IDEA House News 2014-15 School Year
Issue: #18
Winter 2015
                           IDEA House of ROCK


 

 

IDEA House has been very active since the last newsletter. We have had so many great events and more growth. When we started IDEA House, our first goal was to reach eight kids. We are almost at 20 and we have several kids looking at our school. We are so blessed and thankful for the amount of response from the community and from our parents. As we sit across from parents and see hopelessness turn to hope, we RECEIVE so much more than we could ever give. 

 

We, at IDEA House have the philosophy of educating the WHOLE child and because of that, kids are able to take what they learn and transfer it to a home setting. There is a reason and a purpose behind the design to our program. From chores to family style meals, our kids GROW in ways that prepare them for life.

 

We want to congratulate Assistant Director Ann Kagarise for her example to our kids. Autism has not stopped her from succeeding. She was just named Top 10 Talented Individuals with Autism who inspired in 2014. 

 

We are a family at IDEA House. We are much more than a school. We lead with our hearts and we connect there. We find a way to reach kids that were unreachable in a  public school setting. We take behaviors that are frowned upon and gradually transform. 

 

We are grateful to all who support IDEA House and look forward to another year of growth. We want to thank the Moonlight Serenaders for their generous time. Taking their talents and raising money for IDEA House was such a joy during the Christmas season.Here are some great pictures from this event. They even have a 92-year-old lady who is in several bands and plays the trumpet. Our very own Mr. Boling is their guitarist. 

 

We also want to thank Mr. Boling and Mr. and Mrs. Carr for introducing our kids to a different level of music.Kids played electric guitars, keyboards, drums, and many other instruments as IDEA House School turned into IDEA House of ROCK. This was such a HIT that we will be doing this again, soon. Here are some great pics from that evening. 

 

We want to thank all those who donated for our Giving Tree. We donated to two families and we are so thankful they had a better Christmas with your help. 

 

We celebrated two Christmas parties at IDEA House. Our family Christmas party reminds us just how big IDEA House has grown. We were at max capacity as the kids surrounded Santa. They all received presents and they made snow. The parents and staff had a great time, too. Here are some pictures. 

 

IDEA House school had their Christmas party, as well. There were lots of crafts and a large movie theater was installed for their Christmas movie watching enjoyment. Here are some pictures from this event. Oh and the best party, they were able to wear their pajamas. 

 

We had a great Thanksgiving with all the fixings. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, and many deserts were enjoyed by the kids. Pictures tell the story as kids ate and shared what they were thankful for. 

 

If anyone missed our Veteran's Day pictures, we had a day of honoring those who have served. We had three guests stop by who were traveling from Cleveland to Canton, by foot. They were carrying the POW flag and United States Flag, Their message: Those who come back from war, are not taken care of. Many commit suicide and are not given the health care they deserve. It was an honor for them to stop and share with our students. We also had Don McVehil, Zach Gillespie and Justine's father, Paul Hardy share their stories. The kids looked at their medals from war. They were able to see uniforms from different branches and participated in a moment of silence. The students placed flags in front of IDEA House with names of family and friends who have served. These pictures tell the story 

 

Since our last newsletter, we have a couple new students. Fletcher Stewart and Sawyer Carr. Fletcher is a high school student. We are featuring him this month in the student spotlight. Sawyer is in kindergarten. We are so glad to have both of them with us.

 

We have a new staff member. He is known as Mr. Jim to our game night students. He has taken a regular position at IDEA House. He is now Mr. Thornton and helping with our high school students. Our staff has grown to 10!!

 

We are all anticipating our Valentine's Dance. It will be February 7 at Schrop Elementary School on Pickle Road in Springfield. A photographer will be on site and the dance will be catered. Details are posted on website and will be sent home.

