IDEA House News 2014
Issue: #14
March 2014
                     Our very own, Angi Shumate, wins
                                Temple Grandin Award


 

Change is normally NOT a good thing when it comes to kids on the Autism Spectrum, but in THIS case, it's ALL good!! When IDEA House resumes after Spring Break, we will be adding another student and it looks like we might be adding two. When Mrs. Shumate started IDEA House, she had no IDEA that it would be this successful, this quickly. ONE TEACHER! ONE DREAM! ONE SCHOOL! MANY LIVES CHANGED! 

 

All she knew was that the model program for kids on the Autism Spectrum was in her head and she wanted to make it a reality. 

 

We have grown out of the space that was originally provided the school. We have, now, taken on the downstairs of the house and we will be conducting classes in the downstairs level, when we return from our spring break.

 

Because of our growth and the measurement of each child's progress, there will be slight changes in student's schedules when they return. They will still have all of their subjects. That will not change in any way. The structure and schedules of a few classes will change, but their studies will remain exactly the same. 

 

We need to thank Malone University for their generous donation to our school. They found out we needed furniture and they donated desks, tables, chalkboards, whiteboards, filing cabinets, and accessories. We honestly could not have put the downstairs of our school together without them. 

 

As you have noticed, IDEA House has been in the news lately, Angi Shumate was nominated by Assistant Director Ann Kagarise for the Temple Grandin Award...AND...Angi won!!! Here is the link to the award winners.   Because of this award, Steve Harvey asked for Angi to fly out to Chicago to be on their show THIS Tuesday, March 25. Angi will be discussing Autism and IDEA House. And as a little extra...look for Ann in the audience. She is traveling as well. 

 

IDEA House was also in Autism Speaks since our last newsletter. Angi wrote about Ann, her assistant, being on the spectrum and teaching kids on the spectrum. Autism Speaks liked what the pair wrote so much, they included it in their newsletter and their blog. Here is the link to the article. Ann wrote a poem about being on the spectrum. 

 

With Autism Awareness coming up, this is a great momentum for IDEA House and Autism! Let's keep it going. We have many events coming up. Hopefully, we will have a great attendance. 

 

 

______________________________________________________

 

What is happening in the Classroom? 

 

Geography 

Mrs. Sanderson's high school geography class, students finished studying the "unknown southern lands" (Austrailia, Antartica, and the South Pacific Islands. Soon, they will be studying North America. 


Social Studies 

Mrs. Kagarise's younger social studies group is working on the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Founding of our Country. 

 

Mrs. Kagarise's upper level social studies class, just finished up Columbus and his voyages. They are currently working on Spanish and English Explorers. Each student has chosen an explorer to further research, write about and present. 

 

Mr. Mahaney's social studies class is  currently learning about the American Revolution. They are learning about the major battles and the important people within the war. The students are making a scrapbook of the war from history pockets. They are also watching Liberty Kids to help learn about the war.

 

Math 

Mrs. Sanderson's eighth grade student just finished learning about  insurance. They are now working on Geometry. Our two high school students are working on pre-algebra. They are learning integers and will soon be working on decimals. 

 

In Miss Williams' math class, students have learned how to understand percents, fractions, and decimals. They learned how to convert fractions into a percent, how to convert percents into decimals, and how to convert decimals into percents. They also learned how to calculate simple interest. The students just completed their Unit Test.  

 

Mrs. Shumate's older math class has completed adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. They will begin multiplying fractions in the next unit. 

 

Mrs. Shumate's younger math class has completed addition and subtraction with regrouping. They are moving on to geometry, measurement and basic multiplication.

 

Reading 

Mrs. Shumate's reading groups  are finishing the book,Wonder They are conducting daily writing prompts. Some kids have become such skilled writers that we are looking for some essay contests for them to enter.

 

The younger readers are also finishing the book, Wonder and will move on to intensive Grammar lessons to improve daily writing.

In Miss Williams' reading class, they are making great progress. The students are learning the twelve months of the year. They are also learning compound words, synonyms, antonyms, and nouns. They are playing games to enhance their learning as well. 

 

Science 

Upper level science is split in two groups. Eighth grade level is studying Science vs. Evolution. Next: Newton's Law of Motion and Forces in Nature

 

High School Science just started on a new subject in health: Beginning Stages of Life and they are learning about Nutrition.  

 

Miss Williams' science class completed the Life Science chapter and the review. They had their first test over chapters 1-3 with it being a great success! The students were able to do an experiment and made flubber. Their hard work was rewarded with a fun experiment. After Spring Break, they will be starting the Earth and Space Science unit. 

 

Mr. Mahaney's science class is starting a long unit on animals. They will learn the five types of animals. During the insect unit, they will have an ant farm that they will keep in the classroom. They will also be doing the life cycles of animals. They will hatch a caterpillar and watch it transform into a butterfly. They may grow chicks, starting from their eggs

 

REMINDER: Students are always allowed to correct work for higher grade. 

 

Specials:  

 

Physical Education 

In Physical Education,  the kids will start hand ball when the weather cooperates. They will also be playing lacrosse, baseball, and undergo a fitness test.

