Magnolia Speech School is a private, non-profit school that is accredited by both the Mississippi State Department of Education (Pre-K to 8th grade) and by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. We offer the following services:

• Auditory/Oral Classrooms for pre-school and elementary-age hearing-impaired children
• Association Method classrooms for pre-school and elementary-age language-disordered children which include behavior management, language stimulation, and sensory integration
• A community outreach Parent-Infant Program for hearing-impaired children, ages 0-36 months
• Audiological Services including hearing evaluations, cochlear implant rehabilitation, auditory training, hearing aid dispensing/maintenance, and central auditory processing assessment
• Parent education/orientation
• In-house and out-patient individual speech and language therapy
• Extracurricular opportunities including therapeutic recreation, music, and computer instruction
• Magnolia Speech School Curriculum, including over 2,000 skills in the areas of: audition, receptive language, expressive language, speech, reading, math, sound studies, science, association method, fine motor, gross motor, and social interaction
• Evaluations/assessments in the area of hearing, auditory processing, speech, language, and academics

Our Mission Statement
Magnolia Speech School exists to enable children with communication disorders (without regard to race, creed or color) to reach their full potential by providing them with listening, speaking, and literacy skills.

Our Philosophy
It is the belief of Magnolia Speech School that barriers imposed by deafness and language impairments can frequently be overcome through early identification and intervention. It is believed these children need a specialized, self-contained classroom now in order to learn the language necessary to function in other academic settings later. These children must receive as much individualized instruction as possible, as well as full parental support and involvement. Parents and staff must work as a team with mutual trust and respect in order for the child to succeed.

Magnolia Speech School treats the whole child by promoting success in learning, social interaction, emotional stability, and intellectual and physical development while emphasizing the concept of being a worthwhile individual. The educational program for each child is individually designed and emphasizes the development of communicative, cognitive, and social skills, which will facilitate the child's integration into society. The staff is dedicated to the promotion of a positive attitude toward learning through positive reinforcement and encouragement. It is the school's ultimate goal for students to complete this program ready to enter other educational programs appropriate to their educational needs. At Magnolia Speech School, we believe speech and oral language are every child's birthright. We feel if it is possible for a child to develop oral communication skills, he should be given the opportunity.

In the early 1950's, a group of parents of hearing-impaired children in Jackson, Mississippi, began to search for a means to teach their children to talk. These parents struggled with problems of financial support, facilities, and teacher capabilities. In September 1956, Magnolia Speech School, Inc., was chartered with Mrs. Elizabeth S. Matthews as its director. Under her very capable leadership, the school provided training to hearing-impaired and language-impaired children for over 18 years. The school grew from a single class of seven to several classes, outgrowing facilities one after the other.

During these early years, Mrs. Matthews began to notice a few of the hearing-impaired children were having difficulties with memory and seemed to learn differently from the others. Through this very important distinction, the school's program for language-disordered children was born. Mrs. Matthews had studied with Mildred McGiniss to learn the Association Method. After continued success using this method, Magnolia began to document and refine a cohesive program based on this methodology.

Within a few years the school gained full accreditation by the State Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Shortly thereafter, an emphasis was placed on expansion of services into new and innovative areas, such as audiological services, a hearing aid bank, financial aid for low-income families, and an early intervention program.

Our current executive director, Anne Sullivan, M.Ed., was appointed in 1994. With certifications in both hearing-impaired and speech and language education, Mrs. Sullivan was no stranger to Magnolia. She had spent 14 years working from student teacher to assistant director prior to leaving for a teaching position at Mississippi College in nearby Clinton, MS.

Today, Magnolia Speech School continues its tradition of incorporating the latest information and technology to help our students succeed in the mainstream. Magnolia joins other "Option" auditory/oral programs nationwide in serving children with cochlear implants. In addition, we are one of this country's pioneer programs in coupling sensory integration and classroom instruction. A revised, updated, and unique "Magnolia Curriculum" is now the foundation for our instruction, provided by skilled teachers and support staff in small groups and in individual therapy.

The educational program at Magnolia is offered for 11 months of the calendar year.  Intensive, aggressive small group therapy/instruction in listening and spoken language is available 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., five days a week.  Language activities and academic instruction are offered in the classroom and supported by pullout therapy/services in auditory training, speech and occupational therapy as needed.  Computer instruction, physical education and music classes are provided to every child.

