Shelton School's History

Shelton School was founded by Dr. June Shelton in Dallas, Texas, on April 2, 1976, to serve the educational needs of students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia and oral language disorders. The co-educational school opened August 1976, in a church building in Dallas for preschool through 6^th grades with 48 enrolled students and an enthusiastic parent base and board of trustees. The following school year, the school population had increased to 112 students and 31 staff and faculty members. Shelton was accredited by the Southern Associations of Colleges and Schools (SACS) 1990 – 2004 and received accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) in 2004.

The school founders and the board envisioned and established additional entities to serve as resources for both students and teachers at Shelton and in the greater community: The Speech Language Center serves the community through individual and group therapy, hearing and vision screening and assessments; The Evaluation Center provides comprehensive assessments for clients (age PreK through adult) that result in a roadmap for success; and the Teacher Training & Outreach Center provides instructional training for educators, parents and the community.

Shelton began adding upper-level grades in 1986; by 1999, Shelton was enrolling students in

Early Childhood (preschool age) through 12^th grade. Since its founding, Shelton School has been housed in eight different locations and has been led by four Executive Directors:

Dr. June Shelton, 1976-1986

Sherrye Camp, 1986 – 1989

Dick Cadigan Interim Head of School 1989 – 1990

Joyce Pickering, 1990 – 2010

Suzanne Stell, 2010 - current

From 1999 to 2002, the school had two separate campus locations for grades EC - 3 and grades 4 - 12. In 2002, the lower grades moved from the Swift campus on Midway Road to the consolidated Ward campus on Hillcrest Road. Within the next decade, the need for a larger campus to accommodate enrollment and program growth became both imperative and feasible. Shelton began a new capital campaign in 2016, which allowed the school to purchase and develop its current location at 17301 Preston Road in north Dallas. Renovation of the new 30-acre campus has added space for more classrooms, designated practice and competition space for Athletics, and a beautiful, expansive Fine Arts Center. Shelton School moved to 17301 Preston Road in Dallas in August, 2020. The benefits of the new campus became evident as student enrollment surpassed 1,100 in the 2023-2024 school year.

In 2024, Shelton initiated the planning stages for a capital campaign to complete the main theater in the Moody Fine Arts Center.

The Early Years (1976 - 1990) by June Ford Shelton, Ph. D.

The Story of June Shelton and Evaluation Center by June Ford Shelton, Ph.D.

I was packing books and personal belongings in my car to move home to Denton on March 31, 1976, when I was first approached about what would become the June Shelton School. Larry and Suzy Beeman, parents of a student at Dean Learning Center, from which I had just resigned, told me that they and a group of learning different children wanted me to stay in Dallas. Would I be willing to pursue the idea of creating a new school in Dallas for children who needed special learning techniques?

I was willing to talk about it.

A meeting was arranged for the next day to outline the philosophy of the school, determine populations to be served, and discuss services the school might offer. On April 2, 1976, Larry Beeman flew the incorporation papers to Austin, “walked them through” and the June Shelton School and Evaluation Center was chartered under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. Its purposes were educational, charitable and scientific: to provide evaluation, education and training for persons with learning disabilities or problems in school, and to instruct educators and other interested persons in understanding language disorders and school problems. Larry Beeman, Georgia Green, and I were the original incorporators. Mr. Beeman was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and would serve until 1979.

Beeman and Green began surveying parents; the response was excellent. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Ablon offered their home for the first forum, and more than 50 people attended. I explained the plans and the possibilities, then Beeman fielded questions, outlined problems to be solved and led the lively discussion.

Three tasks needed immediate attention: 1) add more working board members, 2) decide what to do first, and 3) find a place to begin work. Arnold Ablon and Julia Patrick were duly elected trustees that night, and we decided to open the Evaluation Center on May 1. Allyn Patrick and Beeman arranged for the use of three offices at 3960 North Central Expressway rent-free for three months, made possible by the First National Bank of Dallas. This enabled us to work within our budget, which at that time was zero.

Now we were ready for the hard part. Merco Manufacturing Company made a $10,000 line of credit available to the school that would be used to buy school furniture and equipment. I donated my services for the summer so that the income the school had could be used for office and testing staff salaries. Some of the prospective students’ mothers helped make materials for the school which was to open on Labor Day. An open house hosted by the Beemans brought still more community interest.

Parents with prospective students began applying for admission for their children, showing their confidence that the school, which existed only in the imaginations of a few, would become a reality.

After a three-month search by everyone involved, Carole Ablon located space the school could share with the Church of Religious Science at 6318 Willow Lane. The equivalent of seven rooms seemed ample for a beginning. Carole Kinsala, who had also left the Dean Learning Center, was indispensable: She acted as office manager, administrative assistant and jack-of-all-trades.

We moved into the new quarters on August 11th; by that time 22 students had enrolled. On Labor Day, 48 students showed up, 26 of them unregistered. The new total was a welcome surprise, but one that required many adjustments.

Susan Blanchard was director of the school and the first-grade teacher. Gwen Jensen, and Marilyn Aaron, two of the other original employees, are still with the school.

The inconvenience of ordering desks late and making do until they were delivered seemed like fun to the children, and the experienced teachers took the obstacles in stride. But by March the school was bursting at the seams as the number of students climbed to 66.

Joy Crouch, a friend of the school who later became administrative assistant, located space at the Preston Forest Baptist Church at the corner of Forest and Cromwell. The educational building, a second small building for testing, an office and two small classrooms were available. The move was made over spring break with the help of the parents, teachers, and board members. Moveable dividers were built to help “carve out” classrooms in the large undivided areas. The enclosed areas looked like classrooms, but the dividers didn’t buffer sound. The teachers vowed that if the school ever got real walls they would never complain again. Despite the conditions, though, the teaching was great; the students were learning and their self-esteem and spirits were growing.

When the first year was over, we realized that we had a real school with school spirit and loyalty. The faculty had shared hopes, fears, trials, and triumphs. We had been told that we could never do it, but we were on our way. The school was solvent, and the $10,000 loan had been paid back. The parents and board members were supportive; everyone felt the glow of success.

When the 1977-‘78 school year began, the school had 112 students and 31 staff and faculty members. The original five-member board had grown to seven. We had gained some new teachers and lost a few of the less hardy. That was the year Beverly Dooley came to the school to develop an English curriculum, teach Alphabetic-Phonics and train other teachers. The school had started in 1976 with preschool through sixth grade, but with the addition and influence of Beverly Dooley and Sandi O’Connor, we now added the seventh and eighth grades.

The teachers spent a lot of time preparing the first eighth-grade class for the transition to high school. We also added outdoor intramural sports, emphasizing development of motor skills fitness and endurance. The teachers spent many hours outside the classroom on teacher development and improving the curriculum. Fifteen teachers (from our school and others in the city) were trained in Alphabetic-Phonics in the teacher-training center. Through the training center and the Evaluation Center, the school provided services to the community that reached beyond the students enrolled there.

During the 1978-‘79 school year, the Board of Trustees was expanded to 16. Sherrye Camp came to the school for an interview to do “just a little bit of testing” and was hired as school director, even though she was days away from delivering a baby.

One hundred and nineteen bright, energetic youngsters began that school year with lots of optimism and enthusiasm. As the programs and curriculum improved and expanded, the need for space grew, too, and Camp had her first big challenge. She met it by securing space in the small educational building of the Midway Baptist Church for the preschool, primary, and two first grade classes. Splitting up the school allowed for a more comfortable environment and easier programming, but the teachers missed the stimulating interaction they had previously enjoyed. All agreed that a united campus would be a goal for the future.

The school began having an open house with teacher demonstrations that year, now an annual event. The Parents’ Club organized and took on the task of presenting school and community experts to speak or lead group discussions on learning disabilities, treatment, and future school opportunities to groups of interested parents. The teachers also were very busy that year moving furniture to accommodate the needs of the church. They yearned for the day when the school would no longer have to fade into the woodwork before weekends, holidays and weddings.

The emphasis, as usual, was on the teaching and the emotional growth of the children. Camp, with her background in psychology and special education, introduced “staffing” of the children, a new method to evaluate their progress whereby all of a student’s teachers meet in a group to evaluate his or her progress – in math, history and every other subject, as well as social skills and adjustment to the various classes. Camp’s superior communication skills also were evident in improving student interaction, in communication with the parents and in staff meetings. The faculty became closer and communicated even more under her leadership, and the students seemed happier as a result. That year taught us that structure in recreation and creative activities is at least as important – if not more as it is in academics.

The 1979-‘80 school year opened with 111 students and 30 staff members on two campuses. The second Chairman of the Board was Mr. Charles Burford, who would serve through 1981. That year was the first time the school staff lost a member through death. An irreplaceable aide, Adele Wolf, died of cancer. No one at school knew of her illness. One Monday morning, she failed to come to school. In memory of her unswerving dedication, perseverance and unselfishness, the researchers established an annual award for the student who gives 100 percent in leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship.

In late spring, some unexpected news forced us to speed up our schedule for getting a school with “real walls” and no need to disappear on weekends. Preston Forest Baptist Church was sold to Korean Baptist Church, and the new owners planned to use all the space that we had shared. We needed to move by September, a feat that required much scampering on the part of the administrators and board members. For the teachers and students, meanwhile, it was business as usual.

The search for a site for the school was long and discouraging. Most places we found were unsuitable, but eventually Dick Hestwood found some commercial space in a strip shopping center on Skillman, just two blocks from Garland City limits. It wasn’t ideal but there was ample space and the owners would finish it to our specifications. A three-year lease was required. The yearly rental fee was about seven times as much as we had ever paid before. Time was running out. Parents and teachers were invited to meet at the shopping center to walk through and view the empty, dark space. A lively discussion ensued, and we finally agreed that we would all work together to make it possible. That was the first time the school needed contributions above the income the school and Evaluation Center generated. Board members immediately began to hammer out details of the lease and the construction. Parents, students and teachers planned and carried out the move, but not until after summer school was over.

In 1980 –‘81, 85 students settled into their new school. They had been so much a part of the move that they seemed to feel even more loyal than ever. It was a good year, but there were many hard tasks to accomplish.

We approached the Meadows Foundation to ask for help uncovering our deficit. Instead, they granted the school $50,000 as seed money to establish a development office so that we could learn how to raise the money while we also learned how to become better known in the community for the services we provide.

Unexpectedly, during the spring of that year representatives of the school were asked to appear before the City Council to answer questions about the suitability of our having a school in a shopping center. The council sent us to the Zoning Commission, which concluded that we had one year in which to find another site, as the occupancy permit would not be renewed. That “inspirational” experience renewed our energies and intentions. The Board of Trustees decided that we would have to find new quarters for the following school year instead - then about three months off.

David Martineau and Charles Burford emerged as leaders in the search. For a time, the search was discouraging, but finally the “ideal building” was located, the old Lovers Lane Methodist Church on Lovers Lane. To really know how ideal it was required much vision and imagination. But to Martineau, Burford and me, it looked great. With three and one-quarter acres of land, 60,000 square feet of space and a central location, it fit the needs outlined in our ten-year plan. On the negative side, it was in wretched condition – problems with the heating system and undetected problems with the cooling system, holes in the walls, in need of paint and other minor repairs. But the rooms in the main building were large and had thick walls that kept the sounds inside the classroom. There were two stories, a natural separation for the older and younger students. The former chapel was made-to-order for a preschool, and there was space for a future motor-training room, dining room, sports floor, a stage and more. We saw its potential, and we wanted it. One problem remained – how much would it cost and where would that money come from? Martineau, Burford and John Sterling investigated the price, the terms and the legal details.

Their research revealed that the non-negotiable price was $1.1 million, and $100,000 more would be needed to make the building usable. The zoning was right for our school, but the $75,000 contingency fund was barely adequate for the closing costs. Jim Smith, father of former students James and Campbell, began the repairs on barely a moment’s notice. Without him, all would have been lost. He even found someone to donate all the carpeting. Although the opening date was delayed a few days, everything was moved in and in place for the 97 students who began that 1981-’82 school year. Only the courage and loyalty of the group of board members made it possible for the June Shelton School to have a permanent home at last. This was the biggest step we had ever taken, and, frankly, most of us were scared. However, throughout all this, the Board was led by Mr. David Martineau, who continued his chairmanship through 1983 and who currently (2006) remains a loyal board member.

Although no one looked forward to the hard work of moving again, the teachers were elated with the building and the prospect of never having to move again. The children had fun exploring and getting acquainted with the new school. It seemed to us that we would never be short of space again, a short-lived notion. Ninety-seven students began the 1981-‘82 school year.

The Parents’ Council was established that year with its president serving as non-voting representative on the Board of Trustees. Sharon Jeffries joined the staff as development director, responsible for getting our building paid for and the renovations and improvements made. Board emphasis that year was on fundraising, and our goal was $2.7 million in a three-phase plan. Although only $500,000 was raised that year, some of the needs listed in the plan were satisfied in small, but not unnoticed, ways. Before the school year was over, gifts in-kind and efforts by parents, board members and other friends had satisfied another million dollars’ worth of improvements.

At first, we rattled around in our new building, but soon we began to expand to fill the available space. The children blossomed in our permanent home, and some of the teachers who had small children asked for and received space for a nursery.

The 1982-‘83 school year started with an enrollment of 109 and staff of 33. Our first annual Grandparents’ Day was held, with the grandparents invited for lunch with a visit and demonstration in their grandchild’s classroom. The children whose grandparents could not attend were allowed to invite another favorite adult friend.

Under Sherrye Camp’s direction, the school has become more “structured” each year. The procedure, rules, customs and responsibilities are clearer and thus become automatic – a matter of habit. Operation of the school is smoother, and the children’s study habits have improved. The emphasis on study skills has really paid off, thanks to the influence of Beverly Dooley. A new emphasis is being put on social skills, and the curriculum is more formalized. Teaching the children why certain behaviors are useful, acceptable or appropriate is stressed, and the students learn to understand the effects of their behavior on others and practical ways of getting better responses from others.

During that year, an Athletic Association was formed by the Special Schools (a Dallas association of schools for learning-disabled children) to allow and encourage sports, competition and emphasize fair play and good sportsmanship.

The 1983-‘84 school year began with an enrollment of 127. The Board of Trustees increased in number to 24; the chairman was Mr. Pete Winstead. Board members Don Houseman and Peggy Gottsacker led the annual fundraising campaign, raising over $100,000.

The 1984-‘85 school year began with 138 students on board. The Board chairman was Mr. Jim Wood. We also welcomed a new development director, Bob Hopkins. He directed the annual support campaign, the capital improvement campaign and public relations efforts.

The spring of 1985 was very exciting as we realized that our dream of establishing a multipurpose activity center might become a reality. Mark Bramlett’s father, James Bramlett, offered to coordinate and contract the construction of a center so it could be available for 1985-‘86 school year, Mark’s last year at Shelton. After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees decided to accept his offer and enter into a fund- raising campaign to try to raise $1.2 million. The money would pay for construction and renovation of the multipurpose activity center, additional classrooms, debt retirement, a business office, preschool classrooms and office space for Sherrye Camp’s secretary. As in 1982, when we fell short of our lofty fundraising goals and efforts by the board, the school and the parent group helped us accomplish an additional million dollars’ worth of improvements. 0ur progress toward the current goals is quite impressive, and all those who have played a role in this effort should be proud.

Dr. Jean Kennerly joined the staff in 1985 to replace me as director of the Evaluation Center. I will continue to do some evaluations, but Dr. Kennerly will be doing most of them and will handle all administrative duties for the Evaluation Center.

I announced my intentions to pass my administrative duties as executive director to Sherrye Camp beginning in the summer of 1985. The Board of Trustees accepted my resignation and gave me the title of Executive Director Emeritus. I will remain relatively active in board affairs and will serve as an advisor to anyone who will listen on the staff, faculty or board.

The 1985-‘86 school year began with almost 200 students and 50 staff members. Mr. Bernie Kraft was the Board Chairman. Carole Hill, who will also serve as its director, started an Early Childhood Development program. The Board of Trustees increased its number to 29. An appreciation dinner was planned at the Dallas Country Club for October 3, followed by a student reunion October 4 in the Activities Center.

So much has been accomplished in the last nine years, thanks to the board members, hundreds of parents, teachers, administrators, community leaders – and especially those students for whom this school was built.

Shelton also divided its school population into two schools during the 1985-86 school year. The lower school included primer through fourth grade, and the middle school included fifth through eighth grade.

The 1986-‘87 school year started with an enrollment of 230 students and a staff of 55. The Board Chairman was Mr. Doug Lattner, who served until 1988. This was the year Early Childhood, lower, middle and upper school divisions were made to better serve the need of our growing enrollment. The Early Childhood program served both preschool and kindergarten students and was led by Carole Hill. The lower school included children in kindergarten through third grade and was led by Alice Scarborough. The middle school, led by Carol Utay, consisted of fourth through sixth grade students; the upper school, seventh through eighth grade students. The upper school, seventh through eighth grade, began the year under the leadership of Beverly Dooley. By the middle of the year, Sherrye realized Beverly’s talents in the area of teacher training were needed throughout the entire school. At that time, Lynn Nolen took over the duties of head of upper school, and Mrs. Dooley devoted her time to training teachers throughout the nation as well as the Shelton staff. Sandi O’ Connor and Nancy Reddington were also active in training teachers and parents. Understanding the unique need of students who learn differently was important to teachers and parents alike.

Before the 1986-‘87 year began, the middle school wing was added to accommodate Shelton’s growing enrollment. An upstairs addition to “Fellowship Hall” gave our logical fourth, fifth and sixth graders an opportunity to discover why their second floor classrooms were numbered in the three hundreds. A preschool/lower school playground was added to our “front yard” to strengthen the large motor muscles of our younger population.

In 1987-‘88 a portable building was added to our “back yard” and Sandi O’Connor and Debbie Pitman moved out back to educate the ninth grade. This addition of ninth grade had long been a request of concerned parents who wanted their children to transition smoothly into high school.

The student population during this year was at its highest level. Two hundred and fifty students were enrolled in preschool through ninth grade with 70 staff members.

In 1988-‘89, the student enrollment remained at 250 with 71 staff members. This was the year the Dallas economy hit rock bottom. The Board of Trustees Chairman was Ric Middlekauff. The Parent Council remained strong and donated funds to begin a computer lab. During the year, other funds were secured from various grants that were written by our new development director, Diann Slaton, and the computer lab continued to grow.

The quality educational programs have remained strong with additional computer equipment and the latest technology to serve the need of learning different students. The lower school added an afternoon reading lab so that students would not only learn the decoding process in the morning class, but also practice comprehension skills in the afternoon. Project Wild, Project Heroes and Project Charlie are three other curricula added this year to enable our students to become more aware of their environment, themselves, their unique learning styles, their potential for success as adults, and their ability to make mature decisions based on facts.

Meeting the needs of the student who learns differently means staying in touch with current programs and technologies that allow each learner to reach his/her highest educational potential. Shelton School strives to help each learner discover how he/she learns best and how to be able to return to an educational environment that best suits his/her learning style.

In the spring of 1989, Sherrye Camp, Executive Director, announced her resignation, effective June 1989. She was marrying Kenneth Banks and moving to Schulenberg, Texas. The Board of Trustees hired the firm of Ward, Howell International to assist the school in seeking a new Executive Director. Given the lateness of the year, the board discussed whether or not it was feasible/possible to find a permanent director. With the assistance of Linc Eldredge, Consultant (Ward, Howell International) the board interviewed a series of permanent director candidates as well as Dick Cadigan, an individual who indicated willingness to be Interim Head of Shelton for 1989-‘90.

In July 1990, the board unanimously voted to offer the position of Interim Head to Dick Cadigan and to commence a nationwide search for a permanent Executive Director for 1990-91. Given the strong current academic leadership of the school under division heads Betty Glasheen (lower school) – pre-kindergarten to grade three); Alice Scarborough (grade four to grade six) and Lynn Nolen (upper school – grade seven to grade nine), the board felt confident that Dick Cadigan could manage the school on an interim basis. His background included extensive educational administrative experience, work in financial and people management, and a good understanding of people of all ages.

Enrollment stood at 204 on opening day with a projected deficit of $30,000. The Board had sufficient contingency funds to cover the deficit if it remained at the end of the year. However, in March 1990 enrollment stood at 215 and there was a projected fund balance of $25,000. The new Board of Trustees Chairman was Mr. James (Boots) Reeder, who led the Board until 1995, and continues as a board member to this day (2006).

The Parent Council experimented with a new format for its annual spring fundraiser and realized over $50,000 from its Spring Fling, which attracted over 400 Shelton parents and friends.

In February 1990 the Shelton School Search Committee recommended to the Board of Trustees that Joyce Pickering of Louisville, Kentucky be appointed permanent Executive Director.

The trustees unanimously accepted the recommendation and Mrs. Pickering accepted. She had extensive experience in curriculum, administration, teaching and research in the field of “learning differences.”

The 1990s by Joyce S. Pickering, Hum.D., Jessica Newman, Theresa M. Ball, and Anne Thomas

Shelton’s History Continues by Joyce S. Pickering, Hum.D., Jessica Newman, Theresa M. Ball, and Anne Thomas

In July 1990, Joyce S. Pickering was named Executive Director, CEO, Head of School, and Board President of Shelton School.

Enrollment began at 175, and by the end of the year rose to 181 students. The Annual Giving Campaign was co-chaired by Steve Crowell and Rick Porter. The campaign’s goal was $125,000. Vicki Mosely was named the Parents’ Council President. The auction party’s theme was “Shelton Express” and the net proceeds were $65,000. The Auction was co-chaired by Cindy Ward and Kathy Kincheloe. The Dads’ Club was formed this year, and was an exciting new addition to Shelton. Carl Urban was named the first President, and the Dads’ Club held its first annual cook out on Memorial Day for the whole school.

Shelton continued to grow this year. The Language and Speech Clinic and the Evaluation Center moved out of a house on Caillet to the first floor of the main building. The computer lab also moved into a larger room. Bob Pickering and the Board’s Building and Grounds Committee studied the school’s plan. In December 1990, Shelton received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In spring 1991, Shelton also began to focus on Outreach Programs, via speakers, presentations, and trainings. In January 1991, the Saturday Scholars Program began with 14 students as a major offering of Shelton’s Outreach.

1991 - 1992

1991-1992 was a very busy year at Shelton. Enrollment began at 170 and grew to 181 by the end of the school year. The Annual Giving Campaign goal was $125,000 and was co-chaired by Dr. Paul Neubach and Susan Eldredge. “Reach for the Stars” was the theme for the auction party. The net proceeds were $60,000 and was co-chaired by Diane Wallace and her father, Cloyde Pinson. The Dads’ Club President this year was Carl Urban. In the summer of 1991, Shelton applied to the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) for accreditation and it was granted.

Expansion continued in 1991-1992. The Early Childhood Program for preschool through kindergarten (ages three to six) was reinstated. The first Capital Campaign began in November 1991, with a goal of three million dollars. The campaign was co-chaired by James (Boots) Reeder, Kenneth Hughes, and John Rauscher. The goals were to buy additional land around the school, build a new wing, build a sports field, and to add a porte-cochere at the west end of the building. One of these goals was recognized early with the purchase of 1.5 acres of land for the sports field on the west end of the school facing Lovers Lane. The groundbreaking ceremony for the field was held in the spring of 1992.

In 1991, additions were made to Shelton’s programs and staff. The Choices Program was added to the daily curriculum. Auditory Discrimination and Memory curriculum was added to Language Therapy classes. In addition, three new coaches were added for sports. The first use of the title “The Horizon” for the school newsletter was added in March and April 1992.

1992 - 1993

The 1992-1993 school year opened with 217 students and closed with 241 students. The Annual Campaign goal was $125,000 and was co-chaired by George O’Reilly and Linda Kasmir. Lou Cagle was the Parents’ Council President. The auction party’s theme was “Shelton Stampede” and net proceeds were $62,000. The party was co-chaired by Vivienne Neubach and Ann Burbridge. The now famous Dixie Chicks provided the evening entertainment. The Dads’ Club President was Carl Urban. The ninth grade was offered for the first time this school year. Shelton School students who wished to remain one more year before transitioning to other public schools could now do so.

Enrollment continued to increase in the 1993-1994 school year. Beginning enrollment was 257 and swelled to 282 by the end of the year. J.P. Pierce and Sharon Jobe co-chaired the Annual Campaign. The goal was $135,000. Vivienne Neubach took over as Parents’ Council President and Suki Jarzemsky, Clyde Payne, and Mary Young co-chaired the Shelton auction party, the “Shelton Sh-boom.” The net proceeds reached $60,000.00. Paul Neubach, M.D. was the Dads’ Club President.

In December 1993, discussions occurred about new building goals. The goals were six-fold:

Build a new wing with six classrooms (eventually called the Hillcrest Education Wing.) Groundbreaking for the new wing was in April 1994.
Create an Art Center (Penson/Jarzemsky Fine Arts Center)
Create Library Media Center (William C. Ward Library Media Center)
Remodel the science lab and other spaces in the building
Build new parking lot, fences, and new gates

Dr. Susan Fleming became the Director of the Evaluation Center. In the summer of 1993, the first Montessori Applied to Children at Risk (MACAR) workshop was held, with 13 people participating. In the fall of 1993, the administration offices, Language/Speech Hearing Clinic, and Evaluation Center moved to the building across the street on the corner of Caillet and Lovers Lane.

1994 - 1995

The 1994-1995 school year saw enrollment beginning at 310 and ending at 335. A waiting list was started for admissions in for the 1995-1996 school year. In June 1994, Joy Martello began as the first Coordinator of Outreach Programs. Pam Waldron was the President of the Parents’ Council and Vivienne Neubach and Win Padgett co-chaired the Annual Giving campaign. The goal was $150,000. “Shelton Swings” was the auction party theme and net proceeds were $68,000. The party was co-chaired by Suki Jarzemsky and Janice Ryan. The Dads’ Club continued its Memorial Day cookout, and was led by President J.P. Pierce. In November 1994, a letter was mailed to parents to gauge interest in starting a high school. A feasibility study for a Shelton high school was planned. Dr. Hoyt Watson of the University of North Texas completed the study in May 1995. The study indicated the following:

Possibility of an addition of grades 10, 11, and12
Recommended grades 7-12 be housed in a new facility in North Dallas
One grade added per year
$4,600,000 to $5,000,000 necessary to open a high school
$3,000,000 needs to be raised before program viable

Enrollment began at 332 and ended at 344 in the 1995-1996 school year, with a waiting list for admissions. Ninety-three staff members were employed. The chairmanship of the Board became Mr. William C. Ward, who served in that capacity until 2002. The Annual Giving goal was $160,000 and was co-chaired by Mary Young and Jim Hodges. The Annual Giving amounts increased from $106,517 in 1990 to $158,128 in 1995-1996. The Parents’ Council President was Suki Jarzemsky. The auction party was chaired by Debby Webb and Anne Smith. The theme was “Feast de Renaissance” and net proceeds were $69,000. This was the first year grandparents had their own section in the silent auction and the first year to offer a raffle for tuition. John Crank was the Dads’ Club President. Five-year re-accreditation was received from SACS.

