Shelton is thrilled to welcome Emmy Award-winning actor, author, director and producer Henry Winkler as part of Shelton’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Mr. Winkler’s visit, originally scheduled for April 20, has been rescheduled to Monday, September 14. He will speak with Shelton students in grades 3–12 at 9:45 a.m. in the gym. His program, “Overcoming Dyslexia and Learning Differences: Making it Your Superpower Like Hank Zipzer,” will highlight his lifelong advocacy for children who learn differently and his work as a best-selling children’s book author, including the Hank Zipzer series, Alien Superstar and Detective Duck.

Mr. Winkler will also meet with first- and second-graders at 10:35 a.m. in the Upper School library, followed by a small meet-and-greet in the Moody Fine Arts Center. We are grateful that Mr. Winkler will provide signed bookplates for Shelton students, and parents will have the opportunity to purchase books in advance of the event.

Special thanks to former Shelton parent Cindy Ward and Shelton alumna Katy Ward for helping make this special event possible in memory of Bill Ward, a devoted Shelton parent, longtime Board leader and champion of Shelton’s mission.

We appreciate your understanding that, due to space limitations in the gym, this event is limited to Shelton students and faculty.

As 81 members of Shelton's Class of 2026 prepared to cross the graduation stage on May 16, they were preceded by a powerful reminder of the people who helped make their journey possible.

In honor of Shelton's 50th anniversary, the commencement ceremony featured a special 50th Legacy Processional celebrating the leaders, teachers, alumni, early faculty members and current and former Board of Trustees members who have shaped the school over the past five decades.

Dressed in white gowns and commemorative 50th anniversary stoles, 26 participants entered the Browning Family Gym before the graduates, symbolizing the generations who built the foundation on which today's students stand.

Leading the processional was David F. Martineau, Shelton's longest-serving Board of Trustees member,

who has served since 1978. He was joined by members of his family, reflecting Shelton's multigenerational impact. Martineau's son, David T. Martineau, was a member of Shelton's first class in 1976, and his grandson, Jack Plankinton, carried the Class of 2026 banner.

The moment underscored one of the central themes of the school's anniversary celebration: the enduring legacy of a community committed to helping students with learning differences thrive.

During her remarks, Executive Director Suzanne Stell reflected on the significance of the processional and the generations it represented.

"Members of the Class of 2026 stand on the shoulders of those who came before them — those who believed in Shelton's mission, built this community and made their journey possible," Stell said.

The Legacy Processional also served as a reminder that behind every graduate is a network of support. For five decades, Shelton teachers, administrators, coaches, counselors, speech-language professionals, board members, volunteers and families have worked together to help students discover their strengths and achieve success.

That spirit was echoed in Valedictorian Trilby Schmidt's remarks. "For some of us, Shelton has meant many things: academic freedom, smaller class sizes and more support and understanding from teachers," Trilby said. "But to me, most of all, it has meant acceptance — both of myself and from this community."

Graduates also heard from commencement speaker Travis Lee Ratcliff (Shelton Class of 2009), an award-winning filmmaker whose work has screened at the Tribeca Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival and SXSW. Reflecting on his own Shelton experience and the strengths that come from learning differently, Ratcliff encouraged graduates to embrace what makes them unique.

"We have been given a sometimes difficult, but always beautiful, gift," Ratcliff said. "Eventually, you start to discover that those differences and challenges are what make you see the world in a way no one else can."

The Shelton School Parents’ Association (SPA) marked a milestone April 11, welcoming approximately 900 attendees to the Fairmont Hotel for the 50th anniversary Stampede benefit auction — an evening filled with celebration, reflection and support for Shelton’s mission.

Guests, dressed in cowboy chic, enjoyed a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live auction and a special performance by Little Big Town. Attendees also had the opportunity to walk through a hallway of Shelton memorabilia and historic photos, offering a meaningful look back at the school’s 50-year legacy. The Shelton community also viewed a video featuring students sharing their own stories, highlighting the impact of a Shelton education.

Funds raised from the auction reached a record-breaking total and will support a wide range of initiatives at Shelton, including academics, curriculum programs, fine arts, athletics, technology, professional development for teachers, the wellness program, security enhancements, and tuition assistance. Proceeds also benefit the Shelton Endowment Fund and the Shelton Scholarship Fund.