Instruction for each student is determined by his/her Individual Education Plan, which includes specific goals from the Magnolia Speech School Checklist of Skills.  Subject areas include:

• Audition
• Receptive Language
• Expressive Language
• Auditory Processing
• Speech
• Reading
• Math
• Social Studies
• Science
• Association Method
• Fine Motor
• Gross Motor
• Social Interaction

The Magnolia Speech School Curriculum is based on a checklist of over 3,000 skills and includes measurable criteria and suggested teaching activities for each skill.

Instructional techniques at Magnolia include language activities that require active learning.  Staff members model, shape, and expand spoken language during the entire school day (in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the library, etc.). Students learn that with speech they can control their environment and be successful.  Student progress is monitored by annual standardized assessment, criteria-referenced testing, and ongoing language sampling and analysis.

The instructional system for children with language disorders at Magnolia Speech School is based on the Mildred McGinnis Association Method of teaching spoken language. This program came about when Mrs. Matthews, founder of the school, noticed two of her first seven students at the school (all hearing-impaired) had difficulties with memory. She found that the Association Method helped build the students’ memory, which is necessary for both spoken language and reading comprehension. The Association Method is consistent and structured, incorporating repetitive drills to build core skills in attention, retention, and recall. With over 50 years of planning and refining behind it at Magnolia, this method has been molded into a very specialized curriculum that has met with continued success for children with language disorders.

Every Magnolia student has an Individual Education Plan that outlines goals in appropriate subject areas. Magnolia also employs a full-time Sensory Certified Occupational Therapist, and a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant). These professionals work with students on a daily basis to address delays in sensory integration, cognition, activities of daily living, and gross motor/ fine motor skills.

The COTA also provides therapeutic physical education classes for all students.  These services play a key role in both classroom consultation and direct services for this population at Magnolia. Every student participates in music classes and daily computer instruction. Audiological services (addressing auditory processing) and speech therapy are provided to the students as needed. Dyslexia therapy is provided for students with phonological processing disorders. By using the Alphabet Phonics approach, the student is able to improve his/her reading fluency and comprehension strategies.

Every aspect of The Association Method is designed to help children overcome their communication obstacles and transition into mainstream educational programming.

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PASSWORD - magnolia2011

If hearing is not used at an early age as the first means of understanding, a child's ability to use that sense deteriorates. The Early Intervention Program at Magnolia Speech School is available to children with hearing loss ages birth to three years old. Our goal is to begin working with children as soon as possible to begin to give them the tools and services they need to hear and speak fluently.

Parents who suspect a hearing loss in their children should not hesitate to consult with Magnolia. In our diagnostic evaluation center, we offer evaluations for hearing loss by a licensed, certified audiologist. Our audiologist is also a hearing aid specialist who can dispense hearing aids for children and adults. If the need for an implant is indicated, an appropriate referral is made.

In addition to complete audiological services, a certified speech pathologist performs a complete speech/language evaluation, which includes any combination of oral/facial exams, articulation testing, receptive and expressive language testing, and assessment of voice and fluency. The testing team and other Magnolia staff administer developmental, psychological, achievement, and other testing instruments as needed.

The following programs are also offered by our school to support children from birth to three years:

• Parent/Infant Program
• Center-Based Classroom Program

Parent/Infant Program
When the Mississippi Legislature mandated newborn hearing screening in 1996, the Mississippi Department of Health contracted with Magnolia Speech School to provide an Auditory/Oral communication option to families statewide. Services are offered to babies who have hearing loss from birth to age three through both home-based and center-based settings. Through the home-based program, certified and licensed Magnolia personnel offer emotional support to families while providing information and home activities that enable families to stimulate auditory and oral language development.  A full range of audiological services is also provided by pediatric audiologists to insure that the child is fitted with the most current and effective listening device.