The Midway Baptist Church was purchased, and the campus was named The Swift Campus in honor of Tom and Dottie Swift and their children, Chauncey and Tom Swift IV. The plan included moving Early Childhood through fourth grade to that location, with grades five through nine remaining at the Lovers Lane location. It was hoped to open that site in the fall of 1996. A year was needed for the rezoning of the Midway property and for renovations of the site and buildings at the Swift Campus. April 2, 1996 brought the 20^th year anniversary of the school’s incorporation. Also in April 1996, a retreat was held to plan a high school and the Upper School staff was announced.

Prior to1995-1996, the benefits package for employees was a $2000 life insurance policy and a retirement plan without employer contribution. In 1995-96, the life insurance policy was changed to $10,000 and the school began a retirement plan contribution of a match of $300.00.

1996 - 1997

The 1996-1997 school year saw enrollment begin at 391 and swelled to 408 by the end of the year. The Annual Giving goal was $180,000 and was co-chaired by Bob and Pat Walker and Janice Ryan. “Shelton’s Beach Bash” was the auction party theme, and the party was co-chaired by Pam Dealey and Susan Nahkunst. Net proceeds reached $59,000. Mary Young was the Parents’ Council President, and Steve Manchester was the Dads’ Club President. The summer of 1996 saw the first high school courses offered at Shelton during summer school. Ninth grade had 20 students, and the tenth grade was offered for the first time.

The Lower School moved in August 1996 to the Swift Campus on Midway Road. The first day of school for 1996-1997 occurred at two locations. The dedication of the Lower School Swift Campus took place October 7, 1996. Shelton’s technology continued to grow with the addition of a web site and email capability.

The silent phase began of the third Capital Campaign. The goal to build a high school was set in 1996-1997. In the summer of 1996, the school logo transitioned from a child reading a book to the Shelton shield with the book, ribbon, and three stars.

1997 - 1998

Enrollment began at 443 and ended at 469 in the 1997-1998 school year. Cathy Bruff and Max and Sharon Gardner co-chaired the Annual Giving Campaign with a goal of $200,000. The name of the Parents’ Council was changed to the Parents’ Association. It was led by Janice Ryan. The auction party was co-chaired by Pam Dealey, Susan Nahkunst, and Marilyn Weber. The theme was “Beach Bash,” and the net proceeds were $93,000. The Dads’ Club President was Robert Walker. The fall of 1997 saw negotiations begin for the purchase of the Prestonwood Baptist Church property, on the corner of Hillcrest Road and Arapaho in north Dallas. There were also preparations for rezoning the property. The 11^th grade was added this year, and Judy Browne was employed as the first Head of the Upper School. The first Upper School homecoming activities and dance took place in the fall of 1997, and the first Upper School Ethics Symposium was held in May 1998. Anne Wagner was hired as the Director of Public Relations. In addition, a new speech facility was added to the Swift Campus. In 1997-1998, major medical plan was added as an option to the benefits package.

1998 - 1999

The 1998-1999 school enrollment began at 522 and ended at 524. $260,000 was the Annual Giving goal and was co-chaired by Kevin and Connie Howe, and Don and Ellen Winspear. Jan Theilen was the President of the Parents’ Council and the auction party was co-chaired by Cherry Chalker, Diann Abadie, and Terri Bennett. The theme of the party was “Shelton Sets Sail” and the net proceeds reached $56,000. Gary Webb was the Dads’ Club President. The 12^th annual golf tournament was held. Expansion continued of EC – 11^th grade with the addition of the 12^th grade. In addition, the acquisition of Prestonwood Baptist Church was finalized and the zoning change was accomplished. In the fall of 1998, a plan for renovation of the campus was announced. In May 1999, grades four through 12 moved to the new Ward Campus location. The dining hall in the new location was used to graduate the first class of four seniors in May 1999. Dr. June Shelton was in attendance and honored at this ceremony. In July 1999, the first summer school was held at the Ward Campus location.

The 2000s

1999 - 2000

Enrollment for the 1999-2000 school year began at 604 students and ended at 630. Co-chairmen Kevin and Connie Howe and Win and Lynn Bell reached an Annual Giving goal of $275,000. Sharon Gardner was the President of the Parents’ Association. “Nuts and Bolts 2000” was the theme of the auction party held in the new Swift Athletic Center. The net proceeds reached $90,817, and was chaired by Terri Bennett. Gary Webb was the President of the Dads’ Club.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) shared the building with Shelton. PCA was housed on the first and second floors, and Shelton filled the rest of the space. Shelton’s Lower School was still located at the Swift Campus on Midway Road. The Capital Campaign goal was changed from $8.5 million to $7.5 million after renegotiation by James B. Reeder with Prestonwood Baptist Church and an early pay off of the note with the church. Shelton continued to expand in many areas. In the spring of 2000, the Admissions and Development were divided into two separate departments, with Madeline Robison becoming the Director of Development and Diann Slaton remaining as Director of Admissions. Formerly, Diann Slaton headed both departments. In addition, Linda Kneese assumed the position of Director of the Outreach Department. February 2000 saw the first open house held by the Upper School for prospective students. Band was offered for the first time for students in the fourth through eighth grades.

In the spring of 2000, a new student database was put into use. In May 2000 Shelton graduated a class of 22 seniors. A Human Resources Department was added in June 2000. In the summer of 2000, Multisensory Structured Language Education Training Workshops for Teaching and Therapy Level were offered as part of teacher training in the Outreach Department. The courses were accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC).

2000-2001

The 2000-2001 school year started with 687 students and ended with 712. The Annual Giving goal was $400,000 and was co-chaired by Steve and Cindy Manchester and Dennis and Susan Houfek. Marilyn Weber was the President of the Parents’ Association. Carol Blair chaired the auction party, “Under the Big Top,” and net proceeds were $79,735. The Dads’ Club President was John Neely. Shelton remained divided into two facilities, sharing the Ward Campus with PCA. As of October 2000, 199 staff members were employed. The year 2000-01 saw several anniversaries for Shelton. January marked the tenth year of Shelton’s Saturday Scholars Program. Forty students were enrolled in that spring session. In addition, April 2^nd was the 25^th anniversary of the school’s incorporation. Twenty-one seniors graduated in May 2001.

2001-2002

In the 2001-2002 school year enrollment began at 718 and ended at 729. Steve and Cindy Manchester and Howard and Dana Feldman co-chaired the Annual Giving with a goal of $425, 000. “April in Paris” was the theme of the auction party that netted $135,000. Carol Blair and Patti Emerson were the co-chairs of the auction party. John Neely held the Dads’ Club presidency for a second year. Two hundred and five staff members were employed. PCA continued to occupy the first and second floors of the Ward Campus. PCA’s lease ended in May 2002, and the Academy moved to their new Prestonwood Baptist Church campus. The Capital Campaign of $7.5 million was completed in February 2002. It was announced that the Lower School Campus (EC-2) would move to the Ward Campus in the summer of 2002. The Lower School Swift Campus was put on the market to sell. The Lower School portion of the Ward Campus was named the Swift Child Development Center to honor Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Swift, III. The fifth annual Ethics Symposium was held for the Upper School. In 2001-2002, long-term disability was provided to the employees’ benefit package at no cost to the employee.

The first school-wide Mayfest was held on the Ward Campus. Shelton graduated 25 seniors in May 2002. In June 2001, the accreditation process began with submittal of Adherence to Standards documentation to the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS).

2002 - 2003

Enrollment for the 2002-2003 began at 753 and ended at 791. The new eleventh Chairman of the Board of Directors was Mr. Robert Walker. The Annual Giving goal was $425,000 and was co-chaired by Howard and Dana Feldman and David and Barbara Farmer. Anne Smith was the President of the Parents’ Association and the auction party was chaired by Gay Rekerdres. The theme was “Growing Together,” and the net proceeds reached $160,000. Steven Collins was the President of the Dads’ Club.

Swift Campus for grades Early Childhood to third moved to the Ward Campus in June 2002. This school year was the first for all grade levels, Early Childhood through 12^th, to be consolidated on one campus. The Swift Campus was sold in September 2002. In the summer 2002, the Shelton Scholars Program enrolled 71 students. The division of grades reconfigured as:

Lower School for grades Early Childhood through second
Upper Elementary for grades third through fifth
Middle School for grades sixth through eighth
Upper School for grades ninth through twelfth

The annual spring events of the Upper School Ethics Symposium and the Mayfest continued.

2003 - 2004

The 2003-2004 school year began with an enrollment of 799 and ended with 803. The Annual Giving goal was $445,000, which was surpassed by $39,510. The campaign was co-chaired by David and Barbara Farmer and Don and Deborah Dingwall. The Parents’ Association President was Donell Wiggins and the Dads’ Club President was Robert Shrell. The auction party’s theme was “Night Under the Stars.” Chaired by Marvel Washington, the event netted $193,000. The accreditation process with Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) continued with its team site visit in October 2003. The school received accreditation in June 2004. An all-school volunteering effort was done to build a house for Habitat for Humanity, with the home being finished and dedicated in March 2004. In 2003-2004, the employee benefit package includes a $10,000 life insurance policy, a $1000 match in the retirement plan, a 125 plan, major medical, direct deposit, and long term disability. The seventh Upper School Ethics Symposium was held. The third all-school Mayfest was held in May 2004. In March 2004 Joyce Pickering announced that Suzanne Stell was named Assistant Head of School, beginning June 2004. A two-year pilot oral language-learning program was funded by a foundation. The Shelton Early Intervention Language Learning Program was created in two classrooms at the nearby All Saints Catholic Church School. There were 37 seniors who graduated.

2004-2005

The 2004-2005 school year began with an enrollment of 815 and ended with 810. Shelton employed 232 people this school year. In September a Memorial Service was held for the school’s founder, Dr. June Ford Shelton, who has passed away during the summer. The Board of Directors was renamed Board of Trustees, and continued to be led by Mr. Robert Walker. In December 2004 the Board created the June F. Shelton Legacy Foundation, with assets of $5,749,800; this foundation has its separate Board of Trustees. In February 2005, the Landmark Foundation was formed, also having its own Board of Trustees, with real estate assets of $13,288,000. The Annual Giving goal of $470,000 was exceeded with pledges totaling $512,078. The campaign was co-chaired by Don and Deborah Dingwall and Danya Casey. The Parents’ Association President was Barbara Farmer and the Dads’ Club President was Robert Shrell. The auction party’s theme was “Stepping Out for Shelton: A Broadway Revue.” Chaired by Bridget Black, the event netted $148,000. This was the first year that new parents had to attend eight parent programs regarding learning differences and Shelton’s academic programs. The school received a $150,000 grant from Hillcrest Foundation to launch a distance-learning program and offer workshops and courses via the Internet. A lease with Apple Corporation of Texas was finalized wherein in the fall 2005, students in the grades seven through twelve will be issued an Apple iBook (laptop). During the school year, the students will be able to use the laptop during the day and take them home. The laptops will be turned into the school each May. The eighth Upper School Ethics Symposium was held. The fourth all-school Mayfest was held in May 2005. The first year of the two-year pilot oral language-learning program, the Shelton Early Intervention Language Learning Program, was held in two classrooms at the nearby All Saints Catholic Church School. There were 37 seniors who graduated and they were accepted into 56 colleges and universities. Scholarships were offered in the amount of $344,000 to our seniors.

2005 - 2006

The 2005-2006 school year began with an enrollment of 824 and ended with 839. Shelton employed 236 people this school year. The Board of Trustees’ new Chairman was Mr. Phillip Wiggins. The Annual Giving goal of $480,000 was exceeded with pledges for a total of $484,775. The campaign was co-chaired by Don and Deborah Dingwall and Ken and Paula Hughes. The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Rhonda Kelbeck and Jan Golden, and the Dads’ Club President was Greg Mazyck. The auction party’s theme was “Shelton Stampede,” featuring singer Jerry Jeff Walker. Co-chaired by Susan Griffiths, Ruth Mitchell and Dee Velvin, the event netted $300,000. This was the second year that new parents had to attend eight parent programs regarding learning differences and Shelton’s academic programs. Since 1994 the Outreach Department has continued to expand its workshop offerings to include: the Association Method; Gesell Developmental Assessment; Montessori Applied to Children At Risk, Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE)/Sequential English Education (SEE) Training at Teaching and Therapy Levels; Referral and Testing; Alphabetic Phonics courses; Montessori Elementary Level Training; Montessori Pre-Primary Level Training, and Saturday Seminars. In the fall 2005 the Outreach Department offered its first distance-learning program via the Internet, entitled “Dyslexia and Related Disorders” and in June 2006 “Choices” was launched. Outreach plans to launch a new program in the fall 2006, modeled after the Shelton Scholars program. It will offer evening classes for adults who need assistance in reading, writing, and spelling. In August 2005 the students in the grades seven through twelve were issued an Apple iBook (laptop). During the school year, the students were able to use the laptop during the day and take them home. The laptops will be turned into the school each May. The ninth Upper School Ethics Symposium was held. The fifth all-school Mayfest was held in May 2006. The two-year pilot oral language-learning program, the Shelton Early Intervention Language Learning Program, was in its second year in two classrooms at the nearby All Saints Catholic Church School. There were 44 seniors who graduated, and they were accepted into 77 colleges and universities. Scholarships were offered in the amount of $1,115,860 to our seniors, and they accepted a total of $241,960.

2006 - 2007

The 2006-2007 school year began with an enrollment of 830 and ended with 839, having had a high of 844 in March 2007. Shelton employed 248 people this school year. The Board of Trustees’ Chairman was again Mr. Phillip Wiggins. The school began the procedure of creating preliminary drawings for a 4^th floor addition as well as meeting with various community and city officials about achieving approval for a zoning amendment. It is hoped that this approval of plans by the City of Dallas will be received in time to begin construction in the summer of 2007.

Reorganization of the school’s program for 2007-2008 will see restructuring of Lower School to be Early Childhood, Pre-Primary (Transition-first), Primary (first/second grades combined) while the Upper Elementary will have elementary classes (third/fourth combined grade) and fifth grade.

The Annual Giving goal of $500,000 was exceeded with pledges for a total of $639,394. The campaign was co-chaired by Ken and Paula Hughes and Bill and Melanie Rapier. After several years’ lapse, the Development Office sponsored the Shelton Classic Golf Tournament, with proceeds of $40,600.

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Susan Griffiths and Ruth Mitchell, and the Dads’ Club President was Michael Kaplan. The auction party’s theme was “Shelton Stampede,” featuring singer Tracy Byrd. Co-chairs were Amy and Ben Jared, Heather and Tom Clark, and Stephanie and Monty Mueller. The event netted $346,000. The Parents’ Association’s total amount of gifts to the school was $380,000.

This was the third year that new parents were required to attend eight parent programs regarding learning differences and Shelton’s academic programs. Outreach launched a new program, modeled after the Shelton Scholars program. In the fall and spring, it offered evening classes for adults who need assistance in reading, writing, and spelling. The Outreach Center continued offering its on-line courses. The on-line courses included Dyslexia and Related Disorders, and Choices: The Shelton Social Skills Program.

Beginning in August 2005 and continuing each year since, the students in grades seven through twelve are issued an Apple iBook (laptop). During the school year, the students were able to use the laptop during the day and take them home. The laptops are turned into the school each May. The tenth Upper School Ethics Symposium was held. The sixth all-school Mayfest was held in May 2007.

There were 58 seniors who graduated, and they were accepted into 69 colleges and universities. Scholarships were offered in the amount of $1,005,930 to our seniors, and they accepted a total of $284,000.

The school celebrated its 30^th anniversary in 2006 -2007 through various means. New mission and vision statements were created to begin the year. They are:

Mission Statement

Shelton

on a mission

a school and resource center dedicated to

~ making a difference ~

by serving and empowering the lives of

~ students who learn differently ~

Because Not All Great Minds Think Alike

The Vision

~ a world model in education ~

~ individuals who learn differently ~

through

Education

Evaluation

Therapy

Research

and

Outreach

A new logo was created which was used on print material and letterhead. There was a t-shirt, using the logo, given to staff to wear on specific days (such as the 30^th of a month). Throughout the year, all events focused on the anniversary, including open house, development functions, Mayfest and end-of-the year awards assemblies and graduations. Shelton’s anniversary gift to the community was a special series, Gifts of Learning Differences. Guest speakers and panelists highlighted the creativity of the learning different person. The speakers were: Gordon Sherman, Ph.D., Edward Hallowell, M. D., Paul Orfalea, Jerry Pinkney, Sylvia Richardson, M.D., Eric McGehearty, Tomima Edmark, and Randell Holmes. In the fall the students were asked to about What Shelton Means to Me. Their creative writings were bound into three binders and are saved for posterity. A Shelton Calendar was published and sold, using student artwork and some quotes from their writings, What Shelton Means to Me. The staff was asked to write a memory of the 30^th anniversary year, and those writing are also bound and will be kept in Shelton’s archives.

2007 - 2008

The 2007-2008 school year began with an enrollment of 834 and ended with 842, having had a high of 846 in December 2007. Shelton employed 260 people this school year. The Board of Trustees’ Chairman was again Mr. Phillip Wiggins.

Reorganization of the school’s program for 2007-2008 was accomplished. Lower School now comprises of Early Childhood, Pre-Primary (Transition-first), Primary (first/second grades combined) while the Upper Elementary includes elementary classes (third/fourth combined grade) and fifth grade. Suzanne Stell, Assistant Head since 2004, was named Head of School, with Joyce Pickering continuing as Executive Director. Betty Glasheen, Head of Lower School and employed at Shelton for 30 years, retired as Head, but transitioned as a part-time employee with the Development Office.

The Annual Giving goal of $525,000 was exceeded with gifts for a total of $543,659. The campaign was co-chaired by Melanie and Bill Rapier and Deb and Tim Pullen. The Development Office sponsored the Second Shelton Classic Golf Tournament, after several years lapse, with proceeds of $37,168.

Meredith Lyon, a Shelton 8^th grader, who died in 2005, has the Heart of a Lyon Scholarship named in her honor. This year it was awarded to Andrew Mewing.

Jon Pace, a Shelton graduate, passed away in August 2007. His parents requested that all donations be made in his honor to Shelton School or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Jonathan Pace Scholarship Fund was set up in his honor, and the recipient for 2008 was Michael Grayson.

Nicholas Mentesana, a Shelton 8^th grader and football team captain, was killed in a tragic accident in January 2008. Donations in his memory have been placed in an endowed scholarship. His cousin, Anthony Mentesana, a Shelton graduate, presented the first Heart of a Giant Scholarship Award, to Kaity Reaves at the May 2008 Eighth Grade Graduation.

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Barbara Novotny and Karen Carney, and Michael Kaplan completed a second year as Dads’ Club President. The auction party’s theme was “Shelton Stampede” held at Dallas’ House of Blues. Co-chairs were Tanya Mendenhall, Charlotte Anderson, Shea Boscamp, Tami Delsanter, and Tracy Cheatham. Honorary Chairs were Pat and Emmitt Smith. The event netted $559,436. The Parents’ Association’s total amount of gifts to the school was $589,000.

This was the fourth year that new parents were required to attend six parent programs about learning differences and Shelton’s academic programs. The Outreach Center launched a new program, modeled after the Shelton Scholars program. In the fall and spring, it offered evening classes for adults who need assistance in reading, writing, and spelling. The Outreach Center continued offering its on-line courses. Three on-line courses are now offered: Dyslexia and Related Disorders, Choices: The Shelton Social Skills Program, and Shelton System for Organization and Study Skills.

This year, as with each beginning in August 2005, the students in grades seven through twelve were issued an Apple iBook (laptop). During the school year, the students were able to use the laptop during the day and take them home overnight. In May 2008, these iBook laptops were retired because 800 new Macbook laptops are to be furnished to staff and students in the fall 2008. The 11th Upper School Ethics Symposium was held. The seventh all-school Mayfest was held in May 2008.

There were 46 seniors who graduated, and they were accepted into 126 colleges and universities. Scholarships were offered in the amount of $1,102,300 to 15 seniors, and ten seniors accepted a total of $232,700. A new publication was distributed during end-of-the-year awards assemblies and graduations entitled, “Shelton Pride.” This booklet featured not only seniors but all Shelton students’ many awards, honors, monetary donations to outside organizations, and service hours.

Shelton students achieved many awards, including the following notable honors: National Merit Commended Scholar—Laura Podd; World Champion Cheerleader—Whitney Elkins; and Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year for 5A Public and Private Schools—Casey Johnson.

In the summer 2008, the school began interior renovation on the second and third floors on the north end of the building to add six new classrooms.

2008 - 2009

The 2008 - 2009 school year began with an enrollment of 857 and ended with 856, having had a high of 860 in October 2008. Shelton employed 261 people this school year. Mr. Phillip Wiggins continued to be the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

In the summer 2008, the school began interior renovation on the second and third floors on the north end of the building to add six new classrooms. These renovations were completed in time for the beginning of school that fall and proved to be a great asset for the space needs of our students.

The Annual Giving reached $524,493 in donations. The campaign was co-chaired by Deb and Tim Pullen and Lynn and Win Bell. The Development Office sponsored the Third Shelton Classic Golf Tournament with proceeds of $33,600.

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Barbara Novotny and Diane Byrd, and David Goldstein was Dads’ Club President. The auction party’s theme was “Denim and Diamonds” and was held at the Dallas Sheraton. Co-chairs were Denise Farinholt and Lyn LaMothe. Honorary Chairs were Sara and David Martineau. The event netted $250,000. The Parents’ Association’s total amount of gifts to the school for the year was $275,000.

This was the fifth year that new parents were required to attend six parent programs about learning differences and Shelton’s academic programs. The Outreach Center launched a new program, modeled after the Shelton Scholars program. In the fall and spring, it offered evening classes for adults who need assistance in reading, writing, and spelling. The Outreach Center continued offering its on-line courses. Three on-line courses are now offered: Dyslexia and Related Disorders, Choices: The Shelton Model for Teaching Social Skills and Values, and Shelton System for Organization and Study Skills. Plans are underway for offering the SEE (Sequential English Education) training by webinar.

The Outreach Center also made arrangements to offer training in Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA) for Keller ISD and training in Take Flight to the school districts of Oxford and Vestavia, Alabama. Shelton Outreach collaborated with the Juvenile Justice System to train teachers to offer SEE in a summer camp. Presentations during the year were made at American Montessori Society in California and New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Mississippi Speech and Language Conference, at the International Dyslexia Association in Seattle, Washington, the International Montessori Conference in Beijing, China, and the ISAS Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In 2008 – 2009 Shelton also hosted approximately 500 individuals or groups in providing observations and information.

The 12th Upper School Ethics Symposium was held. The eighth Mayfest was held in May 2009. The school hosted the sixth annual Film Festival in April.

This was a year of firsts. The Lasso, a cyber-newsletter, was offered for the first time covering Upper School news. The newsletter operates under the guidelines of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. The Public Relations Department launched its first electronic newsletter, The Charger Plug, a monthly communication devoted to student news. This was done in collaboration with the Parents' Association. The Human Resources Department, along with the Business office, completed its first year using an on-line payroll/HR system. This was the first year that the faculty and staff, as well as parents, used RenWeb, a database for student information. Capabilities of the software include: parent access to their child’s information and grades; email from staff to parents; creating specific reports using the data; printing of report cards and transcripts by staff; on-line registration by parents to update the student’s information. For the 2009 Summer School, Outreach offered only on-line registration for enrollment.

Shelton’s campus was the host site for CAARTE’s (Center for Advanced ADHD Research, Treatment and Education) presentation of James Swanson, Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Child Development Center, University of California at Irvine’s School of Medicine. His topic was ADHD: A Decade of Science and Current Controversies. The audience was over 1,000 people on April 23, and Dr. Swanson also presented to Shelton staff the next morning during in-service.

Fifty-four seniors graduated, and they were accepted into 174 colleges and universities. Scholarships were offered in the amount of $1,935,090 to 29 seniors, and 24 seniors accepted a total of $863,590. For the second year, Shelton Pride, was distributed during end-of-the-year awards assemblies and graduations. This booklet featured not only seniors but all Shelton students’ many awards, honors, monetary donations to outside organizations, and service hours.

The 2010s

2009 - 2010

The 2009 - 2010 school year began with an enrollment of 848 and ended with 850, with a fluctuation up to 857 in February. Shelton employed 247 people this school year. Mr. Phillip Wiggins continued to be the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

Dr. Laure Ames assumed directorship of the Shelton Evaluation Center, with Dr. Susan Fleming being named Executive Director Emerita.

The Annual Giving reached $589,258 in donations. The campaign was co-chaired by Lynn and Win Bell and Susan and Evan Griffiths. In October 2009, the school won the EPA Energy Star Award.

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Diane Byrd and Jana Dodson, and David Goldstein was Dads’ Club President. The auction party’s theme was “Mardi Gras Madness” and was held at the Sheraton Dallas. Co-chairs for the second year were Denise Farinholt and Lyn LaMothe. The event netted $296,000. The Parents’ Association’s total amount of gifts to the school for the year was $309,000.

New parents, for the sixth year, were required to attend six parent programs about learning differences and Shelton’s academic programs. The Outreach Center’s new program, modeled after the Shelton Scholars program, continued to offer evening classes for adults who need assistance in reading, writing, and spelling. The Outreach Center continued offering its on-line courses. Three on-line courses are now offered: Dyslexia and Related Disorders, Choices: The Shelton Model for Teaching Social Skills and Values, Shelton System for Organization and Study Skills. All Saturday workshops for MSL therapy level training were delivered by webinar. Plans are underway for offering by webinar the SEE (Sequential English Education) training as well as the Beginning MACAR Course. The Shelton Storefront was launched in February 2010. The Storefront provides an on-line site where people may purchase the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton. The Outreach Center offered training in Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA) for Keller ISD and training in Take Flight to the school districts of Oxford and Vestavia, Alabama. Presentations by staff during the year were made at American Montessori Society in Boston, MA and Desert Grove, California; at the International Dyslexia Association in Orlando, FL; at the Desert Montessori School in Santa Fe, NM; at the Association of Independent School Librarians in Nashville, TN; at six Dallas area organizations; in Commerce, TX, San Angelo, TX, Lubbock, TX as well as Durham NC and Kansas City, MO.

The Shelton Montessori Elementary and Early Childhood training continued with 14 adult learners enrolled in the Elementary Level and 13 adult learners enrolled in Montessori Teacher Education Center, San Francisco Bay Area’s Early Childhood training that is held on our campus and taught by our staff members. Shelton was pleased to receive approval for affiliation of the Elementary Level course from the American Montessori Society (AMS) and accreditation from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) in December 2010. The school is in the accreditation/affiliation process for the Early Childhood course at this time.

In 2009 - 2010 Shelton also hosted approximately 85 individuals or groups in providing observations and information.

