Monarch Movers & Shapers Core Team
Meeting Minutes: October 30, 2008
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Core Team/Faculty Members:
Present: Justin Fox, Stephanie Wheatley, Carrie Logan, John Hardesty, Kandace Shyer, Miranda Bennett, Julie Meaux, Marty Webb, John Barone, Debrah Hall, Shannon Woodruff, and Neal Sarahan.
Proceedings:
-Meeting called to order at 12:35 p.m. by Chairman Fox.
-Lunch enjoyed by all.
-Current projects lists and agendas distributed.
-Stephanie Wheatley presented Miranda Bennett and Patrick Word Bennett a “Welcome to the World” gift basket on behalf of the M&S Core Committee.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
-Chairman Fox commended Stephanie Wheatley for replacing fabric on desks in the classroom; also commended were Stephanie and Julie Meaux for their assistance in cleaning up the Hurricane Ike storm debris on the Apprentice campus.
-Chairman Fox announced his wife, Scharlene Fox, will be teaching beading and jewelry to students of the Life Academy on a weekly basis this semester.
-Chairman Fox reminded members of the M&S committee to recruit additional members to our group.
-Chairman Fox urged M&S members to think of new ways and innovative projects to get the word out regarding The Monarch School, citing Marion Defalco as a good example of this proactive approach. Of course, all of us responding well to the various projects requested by the Monarch faculty are always appreciated, too!
Remarks by John Barone, Director of Communications
-A Place for All is selling well. It is available for $25 on amazon.com. M&S members are encouraged to sell and promote the book whenever and wherever possible. The book sells for $20, a discount of $5, if the book is bought directly from the school. John requested additional PR regarding the book by distributing flyers where appropriate, such as churches and religious schools.
-John Hardesty volunteered to take copies of A Place for All to his upcoming meeting with a bookstore manager regarding John Hardesty’s CD.
-Five schools have requested faculty at Monarch to train their staff after learning/reading of the book.
-Look Me in the Eye by John Robison has been edited for content, removing foul language and, therefore, making it appropriate for students of Monarch to read.
-Random House has hired Monarch to write a leader’s guide to Look Me in the Eye.
-John Barone presented a Monarch homepage to the M&S group and requested that the M&S members use it on a trial basis. Contact John to be walked through the loading process.
-The Monarch Hour had another wonderful broadcast on KPFT Radio on October 13th, co-hosted by John and Dr. Bryant Shaw, with the topic “Including Children with Neurological Differences in Extracurricular Activities.”
Remarks by Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development
-The Westin Miracle Makers Morning free fundraising breakfast was October 16, 2008 and it was a roaring success. So far the tally of funds raised is $147,000, with a goal of $150,000 as contributions continue to come in.
-The Capital Campaign is just $3,000 short of $5.8 million. The first phase of the new building is a $6.9M project, so overall, we’re about $1.1M shy of our First Phase goal. There are some excellent donor prospects working!
-The Fort Bend breakfast will benefit the scholarship fund. This breakfast will be held on November 13, 2008 at Sweetwater Country Club. Shannon is still in need of Table Captains for this breakfast. Please attend if possible and invite and/or recruit guests from Fort Bend. The featured student speaker will be Bailey Ferguson, and Barbara Adcock will be the featured parent speaker.
Remarks by other Monarch staff members
-Tessa Sandlin announced the website for M&S members wishing to purchase a shirt with The Monarch School logo and “Movers and Shapers” underneath. Log on to www.companycasuals.com/monarchschool/start.jsp. The website is self-explanatory; however, payment should be made directly to the school rather than on the website. Tessa also announced that the Life Academy will be selling holiday items at Unity Church’s Arts and Crafts Festival on Nov. 16 and will host a Holiday Gift Sale at Monarch on Dec. 9.
Builders Committee update by Stephanie Wheatley
-Stephanie announced the desks project has been completed.
-Stephanie is planning on going to the zoo with volunteers possibly in November.
-Work on the school scrapbooks continue, with Kandace helping.
-Parents are providing lunches until May 2009.
Heralds Committee update by Justin Fox
-Marion Defalco is on a leave of absence, but is expected to return soon..
-Justin and John Hardesty will be representing M&S at Rice University for its Volunteer Fair to be held in the spring. The September 2008 event at Rice could not be attended by them, due to Hurricane Ike. More M&S volunteers are invited to be present at such events.
Educators Committee update by Miranda Bennett
-Banner project on hold while Miranda transitions into motherhood with the precious Patrick Word Bennett.
-Blog is up and running.
-John Hardesty has volunteered to team with music therapist Kay Taylor again this school year. John offered last year but, as Dr. Hall noted, room space is the challenge. Although logistics still have to be arranged, Dr. Webb indicated there is a new targeted project for John’s musical talents.
Developers Committee update by Justin Fox
-Committee will continue to promote fund raising and friend raising for the Movers & Shapers.
-An underwriter has been found who will help pay the cost of the audio/visual system for the Chrysalis Building at the new Monarch campus..
Meeting Adjourned at 1:20 PM
The next M&S Core Committee meeting will be in early December, with the exact date TBA soon.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monarch Movers & Shapers Core Team
Meeting Minutes: September 4, 2008
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Core Team/Faculty Members:
Present: Justin Fox, Stephanie Wheatley, Carrie Logan, John Hardesty, Madelyn Browder, Kandace Shyer, Brittany McGarvey, Marty Webb, John Barone, Debrah Hall, Shannon Woodruff, and Neal Sarahan.
Proceedings:
-Meeting called to order at 12:30 p.m. by Chairman Fox.
-Lunch enjoyed by all.
-Current projects lists and agendas distributed.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
-Presents to all by John Barone on behalf of school faculty (champagne glass with embossed Monarch emblem).
-Chairman Fox introduced three new members of the Movers and Shapers team: Kandace Shyer, Brittney McGarvey and Madelyn Browder.
-Justin took time to recognize Penny Weiss, as she “retires” from the M&S Core Team to move to Sun Valley, Idaho. J He also celebrated Marion DeFalco, who will be taking a 6-month break from M&S. Thank you Marion and Penny, for all your hard work and service to M&S. You will be missed!