Center-Based Classroom Program
Many children transition from the Parent/Infant home-based program into the Early Intervention Classroom Program at the school.  These classes, taught by licensed Teachers of the Deaf, consist of up to five children with hearing loss and one typically developing child who serves as a language model. Trained assistants work in each class, so the teacher-to-child ratio is one to three.  In addition, all audiological needs are met at the school, along with individual speech therapy, auditory training, and occupational therapy as needed.  All students also attend language-based music classes, computer lab, and P.E. with lessons based on the Individual Family Service Plan and Individual Education Plan. Parents continue their involvement through individual meetings with teachers, group meetings, classroom observation, and home activities supplied by the teacher.

For more information on the Early Intervention program, call Charlotte Bledsoe at (601) 922-5530. (charlotte.bledsoe@magnolispeechschool.org)

The Hackett Bower Clinic at Magnolia Speech School offers clinical services on an outpatient basis. Children with moderate disorders and those who are on the waiting list for our full-time program are eligible for these services. We offer one-on-one therapy in auditory training, speech/language instruction, occupational therapy and academic tutoring.

Following are the three main services of the Hackett-Bower Clinic:

• Speech-Language Services
• Audiology Services
• Occupational Therapy Services

Speech-Language Services
Speech-Language services are provided by licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologists using traditional approaches and/or the Association Method. The Clinic provides evaluation of speech, language, reading, and academic skills and offers therapy for children experiencing:

• Difficulty with speech sounds
• Language delays and disorders
• Reading problems such as dyslexia
• Speech, language and learning problems associated with neurological disorders

Audiology Services
Magnolia Speech School's pediatric audiologists provide daily monitoring, maintenance, and repairs to all amplification devices, routine tympanometry, a complete loaner aid program, and weekly individual auditory training for our hearing-impaired students. Cochlear implant habilitation and rehabilitation is provided for our students on an individual, weekly basis, and mapping of implants is done onsite.

Audiological services are also offered to the public through Magnolia's Speech and Hearing Clinic. Through the clinic we offer hearing evaluations, hearing aid dispensing, monitoring, repairs and maintenance services. We also provide outpatient cochlear implant habilitation and rehabilitation for children and adults.

Occupational Therapy Services
Occupational Therapy services are provided by an occupational therapist certified in Sensory Integration and an occupational therapy assistant. Both are licensed by the state of Mississippi and registered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. These therapists are skilled in analyzing a child’s functional performance and addressing any delays or impairments through the use of play - the occupation of every child. The goal is to help students become successful in the activities of childhood and reach an optimal level of functioning in every environment. Our services include evaluation and treatment of the following areas:

• Self-care
• Visual Motor Integration
• Visual Perception
• Sensory Integration
• Fine Motor Development – including handwriting
• Gross Motor Development – involving postural control/stability, balance, righting reactions, motor planning, etc.
• Adaptive Behavior
• Social Skills
• Cognitive Development

As it is a clinic, and not part of the school program, The Hackett-Bower Clinic at Magnolia Speech School requires payment at the time of service. For more information regarding the clinic’s services or fees, please contact Carol James, department supervisor. (carol.james@magnoliaspeechschool.org)

At Magnolia Speech School, we believe that the barriers imposed by deafness can usually be overcome through early identification and appropriate intervention. Our method is to treat the whole child by promoting success in learning, social, emotional, intellectual and physical development while emphasizing the concept of being a worthwhile individual. The educational program for each child is individually designed and emphasizes the development of communicative, cognitive and social skills, which will facilitate the child's integration into society.

Because it is the ultimate goal of the school for children to complete this program ready to enter the mainstream of education, Magnolia Speech School has structured its educational program around the three stages of the student's needs:

• The Parent/Infant Program is designed to start the child's journey by educating the family regarding the needs that are unique to hearing impairment and coaching those family members in strategies designed to meet those needs.
• The Self-Contained Classroom is a place in which a well-trained oral educator is in charge of the day-to-day instruction in a setting promoting intensive, individual attention.
• The Mainstream Program is a crucial part of our program, as Magnolia's staff continues to serve students on an outpatient basis as the students integrate into mainstream educational programming.

Parent/Infant Program
Parents play a crucial role in the development of their children. When a hearing loss is diagnosed and aids are fitted, the educational process begins for both the parent and the child. Magnolia's Parent/Infant Program is partially funded by the Mississippi State Department of Health in compliance with Mississippi's Universal Hearing Screening law. To date, approximately 52 of the state's hospitals are screening the hearing of newborns. This support is allowing Magnolia Speech School to offer our Parent/Infant Program free to all parents of hearing-impaired children birth to three years.