In January 2010 Joyce Pickering announced that she would become Executive Director Emerita, effective June 1, 2010. She also announced that effective June 1^st, Suzanne Stell (current Head of School) would become the Executive Director. Other changes announced were Linda Kneese (current Outreach Director) would become the Head of School, and that Nancy Coffman (current Associate Director of the Outreach Center) would become Director of Outreach. Marilyn Aaron (current Director of the Speech Clinic) was announced as Director Emerita of the Clinic effective August 1^st, with Stephanie Hicks (current Assistant Director) named as Director.

The school hosted the seventh annual Film Festival in April. The ninth Mayfest was held in May 2010.

The Lasso, a cyber-newsletter, was offered again covering Upper School news. The Public Relations Department published its electronic newsletter, The Charger Plug, a monthly communication devoted to student news. This was done in collaboration with the Parents' Association.

The Human Resources Department expanded its Wellness Program for Shelton Employees in the spring 2009. The program was named “Charge into Health.” The staff activities this year included biometric screenings, online courses, incentive challenges, and Pilates classes on campus. Employees who participated pay lower insurance premiums.

There were several sports accolades for students this year. Shelton senior Casey Johnson achieved Girl’s Tennis State Champion for TAPPS for the fourth year. Freshman Nico Agrittelly placed fourth in State Tennis. The Golf Team placed fourth in TAPPS state playoffs. In Track, Shelton had the Girl’s State Champion, freshman Chandler Crumblish.

Forty-four seniors graduated, and they were accepted into 59 colleges and universities. Scholarships were offered in the amount of $520,000 to 12 seniors, and a total of $283,000 was accepted. For the third year, Shelton Pride, was distributed during end-of-the-year awards assemblies and graduations. This booklet featured not only seniors but all Shelton students’ many awards, honors, monetary donations to outside organizations, and service hours.

In June 2010, the Shelton Alumni Board will host the 10^th reunion of the class of 2000.

2010 - 2011

The 2010-2011 school year began with an enrollment of 856 and ended with 864, with a fluctuation up to 865 in March/April. Shelton employed 252 people this school year. This was the first year for Mr. Gary Webb to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

In June 2010 Joyce Pickering became Executive Director Emerita, after being honored for her 20 years of service. Suzanne Stell assumed the mantel of Executive Director. Other administrator changes in 2010-2011 included: Linda Kneese became the Head of School; Nancy Coffman became Director of Outreach; Marilyn Aaron became Director Emerita of the Speech Clinic effective August 1, 2011; Stephanie Hicks became Director of the Speech Clinic. The Development Office hired Janie Robertson as Manager of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations. In March 2011, George Teague became Shelton’s Athletic Director.

This particular school year marked Shelton’s 35^th year anniversary. The theme for the year was “teamwork.” A glass display case on second floor was the focal point for a display of memorabilia of earlier years of Shelton’s history. A video was produced for the auction party in April and for general use.

Shelton School also experienced a lost week of school due to ice storms. The Dallas metroplex experienced 103 hours of below freezing temperatures over four days from Tuesday, February 1^st through Friday, February 4th, with sleet/ice and snow of one to five inches occurring Thursday night. On February 9^th, the school experienced its fifth weather day with no school. All of the freezing weather led up to a rather frigid Super Bowl at the Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, TX.

The Annual Fund reached its goal of $575,000 with donations of $614,818. The campaign was co-chaired by Susan and Evan Griffiths and Cheryl and Frank Parker. This year there was a fund drive for Dining Hall renovations, including the addition of a commercial kitchen, with commitments of $814,904 by May 2011. The Alumni Association, coordinated through the Development’s office, held a Kick Ball Game on May 21.

After a year-long process of evaluating Shelton's website and how to better market Shelton's many services, we selected Maloney Strategic Communications as the agency to help develop a comprehensive marketing plan. Initial phases were completed toward rebranding Shelton's four business entities: Shelton School, Evaluation Center, Speech Clinic, and Outreach Center. Shelton selected Finalsite as its new content management system, and work was begun on updating all website content.

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Cheri Locke and Jill Giroir, and David Goldstein and Robert Rodriquez were Dads’ Committee Chairmen. Shelton School’s 35^th Anniversary Gala and Auction was held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field on April 2. Holly Vitullo, Bailey Ann Broughton and Jennifer Clifford were the 2011 Auction Chairs. The event netted $275,000. The Parents’ Association’s total amount of gifts to the school for the year was $385,000.

New parents, for the seventh year, were required to attend six parent programs about learning differences and Shelton’s academic programs. The 2010 Summer School Program had 488 students and Shelton Scholars had 67 students with 75 tutors. Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR) trained four at the advanced level, 10 at beginning level, and two via webinar. The Outreach Center continued offering its on-line courses. Three on-line courses are now offered: Dyslexia and Related Disorders, Choices: The Shelton Model for Teaching Social Skills and Values, and the Shelton System for Organization and Study Skills. All Saturday workshops for MSL therapy level training were delivered by webinar. Plans are underway for offering by webinar the SEE (Sequential English Education) training as well as the Beginning MACAR Course. The Shelton Storefront, launched in February 2010, provides an on-line site where people may purchase the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton. The Outreach Center offered training in Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA) for Keller ISD and training in Take Flight to the school districts of Oxford and Vestavia, Alabama. Discussions continued with JW Ray School (DISD) to begin training in the SEE method for the teachers in that school. Final approval from DISD has not yet been achieved. Presentations by staff during the year were made at the Lake Highlands High School, Dallas, TX; Exchange Club, Dallas, TX; the MMA Workshop at Kennebac Montessori School, Damariscotta, Maine; the American Montessori Society Conference, Chicago, IL; the ALTA Conference, Dallas, TX; the Desert Academy, Santa Fe, NM; the Seaton Montessori School, Chicago, IL; and the International Dyslexia Association Conference, Phoenix, AZ. In November 2010, Joyce Pickering made a consultant trip to Benjamin Franklin International School, Barcelona, Spain after the Director of that school visited and toured Shelton. Joyce Pickering will return to the BFIS, Barcelona, Spain to conduct three two-week trainings over the course of the 2011-2012 year.

The Shelton Montessori Elementary and Early Childhood training continued with six adult learners enrolled in the Elementary Level and 11 practicum level adult learners enrolled in Montessori Teacher Education Center, San Francisco Bay Area’s Early Childhood training that is held on our campus and taught by our staff members. The Shelton Montessori Teacher Education Center is in the accreditation/affiliation process for the Early Childhood course at this time and there are 16 adult learners in the inaugural Early Childhood class.

In 2010-2011 Shelton also hosted approximately 109 individuals or groups in providing observations and information. This year Shelton was chosen to be the site of a two-week pediatric rotation for residents with U.T. Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. From October through May we had 25 pediatricians observing all departments of the school.

The year 2010-2011 concluded Shelton’s receiving funding for the Language Intervention (LI) Program, used in the school since 2005.

The school hosted the eighth annual Film Festival in April. The 10th Mayfest was held in May 2011. The Upper School hosted its 13^th Ethics Symposium on January 28^th.

The Lasso, a student-published cyber-newsletter, was posted again, covering Upper School news. The Public Relations Department published its electronic newsletter, The Charger Plug, a monthly communication devoted to student news. This was done in collaboration with the Parents' Association.

The Human Resources Department continued its Wellness Program, Charge Into Health. Staff activities this year included biometric screenings, online courses, incentive challenges and organized wellness walks. Employees who participated paid lower insurance premiums.

The Athletic Department witnessed many sports accolades for our school teams this year. The school celebrated the achievements with pep rallies, send-offs, administrator sponsored lunches, and tail-gate parties. The Football Team had 2 boys on the 1^st Team All District. The Volleyball Team had one on the 1^st Team All District and 2 on the 2^nd Team. The Boys’ Basketball Team won District and Regional and went to the “Final Four” playoffs. The Girls’ Varsity Basketball had 2 on 1^st Team All District and 2 on 2^nd Team. The Boys’ Golf Team placed third in Regionals and third in State, with two All State Golfers. The Boys’ Tennis Team placed 1^st in District and 3^rd in State while two girls qualified for State. The Boys’ Baseball Team went to the Bi-District playoffs. Track had 1 District Champion, 7 Regional Track qualifiers, and 3 State qualifiers. This year was the beginning of several new spirit organizations: the Upper School Mascot (boys or girls, grades 10-11), Upper School Charger Girls Pom / Dance Team (grades 8 - 11), and Upper School Wranglers (boys grades 10 - 11). On May 14^th, the football team for 2011-2012 played its Blue and White intra-squad game on the field at Cowboy Stadium.

In late May 2011, the Shelton community was deeply saddened with the death of Andy Krippner, Class of 2010. He was killed in battle in Afghanistan, while serving as a Private in the U.S. Army. For many years Andy wanted to join the U.S. Army and was excited to protect our people and our country. He had just visited with Shelton staff and students earlier this spring while he was on leave. We had included his photo in the April Charger Plug - he attended our basketball rally and led us in The Pledge of Allegiance. That will be a happy memory for those in attendance. Andy was a wonderful young man. He was in our Leadership Hall of Fame, which means he received the Shelton Leadership Award twice. Last May he was honored with The June Shelton Award for his courage, perseverance, and integrity. He had told several staff members about his plans for after his military service. He planned to return to school with the goal of becoming a minister. Both the Honor Ceremony and Graduation for 2011 were dedicated to his memory.

Forty-four seniors graduated and were accepted into 73 colleges and universities. Scholarships were offered in the amount of $1,976,100 to 20 seniors, and a total of $415,000 was accepted. For the fourth year, Shelton Pride, was distributed during end-of-the-year awards assemblies and graduations. This booklet featured not only seniors but all Shelton students’ many awards, honors, monetary donations to outside organizations, and service hours. It is with Shelton pride that we commemorated our 35^th anniversary.

2011 - 2012

The 2011 – 2012 school year began with an enrollment of 850 and ended with 872, our largest ever. Shelton employed 248 people this school year. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

The newspaper headlines featured Shelton’s name in early September 2011: “Shelton School beats campus flood to open on time.”

The first floor flood, which occurred on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at approximately 8:30 pm, was caused by an 8” water main break under the foundation of the Lower School Library. The leak was detected, thankfully, by our cleaning staff about 8:30 pm. Before the city could get the water turned off, however, we had ankle-deep water in many areas of the first floor. The areas with the worst damage were the Upper School offices, The Commons, Hillcrest Entrance, Lower School Library, Room 130, Charger Corral, Parents’ Association’s Office, Lower School playground, several stairwells leading out to our parking lots, Middle School and Upper School art rooms, and the hall to the nurse's office area. Many people were here until 3:00 a.m. trying to save books, instruments, clothes in the Corral and PA office, and furniture. There was only a small amount of content loss and the majority of the gym floor was saved by the cleaning crew. Summer School was cancelled the next day (Friday) but the final four days of classes were held beginning on Monday.

Restoration began immediately and proceeded at a rapid pace, with only five weeks until school began. New tile flooring was installed on the first floor and the fountain was taken down, both due to water and structural damage. Much of the downstairs area was a construction zone. Wherever water hit, carpet was replaced.

Because of the flood and subsequent renovations, the Parents’ Orientation was cancelled on August 18. The Lower School and Upper Elementary held their orientation along with the Advisory Open House on Monday, August 22. The Middle and Upper Schools had their orientation in the evening of August 22^nd.

Despite major construction happening outside the doors of the Dining Hall, in August 2011 new kitchen construction was finished. SAGE Dining Services, our new vendor, began serving lunch to over 600 parents and students and 240 staff members during the Advisory Open House on Monday, August 22.

The flood damage caused disruption and changes, but other changes to the school occurred for the best. In the summer 2011, Shelton outsourced to a new email hosting service with new spam filtering; the new web site was launched; and all staff were assigned new personal passwords to be used for email and Renweb.

In the Development area, the annual fund campaign, Today for Tomorrow, reached its goal of $600,000 with pledges of $657,653. The campaign was co-chaired by Kathy and Kevin Hanrahan and Michele Valdez and Gary Kennedy.

Travis Terry, the interior designer used in the Dining Hall, created a new design concept for the entryway and Commons area. Part of that new design was a “Wall of Donors” created using donor plaques previously spread throughout the building. All of these plaques were placed on the wall on second floor above The Commons where the Charger horses once stood. The Charger horses were moved to the outside entrance area to Upper School. In addition, the hallways on first and second floor became student art and photography galleries that showcase our students’ talents.

The fund drive for Dining Hall renovations and commercial kitchen had commitments of $876,838.50 by May 2012. A plaque was hung in recognition of the major donation from the Gene and Jerry Jones Family for the Dining Hall and kitchen.

As in any school, staff changes occur. As of June 2011, Mitzi Freeman’s title became Director of Business Operations. Judy Browne left her position as Head of Upper School at the end of 2011-2012, with plans to return next year in a classroom position. Judy has been at Shelton since 1997, when she was recruited to help with the planned creation of our high school. She was at the helm as we added grades 9 - 12, resulting in a Shelton population that has grown from 408 students in 1996-1997 to 870 today. One of the first things that Judy did at Shelton was to create a curriculum in ethics. It is to that field that she will return and devote many of her classroom efforts.

Moving forward, Linda Kneese, Head of School, will act as Interim Head of Upper School for 2012-2013. Administration will use the coming year to design the best plan for Upper School. The Upper School administrative team will remain the same, with the addition of Zac Ladd, a faculty member who has been at Shelton for seven and one-half years. The team will comprise of: Linda Kneese - Head of School/Interim Head of Upper School; Sally Baird - Upper School Assistant Head/Instruction; Dave Hunt - Upper School Assistant Head/Administration; Zac Ladd - Upper School Assistant Head/Activities; and Jenny Cheatham - Upper School Counselor.

Shelton hosted the annual Private School Preview on September 25^th. Representatives from 105 independent schools (locals, as well as boarding schools from across the nation) were on hand at the event sponsored by the Independent Schools Admission Association Dallas (ISAAD). The school will host this event for a second time in September 2012, under the direction of Shelton’s Admission Office.

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Tatum Tuthill and Selma Stone. David Goldstein, Dads’ Club Chairman since 2008, stepped down at year-end. Shelton School’s Gala and Auction, “Mystery on the Orient Express,” was held at the Westin Galleria on March 24^th. Jenice Dunayer, Courtney Madden, and Judy Wood were the 2012 Auction Co-Chairs, and Honorary Auction Chairs were Tracy and Richard Cheatham. Country western singer Clint Black performed that night for the attendees. The event netted $300,000. The Parents’ Association’s total to the school for the year was $340,000.

The 2011 Summer School Program had 144 classes offered to 539 students in attendance and Shelton Scholars had 73 students with 77 tutors. Upper School offered 10 non-credit courses with 10 for credit, and had 88 Upper School students attending. Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR) trained 21 at beginning level. The Outreach Center continued offering its on-line courses. Three on-line courses are now offered: Dyslexia and Related Disorders, Choices: The Shelton Model for Teaching Social Skills and Values, and the Shelton System for Organization and Study Skills. Many of the Saturday workshops for MSL therapy level training were delivered by webinar. Plans are underway for offering by webinar the SEE (Sequential English Education) training as well as the Beginning MACAR Course. The Shelton Storefront, launched in February 2010, provides an on-line site where people may purchase the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton. The Outreach Center offered training in Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA) for Keller ISD. The JW Ray School (DISD) began training in the SEE method for the teachers in that school, in July 2011, in collaboration with the Church of the Incarnation to offer a Scholars Program at Ray. During the summer of 2012 training in SALA (Take Flight) was offered through the Alabama State Department of Education to teachers from across the state. This is the fourth year that Shelton Outreach has provided this training. In August 2011 Shelton hosted the Back to School Montessori Conference on its campus. Presentations by staff during the year were made at the Alabama IDA in Birmingham; Tennessee IDA in Nashville; ALTA Conference, Dallas; the Desert Academy and Desert Montessori, both in Santa Fe, NM; the Seton Montessori School, Chicago, IL; the International Dyslexia Association Conference, Chicago, IL; a Montessori workshop in San Antonio; Colleyville ISD; Barbara Gordon Montessori Colleyville; and the American Montessori Society Annual Conference, San Francisco. Joyce Pickering, Executive Director Emerita and Nancy Coffman, Director of Outreach, made three consultant trips to Benjamin Franklin International School, Barcelona, Spain.

The Shelton Montessori Elementary and Early Childhood training continued with 20 adult learners enrolled in Early Childhood and Elementary Levels and two practicum level adult learners. In May 2012 The Shelton Montessori Teacher Education Center was visited by the OSET team regarding Shelton’s accreditation/affiliation for the Early Childhood course. The OSET team found the Early Childhood Program in compliance in all areas and has submitted that information to the national organizations of MACTE and American Montessori Society. The next steps are the final reviews by MACTE and AMS, an electronic survey of constituents, and vote by each organization. There are 13 adult learners in the inaugural Early Childhood class.

In November 2011 Suzanne Stell and Anne Thomas represented Shelton employees at the Dallas Morning News Top 100 Places to Work awards luncheon. Anyone can nominate a company to be on the list. The DMN invited 1,149 companies to participate for 2011 and surveyed 215 of them, including Shelton. To quote the DMN Business Editor, "We don't choose the winners; the employees do." The top winners are named by company size: small, midsize and large. Shelton was No. 21 in a list of 35 top midsize companies. We consider it a real honor to have been a part of the Top 100!

Shelton was honored as 2011 Business of the Year by the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, where, as a member, Shelton participates on the Education Committee. This, along with the Top 100 honor, gave all employees a chance to celebrate their place of employment.

Joyce Pickering, Executive Director Emerita, was chosen in March 2012 to be the 2013 American Montessori Living Legacy. This honor was announced at the American Montessori Society’s Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA. Joyce will be honored at many events in the 2012-13 year, culminating in the Keynote Speech and a reception in her honor at the 2013 AMS Annual Conference in Orlando.

In 2011-2012 Shelton also hosted approximately 60 individuals or groups in providing observations and information. For the second year Shelton was the site of a two-week pediatric rotation for residents with U.T. Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. From October through May we had 22 pediatricians observing all departments of the school.

Many of the school’s successful events continue to occur. The Upper School hosted its 14^th Ethics Symposium on January 27^th with 100 sophomores and juniors from seven area schools attending. The Photography Club hosted a Gallery Reception in the Lenox Gallery in conjunction with one-act plays. The 11th Mayfest was held in May 2012. In 2011-2012, the Upper School course offerings were expanded to include a student choir, The Vocal Charge, which performed several times throughout the year.

The Lasso, a student-published cyber-newsletter, was posted again, covering Upper School news. The Public Relations Department continued to publish the electronic newsletter, The Charger Plug, a monthly communication devoted to student news.

The Athletic Department witnessed many sports accolades for our school teams this year. In January 2012, Coach George Teague was nominated for the Don Shula Coach of the Year Award. The school celebrated the achievements with pep rallies, send-offs, and tail-gate parties. Shelton’s spirit organizations led the students and staff in supporting all teams via the Middle and Upper School cheerleaders, Upper School Mascots (Charlie, Sunny, and Bolt), the Upper School Charger Girls Pom / Dance Team, and Upper School Wranglers.

The Football Team was Bi-District champion and had seven athletes on the 1^st Team All District. The Volleyball Team had one on the 1^st Team All District and two on the 2^nd Team. The Boys’ Basketball Team was Bi-District champion. The Girls’ Varsity Basketball had two on 1^st Team All District and two on 2^nd Team. The Boys’ Golf Team placed 3^rd in District and Regionals and fifth in State, with one All State Golfer. The Boys’ Tennis Team placed 1^st in District and 1st in State. The Boys’ Baseball Team went to the Bi-District playoffs. The Boy’s Varsity Track and Field Team placed 8^th in State .

Fifty-three seniors graduated and were accepted into 46 colleges and universities. Scholarships in the amount of $936,000 were offered to 11 seniors, and a total of $262,000 was accepted. For the fifth year, Shelton Pride, was distributed during end-of-the-year awards assemblies and graduations. This booklet featured not only seniors but all Shelton students’ many awards, honors, monetary donations to outside organizations, and service hours. The class of 2012 started a tradition wherein the senior class will create a banner to hang during the May awards assemblies. This year’s banner encouraged the senior class and all staff to keep “Charging Forward.”

2012 - 2013

The 2012 – 2013 school year began with an enrollment of 860 and ended with 872. Admissions published the “Shelton Viewbook.” Shelton employed 248 people this school year. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

In the Development area, the annual fund campaign, “Light the Way,” raised gifts of $571,487. The campaign was co-chaired by Joe and Jennifer Clifford and Ellison and Laura Hurt.

Shelton hosted the annual Private School Preview for a second time on September 29th under the direction of Shelton’s Admission Office. Representatives from independent schools (locals, as well as boarding schools from across the nation) and nearly one thousand attendees were on hand at the event sponsored by the Independent Schools Admission Association Dallas (ISAAD).

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Christine Horstman and Dayna Freudenthal. Load that bus! The Parents’ Association hard work paid off. They purchased two new buses for our students. One bus holds 40 students plus a driver while the other holds 33 students plus a driver. Shelton School’s Stampede and Auction was held at The Palladium Ballroom on March 2nd. The 2013 Auction Co-Chairs were Jenice Dunayer, Courtney Madden and Holly Vitullo, all serving for the second year in a row. Honorary Auction Chairs were Karen and Mark Carney. The event netted $249,000. There was a matching gift by the Hoglund Foundation for $25,000.

The 2012 Summer School Program had 152 classes offered to 558 students in attendance and Shelton Scholars had 71 students with 78 tutors. Upper School offered 24 non-credit courses and nine for-credit, with 48 Upper School students attending. Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR) trained 18 at beginning level, with 9 auditing the course. The Outreach Center continued offering its on-line courses. Three on-line courses are now offered: Dyslexia and Related Disorders, Choices: The Shelton Model for Teaching Social Skills and Values, and the Shelton System for Organization and Study Skills. Many of the Saturday workshops for MSL therapy level training were delivered by webinar. Plans are underway for offering by webinar the SEE (Sequential English Education) training as well as the Beginning MACAR Course. The Shelton Storefront, overseen by Outreach, provides an on-line site where people may purchase the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton. Full accreditation was received for the Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Education Course. The Outreach Center offered training at the Trinity School of Midland for Study Skills, Fluency and Comprehension, and Math; at the Grapevine Faith for Multisensory Techniques for faculty and staff as well as overview of learning differences with simulations; Joyce Pickering presented for LIFT (Literacy Instruction for Texans; continued training for the State of Alabama for the SALA Teaching Training, and the SEE Teaching Level Training for the J. W. Ray School of Dallas. Presentations by staff during the year were made at the International Dyslexia Association conference in Baltimore; ALTA Conference, Dallas; the National Council for Administrator in Special Education (CASE) in Phoenix; and the State of Texas Legislators on behalf of the ALTA Legislative Advisory Council. Joyce Pickering, Executive Director Emerita and Nancy Coffman, Director of Outreach, made consultant trips to Benjamin Franklin International School, Barcelona, Spain.

The Shelton Montessori Elementary and Early Childhood training continued with 11 adult learners enrolled in Early Childhood and Elementary Levels and 18 practicum level adult learners.

As announced in 2011-2012 at the American Montessori Society’s Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA., Joyce Pickering, Executive Director Emerita, was chosen as the 2013 American Montessori Living Legacy. Joyce was honored at many events in the 2012-13 year, culminating in the Keynote Speech and a reception in her honor at the 2013 AMS Annual Conference in Orlando, in April 2013.

Shelton’s Research efforts began with a two-year study “Reducing Effects of ADHD and Learning Differences with Exercise.” The research will conduct a randomized control trial using aerobic exercise as a non-medication intervention for children with ADHD and/or Learning Differences. The targeted population is intended for Shelton high school students diagnosed with either ADHD or LD or both. The investigators include: Joyce S. Pickering, Hum.D.; Carroll W. Hughes, Ph.D.; Jennifer Davis, B.A.; Steve McBride, M.S.; Jeff Wigley, B.S.

For the third year Shelton was the site of a two-week pediatric rotation for residents with U.T. Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. From October through May we had 14 pediatricians observing departments of the school.

Shelton is a repeater! Shelton was thrilled to be honored for the second consecutive year as a Top 100 Best Places to Work in the metroplex. Out of 276 companies to undergo the survey, Shelton was 16 out of 35 in the small company (150-499 employees) category. There were 72,385 replies that determined this year’s rankings. More importantly, Shelton employees’ responses made it possible to receive Best at Making Work Meaningful. We have a real sense of Shelton Pride in receiving these accolades, because our entire staff made it happen.

Many of the school’s successful events continued to occur. The 12th Mayfest was held in May 10, 2013. With the laptop program continuing to be successful, it was enhanced with iPads for teachers to be used for classroom enrichment for 5^th-12^th grade students.

New happenings at Shelton in 2012-2013 were abundant. In the fall 2012, ten seniors, as charter members, were inducted into the National Honor Society. In February 2013 an additional group of 12 sophomores, 10 juniors, and four seniors were inducted into the Shelton Chapter. Edmodo, the system adopted as the communication tool for homework for Middle School and Upper School, began to be used. A group, Think Tank, was formed that comprised of a cross section of staff with the mission of bringing ideas to a round table discussion with the premise of continuous improvement for student learning at the forefront. The Think Tank met several times during the year, and reported to the staff. The Speech Clinic opened one day a month by appointment to the community for vision/hearing/speech-language screenings. For the Upper School Program, Linda Kneese, current Head of School, was the Interim Head of Upper School. There was the introduction of Writing Labs for freshmen and sophomores to enhance writing skills for those identified with more significant writing difficulties. There was the consolidation of four ethic courses into three with new course titles: Ethics I to Ethics; Ethics II and III combined to Sociology; and Ethics IV to Psychology. The Upper School advisories changed from multi-grade to single grade. Additional Upper School course offerings were expanded to include college writing, post World War II History, and Honors classes.

The Human Resources Department remained focused on the health of staff. The Wellness Program, Charge Into Health, was offered again. Staff activities this year included biometric screenings, online courses, incentive challenges and organized wellness walks. Employees who participated paid lower insurance premiums. After 20 years, Shelton once again sponsored a Shelton Charger 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. This run was aimed at staff, student, and parent participation but also welcomed the community. Staff member, Kelly Hall, was the chairman of the race event. The Wellness Committee members were involved in the race’s planning and success.

The school created a Safety and Security Committee; the committee is comprised of staff from all areas of the school. There is to be a safety audit by Bill Keslar of Building Solutions.