-Movers and Shapers Core Team meetings will occur about every six weeks, with a total of six meetings this 2008-09 school year. Next meeting will be in October 2008.
-Our M&S main goal will be to do whatever we can to help the school. The M&S current project list was discussed.
General remarks by Dr. Marty Webb, Head of School
-The steel beams for the first building is up and the crew is now going on to the second floor. The target date for finishing is March 20, 2009 and the school will be able to move in by the last week of May, 2009. The 2009 summer program will be at the new site.
-The Capital Campaign gifts and pledges total is $5.7M of a needed $6.9 for Phase One so the end is in sight and all help welcomed.
-There is an employment opportunity for a “one-on-one” student support staff person for a 7 year old boy. Dr. Webb distributed index cards which can be posted at churches and places of employment.
Remarks by John Barone, Director of Communications
-“A Place for All” is being released soon and will be available through Amazon.com. The Monarch School will receive a portion of the proceeds for this book. The first chapter is on the St. Mary’s press website at www.smp.org. Flyers were distributed to put out at churches, etc. Please promote.
Remarks by Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development
-The Westin free fundraising breakfast will be October 16, 2008 and all Movers and Shapers are asked to captain a table.
-The Fort Bend breakfast, which was held last year for the first time, benefited the capital campaign, but this year will benefit the scholarship fund. This breakfast will be held on November 13, 2008 at Sweetwater Country Club. Shannon is still in need of Table Captains for this breakfast!
-We already have over $13,000 in sponsorships for the Westin breakfast, and Shannon announced two new sponsors. She is working to get the entire $25,000 cost for the event sponsored. Everyone is welcome to help as well. Please see Shannon if you’d like to captain a table or help in any way.
Remarks by other Monarch staff members
-Dr. Debrah Hall reported that the school has five new staff members this year, and that the Apprentice campus has had a great start.
-Dr. Neal Sarahan reported that the Challenger campus also was off to a wonderful start this school year.
Builders Committee update by Stephanie Wheatley
-Because of a more complex school schedule, Mr. Klein and students will not be as available to take care of our garden at the Zoo so Movers and Shapers will be taking care of this. Kandace and Madelyn volunteered to help.
-School scrapbooks will be ready in time for new school opening. One scrapbook for each year of the school is being constructed.
-Plans for the twice yearly Apprentice campus cleaning are being made.
-Anything that needs fixing, the M&S team is available to help.
-No garage sales this year, but we need a schedule and volunteers for recycling IF it can be coordinated in a way that is predictable and dependable.
-Because of limited space, book donations are not being accepted right now. We do need book shelves and supportive living house furniture.
Heralds Committee update by Justin Fox
-Committee members are Susan Meek, Carolyn Trozzo and Justin Fox.
-Volunteers are needed for stuffing envelopes, filing, etc.
-The M&S shirt project is still underway. These will cost approximately $25.00 per shirt.
-Justin and John Hardesty will be representing M&S at Rice University for its Volunteer Fair on September 18th. If you would like to help, contact either Justin or John.
Educators Committee update by John Barone
-There are 98 students at Monarch for the 08-09 school year.
-This committee provides direct service with the kids such as reading to the students.
-John Hardesty has volunteered to team with music therapist Kay Taylor this school year. Logistics still have to be arranged. Dr. Hall noted that room space is the challenge.
Developers Committee update by Justin Fox
-Justin announced that the donation of the Monarch butterfly display will be ready March, 2009.
-Committee will continue to promote fund raising and friend raising for the Movers & Shapers.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:30 PM
The next M&S Core Committee meeting will be Thursday, October 23 or 30 at 12:30 PM. TBA.
Minutes prepared by Madelyn Browder.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Message from the Chairman
Hello, Movers and Shapers volunteers and our faithful supporters!
Well, our M&S Core Committee has started off the 2008-09 Monarch school year in fine fashion!
We have just added three new wonderful members to our group, namely Madelyn Browder (The Monarch School's recently-retired Secretary), Kandace Shyer (a Monarch mom who is Co-Liaison between M&S and The Monarch School), and Brittany McGarvey (who will be assisting the Monarch Development office in grant writing, and whose mother-in-law is Betty McGarvey, a Monarch teacher).
We just conducted our first M&S Core Team meeting on September 4th. It was quite an excellent meeting, as we set our goals and declared our ongoing projects for the coming school year. We also welcomed our three new members, Madelyn, Kandace, and Brittany. We also bid farewell in absentia to Penny Weiss, one of our most dedicated and enthusiastic M&S members, who is moving to Idaho. We surely will miss you, Penny! A much more detailed description of our meeting will be our official M&S minutes, which will be posted to this blog very soon.
Here's wishing our volunteer group another productive, fulfilling and fun-filled year, as we strive to assist The Monarch School in a variety of ways in its mission of providing the best therapeutic, innovative day school anywhere for students with neurological differences!
Justin Fox
M&S Chairman
Well, our M&S Core Committee has started off the 2008-09 Monarch school year in fine fashion!
We have just added three new wonderful members to our group, namely Madelyn Browder (The Monarch School's recently-retired Secretary), Kandace Shyer (a Monarch mom who is Co-Liaison between M&S and The Monarch School), and Brittany McGarvey (who will be assisting the Monarch Development office in grant writing, and whose mother-in-law is Betty McGarvey, a Monarch teacher).
We just conducted our first M&S Core Team meeting on September 4th. It was quite an excellent meeting, as we set our goals and declared our ongoing projects for the coming school year. We also welcomed our three new members, Madelyn, Kandace, and Brittany. We also bid farewell in absentia to Penny Weiss, one of our most dedicated and enthusiastic M&S members, who is moving to Idaho. We surely will miss you, Penny! A much more detailed description of our meeting will be our official M&S minutes, which will be posted to this blog very soon.
Here's wishing our volunteer group another productive, fulfilling and fun-filled year, as we strive to assist The Monarch School in a variety of ways in its mission of providing the best therapeutic, innovative day school anywhere for students with neurological differences!
Justin Fox
M&S Chairman
Monday, June 30, 2008
Message from The Chairman
Hello, Movers and Shapers!
Just a brief message to let y'all know how much appreciated and successful your work with our volunteer group has been during the past Monarch school year, 2007-08.