Among the evening’s highlights were several premier auction packages, including the Ultimate Cowboys experience — featuring travel on the team-chartered plane and tickets to an away game — an Eagles concert experience at Globe Life Field, Del Mar Race Week and naming rights to a glass installation in Shelton’s main hall created by alumna and artist Carlyn Ray.

The 2026 Stampede Auction was co-chaired by Mandy Evans and JoAnna Sudbeck. Shelly Lloyd is Shelton’s director of volunteer relations and events. Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy serve as co-presidents of the 2025–2026 Shelton Parents’ Association, which sponsored the event. Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Shelton parent and executive director and chairman of the Moody Foundation, served as honorary chairman.

Executive Director Suzanne Stell thanked parents, volunteers, longtime Shelton leaders, sponsors, underwriters and staff for their support, including members of the 50 for 50 Club — donors who contributed $50,000 in honor of Shelton’s 50th anniversary. She also expressed gratitude to Shelton parents Renee and Scott Jansen of Goody Goody, who donated all beverages for the fifth consecutive year.

In her remarks, Suzanne noted that Shelton students have earned more than $80 million in merit scholarships between 2004 and 2026. “We are here to celebrate the past, the present and the future,” she said. “What we’ve accomplished together is extraordinary. Shelton’s story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose.”

The program also featured remarks from Shelton parent and alumnus Patrick Wallace, whose mother, Diane Wallace, chaired the Stampede Auction in 1991–92. Patrick attended Shelton’s Lovers Lane campus from 1987 to 1993.

“I came to Shelton broken — my confidence and self-esteem were so low. But here, it was like I found my people. The teachers understood me, my confidence grew year by year and it truly changed the trajectory of my life,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without the foundation I received at Shelton. It changed my life — and now I’m seeing it do the same for my children.” Patrick is now a financial advisor at Gardner Wallace, a financial planning and management company.

Attendees viewed a video message from Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer of the Dallas Cowboys and a former Shelton parent.

“No family anticipates needing a school for learning differences, but when you find Shelton, you discover hope,” she said. “You discover answers. You discover people who understand your child at a level few others ever have. Shelton restores confidence. It reshapes a child’s future. It’s not just a school — it’s a family.

“The next 50 years begin tonight. We have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure Shelton continues to transform lives. Through our generosity, our leadership and our engagement, we chart the path forward.”

Second-grader Robert Nixon helped set the tone for the celebration by creating the Shelton birthday artwork featured on the T-shirt designed for the day — a student-created symbol of Charger pride worn across the Lower School division.

During the celebration, Lower School students and teachers came together to count to 50 and sing “Happy Birthday” to Shelton, marking five decades of learning, growth and community. The excitement continued throughout the day with cupcakes at lunch — thanks to Chef Christian Moreno and the SAGE dining team.

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell attended, and Head of Lower School Christine Davis reminded students of their role in Shelton’s future. “We have creative minds, courageous hearts and a strong Shelton spirit built on 50 years of legacy,” Mrs. Davis said. “But it’s not over yet — it’s your vision that will shape the next 50 years at Shelton and beyond.”

Thank you to Mrs. Davis, Assistant Heads of Lower School Lena Hilbert and Beth Womble and all of the Lower School teachers and staff who organized such a meaningful 50th Founders Day celebration.

Shelton hosted a 50th anniversary luncheon celebrating former Shelton Parents’ Association presidents and Stampede Auction chairs who have helped shape Shelton’s history.

Speakers included Executive Director Suzanne Stell, Shelly Lloyd, Leigh Erin Lundy, Mandy Evans, JoAnna Sudbeck, and students Chloe Weiner and Jack Plankinton, who reflected on five decades of parent leadership, community and Charger spirit.

“All of you have laid a lasting foundation over the past 50 years ... We’re so grateful,” said SPA Co-President Leigh Erin Lundy.

Shelton was featured on iHeartRadio as part of an interview highlighting the school’s 50th anniversary and its mission to empower intelligent students who learn differently. The segment, hosted by Anna de Haro, aired October 12 on six stations — 106.1 KISS FM, 102.9 Now, Star 102.1, 97.1 The Freak and Lone Star 92.5.

Executive Director Suzanne Stell shared how Shelton’s programs continue to change lives through its school, Evaluation Center, Speech Center and Outreach & Training Center.

“We’re changing lives every day,” Stell said. “Even if a family can’t come to Shelton, we can still be a resource — helping every child find the right path for learning.”