The Athletic teams moved up to TAPPS 4A and continued to compete at a high level. The school celebrated the achievements with pep rallies, send-offs, and tail-gate parties. The Middle and Upper School cheerleaders, Upper School Mascots (Sunny and Bolt), the Upper School Charger Girls Dance Team, Upper School Wranglers, and a new Drum-Line were instrumental in leading the students and staff in supporting all teams. The student athletic trainers were introduced this year in a pilot program. For the State Cross Country meet in the fall, it was the first time to compete as a male and female team and not just individuals. In golf, a female athlete qualified for State competition and placed eighth. In tennis, a female athlete qualified for the TAPPS State Tennis Tournament. Track had many accomplishments this year. There were records broken in 13 events. There were two male district champions in three events and two female athletes who were runner-up in two events in district. There were also two male runner-up athletes in three events at regionals. Three athletes qualified for the TAPPS State Track and Field Meet and two student athletes were awarded TAPPS Academic All-State.

Sixty-three seniors graduated and were accepted into 125 colleges and universities. Scholarships in the amount of $4,686,100 were offered to 29 seniors, and a total of $1,064,000 was accepted. Shelton Pride, (divisions’ fund raising activities for organizations outside of Shelton) was incorporated into the divisions’ programs of end-of-the-year awards assemblies and graduations.

2013 - 2014

The 2013 - 2014 school year began with an enrollment of 854 and ended with 881. Shelton employed 246 people this school year. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

Shelton’s 10-year on-site campus visit for its re-accreditation was conducted September 29 through October 2, 2013, by its accrediting organization, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). The visit by an 18-member team was preceded by months of preparations and staff committee meetings in order to submit our Self-Study and the Documentation of Adherence to Standards. On March 31, 2014, ISAS notified the school by letter of its achieving re-accreditation.

In the Development area, the annual fund campaign, “Now is the Time,” raised gifts of $617,230. The “Assuring the Future” Endowment Plaque was installed July 2013 on the first floor entry wall. The Shelton Golf Tournament, as a fund-raiser, was held at the Cowboys Golf Course, September 17, 2013.

In the fall of 2013 Glen Brown became the Chief Financial Officer. This new position was part of the succession plan as Dr. Robert Pickering planned his retirement in May 2014 after 24 years of loyal service. In March 2014 Diana Liese joined the Business Office in the newly created position of Controller.

The Human Resources Department remained focused on the health of staff. The Wellness Program, Charge Into Health, was continued. Staff activities this year included free biometric screenings, online courses, incentive challenges and organized wellness walks. Employees who participated paid lower insurance premiums. New policies were announced during August staff in-service for Social Media and Integrity Reporting. For the third year in a row, Shelton was voted as a Top 100 Best Places to Work in 2013 by the Dallas Morning News. Shelton was the recipient of Number 24 among the top 35 mid-size companies in the metroplex.

Community involvement and public relations efforts included Shelton’s 5K Run to Read event in October, leadership in The Big Picture: Rethinking event with eight organizations, participation in the local Commit educational project, and continued participation in the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee.

School

During the August in-service technology department announced that 2013 model MacBooks Airs would be distributed to 670 staff and students in grades 7^th – 12^th. Changes in technology forthcoming would be upgrades in phone service, a new internet service, and internal network.

For the first time, three Upper School students represented Shelton at the Quiz Bowl competition at St. Mark’s School of Texas. This competition has two teams of four players face off to answer academic-centered questions for points. Shelton placed ninth out of 14 teams.

The school’s favorite events occurred, including the August Advisory Open House; Awards Assemblies throughout the year; and fall Open House. The second Library Literary Festival and dinner was held January 28, 2014. Four authors participated: John Clendening, Ellen Hopkins, Bryan Mark Rigg, and Harry Harrelson, Jr. This year the Upper School Ethics Symposium was cancelled due to bad weather. The 13th Mayfest was held in May 9, 2014. The second annual Hunger Games event was held May 16, 2014, for eighth graders and high school students. All grades participated in food donations to the North Texas Food Bank.

Shelton had 27 entries in the Texas Library Media Awards for photos, videos, animation, and websites (glogs). Shelton has participated in this event for many years.

In January Shelton began, for the first time ever, a sponsorship of a student teacher for the spring semester. Beth Goodall, a senior from Abilene Christian University, was granted an exception to ACU’s student teaching protocol for placement at Shelton. Her assignments included Upper Elementary and Lower School.

The school celebrated athletic events and achievements with pep rallies and tail-gate parties. The Middle and Upper School cheerleaders, Upper School Mascots (Sunny and Bolt), the Upper School Charger Girls Dance Team, Upper School Wranglers, and Drum-Line were instrumental in leading the students and staff in supporting all teams.

In football, we had one athlete who made 1^st team all-district and district newcomer of the year. In cross country, we had one male athlete who finished 6^th in state. In basketball, we had one male athlete who made 1^st team all-district.

In baseball, we had one athlete who made 1^st team all-district. In golf, for a second year in a row, a female athlete placed 5^th in Regional and qualified for State competition and placed 12^th. In girls’ doubles in tennis, one team qualified for the TAPPS State Tennis Tournament. In boys’ single tennis, two players placed 5^th and 6^th in the District. In boys’ double tennis, one team placed 6^th in District. In Track & Field, there was a male athlete who was district and regional champion in the high jump and 110m hurdles and was also state champion in the high jump and runner up in state in the 110m hurdles. This athlete also broke the school record for high jump (6’4”), long jump (22’1”), 110m hurdles (14.95) and 100m (10.97). Another male athlete was district and regional champion in the 800m, 3^rd in state in the 800m and 2^nd in district in the 1600m and 300m hurdles. This athlete also broke the school record for the 300m hurdles (42.73), 800m (1:56.79) and 1600m (4:30.92). Numerous other school records were also broken for the Track & Field team this year.

In February, the Chargerettes won awards in Technique, Choreography, High Point, Super Sweepstakes, and Best in Class (for our size) at the Marching Auxiliaries Competition at Liberty High School in Frisco. In May, a celebration was held to honor four athletes who will continue to play sports at the college level.

In August 2013, Shelton hired Krystal Cunningham as its first Athletic Training Coordinator. This coordinator was the overseer for the new Athletic Training Program. The students in this program covered the training aspects for all of our high school sports, as well as had the opportunity to visit other athletic training programs for the Mavericks, Cowboys and SMU Mustangs.

In December 2013, the off campus Sports Enhancement Center (SEC) was opened. This facility has 4000 square feet and contains a weight room, training room and coaches office.

In February Shelton’s National Honor Society inducted 16 sophomores and juniors. In 2014 sixty-five seniors graduated and were accepted into 135 colleges and universities. Scholarships in the amount of $2.2 million were offered to 27 seniors, and a total of $625,500 was accepted. Banner quote for class of 2014 was Dream Big and Dare to Fail by Norman Vaughan. Valedictorian was Daniel Kussman; salutatorian was Mikey Halperin.

For the fourth year Shelton was the site of a three-day pediatric rotation for residents with U.T. Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. From October through May we had 18 pediatricians observing Lower School, Upper Elementary, Middle School, in-house Speech Program, and Evaluation Center.

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Christine Horstman and Annette Matteson. The association sponsored the Sky Ranch Child/Father Weekend in October; the Book Fair with Dads’ Luncheon in October; the very popular Grandparents’ Day in November; and staff appreciations luncheons during parent conferences in October and February. Shelton School’s Stampede and Auction was held again at The Palladium Ballroom on February 22, 2014, with Steve Holy as the entertainer. The 2014 Auction Co-Chairs were Rachel Dreiling and Heather Cronister. The Parents’ Association donated $280,000 to the Shelton School from their fund-raising efforts in 2013-14.

Outreach

The 2013 Summer School Program had 149 classes offered to 607 students in attendance. Upper School offered 21 non-credit courses and eight for-credit, with 100 Upper School students attending. Shelton Scholars had 109 students over the summer, fall and spring semesters.

Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR) trained 46 participants at Shelton and 47 at two different locations in Seattle, Washington and Princeton, New Jersey. Four Montessori credit courses were offered by Dallas Baptist University in June 2013 on our campus. The Shelton Storefront, overseen by Outreach, continues to provide an on-line site where people may purchase the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton. In 2013-2014, approximately $50,000 of materials was purchased.

The Outreach Center continued training for the State of Alabama, Oxford, Mississippi, and the cities of Grapevine/Colleyville in SALA Teaching Training, and Scholars Training for the J. W. Ray School of Dallas. Presentations by staff during the year were made at the International Dyslexia Association conference in New Orleans; Montessori Leaders Collaborative and MACTE/IAME seminar in Alexandria, Virginia; and American Montessori Society in New York City. Joyce Pickering travelled to Beijing, China to present on Montessori Applied to Children at Risk and to consult with government officials about standards of Montessori training. Additional workshops/training occurred in Midland, TX; Argyle, TX; Plano, TX; Hope, AR; Milwaukee, WI; Greensboro, NC; and Jersey City, NJ.

The Shelton Montessori Elementary and Early Childhood Training, which is AMS affiliated and MACTE accredited, had 29 learners (9 from Shelton). The Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) Training, which is IMSLEC accredited, had 98 teachers for SALA and SARA and in SEE, 57 participants. Outreach’s short-term workshops (MSL, LD, Montessori) had 1,197 attendees. In November 2013, due to the increased training done with both the MTA (Multisensory Teaching Approach) materials and the Take Flight materials from Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, Outreach moved the Take Flight based courses from SALA (Shelton Academic Language Approach) to the Shelton Adolescent Reading Approach (SARA) and changed that title to “Shelton Academic Reading Approach” (still SARA). This more accurately reflects the training that we are doing. Chris Bedenbaugh will continue as course director for SALA and teach MTA. Nancy Coffman will continue as course director for SARA (Shelton Academic Reading Approach) and teach the Take Flight courses. This change was approved at the IMSLEC council meeting in New Orleans.

On March 27, 2014, Shelton hosted 108 American Montessori Society Dallas conference attendees (2 groups). The visitors toured classrooms, the Speech Clinic, Evaluation Center and Outreach Center. Some participated in the Simulations of Learning Differences during their visit. At the AMS/Dallas conference, an entire track was devoted to Montessori Applied to Children at Risk, and seven staff members assisted: Amy Kelton, Casey Barnett, Sue Cantrell, Joyce Pickering, Laure Ames, Stephanie Hicks, and Pauline Novak. The Upper Elementary and Lower School children performed at the conference opening under the direction of Zilei Leite, music teacher.

Research

Speech Clinic

The Speech Clinic had a busy year providing services to clients. There were 281 community clients seen and 264 clients seen at other private schools, at home or via Skype. The Clinic also performed speech/language, hearing and vision screenings at 18 schools, including Shelton School.

In March 2014 the Continuing Education Board (CEB) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) approved the Shelton Speech Clinic as an ASHA Approved Continuing Education (CE) provider. ASHA Approved CE Providers are the only organizations approved to offer continuing education courses for audiologists and speech-language pathologists for ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The application process was rigorous. Shelton joins 532 other organizations across the country and around the world that have had their organizational process and courses reviewed to ensure the highest possible standards.

Shelton Evaluation Center

The Evaluation Center provided testing services for 254 clients between June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014. Not only does the Evaluation Center see Dallas metroplex clients, but also those from 11 other cities in Texas. Clients have traveled from London, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Florida, Arizona, Alaska, Washington, North Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

2014 - 2015

The 2014 - 2015 school year began with an enrollment of 866 and ended with 887. Shelton employed 243 people this school year. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

In the Development area, the annual fund campaign, “Together We Can…Make a Difference,” raised gifts of $685,000. The Shelton Golf Tournament, as a fund-raiser, was again held at the Cowboys Golf Course, September 2, 2014.

Public / Community Relations highlights for 2014-2015 included:

Production of I Am Shelton video featuring Shelton staff
Sponsorship with other ISAS schools of 1) Common Ground Speaker Series featuring Madeline Levine, Ph.D; 2) presentation of How Did We Get So Afraid for Our Kids by Lenore Skenazy; and 3) letter and video combating teen alcohol / drug abuse
Communication weekly via ePost to Parents
Participation in Shelton-wide 10-year marketing plan led by board member Ken Luce
Leadership role with Independent Schools Communicators Council
Coordination of keynote speaker / panelists for Shelton’s 15^th Annual Ethics Symposium
Ongoing representation with N. Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee
Ongoing collaboration with community entities, including Park Cities Learning Differences Association, Commit!, neighborhood homeowners associations
Increased promotion of all Shelton programs via FaceBook, Twitter, online blogs

Human Resources highlights were:

Employment of 243 employees for Shelton’s four business entities
Continuation of Charge Into Health Wellness Program with annual campus health fair and free biometric screenings, online courses, incentive challenges via wellness walks and activities, recognition of wellness champions
Implementation of new paid leave donation policy
Communication weekly via Staff Stuff

School

The school’s favorite events occurred, including the August Advisory Open House; Awards Assemblies throughout the year; and fall Open House. This year the Upper School Ethics Symposium was held February 6, 2015. The 14th Mayfest was held May 10, 2015. The third annual Hunger Games event was also held May 10, highlighted by the Staff/Faculty Team playing kickball against the Middle School Team, with MS winning 5-3. All grades participated in food donations to the North Texas Food Bank as part of the cause.

Shelton had 35 Middle and Upper School student entries in the Texas Media Awards for photos, videos, animation, and websites (glogs). Shelton has participated in this event for many years.

Twenty seventh- and eighth-grade artists were featured in the Dallas Museum of Art's Art Ball 50: Self Portrait exhibit in the spring 2015. Each student chose either an imitational, expressive or symbolic style for his or her work. The Young Arts Program (YAP) is the DMA's most extensive and ambitious PreK-12 studio-based educational program. Shelton was one of 12 schools invited to participate in the event. The Bob Bennett Best of Show Award was awarded to a Shelton student.

The Lasso, a student-published cyber-newsletter, was posted again, featuring Upper School news. The Public Relations Department continued to publish the electronic newsletter, The Charger Plug, an on-line communication devoted to student news.

Staff and students responded to the Commit! 2 Dallas call to action with initiative. They made a difference in improving the educational methods and bettering the lives of the students and families of William Cabell Elementary Dallas through the Commit! 2 Dallas Program. Donations included school supplies, school equipment, training in Shelton programs, meals, and clothing. Shelton was humbled and proud to stand with Cabell in the charge to change, help, and better the community. Cabell Elementary nominated Shelton School for recognition as a Non-Profit Partner / Volunteer of the Year Award. Shelton was a finalist for this award.

The school celebrated athletic events and achievements with pep rallies and tail-gate parties. The Middle and Upper School cheerleaders, Upper School mascots (Sunny, Bolt and Charlie), the Upper School Chargerettes Dance Team, Upper School Wrangler and Drum-Line were instrumental in leading the students and staff in supporting all teams.

In football, Shelton had two athletes who made 2^nd team all-district. In cross country, one male athlete finished 9^th in state. For fall sports, two athletes made TAPPS academic all-state.

In basketball, one male athlete and one female athlete made 2^nd team all-district. In soccer, two male athletes made 2^nd team all-district and one female athlete made district newcomer of the year. For winter sports, one athlete made TAPPS academic all-state.

In baseball, two athletes made 2^nd team all-district. In golf, for a third year in a row, a female athlete qualified for State competition. This year two females qualified for State competition. The boy’s team was a regional qualifier. One male athlete qualified for State competition. In women’s track and field, Shelton had two district champions in the discus and pole vault as well as one regional champion in the 400m. Shelton also had three women state qualifiers in the discus, pole vault and 400m. In men’s track and field, one male athlete who was district champion in the long jump and also was a state qualifier in the long jump, high jump, triple jump and 110m hurdles. Another male athlete was district champion in the 800m and 1600m and state qualifier in those two events. One other male athlete was a state qualifier in the triple jump. Twelve school records were broken this year for the men’s and women’s track and field teams. For spring sports, we had four athletes who made TAPPS academic all-state.

At camp, the cheerleaders received the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Spirit Award for the first time ever. One cheerleader and one mascot received NCA Top All-American awards. Two other cheerleaders received NCA All-American awards and six other cheerleaders were NCA All-American nominees.

In May, a celebration was held to honor two athletes who will continue to play sports at the college level.

USA Football named George Teague to its Advisory Committee. USA Football is the sport's national governing body, leading the game's development for youth, high school and other amateur football players. It also is the sport's leader in coaching education and player skill advancement. Coach Teague was also elected to the Athletic Executive Committee of Texas Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). He will represent Dallas / Fort Worth's 4A Division.

The Chargerettes drill team had a great day March 21, 2015 at the American Dance and Drill Team (ADTS) national dance competition, which took place at the University of North Texas in Denton. Teams from high schools and colleges performed, some from as far away as China. Shelton's team earned National Champion status for their Novelty routine and Officer Lyrical routine. They brought home the trophy for 2nd Runner Up Team in their division of seven teams. This was only the second season for the Chargerettes to participate in competitions, and to achieve this ranking at a national competition was quite an accomplishment.

In March Shelton’s National Honor Society inducted four seniors and 19 sophomores. In 2015, 51 seniors graduated and were accepted into 57 colleges and universities. Scholarships in the amount of $2,072,400 million were offered to 30 seniors, and a total of $695,000 was accepted. Valedictorian was Brandon Douglas; salutatorian was Joseph Wales.

For the fifth year Shelton was the site of a three-day pediatric rotation for residents with U.T. Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. From October through May we had seven pediatricians observing Lower School and Upper Elementary.

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Annette Matteson and Lynne Turner. The association sponsored the New Parent Dinner, Division Breakfasts, Dads’ Group Dinner, Sky Ranch Child/Father Weekend in October, the Book Fair with Dads’ Luncheon in October, the very popular Grandparents’ Day in November, and staff appreciations luncheons during parent conferences in October and February. Shelton School’s Stampede Auction was held at Shelton February 21, 2015. Auction Co-Chairs were Mickie Bragalone, Courtney Dios, and Karen Higgins. The Parents’ Association donated $385,000 to Shelton School from their fund-raising efforts in 2014-2015.

Outreach

The 2014 Summer School Program had 138 classes offered to 618 students in attendance. Upper School offered 23 non-credit courses and eight for-credit, with 98 Upper School students attending. Shelton Scholars had approximately 70 students during the summer, fall and spring semesters.

Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR) trained 34 Beginning participants and four Advanced at Shelton and eight in Seattle, Washington. Seven Montessori credit courses were offered by Dallas Baptist University in the summer of 2014 on Shelton’s campus. Six language therapy courses were offered by Dallas Baptist University on Shelton’s campus. For the third year, MACAR courses were offered at the American Montessori Society Annual Conference, with 300 attending the various presentations.

The Shelton Storefront, overseen by Outreach, continues to provide an on-line site where people may purchase the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton. In 2014-2015, approximately $160,264 of materials and training were purchased on the website.

The Specific On-Site Evaluation Team (SOSET) from the International Multisensory Language Education Council (IMSLEC) visited from June 16-18, 2014 for the reaccreditation of Shelton School’s Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) course, Sequential English Education (SEE). Shelton received IMSLEC’s reaccreditation for SEE for seven years, through the year 2021.

The Outreach Center continued training for the State of Alabama, Oxford, MS, and the cities of Grapevine/Colleyville in SARA Teaching Training, and Scholars Training for the J. W. Ray School of Dallas. Presentations by staff during the year were made at the International Dyslexia Association conference in San Diego, CA; Montessori Leaders Collaborative and MACTE/IAME seminar in Alexandria, VA; and American Montessori Society in New York City. Joyce Pickering travelled to Beijing, China to present on Montessori Applied to Children at Risk and to consult with government officials about standards of Montessori training. Additional presentations were given in Barcelona, Spain; Boston, MA; Austin, TX; Anchorage, AK; Alexandria, VA; Seattle, WA; Tokyo, Japan; Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier City LA; Tyler, TX; Sarasota, FL; San Diego, CA; Chicago, IL; Michigan, South Carolina, and Canada. Workshops/training occurred in Midland, TX; Argle, TX; Plano, TX; Hope, AR; Jonesboro, AR; Monticello, AR; Milwaukee, WI; Greensboro, NC; and Jersey City, NJ.

The Shelton Montessori Elementary and Early Childhood Training, which is AMS- affiliated and MACTE-accredited, had nine participants from Shelton in 2014. The Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) Training, which is IMSLEC- and IDA-accredited, had 37 teachers for Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA) and Shelton Adolescent Reading Approach (SARA) and in Sequential English Education (SEE), 13 participants. From June to August 2014, the total workshops and training participants numbered 341. Outreach’s short-term workshops (MSLE, LD, Montessori) had approximately 3,150 attendees. Chris Bedenbaugh continued as course director for SALA and taught MTA. Nancy Coffman continued as course director for SARA and taught the Take Flight courses. Joyce Pickering and Amy Kelton co-direct the SEE training courses. Pauline Novak and Joyce Pickering co-directed the Montessori training courses.

Research

Shelton’s research efforts continued its two-year study “Reducing Effects of ADHD and Learning Differences with Exercise” from August through May in three health classes. The research conducted a randomized control trial using aerobic exercise as a non-medication intervention for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and/or Learning Differences (LD). The targeted population is intended for Shelton high school students diagnosed with either ADHD or LD or both. All four cohorts of the Hope Exercise Study were completed in the fall 2014. Data for 196 student participants was collected. The investigators included Joyce S. Pickering, Hum.D. and Carroll W. Hughes, Ph.D. Steve McBride, M.S., was the course instructor. Stephanie Weatherford assisted for the study. The study’s Final Report of February 2015 stated: “The study has contributed to the strong need for non-medication alternatives for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and enhancing educational achievement for children and adolescents with different types of learning disabilities/differences (LD). Recent research suggests that aerobic exercise may be a potential treatment based on the increased release Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) and brain neurotransmitters that accompanies vigorous exercise.”

Speech Clinic

The Speech Clinic had a busy year providing services to clients. There were averages per month of 61 Shelton students in the Clinic; 32 community clients; and 40 clients seen at other private schools, at home or via Skype. The Clinic also performed speech/language, hearing and vision screenings at 13 schools, including Shelton School. The Director, Stephanie Hicks, resigned at the end of July 2015, due to her family’s move to Arkansas. Krista Norwood assumed the position of Director.

Shelton Speech Clinic is among 532 other organizations across the country and around the world that have had their organizational process and courses reviewed to ensure the highest possible standards. As an American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) Approved CE Provider, Shelton is able to offer continuing education courses (CEUs) for audiologists and speech-language pathologists for ASHA.

Shelton Evaluation Center

The Evaluation Center provided testing services for 268 clients between June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015. The Evaluation Center saw clients from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, and clients from eight other cities in Texas were also seen. This year, out-of-state clients traveled from Dubai, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, and New Mexico.

2015 - 2016

The many successes of 2015 - 2016 would not have been possible without the parents of our incredible students. As we ended our 40^th anniversary year, two words -- THANK YOU -- seem so small when trying to convey the School’s gratitude. The 40^th anniversary year was a success!

We cannot begin to list the many things that made this such a special year; but a sample list includes:

Tail gate parties that added to our athletics festivities
Staff Appreciation events that made us feel so very special
Grade-level parties that drew in new friends
Food trucks that fed us with good times
Volunteers who served soup and grilled sandwiches
Ambassadors who stuffed envelopes and generated good will
Dads who spent a special weekend at Sky Ranch with their children
Library volunteers who coordinated books, bagels and an outstanding book fair
Volunteers who put on a party for some 1,000 proud grandparents
Parents who sold spirit items and used uniforms
Wall display of t-shirts to show Shelton’s Pride through the years
A display wall of photographs from 1976 to present
40^th Anniversary t-shirts worn with the school uniform

The 2015 - 2016 school year began with an enrollment of 895 and ended with 919. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

In Development, the Annual Giving campaign surpassed the goal, bringing us almost $800,000; additional gifts of $338,000 brought the total to some $1.1 million.

Public / Community Relations

The highlight of the year was promoting the excitement of Shelton’s 40^th anniversary. Our theme was Forward at Forty, and every major event incorporated it throughout the year. The PR Department produced the video 40 Reasons to Celebrate 40 Years at Shelton. It featured employees, students, alumni, parents, board members and neighbors, including City Council member Sandy Greyson. It was premiered at in-service in August and posted on Shelton’s website for the remainder of the year.

Advertising for the year included a 40^th anniversary logo, as did banners throughout the campus. Special spots were produced for the media, including KERA 90.1. Print pieces captured some forty benchmarks in Shelton’s history. The campus lobby featured photos from Shelton’s four decades.

A Founders’ Day reception was held September 16 for former and current board, administration, major donors, and parent and alumni representatives.

The annual Horizon newsletter engaged readers with 40^th anniversary Q&A, as did the regular ePost to Parents, Staff Stuff and other e-news publications.
The 2016 auction sponsored by the Shelton Parents’ Association used Looking Back / Charging Forward as its theme. The PR Department produced the Stampede auction video for the festive occasion.

Other major activities included a collaborative rebranding initiative led by board member Ken Luce. Our logo was revised to include four stars representing the four entities of Shelton: School, Speech Therapy Program, Evaluation Center, and Outreach / Training. Our tagline was revised to read Engage, Enrich, Empower.

Shelton had a strong presence at the International Dyslexia Association’s annual conference in October, this year held in Dallas. We had conference presenters, student entertainers, a booth, and visitors on our campus.

Shelton alumnus John “Scoot” McNairy visited Shelton in the fall. The successful actor / producer acknowledged Shelton for its educational program and encouraged students through his presentations to Think differently.

Other great events that showcased Shelton were Dallas Child’s Summer Camp Fair, which drew 1,042 attendees to campus; Shelton’s 15^th Annual Ethics Symposium, with 6 schools in attendance and notable professionals as guest panelists; and EdRev in April, a day co-sponsored by Shelton to celebrate the gifts and talents of students with learning differences.

Human Resources

Shelton had 244 employees for the year – 232 were full time, and 12 were part time.

In the fall, employees were given 40^th anniversary T-shirts to wear throughout the year.

Our Wellness Program initiatives continued with an annual health fair, the Maintain, Don’t Gain Program, several wellness activities, and recognition of employee wellness champions. Shelton was identified as a top tier client by Compass Professional Health Services based on our partnership and exceptional utilization.

Shelton added the benefit of employer-sponsored short term disability for its full time employees.

Employees supported major campus wide community service initiatives, notably a partnership with the Commit! Program, in which we partnered with Dallas ISD’s Cabell Elementary.

Shelton recognized its employees at the annual year-end Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Retiring employees were thanked for their service, and others received longevity bonuses.

School

The school’s favorite events occurred, including the August Advisory Open House; Awards Assemblies throughout the year; and fall Open House, spirit days, and homecoming events. This year the Upper School Ethics Symposium was held February 6, 2015. The 15th Mayfest was held May 13, 2016. The fourth annual Hunger Games event was also held May 13, highlighted by the Staff/Faculty Team playing kickball against the Middle School Team. All grades participated in food donations to the North Texas Food Bank as part of the cause.

For the first year, the school used the Raptor Visitor Management System at the security desk to scan government issued ID for all visiting parents and visitors. In addition, this year the Nurse’s office had two full-time nurses on duty. The technology department had a Technology Committee composed of staff from all divisions. There was as an outside consultant looking at technology in Shelton who worked one-to-one with students. The spring 2016-2017 re-enrollment and new registration process was completed entirely on-line.