 

IDEA House has been chosen for a Golf fundraiser. On Saturday, April 25, the  First Annual Golf Outing for Autism will be held. Tee time will be at 12:00 p.m. for a shotgun scramble show up at least an hour prior to get team signed up and partake in any events prior. Food and beverages will be provided before and after the event. There will be a Raffle, Chinese style auction, and free gifts for all players. IDEA House is the beneficiary. It is $65 a person and $260 for a four player team. Event location is Lyons Den Golf Course, Canal Fulton For more information Joe@jbking610sbcglobal.net. Phone is 330-204-2572. 

 

Thank you to everyone who is part of the IDEA House family

 

 

 

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What is happening in the Classroom? 

 

Social Studies 

Mrs. Kagarises' social studies classes are learning about WWII. We are currently studying the causes of WWII. The Treaty of Versailles, Hitler's actions, The Failure of Appeasement and the Failure of the League of Nations. We will be studying Hitler in detail. We will be going inside a concentration camp. Some of our students are reading the book, I am David. They have been doing a large packet of questions and will be sharing their insights on the boy who escaped from a concentration camp. Number the Stars is another book chosen for discussion, in class. The younger kids are each reading an at-level book to the class on a child during the Holocaust. Some were from the German concentration camps and some from Japan. One student will read his experience as a Japanese-American living in an Internment Camp, in the United States, during WWII. We have many fun projects ahead as well as the students learn what it was like for Anne Frank as she lived in hiding. They will learn their own coded languages and learn some military lingo. They will also keep their own diaries as if they were living in a concentration camp, for one week. We will be taking a closer look at United States involvement in the war. Pearl Harbor, Normandy, and Atomic bomb will be discussed. 

 

Miss Williams' younger social studies class have mastered the 13 Colonies and are now moving on to the first settlements and the Native Americans. The students will be learning about Jamestown. This was one of the very first settlements and they will be creating a "Map of Jamestown." Moving from Jamestown, to learning about the Native Americans, the students will be learning about how the lives of the Native Americans changed when the settlers came into their territories. We will be discussing what a Peace Treaty is and the reasons that there would be a need for one. The students will be learning about the Mayflower and the travels that were made. We will be watching "This is America, Charlie Brown" in relation to this unit. Finally, the students will be learning about the homes and villages that existed during this time. They will also be learning about the roles of the men and women. 

 

 

Math 

 

Mrs. Shumate's younger math group has covered a huge amount of material this first semester! They have learned to add and subtract with regrouping and are currently working on multiplication. Problem-solving is an area of need for all students. Memorization of facts in only the first step in being able to use math effectively. Students need to be able to analyze a situation (or word problem) and select the appropriate operation(s) to solve a problem.  Some practice activities may be found here: http://www.mathplayground.com/wordproblems.html


 

Mrs. Shumate's older math group:  has been working hard to master some fairly complex mathematical processes! They have learned to add, subtract, and multiply fractions. They have mastered converting improper fractions to mixed numbers (and vice versa) and will soon begin apply these skills to division. The next unit of study will teach various problem solving skills with decimals. It is imperative that all students are fluent in math facts for all four operations. You can fun practice activities here: http://fun4thebrain.com/

 

Mr. Boling's algebra class is wrapping up their factors and fractions unit with writing members in scientific notation. We will be ready for a test soon. Our next chapter is about rational numbers. 

 

 

Reading 

Mrs. Shumate's younger level reading is working through a double curriculum: a systematic phonics program and a reading comprehension improvement plan. To date, we have covered all initial and final consonant sounds, initial and final blends, short vowel sounds, and digraphs. To read a bit more about the relationship between phonics instruction and comprehension, click here: http://www.phonicsguide.com/questions.html . In the area of comprehension, students are working on the skill of looking back in a text to locate information. Students need to be able to answer the following basic questions about a passage: Who, What, Where, and When. These are considered literal comprehension questions. To be able to answer "Why" questions, is a significantly more difficult task and is considered an inferential comprehension skill. You can help your student improve his comprehension skills by reading with him at home, and having him answer these "Wh" questions for you.