A trained parent advisor makes routine visits to families' homes and day care centers. School-based sessions are scheduled as well. Parents and other family members learn about hearing loss, hearing aid management, auditory awareness, and ways to stimulate age-appropriate play and language. Our pediatric audiologist works closely with the families and children to ensure optimal aided benefit is being provided at all times. The audiologist also helps to determine cochlear implant candidacy of the children, and counsels the families who are making the decision about implantation.

The Self-Contained Classroom 
Magnolia Speech School’s Self-Contained Classrooms for Children with Hearing Loss offer auditory/oral instruction to hearing-impaired children ages 18 months through 14 years. We provide a small teacher-student ratio (1 teacher to 5 students). All of our teachers are certified Teachers of the Deaf and continue to receive training in auditory/oral teaching methods through in-services, conferences, and visits to other OPTION schools.

The 11-month educational program at Magnolia offers intensive small group therapy/instruction five days a week. Language and academic instruction are offered in the classroom and supported by pullout therapy/services in auditory training, speech, and occupational therapy as needed.

Each classroom has a maximum of five hearing-impaired students. Often, a typically hearing child is also in the classroom as part of a reverse mainstream program. With a low teacher/pupil ratio, each child has a better opportunity to receive individualized instruction. The Magnolia Speech School curriculum is used to set goals and monitor progress for each child. The student's instructional day includes instruction in the areas of audition, receptive language, expressive language, speech, reading, math, social studies, science, social interaction, and gross and fine motor skills if needed. The children are in an auditory/oral environment for the entire school day.

Using active learning and language-based instruction, teachers model language within each activity. After the child learns to imitate the model, the teacher shapes and expands what the student has offered. Auditory trainers are used in the classroom so the students will receive better quality sound. Teaching the children to listen and process what they are hearing is central to classroom instruction. A "listening attitude" is developed as each hearing-impaired student at Magnolia is surrounded by sound and bathed in language until typical oral skills emerge.

Mainstream Program page
Our chief goal at Magnolia Speech School is to integrate our hearing-impaired students into their own communities as early and easily as possible. When a student is ready to mainstream, our teachers and staff help the parents make preparations for the child to merge successfully into the community.

Parents and teachers work closely together to provide workshops and in-services to schools, day care centers, and other family members so everyone is prepared and comfortable.

Our mainstream support services include monthly on-site school visits by the hearing-impaired teacher, consultations with therapists, and in-services to school personnel. Our teachers work closely with the student's mainstream teachers to ensure a smooth, successful transition. The Hackett-Bower Clinic offers weekly speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, audiological services, cochlear implant rehabilitation therapy, and tutoring as needed.

For more information, please contact Cheryl Thornton, department supervisor. (cheryl.thornton@magnolispeechschool.org)

Magnolia Speech School’s Language Disorders Department is designed to help children with neurologically based language disorders. These disorders affect children in various ways and at various levels, but all keep the children from enjoying all that life has to offer because they make communication difficult.

Some of the disorders we work with include:

• Apraxia – a severe communication disorder involving a breakdown in the motor planning for speech
• Aphasia - typically refers to a damaged portion of the brain involving memory recall
• Attention Deficit Disorder – in some cases, a communication disorder due to the inability to focus on learning language patterns appropriately
• Dyslexia – a neurological problem involving the ordering of words and phrases
• Audiological processing disorders – involving the processing of information as it is gathered by the ear
• Autism – a disorder marked by not connecting with the world and sensory challenges

Speech disorders are both difficult to diagnose and difficult to overcome under any one program. The one thing all of these language disorders have in common is that they are based in the brain - they occur due to a breakdown in the neurological processing.

Magnolia successfully works with children to help them learn to communicate effectively. Our method is to treat the whole child by using Mildred McGinnis’ Association Method, a multi-sensory, phonics-based method of teaching oral and written language simultaneously. Learn more about the Association Method here.

At Magnolia, we treat the whole child by promoting success in educational, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development while emphasizing the concept of being a worthwhile individual. The educational program for each child is individually designed and emphasizes the development of communicative, cognitive, and social skills, which will facilitate the child's integration into society. The staff is dedicated to the promotion of a positive attitude toward learning through positive reinforcement and encouragement.