Shelton’s Upper Elementary, Middle and Upper Schools submitted 45 photos, videos, animation, graphic design, and website entries to the state-wide Texas Media Awards, sponsored by the Texas Library Association. Shelton has participated in this event for many years.

The staff and students involved in the Visual Arts Department had a productive year.

20 Middle School artists participated in the International Dyslexia Association’s “Youth Art Gallery” at the conference at the Gaylord Texan in October.
M.S. Art instructor, Sherry Houpt represented Shelton at the invitational art exhibit “Artist as Teacher/Teacher As Artist” at the Episcopal School of Dallas in the fall. The exhibit featured professional artists who teach in private schools in the Dallas/Ft. Worth region.
25 artists from all divisions were invited to display their work at the GlobeRunner Gallery in Addison, Texas in February.
The sixth grade art class was selected to participate in a new “SKYPE” program sponsored by the Nasher Sculpture Center in February. Mrs. Houpt, who serves on the Teacher Advisory Board of the Nasher, collaborated with Lynda Wilbur, from the Education Department in a virtual tour of the museum.
25 Middle School artists created artwork and entered the C.A.R.E. (Chemical Awareness Resources and Education) calendar competition. There were six winning entries from Shelton, out of a field of 700. The students had artwork displayed at Northpark Center, and 3 entries will be included in the 2016-2017 calendar.
The International Dyslexia Association journal, “Perspectives” featured the award winning art of Maddy Pollak (8^th grade) on the cover of the summer publication.

In March, Music Movement, a non-profit foundation, presented the Shelton music department with a donation for $5,000. Music Movement supports music programs for students with learning differences and special needs across the United States. Shelton parent Julia Pitlik serves on the board of Music Movement. The check was presented at their first annual benefit concert at the Anatole Hotel.

The Lasso, a student-published cyber-newsletter, was posted again, featuring Upper School news.

The Public Relations Department continued to publish the electronic newsletter, The Charger Plug, an on-line communication devoted to student news.

Staff and students again responded to the Commit! 2 Dallas call to action with initiative. They continued to make a difference in improving the educational methods and bettering the lives of the students and families of William Cabell Elementary, Dallas ISD. Donations included school supplies, school equipment, training in Shelton programs, meals, and clothing. Shelton was humbled and proud to stand with Cabell in the charge to change, help, and better the community.

In February Shelton’s National Honor Society inducted 24 sophomores. In May, we sent 61 seniors to their new adventures. They have been accepted into 229 colleges and universities, and they have received $4,352,110 in merit scholarships. Their theme has been The best way to predict your future is to create it. Valedictorian was Dylan Frankl; salutatorian was Christian Cole.

For the sixth year Shelton was the site of a two-day pediatric rotation for residents with U.T. Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. From October through May we had 12 pediatricians observing Lower School and Upper Elementary.

The athletics department celebrated many achievements in all sports. This is because of the continued growth and hard work of both the players and coaches.

In football, we had two athletes who made 1^st team all-district, two athletes who made 2^nd team all-district, one athlete who made first team all-state and one athlete who made second team all-state. In cross country, we had one male athlete who finished as state champion. In volleyball, we had one athlete who made first team all-district. For fall sports, we had three athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.

In girl’s basketball, we had one athlete who made 1st team all-district and two athletes who made 2nd team all-district. In boys basketball, we had one athlete who made 2nd team all-district. In soccer, we had one male athlete who made 1^st team all-district. For winter sports, we had two athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.

In baseball, we had an athlete who received offensive player of the year and 1^st team all-district and one athlete who made 2^nd team all-district. In golf, we had a male athlete qualify for state competition. The boy’s team was also a regional qualifier. In tennis, we had one female athlete qualify for state. In women’s track and field, we had a women’s district and regionals champion as well as 2nd in state for the pole vault. In men’s track and field, we had an athlete who was district, regional and state champion in the 800m as well as district champion and qualifier for state in the 400m. The men’s 4x400m relay was runner up in district and qualified for state. Another athlete was district runner up in the 3200m. Seven school records were broken this year for the men’s and women’s track and field teams. For spring sports, we had four athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.

Our Varsity Cheerleaders were well represented at summer camp. One cheerleader received the NCA All-American award and the NCA Camp Star Jumper award. Two other cheerleaders received NCA Camp Star Tumbler awards.

The Chargerettes dance team participated at the American Dance and Drill Team (ADTS) national dance competition and for the first time, attended the TAPPS State Championship in Waco. In the ADTS competition, the team received the Sweepstakes Award, Gussie Nell Davis Award, Runner-up for Best in Class for their division and other honors. In the TAPPS State Championship, they won 10^th in state. Additionally, they had one team member who received 2^nd Team All-State and another team member who received Honorable Mention All-State.

In May, a celebration was held to honor three athletes who will continue to play sports at the college level.

Speech Clinic
The Speech Clinic had a busy year providing services to clients. Seven licensed and certified speech-language pathologists completed an average of 740 therapy sessions each month with over 150 clients from both Shelton and the community. Individual and group therapy to improve Social Language Skills was provided for Shelton and community clients, as well. In addition to Shelton, therapists provided therapy services off-site in 11 private schools in the Dallas area. Speech, language, hearing, vision and reading screenings were completed with over 1,000 students at 13 schools.

Shelton Speech Clinic is among 532 other organizations across the country and around the world that have had their organizational process and courses reviewed to ensure the highest possible standards. As an American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) Approved CE Provider, Shelton may offer continuing education courses (CEUs) for audiologists and speech-language pathologists for ASHA.

Shelton Evaluation Center
The Evaluation Center provided testing services for 250 clients from June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016. The Evaluation Center saw clients from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and clients from ten other Texas cities. This year, out-of-state clients traveled from New Mexico, Oklahoma, California, Arkansas, Louisiana, Colorado, and Indiana.

Parents’ Association
The Parents’ Association President was Mickie Bragalone. The association sponsored the New Parent Dinner, Division Breakfasts, Dads’ Group Dinner, Sky Ranch Child/Father Weekend in October, the Book Fair with Dads’ Luncheon in October, the very popular Grandparents’ Day in November, tailgating at games, food trucks, and staff appreciation luncheons during parent conferences in October and February. Shelton Parents' Association, through their many efforts this school year, raised just over $1 million dollars for the school!

The Parents’ Association auction party was a stupendous success this year. The theme was “Looking Back---Charging Forward” celebrating Shelton’s 40-year anniversary. Chaired by Jennifer Dix and Andrea Nayfa, the sold-out auction party raised $876,000. The Honorary Auction Chairs were Gene and Jerry Jones and Charlotte and Shy Anderson. The highlights of the evening included the performance of Don Henley and his band as well as a video from Jerry Jones explaining what Shelton means to his family. Charlotte and Shy Anderson also spoke on behalf of Shelton.

Additional fund raising activities included the Boosterthon of $46,800; the Charger Corral raised $23,600; and the parents gave to the teachers and staff $55,000 through Holiday Happiness.

In 2015-2016 the Parents’ Association presented the first Shelton Parents’ Association Recognition Kudos (SPARK) financial award to one faculty member of each division and one staff member. The first year’s recipients were Carla Ratcliff, Lower; Penny Bigbie, Upper Elementary; Gwen Jensen, Middle, and Becky Rivers, Upper. The staff member was Anne Thomas, Public Relations/Human Resources. This award will be given each May.

Outreach

Summer School
The 2015 Summer School Program had 162 classes offered to 620 students in attendance. Upper School offered 16 non-credit courses and eight for-credit courses, with 103 Upper School students attending.

Shelton Scholars
Shelton Scholars had 82 students during the summer, fall and spring semesters. In the fall of 2014, the Scholars program transitioned from a one-on-one tutoring program into a small group (two-three students per tutor) program. Since the introduction of group tutoring, the Scholars program has seen an overall increase in testing scores and has been able to provide higher quality tutors for the students.

Ongoing On-Site Training

Sequential English Education (SEE)
Joyce Pickering continued as course director along with Shelton SEE Instructors Amy Kelton, Danyle Duke, Liz Gonzalez and Tina Graves.

The SEE Teaching Level summer class of 2015 trained 13 teachers. Thirteen were certified at the SEE Teaching Level (One Shelton teacher and twelve teachers from other schools). The SEE Therapy Level class trained two teachers. (One Shelton teacher was certified at the SEE Therapy Level and three from other schools). At the SEE Teaching Instructor Level three Shelton teachers were certified. At the SEE Instructor Therapy Level/QI three Shelton teachers and two teachers from other schools were certified.

Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA)
Chris Bedenbaugh continued as course director for SALA and took five Keller ISD teachers to the Therapy Level.

The Specific On-Site Evaluation Team (SOSET) from the International Multisensory Language Education Council (IMSLEC) visited from May 14-16, 2016 for the reaccreditation of Shelton School’s Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) course, Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA). Shelton received IMSLEC’s reaccreditation for SALA for seven years, through the year 2023.

Shelton Academic Reading Approach (SARA)
Nancy Coffman continued as course director for SARA. G-g Shryer continued as the summer introductory instructor. One introductory course and one course for CALTs in utilizing the Take Flight curriculum were conducted by G-g in the summer. Nancy taught an advanced course during the summer and an additional introductory course during the school year.

Therapy Level
All three courses, SEE, SALA and SARA merged for the therapy level seminars that were taught by a variety of instructors from the Shelton staff as well as speakers from the outside. Dr. Laure Ames continued to teach the required one-week course at the therapy level titled “Diagnosing Learning Different Children: Referral and Testing.”

On-going Off-site Teacher Training In Multisensory Language Education

Sequential English Education (SEE)
Two teachers from Mata Elementary School were trained in the teaching level of SEE. Shelton instructors continue to train and observe teachers from other schools from Tyler, Allen and Dallas, Texas, California, Alaska, New Mexico and Arkansas.

Joyce Pickering presented SEE teaching level segments at all of her MACAR and Montessori trainings.

SALA
Chris Bedenbaugh taught the Teaching Level of the MTA curriculum to eight Keller ISD teachers.

SARA
Nancy Coffman delivered SARA courses in Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Monticello, Crowley’s Ridge, Farmington, Arkansas, as well as in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama. Chris Bedenbaugh delivered SALA (MTA) training to teachers from Keller, Texas ISD. G-g Shryer delivered SARA courses at Shelton School.

Short Term Workshop
As part of the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA’s) National Conference, a visit to Shelton School was offered and hosted by Joyce Pickering, John Hodges, and Pauline Novak. It was lead by 10 tour guides and included classroom observations and an Overview of Learning Differences presentation. Tours were also conducted twice in October to Key School of Fort Worth. Linda Kneese, and Nancy Coffman coordinated the visits.

Joyce Pickering hosted visitors from the Shanghai Montessori Education Academy in April, administrators from New Mexico in September, a group from Penfield Montessori Academy in Wisconsin in January and teachers from Fort Worth Montessori and Colorado in February. Joyce hosted a group of upcoming teacher candidates from DBU in April with a tour and a presentation on Learning Differences.

Amy Kelton presented to Montessori groups in August, October and November in New Mexico, Massachusetts and Canada.

The Outreach Center presented 40 workshops from June of 2015 through May of 2016. Joyce Pickering, Nancy Coffman, John Hodges, Amy Kelton, Chris Bedenbaugh, and Pauline Novak were presenters.

Training/Conferences
Nancy Coffman presented to the Alabama Branch of IDA; Mobile Bay branch of the Alabama IDA; Dallas Branch of the International Dyslexia Association’s annual conference; Keller ISD and at the Arkansas Dyslexia conference; Washington, DC branch of IDA; and IDA workshop held in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Joyce Pickering presented at the ALTA Chapters Austin Branch Conference, and Montessori groups in New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania. Joyce also presented at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network in Harrisburg, PA. Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton, Blair King, Laure Ames, and Nancy Coffman presented workshops at the IDA’s National Conference in Grapevine, Texas. Joyce Pickering traveled to Qingdao, China with a group of delegates from the American Montessori Society (AMS) to attend the Chinese Society of Education Conference. They convened to announce the Chinese standards for Montessori Education. Joyce and Pauline Novak traveled to Washington DC for Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) meetings. At this meeting Joyce was awarded the Wisdom of the Elders Award. The AMS Annual Conference in Chicago had presentations from Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton and Laure Ames. Dr. Robert Pickering was awarded the AMS Lifetime Achievement Award at the conference. Joyce traveled to Amsterdam, Netherlands to represent AMS at the annual AMI conference, extending the trip with a tour of the Duhovka Montessori Schools in Prague, Czech Republic.

Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR)
MACAR training in Dallas 2015 again saw the benefits of offering the course at the Annual Conference the previous year in Philadelphia with 40 trainees. Six were Shelton employees, three were from Shelton Montessori Training; 13 were from the AMS Annual Conference. Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton, Sue Cantrell and Casey Barnett shared their knowledge, strategies and skills with Montessori teachers from around the country, to help children who learn differently.

Joyce, Amy and Pauline Novak also offered MACAR off-campus in Boston with 24 participants. Joyce Pickering has begun work to present the MACAR course online through Dallas Baptist University in Dallas.

Montessori Early Childhood
Joyce Pickering and Pauline Novak offered Montessori training to new teachers in the Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Fort Worth ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, College Station, Austin and Amarillo. Fourteen teachers received their Early Childhood Certificate this year. Peggy Krug, Joni Harris, Sue Cantrell, Cathy Luby, Joyce Pickering, Donna Gonzalez, Christine Davis and Laura Monroe instructed the 12 courses within this training.

Montessori Elementary
Joyce Pickering and Pauline Novak offered Montessori training to new teachers in Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Austin ISD, and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arkansas. Eleven teachers received their Elementary I Montessori Certificate this year. Instructors included Sue Cantrell, Peggy Krug, Joyce Pickering, Judi Bauerlein, Matty Umscheid, Rachel Nordgren, Laura Monroe, and Amy Kelton

The Shelton Storefront, overseen by Outreach, continues to provide an on-line site where the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton may be purchased. In 2015-2016, approximately $156,027.00 of materials and training were purchased on the website.

Research
In 2015 and 2016, Shelton students in seventh grade through seniors in high school participated in a research project developed in collaboration between Shelton School and Joe Powers from Stanford University. This project was developed with the hopes of improving the ways that scientific findings about the brain are communicated to students in this age group and to learn how students’ beliefs about subject material like brain science and school culture can contribute to improved learning and well-being in school.

2016 - 2017

The 2016 – 2017 school year began with an enrollment of 906 and ended with 935. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

In DEVELOPMENT, the Annual Giving campaign surpassed the goal, bringing us $886,944; additional gifts of $154,911 brought the total to $1,041,855.

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING

A major emphasis for the year was Shelton’s website redesign via FinalSite, Shelton’s website host and provider of its content management system. An internal redesign team did major planning, along with input from a larger Shelton stakeholders team. The launch of the new website went live mid-December 2016.

PR managed year-round communication to constituents through its main channels of Staff Stuff (every Monday) and ePost to Parents (every Wednesday).

PR collaborated with and supported Shelton leadership in ongoing promotion of its new campus pursuit and quiet phase of its associated capital campaign. This included communication with all Shelton constituents, architects, local homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and other officials involved with planning and zoning initiatives.

Advertising of all Shelton programs continued through traditional media, with an increase in use of social media, especially Shelton’s FaceBook page and Twitter account.

PR assisted with communication to support major Texas legislative endeavors in support of dyslexia education funding. This involved board, parents and employees. Other efforts included materials and sponsorship at a Dyslexia Awareness Day in Austin, TX.

Shelton opened its doors to numerous like-minded organizations to promote outreach and education concerning learning differences, e.g. hosting the local International Dyslexia Organization’s (IDA) Dallas Dyslexia Information Group (DDIG). Shelton also promoted its many resources at conferences, including the local Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) and Dallas Branch, IDA. Shelton was a corporate sponsor of the local StandUpLD event in Frisco, which celebrates the gifts and talents of those with learning differences.

Anne Thomas, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, continued to chair the local Independent Schools Communicators Council, which now comprises 25 schools. She also participated in Public Relation Society of America’s (Dallas Chapter) mentor program and sponsored Katie Mudd as a mentee.

Shelton continued its membership with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and was an active participant with its Education Committee. Shelton representatives attended the Chamber’s annual luncheon event, which featured Shelton board member Charlotte Anderson as keynote speaker.

Shelton PR produced Epic Journeys Begin at Shelton, a video that was premiered at the Stampede auction. Those filmed included Shelton students, parents and members of a special group of Shelton alumni called the Sweet 16.

Shelton promoted joint ventures with other ISAS schools, including the annual Common Ground Speakers Series, this year featuring Dr. Shimi Kang.

PR staff continued as liaisons with Shelton’s Parents’ Association (SPA) for all its communication purposes, including the weekly Scoop, promotion of the annual Stampede auction and numerous other events throughout the year that require tickets or online ordering.

PR produced its annual Horizon print newsletter and promotional pieces for the Evaluation Center, Speech Language Therapy Program, and Outreach / Training.

PR secured 12 panelists for its 17th annual Ethics Symposium, always a special activity for Upper School. This year’s event drew students from seven schools. PR also featured Shelton’s Leaders for Life program launched this school year.

PR promoted Shelton’s many community service activities, including collaboration with the non-profit Café Momentum, an annual blood drive with Carter BloodCare, club activities, the Commit! project with Cabell Elementary (Dallas ISD), and numerous student council projects, to name but a few. These projects go hand in hand with Shelton’s culture of sharing.

PR and Marketing was proud to support Shelton’s four entities with their respective goals and marketing initiatives and the entire Shelton organization’s central mission and messages.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Shelton had 252 employees for the year – 239 were full time, and 13 were part time.

Our Wellness Program initiatives continued with an annual health fair, the Maintain, Don’t Gain Program, several wellness activities, and recognition of employee wellness champions.

Shelton recognized its employees at the annual year-end Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Retiring employees were thanked for their service, and others received longevity bonuses.

SCHOOL

The school’s favorite events occurred, including the August Advisory Open House, Awards Assemblies throughout the year, fall Open House, spirit days, and homecoming events. This year the Upper School Ethics Symposium was held February 22, 2017. The 16th Mayfest was held May 12, 2017. The fifth annual Hunger Games event was also held May 12, highlighted by a powderpuff football game led by the juniors and seniors.

Shelton again this year paid for the parents to have the parent directory app via its Renweb program. The directory was also available for $5.00 by printing a paper copy from on-line. Additionally in 2016-2017 for the teachers, Renweb One eliminated the need for Parallels program. The spring 2017-2018 re-enrollment and new registration process was completed entirely on-line.

The Upper Elementary division announced the retirement of Head, Letah Samuelson, in 2017-18. The new Head will be Amy Kelton, assisted by Christine Davis and Will Riemer.

The staff and students involved in the Visual Arts Department had a productive year.

This year, Shelton’s Middle and Upper School students submitted 37 black and white, color photos, videos, and graphic design entries to the state-wide "Texas Youth Creators Awards” sponsored by the Texas Library Association. Eighth grade student Slayton Pierson won the "Best of Show" with her color photograph titled "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.” Shelton has participated in this event for many years.
18 Gallery Days, student art display and reports presented to parents in Studio 7, the Middle School art room.
60 students had work matted and framed to hang in the halls throughout the year.
12 Middle School and fifth grade students had artwork featured in the Grandparents’ Day slide show.
25 art students from all divisions exhibited their work and had a reception at the GlobeRunner gallery space in Addison, Texas.
32 Middle School and fifth grade students participated in a poster competition in conjunction with Better Speech and Hearing Month. This was a collaborative project headed by Sherry Houpt and Rachel Stock.
Two Middle School students, Maria Fleming and John Gibson, had their work featured on the cover of the International Dyslexia Association Journal, in the summer and fall editions.
Middle School art instructor Sherry Houpt served her seventh year on the Nasher Teacher Advisory Board, for the Nasher Sculpture Center, bringing innovative ideas and current art educational practices to the Shelton art classroom.

The Lasso, a student-published cyber-newsletter, was posted again, featuring Upper School news.

Staff and students again responded to the Commit! 2 Dallas call to action with initiative. They continued to make a difference in improving the educational methods and bettering the lives of the students and families of William Cabell Elementary, Dallas ISD. Donations included gently used uniforms, training in Shelton programs, meals, and man-power moving materials and organizing classrooms. Shelton was humbled and proud to stand with Cabell in the charge to change, help, and better the community.

In March, Shelton’s National Honor Society inducted 25 students. In May, we sent 67 seniors into their next chapter. They have been accepted into 103 colleges and universities, and they have received $4,521,869 in merit scholarships. The seniors’ banner quote was What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within. (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Valedictorian was Harper McKenzie; salutatorian was Jonathan Rodrigue.

For the seventh year Shelton was the site of a pediatric rotation for residents with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. From September through May we had 25 pediatricians observing Lower School and Upper Elementary.

The athletics department once again celebrated many achievements in all sports. This is due to the continued growth and hard work of both the players and coaches during the summer and throughout the year.

In football, we had 12 athletes who made 1st Team All-District, six athletes who made 2nd Team All-District, four athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District, one athlete who was Offensive Player of the Year in the district, one athlete who was Defensive Player of the Year in the district, two athletes who made Second Team All-State, and two athletes who made Honorable Mention All-State. The Varsity Football team finished second in district and qualified for the playoffs. One football player was selected to participate in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl and AT&T Stadium. The homecoming game was played on September 23, 2016 at “The Star” at the Ford Center in Frisco.

In cross country, we had one male athlete who finished 10th in state. In volleyball, we had two athletes who made Second Team All-District and two athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District. For fall sports, we had six athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.

In girl’s basketball, we had two athletes who made 1st Team All-District, two who made 2nd Team All-District and three who made Honorable Mention All-District. The assistant coach was named Assistant Coach of the Year in the district. In boys basketball, we had one athlete who made 1st Team All-District, one who made 2nd Team All-District and two who made Honorable Mention All-District.

In soccer, we had one male athlete who made 1st Team All-District and two who made Honorable Mention All-District. In the inaugural year for the varsity swim team, we had two athletes who made 1st Team All-Region in two events, one relay that made 1st Team All-Region, one athlete who made 2nd Team All-Region in two events, one relay that made Honorable Mention All-Region, one athlete who made 2nd Team All-State in two events, one who made 2nd Team All-State in one event, and one who made Honorable Mention All-State in one event. In all, there were 12 athletes who were state qualifiers. For winter sports, we had eight athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.

In baseball, we had an athlete who received Offensive Player of the Year, one who received Freshman of the Year and one who received Most Valuable Player in the district. We had five athletes who made 1st Team All-District, three who made 2nd Team All-District, one who made Honorable Mention All-District, one who made 1st Team All-State and one who made 2nd Team All-State. The team was Co-District Champion and qualified for the playoffs. In golf, we had one male athlete who was district champion, two male athletes who were regional qualifiers and one athlete qualified for state competition. In tennis, we had one men’s doubles team that made Honorable Mention All-District and a State Qualifier. We also had one men’s singles that made Honorable Mention All-District, 3rd in State and were Honorable Mention All-State. In men’s track and field, we had three athletes who were the District Champion in High Jump, 400m and the 3200m. We also had a Pole Vault Champion in District and Regionals, along with being Runner-Up in State. An athlete finished 2nd in State in the High Jump and then there were three other State Qualifiers. In women’s track and field, we had a Pole Vault champion in District and Regionals, along with being Runner-Up in State. We also had a State Qualifier in the High Jump. Five school records were broken this year for the men’s and women’s track and field teams. For spring sports, we had five athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.

Our Varsity Cheerleaders received the Excellence and Best Technique Awards at NCA Camp over the summer.

The Chargerettes dance team participated at the TAPPS State Dance Competition and placed 4th in State. Two Chargerettes were named 1st Team All-State and one Chargerette was named 2nd Team All-State. The Chargerettes Dance team was chosen to compete at Disney World over spring break.

We had six students who participated in the Student Athletic Trainer program this year. In May, a celebration was held to honor three athletes who will continue to play sports at the college level.

Athletics Director George Teague left Shelton in January 2017. Freddie Jones was named interim Athletics Director. He led the department for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Jones was later named Athletics Director/Physical Education/Football Coach and Aasha Marietta was name Assistant Athletic Director.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Holly Vitullo and Bailey Ann Broughton. The association continued to sponsor the New Parent Dinner, Division Breakfasts, Dads’ Group Dinner, Sky Ranch Child/Father Weekend in October, the Book Fair with Dads’ Luncheon in October, Boosterthon activities, the very popular Grandparents’ Day in November, tailgating at games, food trucks, and staff appreciation luncheons during parent conferences in October, February and May. Shelton Parents' Association, through their many efforts this school year, raised $300,000 for the school!

The Parents’ Association auction party on April 8, 2017 was once again a success. The theme was Epic Journeys Begin at Shelton. Chaired by Stephanie Hardeman and Leti Lackey, the sold-out auction party at The Bomb Factory raised $350,000. The evening’s performance was by Voyage, the world’s #1 Journey Tribute Band.

Additional fund raising activities included net proceeds of $40,000 from the Boosterthon. The parents gave $60,000 to the faculty and staff through Holiday Happiness.

At the end-of-the-year staff luncheon, the Parents’ Association presented the second Shelton Parents’ Association Recognition Kudos (SPARK) financial award to one faculty member of each division and one staff member. The second year’s recipients were Bonita Smith, Lower; Will Riemer, Upper Elementary; Claire Duesing, Middle; and Julie Niederer, Upper. The staff member was Anne’ Hughes.

SPEECH LANGUAGE HEARING PROGRAM

The Speech Program had a busy year providing services to clients. Seven licensed and certified speech-language pathologists completed an average of 740 therapy sessions each month with over 150 clients from both Shelton and the community. Individual and group therapy to improve Social Language Skills was provided for Shelton and community clients, as well. In addition to Shelton, therapists provided therapy services off-site in 11 private schools in the Dallas area. Speech, language, hearing, vision and reading screenings were completed with over 1,000 students at 13 schools.

Shelton Speech Program is among 532 other organizations across the country and around the world that have had their organizational process and courses reviewed to ensure the highest possible standards. As an American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA) Approved CE Provider, Shelton may offer continuing education courses (CEUs) for audiologists and speech-language pathologists for ASHA.

SHELTON EVALUATION CENTER

The Evaluation Center provided testing services for approximately 250 clients between June 1, 2016 and May 31, 2017. The Evaluation Center saw clients from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and clients from ten other cities in Texas. This year, out-of-state clients traveled from Alabama, California, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Washington. We also saw clients from Malaysia and Canada.

OUTREACH

Chris Bedenbaugh joined the Outreach team, splitting her time between the Middle School and Outreach.

The Shelton Storefront, overseen by Outreach, continued to provide an on-line site where the manuals and other materials produced by Shelton may be purchased.

