MARCH 2020 VOL. 5
Ms. Wilens classroom during Reading Blocks, with a special visit from Sue and Sparky
READING BLOCKS Our student body has always been diverse with unique strengths and learning needs. To address the wide range of skills and targeted learning areas, our teaching staff often relied on pull-out resource services to support individual students with more extreme needs. However, this year a new practice to address the wide range of academic skills has been taking place at Knapp School. Maureen Gilligan, Director of Instruction and Assessment, has guided the Resource Team and elementary through middle school teachers in organizing and providing instruction in skills-based cohorts. Ms. Gilligan offered her insights on the benefit of skills-based group instruction. “My feeling is it’s much better to keep the students in their classroom and push into the room. This keeps students in front of teachers who can provide specialized literacy instruction. It is proven effective to help students build skills while they’re learning since they’re just
starting to engage in literacy practices themselves.” Testing results from an assessment program called Fastbridge were used to determine student groupings. Students with similar learning profiles are grouped together and teachers can plan specific learning activities to meet the group’s needs. Etty Wilens, a Knapp School elementary teacher, leads students through a literacy lesson that begins with an introduction to “mystery words.” She reads a story with the class and asks them to raise their hand upon hearing the word. Students are given their own booklets to read along for reinforcement. Afterwards, students discuss these mystery words in the text, and do a hands-on activity for more reinforcement. Often, our students with emotional or learning disabilities have experienced disruptions in their schooling, resulting in gaps in their basic academic skills. Working side by side with peers at their
level helps students build confidence while they learn. Rachel Blackburn, Reading and Instruction Coach/ Specialist, shared that skills-based group instruction has immediate benefits as well as long-term effects.
“For students who are approaching reintegration, grouped learning better prepares students for this transition. Each year, we will know the academic level of each student and are able to provide immediate intervention where it is needed.” -Rachel Blackburn
A CHAMPION FOR EVERY CHILD
GET TO KNOW A CLASSROOM TEAM
Mia, Emily & Frayda Meet Frayda, Mia and Emily, a Knapp School elementary classroom team. These three have been in partnership since the fall of 2019. What is their secret to success? Keeping things consistent and predictable. They maintain calm by taking deep breaths and regularly preparing students for any change that may be coming. Mia, Teachers Assistant What is your background/training in? I have a Master’s in teaching with specialization in museum education and a Bachelor’s in history. I’ve been in education for over 20 years. I started doing museum education (exhibit and program development), taught for Chicago Public Schools, worked at the Chicago Children’s Museum and am currently doing research and evaluation. What is your favorite thing about working here? I find the work itself very interesting; I enjoy collaborating and interacting with the other professionals in the school. Who inspires you? My mom — she’s a very strong person although she wouldn’t take credit for that. She is the bravest person I’ve ever met.
Little known fact about yourself? When I get stressed, I make things out of found objects and I hang them on my wall.
What do you do for self-care? I work out a lot to destress and stay healthy. I enjoy spending time with friends.
What do you do for self-care? I go for runs.
Frayda, Special Education Teacher What is your background/training in? I have a Master’s in special education. I worked in general education, focusing on executive functioning skills, and ran small learning groups with students in special education. I was an assistant director for a camp and now I’m the program director for an overnight camp.
Emily, Student One-to-One What is your background/training in? I have a Bachelor’s in social work with a Minor in Spanish. I worked in childwelfare during my internship. I’ve been a camp counselor for many years and have worked in the school setting doing various jobs. What is your favorite thing about working here? The staff support — there is a true team feeling here, especially since there are multiple disciplines working within the school. Who inspires you? My mom — she’s a school social worker and that’s what I strive to be.
What is your favorite thing about working here? Connecting with the kids and seeing their progress. Who inspires you? My mom — she’s in special education like me and she’s someone who has her priorities straight. Where do you want to travel one day? Italy
Where do you want to travel one day? Fiji
Little known fact about yourself? I’m a fraternal twin.
Little known fact about yourself? I’m an identical twin.
What do you do for self-care? I work out, run, decompress with friends and I like to go for drives.
Where do you want to travel one day? Anywhere and everywhere.
DID YOU KNOW?
Knapp School and Yeshiva has been in operation since 1963. The school relocated to its current building at the Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center on the Esther Knapp Campus in 2003.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
At Knapp School, speech-language and occupational therapy are available for students when indicated on an IEP. Did you know that JCFS Chicago offers additional services for your child? If you or someone you know is looking for extra resources outside of school, JCFS Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT) can help. We provide individualized speech-language, occupational and developmental therapy for infants, children and teens with developmental delays and social, emotional and cognitive issues. For more information or to schedule a tour of the IPT therapeutic gym and other treatment areas in West Rogers Park or Northbrook, call 847.412.4379 or email IPI@JCFS.org
TALENT SHOW
At our 2019 winter talent show “Snow Me What You Got,” students and staff showed off skills of all kinds!
