Holiday Message from the Executive Director

Dear Parents:

Happy Holidays to you!

It has been my intention and pleasure to meet all of you, but if I have not, please feel free to stop by my office or meet me as I am greeting your children on the bricks in the morning.

As the year comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to go over some things with you.  As you know, there have been several changes at New Vista School. Nancy Donnelly is still an important part of our program.  She is now heading up the establishment of an exciting program, our “new” New Vista Academy (more information to come) and refreshing our Level-Up Program.

Terri Anderson, our financial consultant for many years is our new Director of Operations & Human Resources.  We are very lucky to have her in this capacity.  Lisa Bartram is our new Admissions Coordinator and is at the front desk.  I think most of you have met her, but if you haven’t, feel free to introduce yourself.  She is there to help and support you. Bert Leyde is our contract maintenance person, and he also provides security for our campus.

Security is of utmost importance to us. In light of recent events, we are taking even more precautions to ensure the safety of your children.  We have recently conducted a school fire drill and we are anticipating a lock-down drill prior to the Winter Break so the students know what to expect.  Yesterday we held an assembly to reassure the students they are safe and that we have practices in place to ensure their safety.

During the Winter Break, 16 more security cameras will be installed to cover the entire outside of our building and property, as well as in our hallways and common areas.  An entire campus outside clean-up is in process, and locked gates have been added to both sides of the front of our building.

We are in the process of conducting a comprehensive survey assessing data on our work regarding academics and social skills to determine the most effective practices and supports for your children.  We have received Survey Summary results from the cumulative data collected from the parent surveys from 2013 through Spring 2015.  It is a very comprehensive summary and interpretation of the findings can be difficult.  Please feel free to contact Mrs. Sharma, Mrs. Donnelly or myself to assist you in the interpretation of them.  It is so important that all of you complete the surveys.  The results give us critical information to help social skills education and its impact on the other academics we provide.

The students are working hard and gaining academically and socially every day. They have been having so much fun working on the videos for the Film Festival that will be held at the end of February. The final date will be announced after Winter Break.

Please, if you have any questions or just want to talk, you can schedule a time to see me or simply give me a call.

Sincerely,

Stacey M. Proctor
Executive Director