Summer School

Patricia Gallaher continued to direct the Summer School Program. The 2016 Summer School Program had classes offered to 625 students in attendance. Upper School offered 17 non-credit courses and eight for-credit courses.

Shelton Scholars

Shelton Scholars had 84 students during the summer, fall and spring semesters. The Scholars program is still utilizing a small group tutoring structure (two to three students per tutor). Since the introduction of group tutoring in 2014, the Scholars program continues to see an overall increase in testing scores and has been able to provide higher quality tutors for the students.

Ongoing On-Site Training:

Sequential English Education (SEE)

Joyce Pickering continued as course director along with Shelton SEE Instructors Amy Kelton, Danyle Duke, Liz Gonzalez and Tina Graves. The SEE Teaching Level summer and fall classes of 2016 trained 26 teachers. Sixteen were certified at the SEE Teaching Level (nine Shelton teachers and seven teachers from other schools). The SEE Therapy Level summer class trained five teachers. (Two Shelton teachers were certified at the SEE Therapy level and two from other schools).

Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA)

Chris Bedenbaugh continued as course director for SALA and took eight Keller ISD teachers to the Therapy Level.

Shelton Academic Reading Approach (SARA)

Nancy Coffman continued as course director for SARA. G-g Shryer continued as a summer introductory instructor. One introductory course and one course for CALTs in utilizing the Take Flight curriculum were conducted by G-g and Nancy in the summer. Nancy taught an advanced course during the summer and two additional introductory courses during the school year.

Therapy Level

All three courses, SEE, SALA and SARA merged for the therapy level seminars that were taught by a variety of instructors from the Shelton staff as well as speakers from the outside. Dr. Laure Ames continued to teach the required one-week course at the therapy level titled “Diagnosing Learning Different Children: Referral and Testing.”

On-going Off-site Teacher Training In Multisensory Language Education:

SALA

Chris Bedenbaugh taught the Teaching Level of the MTA curriculum to ten Keller ISD teachers.

SARA

Nancy Coffman delivered SARA courses in Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Monticello, Crowley’s Ridge, Farmington, Arkansas, in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama; and in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Chris Bedenbaugh delivered SALA (MTA) training to teachers from Keller, Texas ISD. G-g Shryer delivered SARA courses at Shelton School.

Sequential English Education (SEE)

Three teachers from Bridgemark School in Tyler, Texas, three teachers from Mata Elementary in DISD, one teacher from Kenai Peninsula Borough ISD Soldona, Alaska, two teachers from LIFT in Dallas, were trained in the teaching level of SEE. Shelton instructors continue to train and observe teachers from other Tyler schools, and Dallas, Louisiana, California, Alaska, New Mexico and Arkansas.

Joyce Pickering presented SEE teaching level segments at all of her Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR) and Montessori trainings.

Short Term Workshop

The Outreach Center presented 44 workshops from June of 2016 through May of 2017. Joyce Pickering, Nancy Coffman, John Hodges, Amy Kelton, Chris Bedenbaugh, G-g Shryer, Laure Ames and Pauline Novak were presenters.

Joyce Pickering hosted visitors from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Austin, Texas. Joyce hosted a group of upcoming teacher candidates from Dallas Baptist University in April with a tour and a presentation on Learning Differences.

Amy Kelton presented to Montessori groups in Texas, Massachusetts and Canada.

Training/Conferences

Nancy Coffman presented to the Arkansas Dyslexia conference, and to the Oceola and Valley View school districts in Arkansas.

Joyce Pickering presented at the ALTA National Conference in Austin, and to Montessori groups in Bermuda, New York, Maine, Connecticut and throughout Texas. Joyce also presented at the Montessori Asia Conference in Hong Kong. Joyce and Pauline Novak traveled to Washington DC for Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) meetings. The American Montessori Society (AMS) Annual Conference in San Diego had presentations from Joyce Pickering, Laure Ames, Amy Kelton, Peggy Krug, Joni Harris and Pauline Novak. Also at the conference Joyce was recognized for completing her tenure as President of the Board of Directors of AMS.

Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR)

MACAR 2016 training in Dallas had 22 trainees. Four were Shelton employees, nine were from Shelton Montessori Training, and five were in Advanced MACAR. Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton, Sue Cantrell and Casey Barnett shared their knowledge, strategies and skills with Montessori teachers from around the country, to help children who learn differently.

Joyce and Pauline Novak also offered MACAR off-campus in McLean Virginia with 15 trainees, Milwaukee, Wisconsin with 19 trainees and White Rock Montessori in Dallas with 25 trainees.

Montessori Early Childhood

Joyce Pickering and Pauline Novak offered Montessori training to new teachers in the Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Fort Worth ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, College Station, Austin and Amarillo. Fourteen teachers received their Early Childhood Certificate this year. Peggy Krug, Joni Harris, Sue Cantrell, Cathy Luby, Joyce Pickering, Donna Gonzalez, Christine Davis and Laura Monroe instructed the 12 courses within this training.

Montessori Elementary

Joyce Pickering and Pauline Novak offered Montessori training to new teachers in Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Austin ISD, and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arkansas. Eleven teachers received their Elementary I Montessori Certificate this year. Instructors included Sue Cantrell, Peggy Krug, Joyce Pickering, Judi Bauerlein, Matty Umscheid, Rachel Nordgren, Laura Monroe, and Amy Kelton.

Shelton Montessori Training

An intensive summer training began at the beginning of June 2016.
Montessori Early Childhood (EC) June – July
10 EC classes - 23 Adult Trainees
participated
6 Shelton Instructors
13 EC Graduates earned an AMS Certificate
Montessori Elementary I (EI) June – July
15 EI classes - 57 Adult Trainees participated
6 Shelton Instructors - 4 Non-Shelton Instructors
14 EI Graduates earned an AMS Certificate
Montessori Elementary II (EII) June – July
10 EII classes - 12 Adult Trainees participated
2 Non-Shelton Instructors

2017 - 2018

The 2017 – 2018 school year began with an enrollment of 900 and ended with 935. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

In DEVELOPMENT, the Annual Giving campaign surpassed the goal, bringing us $938,000. The Annual Campaign’s theme was The Gift of Shelton – Unwrap Potential, and was co-chaired by Anne Dethrow and Suzette Switzer Hinds.
For several years, as a way to kick-off the Annual Fund Drive, Shelton has been a part of the North Texas Giving Day that is sponsored by Communities Foundation of Texas. This year, 413 donors generously contributed $214,700 for Shelton’s Annual Fund.
Shelton prevailed in the fall with its zoning request to purchase a new property, so that we could build a unified campus with the facilities our students need. The school’s Development Office will continue the silent phase of its major capital campaign fundraising efforts. To assist with this major goal, Christi Contreras was hired as the Director of the Capital Campaign and Major Gifts.
Coach Chuck Locke, will be a staff addition for 2018-2019, as the Director of Alumni Affairs and Community Engagement.

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING
Shelton’s 2017-18 academic year began in the heat of August with an important development for the school, one around which many public relations efforts had been expended. Representatives from Shelton board, faculty, staff, parents, students and alumni went before the Dallas City Council on August 23, 2017 and learned the happy news that Shelton had received zoning approval to proceed with a new campus located at 17301 Preston Road. The collective support from the entire Shelton community helped lay the groundwork for this event, some two years in the making. Upon receiving official approval, all engines were on full throttle as architects continued to render plans for the new campus, and the quiet phase of a capital campaign to fund renovations at the new property ramped up. In addition, Shelton’s current campus on Hillcrest Road was put on the market as part of this historic initiative. All the while, the school continued to interact with nearby homeowner associations to further these plans.

In the midst of these exciting times, school life went on as usual, and public relations shared in promoting the school’s mission, communicating its many activities, and engaging with the larger community.

PR managed year-round communication to constituents through its main weekly electronic channels of Staff Stuff and ePost to Parents.

Advertising of all Shelton programs continued through traditional media, with an increase in use of social media, especially Shelton’s FaceBook page and Twitter and Instagram accounts. In keeping with current trends to go “social,” this year Shelton’s Parents’ Association adopted the use of grade-level FaceBook pages.

PR continued advocacy to garner support for major Texas legislative endeavors concerning dyslexia education funding. This included repeated sponsorship at a Dyslexia Awareness Day in Austin, TX.

Shelton again aligned with organizations to promote outreach and education about learning differences, e.g. hosting the local International Dyslexia Organization’s (IDA) Dallas Dyslexia Information Group (DDIG) and DBIDA’s annual member recognition event. Shelton shared its many resources at conferences, including the local Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) and Dallas Branch, IDA. Shelton continued its collaboration with the local StandUpLD not-for-profit, which celebrates the gifts and talents of those with learning differences.

Anne Thomas, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, continued to chair the local Independent Schools Communicators Council comprising 25 schools. She also participated in Public Relations Society of America (Dallas Chapter). Shelton continued involvement with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce as an active participant with its Education Committee. Shelton hosted the committee for a meeting on the topic of How Schools Are Using Technology. Presenters included three members of our own technology staff. Attendees were impressed with the use of augmented reality and robots on our campus.

PR promoted Dyslexia Awareness Month through spots on KERA 90.1 radio and an interview with the Executive Director on iHeartMedia.
Shelton PR spearheaded production of On the Move for Shelton, a video that was premiered at Shelton’s Stampede auction. It featured families that had moved nationally, or even internationally, to Dallas so that their children could attend Shelton.
   Shelton promoted joint ventures with other ISAS schools, including the annual Private School Preview and hosting of author Julie Lythcott-Haims.
PR staff continued as liaisons with Shelton’s Parents’ Association (SPA) for all its communication purposes, including the weekly Scoop, promotion of the annual Stampede auction and many other events throughout the year.
PR produced its annual Horizon print newsletter and promotional pieces for the Evaluation Center, Speech Language Therapy Program, and Outreach / Training.
PR partnered with leadership personnel from UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management to plan Shelton’s 18th Annual Ethics Symposium, this year held on UTD’s campus. Outstanding panelists and keynote speakers engaged over 100 students for a successful event.
PR coordinated several events for a group of Chinese Montessori educators who visited Shelton for nearly a week. Dallas City Councilperson Sandy Greyson extended official greetings to the group, and N. Dallas Chamber of Commerce president Ken Malcolmson networked with the group.
   PR arranged a presentation of Simulations of LD for a group of realtors from Allie Beth Allman MLS Realtors.
   PR and Marketing interfaced with QREM, a Denver-based organization engaged by Shelton to gather impactful data that can be used for marketing purposes.
PR shared Shelton pride at the Wilkinson Center’s Can Do Luncheon,
at which Shelton Executive Director Emerita Dr. Joyce Pickering was honored for her work with adult literacy.
   The year ended with a flurry of graduation events for 71 seniors, plus board and staff appreciation events.
   Thanks go to Dawn Williams, web presence coordinator, and to Christy Fowler, social media coordinator, for their important contributions to Shelton’s public relations. Together we are proud to support Shelton’s four entities, our common mission, and our unique services.

HUMAN RESOURCES
Shelton had 258 employees for the year – 247 were full time, and 11 were part time.
Our Wellness Program initiatives continued with an annual health fair, the Maintain, Don’t Gain Program, several wellness activities, and recognition of employee wellness champions.
Health insurance rates for those employees who participated in Shelton’s coverage continued to drop. In addition, a positive change was made to the 403b retirement plan. Shelton would now match a percentage of each eligible employee’s annual base salary. This meant instead of a flat $2,000/annual match, there would be matching levels: 0-5 years Shelton experience matched up to 5%; 6-10 years Shelton experience matched up to 6%; 11-20 years Shelton experience matched up to 7%; and 21 or more years Shelton experience matched up to 8%.
Shelton recognized its employees at the annual year-end Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Retiring employees were thanked for their service, and others received longevity bonuses.

SCHOOL
As a requirement of reaffirming accreditation of the school with International Southwest Association of Schools (ISAS), our accrediting body, the school submitted its five-year report on October 1, 2017. The school will prepare an annual report each fall until the next self-study and site visit in five years.
Plans for Shelton’s new campus gained momentum in the fall 2017. Shelton acquired a 30-acre site located at 17301 Preston Road in North Dallas, just minutes from the current campus. The property allows us to fulfill our long held dream for a unified campus, complete with athletics and fine arts facilities, as well as space for additional classrooms and an expanded teacher training program. The new campus will make it possible to deliver Shelton’s unique program in an optimal facility that works best for all Shelton students.
The Lower School division announced the retirement of Head, Joy Martello, as of the end of May 2018. The new Head will be Christine Davis, assisted by Will Riemer and Christie Morris.
The Upper Elementary (grades 3-5) Togetherness Picnic is a 16-year tradition. An endearing event for Upper Elementary, it is a day when students and staff come together to enjoy games and activities while getting to know one another in a non-academic environment. The picnic was held on October 13, and the day ended with the group linking togetherness chain and singing Shelton’s alma mater as one big family.
During the August 2017 in-service, new technology for students was announced. This included Read And Write software for Middle and Upper with a site-wide license; a ramped up version of Snap and Read/Co-writer; text to speech and dictation software; Google Chrome extension; Snap Verter (converts pdf to ocr); and four webinars available during the August in-service.
Apple Teacher Program for staff was also promoted during the August in-service. The certification program is undertaken by individuals wishing to enhance their personal technology skills. It is individual and self-paced. There are eight lessons on either a Mac or iPad. Nineteen staff members achieved certification by year-end as an “Apple Teacher.” Courtney Dios, Middle School, was the first at Shelton to be certified.
Shelton received a grant for $30,000 from Alliance Data Corporation that will be used to enhance and further develop Shelton’s STEM/Coding program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.
Coding, robotics, drones, and fun…Shelton School and Tech EdVentures, a Dallas-based company, partnered to create a coding curriculum specifically designed for children who learn differently. Over the next three years, coding curriculum will be developed for grades PP-12. Many of our students will grow up to work in cutting-edge fields that did not exist in the past using technologies that might not be invented until years from now. Both parties recognize that engineering, coding, problem solving, and collaboration need to be accessible for all students to prepare them for a lifetime of success. In 2017-2018, this partnership began to develop and implement the coding curriculum for grades PP-5. This curriculum is built upon Montessori practices while orienting itself to the needs of Shelton students. Middle School will begin in 2018-2019; Upper School will begin in 2019.
The staff and students involved in the Visual Arts Department had a productive year.
•   Shelton’s Middle and Upper School students submitted forty-three black and white photos, color photos, videos, and graphic design entries to the state-wide "Texas Youth Creators Awards,” sponsored by the Texas Library Association. Our school won several awards, including first, second, and honorable mention. Shelton has participated in this event for many years and allows our students to submit creative media production.
•   37 Middle School students participated in “Printshop A-Go-Go,” an interactive printmaking workshop with master printmakers Matt Bagley and Sharon Bagley in the Middle School art room.
•   18 Gallery Days, student art display and reports presented to parents in Studio 7, the Middle School art room.
•   65 students had work matted and framed to hang in the halls throughout the year.
•   12 Middle School and fifth grade students had artwork featured in the Grandparents’ Day slide show.
•   25 art students from all divisions exhibited their work and had a reception at the GlobeRunner gallery space in Addison, Texas.
•   44 Middle School and fifth grade students participated in a poster competition in conjunction with Better Speech and Hearing Month. This was a collaborative project headed by Sherry Houpt and Rachel Stock.
•   Two Middle School students were chosen to be on the design team for the “Shelton Monday T-Shirt” competition. 44 students participated in the competition.
•   Middle School art instructor Sherry Houpt served her seventh year on the Nasher Teacher Advisory Board, for the Nasher Sculpture Center, bringing innovative ideas and current art educational practices to the Shelton art classroom.
   Advisory Open House, Awards and Celebration Assemblies, fall Open House, spirit days, homecoming events and Mayfest/Hunger Games again create a busy year for the students.
Students in Film III are now doing Upper School daily announcements via YouTube, replacing intercom announcements. On Monday/Wednesday/Friday the content is dubbed Essentials; on Tuesday/Thursday students broadcast more in-depth stories.
A senior was recognized as a Commended Student in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Shelton’s National Honor Society (NHS) chapter was established in the fall of 2012 with a founding membership of 12 seniors from the Class of 2013. Now in its sixth year, in February, Shelton inducted 40 students. The group participates in several school service projects each year such as peer tutoring, library assistance, and individual service projects. Each NHS member is required to complete a minimum of five service hours for NHS, in addition to the 20 hours required of all Shelton upper-class students.
This year the 18th annual Upper School Ethics Symposium was held February 18, 2018 for the first time at The University of Texas at Dallas in the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. The Naveen Jindal School of Management was a partner in Leaders for Life for this event. Sophomore and junior students from several high school schools took part in the symposium. Alliance Data Systems was also a sponsor of the day-long event.
The 17th Mayfest was held May 11, 2018. The sixth annual Hunger Games event was also held on May 11th , highlighted by a powderpuff football game led by the juniors and seniors.
In May 70 seniors walked across the stage toward their next endeavors. They were accepted into 105 colleges and universities from 20 states, and they received $6,464,466 in merit scholarships. The seniors’ banner quote was: Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. (John F. Kennedy) Valedictorian was Matt Matsil; salutatorian was Timmy Gildersleeve.
For the eighth year Shelton was the site of a pediatric rotation for residents with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Second-year pediatric residents observe at Shelton as part of their Developmental Pediatrics rotation. From September through April we had 24 pediatricians observing Lower School and Upper Elementary classrooms.
Shelton continues its partnership with Commit! 2 Dallas, an organization of 45 institutions in Dallas County committed to increasing graduation with some form of higher education degree. Students and staff continued to make a difference in improving the educational methods and bettering the lives of the students and families of William Cabell Elementary, Dallas ISD, Shelton’s sister school. Cabel staff vocalized thanks of the delivery of 292 gently used uniform items this fall.
   Once again, Shelton Athletics proves that it is not content with being average. Our sports programs continue to develop our young men and women on and off the fields. Along the way, we have gathered numerous achievements that our school, our parents, and our kids can be proud of.
In Varsity Football, we had eight athletes who made 1st Team All-District, five athletes who made 2nd Team All-District, nine athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District, one athlete who was Defensive MVP in the district and two athletes who made Second Team All-State. The Chargers were again able to play one of their games at “The Star” at the Ford Center in Frisco. The Varsity Football team finished the season as TAPPS III-3 Co-District Champions and Area Champions.
In Varsity Cross Country, we had one male athlete who finished 8th in state. In volleyball, we had three athletes who made Second Team All-District and two athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District. For fall sports, we had two athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.
In Varsity Women’s Basketball, we had two athletes who made 1st Team All-District, three who made 2nd Team All-District and three who made Honorable Mention All-District. We also had one athlete who received TAPPS 4A-3 Freshman of the Year honors from the district and another athlete received 2nd team All-State honors. The Lady Chargers were runner-up in the Calvary Christian Tournament, finished 3rd in TAPPS 4A-3 and made history by winning their first ever playoff game. In Varsity Men’s Basketball, we had one athlete who made 1st Team All-District, two who made 2nd Team All-District and three athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District.
In Varsity Soccer, we had one male athlete who made 1st Team All-District, two who made 2nd Team All-District and two athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District. The Varsity Soccer Team finished 4th in TAPPS III-2 and qualified for the playoffs. In its second year of competition, the Varsity Swim Team had five athletes who made 1st Team All-Region in at least one event and five athletes who made 2nd Team All-Region in at least one event. Colin Feehery was State Champion in the 200 IM and 500 Free. We also had one athlete who made 2nd Team All-State in two events and one who made 2nd Team All-State in one event. In all, there were 9 athletes who were state qualifiers. For winter sports, we had five athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.
In Varsity Baseball, we had an athlete who received TAPPS III-3 Most Valuable Player. We had three athletes who made 1st Team All-District, four who made 2nd Team All-District, three who made Honorable Mention All-District, one who made 1st Team All-State and one who made 2nd Team All-State. The Varsity Baseball Team was runner-up in TAPPS III-3 and qualified for the playoffs. In golf, we had one male athlete who was District champion, Regional runner-up and finished 2nd in State, receiving All-State honors. Another male athlete finished 3rd in District, receiving Honorable Mention All-District honors. The men’s team was the champion of the Dallas Lutheran Tournament, District Champion, Regional Runner-Up and finished 4th in State. In Varsity Tennis, we had a men’s doubles team that made Honorable Mention All-District and was a State Qualifier. We also had a women’s doubles team and a women’s single that was a State Qualifier. The men’s team finished 8th in State. In Varsity Men’s Track and Field, we had one athlete who was the District Champion in 100m and 200m and he finished 2nd in State in the 100m. We had one athlete who was district champion in 300m Hurdles and qualified for state. We also had a Pole Vault Champion in District. The men’s team was the TAPPS 4A-2 District Champion. In all, we had seven men qualify for state. In Varsity Women’s Track and Field, Katarina Freudenthal was the Pole Vault champion in District, Regionals and State. We also had an athlete who was District Champion in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m Relay. The Women’s 4x100m Relay was District Champion. The women’s team finished 5th in TAPPS 4A-2. In all, we had two women qualify for state. Eight school records were broken this year for the men’s and women’s track and field teams. For spring sports, we had six athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.
Our Varsity Cheerleaders participated at the TAPPS State Cheer Competition and had two young ladies make 1st Team All-State and one who made 2nd Team All-State.
The Chargerettes Dance Team participated at the TAPPS State Dance Competition and placed 4thin State. Two Chargerettes were named 2nd Team All-State and one Chargerette was named Honorable Mention All-State.
In May, a celebration was held to honor two athletes who will continue to play sports at the college level.
   Through the continued support of our staff, our parents, and our coaches, Shelton Athletics will continue to grow and prosper into the future.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
   The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Jennifer Dix and Andrea Nayfa. The association continued to sponsor the New Parent Dinner, Division Breakfasts, Dads’ Group Dinner, Sky Ranch Father/Child Weekend in October, the Book Fair with Dads’ Lunches in October, Boosterthon pep rally and run, Grandparents’ Day in November, tailgating at games, homecoming spirit activities as well as many other spirit producing activities during the year, food trucks, and staff appreciation luncheons during parent conferences in October, February and May. They kept the parents up-to-date with the association’s activities via the weekly SCOOP email newsletter. Shelton Parents' Association, through their many efforts this school year, raised $560,520 for the school!
The Parents’ Association auction party on March 24, 2018 was a sold-out success. The theme was: A Rock Solid Education. Chaired by Shelly Lloyd and Tracy Fletcher, the 80’s theme auction party was held at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum. The evening’s performance was by Rock of Ages, the band from the hit Broadway show.
       Additional fundraising activities included net proceeds of $49,600 from the 292 students of PP-5 participating in Boosterthon. The parents gave $65,000 to the faculty and staff through Holiday Happiness.
       The first reunion luncheon gathered past and present Parents’ Association presidents and Stampede Chairs. Four former Stampede auction chairs hosted the luncheon, September 26, at the Royal Oaks Country Club.
       At the end-of-the-year staff luncheon, the Parents’ Association presented the third Shelton Parents’ Association Recognition Kudos (SPARK) financial award to one faculty member of each division and one staff member. From the spring post-conference survey competed by parents, these were the teachers whose qualities and service were most recognized. The third year’s recipients were Carol Brock, Lower; G-g Shryer, Upper Elementary; Beth Riggs, Middle; and Sam Crabtree, Upper. The staff member was Coach Chuck Locke.

SPEECH LANGUAGE HEARING PROGRAM
The Speech, Language Hearing Program had a busy year providing therapy services to clients. Seven licensed, certified speech-language pathologists completed an average of 250-300 therapy sessions per month with over 150 clients from Shelton and the community. In addition to seeing students and community clients at our Shelton campus, therapists provided therapy services off-site in 12 private schools in the Dallas area. Many students also participated in individual and group therapy to improve Social Communication skills. Screening services were provided for speech, language, reading, hearing and vision with over 1,000 students in 13 area private schools. Throughout the summer, therapy included Language Adventures Camp and iSocialize Social Communication groups.

SHELTON EVALUATION CENTER
The Evaluation Center provided testing services for approximately 250 clients between June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018. The Evaluation Center saw clients from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, as well as from many other cities in Texas. This year, out-of-state clients traveled from Louisiana, Kansas, Arkansas, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Switzerland.
Dr. Laure Ames, Director, designed a one-day workshop called Dyslexia Screening: a Shelton workshop for professionals working in the public schools. The workshop covers the characteristics of dyslexia, the biological basis of dyslexia, what must be assessed to identify dyslexia in a young student, and how the universal screening measures work. The workshop was offered twice in 2017-2018. A second workshop entitled Diagnosing the Learning Different Child provides an overview of the diagnostic criteria for a Language Disorder, a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading (dyslexia), and dysgraphia, the most common learning disabilities. ADHD, one of the most common learning behavioral difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, one of the most common developmental disorders, are also reviewed. This second workshop was offered twice in 2018.