Senior Carter Weisberg, who has attended Shelton since second grade, described how Shelton shaped his confidence and academic growth.

“At Shelton, I realized I just learn differently — and that gave me the confidence to succeed,” Weisberg said. 

In the summer of 2025, Weisberg was accepted into the Harvard Pre-College Summer Program, where he spent two weeks living on campus and studying economics in the course Invention, Innovation and Markets with Harvard professor Ashley Nunes, an economist and public policy expert known for his work on clean technology and labor-market regulation in the transportation and energy sectors.

As Shelton celebrates 50 years of “Learning Without Limits,” the school continues to lead locally and globally in education and outreach for students who learn differently.

Big news from Shelton’s 50th anniversary Homecoming! At halftime, the skies lit up with a dazzling drone show announcing that Grammy Award-winning Little Big Town will headline the Stampede Auction on April 11 — a reveal arranged by the Shelton Parents’ Association.

Shelton also announced that Varsity football will face Covenant on Nov. 8 at The Star in Frisco, home of the Dallas Cowboys, for Senior Night — thanks to the Dallas Cowboys and the Gene and Jerry Jones family.

The celebration featured victorious Varsity and Middle School football games, a lively Shelton Parents’ Association tailgate, alumni gatherings, spirited student performances from the Chargerettes, cheerleaders and Drumline and more.

October is Learning Difference and Dyslexia Awareness Month, and Shelton partnered with the Dallas branch of the International Dyslexia Association (Dallas IDA) to host an educational community event as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. On October 1, Shelton screened the documentary Hopeville in the Black Box Theatre, highlighting America’s literacy crisis and the urgent need for evidence-based reading instruction.

The Dallas IDA’s mission is to advocate, educate and support individuals with dyslexia or related reading disorders, promoting literacy through awareness, resources, training and financial support. Shelton is the largest independent school for intelligent students with learning differences, offering a full range of experiences in academics, athletic and arts.

Following the screening, Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell moderated a panel discussion with experts and parents. Panelists included Dallas IDA board president and Shelton parent Dahlem Dodson; Dr. Gulzar Babool, co-director of Shelton’s Outreach and Training Center; Kim Self, Certified Academic Language Therapist in Shelton’s Upper School Reading Department; and Shelton parent Son Tran, an advocate for individualized learning and quality education.

Parents, students, language therapists and teachers and staff from Alcuin School, Preston Hollow Presbyterian School, Richardson ISD, Shelton and other schools attended the film and joined the discussion. The panel engaged with the audience, acknowledging emotions while offering solutions. Their insights created a meaningful dialogue that left a lasting impact on everyone in the room.

One mother commented, “I’m a mom of a dyslexic kid and I absolutely see it as a gift.”

After the Hopeville screening, panelists and audience members discussed America’s literacy crisis and the need for evidence-based, multisensory instruction. They explored barriers to changing systems, the roles of educators and families in advocating for effective reading practice and the long-term impact of literacy on academic, social and economic outcomes.

Dodson said, “We’re working closely with universities to address what prevents change in reading instruction. Curriculum has to be updated, publishers are involved and it takes collaboration at every level. We have a guest here from the Dallas IDA board who is a Ph.D. student at SMU, where we’ll be hosting the next local Hopeville documentary viewing. Together, we’re building strong partnerships with universities to move this work forward.”

Stell said she would like Shelton to be a community resource for sharing information about learning differences. “There’s a lot we can do, and that’s why we must work together to make a difference,” she said. “We live in a state and a city with a strong community that understands learning differences. Let us know how we can help.”

Shelton School is the nation’s largest independent school for intelligent students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and language-based learning challenges, serving pre-K through twelfth grade with a personalized, multisensory curriculum that prepares students for college and careers. For 50 years, Shelton has been dedicated to proving that learning differences are not limitations but opportunities for success. While the school is the centerpiece of its mission, Shelton also encompasses three other components:

• Shelton Outreach and Training Center – Provides instructional training for educators, parents and community members, sharing Shelton’s multisensory and structured approach so more students can benefit beyond Shelton’s campus.
   

• Shelton Evaluation Center – Offers comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and assessments for individuals from pre-K through adult, identifying learning differences and creating a roadmap for success.
   
• Shelton Speech Center – Serves the community with individual and group speech therapy, hearing and vision screenings and language assessments, supporting communication skills and academic growth.
   