Your enthusiasm on all of our varied projects throughout the past school year has been very impressive. We are especially grateful to our re-tooled M&S Core Committee, which has done a fantastic job for us. Also a special thank you to our two biggest boosters, Marty Webb and John Barone. Thanks so much!
As we take a slight lull during the summer months, we'll look forward to an even bigger and better effort as we head into the next school year, 2008-09!
Enjoy the summer and we'll see you soon!
Justin Fox.
Chairman, Movers and Shapers
Just a brief message to let y'all know how much appreciated and successful your work with our volunteer group has been during the past Monarch school year, 2007-08.
Your enthusiasm on all of our varied projects throughout the past school year has been very impressive. We are especially grateful to our re-tooled M&S Core Committee, which has done a fantastic job for us. Also a special thank you to our two biggest boosters, Marty Webb and John Barone. Thanks so much!
As we take a slight lull during the summer months, we'll look forward to an even bigger and better effort as we head into the next school year, 2008-09!
Enjoy the summer and we'll see you soon!
Justin Fox.
Chairman, Movers and Shapers
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Minutes from Core Team meeting 5-15-08
Monarch Movers & Shapers
Core Team
Meeting Minutes: May 15, 2008
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Core Team/Faculty Members:
Present: Justin Fox, Dr. Marty Webb, Carrie Logan, Julie Meaux, Stephanie Wheatley, Marion Defalco, Anne Proano, John Barone, Linda Caruso, Kerstein Daigre, Stephanie Kirkpatrick
Proceedings:
Meeting called to order at 12:30 by Chairman Fox.
Lunch enjoyed by all.
Current projects lists and agendas distributed.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
General remarks by Dr. Marty Webb, Head of School
Dr. Webb gave us an updated report on the progress of the Capital Campaign. We have reached $5.7 million of our $6.9 million goal!
Construction is moving forward, and Mission Contractors estimates that Phase I will be complete by February 20th, 2009. If that is the case, we will move over Spring Break; if construction is not complete by then we will begin the move in late May.
Graduation is Saturday May 17th and 3:00 PM. Hope to see everyone there! Continuing our friendship with John Elder Robison, he will be at the ceremony to accept an honorary high school diploma.
Remarks by John Barone, Director of the Monarch Learning Center, and Linda Caruso, Life Academy Coordinator
John expressed his gratitude for all the help Movers and Shapers have given us this year. Thanks everyone for your hard work and dedication.
John also thanked Justin for his excellent leadership, and noted the improvements in organization and accountability the group has seen this year.
Linda also thanked the group for all their hard work this year. She had just returned from “Monarch Day” with the Rotary club at the Junior League. Some of the Life Academy students were there selling boutonnières and corsages. Thanks M&S for all your support with new projects this year, especially the travel business and the hard work at the warehouse!
Senior Class Gifts dress rehearsal by Colleen Russo and the Class of 2008
The Movers & Shapers were treated to a “dress rehearsal” of the senior class gift presentations. At graduation on Saturday, the seniors will present gifts of themselves to the Monarch community. They have been working long and hard on these gifts and presentations! The Core Team enjoyed their moving presentations, and was able to provide constructive feedback.
Educators Committee update by Justin Fox
Justin reported for Miranda Bennett that due to her pregnancy, most of her projects are in a “holding pattern.” Congratulations Miranda – it’s a boy!
Justin shared a slide show of pictures from his recent trip to China. Thanks Justin – it looks like it was an amazing trip!
Herald Committee update by Marion Defalco
Marion suggested we wait until the fall to order M&S t-shirts, since it might be easier to get everyone together. In an effort to get the order submitted a.s.a.p., Stephanie K. will coordinate with Marion to send an evite to all M&S members so they can place their order electronically.
Builders Committee update by Stephanie Wheatley
Stephanie brought some of the Monarch Scrapbooks to share – so we could see that the project really is coming along! The scrapbooks were shared with the Core Team and the senior class. Fun was had by all as we relived some of the great fashions and hairstyles of the past 10 years!
Meeting adjourned at 1:430 PM
Minutes prepared by Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
Core Team
Meeting Minutes: May 15, 2008
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Core Team/Faculty Members:
Present: Justin Fox, Dr. Marty Webb, Carrie Logan, Julie Meaux, Stephanie Wheatley, Marion Defalco, Anne Proano, John Barone, Linda Caruso, Kerstein Daigre, Stephanie Kirkpatrick
Proceedings:
Meeting called to order at 12:30 by Chairman Fox.
Lunch enjoyed by all.
Current projects lists and agendas distributed.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
General remarks by Dr. Marty Webb, Head of School
Dr. Webb gave us an updated report on the progress of the Capital Campaign. We have reached $5.7 million of our $6.9 million goal!
Construction is moving forward, and Mission Contractors estimates that Phase I will be complete by February 20th, 2009. If that is the case, we will move over Spring Break; if construction is not complete by then we will begin the move in late May.
Graduation is Saturday May 17th and 3:00 PM. Hope to see everyone there! Continuing our friendship with John Elder Robison, he will be at the ceremony to accept an honorary high school diploma.
Remarks by John Barone, Director of the Monarch Learning Center, and Linda Caruso, Life Academy Coordinator
John expressed his gratitude for all the help Movers and Shapers have given us this year. Thanks everyone for your hard work and dedication.
John also thanked Justin for his excellent leadership, and noted the improvements in organization and accountability the group has seen this year.
Linda also thanked the group for all their hard work this year. She had just returned from “Monarch Day” with the Rotary club at the Junior League. Some of the Life Academy students were there selling boutonnières and corsages. Thanks M&S for all your support with new projects this year, especially the travel business and the hard work at the warehouse!
Senior Class Gifts dress rehearsal by Colleen Russo and the Class of 2008
The Movers & Shapers were treated to a “dress rehearsal” of the senior class gift presentations. At graduation on Saturday, the seniors will present gifts of themselves to the Monarch community. They have been working long and hard on these gifts and presentations! The Core Team enjoyed their moving presentations, and was able to provide constructive feedback.
Educators Committee update by Justin Fox
Justin reported for Miranda Bennett that due to her pregnancy, most of her projects are in a “holding pattern.” Congratulations Miranda – it’s a boy!