 

Mrs. Shumate's upper level Language Arts class is designed to create critical readers and advanced writers, and the students are living up to that challenge! We are about half-way through the novel, "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements. The students are analyzing comprehension techniques such as characterization, secondary plots, and the way dialogue affects the development of a story. Each day, the students are given writing prompts to reflect their comprehension of the daily reading assignment. These prompts have led to some fantastic class discussions as we delve into the concepts of friends, bullying, accepting differences in our friends, and how the child/parent relationship evolves. At the conclusion of the novel, students will shift gears and begin to learn research techniques. In April, each student will create a complete research paper revolving around the topic of Autism, in honor of Autism Awareness Month.
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Mrs. Lach's reading groups have been working on 4 types of questions to help students be able to look for their answers in the reading passages. 1.) Right There Question- is going back to the passage and the answer is usually found in one sentence or word, 2.) Think and Search Question-the answer is found in more than one place in the reading passage. 3.) On Your Own- is the students thoughts and feelings about the question. Asking for their opinion.  4.) Author and Me Questions-students are able to look for clues and to be able to read between the lines in the reading passage for the answers to this type of question. These strategies will help students to strengthen their literal and inferential reading comprehension skills. Students will participate in orally reading and discussing daily stories and individually working to reinforce their reading comprehension skills.
Their next lessons will be working on comparing and contrasting. This will  help students to find differences between two similar subjects or similarities between two different subjects.

Her 6th period Reading group is finishing writing lessons of pure description using the five senses to make their paragraph writings sharper and more vivid. The next lessons will be learning how to write friendly letters, understanding spatial organization, and working on comparisons.

Also  the students will strengthen their literal and inferential reading comprehension by orally reading and discussing, and individually answering the questions after reading the assigned passages.

Lastly, students in 6th period will continue to work on vocabulary assignments to improve and strengthen their understanding of synonyms and antonyms.
 

Science 

In Miss. Williams' science, the students are continuing to discuss atoms and what atoms are made of. The students are watching videos that help to explain the atom! They will then start to learn about magnets, friction and electricity.  The Periodic Table of Elements is also coming up in the month of November!

 

Mr. Boling's science groups:

Oldest Science--They've just finished natural selection and the 'We didn't come from monkeys' talk. We'll spend the next week or two discussing the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction, along with a review of heredity and genetics. 

 

Middle Science--They spent a lot of time reviewing for their mid-term exam which covered the first three chapters from the textbook. They are moving on to chapter four, which begins with a little bit of astronomy.

 

Youngest Science--They had to do a fair amount of review after the long break, but they finished friction and moved on to simple machines Mr. Boling is excited for this unit. They shoudl have ample opportunity for some exciting hands-on activities.

 

Spanish

We're just about finished with the family tree. We're moving to the meat and potatoes of any foreign language class--conjugating verbs (dun dun dun....)

 

REMINDER: Students can always correct work for higher grade. 

 

Specials:  

 

Physical Education 

The Physical Education classes have been moved indoors for most of the winter months. They have been doing exercises and learning how to keep in shape. 

 

Music 

The kids are working on their spring program for the parents.

They are learning songs and new beats. They are very excited as the rock themed concert is taking shape. 

 

Art 

We have working on themed-appropriate type art projects. They have been having a great time creating. 

 

Social Skills

 

Social Skills classes- Students have just begun discussing in their class time what are appropriate ways to act at our Valentine's Dance and also at our Valentine's Party. We will continue to reinforce the positive behaviors and expectations at these special events. The younger group has also been discussing boundaries and how to act appropriately with family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. The older kids are given social stories and discuss how to handle age-appropriate situations. 

Tutoring is available. If you are interested, please call, the school at 330-526-8148 or write sabina.ideahouse@gmail.com 

 

Our  Friday game nights are up and running, again. We would love to have you!! We have been having a great turn out. ALL teens and kids are invited to play board games and cards with other kids to work on socialization. We also serve pizza and drinks.  If you are interested, contact IDEA House at 330-526-8148. Here are some great pictures of GAME NIGHT.  

