LPLC Quarterly eNewsletter (Winter 2023)

Executive Director's Update

Dear LPLC Community Members--

I thought I had coined a new word: “heartist.” Come to find out, it is defined in the urban dictionary as “Someone whose talent is extraordinary because what they do is from the heart.” Oh well. I am happy that the concept has already been captured in our consciousness and expressed in our vernacular.

From my perspective, if you are reading this quarter’s newsletter, you are a heartist. You are extraordinary because what you do comes from your heart. Whether a donor providing the financial support that keeps our vision alive and thriving, an LPLC board member volunteering time and expertise to improving the lives of young learners, a teacher, counselor, or school leader empowering those younger than yourself to find their place in our world, or a civil servant doing your best for the greater good of our community, you are a heartist. I have yet to meet someone who engages with LPLC who is not.

So, to all of you heartists, this quarter’s newsletter focuses on connection. Whether you find it by perusing one of our recommended reads, learning about a new course, joining us for our spring Pathways to Learning Event, or by meeting LPLC's new counselor, I hope you find inspiration in the power of our shared connection. In the words of Coretta Scott King, "The greatness of community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."

In partnership,

Lindy Crawford

Lindy Crawford, PhD

Executive Director

lcrawford@lplearningcenter.org

LPLC 2022-2023 Board of Directors

Greg Pesky, Chair

Gregory Byron, Secretary

Buck Harris, Treasurer

Jim Foudy

Lisa Gabel

Mark Hamachek

Dana Herrman

Will Hughes

Rebecca Hupp

Barbara Morgan

Alan Pesky, Co-founder

Wendy Pesky, Co-founder (In Memoriam)

Mario Pile

Decker Rolph

Robert Sanchez

Jerry Sturgill

Matthew Weatherley-White

William Young

Click the button below to learn more about LPLC's board members.

Meet LPLC's Board of Directors

Recommended Reads

This winter, we invite you to peruse recommended reads focused on creating meaningful connection:

In Atlas of the Heart, Brenee Brown will take you on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. Acquire skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection.

In the warm and affirming children's book You are Friendly by Todd Snow, children will learn how to build important social skills.

In Talking to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell offers a powerful examination of our interaction with strangers and why they may go wrong.

LPLC Debuts Self-Paced Dyslexia Course

In the spirit of keeping our community connected, this past January, LPLC launched a self-paced version of the dyslexia course which meets the requirements for the Idaho Literacy Achievement and Accountability Act and teacher recertification. Read the latest article on LPLC's self-paced dyslexia course as reported by Idaho Education News or click the button below to learn more about course offerings.

Tier 3 Spotlight:

Academic Services Director, Aubrie Gribble

Lee Pesky Learning Center’s Academic Services Director, Aubrie Gribble, has been with LPLC since 2016. In January 2022, Aubrie transitioned from a Lead Educational Specialist role to the Academic Services Director. In this role, Aubrie is responsible for overseeing LPLC’s Academic Intervention and Academic Coaching services. This includes supporting 9 Educational Specialists and Academic Coaches in providing evidence-based intervention to approximately 80 students.

Aubrie holds an M.Ed. in Special Education and recently completed a multi-component process to become a Certified Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist as designated by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction and recognized by the International Dyslexia Association.

While Aubrie enjoys many aspects of working at LPLC, her favorite is the collaboration and connection with other experts in helping to individualize the learning experience for the students at LPLC. “Everyone on the team comes with different strengths and areas of expertise. When we can bring our experience and knowledge together, we are able to deepen connections and develop a truly individualized experience for each student.” The success of this collaboration was made evident this fall when 97% of reading students enrolled at LPLC made measurable growth towards their semester decoding and/or fluency goals.

Your Support Makes

a Difference!

One out of every five individuals will experience a learning obstacle.

Lee Pesky Learning Center has been providing support for 25+ years to ensure that these individuals have the resources they need to become connected, self-determined, resilient, self-aware, and strategic. You can support the next child's (or educator's!) journey by ensuring that cost is not a barrier to receiving services.

Make a Gift Today!

Curious to know how you have helped create a pathway to learning?

Read Lee Pesky Learning Center's

2022 Impact Report to learn more about how our community is helping to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Education is everything and your partnership makes an incredible difference in the lives of children and educators.

Kristin's Corner: Meet LPLC's New Counselor

According to a growing body of research, the human need to connect socially is as fundamental as our need for shelter, water, and food. Matthew Lieberman, a neuroscientist and professor at UCLA, delved into the concept of social connection through his book, Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Our brains have been wired for reaching out to, and interacting with, others since birth. We wish to feel as though we belong to a group and are accepted for who we are while gaining an understanding of ourselves and others. Through counseling at LPLC clients are encouraged to build connection with those around them and are provided support while doing so.

Our new counselor, Kristin Hill, LMSW, is excited to be accepting new clients to aid in such a process. She will work with you or your student to meet that human need of social connection. Kristin will help her clients look at ways to build connections and self-awareness, enhance self-determination, develop and utilize strategies, as well as increase resiliency.

Click Here to Learn More

Saturday, May 20th, 2023

5:30-6:30pm -- Cocktails & Conversation

6:30-8:30pm -- Dinner, Program, and Paddle Raise

Early Bird Pricing Lasts Through March 14th!

Click Here to Secure Early Bird Tickets

Alumni Spotlight: Share Your Highlights or Updates

We Love Hearing From our Alumni and Alumni Families!

Click the button below or email advancement@lplearningcenter.org to submit quotes, stories, updates, and pictures. We look forward to hearing about the adventures you have embarked on and challenges you have tackled since your time at LPLC!

Share Your Updates Here

Lee Pesky Learning Center works together with individuals, families, schools, and communities to understand and overcome obstacles to learning.

www.lplearningcenter.org