Because it is the ultimate goal of the school for children to complete this program ready to enter the mainstream of education, Magnolia Speech School has structured its Language Disordered Program into two stages:

• The Self-Contained Classroom
• The Mainstream Program

The Self-Contained Classroom
In Magnolia’s Self-Contained Classrooms, a well-trained oral educator, certified in speech/language, is in charge of the day-to-day instruction in a setting that promotes intensive, individual attention. Classroom instruction centers on Magnolia's unique curriculum that includes the subjects of receptive language, expressive language, speech, reading, math, social studies, science, and fine and gross motor skills. This curriculum is used to target individual goals, track progress, and schedule daily activities. These classrooms are supported by a variety of specialists including an audiologist, music teacher, computer instructor, speech pathologist and an occupational therapist. The instruction is guided by Magnolia's own curriculum, which includes 10 subject areas.

The Mainstream Program
The goal of Magnolia’s Mainstream Program is to integrate children into mainstream education within five years, though it does vary with each child. We offer a transitional classroom that helps orient the children to the different demands of a mainstream classroom. We also help parents by working with the mainstream school to help select the best available teacher and classroom setting for the child's first year away from Magnolia. Magnolia's staff members continue to serve students through consultation, in-service, problem solving, outpatient speech and tutoring as long as there is need.

For more information on this program, please contact Nancy Davis, department supervisor. (nancy.davis@magnoliaspeechschool.org)

Magnolia Speech School is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of professionals in the community who volunteer their time, efforts and resources to the program. The school’s chief administrative officer is its executive director. The school encompasses a development office and business office. Currently, the school administers its services at the main campus, physically located at 733 Flag Chapel Road in Jackson, Mississippi.

Administrative Staff
Anne Sullivan, Executive Director, anne.sullivan@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Addie Holifield, Business Manager, addie.holifield@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Kristen Thigpen, Community Relations Coordinator, kristen.thigpen@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Julie Crump, Director of Development & Communications, julie.crump@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Support Staff / Clinic
Charlotte Bledsoe, Early Intervention Director, charlotte.bledsoe@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Dr. Jennifer Melton Wiles, Early Intervention Audiologist, jennifer.wiles@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Haley Rishel, Early Intervention Staff – Gulf Coast, haley.rishel@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Whitney Browning, Early Intervention Staff – North MS, whitney.browning@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Molly Ferreri, Early Intervention Staff, molly.ferreri@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Brittany Allen, Speech Pathologist, brittany.allen@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Carol James, Clinic Director, Speech Pathologist, carol.james@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Nancy Davis, Supervisor Language Disorder Department, nancy.davis@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Cheryl Thornton, Supervisor Hearing Impaired Department, cheryl.thornton@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Dr. Gina Russell, Audiologist, gina.russell@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Bree Smith, Audiologist, bree.smith@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Alicia Swann, Audiology Director, Audiologist, alicia.swann@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Olivia Cole, Computer Lab Instructor, olivia.cole@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Lisa Goolsby, Music Teacher, lisa.goolsby@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Jessica Nichols, Occupational Therapist, jessica.nichols@magnoliaspeechschool.org
Renee Haynes, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, renee.haynes@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Jeanetta Johnson, Cafeteria Manager, jeanetta.johnson@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Sheila Cargile, Receptionist, sheila.cargile@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Eva Johnson, Floating Assistant, eva.johnson@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Chuck Trahan, Custodian, chuck.trahan@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Teachers & Assistants:

Dixie Gray                 dixie.gray@magnoliaspeechschool.org

Anne Sullivan
Executive Director

Click on a Board of Director's name to view bio.

