LPLC Quarterly eNewsletter Winter, 2022

Executive Director's Update Winter Greetings-- In long-distance running, great runners accelerate through the crest of a steep hill while others may slow down momentarily to take a breath and recover. The best runners, however, do not let up. They do not allow the minor win of conquering the hill detract them from their overall goal. In much the same way, professionals who work at Lee Pesky Learning Center must do the same. Now that we have officially passed the two-year anniversary for Covid-19, we must not lose focus. We must accelerate over the crest of this hill with an even-greater sense of urgency.   I am happy to share three of the strategies that Lee Pesky Learning Center has implemented to retain our focus and move forward responsively to the ever-changing terrain. First, mid-year financial reports revealed that families needed more financial assistance than they had earlier in the pandemic. Considering these data, we immediately instituted a “hardship clause” that ensured families who needed financial support received it; no questions asked. Second, we have hired two new counselors and extended our counseling services to an increasing number of young people who have struggled with social isolation, anxiety, and other mental health challenges during the two-year pandemic. Third, the entire staff completed formal training in diversity, equity, and inclusion with the goal of becoming a more inclusive organization dedicated to creating a pathway to learning for everyone, including historically underserved clients as well as school-age children who have faced more than their fair share of obstacles to learning.   At LPLC we recognize that humanity may be cresting the top of a long, hard hill, but we have no intention of slowing down. With your continued support and trust in the work that we do, we plan to lead the pack moving forward.     In partnership, Lindy Crawford Lindy Crawford, PhD Executive Director lcrawford@lplearningcenter.org LPLC 21-22 Board of Directors Greg Pesky, Chair Decker Rolph, Vice Chair Gregory Byron, Secretary Buck Harris, Treasurer Alan Pesky, Co-founder Wendy Pesky, Co-founder Mark Hamachek Will Hughes Rebecca Hupp Greg Lovell Barbara Morgan Mario Pile Dr. Robert Sanchez Matthew Weatherley-White William Young Click Here to Read Board Bios Recommended Reads This winter, we invite you to peruse two reads recommended by LPLC's Early Childhood Education Director Nicole Hodges. You may also enjoy an article on the importance of family storybook reading (idahoednews.org). I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont An endearing, confidence-boosting book for children to know that they are special and important just the way they are.   The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson In this New York Times bestseller, the authors of No-Drama Discipline and The Yes Brain explain the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures in this pioneering, practical book. Staff & Student Spotlight: Meet Aubrie and Justin Aubrie, LPLC's Academic Services Director, oversees LPLC's academic intervention and academic coaching services. Aubrie also meets with clients, including Justin, providing 1:1 instructional support. Justin's Story. . . Just two months into kindergarten, Justin’s teacher solidified our concerns that Justin was not learning at the same pace as his peers. Justin was clearly an intelligent child, but he was struggling with the basics of reading and writing. We immediately started the process to have Justin tested within the school. He was eventually placed on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Fast forward to second grade where despite efforts inside and outside of school, Justin was still a non-reader. During Justin’s second grade IEP meeting, I expressed my deep concerns for Justin’s lack of progress. The response to my concern was, “some kids just never learn to read”. With those words in mind, I made appointments with all of the professionals in Justin’s life. We had to find answers. Justin was finally seen by a neuro-psychologist and diagnosed with Dyslexia. With the diagnoses, we were also given the contact information for the Lee Pesky Learning Center and a promise that they would help. In the summer after second grade, Justin had his first appointment at LPLC. For the first time, Justin had professionals in his life who did not see his inability to read as a mystery. On Justin’s 9th birthday, he began his first reading intervention with Aubrie. We immediately started to see changes in Justin. He was learning to read! This winter, four years after beginning the program, Justin completed his time with Aubrie. He is a reader! He has grown academically in ways we never could have imagined and is now working hard to accomplish in math what he has in reading. We will forever be grateful to LPLC, and especially to Aubrie, for seeing Justin’s potential and for giving him the tools he needed to achieve that potential. -Jamie, Justin's Mom Learning Resources Are you a parent or educator in need of materials to further engage your child or student? Seeking instructional tools? We invite you to visit our products page below to peruse our free (and for purchase) learning mats, apps, activities and more. Click Here to View Products New York City Marathon We are excited to share that LPLC is an official charity partner of NYC's 2022 Marathon! As a charity partner, LPLC can extend 10 spots to runners who are interested in joining this fall's Running for Learning Team. What does that entail? You gain automatic entry to participate in the 2022 NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 6th, in exchange for raising awareness (and funds!) for LPLC. Additional details are located here. If you are interested in receiving more information, please click the button below to be included in LPLC's NYC email updates. Contact LPLC to Receive Details

The Gathering Wouldn't be the Same Without You!

On May 21, 2022 at 5:30 p.m., we will be hosting our 25th anniversary celebration and fundraiser in support of the students and families that we serve in Idaho and beyond. This year marks a special milestone as we celebrate our 25th at Jack's Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in Boise, ID. Don't miss the opportunity to hear from LPLC alumnus, professional model and actor Nathan Katsuki as well as keynote speaker and expert in the field of evidence-based reading instruction Dr. Michael Faggella-Luby. Click on the link below for additional details, to purchase tickets, and peruse sponsorship opportunities. Early Bird Pricing Has Been Extended for Two Weeks (Until 3/14). Don't Delay, Click Below. And congratulations to our Valentine's Day Goody's Drawing Winner, Meagan Payne!

SECURE YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS HERE!

Special Thanks to our Event Corporate Sponsors:

Special Thanks to our Event Family Sponsors: Alan & Wendy Pesky Paul & Peggy Street

LPLC Lead Counselor Courtney Tiller Addresses Positive Self Talk We've all had thoughts about our response to the last couple of years. "I should have stocked up on more supplies," or "I didn't do as much as others with my quarantine time." We may even have had negative thoughts about our parenting: "I should have seen my child struggling earlier," or "I should try to make something different for dinner." Our students may be having similar thinking patterns. Negative self-talk is common.  Rewriting that inner dialogue is one of many things that LPLC counseling works on with students. Some students are able to identify that negative self-talk can be harmful and unhelpful. However, other students are unable to catch their negative self-thoughts and this can lead to big emotional reactions, self-harm, and lack of motivation.  Through counseling at LPLC, students and parents are able to build understanding, self-awareness, and self-determination around the importance of changing our negative self-talk into believable, positive self-talk. Click on the Child Mind Institute link below to read more about self-talk and how to help children who are too hard on themselves.

Click Here to Learn More about Self Talk

Let There Be Light . . . Brought back by popular demand this winter, LPLC--in partnership with The Alliance of Idaho--is offering limited-edition Let There Be screen prints. Whether marking a special occasion or brightening the walls of your own home, Let There Be is a gift that will keep giving year-round. Learn about this special project and how you can secure your screen print here.

Alumni Spotlight: Share Your Highlights or Updates We Love Hearing From our Alumni and Alumni Families! Click the button below to submit quotes, stories, updates, and pictures to let us know what adventures you have embarked on and challenges you have tackled since your time at LPLC! Your updates are especially meaningful as we celebrate the center's 25th anniversary. Submit Your Updates Here

Special Thanks to our Current Grant Funding Partners

CapEd Credit Union Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Idaho Community Foundation M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust W.K. Kellogg Foundation The Steele-Reese Foundation Johnson Foundation of the Rockies Silver Family Foundation Roy A. Hunt Foundation

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

www.lplearningcenter.org

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