A special thank-you to the Dallas IDA and the panelists for giving Shelton the opportunity to celebrate its 50th anniversary during Learning Difference and Dyslexia Awareness Month.

For more information, access the Hopeville Advocacy Toolkit at this link. To RSVP for the SMU screening of Hopeville on October 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m., click on this link.

As part of Shelton’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the school hosted the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack event on September 5–7.

“Feed My Starving Children gave our students a chance to serve with purpose," says Suzanne Stell, Shelton's Executive Director. "Kids Feeding Kids is a powerful way to show our students that their actions — right here at Shelton — can make a global impact.”

The idea for Shelton to host a MobilePack came from former Shelton parent and board member Dee Velvin. Stell says Velvin’s suggestion planted the seed for bringing the event to Shelton as part of its 50th anniversary

The three-day event, organized by the nonprofit that provides nutritionally complete meals to children worldwide and hosted by FMSC volunteer Ron Carey, brought together more than 3,046 volunteers. Together, they packed 641,304 single-serving meals specially formulated to fight malnutrition and delivered to children in greatest need — enough to feed 1,756 children one meal a day for an entire year.

On Friday, September 5, Shelton staff and students in grades five through twelve packed meals in the Main Gym. Third- and fourth-grade students also participated, accompanied by parent volunteers. Shelton shifts included 1,026 volunteers who packed 116,856 meals — enough to feed 319 children one meal a day for an entire year.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 6–7, the MobilePack expanded beyond Shelton, welcoming volunteers from across Dallas — including families, scout troops, sports teams, book clubs and faith groups. The gym was filled with energy, music and collaboration, creating a memorable service-driven weekend.

For many Shelton families, the experience was personal and inspiring. Shelton parent Amanda Marrone said she and her son Isaac were eager to be involved: “We volunteered for Feed My Starving Children at their facility and had a lot of fun doing some of the races and activities. We wanted to be part of celebrating Shelton and helping the community.” Isaac, a Shelton third-grader, said, “I'm helping out today for the fun of it and to help others.”

Nine-year-old Zach Tauzel echoed that spirit of empathy, saying, “Helping kids who are hungry is important to me.” For third-grader Suri Ballianda, the impact was clear: “I like helping because you get to feed kids that don’t have food on the table every day like I do.” Her mother, Rachana Raman, shared that the project was an opportunity for deeper learning: “I wanted Suri to have a certain appreciation for what she has in her own life."

Students of all ages found meaning in the work. Marin Scaggs, an eighth-grader, said, “I want to make sure they have food so they can have energy, and also that they feel loved and have the necessities they need.”

Students also reflected on the deeper meaning of the event. Junior Baron Pogir said, “These children don’t have the luxury we do — their goal is just to survive. By volunteering, we’re extending our hearts to another continent and helping them. It’s a powerful reminder of kindness and selflessness, and I’m proud Shelton made this part of our 50th anniversary.”

Shelton staff were equally moved. Eddie Moreno, Shelton Computer Systems Specialist, called the event a powerful reminder of community service. “This is a great way to help the community," he said. "We’re helping kids and families all over the world. It’s a privilege to help. I’m proud to work at Shelton, where we help others.”

Shelton is grateful to every volunteer who helped turn hunger into hope. A heartfelt thank you goes out to FMSC's Carey, staff and volunteers and all the students, teachers, staff, parents, former parents, alumni, other schools, friends and community members who gave their time, energy, and heart to make this event such an incredible success.

On August 28, Shelton School welcomed back former teachers, administrators, coaches and staff for a special 50th Anniversary Celebration held in the Moody Fine Arts Center. The event honored those who helped shape Shelton’s mission over five decades and reflected on the school’s growth from 48 students in 1976 to more than 1,100 today.

The program opened with a welcome from sixth grader Jack Beacom, who first joined Shelton in third grade. Sharing his own journey with ADHD and dysgraphia, Jack said,

“I would like to give a special welcome to the teachers, administrators, coaches and staff who used to work at Shelton and are here today celebrating our 50th anniversary. Even though our buildings have changed multiple times, our motto has not. I feel so safe at Shelton because I can express myself. I can be me and no one’s going to stop that.”

Executive Director Suzanne Stell followed, reflecting on Shelton’s history and the impact of those who helped it grow from a handful of staff into one of the largest independent schools in the world serving students with learning differences.