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Transform the lives of students with complex learning

differences. Give families hope for their children’s future.

Believe that every child is a learner.

401-432-9940 WWW.THEWOLFSCHOOL.ORG

215 FERRIS AVENUE, EAST PROVIDENCE, RI 02916

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DEAR FRIENDS OF THE WOLF SCHOOL:

If you’re a gardener, you know what it takes to start with a seed and grow something extraordinary. Even if you don’t have a green thumb you can probably appreciate the amount of time, effort, and love that goes into helping a plant grow and blossom.

In FY 2015, we celebrated sixteen years with the theme, planting the seeds of learning. Our seeds took root and grew in many places - from an intensive strategic planning process, to a record number of new families, to the addition of a new classroom, to a magical Discover the Difference fundraiser. Along the way, Wolf students gained confidence, friendship and academic skills. They worked hard, celebrated achievements, and strived to be their best selves.

As you can see from this 2014-2015 Annual Report, you are all master gardeners! You transformed the lives of complex learners and helped them open up to a world of knowledge and unimaginable possibilities. Through your generosity, time, and wisdom you cultivated the future, you nurtured hope.

With a solid strategic plan in place, a dedicated Board and staff, amazing families, and most importantly, you, our garden will continue to thrive.

Thank you for tending to the remarkable students at The Wolf School.

Scott DiChristofero Anna JohnsonChair, Board of Trustees Head of School

1924-2015

Mother to founding parent, Mary Sloane, and grandmother to Otto Wallerstein, Wolf’s first student.

It is with deep gratitude and respect that we dedicate these pages to Mrs. Sloane. She was an extraordinary champion of education, volunteering for decades at Headstart in the Pittsfield Public Schools and at her local community library reading to children. She also taught at Berkshire Country Day School and served as trustee at Chatham Hall, her high school alma mater. As a dear friend to many she will be remembered for her count-less talents and selfless acts.

Mrs. Sloane was a devoted supporter of The Wolf School. She contributed each year to our Annual Fund, and provided for Wolf in her estate. Receiving her gift as our first bequest holds special significance. Her life and family is rooted in the spirit of learning, generosity, and kindness that is Wolf. We will honor her legacy for generations of students and families to come.

PHOTO BY MARY SLOANE, 1974

A N N U A L R E P O R T Dedicated to

W O L F by the N U M B E R S

2014-2015 ANNUAL FUND

“

Our Strategic Planning Process was inclusive and far-reaching. Through meetings, interviews, surveys and strategy sessions we involved parents, staff, alumni families, Board, community supporters and professionals.

Wolf’s first Grandparents Day Breakfast and special All School Assembly had an impressive turnout, complete with classroom tours and plenty of smiles!

Our largest group of entering students to date brought the school’s enrollment to an all-time high! We loved growing our community!

Discover the Difference was a huge success raising important program and financial aid dollars thanks to our extraordinary supporters and friends!

Michelle Garcia Winner, Social Thinking® pioneer and leading expert in the field, gave The Wolf School her seal of approval and shared insights with parents and staff in two on-site workshops.

This year every single staff and Board member contributed to our Annual Fund! They are all rock stars!

Bishop Hendricken, Lincoln High School, St. Andrew’s, Riverview, Providence Country Day School – just a few of the great high schools our graduates are attending!

In addition to our amazing Art Show in the Pelson Center, Middle School students displayed their work in a month-long exhibit at Sage Café in Riverside, RI.

With so many new students we had to turn our library into a classroom and add a new teaching team!

The entire school participated in making a new promotional video that tells The Wolf School story in a compact and powerful way. See it on our website!

200+ STAKEHOLDERS 56 GRANDPARENTS & GRAND-FRIENDS

22 NEW FAMILIES 30 CORPORATE SPONSORS

1 SOCIAL THINKING GURU 100 PERCENT PARTICIPATION

9 HIGH SCHOOLS 2 ART EXHIBITS

8 CLASSROOMS 4 MINUTES 49 SECONDS

W O L F A L U M N I

As a senior in high school at Learning Prep, Olivia is busy with classes and in-ternships. Her favorite subject is history and she has many interests and hobbies. She loves hiking with her dad and cooking (especially baking cakes). Writing is also a favorite pastime, whether it’s journaling or writing Fan Fiction. She enjoys trying new things, and even learned to belly dance.

Olivia started at The Wolf School in the third grade and still misses her teachers and friends. “At Wolf they teach in a way that’s fun. Everyone learns differently and so they find different ways to teach you. The staff was there to help with other things too, like friendships or emotions.”

Through a work/study program at school, Olivia is exploring a variety of career options, from working in a small business setting to taking care of young children at a daycare center. Next year she will be in a transitional program at Learning Prep to continue her education and skill development. She is also looking forward to her brother’s wedding and is excited to be a bridesmaid!

Hannah entered Wolf in 5th grade after having difficulty at two previous schools. “My other schools couldn’t accommodate my learning disabilities and I wasn’t progressing. But Wolf taught me a lot. I liked the educational aspects of Wolf, but I also learned how to be flexible and how to think about others.”

After transitioning back to Barrington Middle School at the end of seventh grade, Hannah continued through high school, graduating in 2015 with honors. This fall she is a freshman at Salve Regina University, living on campus and studying Elementary Education and French.

“In high school I was very focused on my studies, but I also got involved with Unified Volleyball, which is part of Special Olympics, and I did my senior thesis on inclusion in the classroom.”

Hannah’s advice to families considering Wolf: “Potentially, this school can put your child in a place you could never imagine. People thought I might not graduate high school. Now I’m in college. Wolf can make a huge difference.”

Currently a sophomore at La Salle Academy, LaJhon continued his love for sports in high school, playing both football and lacrosse. “I was the only freshman on the varsity lacrosse team and we won the state championship. It was the best thing that ever happened to me!”

LaJhon believes The Wolf School played an important role in his successful transi-tion to high school. The small class size and social thinking curriculum helped give him tools for negotiating a large school environment. At La Salle, LaJhon started his first year in the Transition Program, getting additional support in smaller classes. Now he is in traditional classes and doing well.

“I’ve met new friends and been to dances. Kids treat me with respect and

socializing with kids is the best thing now.” LaJhon’s favorite classes are Eng-lish and Religion. He also enjoys lifting weights and hopes to go on to college and play lacrosse.

With great memories of Wolf, like horse-back riding and even current events, LaJhon believes The Wolf School is a place that instills confidence and pre-pares students for high school. “If you come to The Wolf School no one is a bully and you will have so much fun. You will fall in love with the place.”

CLASS OF 2012 CLASS OF 2014WOLF STUDENT FROM 9/2007 TO 6/2010

Platinum SponsorsAnonymousCarol Nulman

Gold SponsorsBankRIHowland Evangelista Kohlenberg Burnett LLPRockland TrustSAF Properties & The Discovery Group

Silver SponsorsAvalon Trust CompanyBank of AmericaDennis K. Burke Inc.Jill & Larry GoldsteinThe Hassenfeld FoundationLorber FoundationNavigant Credit UnionSuperior Electric Co., Inc.Supply New EnglandVerrecchia Family FoundationThe Washington Trust Company

Friends SponsorsAndsager, Bartlett & PieroniCapstone PropertiesChapel Building Corp.Allyn & Mary CoppMichael & Susan CurtinDennis & Diane DionFlood Auto GroupHildreth Stewert Charitable FoundationRoberts, Carroll, Feldstein & Peirce Inc.Spartina ConsultingMatthew & Melanie TaylorTech Access

PatronsJon AndersonMarie Esposito & Timi-Ann NeriCarolan NorrisRalph Posner

DonorsDomenic & Joan AntonellisRobert DeBloisDan Bailey & Nancy DempzeRoberta & Jason BurleyMary & Allyn CoppJames & Bonnie DiMeoDennis & Diane Dion

Allison EvansKathy FisherDonna & Harley FrankArthur & Edith GoldsteinNate & Kimberly IdeJulie LewisRose & David MalkinRoland Martino, Jr.Chris & Judy MentonJohn & Katherine NorrisDavid & Tina OdessaSandra & Robert PalmerPhilip & Barbara RitchieJay & Melody RittTimothy RivinusAida & Alfeo RodriguezElliot RotsteinPatricia RustKen & Kay SoaresGregory SteinerCharles & Alison TownsendRodney & Linda Zarski

2015 In Kind DonorsA. T. CrossA Touch of HealthAva AndersonEd AllcockAvenue NJudy AntonelliBesos KitchenCabi ClothesChristine CasperCisco BrewersKathy CarnevalePeter & Laura CorreiaKelly CourtneyRosemary CreanCrestwood Country ClubAmanda DairDan’s Management Co.Richard & Giana DelPonteAngelo & JoAnn DiCensoThomas Disanto- Gallo Thomas Insurance Co.Dunkin’ Donuts CenterKaitlyn Roberts, Easy Entertaining, Inc.Heather EckertMarie Esposito & Timi-Ann NeriFatulli’s Gourmet Bakery & DeliFlatbread CompanySeth ForceKyle GrudzienRebekah Ham

Heart & SoulElin HilderbrandAnna JohnsonVaughn KinosianPaul & Ashley KrasinskiJason KrikorianUmut Kumas & Batya NatanLori LalloKathi Graham-LevissChris & Michele LevyStephen & Diana LewinsteinTracy MacDonaldMarjorie MardoThe Mardo FamilyThe McKenney FamilyJoe MonitorThe Nantucket Pasty CompanyNew BalanceThe Newport ExperienceOld Colonial DesignsNewport International PoloJim NellisPastichePatemm, inc.The Boston Red Sox OrganizationThe Pawtucket Red SoxPeaceLove FoundationPean Doubulyu GlassPotowomut Country ClubThe Providence BruinsMaureen QuinnErin ReedSharon Rust, ARTEMISThe Sisto FamilySpeidelThe Spring House HotelSugar Mama’s Sweets and TreatsSurfing Hydrangea NurseryDon Jose TequilasThirty-One BagTrattoria RomanoValley Country ClubVaughan, Dale, Hunter and Beaudette, PCGerrie VerrecchiaWayland Square Fine Wine & SpiritsThe Weaver FamilyChris WhirlowAlayne White SpaWSPOWolf School Lower School FamiliesWolf School Middle School FamiliesWolf School StudentsWolf School TeachersEric & Trina Zarski

Scholarship GiftsDonorsAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Gregory ArnoldMr. Emanuel BarrowsDr. and Mrs. David BeitleMr. and Mrs. Edmund BurkeMr. and Mrs. Michael CarnevaleMr. and Mrs. Christopher ColemanMr. and Mrs. Michael D’AmbraMr. and Mrs. Jason DumkeMr. and Mrs. Larry GoldsteinMr. and Mrs. Peter GranoffDr. Karen HollerDr. and Mrs. Larry JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Neil KellyMr. Jason KrikorianMr. Umut Kumas & Mrs. Batya NatanMr. and Mrs. Tim LargayMr. and Mrs. Chris LevyMr. and Mrs. Bryan LorberMr. and Mrs. James McKenneyMs. Jessica Robins MillerMr. and Mrs. Peter Miniati IIIDr. and Mrs. Robert OrtizMr. and Mrs. Mark PelsonMr. and Mrs. Daniel PowersMr. and Mrs. James ReardonMr. Robert RicciMs. Renee RixonMs. Jeanne SadlerMs. Rebecca TaylerMr. and Mrs. Matthew TaylorMr. and Mrs. Kenneth ThompsonMr. and Mrs. Al VerrecchiaMr. Lawrence WagnerMs. Kris WaughMr. and Mrs. Eric Zarski

GrantsThe Partnership Foundation

Donations to ACCESS*AnonymousKellogg AssociatesCOBRA Administration & Health Services

ANNUAL FUND DONORS 2015 DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE 2015

Investors $10,000+The Elms FoundationThe Lorber FoundationMr. Richard RussellMr. Andy Wallerstein & Ms. Mary Sloane Partners $5,000+Mr. Chris S. Gaffney & Ms. Karen A. KamesMr. and Mrs. Mark PelsonMr. Yahya Saleem & Mrs. Shermeen Yahya Champions $2,500+Mr. Albert BenmayorMr. and Mrs. Edmund Burke Jr.Mr. and Mrs. James McKenneyMr. and Mrs. James ReardonDr. and Dr. Evan SchumerLouise A. Shuster FundMs. Rebecca Tayler Advocates $1,000+Mr. and Mrs. Steve BerkowitzMr. and Mrs. Edmund BurkeMr. and Mrs. Michael CarnevaleMr. and Mrs. Allyn CoppMr. and Mrs. Dennis DionMr. and Mrs. Karl KrikorianMr. and Mrs. Joseph MardoMrs. Mary K. McKenneyMs. Carolan NorrisMr. Richard H. Robb & Mrs. Rebecca E. CrownMr. and Mrs. Robert J. SchweichMrs. Helen Sloane*Mr. and Mrs. Al VerrecchiaMr. and Mrs. Willard Wood Patrons $500+Mr. and Mrs. Michael BaldwinMr. and Mrs. Oliver BennettMr. and Mrs. Dan BrauschMr. and Mrs. Murray Danforth IIIMs. Marie Esposito & Ms. Timi-Ann NeriMr. and Mrs. Malcolm KentMr. Jason Krikorian/Mars PlasticsMr. and Mrs. Chris LevyMrs. Lee MalkinMr. and Mrs. Robert McIvorMr. Stephen MerkelMr. and Mrs. Terrence MurrayMr. and Mrs. Eleftherios PavlidesMs. Elizabeth PerkinsMr. and Mrs. Phil RitchieDr. David Tinklepaugh & Dr. Kimberly Largay

Ms. Jean TyeMr. Christopher Woodward & Mrs. Helen Gabriel Associates $250+Mr. Russell Carey & Ms. Rebekah HamMr. Thomas J. Cicatiello & Ms. Karen HurleyMr. Stephen DeRosaMr. and Mrs. Joe DewhirstDr. and Mrs. Angelo DiCensoMr. and Mrs. Jacques FauliseMr. and Mrs. Jonathan GewirzMr. and Mrs. James J. Goodwin IIIDr. and Mrs. Steven GraffMr. and Mrs. Peter GranoffAnne S. Howells Charitable TrustDr. Karen HollerMs. Anna JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Paul KrasinskiMr. and Mrs. Evan Leviss/ XB InsightMs. Lisa MillerMr. Burt PriestDr. Karen RosenMr. and Mrs. Sandy StoddardMr. Thomas Tinory & Ms. Julia D. HartMr. Michael VerrecchiaMr. John Walach & Dr. Joanna Capparella Members $100+Mr. Chris Alviar & Mrs. Faith RobinsonMr. Taylor BaldwinMr. and Mrs. Michael BigneyMr. and Mrs. Jay BurnettMr. and Mrs. Robert CareyMs. Audrey CarnevaleMr. Richard CarolanMs. Joann CicatielloCombined Federal Campaign (Anonymous)Mr. and Mrs. John CreanMr. and Mrs. Christian D’AmourMr. and Mrs. Richard DelponteMr. and Mrs. Scott DiChristoferoMs. Deborah DoonanMr. John Downey & Mrs. Beth MurphyMr. and Mrs. Dan FawcettMs. Jody Fazzano & Mr. Joe GibsonThe Flateman Law Firm, LLCMr. and Mrs. Harley FrankMiss Eliza GraffMr. and Mrs. Jarrid HallDr. and Mrs. Larry JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Neil KellyMr. and Mrs. James McKennaMr. and Mrs. Chris MentonMr. and Mrs. Jim Nagle

Mr. Jim NellisMr. and Mrs. John S. NorrisMr. Michael O’Mara & Mrs. Jill AntonellisMr. and Mrs. David OdessaMr. and Mrs. Robert PalmerMr. and Mrs. Christopher PareMr. Scott PickeringDr. David PomerantzMs. Jane PorterMr. and Mrs. John ScoliardMs. Suzie ShawMr. and Mrs. James SilvestriMr. and Mrs. Jeff SparrThe Honorable and Mrs. Paul SuttellMr. Peter VermeerMr. and Mrs. Darnell WeaverMr. and Mrs. Martin WelchMr. and Mrs. Eric ZarskiMr. and Mrs. Rodney Zarski SupportersMr. and Mrs. Richard BensusanMs. Isabel BrewsterMr. and Mrs. Marc BrochuMs. Belinda BushMs. Florence CandeeMr. Matthew CaplanMr. and Mrs. Michael CaramanteMr. and Mrs. Nathan ChaneyMr. and Mrs. Daniel DairMr. and Mrs. Ramsey DavisMr. and Mrs. Anthony DiBellaMr. and Mrs. James DiMeoMs. Taylor FrazierMr. and Mrs. Paul GagneMs. Leah GarveyMs. Amanda GreerMr. and Mrs. Robert GromanMs. Kendal GroweMs. Marci HainesMr. and Mrs. Glenn HalvarsonMrs. Lauren HuntMs. Megan JacksonMs. Lauren KarlssonMr. and Mrs. Michael KellyMs. Anissa KhouriMr. and Mrs. Brett KimballMs. Keri KingMr. and Mrs. Michael LaRoseMs. Madeleine LavelleMr. Petros Linardos & Ms. Holly NesbeittMs. Ann MaccaroneMs. Tracy MacDonaldMr. and Mrs. Neal ManchesterMs. Eunice MarkmanMr. and Mrs. Joseph McDonald

Mr. and Mrs. Philip M. Miller, Sr.Ms. Nichole MitchellMs. Nicole Newby CrossleyMr and Mrs. Michael NorklunMr. and Mrs. Charles O’CoinMr. Eliot PorterMs. Maureen QuinnDr. and Mrs. Jay RittMs. Rebecca G. RobinsonMr. and Mrs. Alfeo RodriguezMr. and Mrs. Keith RosaryMs. Megan RoyMs. Madeleine RozanskiMr. and Mrs. Harvey RudnickMr. and Mrs. John E. RustMs. Lisa SampsonMr. and Mrs. Greg SealMr. and Mrs. Christopher SequeiraMs. Dana SkorupaMr and Mrs. Kenneth M. SoaresMr. and Mrs. Mark SperdutiMs. Amy TaftMr. Alex TaylerMs. Dina ToolinMr. and Mrs. Steven Valentine Matching GiftsMicrosoft Matching Gifts ProgramNordson Corporation Gifts in HonorMs. Mamie WakefieldIn  honor  of  Scott  DiChristofero  Dr. & Dr. Marc DicksteinIn  honor  of  Eliza  Graff Gifts in MemoryThe  following  donations  were  made  in  loving  memory  of  Helen  Sloane:

Mr. and Mrs. Richard AlbrightMr. and Mrs. Rutgers BarclayMr. and Mrs. Steve BerkowitzMr. Thomas J. CicatielloMr. and Mrs. Peter GranoffMr. and Mrs. Malcolm KentMs. Sally KingsburyMr. and Mrs. Stephen LewisMr. and Mrs. William MillerMr. and Mrs. Mark PelsonMs. Adele PikeMr. and Mrs. Douglas StorrsMr. and Mrs. Ernest B. Tracy BequestsThe Estate of Helen Sloane

*Deceased

*Achievement for Children with Challenges Empowered by School ScholarshipsThis  program,  in  partnership  with  School  One,  allows  Rhode  Island-­based  businesses  to  help  lower-­income  families  afford  private  school  tuition  while  receiving  tax  credit  from  the  state.  

AdministrativeAnna Johnson Head of School

Marie Esposito Director of Institutional Advancement

Rosaline Granoff Director of Admissions

Lynne Manchester Business Manager

Mara Scoliard Admissions/Development Assistant

Judy Menton Administrative Assistant

Cheryl Johnson Director of Special Education

Lise Gerard Faulise Director of Research

Lauren Karlsson Educational Supervisor

Classroom TeachersMaureen Gagne

Marci Haines

Paula Kelly

Nichole Mitchell

Karen Seal

Dana Skorupa

Amy Taft

Leah Valentine

Occupational TherapistsKelly McDonald Occupational Therapy Supervisor

Belinda Bush

Kristin Norklun

Dina Toolin

Speech/Language TherapistsAnissa Khouri Speech and Language Supervisor

Leah Garvey

Kendal Growe

Kristyn Sequeira

Teacher AssistantsIsabel Brewster

Nicole Newby Crossley

Taylor Frazier

Amanda Greer

Lauren Hunt

Megan Jackson

Carol O’Coin

Tina Odessa

Maureen Quinn

Megan Roy

Madeleine Rozanski

SpecialistsAmanda Dair Social/Emotional Educator

Ellen Bensusan Learning Specialist

Susan Halvarson Learning Specialist

Rose Malkin Learning Specialist

Michael LaRose Physical Education/Health

Keri King Art

Matthew Caplan Music

Mark Sperduti Maintenance

The Wolf School inspires complex learners to discover confidence, compassion, and a love of learning to reach their full potential.

Scott DiChristofero Board Chair

Maureen Kelly Co-Vice Chair

Rebecca Tayler Co-Vice Chair

Thomas Cicatiello Treasurer

Tamara McKenney Secretary

Mark Pelson Immediate Past Chair

Anna Johnson Ex officio

Stephen DeRosaMarie Esposito, StaffLise FauliseMaura A. GoodwinLeslie GoodwinRosaline GranoffKaren Holler, M.D.Leslie LorberJoseph MardoJim NellisKatherine PelsonSuzie ShawMary SloaneAndrew Wallerstein, Past Chair

THE WOLF SCHOOL FINANCES

REVENUE

Tuition & fees $2,694,390 Development $346,003 Auxiliary Programs $58,962

Other Revenue $5,874 TOTAL REVENUE $3,105,229

EXPENSES

Salaries $1,606,919

Benefits $354,077 Building $244,016 Financial Aid $282,004 Program $218,526 Other Expenses $127,232

TOTAL EXPENSES $2,832,774 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $272,455

THE WOLF SCHOOL FACULTY & STAFFOUR MISSION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES