Except for short times here and there, we are HERE for you this summer. While we all like to “take the summer off” there is only one sector in society that really does that – school. In life we usually take shorter times off. For individuals of all ages who have learning challenges, “taking the summer off” can be devastating. Have you ever noticed that the first six weeks of school is just review? If you take shorter times off, not as much time is needed for review. Summer is an excellent time to have evaluations and get started on an Individualized Neurodevelopmental Plan. We have a 3-day a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Brain Training Session beginning on July 14 and lasting through August 21. This 6-week program is ideal to jumpstart learning. If you cannot do all 6 weeks, you can pay by the week. Contact us to find out how to get started – maggie@centerforneurodevelopment.com (253) 581-1588
ADD: A Neurodevelopmental Approach
Kay Ness, ICAN Certified Neurodevelopmentalist
Attention Deficit Disorder is a common diagnosis of school age children. With the prevalence of this diagnosis, approximately 5 to 10% of the school-aged children according to the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, it is important that parents understand exactly what this label is, what it means, how it is determined and alternatives that are available for their children.
ADD is defined as "a persistent and frequent pattern of developmentally inappropriate inattention and impulsively, with or without hyperactivity." The DSM-IV criteria for ADD include nine signs of inattention, six signs of hyperactivity, and three signs of impulsivity. All signs do not have to be present for a child to receive the diagnosis of this permanent mental disability. It is important to note the subjectivity of this diagnosis: there are no objective medical tests, no brain scans, no blood tests, no scientifically objective criteria to establish that anyone has this permanent psychological disorder. The Merck Manual states, "diagnosis is difficult. No particular organic signs or set of neurological indicators is specific, and no specific test has been validated." Diagnosis is based on observation by parents, psychological professionals and teachers who complete a checklist. Based on a checklist, an individual is labeled with a mental disorder. So, the parent is confronted by a situation where their child has been saddled with a label based on symptoms.
There is Life after “Learning Disabilities” Part 2
Many parents wonder how their child with learning struggles will do in the future – there can be a bright future. Last month you read the story of a mom and now you can read her son’s college essay. (If you missed that issue, link to it from our home page: www.centerforneurodevelopment.com) Today J is in a college and doing well.
How have hardships or challenges you have faced in your life influenced your decision to apply to a military Academy? What have you learned from these experiences?
For the past 15 years, I have started my day looking at the words “Beat Navy”. A black and gold sweat towel hangs on my bedroom wall with these words. My Father gave this towel to me when I was a little boy. “Beat Navy” is a phrase I heard over and over again from my family – my Dad, my uncle and my brother – all West Point grads. It was spoken with such meaning and passion. It was almost as if they were in love with the phrase. Why is “Beat Navy” such a significant phrase? I believe I have learned the answer, which is portrayed in the following story.
“Mrs. B., J. is a very nice boy, however, he has many problems. He doesn’t focus during class time, he struggles with his peers, and he is loud and distracting. We just don’t ever see J. amounting to much in life or going very far.” My first grade teacher to my mother said this during a parent-teacher conference. This was how my teachers and classmates saw me from kindergarten through the second grade. I was labeled a problem child with learning disabilities and was written-off by most everyone except my family.
I did have a variety of issues such as dyslexia, hypersensitive hearing and memory problems. Though everyone wanted to know “why”, the real matter was “now what?” Odds seemed to be against me. However, my loving parents took me out of grade school after the 2nd grade to be home-schooled because they knew we could beat these problems. My wonderful mother knew of my potential and was determined to fix her son and prove all of the non-believers wrong. Though it took years, guidance from expensive experts, and lots of patience and love, we succeeded.
I returned to a regular school environment for the 6th grade. As a high school student, I used this experience of being labeled a failure to fuel my attitude and desire to be best - in academics, athletics and school leadership. Now, I’m a straight A student, member of the National Honor Society, captain of high school sport teams and student government officer. I beat the odds, I “Beat Navy”.
Today, I understand that these words have such powerful meaning. These words are part of and reflect upon the passion, spirit, and service of the cadets preparing to serve their country at West Point. I credit my difficult school years for making me a perseverant and dedicated young man, ready to do my best all the time. I am ready to join the elite group of men and women who attend the United Sates Military Academy. I know West Point will be the perfect place for me to demonstrate my development and potential as a leader and servant soldier.