OUTREACH
Chris Bedenbaugh assumed the role of Director of Outreach on June 1, 2018. Nancy Coffman, former Outreach Director, will continue as the Director of SARA remotely from her new home in North Carolina.
The Shelton Storefront, overseen by Outreach, continued to provide an on-line site where the manuals and additional materials produced by Shelton can be purchased.
Summer School
Patricia Gallaher continued to direct the Summer School Program. The 2018 Summer School Program had classes offered to 666 students in attendance. Upper School offered 17 non-credit courses and eight for-credit courses.
Shelton Scholars
Shelton Scholars had 74 students during the summer, fall and spring semesters. The Scholars program continues to utilize a small group tutoring structure of two to three students per tutor. Since the introduction of group tutoring in 2014, the Scholars program continues to see an overall increase in testing scores and has been able to provide higher quality tutors for the students.
Ongoing On-Site Training:
Sequential English Education (SEE)
   Joyce Pickering continued as course director along with Shelton SEE Instructors Amy Kelton, Danyle Duke, Liz Gonzalez, John Hodges, and Tina Graves. The SEE Teaching Level summer and fall classes of 2017-18 trained 16 teachers. Nine were certified at the SEE Teaching Level (one Shelton teacher and eight teachers from other schools). The SEE Therapy Level summer class trained five teachers. (Two Shelton teachers were certified at the SEE Therapy level and two others from various schools).
Trainees comprised of: two teachers from Bridgemark School in Tyler, TX, two teachers from Wilkinson Center in DISD, one teacher from Rooted Life Montessori, Alvarado TX, and other teachers from Garland ISD, McKinney, Grapevine, and San Angelo, TX. Shelton instructors continue to train SEE and observe teachers from other schools from Tyler, Dallas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Cleburne, TX.
Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA)
Chris Bedenbaugh continued as course director for SALA and took eight Keller ISD teachers to the Therapy Level and trained five Keller ISD teachers at the Teaching Level.
Shelton Academic Reading Approach (SARA)
Nancy Coffman continued as course director for SARA. G-g Shryer continued as a summer introductory instructor. One introductory course and one course for CALTs in utilizing the Take Flight curriculum were conducted by G-g and Nancy in the summer. Nancy taught an advanced course during the summer and Chris Bedenbaugh shared the training of an additional introductory course during the school year.
Therapy Level
All three courses - SEE, SALA and SARA - merged for the therapy level seminars that were taught by a variety of instructors from the Shelton staff as well as speakers from the outside. Dr. Laure Ames continued to teach the required one-week course at the therapy level titled “Diagnosing Learning Different Children: Referral and Testing.”
On-going Off-site Teacher Training In Multisensory Language Education:
SALA
Chris Bedenbaugh taught the Teaching Level of the MTA curriculum to five Keller ISD teachers.
SARA
Nancy Coffman delivered SARA courses in Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Monticello, Crowley’s Ridge, Farmington, AR, in Birmingham and Montgomery, AL; and in Murfreesboro, TN. Chris Bedenbaugh delivered SARA Therapy courses at Shelton School. G-g Shryer and Chris Bedenbaugh each delivered a SARA course at Shelton School.
Sequential English Education (SEE)
   Brighton School had a week’s training in SEE Teaching Level at Baton Rouge, LA Spring of 2018. Joyce Pickering and John Hodges were Instructors for nine teachers.
   Joyce Pickering presented SEE teaching level segments at all of her Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR) and Montessori trainings in 2017-18.
Short Term Workshops
The Outreach Center presented 48 workshops from June 2017 through May 2018. Joyce Pickering, Nancy Coffman, John Hodges, Amy Kelton, Chris Bedenbaugh, G-g Shryer, Laure Ames and Gulzar Babool were presenters.
Joyce Pickering hosted visitors from Toledo, OH and Plano ISD and Garland ISD. Joyce hosted a group of upcoming teacher candidates from Dallas Baptist University with a tour and a presentation on Learning Differences. Joyce also presented to Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.
Training/Conferences
Nancy Coffman presented to the Arkansas Dyslexia conference, and to the Oceola and Valley View school districts in Arkansas.
Joyce Pickering presented to Montessori groups in, Dallas and Edinburg, TX, Colorado, Indiana and Shanghai China. Amy Kelton presented to Montessori groups in Texas, New York and Canada.
Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool traveled to Washington DC for Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) meetings. The American Montessori Society (AMS) Annual Conference in Denver Colorado had presentations from Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton, and Casey Barnett.
Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR)
MACAR 2017 training in Dallas had 31 trainees. Fifteen trainees were from Montessori schools around the country, eight were from the training at the AMS Conference and seven were from Shelton Montessori Training, and one was a Shelton employee. Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton, Sue Cantrell, Cathy Luby and Casey Barnett shared their knowledge, strategies and skills with Montessori teachers from around the country, to help children who learn differently.
Montessori Early Childhood
Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool offered Montessori training to new teachers in the Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Fort Worth ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth, College Station and Memphis. Ten teachers received their Early Childhood Certificate this year. Peggy Krug, Joni Harris, Sue Cantrell, Cathy Luby, Gulzar Babool, Donna Gonzalez, Christine Davis, Jennifer Stevens and Laura Monroe instructed the 12 courses within this training.
Montessori Elementary I
Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool offered Montessori training to new teachers in the Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Fort Worth ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arkansas. Fourteen teachers received their Elementary I Montessori Certificate this year. Instructors included Sue Cantrell, Peggy Krug, Gi-gi Shryer, Gulzar Babool, Judi Bauerlein, Matty Umscheid, Rachel Nordgren, Adrienne Thacker, Laura Monroe, and Amy Kelton.
Montessori Elementary II
Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool offered Montessori training to new teachers in Dallas and Garland ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas and Fort Worth. We had our first teacher receive their Elementary II Montessori Certificate this year. Instructors included Gulzar Babool, Susmita Sarma, and Shelley Weiske.
Shelton Montessori Training
An intensive summer training began at the beginning of June 2018.
Montessori Early Childhood (EC) June 11th – August 3rd
7 EC classes - 36 Adult Trainees participated
2 EC classes will be offered during the school year
8 Shelton Instructors / 1 Non-Shelton Instructors
10 EC Graduates earned an AMS Certificate   Montessori Elementary I (EI) June 11th – August 3rd
10 EI classes - 69 Adult Trainees participated
6 Shelton Instructors / 4 Non-Shelton Instructors
14 EI Graduates earned an AMS Certificate   Montessori Elementary II (EII) June 11th – July 13th
8 EII classes - 8 Adult Trainees participated
2 EII classes will be offered during the school year
2 Shelton Instructor - 1 Non-Shelton Instructor
First EII Graduate earned an AMS Certificate

2018 - 2019

The 2018 – 2019 school year began with an enrollment of 903 and ended with 949. Mr. Gary Webb continued to serve as the Board of Trustees’ Chairman.

William C. (Bill) Ward, former Shelton parent and board member, passed away April 15, 2019. Bill and his wife, Cindy, are the Wards for whom our Ward Campus is named. Few have been so involved for so long a time with Shelton's success. Bill served Shelton from 1995 - 2002 as board president. During his tenure, and with the help of the Wards' generosity, Shelton consolidated the campuses on W. Lovers Lane and Midway Road (the Swift Campus) to our present location. Following the end of his board presidency, Bill continued his service to Shelton as the founding board chairman of Shelton's Legacy Foundation, a position he held from 2005 until his death. Bill was a visionary champion for Shelton, and he always kept his finger on the pulse of life at Shelton. He and Cindy were often ambassadors for Shelton, most recently hosting a group of 20 Chinese Montessorian educators when they visited Dallas for our teacher training. Behind the scenes, Bill often made it possible for a child to share an experience at Shelton.

In DEVELOPMENT, the Annual Giving campaign surpassed the goal of $900,000, bringing us over $1,000,000. This year, 1,251 donors generously contributed $1,037,000 for Shelton’s Annual Fund. The Annual Campaign’s theme was Charging Forward…Changing Lives, and was co-chaired by Jennifer Dix and Holly Vitullo.

Continuing as a way to kick-off the Annual Fund Drive, Shelton participates in the North Texas Giving Day that is sponsored by Communities Foundation of Texas. The school’s Development Office will continue the silent phase of its major capital campaign fundraising efforts.

Betty Glasheen retired at the end of this school year, May 2019. Since 1979, Betty was part of everyday life at Shelton. She joined Shelton when there were 111 students. Betty served under every Shelton executive director and officed at shopping centers, churches and numerous campuses. She witnessed the planned expansion of the school through today, when Shelton is the largest independent school worldwide for intelligent students with learning differences. Affectionately known as "Mama G," Betty was Head of Lower School for many years. Most recently, she was the Alumni / Parent Relations Coordinator. As such, she's saw some of her former students return to Shelton with their children.

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING

Shelton’s 2018 – 19 academic year involved school business as usual. On the horizon, however, and top of mind throughout the year, was continued anticipation regarding our new campus. Architects forged ahead with renderings, building contractors gained traction, and our capital campaign efforts redoubled. A festive groundbreaking ceremony took place May 17, 2019 at 17301 Preston Road, followed by a school-wide celebration back on Hillcrest Road in our gym. The drumline raised spirits, children wore hardhats, and particles of confetti may still be found from that occasion. Special guests and donors enjoyed a luncheon following the morning festivities. Shelton PR began to capture timeline photos of the construction process, even involving the use of drones for aerial views. News continued to be shared with homeowner associations, all eager to learn more about the new neighbor in their midst.

PR managed year-round communication to constituents through its main weekly electronic channels of Staff Stuff and ePost to Parents. A newer twist was the inclusion of podcasts that were done throughout the year by faculty and students.

Advertising of Shelton’s many programs and services continued through traditional media, FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram and numerous other online accounts. Shelton’s Parents’ Association continued for the second year with grade-level FaceBook pages.

PR continued advocacy to garner support for major Texas legislative endeavors concerning dyslexia education funding. This included repeated sponsorship at a Dyslexia Awareness Day in Austin, TX. Shelton parent Rachel Dreiling kept Shelton informed of other initiatives through her appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to the Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education. There was also much dialogue concerning House Bill 2847, which would have continued state licensure for Licensed Dyslexia Therapists (LDTs), something for which Shelton has long advocated. This educational credential is one that has directly benefitted many students, and it has been a distinguishing credential for many of Shelton’s teachers. The Dyslexia Amendment was removed when it went on to the Senate hearing.

Shelton continued to align with like-minded organizations to promote outreach and education about learning differences, e.g. hosting the local International Dyslexia Organization’s (IDA) Dallas Dyslexia Information Group (DDIG) and DBIDA’s annual member recognition event. Shelton shared its many resources at conferences, including the local Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) and Dallas Branch, IDA. Shelton continued its collaboration with the local StandUpLD not-for-profit, which celebrates the gifts and talents of those with learning differences. In addition, Shelton hosted an informational GapMatcher fair on its campus, in which students and families learned about year-long educational experiences, versus the direct high school-to-college model.

Anne Thomas, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, continued to chair the local Independent Schools Communicators Council comprising 35 independent schools.

Shelton continued involvement with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce as an active participant with its Education Committee. Anne Thomas was appointed chair of the committee.

PR promoted Dyslexia Awareness Month through spots on KERA 90.1 radio and an interview with the Executive Director on iHeartMedia.

Shelton PR produced Shelton Stars Shine Bright, a video that was premiered at Shelton’s Stampede auction. It featured Shelton staff, students, parents and alumni who gave testimony to Shelton’s helping each student shine.

Shelton promoted joint ventures with other ISAS schools, including the annual Private School Preview.

PR produced its annual Horizon print newsletter and other collateral pieces for the Evaluation Center, Speech Language Therapy Program, and Outreach / Training.

For the second year, PR partnered with leadership from UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management to offer Shelton’s Annual Ethics Symposium (this the 19th), again held on UTD’s campus. Outstanding panelists and keynote speakers engaged over 100 high school students for a successful event.

PR and Marketing interfaced with QREM, a Denver-based organization engaged by Shelton to gather impactful data that can be used for marketing purposes.

Thanks go to Dawn Williams, web presence coordinator, and to Christy Fowler, social media coordinator, for their continued and important contributions to Shelton’s public relations. Together we share Shelton Pride in supporting Shelton’s four entities, our common and compelling mission, and our unique services.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Shelton had 263 employees for the year: 149 faculty, 136 advanced degrees, 17 years’ average teaching experience; five library staff members, 20 speech therapists, four testing staff members, five diagnostician staff, six athletics staff, and three school counselors.

The Wellness Program was discontinued with the funds being used elsewhere. The health fair was held in August during in-service. For those who participate, the health insurance premiums were down for 2018-2019. The eye/vision plan was added to benefits’ package offered. The life insurance coverage increased from $15,000 to $50,000. The flu immunization, offered to all staff in the fall, will now be billed to the staff member’s insurance plan. Shelton continues to underwrite half of the cost.

Shelton recognized its employees at the annual year-end Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Retiring employees were thanked for their service, and others received longevity bonuses.

SCHOOL

In summer 2018 U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) hosted 163 students from 42 high schools in Washington D.C. for the annual Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program (PSLGP). Each year, in June and July, the North Texas students visit our nation's capital to see firsthand how government works, learn invaluable leadership skills, and visit historic sights. Eve Miller and Alexandra Riley participated in the second session, and Jack Wilson participated in the fourth session. All three students are Shelton juniors.

Advisory Open House, Awards and Celebration Assemblies, fall Open House, spirit days, homecoming events and Mayfest/Hunger Games again create a busy year for the students.

The Upper Elementary (grades 3-5) Togetherness Picnic is a 17-year tradition. An endearing event for Upper Elementary, it is a day when students and staff come together to enjoy games and activities while getting to know one another in a non-academic environment. The picnic was held on October 12, 2018.

Shelton continues to maximize the use of TECHNOLOGY as a tool for education and communication. The school is 1:1 from 6th – 12th grades. Our 6th grade students are day users, as their computers are left in their Advisory classrooms overnight. Eleven carts (with 10-12 computers per cart) are assigned to the Upper Elementary.

Two satellite networks were set up – Preston Road Location and Summerside Location. These networks were set up as offshoots of our Hillcrest location, which allowed for remote management.

Thirty-two teachers participated in Google Classroom Training over the summer. The class was led by teachers, Chris Brendel and Heather Van Houten.

Student passwords were updated to eight-digits – a combination of numbers and letters. This was done to enhance our system security.

Shelton staff participated in 373 combined hours of training during the August in-service.

Five SMART IFP (interactive flat panel) devices were installed in classrooms.

Tekhelp staff attended a JAMF Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Shelton uses JAMF to manage our Apple devices.

Software (PaperCut) was deployed to manage student and staff printing.

Tekhelp staff attended an Apple Tech Update for Education event in Lewisville, TX.

Coding, robotics, drones, and fun…Shelton School and Tech EdVentures, a Dallas-based company, partnered to create a coding curriculum specifically designed for children who learn differently. Seventh graders in 2018-2019 in the STEM elective course are challenged in their creativity and problem-solving skills by creating a propeller car using popsicle sticks, blocks, wheels, and a propeller. Students also used TinkerCad software to create a 3D printed phone stand and a 3D car chassis to be raced for both speed and distance. A part of our school wide partnership with Tech EdVentures, seventh-grade students are learning to code using the Python language and a unique pocket-sized computer called Micro:Bit.

Shelton launched its first podcast series in August 2018, with the interview of sophomore Christian Valade and his father, Don Valade. The Valade family travelled to Denmark for Scuttling of the Fleet Day, a national Danish holiday, that commemorates Aug. 29, 1943. On that day during WWII, Christian's great grandfather, a vice admiral of the Danish Navy, scuttled ships that would have been taken and used by the Germans against the citizens of Denmark. There were additional podcasts throughout the school year: four members of the cast/crew of Radium Girls; Peter Dethrow, President of the US Student Council and President of Chargers for Change; Anne’ Hughes; Fine Arts Director; Alex Anderson and Matt Matsil, 2018 alumni; and senior Ben Rubin about his journey at Shelton. Faculty members Hunter Duesing and Courtney Dios coordinated the podcasts.

This school year veterans were honored in several ways. Lower School held a ceremony on the playground, and five Shelton employees, all veterans, were thanked: Glen Brown, Dan Hanson, Jeff Pierce, Marc Shepherd and Phillip Carroll. Lower School music instructor Ken Utz also played taps and explained the meaning of the music to students. Through Shelton's Families Program, students in Upper Elementary and Middle School joined together to make greeting cards. They were delivered to the VA North Texas Health Care Center. Faculty members Beth Womble and Lena Hilbert coordinated the project. Upper School students did a bulletin board that featured the names of many veterans - some Shelton alumni, some relatives of students, and some faculty and staff. Over 150 slips in red, white and blue formed a patriotic border for the display. Tobin Knox coordinated the activity.

In the fall semester, some of our fifth-grade students, along with others from Middle School, participated in the Horses and Humans Program. It was led by founder Harry Nakoa from the International Cowboy Cultural Academy (ICCA). Each month on the field across the street, the children receive hands-on equestrian fundamentals including equine safety, anatomy, care, tacking, and etiquette.

Students in Cheryl Prince’s fifth-grade advisory participated in the national movement of spreading kindness through the Kindness Rocks Project. Rocks were hand painted and inscribed with kindness messages of gratitude, affirmations, encouragement, and hope. The rocks were placed in various locations around Shelton’s campus.

A club was founded in 2017 by Evan Antich and Zane Buresh (Upper School students), to foster the growth of writing. The Literary Magazine was published in the fall 2018 with ten members’ contributions. The publication welcomes submissions of short stories, essays, poems, original music, artwork, and photography.

Laura Monroe, staff member, died in November 23, 2018, following a lengthy illness that she battled quietly, courageously, and with dignity. Her memorial service was held on Shelton campus. Laura joined Shelton in 2006. She was a teacher in both the Lower School and Upper Elementary School divisions. Her most recent classes were in working with the students and teachers in Upper Elementary, Middle School art, and after school art classes. Laura was a gifted art teacher who helped children develop and express their creativity at an early, formative age. Throughout the halls and walls of Shelton, she showcased the talent of many students as she selected, framed, and hung countless pieces of art done by our children.

In February Shelton's Quiz Bowl teams participated in a tournament at St. Mark's. For the first time, we were able to take two teams, a Junior Varsity and a Varsity team. In March, at Greenhill School, the team won Division II Champion. Faculty member Rosanne Brooks sponsored the club.

A Lego Robotics Team, comprised of fifth-through-eighth grade students, was created, thanks to a gift from the Parents’ Association. Sara Harris sponsors the team, which is part of the First Lego League.

A group of Shelton students, headed by sophomore Gracie Dix, gathered to assemble Easter baskets for Community Partners of Dallas. These teens made some 50 exceptional baskets that will go to children in Child Protective Services. Those baskets surely brought more smiles to some deserving children.

Anne’ Hughes, Fine Arts Department Director, published a book in the fall about life with her husband, Tom Hughes, of legendary acclaim with the Dallas Summer Musicals. My Life with Tom Hughes-A Personal Story of the "Musicals Man" of Dallas, a project that began two years ago, has come to fruition, and the book is now making the circles around Dallas.

FINE ARTS Department achievements:

· 23 Middle School Art students had artwork in the C.A.R.E. exhibit at Northpark Center in April.

· 25 students from all divisions were honored with an exhibit and reception at Globerunner gallery space in Addison, Texas.

· Denton artist, Charlie Hughes and Mr. Chris Brendel shared a Virtual Reality experience with seventh grade Art students in the fall. Sixth-and-seventh grade students also participated in Virtual Reality collaborations with Mr. Brendel and Mrs. Houpt in the spring.

· 75 students were recognized Artists of the Quarter and had work hung in the halls.

· 12 Middle School and fifth grade artists had artwork featured in the Grandparents’ Day slideshow.

· Two students created artwork for the Grandparents’ Day invitation and program. Nine “Honorable Mentions” had artwork framed and hung on the first floor.

· Middle School classes visited the Shelton Library for Google Draw lessons, a collaboration between Mrs. Simmons and Mrs. Houpt.

· 15 Gallery Days, student art and reports presented to parents in the Art room.

· Two Middle School students were chosen to be on the design team for the Shelton “Monday T-shirt” competition.

· Middle School and fifth-grade art teacher, Sherry Houpt, retired on May 31. In her 34 years at Shelton, she taught Art, English, History, Science, Math, Research, Social Skills and was a third, fifth and sixth grade advisor. Her students’ work was featured three times on the cover of the International Dyslexia Association Journal. She also was invited to participate in the Young Artist Program at the Dallas Museum of Art, with Shelton artists, three years. She served on the Nasher Teacher Advisory Board for eight years, sharing innovative ideas in current art educational practices with other art educators and Shelton students.

· 18 artists had their paintings on exhibit at the Aquashella Salt and Fresh Water Aquatic Festival March 30 – 31. Aquashella offers a family friendly experience that blends fun, fantasy and reality with art and aquatics. Local artist Toni Martin primed the creative pump with students on March 6 when she and aquatic enthusiast Shawn Hale were on campus with art supplies for the participants. Starting with blank canvases and tubes of acrylic paint, Shelton artists spent the afternoon completing projects that will be showcased on a wall dedicated to Shelton at Aquashella.

· Students in Film III continued this year doing the Upper School daily announcements via YouTube, replacing intercom announcements. On Monday/Wednesday/Friday the content is dubbed Essentials; on Tuesday/Thursday students broadcast more in-depth stories.

· The Shelton Singers choir continues to grow in the number of students involved and in its accomplishments. First participating in Sandy Lake Funfest in 2016, to students first participating in state competition in 2017, there were seven students who participated in the annual vocal solo competition sponsored by the Texas Private School Music Educators’ Association in February 2019. With “1” being the highest score, three students were rated “1,” and four were rated “2.”

This year the 19th annual Upper School Ethics Symposium was held February 6, 2019 at The University of Texas at Dallas in the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. The Naveen Jindal School of Management was a partner in Leaders for Life for this event. Sophomore and junior students from several high school schools took part in the symposium. Alliance Data Systems was also a sponsor of the day-long event.

In previous school years, the Upper School Monday t-shirts focused on the words “Empower” and “Engage” (taken from Shelton's tagline of Engage, Enrich, Empower). Announced in May, the 2019-20 the Monday shirts will focus on the word “Enrich.” Under the coordination of faculty member Courtney Dios, students entered a design contest. The winning students involved with the new design were: Lauren Patton (12), Jackson Bice (8), Anna Marie Camiolo (8) and Ford Myers (6). The students did a great job working with Kendall Creative on finalizing the design from their own ideas.

The 18th Mayfest was held May 10, 2019. The seventh annual Hunger Games event was also held on May 10th , highlighted by a powderpuff football game led by the juniors and seniors.

In May 66 seniors walked across the stage toward new adventures. These graduates have 234 acceptances into 111 colleges and universities, and they are recipients of $5,856,028 in merit scholarships. The seniors’ banner quote was: The most rewarding things in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done (Arnold Palmer). Valedictorian was Evan Antich; salutatorian was Etan Cohn.

A senior, Etan Cohn, was named a Semifinalitst in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program, one of 16,000 semifinalists as well as a “finalist” out of 7500 semifinalists. Shelton has celebrated NMSC ‘commended” recipients in the past, but Etan is Shelton’s first Semifinalist/Finalist!

Senior, Evan Antich, was recognized as a Commended Student in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. He is only the third Shelton student ever to achieve this accomplishment.

Shelton’s National Honor Society (NHS) chapter was established in the fall of 2012 with a founding membership of 12 seniors from the Class of 2013. Now in its seventh year, in February, Shelton inducted 30, three juniors and 27 sophomores. The group participates in several school service projects each year such as peer tutoring, library assistance, and individual service projects. Each NHS member is required to complete a minimum of five service hours for NHS, in addition to the 20 hours required of all Shelton upper-class students.

For the ninth year Shelton was the site of a pediatric rotation for residents with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Second-year pediatric residents observe at Shelton as part of their Developmental Pediatrics rotation. From September through April we had 18 pediatricians observing Lower School and Upper Elementary classrooms.

Shelton continued its sixth year partnership with Commit! 2 Dallas, an organization of 45 institutions in Dallas County committed to increasing graduation with some form of higher education degree. Students and staff continued to make a difference in improving the educational methods and bettering the lives of the students and families of William Cabell Elementary, Dallas ISD, Shelton’s sister school.

Library: Melissa Harrison, Library Media Coordinator, retired in May 2019. Her replacement will be Kelli Yonker.

The ATHLETICS department once again celebrated many achievements in all sports that the school, parents and kids can be proud of. This is due to the continued growth and hard work of both the players and coaches during the summer and throughout the year.

In Varsity Football, we had 11 athletes who made 1^st Team All-District, six athletes who made 2^ndTeam All-District, five athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District, four athletes who made Second Team All-State and four athletes who made Honorable Mention All-State. The Chargers were again able to play one of their games at “The Star” at the Ford Center in Frisco. The Varsity Football team finished the season in 3^rd place in TAPPS III-2.

In Varsity Cross Country, we had one male athlete who finished 5^th in state. In Varsity Volleyball, we had two athletes who made Second Team All-District and one athlete who made Honorable Mention All-District. For fall sports, we had five athletes who made TAPPS Academic All-State.

In Varsity Women’s Basketball, we had three athletes who made 1st Team All-District, three who made 2nd Team All-District and two who made Honorable Mention All-District. We also had one athlete who received TAPPS 4A-3 District Newcomer of the Year and one who received TAPPS 4A-3 District Freshman of the Year. We also had an athlete receive 2^nd team All-State honors. The Lady Chargers finished district in 3^rd place, which qualified them for the playoffs. In Varsity Men’s Basketball, we had two athletes who made 1^stTeam All-District, two who made 2nd Team All-District and one athlete who made Honorable Mention All-District. The Men’s Varsity team finished in 3^rd place for TAPPS 4A-3, which qualified them for the playoffs.

In Varsity Soccer, we had four male athletes who made 2^nd Team All-District and two male athletes who made Honorable Mention All-District and one female athlete who made Honorable Mention All-District. The Varsity Soccer Team finished 4^th in TAPPS III-2 and qualified for the playoffs. In its third year of competition, the Varsity Swim Team had five athletes who made 1^stTeam All-Region in at least one event and six athletes who made 2^ndTeam All-Region in at least one event. Colin Feehery was State Champion in the 200 IM and Caitlyn Groff was State Champion in the 500 Free. We also had two athletes who made 2^ndTeam All-State and one who made Honorable Mention All-State. In all, there were eight athletes who were state qualifiers. For winter sports, we had five athletes who earned TAPPS Academic All-State honors.

In Varsity Baseball, we had two athletes who made 1^stTeam All-District, two who made 2^ndTeam All-District and five who made Honorable Mention All-District. In Varsity Golf, we had one male athlete who was Regional champion and finished 4^th in State, receiving All-State honors. Another male athlete finished 7^th in District and finished 10^th in State, receiving All-State honors. The men’s team was TAPPS 4A-3 District Runner-Up, Regional Champion and finished 2^nd in State in TAPPS 4A. In Varsity Men’s Track and Field, we had a District Champion in 110m Hurdles, Pole Vault, Long Jump, 300m Hurdles and 800m. We had an athlete who was District and Regional Champion in discus and shot put and had a 4x100m relay team who received District Champion honors. The men’s team was the TAPPS 4A-2 District Champion, finished 5^th in Regionals and 10^th in State in TAPPS 4A. In all, we had seven men qualify for state. In Varsity Women’s Track and Field, Trinity Byars was the State Champion in the 100m and 200m and was also part of a relay team (also consisting of Kennedy Moore, Charlotte Scannell and Karime Sterling) who was State Champion in the 4x100m Relay. Trinity was also district and regional champion in those same events. The women’s team finished 3^rd in the TAPPS 4A-2 district. In all, we had four women qualify for state. Four school records were broken this year for the men’s and women’s track and field teams. For spring sports, we had four athletes who earned TAPPS Academic All-State honors.

At camp, our Varsity Cheerleaders received a NCA Nationals bid, won 1^st place in the top team chant competition and won the superior ribbon for all performances – Cheer, Chant and Band Chant.

The Chargerettes Dance Team participated at the TAPPS State Dance Competition and placed 3^rd in the DII Varsity Small Squad. Additionally, two Chargerettes earned 1^st Team All-State, two earned 2^nd Team All-State and one Chargerette earned Honorable Mention All-State.

In May, a celebration was held to honor eight athletes who will continue to play sports at the college level. One additional athlete was added to this count in late May so Shelton will have a total of nine athletes who will continue to play sports at the college level in 2019-2020.

Shelton sophomore Trinity Byars represented the USA on the U.S. Under 17 Women’s National World Cup soccer team in November, 2018. Trinity, age 15, was the youngest member on the team. In support of Trinity and her USA team members, Shelton students and staff had a USA theme dress out day by wearing a red, white and blue top on November 14, when Team USA played Cameroon. This was Shelton Pride at its best on this day!

Shelton Athletics continues to grow and prosper, thanks to the continual support of our staff, parents and coaches.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

The Parents’ Association Co-Presidents were Darcy Preheim and Jessica Slaven. The association continued to sponsor the back-to-school socials and divisional/grade socials throughout the year, New Parent Dinner, Dads’ Group Dinner, Sky Ranch Father/Child Weekend in October, the Book Fair with Dads’ Breakfast/Lunches in October, Boosterthon pep rally and run, Grandparents’ Day in November, the Corral Store and uniform resales, tailgating at games, homecoming spirit activities, food truck visits, as well as many other spirit-producing activities during the year, and staff appreciation luncheons during parent conferences in October, February and May. They kept the parents up-to-date with the association’s activities via the weekly SCOOP email newsletter.

The Parents’ Association auction party on March 30, 2019 was a success. The theme was: Shelton Stars Shine Bright. Chaired by Dina Brantman and Lisa Harrigan, the auction party was held at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum. The evening’s entertainment was provided by Shawn Gerhard and The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute Band.

Shelton Parents' Association, through their many efforts this school year, has raised $568,000 for the school! Boosterthon fundraising activities netted proceeds of $39.000 from the students of PP-5 participating. The parents gave $70,000 to the faculty and staff through Holiday Happiness. The Stampede raised $459,000.

The Parents’ Association sponsored the first Princess Ball, held November 10 on the Shelton campus. The winter wonderland theme was enjoyed by some 150 dads and daughters, coordinated by Caron Hoffer.

At the end-of-the-year staff luncheon, the Parents’ Association presented the fourth Shelton Parents’ Association Recognition Kudos (SPARK) financial award to one faculty member of each division and one staff member. From the spring post-conference survey completed by parents, these were the teachers whose qualities and service were most recognized. The fourth year’s recipients were Joni Harris, Lower School; Margaret DeTullio and Claire Stein, Upper Elementary; Tina Graves, Middle School; Sammie Johnson, Upper School; and Quarrell Whittington (Coach Q), all-around staff member.

SPEECH LANGUAGE HEARING PROGRAM

The Speech, Language, Hearing Program, formerly Speech Clinic, had a busy year providing therapy services to clients. Eleven licensed, certified speech-language pathologists completed an average of 600 therapy sessions per month with over 150 clients from Shelton and the community. In addition to seeing students and community clients at the Shelton campus, therapists provided therapy services in 13 private schools in the Dallas area. Throughout the summer, therapy included Language Adventures Camp and iSocialize Social Communication Camp. Many students also participated in individual and group therapy to improve Social Communication skills during summer months. Screening services were provided for speech, language, reading, hearing and vision with over 1,000 students in 14 area private schools. Additionally, the SLH Program conducted hearing and vision screens for Shelton Early Childhood, Pre-Primary, Primary, 1st, 3rd, 5th 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students (and all new students to Shelton regardless of grade).

SHELTON EVALUATION CENTER

The Evaluation Center provided testing services for approximately 230 clients between June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019. The Evaluation Center saw clients from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, as well as from many other cities in Texas. This year, out-of-state clients traveled from Louisiana, Arkansas, Washington, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nigeria.

The Evaluation Center group made time in their busy testing summer schedule to pack and move to a new office space adjacent to Shelton’s new Preston Road property, 6001 Summerside, Dallas. The staff is commended for their sacrifice of time and energy in the move that resulted in some additional, much-needed classroom space for our Upper, Middle, and Upper Elementary School students in the 2018-2019 school year.

Dr. Laure Ames, Director, designed a one-day workshop called Dyslexia Screening: a Shelton workshop for professionals working in the public schools. The workshop covers the characteristics of dyslexia, the biological basis of dyslexia, what must be assessed to identify dyslexia in a young student, and how the universal screening measures work. The workshop was offered twice in 2018-2019. A second workshop entitled Diagnosing the Learning Different Child provides an overview of the diagnostic criteria for a Language Disorder, a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading (dyslexia), and dysgraphia, the most common learning disabilities. ADHD, one of the most common learning behavioral difficulties, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, one of the most common developmental disorders, are also reviewed. This second workshop was offered twice in 2019.

OUTREACH

Chris Bedenbaugh assumed the role of Director of Outreach on June 1, 2018. Nancy Coffman, former Outreach Director, will continue as the Director of SARA from her new home in North Carolina.

The Shelton Storefront, overseen by Consuela Teague, continued to provide an on-line site where manuals and additional materials produced by Shelton can be purchased.

Summer School

Patricia Gallaher continued to direct the Summer School Program with Jennifer Drake, who assisted her in publishing the brochure; assisted in the coordination of securing teachers; ordering supplies; tracking and assisting in registrations; answering questions from parents and staff; a few of the many tasks necessary to prepare for and implement summer school.

There were a total of 718 participants in summer school classes, Scholars and Sports Camps. There were 659 students who attended summer school classes in the morning or afternoon and attended a sports camp or Scholars. There were 129 students in sports camp of which 42 also attended summer classes (they are included in the 659.) There were 54 students registered in the Scholars summer program of which 12 students stayed in the afternoon to attend afternoon summer school classes (they are included in the 659).

Of the summer registrations, 184 registrants were non-Shelton students. Summer school classes were taught by 83 teachers with 12 assistants. We offered 151 classes (EC-MS), 17 classes (US), and 9 credit classes (US), for a total of 177 classes.

Executive Director Emerita Joyce Pickering's book, Montessori Strategies for Children with Learning Differences: The MACAR Model, was published in the spring 2019. After years of living the title's experience and several years writing the book, Joyce's dream has come true, and a draft publisher's edition was produced in the summer 2018. The first copies of that book were used by the Montessori Applied to Children at Risk (MACAR - beginning level) training class in July 2018. Joyce's partner in typing and editing was Theresa Ball, Shelton staff member.

Earlier in the year, Executive Director Emerita Joyce Pickering was honored as ALTA’s Luke Waites 2019 Award of Service.

Shelton Scholars

Shelton Scholars had 78 students during the summer, fall and spring semesters. The Scholars program continues to utilize a small group tutoring structure of two to three students per tutor. Since the introduction of group tutoring in 2014, the Scholars program continues to see an overall increase in testing scores and has been able to provide higher quality tutors for the students.

Wesley Rankin Scholars

In October of 2018, Wesley Rankin (a community center for lower income families) started a satellite Scholars pilot program with 10 students. At the end of the season, their post-testing scores revealed an overall excellent rate of improvement. As a result, Dr. Pickering and John Hodges have been working with Wesley Rankin’s Board of Directors to further their plans in growing their Scholars program. Their current goal is to work up to 50 students over the next two years.

Ongoing On-Site Training:
Sequential English Education (SEE)

Joyce Pickering continued as course director along with Shelton SEE Instructors Amy Kelton, Danyle Duke, Liz Gonzalez, John Hodges, and Tina Graves.

The SEE Teaching Level summer and fall classes of 2018-19 trained 31 teachers.

20 were certified at the SEE Teaching Level, three at the SEE Instructor of Teaching Level. Eight were Shelton teachers and 15 teachers were from other schools.

The SEE Therapy Level summer class 2018-19 trained five teachers. Two Shelton teachers were certified at the SEE Therapy level and three others from various schools.

Trainees were comprised of: two teachers from Bridgemark School in Tyler, TX, one teacher from Wilkinson Center in DISD, one teacher from Rooted Life Montessori, Alvarado TX, and other teachers from Garland ISD, McKinney, Grapevine, and San Angelo, TX. Shelton instructors continue to train in SEE and observe teachers from other schools from Tyler, Dallas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Cleburne, TX.

Shelton Academic Language Approach (SALA)

Chris Bedenbaugh continued as course director for SALA and trained 14 teachers at the Teaching Level and five at the Therapy Level.

Shelton Academic Reading Approach (SARA)

Nancy Coffman continued as course director for SARA. G-g Shryer continued as a summer introductory instructor and Lisa Tyler continued her Qualified Instructor training. In addition, Qualified Instructors Kim Arthur, Chris Bedenbaugh, Sylvia Portnoy, and Jean Wootan served as mentors to the individuals in training. One introductory course was conducted by G-g and Nancy in the summer on the Shelton campus. Nancy also taught an advanced course on campus and at the Girl Scout building during the academic year.

Therapy Level

On-going Off-site Teacher Training In Multisensory Language Education:

SALA

Chris Bedenbaugh taught the Teaching Level of the MTA curriculum to five Keller ISD teachers and five Irving ISD teachers. She also instructed five Keller ISD teachers at the Therapy Level.

SARA

Nancy Coffman taught introductory courses in Decatur, Alabama and Camden, Arkansas to a total of 35 teachers. Therapy level courses were completed in Little Rock, Arkansas and Birmingham, Alabama to a total of 28 teachers. Nancy Coffman delivered the SARA Therapy course at Shelton School. G-g Shryer delivered a SARA Teaching Level course at Shelton School.

Short Term Workshops

The Outreach Center presented 40 workshops from June of 2018 through May of 2019. Joyce Pickering, Nancy Coffman, John Hodges, Amy Kelton, Chris Bedenbaugh, Lauren Sanders, G-g Shryer, Laure Ames, Casey Barnett and Gulzar Babool were presenters.

Training/Conferences

Nancy Coffman presented a workshop entitled, “Spelling, who knew there were rules?” at the International Dyslexia Conference in Connecticut, the Upper Midwest Branch of IDA in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Tennessee Branch of IDA in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and at the Hill Center in Durham, North Carolina.

Nancy Coffman did a series of workshops for the Cullman County, Alabama school system. These five seminars were designed to raise the knowledge level of the general education teacher in the areas of multisensory instruction so to better serve all students. A total of 125 teachers attended.

Nancy Coffman also did two seminar days for the Henry County, Alabama school system. These two seminars were designed to raise the knowledge level of the general education teacher in the areas of multisensory instruction so to better serve all students. A total of 60 teachers attended.

Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton and Gulzar Babool presented to Montessori groups in Dallas and Fort Worth Texas, Boulder, Colorado, Canada and Shanghai China. Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool traveled to Washington D.C. for The American Montessori Society (AMS) Annual Conference. Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton, and Laure Ames also gave presentations.

Shelton Montessori Training

Montessori Applied to Children At Risk (MACAR)

MACAR 2018 training in Dallas had 23 trainees. Fourteen trainees were from Montessori schools around the country, one trainee was from Shanghai, China and 11 were from Shelton Montessori Training. Joyce Pickering, Amy Kelton, Christine Davis, Cathy Luby and Jennifer Stevens shared their knowledge, strategies and skills with Montessori teachers from around the world, to help children who learn differently.

Montessori Early Childhood

Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool offered Montessori training to new teachers in the Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Fort Worth ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth and Memphis. Six teachers received their Early Childhood Certificate this year. Joyce Pickering, Peggy Krug, Joni Harris, Cathy Luby, Gulzar Babool, Donna Gonzalez, Christine Davis and Jennifer Stevens instructed the 12 courses within this training.

Montessori Elementary I

Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool offered Montessori training to new teachers in the Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, Fort Worth ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas, Fort Worth. Nine teachers received their Elementary I Montessori Certificate this year. Instructors included Joyce Pickering, Peggy Krug, Gi-gi Shryer, Gulzar Babool, Siew Chen, Rachel Nordgren, Adrienne Thacker, Jennifer Stevens and Amy Kelton.

Montessori Elementary II

Joyce Pickering and Gulzar Babool offered Montessori training to new teachers in Dallas and Garland ISD and multiple private schools in Dallas and Fort Worth. We had our one teacher receive their Elementary II Montessori Certificate this year. Instructors included Joyce Pickering, Peggy Krug, Gulzar Babool, Susmita Sarma, Jennifer Stevens and Amy Kelton.

The 2020s

2019 - 2020

The beginning of the 2019-2020 school year was an exciting time as construction at the new Preston Road campus continued to progress. Shelton closed on the sale of the Hillcrest campus on March 20, 2020, and administrators and teachers began to prepare for the campus relocation.

Shelton began the 2019-2020 school year with an enrollment of 928 students and finished the school year with 967 students.

The year saw several new initiatives, including Educational Technology, that added to the academic toolkits of Shelton students and brought concepts to life. In the Lower School, STEM was added to the specials rotation and a Makerspace was added to the Lower School/Upper Elementary library. Makerspace Centers were also added in each Upper Elementary classroom, and Upper Elementary students learned robotics using Visual Programming Language (programming with pictures) to program Thymio robots. Read and Write technology was employed in all Upper Elementary classrooms. Upper School film teachers introduced an enhanced film class, which started producing the popular “Charger Daily News,” a redesign of the traditional daily announcements into an entertaining format for student viewing online. Thanks to a grant from The Moody Foundation, Shelton was a Shared Studios Portal site during the spring semester. Portals are shared spaces (such as a converted boxcar) set up at multiple sites around the world, providing live, full-body audio-visual environment to enable face-to-face dialogues between people in various parts of the world. Our students were able to meet and interact with individuals in settings such as schools, public parks, cafés, train stations and even refugee camps, in countries such as Bolivia, Germany, Iraq, Uganda, Bangladesh, to name just a few.

In Athletics, senior swimmer Caitlyn Groff won 1st in the 500 Freestyle event at the TAPPS State Championship.

Spring of the 2020 school year saw the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the direction of state and federal governments, Shelton shifted to remote education on March 23, 2020, after spring break. The school’s technology department and administrators worked diligently and quickly to identify, equip, and train faculty, students and parents on virtual learning platforms. The school coordinated a Chromebook pick up day so that younger students who did not already have a school-issued laptop would be able to participate in online learning and maintain communication with their teachers.

The remainder of in-person school and end-of-year activities and assemblies were canceled or converted to virtual events. Teachers and administrators found creative ways to make those events memorable, from a video of a choral performance recorded on Zoom and played during the virtual Fine Arts Banquet, to a “Senior Surprise”: cookies and yard signs delivered by teachers to our seniors at their homes one weekend in May. Last day of school “drive-throughs” with bubbles and music gave students a chance to return laptops and library books, and more importantly, to see their teachers and celebrate the beginning of their summer break.

The Shelton Parents’ Association Co-Presidents in 2019-2020 were Shelly Lloyd and Brandy Stafford. The Parents’ Association Stampede Auction “Envision our Future” was planned for March 28, 2020, but an in-person event was not be possible due to the pandemic. Not to be dissuaded, Stampede Co-Chairs Julie Crozier, Emily Sarché and JoAnna Sudbeck and their committee pieced together a fun and lively virtual celebration in just a few weeks. Meals were catered to the homes of ticket-holders by Lombardi’s restaurant, with wine pairings donated by Goody Goody Liquor. The Stampede raised $382,580. Including this amount, The Shelton Parents' Association raised a total of $502,875 for the school from all fundraising events throughout the year.

The 2019-2020 Annual Fund Co-Chairs were parents Darcy Preheim and Jessica Slaven. The Annual Fund theme was "The Future Is Ours – Enrich, Engage, Empower”. The annual fund campaign surpassed the original goal of $900,000, raising more than $1,000,000.

At the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year, Head of School Linda Kneese retired after 30 years with Shelton. Mellany Barnett was named Associate Head of School & Assistant Head of Middle School. Amy Kelton Cushner was named Associate Head of School and also remained Head of Upper Elementary.

Graduation was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but finally took place on July 25 on the athletic fields of the Hillcrest campus. The Class of 2020, comprised of 71 seniors, had what was probably the most unique graduation ceremony in the history of Shelton on the athletic fields across the street from the Ward Campus.

Members of the Class of 2020 earned 291 acceptances to 119 different colleges and ultimately selected 42 different colleges, spread across 15 states and 1 abroad. They received almost $4.5 million in scholarships. Six seniors signed to play a college sport. One senior was a National Merit Commended Scholar, and one had a perfect score on the Reading and Science sections of the ACT. The Class of 2020 selected a class quote by Craig Sager that was very appropriate for their year: “Everyone has to face obstacles. Everybody has to face hurdles. It’s what you do with those that determines how successful you’re going to be.”

2020 - 2021

Shelton’s move to the new Preston Road campus took place during the summer of 2020, prior to the start of the school year. Completion of the construction of the new campus was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shelton received the temporary Certificate of Occupancy on August 21 and began unpacking and settling into new classrooms. The first day of school was postponed to August 31. Parents and students were invited to tour the new campus before the first day of school.

Shelton had 989 students enrolled on the first day of school and finished the school year with 1,010 students. Due to the pandemic, families were able to choose between in-person or virtual schooling throughout the school year, depending on their comfort level and safety concerns.

Some areas of the new campus, including the band rooms, art studios, film rooms, and digital photography room, Black Box Theatre, scene shop and other areas of our Fine Arts program, were under construction when school opened and were completed during the school year. Other areas, including the main theater in the Moody Fine Arts wing, football fieldhouse and Charger Plaza, will be completed following successive phases of the Capital Campaign.

Shelton announced the development of a new Wellness Initiative, thanks to a grant from the Moody Foundation and partnerships with Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, Chief of the Division of Mood Disorders and Clinical Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and with Rusty Lozano, founder of the Center for Biofeedback and Behavior Therapy. The Wellness Initiative was designed to be a cohesive program in which Shelton students at all grade levels would be introduced to age-adapted skills to recognize and cope with mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

In Athletics, Shelton’s varsity golf team won the TAPPS Division 4A State Championship. Senior Caitlyn Groff won the TAPPS Division III girls’ 200-yard freestyle title. Athletic Director Freddie Jones resigned December 2020; head football coach Marco Rivera served as interim athletic director January - May 2021.

The Shelton Parents Association raised $398,500 to benefit the school and its students. SPA Co-Presidents in 2020 – 2021 were Chuck Marlett and Michelle Rivera. Stampede Auction Co-chairs were Mandy Evans and Kimber Hartmann; the Stampede was a virtual event for the second consecutive year due to the pandemic.

Annual Fund parent co-chairs Jessica Slaven and Holly Vitullo helped bring in just over $1,050,000 in Annual Fund donations, surpassing the goal of $950,000.

Graduation for the Class of 2021 took place on the football field, the first on the Preston Road campus. We honored the 74 Shelton seniors who earned $6 million in scholarship opportunities, earned 317 acceptances to 144 different colleges, and ultimately headed to 51 different colleges in more than 22 states and Canada. Eleven graduating student athletes committed to playing a sport at the collegiate level. The Class of 2021 Valedictorian was Connor Swearingen; Avery Eckert was Salutatorian.

Director of Testing Jeff Pierce, Ph.D., retired from Shelton in February; Assistant Director of Testing Meghan Miller was subsequently named Director of Testing. Alan Burt was named as Shelton’s Athletic Director in May 2021. Shelton’s Director of Public Relations & Marketing, Anne Hendrick-Thomas, retired at the end of the school year after over 23 years with Shelton. Lisa Kresl was introduced as Director of Communications and Marketing in July 2021.

2021 - 2022

The 2021-2022 School year saw a return to the “normal” school setting as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic eased. In addition to Summer School, Shelton introduced the Back-to-School Skills classes, offered in a closer time frame to the first day of school and designed to provide students in 3^rd – 10th grade with a refresher of reading, writing, and math skills before returning to school in the fall.

Shelton had 1,041 students enrolled on the first day of school, welcomed 247 new families, and finished the school year with 1,078 students.

The Wellness Initiative, funded by The Moody Foundation, focused on launching a specialized wellness intervention program for students. Shelton partnered with experts in the Dallas community, including Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, Chief of the Division of Mood Disorders and the founding director of the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Rusty Lozano, founder of the Center for Biofeedback and Behavior Therapy. With their help, Shelton was able to utilize proven strategies to help students identify stress and learn self-regulation strategies through methods such as art and exercise therapy, mindfulness, and biofeedback. Under the umbrella of this initiative, projects were selected that were unique to certain age groups:

The "Horses and Humans" program was provided for students in 5th grade. This program teaches hands-on equestrian fundamentals and, in the process, develops skills such as teamwork, confidence, and relaxation.
The Middle School faculty heard from a representative from The Discovery Center on eating disorder education, including signs that may indicate a possible eating disorder and possible treatments.
Upper School students heard from motivational speaker Ben Nemtin, New York Times best-selling author of What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Nemtin shared the importance of talking about mental health and identifying and pursuing big dreams.

Shelton partnered with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to bring the “Words & Music” program to Middle School students. In this program, students wrote their own lyrics utilizing the framework they learned during the 10-lesson curriculum. Some of the songs were then selected and recorded by professional songwriters from the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Fine Arts highlights for the year included Sense and Sensibility, the Shelton Upper School fall play, featuring 66 students in cast and crew, and Shrek, The Musical, with 84 students in cast, crew and orchestra. Our band and drumline performed all year for pep rallies, football games and school events and had two concerts with more than 140 student musicians from 4th-12th grades. Three of our Upper School choir members won TAPPS All-State honors at the TAPPS vocal competition. In addition, Upper School Arts students attended the ISAS Dallas Area Fine Arts festival hosted by Greenhill and Parish Episcopal Schools in April. The US Film department showcased 25 student films at the Shelton Film Festival at Studio Movie Grill-Spring Valley.

In Athletics, Charger Golf won the TAPPS Division II Fall State Championship and our Charger Cheerleaders won the TAPPS State Championship. Middle School boys track won the TAPPS Middle School Boys Division I Championship.

The annual Stampede event raised more than $1 million thanks to the efforts of Stampede Co-Chairs Mandy Evans and Kimber Hartmann and Director of Volunteer Relations & Events Shelly Lloyd. At the annual SPA end-of-year luncheon, the Shelton Parent Association Co-Presidents Emily Sarché and Brandy Wayne presented a check in the amount of $885,000 to Shelton to benefit the school and its students.

The Annual Fund raised more than $1.3 million, well exceeding the goal of $950,000. The 2021-2022 Annual Fund co-chairs were Chuck Marlett and Michelle Rivera.

At Graduation in May 2022, we honored the 68 members of the Shelton Class of 2022. These seniors received 258 acceptances to 109 colleges and $5,684,176 in merit scholarships. Among the class were 27 National Honor Society Members, four athletes who signed to play four college sports, one student who earned a perfect ACT score on the reading and science sections, one National Merit Commended Scholar, and one SMU Hunt Leadership Scholar. The seniors contributed more than 1,800 hours in community service. The Class of 2022 Valedictorian was MacKenzie Dupré; Ava Aidala was Salutatorian.

At the conclusion of the school year, Shelton recognized Director of Admission Diann Slaton, who retired after 34 years with Shelton, and Director of Alumni Relations Chuck Locke, who retired after 28 years with Shelton. Chief Financial Officer Glen Brown transitioned from that role to Director of Operations and Security and Controller Kelly Van Den Handel was named Chief Financial Officer. Director of Testing Meghan Miller was named Director of Admission. In addition, Dawn Lewis joined Shelton as Chief Human Resources Officer.

The Shelton Board of Trustees voted to approve the honorary title of Distinguished Trustee Emeritus. Trustees Charlotte Jones and Ed Heffernan were named the first two recipients of the title.

2022 - 2023

This year at Shelton, we focused on enhancing the interior of the new campus through an interior design initiative. Shelton began to gain color and character with the help of the Aphrodite and Sam Paulos family and the coordination of Shelton’s art teacher Kathleen Goree. Hallways were color-coded, and signage was added to help guide students and visitors around the building. Featured artwork and murals were added, such as the piece commissioned by the generosity of the Aschaffenburg family and created by artist Reuben Cheatem. The artwork depicts the faces of 51 successful people with learning differences who have achieved greatness in their fields.

Lower School and Upper Elementary students celebrated the completion of their new playground.

Shelton began the school year with 1,060 students and ended with 1,088 students.

On June 10, the Beckley Wilson Act (named for Shelton student Beckley Wilson) was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The legislation will improve a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.

The Shelton Drumline and Band played at the YTexas Summit at AT&T Stadium Friday, September 30. The YTexas Summit showcased innovation in business and education across Texas and featured networking, exhibitors, panel discussions and more. It was an excellent venue to showcase Shelton and our students.

In October, in honor of World Dyslexia Month, Shelton screened Confetti, an award-winning movie about the experience of a Chinese mother who moves to America to pursue an educational solution for her dyslexic daughter. The movie screening included a panel discussion led by Shelton’s parents.

Shelton Upper Elementary students enjoyed hearing from author John Schu in the fall. The Lower School/Upper Elementary Library coordinated the event.

Upper School Theatre presented the fall play “Twelfth Night” and the spring musical “Sound of Music;” Middle School Fine Arts produced “Mathilda the Musical JR.”

Shelton added an esports team and a bass fishing club to its after-school club offerings.

Eleventh and twelfth-grade students attended Shelton's 21st Ethics Symposium, "Evolving Ethical Standards in the Digital Age,” in February 2023. Leona Allen, Deputy Publisher and Chief Talent and Diversity Officer at The Dallas Morning News, gave the charge for the day. Kristin Kendrick, Case Manager at Cafe Momentum, was the keynote speaker, followed by a host of local professionals who shared their experience and wisdom with the students.

In Athletics, the Shelton Varsity Golf Team won the Fall TAPPS Division 4A State Championship, and the Shelton Cheerleaders won the 2022 TAPPS State Championship. Longtime coach Ed Barry was named Varsity Football Coach in April 2023.

Shelton Students traveled throughout the year. In spring 2023, seventh graders enjoyed a Texas Adventures Trip featuring the Texas State Capitol, the Alamo, Natural Bridge Caverns, and a service project with Haven for Hope. Ninety-seven eighth graders traveled to the Smoky Mountains for their class trip. They hiked in the Tallulah Gorge State Park, visited Pigeon Forge, and hiked in the Smoky Mountains National Park. They also went white-water rafting in the Pigeon River and visited the Center for Civil Rights in Atlanta. Upper School students had the option of taking part in a trip to London & Southern England after school let out in early summer 2023.

The 2022-2023 Shelton Parents’ Association was led by Co-Presidents JoAnna Sudbeck and Gina Rangel-Pena. They presented a check for $620,000 to Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell at the SPA End of the Year Luncheon on May 9. Stampede Auction Co-Chairs Kari Grzych and Heather Shell greatly assisted them in their fundraising efforts by

The Annual Fund, led by Co-Chairs Michelle Rivera and Chuck Marlett, raised $1.1 million, surpassing the goal of $1 million.

On May 20, Shelton celebrated the graduation of 92 students on the school's football field. Members of the Class of 2023 received 376 acceptances to 162 different colleges and universities, received $9.6 million in merit scholarships, and contributed more than 3,997 service hours in the community. Students in the Class of 2023 headed to 50 colleges across 21 states. The Valedictorian was Callie Wakefield, and the Salutatorian was Kendall Bernbaum.

At the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year, Director of Operations and former CFO Glen Brown retired after 10 years of service. Middle School Head Lisa Tyler resigned, and Patricia Gallaher was named the new Head of Middle School. Gulzar Babool was named Director of Montessori Training. Cici Davis joined Shelton as Director of Testing. Bob Sherman became Shelton’s new Director of Campus Safety and Security.