Justin shared a slide show of pictures from his recent trip to China. Thanks Justin – it looks like it was an amazing trip!
Herald Committee update by Marion Defalco
Marion suggested we wait until the fall to order M&S t-shirts, since it might be easier to get everyone together. In an effort to get the order submitted a.s.a.p., Stephanie K. will coordinate with Marion to send an evite to all M&S members so they can place their order electronically.
Builders Committee update by Stephanie Wheatley
Stephanie brought some of the Monarch Scrapbooks to share – so we could see that the project really is coming along! The scrapbooks were shared with the Core Team and the senior class. Fun was had by all as we relived some of the great fashions and hairstyles of the past 10 years!
Meeting adjourned at 1:430 PM
Minutes prepared by Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
Minutes from Core Team Meeting 4/10/08
Monarch Movers & Shapers
Core Team
Meeting Minutes: April 10, 2008
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Proceedings:
Meeting called to order at 12:30 by Chairman Fox.
Lunch enjoyed by all.
Current projects lists and agendas distributed.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
General remarks by Dr. Marty Webb, Head of School
Dr. Webb reported that the groundbreaking ceremony was a “joyous event!” Thanks to all who attended and helped bring it together.
The Capital Campaign has two large grants in the works, so keep your ears open for news!
Remarks by Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development
The Houston’s Dancing with the Stars event is approaching. This event, co-sponsored by Urban Retreat, will see its proceeds split between the Capital Campaign and the scholarship fund.
Shannon thanked Penny Weiss, Carrie Logan, and Stephanie Wheatley for the help they have already given in promoting the event. Everyone else is welcome to help as well: see Shannon if you’d like to put up posters, and feel free to forward the eTap email to your personal address book.
Presentation on the DIR® Model by Dr. Debrah Hall
Dr. Hall shared a PowerPoint presentation about the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based therapeutic model, which is used at the Apprentice Campus. Thanks Dr. Hall for sharing your knowledge with us!
Remarks by John Barone, Director of Monarch Learning Center
Thanks to everyone who helped to get the John Elder Robison event off the ground. It was a fun and enlightening evening for all. John B. shared his hopes that a professional collaboration and friendship will continue to grow between John Elder Robison and The Monarch School.
John also thanked Susan Meek for her help sorting through the “legal-ese” of the contracts with St. Mary’s Press. Thanks so much, Susan!
Heralds Committee update by Marion Defalco
Marion shared how pleased she was with the outcome of the Robison event. Her promotion efforts for the event have lead to some contacts with corporations that she hopes will continue through grant applications.
The M&S shirt project is still underway. Marion passed around some samples of possible shirt designs and material. We will need to try and find a way to collect an order from all interested members.
Educators Committee update by Miranda Bennett
Miranda tested the Houston Chronicle’s “News from You” feature to promote the Robison event and found it easy to use. It will also be used to promote Dancing with the Stars.
Website proofing is still ongoing.
John Hardesty will begin working on music therapy with Kay Kahl Taylor in the summer.
Developers Committee update by Justin Fox
Justin announced that he has acquired a donation of a Monarch butterfly display from an artist who was exhibiting at a festival – just by talking to him about The Monarch School!
M&S is now a part of Volunteer Houston’s “Hands on Houston” website. Justin and John Barone have access to post short-term projects on the website to solicit volunteers.
Justin took time to recognize Julie Meaux, as she “retires” from the M&S Core Team and her position as Developers Committee chair. Justin presented Julie with a commendation, butterfly garden, Macy’s gift card, and $200,000 in cash! J Thank you Julie, for all your hard work and service to M&S. You will be missed on the Core Team!
Builders Committee update by Stephanie Wheatley
The builders have been busy with the zoo project and the AP campus spruce up day at the end of March.
Scharlene Fox will head up the inventory and organization committee for the warehouse project to make sure things run smoothly as we prepare to vacate the warehouse.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM
The next M&S Core Committee meeting will be Thursday, May 15th at 12:30 PM.
Minutes prepared by Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
Core Team
Meeting Minutes: April 10, 2008
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Proceedings:
Meeting called to order at 12:30 by Chairman Fox.
Lunch enjoyed by all.
Current projects lists and agendas distributed.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
General remarks by Dr. Marty Webb, Head of School
Dr. Webb reported that the groundbreaking ceremony was a “joyous event!” Thanks to all who attended and helped bring it together.
The Capital Campaign has two large grants in the works, so keep your ears open for news!
Remarks by Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development
The Houston’s Dancing with the Stars event is approaching. This event, co-sponsored by Urban Retreat, will see its proceeds split between the Capital Campaign and the scholarship fund.
Shannon thanked Penny Weiss, Carrie Logan, and Stephanie Wheatley for the help they have already given in promoting the event. Everyone else is welcome to help as well: see Shannon if you’d like to put up posters, and feel free to forward the eTap email to your personal address book.
Presentation on the DIR® Model by Dr. Debrah Hall
Dr. Hall shared a PowerPoint presentation about the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based therapeutic model, which is used at the Apprentice Campus. Thanks Dr. Hall for sharing your knowledge with us!
Remarks by John Barone, Director of Monarch Learning Center
Thanks to everyone who helped to get the John Elder Robison event off the ground. It was a fun and enlightening evening for all. John B. shared his hopes that a professional collaboration and friendship will continue to grow between John Elder Robison and The Monarch School.
John also thanked Susan Meek for her help sorting through the “legal-ese” of the contracts with St. Mary’s Press. Thanks so much, Susan!
Heralds Committee update by Marion Defalco
Marion shared how pleased she was with the outcome of the Robison event. Her promotion efforts for the event have lead to some contacts with corporations that she hopes will continue through grant applications.
The M&S shirt project is still underway. Marion passed around some samples of possible shirt designs and material. We will need to try and find a way to collect an order from all interested members.
Educators Committee update by Miranda Bennett
Miranda tested the Houston Chronicle’s “News from You” feature to promote the Robison event and found it easy to use. It will also be used to promote Dancing with the Stars.
Website proofing is still ongoing.
John Hardesty will begin working on music therapy with Kay Kahl Taylor in the summer.
