Hammitt Elementary School Welcomes New Principal
Following Melody Donnelly’s 34 years of dedicated service as Hammitt Elementary School Principal, Dr. Latasha Schraeder is ready to take the helm. Dr. Schraeder comes to The Baby Fold with dual Bachelor Degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate in Special Education. In her most recent role as Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services at Carbondale Elementary School, Dr. Schraeder led the special education department, grew the district from being trauma-informed to being trauma-responsive, and implemented a social and emotional learning curriculum. Dr. Schraeder states, “I will continue to walk in my purpose: serving all students to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities, social and emotional health, and academic achievement.”
Classic Car Parade Celebrates Governor's Proclamation
Image courtesy of The Pantagraph
The State of Illinois and Governor J.B. Pritzker proclaimed July 2021 as The Baby Fold’s History of Care on Route 66 Month (click here to read the proclamation). To celebrate 119 years of dedicated service to kids and families, classic car enthusiasts cruised down portions of Route 66 that wrap around The Baby Fold’s Normal, IL campus. The Drivers of Change classic car parade included vehicles from almost every decade to honor the agency’s legacy of care. A 1908 REO kicked off the parade, followed by 1913 Havers 44, 1931 Ford Model A, and more. A 1941 “Field and Stream” Packard commemorated the year the agency officially changed its name to The Baby Fold, a biblical reference to bringing children into 'the fold'. A 1955 Chrysler 300 represented when the agency opened a new nursery while a 1979 Chevrolet Malibu Classic was the same year The Baby Fold’s first therapeutic summer camp was held at East Bay Camp. After the parade, participants enjoyed a Route 66 themed luncheon while learning more about The Baby Fold’s impressive work through the decades. (image courtesy of The Pantagraph)
Autism Playground Gets New Communication Tool
A communication board has been installed in Hammitt Elementary School’s Autism Playground to aid in student communication. Children with limited verbal skills can point to colorful graphics on the action chart to express their needs. Before the playground installation, communication boards could be found throughout school halls and classrooms, but not outside. Students would use iPads or laminated communication sheets while learning outdoors. One of Hammitt’s Speech and Language Pathologists, Leslie Garthaus, comments, “We feel that this sign will benefit all of the children in the [Autism] program by giving them a way to communicate while out playing. It is not always easy for communication tools to be carried around by students outside. By installing this sign, we safely give the children access to words while participating in their favorite time of day, recess!” The communication board was funded through donations in memory of Leslie’s grandfather, Dan Nye, who passed away last year.  
The Baby Fold Co-Hosts Worldwide Conference
The Baby Fold was a virtual host site for the Rising Tide worldwide conference last month. The conference helps people from around the world learn more effective strategies in helping others heal from trauma. The Baby Fold, along with sites in Australia, Norway, Czech Republic, and more, hosted the conference virtually. Through virtual host sites, families and professionals alike had access to the life-changing education. Nearly two dozen industry leaders from across the globe provided their expertise in addressing trauma in clinical, educational, and community settings. The world-class learning inspired and motivated attendees, equipping them with clinically proven tools and techniques. The Baby Fold continues to collaborate with experts, not only in the Midwest but across the globe, to provide the best care possible for our children and families. 
Blessing Kids With Bicycles
Recently, friends of The Baby Fold donated new bicycles, helmets, and safety pads to the children we serve. Five families received bicycles within the first 24 hours of the ‘Adopt a Bike’ program. When children can enjoy physical activities with their parents, the family creates a shared experience and grows closer. Children bonding with their parents gives them a sense of safety and comfort, which we always strive to provide. What a joy to see children and parents grow closer together one mile at a time!