S H E D C H I L D R E N ’ S C A M P U S

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 N E W S L E T T E R

C E L E B R A T I N G 3 0 Y E A R S

Bringing Reggio Home

Investing in the Future

The Importance of Giving Back

Sustainability

Awards & Announcements

Summer 2015 at SCCInside this issue…

Dear Families,I have had the privilege of serving SHED Children’s

Campus for nearly 22 years as a coordinator, director and, now, as its Executive Director. In this time, I have come to know many of the families in Andover. Inevitably when I meet one of them out and about, I will hear the words, “You’re still there? What about Bette? Dina? Karen and Jeff? Barbara? Maria? Joel? Johnny? I have always been able to reply, “Yes, and all are still going strong!”

At this point I usually reflect on why we are still here. What has contributed to our longevity and success?

Here at SHED Children’s Campus we believe in following our passion. The Board of Directors, Administration and Staff

bring their whole selves to the table each day. They share their passions and the task of infusing them into everything they do for the benefit of the families and the children SHED, Inc. serves. It is this passion and dedication that are the driving force behind what we do.

In this news letter you will see how Joel shares one of his passions. Read about how he serves the community as a future philanthropist while being a role model for so many of our children. You will also read about and witness our commitment to the love of the Reggio experience for our children and families, and see its impact on our journey for excellence and quality for our space.

We are celebrating 30 wonderful years! We are asking for your help and expertise in setting up our grassroots organization for the next 30 years. At this time, we would like to ask you what your passions are. What shifts your energy? What ignites that drive and fire within you? This could hold the key to determining what will better help us to serve our community, families and children. We invite you to jump in and let us be your safety net. We need, value and welcome your input. Please consider sharing your passions, experience and knowledge to help our organization continue to grow and flourish.

With Gratitude,

Linda Shot tes-Bouchard Executive Director

Bringing Reggio Home: Strengthening Commitment to Reggio Emilia Philosophy

Reggio Emilia is located in the northern countryside of Italy.

Reggio Emilia is a community internationally known for the production of

Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Reggio Emilia is an educational philosophy based on a way of being representing

innovation, responsibility, and commitment.

Lets travel back to 1945. World War II had just ended, and Italy was in a state of utter economic and societal devastation. However, amongst the desolation, a progressive style of education was being born.

Loris Malaguzzi, former educator, began to question the ways schools in Italy were structured. The visionary believed children were in need of a new way of learning that focused on exploration and self-discovery. With the support of parents and community members, Malaguzzi’s vision quickly became a reality when the first restructured preschool was opened.

Unlike similar progressive styles of education, the Reggio Emilia Approach is greatly influenced by the cultural characteristics and historical features of the town. However, the most distinguishing feature of the philosophy is its inability to be replicated.

The Reggio Emilia Approach is not intended to be a method, but rather serve as a source of inspiration. It is the expecta-tion of founders that schools use an adaption of the approach specific to the needs of their children and community. Through this notion, no two schools will appear the same.

March of 2015 marks three years since SHED Children’s Campus first began seeking inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach. Significant strides have been made during this process, yet the time is at hand for educators to interpret the approach directly from its point of origination.

SHED Children’s Campus is proud to announce that four educators will be traveling to Reggio Emilia, Italy in May. The group comprised of program directors and educators will be participating in a week-long study tour, organized by Lesley University in collaboration with Reggio Children, at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center. Participants will visit schools, engage in interactive dialogue with Reggio educators, and completely immerse themselves in the culture and history of the town. Educators were selected based on a determined criterion that included current endeavors and future expectations.

Executive Director, Linda Shottes-Bouchard, stated that, “For three decades, SHED has been nationally recognized for our cutting-edge, model programs . The light went on that it was time to interpret Reggio for ourselves.”

Investing in the Future

Nearly eighteen years have passed since the organization moved to our current location on the grounds of Phillips Academy. After years of sharing space, the organization was ecstatic to finally have a place to call home.

Since the construction and renovation project was completed, SHED Children’s Campus has evolved greatly with the creation of early education programs and the shift in philosophical approach. Today, the organization stands in a different position than it did eighteen years ago.