Developers Committee update by Justin Fox
Justin announced that he has acquired a donation of a Monarch butterfly display from an artist who was exhibiting at a festival – just by talking to him about The Monarch School!
M&S is now a part of Volunteer Houston’s “Hands on Houston” website. Justin and John Barone have access to post short-term projects on the website to solicit volunteers.
Justin took time to recognize Julie Meaux, as she “retires” from the M&S Core Team and her position as Developers Committee chair. Justin presented Julie with a commendation, butterfly garden, Macy’s gift card, and $200,000 in cash! J Thank you Julie, for all your hard work and service to M&S. You will be missed on the Core Team!
Builders Committee update by Stephanie Wheatley
The builders have been busy with the zoo project and the AP campus spruce up day at the end of March.
Scharlene Fox will head up the inventory and organization committee for the warehouse project to make sure things run smoothly as we prepare to vacate the warehouse.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM
The next M&S Core Committee meeting will be Thursday, May 15th at 12:30 PM.
Minutes prepared by Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Apprentice Campus Spruce Up Day on March 31st
On Monday afternoon, March 31st, ten stalwart volunteers successfully tackled the job of sprucing up the Apprentice campus.
We managed to move 8 cubic yards of mulch from the front driveway to the back trail, prune the shrubs and trees, remove weeds, and plant new milkweeds and other plants. Also the wooden Monarch butterfly gracing the front porch was repainted by Scharlene Fox, restoring it to its regal splendor!
Our fearless leader in this entire endeavor was Stephanie Wheatley, ably assisted by Penny Weiss, Julie Meaux, Patrice Rodriguez, Anne Proano, John Barone, Tim Johnson, Scharlene Fox, Justin Fox, and Larry Kornegay.
Thanks to all our volunteers for a job very well done!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Discovery Garden - Zoo Maintenance Crew work day, Thursday April 3
After a wet and zoggy 4 months, the Zoo Maintenance Crew decided to brave the elements and re-visit the Discovery Garden at the Houston Zoo.
With shovels, rakes, pruning shears and hoes five brave Movers and Shapers coaxed the garden back into order. Fresh mulch was spread, homes were found for new plants and older plants were lovingly placed in new beds! Weeds were pulled from pathways and slime was extracted from the pond!
Justin and Scharlene Fox, Penny Weiss, Patrice Rodriguez and Stephanie Wheatley made up the Zoo Crew volunteers on this outing!
We hope to make one more maintenance visit to the Discovery Garden before the end of the school year. If you love playing in the dirt, please won't you join us on our next work day. We'd love to see you!
Stephanie Wheatley
Monday, March 24, 2008
Apprentice Campus Spruce-Up, Monday March 31 at 12pm
The Apprentice Campus is in need of a spruce-up!
A volunteer work day has been planned for Monday, March 31 from 12pm onwards.
Mulching, pruning and planting will be the main tasks. Please bring your own gardening tools rake, shovel, fork, trowel, pruning shears etc., making sure to label them.
Please email me if you would like to help.
We'd love to see you there!
Thanks
Stephanie Wheatley
steph_wheatley@hotmail.com
A volunteer work day has been planned for Monday, March 31 from 12pm onwards.
Mulching, pruning and planting will be the main tasks. Please bring your own gardening tools rake, shovel, fork, trowel, pruning shears etc., making sure to label them.
Please email me if you would like to help.
We'd love to see you there!
Thanks
Stephanie Wheatley
steph_wheatley@hotmail.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
CEC luncheon about volunteers
From the Citizens' Environmental Coalition blog:
On Wednesday, March 26, Robin Blut, executive director of Keep Houston Beautiful, will be part of a panel about recruiting and keeping volunteers. The event is from 11:30 am to 1 pm at 3015 Richmond, in the first floor conference room. The cost is $15 and includes lunch. Please RSVP to ella@cechouston.org. Special diets can be accommodated.
This might be an interesting event for one or more core committee members to attend.
On Wednesday, March 26, Robin Blut, executive director of Keep Houston Beautiful, will be part of a panel about recruiting and keeping volunteers. The event is from 11:30 am to 1 pm at 3015 Richmond, in the first floor conference room. The cost is $15 and includes lunch. Please RSVP to ella@cechouston.org. Special diets can be accommodated.
This might be an interesting event for one or more core committee members to attend.
Friday, February 29, 2008
CNN's Young Person Who Rocks
CNN.com recently featured a story about Blake Taylor, an eighteen-year-old college student who has written a memoir called ADHD & Me. The site also has a short video in which Blake answers questions from viewers.
I'm thinking he might make a great potential interviewee for "The Monarch Hour."
I'm thinking he might make a great potential interviewee for "The Monarch Hour."
Thursday, February 28, 2008
John Robison promotion
Thank you all so very much for all you’ve done and continue to do to promote the John Robison event. All of us at Monarch are grateful for your help. Our Heralds and our Speaker Planning Team have done a bang up job of getting the word out.
It’s not too late to:
- Register and attend.
- Encourage friends and family to register. (Everyone knows someone who is impacted by autism, who would be interested. Whom can you call to recruit?)
- Pay to sponsor someone else to attend.
- Re-Forward the flyer to your personal address book.
- Add the announcement below to your email footer.
- Help with delivery of flyers.
If you haven’t talked to Stephanie or Marion or Justin yet about what you can do to help promote, please contact one of them immediately! There is still much to do, and the week before is sometimes the best time to catch new attendees!
With love and appreciation,
John
Thursday, February 07, 2008
garage sale
Mark your calendars, ladies and gents. The next Monarch garage sale is planned for Friday March 7, 9am-2pm. Soon you will be hearing from the Warehouse class about volunteer needs. For now, we're happy to take any stuff you don't need anymore and turn it into $$$.
-ranger
-ranger
Meeting the Challenge of AD/HD
The Attention Deficit Disorders--Southern Region is sponsoring a conference called "Meeting the Challenge of AD/HD" at the Sheraton North Houston on February 15-16. The intended audience for the program is "Physicians, Advanced Practice Nurses, Psychologists, Nurses, Diagnosticians, Social Workers, LPCs, LMFTs, Educators, Parents of Children, Adults with AD/HD and others interested in AD/HD," and speakers will include Jefferson Prince, M.D., of the Harvard Medical School, and Chris Zeigler Dendy, an author who writes about teenagers and ADD and AD/HD.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Year-End Congratulatory Message from Chairman Fox
As 2007 is about to end, all of us Movers and Shapers can take great pride in our accomplishments for The Monarch School during this past year!