Janiyah dancing to “Baby Shark” Mr. Stephen, Mr. Steve and Mr. Antoine showing off their dance moves
Ms. Amandra and Ms. Brenda singing “This Christmas”
Shemir dancing to “War”
Welcome! I cannot believe we are moving into second semester of the 20192020 academic year! What a great first semester we had in which we welcomed new staff and students while also enjoyed the experience and wisdom from our veterans. At the end of first semester we had several students complete their high school credits and transition beyond the Knapp School. We currently have 20 students who’ve returned to their home schools in both elementary and high school! One of the aspects we strongly value at our school is our frequent communication with parents and guardians. Many parents have said they enjoy hearing regular updates on their child’s progress and are happy to collaborate with us to problem-solve towards finding solutions for ongoing concerns. Another way for parents to
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Students at Knapp School and Yeshiva experience skill building in many ways! One area of focus, especially for our middle and upper school students, is employment. We believe planning and early preparation for successful entry into the job market is crucial. Students are eligible to receive employment support through a school and community job program. Carrie Patterson, Work Development and Employment Specialist, is in charge of job programming and oversees students as they develop their skills. Additionally, students benefit from direct support through a partnership with another part of JCFS Chicago – JVS Career & Employment. Students can get help with
get more involved is by attending our monthly parent support group. Parents get together to share difficulties and successes, inform each other about resources they have found in the community and discuss the monthly topic introduced by the group’s leaders (myself and clinician, Julie Noparstak) all while enjoying bagels and treats. Over the years, parents have shared how this group has helped them feel connected to other parents who “get” what they have gone through with their own children. We would love to see more parents take advantage of this group. Join us on the third Thursday of each month at 8:45 am on the 2nd floor of the Knapp School. We can’t wait to see what the rest of 2020 brings for our students! Lisa Haber, Clinical Department Supervisor
resumé building, skill assessments, mock interviews, and direct support through the interview stages. Steven, a current Knapp student, was hired at a local Target for seasonal work starting two weeks prior to Thanksgiving. After the holiday season, he was one of two people out of the 25 seasonal hires that the company kept as permanent employees. “It’s not an easy job, and one that many clients shy away from,” shared Leora Mincer, an Employment Specialist for JVS. Leora began her work with Steven in the summer of 2019 and is proud of how far he’s come. She shared how the partnership between the school and JVS allows for optimal collaboration, leading to client success. “After Steven began at Knapp School, I saw a shift in his motivation. The structure and consistency of the school partnered with our supports seemed to provide Steven
WELCOME MESSAGE the tools he needed to gain confidence. After our work together, we felt he was really ready… and it turned out he was!” Leora continues to support Steven from a distance, staying in touch with him and his teacher when needed. Steven shared that he noticed a change in himself after attending Knapp School. “The way you get help here is different. The flow of the school and the friends here are different. People are here to help me learn strategies to work on things.” When asked what he enjoyed most about his job he shared, “I like making money and I like my coworkers.” Steven’s team continues to be proud of the work he does. For any questions regarding our employment supports, please reach out to Carrie Patterson at CarriePatterson@JCFS.org or 773.467.3734.
“Together, Knapp School and JVS have helped my son reach the next level. Steven refuses to miss a day of school unless very sick. JVS continues their work with him while at school. He is responsible, proud, and motivated with work and school. This is a direct result of the work both [programs] have done with him.” -Steven’s mom
FAQ
Do you provide summer programming? Yes! Our extended school year (ESY) is available to all students whose individualized education plan (IEP) indicates a need. ESY is a five-week program that maintains the same structure and consistency as the regular school year with some added enrichments, including lots of outside time when possible!
OUR THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Knapp School and Yeshiva consists of multiple teams and support systems. Like many schools, ours is comprised of teachers, teaching assistants and ancillary staff. However, one element in our school not so commonly found in others is our Support Team. Stationed strategically throughout our school, Team members provide intensive, often one-to-one support to students daily. When students are having challenges and need time outside of the classroom, Team members are ready and waiting to assist. All school and support staff are trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and more recently, Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS). “CPS and TCI are both central to our work at Knapp,” shared Liz Mullen, Director of Student Supports. “While some of the vocabulary is different, both models rely on the same fundamental concepts of assessing behavior. They provide a framework for intentionally involving our students in discussions on how to develop safer and improved ways to deal with situations.” The CPS model is based on the premise that challenging behavior occurs when expectations placed on a child exceed their ability to respond appropriately. Some children are lacking fundamental skills to respond to the most basic expectations and this model focuses less on the disruptive behavior and more on improving the lagging skills in the child. A big part of this model includes problem solving collaboratively, where both the child and the adults express their concerns in a safe and neutral way. These discussions not only foster a partnership between adults and children by actively engaging the student in the process, they also help the child strengthen the lagging skills.
“When students feel that you care and that you’re willing to listen, they’re less likely to react defensively and more willing to hear your concerns. Sometimes, students just need space to get out whatever it is they’re feeling without adults placing judgement on that. When they get that time, they return to their baseline much quicker.” Elementary school student Claudius and Support Team member Melvin during a chat
-Melvin Knight
Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center 3145 W. Pratt Blvd. Chicago, IL 60645 773.467.3900 JCFSschool.org
STUDENT ART GALLERY Chia Pets made in Ms. LeJean’s art class
EVENTS
JCFSschool.org for information related to Knapp School and Yeshiva events March 13 - No classes
April 22 - Conference night
March 24 - High school pizza lunch
April 24 - Report cards mailed
April 6-10 - Spring break, no classes
April 28 - Elementary school pizza lunch
April 15-16 - Passover, no classes
Mission: We believe students can reach their full potential when given the opportunity to journey towards a path of self-discovery. Driven by nurturing relationships and strengths-based supports, the Knapp School provides a holistic educational experience to K-12+ learners with diverse social/emotional and academic needs. Knapp School & Yeshiva is part of the JCFS family of services. JCFS Chicago is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. We embrace diversity. Our commitment to inclusivity is woven throughout our services, programs and welcoming workplace.