 

Staff for IDEA House is as follows: 

Owner/Principal:/Director Angi Shumate

Assistant Director: Ann Kagarise

Office Manager: Carrie Sabina

Licensed Teacher: Laura Lach

Licensed Teacher: Jackson Boling

Teaching Assistant: Justina Williams

Teaching Assistant Kellen Kapper

Teacher's Aide: Richelle Sanderson

Teacher's Aide: Taylor Charles

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

 

News

 

                              Calendar of Events


February 7--Valentines Dance will be from 6:00-730 p.m. It is $10 a student. Parents can take pictures until 6:15 and pick up no earlier than 7:15. There will be a photographer. Pictures will be $5 for a framed 5x7 print.


Feb 12 - Valentine's Party

Feb 16 - NO SCHOOL! President's Day

Feb 24 - Family Style

Apr 9 - Report Cards Home

 Apr 11 - Spring Concert

 Apr 14 - Family Meal

Apr 23 - Theme Day

April 25, Saturday. First Annual Golf Outing for Autism. Tee time will be at 12:00 p.m. for a shotgun scramble so who up at least an hour prior to get team signed up and partake in any events prior. Food and beverages will be provided before and after the event. There will be a Raffle, Chinese style auction, and free gifts for all players. IDEA House is the beneficiary. It is $65 a person and $260 for a four player team. Event location is Lyons Den Golf Course, Canal Fulton For more information Joe@jbking610sbcglobal.net. Phone is 330-204-2572.  

  
 Apr 28 - Family Meal

 May 12 - Family Meal

 May 21 - Theme Day

 May 25 - NO SCHOOL! Memorial Day

 May 28 - Last Day of Regular School Year



REMEMBER: During the school year, most Friday nights Game Night is held from 5:00p-6:30p., for teens on the spectrum. This year we are having our first Game Night, September, 5. If you would like to come, RSVP at sabina.ideahouse@gmail.com, each week, to let us know you are coming. Contact us so we can add you to the mailing list to get regular invites. This is a social event with pizza, pop, games, and fun!



Staff and Student spotlight
Ango  
     Director's Corner

Happy Winter!  It is hard to believe, but we are half way through the traditional school year. I would like to share some thoughts with you about this "season." The typical worker in this world tends to measure time by months or seasons. When you are a student or a teacher, you measure time by the length between school breaks.

 The season between September and Thanksgiving break is a time for renewal. Students are enthusiastic as they learn their new schedules and settle into the swing of a new school year.  It is a time of reestablishing routine and introducing a whole world of new concepts as each student advances to the next grade level  of curriculum. Time tends to fly by, as the kids look forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving.

 It seems like the Thanksgiving dishes are barely cleared and Christmas is here! The short weeks between these two holidays require a whole new level of enthusiasm and classroom management from our teachers, as they try to make concepts like the periodic table or fractions interesting enough to break through the Christmas cloud of distraction our students experience! For me, this season culminates with our annual family Christmas party, where we come together and rejoice in the spirit of togetherness and joy our students bring to IDEA House on a daily basis.

  Then there is the season between Christmas and Spring Break... this season... known to teachers as the "Season of Drudgery."  The newness of the school year has worn off. Some students have difficulty transitioning back to school and new behaviors frequently develop. Sunshine is in short supply. It is dark when we get up and frequently dark by the time teachers arrive home. Kids are getting less fresh air and much less physical activity. Students are clearly resentful of any day that is not a snow day! :) It is likely the biggest dose of reality that students get throughout the entire year.(Let's face it, as adults we often have to do other things when we, too, would rather be cuddled up in our pajamas, nice and warm in our homes!)

 There is a silver lining to this cloudy season, however! It is the greatest amount of time we have for very concentrated instruction, without competing for attention with the candy-getting, feast-eating, or present-filled holidays! Routines have been firmly established. Rules are second-nature to the students by now. As teachers, the bulk of our curriculum occurs during this season, which translates into great progress for our students.