We became more finely organized, enthusiastic, and committed to helping out Monarch on various projects requested of us, as well as inspired on our own. Much of our work was made possible by the superb effort of our 4 M&S committee facilitators, namely Miranda Bennett, Marion Defalco, Penny Weiss, and Julie Meaux.
Of course, our facilitators would be the first to add that we also should highly compliment those M&S members who worked so well on their respective committees, among them Stephanie Wheatley, Carrie Logan, John Hardesty, and Susan Meek.
And, we surely must compliment our Monarch staff who advised us along the way, particularly John Barone, Marty Webb, and Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
Some of our noteworthy M&S projects for 2007 included: assisting on the Monarch Miracle Makers Morning breakfast fund raiser; helping out on the Monarch symposium; maintaining and sprucing up the Apprentice Campus and Zoo's Discovery Garden; helping out on the Challenger campus/Life Academy needs, including its garage sale; assisting Monarch Development Office matters, including the new campus capital campaign; helping out on Monarch's recycling, vehicle fleet maintenance, website proofing, music therapy, KPFT Radio's new "Monarch Hour;" improving our M&S communication through M&S pamphlet, M&S blog refinements, and Houston Chronicle's "News from You" website; M&S September retreat, graciously hosted by Penny Weiss: and our M&S holiday party in December, graciously hosted by Carrie Logan. You did an outstanding job in 2007, and you had great camaraderie in performing your tasks! So y'all now are entitled to take a well-deserved bow!
The upcoming year of 2008 holds great promise for us, especially with the infusion of some new members to complement our present wonderful M&S members. So, we look forward to it.
Happy New Year!
Justin Fox, M&S Chairman
We became more finely organized, enthusiastic, and committed to helping out Monarch on various projects requested of us, as well as inspired on our own. Much of our work was made possible by the superb effort of our 4 M&S committee facilitators, namely Miranda Bennett, Marion Defalco, Penny Weiss, and Julie Meaux.
Of course, our facilitators would be the first to add that we also should highly compliment those M&S members who worked so well on their respective committees, among them Stephanie Wheatley, Carrie Logan, John Hardesty, and Susan Meek.
And, we surely must compliment our Monarch staff who advised us along the way, particularly John Barone, Marty Webb, and Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
Some of our noteworthy M&S projects for 2007 included: assisting on the Monarch Miracle Makers Morning breakfast fund raiser; helping out on the Monarch symposium; maintaining and sprucing up the Apprentice Campus and Zoo's Discovery Garden; helping out on the Challenger campus/Life Academy needs, including its garage sale; assisting Monarch Development Office matters, including the new campus capital campaign; helping out on Monarch's recycling, vehicle fleet maintenance, website proofing, music therapy, KPFT Radio's new "Monarch Hour;" improving our M&S communication through M&S pamphlet, M&S blog refinements, and Houston Chronicle's "News from You" website; M&S September retreat, graciously hosted by Penny Weiss: and our M&S holiday party in December, graciously hosted by Carrie Logan. You did an outstanding job in 2007, and you had great camaraderie in performing your tasks! So y'all now are entitled to take a well-deserved bow!
The upcoming year of 2008 holds great promise for us, especially with the infusion of some new members to complement our present wonderful M&S members. So, we look forward to it.
Happy New Year!
Justin Fox, M&S Chairman
More photos from M&S Work Day at Houston Zoo's Discovery Garden
Pictured above in the first photo are the hard-working trio from the M&S Builders Committee: Stephanie, Penny and Carrie, glamorously posing in front of their newly-painted tool shed on December 8th at The Monarch School's Discovery Garden in The Houston Zoo.
In the second photo, standing from left to right in front of The Monarch bus after the work day on December 8th, are Richard, Stephanie, Justin, Penny, and Miranda.
Monday, December 17, 2007
We Heart the Discovery Garden!
On Saturday, December 8, several Movers and Shapers volunteers--including two first-time participants--spruced up Monarch's Discovery Garden at the Houston Zoo. Monarch students have been doing an excellent job of taking care of the garden, but we still found things to do, including laying out this heart-shaped plot of flowers. The Discovery Garden is one of the many "faces" Monarch shows the Houston community, and it's a great way to introduce new people to the school and its mission!
Friday, December 14, 2007
VSA Arts of Texas
Yesterday KUHF did a story about a program put on by VSA Arts of Texas, a "nonprofit organization that strives to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts." Monarch folks might already be aware of this organization, but if not, it would be worth finding out more about it. The news story was about their efforts to support disabled artists who want to market their work, and it reminded me of Kate Matthiesen's Life Academy project. Kate would be an amazing role model and mentor for other artists in this group!
Minutes from Core Team meeting on 12/6/2007
Monarch Movers & Shapers
Core Team
Meeting Minutes: December 6, 2007
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Core Team/Faculty Members:
Present: Justin Fox, Dr. Marty Webb, Carrie Logan, Miranda Bennett, Julie Meaux, Stephanie Wheatley, Susan Meek, Marion Defalco, Penny Weiss, John Hardesty, Jan McCartney, Dr. Debrah Hall, John Barone, Tessa Sandlin, Linda Caruso, Kyle Nguyen, Stephanie Kirkpatrick
Proceedings:
Meeting called to order at 12:30 by Chairman Fox.
Lunch and holiday crackers (courtesy of Stephanie Wheatley) enjoyed by all.
Current projects lists, agendas, and committee activity reports distributed.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
Welcomed all members, including the newest M&S recruit, Jan McCartney.
Chairman Fox shared some of the results of his MMM Breakfast follow-up calls, and noted that several people had expressed an interest in joining M&S. Justin, John Barone, and Dr. Webb have decided that the Tuesday Tour is orientation enough and that new members will no longer be required to attend an additional M&S Orientation.
Justin, John B., and Dr. Webb have also discussed revising the M&S mission statement in light of recent discussion and Miranda Bennett’s recent recommendations.
