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Generous contributions and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations make possible our efforts to enhance the educational success of students with disabilities. To download a donation form, click here. We accept credit cards and checks.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION SPONSORS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
9/30/2004
Foundation initiates Leadership Program for Students with Disabilities
Gene McNary and Dan McLaughlin give opening address
The Special Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, kicked-off its Fred Saigh Leadership Program for Students with Disabilities on Friday, August 20, at the Town and Country Municipal Center. Eighteen high school juniors from 14 St. Louis County School Districts gathered to begin a year-long leadership training curriculum that introduces and develops leaderships skills by involving students in issues that face the community. Special Education Board President, Gene McNary, and Fox Sports Net Broadcaster, Dan McLaughlin, provided the opening remarks for the leadership orientation.
“Students selected for the Fred Saigh Leadership Program will complete the year prepared to return to their respective schools ready to campaign for school offices, manage school projects and assume leadership roles and responsibilities,” states Gene McNary, Special Education Foundation Board President. “This is a great opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and broaden their horizons beyond the classroom by offering unique community-related opportunities.”
Students in the Fred Saigh Leadership Program for Students with Disabilities will visit key sites/locations one day every other month and meet leaders throughout the metropolitan area during the 2004-05 school year. Examples include visits to the St. Louis County Executive’s Office, the office of the St. Louis City Mayor, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Patrick’s Center, a recycling center and the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Students also will attend two Saturday morning sessions to practice team-building and leadership role playing. A graduation will take place in May. Site visitation dates are August 20, October 22, November 12, January 14, March 4 and April 28.
The Special Education Foundation received a grant from the Fred Saigh Foundation to initiate and implement a leadership program for students with disabilities. The program’s purpose is to develop skills that prepare students for leadership roles, broaden their understanding of community issues, problems, and advantages, gain insight regarding resources needed to assist their school/community and assist in recruiting and mentoring for the following year. The program is unique in the state of Missouri.
“Many students with disabilities possess the potential to be great leaders,” states Diane Buhr, Executive Director, Special Education Foundation. “However, organized and structured opportunities to develop such initiates and pursue such challenges are not readily available. This program gives students the opportunity to become contributors in their schools and in their communities.”
The Special Education Foundation was established in 1984 to provide assistance in areas not supported by tax dollars. It is a 501 ( c ) (3) organization whose mission is to help students with disabilities achieve success in their endeavors beyond the classroom. The Foundation does this through providing financial resources in areas that go beyond tax dollar support such as scholarships, camperships, teacher mini-grants, specialized equipment, student recognition, leadership programs and parent speaker series. The Foundation is depends solely on private contributions and donations. No funds are received from the United Way or the Special School District.
A 18-member volunteer Board of Directors leads the Special Education Foundation. Their sole employee is Executive Director, Diane Buhr. Board members include Gene McNary, Matthew Perlow, Linda Fahrenkrog, Mark Botterman, David Diener, Hubert Hoosman, James McClellan, Jr., Mary Steinau, Maro Bottani, John Sonderman, David Neiers, Max Wolfrum, Ph.D, Debbie Bentele, Gregory Keller, Stacey DiMartini, Jane Vickery, Dan McLaughlin and Bob Kijowski. The Board has two liaisons from the Special School District, Paulette Bolazina and Nancy Ide.
Who: Special Education Foundation
What: Fred Saigh Leadership Program for Students with Disabilities When/Next Program Day: October 22, 2004 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Office of the St. Louis County Executive
St. Louis County Jail
Afternoon tour of media/broadcast facility
Why: Prepare Students with Disabilities for Leadership Roles
For more information, call
Diane Buhr, 636-532-1442
Special Education Foundation
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