 As parents, there are ways to help your students benefit most from this time. Most importantly, get your child to school! I know they are tired. I know they are less enthusiastic than they were in September (or will be in May!) However, even one extra day missed can leave a student feeling "behind" as the curriculum has become more intense.

 Second, praise your student's genuine progress and acknowledge areas of continued need. If your child is still struggling with the exact same concepts or behaviors as they were in September, then more reinforcement may be needed at home. Please emphasize how important it is for your student to continue to put forth his best effort and to practice concepts at home, when needed.

 Finally, encourage your student to participate in the fun activities we offer throughout the winter months ( Game Nights, Valentine's Dance, theme days, etc.) These activities offer opportunities to socialize and have some fun! They help break up the monotony of winter in Northeast Ohio!

   Before we know it, our next season will be upon us! Spring and Summer are such exciting times for our students. As always, we will have a variety of amazing guests and special activities to reinforce the concepts the students have worked so hard on all year long. Until those sunny days are upon us, we will continue to do our very best to add a little sunshine to your life by loving, nurturing, and celebrating your uniquely amazing sons and daughters!


 

As always, thank your for sharing your children with us!


 

Mrs. Angi Shumate
Owner and Director of IDEA House Educational Services

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                         Student Spotlight 
                           Fletcher Stewart
                       
                                                          

Favorite subject at school:  History because it's easier to learn from stuff that's happened so it doesn't repeat itself


 

Favorite part of IDEA House:  In regular school, there is only one way to teach. Here it is about the interaction. This school is more in depth and doesn't just scratch the surface, like other schools. 


 

Favorite Color:  Black/Purple


 

Favorite book: Redwall


 

Favorite TV show:  Bleach


 

What would you like people to know about you:  You have my back, I'll have yours. 


 

If you were granted one wish, what would it be?  I don't wish. Life should be left with surprises. If you wish for self, it's vain. If you wish for others it could go wrong so I just let things happen. 


 

If you were a millionaire, how would you spend your money:  I would invest in certain things and then earn more. If I have too much, I will give it to people who need it. 


 

If you could have any superpower what would it be?  Control Oxygen. It can be turned into a solid if shot at a fast enough rate. It can cut through anything and is made up of everything. So, that way, I could control everything.


 

What job would you like to have?  Psychologist. I want to help people


 

What do you what people to know about Autism:  That we are all different. We have independent thoughts that bring ideas and inventions. If Edison didn't have imagination, how would we see without lights. Without the wheel, how could we get around, except for by foot. 

 


 

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Staff Spotlight: Miss Taylor Charles



 

Miss Charles
 
Educational Background:
Graduated High School from Ellet. Attended Hiram College for two years. 

 
Work History:
I worked at Acme and Akron Auto Auction before coming to IDEA House.

 
What Brought You To IDEA House:
I really wanted to start working with kids and possibly become a teacher. When I heard there was an opening, I figured it'd be a great opportunity.

 
What Do You Like About Working At IDEA House?:
I love working with all the kids and learning all about them. 

 
Talk about the pros of Autism in our kids:
Each student's autism makes them so unique. It's really fun to be around them. I love seeing how happy they are just being themselves.

 
Favorite Moment at IDEA House:
My favorite moment was Thanksgiving. It was nice hearing what each kid was thankful for and just having everyone together for a meal. 

 
Favorite Book:
Judy Blume's "Fudge" series.

 
Favorite Movie:
The Little Mermaid

 
Favorite TV Show:
Law and Order SVU.

 
Favorite Song:
Don't have one

 
Favorite Color:
Blue 

If I had a super power, what would it be and why:
To read people's minds so I can know what everyone is thinking/feeling.

 
If I can go to any time period, what would it be?
1960's because it was just a carefree time and I love all the colors and styles back then. Tye die is my favorite.  

 
               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
News
Director's Corner/Staff/student spotlight
Quick Link:

All About Me Books for kids with Autism 


Autism quotes:
My child is not giving me a hard time. My child is having a hard time.