 

Music 

In Music, we are planning for our Spring concert. They kids have been having a lot of fun with some of the songs that are a huge surprise for the parents. Concert is officially June 7 at Puffinberger Hall (Northwest High School Auditorium)  at 1:00. Students should arrive at 12:30. 

 

Art 

In art, the kids made flowers for Mrs. Shumate and they made the paper chains with a pot of gold at the end for St. Patrick's Day. They also made a fun leprechaun. 

 

Social Skills 

Social Skills is on hold to work on Spring Concert. 

 

We are still having our family-style meals two times a month. Check out the meal calendar on our website. 

 

Tutoring is available after school, each day, at 3:00 and 4:00. Please call the school at 330-526-8148 or write shuamte.ideahouse@gmail.com, if interested.

 

Our  Friday game nights are up and running. If you would like your  child to come, eat pizza, and have fun, contact us at kagarise.ideahouse@gmail.com or call 330-526-8148.

 

Staff for IDEA House is as follows: 

Owner/Principal:/Director Angi Shumate

Assistant Director: Ann Kagarise

English, Math, and Science teaching assistant and tutor: Justina Williams

Science, social studies, and reading teaching assistant: Physical Education Science, tutor, and Physical Education:  Gabe Mahaney

Teacher's Aide and upper level teaching assistant: Richelle Sanderson

Teacher's Aide: Stacia Kagarise

And of course Service Dog: Brady

Click here to learn more about the staff. 

 

Volunteers:

Jim Thornton: Game Night

Mrs.Theresa  Pflaum: Reads every Monday 
to our students

Nancy Hinkle: A licensed Occupational Therapist who comes in and helps with the kids two times a month. 

 

News
   
 
IDEA House DATES to remember:
 
April 1 
Charit@bowl Event
This will be from 5:00-800 p.m. at the Barrel Room in North Canton (7901 Cleveland Ave. N.W). in Uniontown. Fifteen "Soup-ers" will be cooking. "Peoples Choice Award" given to best soup. To get a "passport card" to try the soups, you have to give a donation of at least $5. Ten percent of sales from the night (wine, beer, pop, iced tea, coffee, and snacks) will be going to IDEA House Educational Services. ALL PROCEEDS (100%) will go to IDEA House. 

APRIL 12

IDEA House parent, Jennie Carr, is having an Autism Awareness Crop. The event will be held on April 12, and run from 10:00am-10:00pm. Jennie wanted to to raise money for IDEA House during Autism Awareness month. Anyone who enjoys crafting is invited to attend. Scrapbookers, card makers, knitters, pinners, and anyone who would like to create and hang out with friends, is welcome to come. There will be raffle baskets given away throughout the day. Tickets are $1 or six for $5. You can receive free raffle tickets by bringing a snack to share. Donations will also be accepted for craft supplies. The cost for the event is $20. ALL money goes to IDEA House!! Thank you Jennie!! If you would like more information please contact her at jenniecarr25@gmail.com. She is asking to please RSVP to reserve a spot.

 

APRIL 24

BINGO for a CURE is April 24, if anyone is interested. IDEA House will be attending to support Camp Quality. Survivors will be there. Bingo, baskets, raffle items, lots of food and fun. Doors open at 6:00. Event starts at 7:00p.m. at The Galaxy Restaurant in Wadsworth.  Contact is Jennie Thewlis at jtbasket7@hotmail.com. 

 

June 7
Spring Concert:
As of right now, the concert is scheduled for 1:00 at Puffinberger Hall (Northwest High School Auditorium) in Canal Fulton. Students should arrive at 12:30 p.m. This might change. If the date or times change, we will let you know immediately. 
 

 

SUMMER CAMP

Our Summer Camp Schedule is on our website. Our themes are posted and we are ready to rock! Hope to see you there!! IDEA House students are required to attend the weeks of camp and they are paid for by the Autism Scholarship. We will attach more information for those who do not attend IDEA House school.

 


Staff and Student spotlight
Ango  
     Director's Corner

I would like to speak of transitions.  "Transition" has many synonyms: transformation, advancement, progression, conversion, evolution, and shift, just to name a few...Yet, in the world of Autism (in which we all live), transition translates to the dreaded "C" word... CHANGE. If you love an individual with ASD, you have become conditioned to cringe when you hear the word 'change'. However, growth cannot occur without transitions.  The key to making changes manageable is in the planning. So as I detail the transitions occurring at IDEA House, please remember that careful consideration and preparation have gone into these decisions, with your child's well being always our top priority!

   As you know, we have made some improvements in our system of communication.  Mrs. Carrie Sabina is now answering the telephone, scheduling meetings, and receiving the absence call-ins (among the other 300 things I have given her to do). This system is an upgrade from the past.  Her assistance in keeping my schedule, tracking tutoring sessions, upcoming IEP dates, and monitoring student files for any missing information has been invaluable to IDEA House! Her support allows me to concentrate on my true love... teaching your children, without getting bogged down in the administrative end of things. Carrie and I are in constant contact, so your questions and concerns are relayed to me immediately. Please continue to use the house phone number of 330-526-8148 for daily communication and thank you for adapting to this "change".