Position Available: Brain Training Coordinator
We are praying for God to send us a person or persons who will train to work with our clients and their parents on implementing Individualized Neurodevelopmental Plans. Contact us for more details.
What is Happening at the Center for Neuro Development?
The Center for Neuro Development presents a FREE Introductory Lecture at the Center the 2nd Monday of every month. The next one will be July 13, 2009! We begin at 6:00 p.m. Call for questions, get directions or just to let us know you will be joining us! Also, we are available to speak at your function. Call for information.
We are gearing up for a special summer session: July 14-August 20 We will be meeting 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) during this session allowing families to take long weekend trips and still providing some consistency during the summer. If you know someone who faces learning challenges contact us. Those interested in this session please notify us as soon as possible as we need to schedule an assessment / evaluation. Those interested in the school year session beginning the 2nd week of September, be sure to get in touch with us so that the necessary assessment / evaluation will be done by the beginning of September.
Brain Development and Learning
4 hour workshop
in August – in Center, Lakewood and in Redmond
See below for details.
Fall Classes – See Below
For Academy Northwest and/or Independent Homeschool Classes
If you would like to offer classes in our center, please contact us for information, schedule a time to come by to visit our center so we can get to know you and submit class descriptions.
Brain Development and Learning
Learn how to apply what we know about brain development
to learning reading, math and other subjects.
Where and When? 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Two Opportunities:
Saturday, August 22 in Lakewood
CENTER FOR NEURO DEVELOPMENT
8907 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington 98499
For directions: maggie@centerfordevelopment.com
(253) 581-1588
OR
Saturday, August 21 in Redmond
Randy and Joyce Eichenberger’s home in Redmond
For directions: eichenbe@verizon.net
(425) 881-9691
Browse excellent resources for more study!
How Much? $20.00 per family
(includes handouts)
Space is limited.
Send to: 8907 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington 98499
(Or call with credit card information – (253) 581-1588)
Workshop Presenter? Maggie Dail, MA; ICAN Certified Neurodevelopmentalists Maggie has been teaching for 30 years in private schools and homeschooling groups. She and her husband, Ronnie operate Center for Neuro Development (formerly Master Enterprises Learning Center). She has an M.A. in Special Education. For more information call: (253) 581-1588 or e-mail: maggie@specialhelps.com. www.centerforneurodevelopment.com and www.specialhelps.com
Academy Northwest Classes
2009-2010
Maggie Dail
All Year Mostly Online
Economics and Composition
Up to 1.0 credit each
Weekly (with some breaks)
In Center Classes – 1:00-3:00 pm
1st Semester
Life Practicum
.5 credit
2nd Semester
Integrated Science Lab
Up to 1.0 Credit
Brain Training – (Independent or with ANW)
Math, Reading & More
Up to 5 days a week
(10:00 – 12:00 or 3:30-5:30)
ANW TUITION
One Credit Option Per Semester $100.00
Full Load Option Per Year
Registration - $90.00 (by 6/20)
$125.00 (after 6/20)
Tuition - $480.00
Homeschool Helps Tuition- Monthly
Brain Training
– 4 days a week
– $275 per month
OR
– 5 days a week
– $325 per month
Online or In Center
$75 month – each class
Home School Classes
Offered by Independent Teachers
Music - Mrs. Aimee Wilkins
2nd – 4th Grade
Tuesdays, 1:00 PM, 55 minutes
September 22, 2009 – November 10, 2009
Class Fee $65
Class minimum: 10
This class is designed to teach basic music theory, beginning vocal technique, and performance. The final class will be a dress rehearsal for a culminating performance celebrating Veteran’s Day that evening. Younger siblings not eligible for class, but who have memorized the songs will be invited to participate in the final rehearsal and performance. Class fee includes a practice CD.
Art - Mrs. Aimee Wilkins
2nd-4th Grade
Tuesdays, 2:15 PM, 74 minutes
September 8, 2009 – November 10, 2009
Class Fee $85
Class minimum: 10
“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
Pablo Picasso
This hands-on course will introduce students to different mediums and modes of artistic expression. Ranging from one-dimensional portraits to three-dimensional sculptures, the students will enjoy learning while creating. Students will be required to bring basic supplies to each session, and will leave each week with at least one project they have created.
Check back for more to be offered. If you would like to offer classes in our Center, contact us for more information, make an appointment so we can get to know you and submit your class offerings
--
Maggie Dail, MA
ICAN Certified Neurodevelopmentalist
www.centerforneurodevelopment.com
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