next week to families on the lower and middle school waiting lists.
Gala at the Dallas World Aquarium – Free Childcare!
Please remember to buy your tickets to the annual VPA Gala by this Friday, March 22nd to receive free childcare. The Gala is Saturday, April 13 that 7:00 pm at the Dallas World Aquarium. Tickets may be purchased @https://vanguardprepschool.com/26th-anniversary-gala/ This will be a fun evening in the rainforest and aquarium with silent and live auctions, dinner, and an open bar! If you need financial assistance to attend the event, please contact Patti Pickering @ [email protected]
We are still looking for vacation getaways, airline miles, sporting tickets, concert tickets, and sports memorabilia for the live and silent auctions. If you have access to any of the above and would be willing to donate, please let us know. Call the front desk 972-404-1616 or email [email protected].
VPA Basket Making Party
Join us for a basket making party on Sunday, March 31st from 1:00-3:00 pm at Vanguard to help us prepare for the Wild About Vanguard gala and auction! Bring donated items to contribute to one of our themed baskets. The VPA will provide the assembly supplies (including the basket), and you will bring donated items to contribute to the themed baskets! This is an adults only event. Time to hang out and have fun (kids don’t want to come to school on Sunday anyway)! Snacks will be provided, and you are welcome to BYOB. To sign up to participate or donate an item, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849aaaa2faaff2-basket Please send donated items no later than Friday, March 29th.
Middle School and High School New Mexico Trip
Save The Date! Every year, students in the middle and high schools have the opportunity to hike, whitewater raft, play games, hang with friends, and explore the wonders of beautiful Taos, New Mexico along with some of our Vanguard staff! We will stay at SMU’s Fort Burgwin in camp-like group casitas. If you are interested, please save the date for our 17thannual New Mexico trip from July 27-August 2.
Diversity and Inclusion Education
We were excited to host Mia Mbroh, LPC as a guest speaker on March 18th for a discussion with our middle and high school students on diversity and inclusion. Mia balanced interactive exercises with discussion to help students understand how we form our identities and define who we are in the world. The students also examined the concept of how we often only see people with our eyes and neglect the unseen elements that reflect who we are inside. She also reviewed relevant vocabulary such as bias, prejudice, stereotypes, etc. Mia complimented our students for being so engaged and respectful during her presentation. We look forward having her speak with our students again!
NAMI Basics
Thursdays, April 4th– May 9th from 6:00 – 8:30 pm
No cost for Vanguard families
RSVP: register at: https://goo.gl/forms/SUnX9r34Hmg7ZgRr2
This is a six-week education program for parents or other caregivers of children and teens who have symptoms of or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. This class is taught by family members who have experience caring for a child with a mental health condition. Join us to learn the facts about mental health, discover ways to support and advocate for your child, and hear about the experiences of other families. Childcare will be provided. If you have questions, please contact Janette Warne @ [email protected]
SAMA Training
Saturday, April 6th 9am-6pm
Cost: $100 per participant
RSVP: Please text Frank Farino at 214-770-1518
SAMA (Satori Aggression Management Alternatives) is a method used to diffuse anxious or hostile behavior and to provide safe and appropriate protection and containment when an individual is a danger to self or others. The Vanguard Staff and many Vanguard families have been trained in SAMA. A member of our staff, Frank Farino, has been trained as a trainer and is offering a class for parents and other adult family members. One hundred percent of families who have completed SAMA training recommend it to others!
Vanguard Sports
Basketball – Another successful Vanguard Viking Basketball season has drawn to a close. We finished the season 4 and 3 and 2nd in the league overall! It was a great year as we had a new wave of players join the veterans from last year. Our individual award winners included Nick Dean (Defensive MVP), Jack Steele (Offensive MVP), Jake Peterson (Most Improved Player), and Dwight Clasby (Team MVP). Thanks to all the parents, staff, and fans who came out for the games. Your support is crucial to keeping the momentum going. Thanks to Chris Cousins and Harry Dyas for leading our students to greatness!
Kickball – Kickball season is fast approaching. Practices will be on Thursdays beginning March 28th with games on Wednesdays from April 10thto May 15th. A registration form will be sent in the Wednesday folder for those who are interested. Chris, Harry and Steven will be coaching this year.
Classroom #11 Fieldtrips
Following the success of our February field trip to the Dallas Children’s Aquarium (we got to hand feed stingrays!!!!), Classroom 11 will be venturing to Legoland Discovery Center for a day of Lego adventures and excitement!
Counselor Corner
This month in the Lower School, students are learning mindfulness skills, sharing honest, authentic emotions, and practicing the art of working with others. Turn taking, perspective taking, and practicing expected social interaction behaviors have been a primary focus as well.
Middle School students are learning about different forms of mindfulness exercises to calm the “flipped lid” brain and deepening their understanding of emotions including the importance of managing emotions in social interactions and communicating emotions in an effective way. They are also hearing a lot about having “flexible” rather than “stuck” thinking.
High School students are learning to recognize that their relationships are affected by the different “games we play” which prevent us from developing healthy relationships. Thanks to the parents who attended the educational seminar on this topic with Mr. Goodnight.
In all grade levels, conflict resolution is an ongoing topic as students practice the importance of working through a problem and accepting their role in a conflict in order to reach an agreed upon resolution.
Carpool
It’s important that we keep cars out of the street, so please keep the line moving! If you need to speak with teachers or other staff, please park in a parking space and come into the building.
April 11 End of 3rd Quarter Noon dismissal; Ignite open
April 12 Parent Conferences
April 17 Bingo 6:00-7:30 pm
April 19 Easter/Passover No school; Ignite Closed
April 22 Easter/Passover No school; Ignite Open
April 26-28 Annual Dads’ Campout
June 27 Movie Night 6:00-8:30 pm
UPCOMING EVENTS
2019 Annual Gala
Saturday, April 13
Spring Open House
May 10, 8:00am
High School Prom
May 17, 7:00pm
Junior Ring Ceremony
June 13, 1:00pm
High School Graduation
June 28, 6:30pm
Vanguard Preparatory School
4240 Sigma Road Dallas, TX 75244 | phone: 972.404.1616 | fax: 972.404.1641
Accredited By Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - AdvancED | TEA Approved
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