   You will also notice some additions to our 2014/2015 calendar. We have included an Open House night for parents and a day to schedule conferences. Parent input is a vital component of our program. We are listening!

    In response to student progression, we are further individualizing our instructional groups. New student schedules will be sent home for you to review. We will also be adding some subject areas for our students at the middle school and high school levels for the summer session and next school year.

    Of course one of the greatest changes is our transition to the downstairs level of the house.  Having access to this additional space allows us to refine our program, yet allow for growth in a manner that does not deter from the excellence of the IDEA House program.  Students will be given a tour and a chance to practice their new schedules prior to making the official "move".

    As you can see, change is not always a bad thing!  IDEA House is growing and adapting in response to the needs of our students and their families.  We are very proud of the accomplishments we have seen this past year. IDEA House has become a sort of magical place for our students, families, and staff. We are honored to play a role in the lives of your children and thank you for sharing them with us!


Thank you!
 
Angi Shumate
Owner and Director of IDEA House Educational Services

_________________________________________________
 

                        Student Spotlight 
                         Eli Lockerd 
 
      
Favorite subject at school: reading 
 
Favorite thing to do at IDEA House: talking and playing with my friends 
 
Favorite Animal: cat
 
Favorite Color: blue 
 
Favorite book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 
 
Favorite movie: The Lego Movie 
 
What would you like people to know about you: That I'm just a nice guy. 
 
If you could have any super power what would it be? To have fast speed like Sonic the Hedgehog. 
 
If you were granted one wish, what would it be? For everyone to be happy.

If you were President of the United States what law would you make for everyone to live by? Everyone must be nice to each other.

If you were a millionaire how would you spend your money? Go to Walt Disney World!

What do you want to do for a job when you grow up? Drive a train around the world.

What do you want people to know about Autism? Just because people with Autism are different, doesn't mean they're not people.

What do you like about IDEA House? EVERYTHING!


 
_______________________________________________
 
                                    
Staff Spotlight: Carrie Touchette (Sabina)--Office Manager
 
 
Educational Background:  
I graduated from Kent State with a BA in English Literature and a BSE (Bachelor of Science in Education)

What brought you to IDEA House:  
Angi needed my help. She asked me. I couldn't turn her down. 
 
What do you like about working at IDEA House?  The people I get to work with every day are amazing, and the students are some of the most genuine people I've ever known.  They are warming up to me, and will come to me to tell me good morning to to tell me a joke, and it makes my day!  The schedule here also allows me to have more time with my own children.  I am able to do some of my work from home in the evenings, and I love that.

Talk about what you have learned about kids with Autism. What strengths and positives have you learned about kids on the Spectrum.  I knew next-to-nothing about Autism when I started working at IDEA House.  I'm slowly educating myself, but I have a long way to go.  In the few weeks that I have been here, I'm learning that kids on the Spectrum are accepting of all people.  There is literally no bullying, no cliques, and no one being left out here at IDEA House.  All of the students seem to genuinely care about each other.  They are so empathetic to what each other is feeling, and they are some of the most honest people I've ever known.  

Favorite moment at IDEA House so far.  Angi and Ann were in their office with a counselor and a teacher from a school district and a parent for an IEP meeting.  The rest of the staff and I were playing board games with the students at recess.  Someone finished playing with a game but didn't clean it up.  I went over to the game, and I asked for someone to please help me clean up the game.  No one volunteered at first.  So, I asked, "Who played with this game?  Can you please come over and help me?"  One of the students came over and said to me, "Mrs. Sabina, I didn't play this game, but I'll help you put it away."  It was just a very sweet and touching moment for me.  

Favorite book: This is a hard question for me, as I LOVE to read.  The book that is popping to mind right now is Paradise by Toni Morrison, but To Kill a Mockingbird is up there, too.  

Favorite movie:  The Usual Suspects

Favorite tv show:  I don't watch much TV, but my fianc� and I love to watch The Blacklist on Monday nights.  It's our "date night."

Favorite color:   Purple

If you had a superpower what would it be and why?  Teleporting.   I love to travel, but with six children in the house, there isn't much leftover money for far-away adventures. My first stop would be to the Eastern Mediterranean.  I'd love to see the crystal clear blue water there.  I'd also love to go on a photo safari in South Africa!

If you can go to any time period in your life, what would it be?   Back to college.  I didn't live on campus, and if I could go back and change that, I would. 

If you had any wish in the world, what would it be? That my children grow up to be happy, hard-working, and generous people.  


               IDEA House is located at 10686 Cleveland Ave. N.W.
                                   Uniontown, Ohio 44685
                              Phone number is 330-526-8148
                     Email: shumate.ideahouse@gmail.com
In This Issue
Student News
Director's Corner/Staff/student spotlight
Quick Link:
The way I see it" by someone on the spectrum. 

Great online Autism magazine. 

Autism quote: