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The Stelle School in Dallas by The Staff The As a visitor to The Stelle School in —Lisa
fondly stroking B.J., her eager white mouse, before timing the mouse’s run through a maze in a study of the effects of
various diets and drugs on behavior and learning. —Peter
beaming all-over as he proudly displays his very first two-page, illustrated
book report. —Jason
gently encouraging Sam, age 33 months, while they creep and crawl as part of
the Physical Development Program for neurological fine-tuning. —Nathan
giving a combined language arts and social studies research project on the
Comanche Indians and their role in —Nikki
editing and typing away to meet a deadline for the students’ newsletter. —David
practicing “Silent Night” on his soprano recorder for the school Christmas
Program. —Renee
leading a group of students in a Spanish money game challenging their
language skills as well as math, skills. However, to get a more complete sense of
what The Stelle School is all about, a visitor needs to leave the school
grounds and visit some of our “off-campus” locations. Some are weekly scheduled classes, which means short commuting
times used for brainstorming sessions, group discussions, or Latin class
preparation. Visiting several of these “off-campus” locations, one would see: —Tom
learning the art of grooming a horse and riding at various gaits to feel and
learn balance. —Gabriel
gazing thoughtfully at the bronze figure of Ramses
II at Fort Worth’s —Colin
running at top speed to jab the springboard for an effective tuck vault or hand spring over the ‘side horse vault.’ —All our
students in front row seats at Whether the students are reading The
Odyssey, weaving honeysuckle baskets, cooking an Italian feast, designing
their own computer programs, or acting out portions of the operetta, The
Gondoliers, they are deeply involved in an educational program
which fosters a love of learning and a high self-esteem. It is a
program based on a broad, strong curriculum utilizing the mastery learning
approach. The grade-level requirements are the same for each child, but the rate is determined largely by the child, and the teacher
adapts teaching methods to help the child master each requirement successfully. Human
Development Curriculum An important part of our school is our
emphasis on non-interference, respect for each other, and accepting each
person’s right to express his own opinions. We have developed several structures in the
areas of individual dynamics, group relatedness, and instructor development which aid in the achievement of these goals. At the individual level, private sharing
times with each child allow the students to safely
communicate whatever they are thinking and feeling. At the heart of group
relatedness is the Circle Session. Here the primary goal is interpersonal
respect. It is a time for the children to learn about their feelings and
their own humanness. These sessions are supported by classes in communication
in which skills such as “I-messages” and “active listening” are learned, and mutual support is encouraged. We also use
a conflict resolution process which is effective in
resolving disagreements. The area of instructor development is aimed at educating the staff in the principles and
techniques being taught to the children as well as helping the instructors
develop within themselves to respond more effectively with students. Through all these areas and structures,
the development of trust and caring is our first priority as the only proven
soil fertile enough to grow respect and courtesy and the blossoming of real
love. We as staff and parents feel honored to
help the students in meeting their potential and we are grateful for the
opportunity to learn so much more about ourselves in the process. ∆ |
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