September Newsletter 2021
Now that football season has begun, it’s no surprise that some gridiron analogies got tossed around during a recent discussion about how we help our students achieve success.
“It’s a game of inches,” observed Reubin Delle, Behavior Supervisor at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale.
Many schools are focused on touchdowns – big, long-term goals such as completing AP classes or getting into college. The PHILLIPS playbook is all about gaining yardage little by little, making first downs and maintaining the drive to get across a goal line that once might have seemed too distant to reach.
“I like that. I think that’s what drew me to working here and staying here,” said Reubin, who’s been with PHILLIPS for nearly 20 years. “We recognize there are small successes that happen – seemingly small, but not for that child.”
“Even for students who feel others are making more progress, knowing that we celebrate these ‘small victories’ so often, they start to feel successful, where in others settings, people may say that’s minimal or it doesn’t matter,” he added. “We realize that these increments really do matter and we celebrate them.”
Another longtime member of the PHILLIPS team, Special Education teacher Kristy Wright, said this “growth mindset,” along with our small classes and extensive support from the related services and behavior staff, are essential for providing a positive school experience.
Another key is to “meet children where they are, not where you want them to be.”
“I always think of the past experience our kids have come from and it’s not always great,” Kristy explained. “Whatever we can do to change that for them so they can feel happy and safe and successful at a school, that’s one of the things I really like about working here.”
Do you find your job as rewarding as Reuben and Kristy find theirs? Or do you know someone who's passionate about helping children and families overcome challenges and succeed? We want to connect! Please join us at the PHILLIPS Virtual Job Fair on Thursday, October 14 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. There will be five-minute interviews with Talent Management for all attendees. RSVP to hr@phillipsprograms.org to receive your ZOOM invitation.
Can’t make it? Send your letter of interest and resume to: hr@phillipsprograms.org Attn: VIRTUAL JOB FAIR
Back to School Night
Our campuses in Virginia and Maryland hosted Back to School Night events virtually last week. For those who could not attend, please take a few minutes to watch this message from PHILLIPS President and CEO Piper Phillips Caswell. She shared important information about:
working together to continue our mission through the pandemic
the importance of school attendance
communication with school staff
helping children develop a love of reading
What Parents Say About Us
We’re proud to share a few of the responses we received in our latest survey of parents.
The PHILLIPS team are strength-based engagement specialists! They meet students where they are.
My son didn’t listen to anyone until PHILLIPS got involved.
The program's strength is their ability to be flexible and unique to the child not your standard "one fits all" type of program. In addition, the strength is the staff's dedication to the success of the kids.
We have seen huge improvement in my son’s use of self-regulation and frustration management strategies in the last 6 months. It has been WONDERFUL!
SpringForward™ breaks down barriers to employment by providing tailored career opportunities in the booming industry of indoor, urban agriculture. It’s the first business launched by LAKIN Solutions, a social enterprise incubator founded by PHILLIPS. SpringForward™ Business Operations Manager Julie Buisson was part of a panel discussion about urban farming hosted by Johns Hopkins University. Click here to watch her presentation.
PHILLIPS Programs is honored that SpringForward™ has been recognized in the top 10 percent of 2,800 applicants for the renowned J.M. Kaplan Fund's Innovation Prize this summer. The Innovation Prize "seeks to identify, support, and elevate innovators who are spearheading transformative early-stage projects in the fields of social justice, the environment, and heritage conservation."
How to Support Our Mission
Making a contribution to PHILLIPS is as easy as clicking the button below. Your gift will make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve across Northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C. You can make a one-time gift or sign up for a recurring donation. Out of every dollar donated, 91 cents of goes directly to our youth.
Just a few days ago, one of our longtime supporters literally gave us tools for success. Many thanks to Debbie Dogrul and Associates / the DDA Love Foundation for their latest donation of construction tools to be used by students in our Building Futures program.
Stay tuned for information about our Annual Campaign coming in the weeks ahead.
PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families
7010 Braddock Rd | Annandale, Virginia 22003
703-941-8810 | piper.phillips@phillipsprograms.org
PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families is a private, non-profit organization serving the complex needs of children and youth living with cognitive, emotional and/or behavioral challenges in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Through excellence in specialized education, community programs and individualized support services, we provide our children and families every advantage to ensure they develop to achieve their greatest individual success. Their potential is our commitment.