General remarks by Dr. Marty Webb, Head of School
Dr. Webb gave us an updated report on the success of the MMM Breakfast – over 700 people were in attendance, and approximately $230,000 was raised for Monarch, making 2007’s the most successful breakfast yet!
In capital campaign news, about $3.5 million has now been raised. There are several multi-million dollar proposals under review now.
The Capital Campaign committee has decided not to break ground on the new campus until we have raised enough money for all of Phase I (over $5 million in gifts and/or pledges). Builders and Developers committees will be notified as soon as we have a date set, so they can begin planning for invitations/refreshments/etc.
Monarch has yet another new vehicle – a Toyota Sequoia, donated by a Monarch family. This is a timely gift as we have also recently received a new science and environmental education trailer. The Sequoia will become its designated towing vehicle.
Remarks by Tessa Sandlin, on behalf of the Monarch Life Academy
Tessa invited everyone to the Life Academy holiday open house and sale on Tuesday, December 11th from 8:00 – 4:30. There will be over 10 tables featuring different Life Academy products and services. This is a great way to support Monarch and the hard work of the students!
Remarks by Dr. Debrah Hall, Apprentice Program Director
Dr. Hall shared a PowerPoint presentation which gave a thorough overview of the goals and structure of the Apprentice Program.
Ms. Hall is now Dr. Hall – the Ph.D. is complete! M&S members celebrated Dr. Hall’s achievement.
Remarks by John Barone, Director of the Monarch Learning Center
John shared some wonderful news – the “A Place for All” book is complete! Hooray! Now the long editing process begins.
The MLC has been in touch with John Elder Robison, author of the book Look Me In the Eye, about the possibility of him speaking at a symposium event in March. We have also offered to field some of the inquiries he and his agent receive from people and families who are affected by Asperger’s.
John asked the Builders committee to revisit some of the requests made earlier in the year for “touch-up” work in the MLC. He will meet with the Builders to coordinate these efforts.
John also thanked all the M&S Core Committee members for their efforts in improving organization and recruitment!
Heralds Committee update by Marion Defalco
Marion introduced Jan McCartney, the newest member of M&S! Jan shared with us a little about herself, and her experience should make her a great asset to M&S! Welcome, Jan – we’re glad to have you on board!
Marion told us about some of the success she has had with MMM follow-up calls. She has spoken to several people who have expressed an interest in serving as a table captain at next year’s breakfast.
Marion has been looking into new sources of funding for Monarch, especially for educational and outreach-type events such as the symposium. She has done some research on Koch Industries, and that information has been passed on to Dr. Webb and Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development.
The Doctor’s Orchestra Concert was a success for Monarch; Marion and her husband hosted a pre-party for some couples and introduced them to Monarch. It was a great way for people who had never been exposed to Monarch before to learn about what we do.
Educators Committee update by Miranda Bennett and John Hardesty
In outreach and recruitment news, one of the UST recruits is working on designing the M&S banner. Miranda has also notified the college recruits about the upcoming recurring volunteer opportunity at the zoo.
Miranda shared her progress on editing the Monarch website; proofreading hard copies of website pages has been the most successful strategy thus far. All the pages Dr. Webb identified as “priority” have been completed. Miranda suggested this might be an easy project to get recruits involved in as a “no attendance necessary” sort of project they could do from home.
John Hardesty told us some more about the music therapy project he is developing with Kay Kahl, Monarch’s music therapist. Their goal is to find a way to incorporate the spontaneous creation of music into music therapy and DIR®-based sessions, and to allow the kids to tap into it. John had an opportunity to observe some of her classes last week, and they will begin plans in earnest in the new year.
Developers Committee update by Julie Meaux
Julie thanked everyone who made MMM follow-up calls. It’s been a big help to the Developers committee and to the school as a whole.
Julie has spoken to Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development, who said she might have a lot of work the Developers could help with coming up, including sorting and dismantling packets, shredding, filing, etc. She will probably need help after the first of the year.
Julie wants to pick up a project that was discussed in the past that involves getting Monarch involved with physicians’ organizations, and other professional groups. She asked Susan Meek to coordinate with her and brainstorm on this effort. Dr. Webb suggested they contact Dr. Bryant Shaw of the Monarch psychology staff, since he is involved in groups like these.
Builders Committee update by Penny Weiss and Stephanie Wheatley
Penny thanked Stephanie for her superb handling of the Builders’ committee leadership duties while she was gone. Penny officially announced Stephanie as her Builders Committee co-facilitator.
A fleet manager has been found: Neil Kirkpatrick, Stephanie Kirkpatrick’s father, will be assuming fleet duties.
The Builders had another AP campus mini-spruce-up day, which was a great success. Debrah thanked them for all the hard work they’ve done to keep the campus looking good.
Work at the zoo continues in earnest. Painting the shed is almost complete. A parent volunteer group will be going to the zoo bi-weekly or monthly for maintenance of the garden.
Remarks by other M&S members and Monarch staff
Carrie Logan reminded everyone about the upcoming M&S and Board member holiday party on Sunday, December 9th, which she is hosting.
Linda Caruso thanked everyone who helped with the Life Academy garage sale. Their organization skills were instrumental to its success! Linda also reminded us about the Life Academy holiday open house on Tuesday December 11th. John Barone suggested that this would be a great opportunity for M&S members to bring their recruitment “buddies” to attend the sale and the Tuesday Tour!
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM – right on time!
The next M&S Core Committee meeting will be Thursday, January 10th at 12:30 PM.
Minutes prepared by Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
Core Team
Meeting Minutes: December 6, 2007
12:30 PM, Monarch Learning Center
Core Team/Faculty Members:
Present: Justin Fox, Dr. Marty Webb, Carrie Logan, Miranda Bennett, Julie Meaux, Stephanie Wheatley, Susan Meek, Marion Defalco, Penny Weiss, John Hardesty, Jan McCartney, Dr. Debrah Hall, John Barone, Tessa Sandlin, Linda Caruso, Kyle Nguyen, Stephanie Kirkpatrick
Proceedings:
Meeting called to order at 12:30 by Chairman Fox.
Lunch and holiday crackers (courtesy of Stephanie Wheatley) enjoyed by all.