After years of building wear and tear, the organization has begun to discuss the possibilities for facility renovations. Preliminary steps have already begun to

prepare the organization for what the project will entail over the next several years.

In December, Executive Director, Linda Shottes-Bouchard, and Development Coordinator, Kelly Hartnett, participated in the Building Stronger Centers Training Institute sponsored by the Massachusetts Children’s Investment Fund at the Endicott College Wylie Inn & Conference Center in Beverly, MA. The week-long institute provided invaluable resources and connections, which will be critical during our predevelopment period.

If you are interested in offering your expertise and insight in support of this initiative, please contact Executive Director, Linda Shottes-Bouchard at lsbouchard@shedinc.org

Sixteen families residing throughout Greater Lawrence received holiday gifts this year through the ‘Adopt-a-Family’ program at SHED Children’s Campus. Without the generosity and benevolent nature of our families and friends, the annual initiative would not be as successful. However, the dedication and philanthropic spirit of one individual has allowed the program to truly make a difference in the lives of all participants, both the givers and receivers alike.

Joel Greer first joined the team at SHED Children’s Campus during the fall of 2001 after previously directing programs at the Merrimack Valley YMCA. During his fourteen years at the organization, Joel has been an integral team member to both Kid’s Club and Summer Adventures serving as an educator for children and youth in grades third

through eighth. Moreover, for the last four years, Joel has acted as the Facilities Manager for SHED Children’s Campus.

In addition to his primary responsibilities, Joel has been the driving force behind the “Adopt-a-Family” program after introducing the project well over a decade ago. Joel estimates that nearly 200 local families have received support to date due to the seasonal drive. Joel states, “When you hand the torch to the kids and allow them to run with it, the possibilities are truly endless.”

Even after fourteen years, Joel stresses that the willingness from our families to become involved is so gratifying. Joel, who was born and raised in Lawrence, understands the needs of the community and hopes to continue to develop projects that engage children and families in the spirit of giving.

The Importance of Giving Back

SHED Children’s Campus Leadership 2014-2015

Awards & Announcements

Board of DirectorsSam Reeves, President

Sharon Kramer, TreasurerChris Crews, Clerk

Paul FingerCarol Lowenstein

Max Dawson

AdministrationLinda Shottes-Bouchard, Executive DirectorBarbara Blanchette, Business ManagerBette Lynch, SHED DirectorDina Hurley, Kid’s Club DirectorKaren Ulbin, Kid’s Club Assistant Director

SHED Children’s Campus received a monetary grant from the Andover Cultural Council in support of LEAP Community Days. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity, and are appreciative of the Council’s continued efforts to preserve the cultural characteristics of the community.

Production has begun on Kid’s Club annual spring play! This year’s play will be a rendition of Alice and Wonderland. Children and educators will spend the upcoming months preparing for the show which will occur during late May.

Support SHED Children’s Campus through purchasing items from AmazonSmiles. The AmazonSmiles Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to SHED whenever you shop on the site. Simple select SHED Inc. from the list of charitable organizations when entering the site.

Summer 2015 at SCC

Sustainability

We are gearing up for another exciting summer full of adventures and exploration at SHED Children’s Campus. Registration will open February 2nd. In addition, sign up by April 1st to receive last year’s tuition.

This summer, children entering 5th grade will have the option to attend either Team Adventure or Summer Adventures. For more information on Team Adventure for 5th graders, contact Team Adventure Director, Johnny Gerety or Summer Adventures Co-Directors, Dina Hurley and Karen Ulbin.

During the fall of 2014, a group of educators and administrators came together to form an organizational-wide sustainability committee. The intent of the committee is to strategize ways in which the organization can heighten and enhance sustainable practices.

To move our environmental efforts forward, the sustainability committee will pioneer an initiative to reduce the amount of paper and plastic products used throughout the organization. We are asking children to bring in dishcloths or hand towels as an alternate way to dry hands after washing. In addition, we are requesting that re-usable water bottles be packed if at all possible.