Current projects lists, agendas, and committee activity reports distributed.
Opening greetings by Chairman Fox
Welcomed all members, including the newest M&S recruit, Jan McCartney.
Chairman Fox shared some of the results of his MMM Breakfast follow-up calls, and noted that several people had expressed an interest in joining M&S. Justin, John Barone, and Dr. Webb have decided that the Tuesday Tour is orientation enough and that new members will no longer be required to attend an additional M&S Orientation.
Justin, John B., and Dr. Webb have also discussed revising the M&S mission statement in light of recent discussion and Miranda Bennett’s recent recommendations.
General remarks by Dr. Marty Webb, Head of School
Dr. Webb gave us an updated report on the success of the MMM Breakfast – over 700 people were in attendance, and approximately $230,000 was raised for Monarch, making 2007’s the most successful breakfast yet!
In capital campaign news, about $3.5 million has now been raised. There are several multi-million dollar proposals under review now.
The Capital Campaign committee has decided not to break ground on the new campus until we have raised enough money for all of Phase I (over $5 million in gifts and/or pledges). Builders and Developers committees will be notified as soon as we have a date set, so they can begin planning for invitations/refreshments/etc.
Monarch has yet another new vehicle – a Toyota Sequoia, donated by a Monarch family. This is a timely gift as we have also recently received a new science and environmental education trailer. The Sequoia will become its designated towing vehicle.
Remarks by Tessa Sandlin, on behalf of the Monarch Life Academy
Tessa invited everyone to the Life Academy holiday open house and sale on Tuesday, December 11th from 8:00 – 4:30. There will be over 10 tables featuring different Life Academy products and services. This is a great way to support Monarch and the hard work of the students!
Remarks by Dr. Debrah Hall, Apprentice Program Director
Dr. Hall shared a PowerPoint presentation which gave a thorough overview of the goals and structure of the Apprentice Program.
Ms. Hall is now Dr. Hall – the Ph.D. is complete! M&S members celebrated Dr. Hall’s achievement.
Remarks by John Barone, Director of the Monarch Learning Center
John shared some wonderful news – the “A Place for All” book is complete! Hooray! Now the long editing process begins.
The MLC has been in touch with John Elder Robison, author of the book Look Me In the Eye, about the possibility of him speaking at a symposium event in March. We have also offered to field some of the inquiries he and his agent receive from people and families who are affected by Asperger’s.
John asked the Builders committee to revisit some of the requests made earlier in the year for “touch-up” work in the MLC. He will meet with the Builders to coordinate these efforts.
John also thanked all the M&S Core Committee members for their efforts in improving organization and recruitment!
Heralds Committee update by Marion Defalco
Marion introduced Jan McCartney, the newest member of M&S! Jan shared with us a little about herself, and her experience should make her a great asset to M&S! Welcome, Jan – we’re glad to have you on board!
Marion told us about some of the success she has had with MMM follow-up calls. She has spoken to several people who have expressed an interest in serving as a table captain at next year’s breakfast.
Marion has been looking into new sources of funding for Monarch, especially for educational and outreach-type events such as the symposium. She has done some research on Koch Industries, and that information has been passed on to Dr. Webb and Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development.
The Doctor’s Orchestra Concert was a success for Monarch; Marion and her husband hosted a pre-party for some couples and introduced them to Monarch. It was a great way for people who had never been exposed to Monarch before to learn about what we do.
Educators Committee update by Miranda Bennett and John Hardesty
In outreach and recruitment news, one of the UST recruits is working on designing the M&S banner. Miranda has also notified the college recruits about the upcoming recurring volunteer opportunity at the zoo.
Miranda shared her progress on editing the Monarch website; proofreading hard copies of website pages has been the most successful strategy thus far. All the pages Dr. Webb identified as “priority” have been completed. Miranda suggested this might be an easy project to get recruits involved in as a “no attendance necessary” sort of project they could do from home.
John Hardesty told us some more about the music therapy project he is developing with Kay Kahl, Monarch’s music therapist. Their goal is to find a way to incorporate the spontaneous creation of music into music therapy and DIR®-based sessions, and to allow the kids to tap into it. John had an opportunity to observe some of her classes last week, and they will begin plans in earnest in the new year.
Developers Committee update by Julie Meaux
Julie thanked everyone who made MMM follow-up calls. It’s been a big help to the Developers committee and to the school as a whole.
Julie has spoken to Shannon Woodruff, Director of Development, who said she might have a lot of work the Developers could help with coming up, including sorting and dismantling packets, shredding, filing, etc. She will probably need help after the first of the year.
Julie wants to pick up a project that was discussed in the past that involves getting Monarch involved with physicians’ organizations, and other professional groups. She asked Susan Meek to coordinate with her and brainstorm on this effort. Dr. Webb suggested they contact Dr. Bryant Shaw of the Monarch psychology staff, since he is involved in groups like these.
Builders Committee update by Penny Weiss and Stephanie Wheatley
Penny thanked Stephanie for her superb handling of the Builders’ committee leadership duties while she was gone. Penny officially announced Stephanie as her Builders Committee co-facilitator.
A fleet manager has been found: Neil Kirkpatrick, Stephanie Kirkpatrick’s father, will be assuming fleet duties.
The Builders had another AP campus mini-spruce-up day, which was a great success. Debrah thanked them for all the hard work they’ve done to keep the campus looking good.
Work at the zoo continues in earnest. Painting the shed is almost complete. A parent volunteer group will be going to the zoo bi-weekly or monthly for maintenance of the garden.
Remarks by other M&S members and Monarch staff
Carrie Logan reminded everyone about the upcoming M&S and Board member holiday party on Sunday, December 9th, which she is hosting.
Linda Caruso thanked everyone who helped with the Life Academy garage sale. Their organization skills were instrumental to its success! Linda also reminded us about the Life Academy holiday open house on Tuesday December 11th. John Barone suggested that this would be a great opportunity for M&S members to bring their recruitment “buddies” to attend the sale and the Tuesday Tour!
Meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM – right on time!
The next M&S Core Committee meeting will be Thursday, January 10th at 12:30 PM.
Minutes prepared by Stephanie Kirkpatrick.
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