Board of Directors
Charles Alexander, Dale & Associates
Brooks Buchanan , Environmental Turf Services, LLC
Jimmy Burkes, Haddox, Reid, Burkes & Calhoun
Donna Kaye Byrd, Interior Design & Consultation
Liz Carroll, Carroll Communications
Jeffrey Carron, M.D., University Physicians, Batson Hospital for Children
Noel Daniels, Gray Daniels Auto Family
Thomas Darnell, BancorpSouth
John Daughtry
Ted Dearman, Yates Construction
Anita Gowin, Ph.D.
Jane Hederman
David Landrum, Primerica Financial Services
Pam Manor
Donna Matthews, AT&T Southeast
Melody Musgrove, Ph.D., Special Education
Elee Reeves, Coker & Palmer
Jimmy Robertson
Julia Sherwood, M.D., Children’s Clinic
Mitch Stringer, Madison County Economic Development Authority
Lamar Weems, M.D.
Walter Weems, Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes
Jean Williams
Ian Windmill, Ph. D., University of Mississippi Medical Center, Professor & Director of the Division of Communicative Sciences
Thomas Woods, Trustmark

16th Annual Golf Classic

Join us for Magnolia's Golf Classic on Monday, May 2, 2012, at Reunion Golf and Country Club. This annual four-person scramble is always a fun event and helps to raise funds for financial aid for our students.

Registration, lunch, and practice begin at 11:00 am, with the scramble starting at 12:30. The $175 entry fee includes the range, cart, and green fees; lunch, snacks, and beverages; and a gift bag for each golfer. First and second place prizes will be awarded for each flight, as well as prizes for hole-in-ones and a chance to win a car!

Sponsorships are still available. To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the Golf Classic, call Kristen Thigpen at 601.922.5530 or download the brochure here.

First Choice Medical Supply presents the

3rd Annual Magnolia Speech Sprint 5K/Fun Run

Come out and run or walk in support of Magnolia Speech School on June 2, 2012, at Jackson Academy's Raider Park. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a 5K Run, 5K Walk or ½ Mile Fun Run. Winners will be recognized in each category.

Registration begins at 6:45 am, with the 5K beginning at 8:00. Early registration is $20 for the 5K and $10 for the Fun Run. Download the brochure here or visit http://www.mss5k.com for more information.

Speech School Offers Gift of Hope
Clarion Ledger, April 10, 2011
Click here to read the article on clarionledger.com

Magnolia Speech School Offering Gifts of Hope
The Madison County Herald, July 19, 2011
Click here to read the article on mcherald.com

Click here to view our latest newsletter.

From humble beginnings as a home-based school for local deaf children, Magnolia Speech School has grown to be one of the pre-eminent programs in the Southeast for all types of communication disorders. Our largest source of funding is through philanthropic organizations such as United Way, Scottish Rite Bodies, and various other individual and corporate donors.  Approximately one-third of our funding comes from tuition charges.

Without the support of individuals, businesses, and the community at large, we will not be able to continue our mission of ensuring that all children learn to speak and listen successfully in mainstream society. The needs are great, as we maintain on ongoing waiting list of children from all parts of the country who are searching for quality programming for their special needs. There are many ways to get involved, and any efforts are greatly appreciated. 
We realize that the economy is down and that everyone is busy with their own lives, but we appreciate any and all gifts. If you would like to help Magnolia Speech School in its continued mission, please contact either Anne Sullivan, Executive Director, or Julie Crump, Director of Development, at (601) 922-5530.

Click here to offer your help.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAGNOLIA SPEECH SCHOOL

Classroom Volunteer Special Projects

(  ) Drawdown (11/17)           (  ) Hearing Impaired                         (  ) Board Luncheon -12/8/12

(  )Tennis Tournament(Mar.) (  ) Language Disordered                   (  ) Kite day

(  )Chili Cookoff (Jan.)             (  ) Music/Library                               (  ) Thanksgiving Feast

( )                                                  (  ) Computer                                      (  ) Field day

( )Golf Tournament (May)       (  ) P.E.                                                (  ) Inservice Day

(  )                                                 (  ) O.T.                                                (  ) Book fair

(  ) Speech Sprint (6/2/12)

(  )                                                                                                                                           (  ) PTO

(  ) Mailings

(  ) Staff Appreciation

YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE VOLUNTEER DATA BANK

First name : _____________________________     Last name:__________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City:_________________________State:_________________Zip:____________

Home phone:______________________Work phone:________________________________

Cell phone:________________________Email:______________________________________

College (if applicable):______________Major:__________________Grad. Or Undergrad.

Available days/times:___________________________________________________________

(  ) Current Speech School parent            (  ) Former Speech School parent

(  ) Community Volunteer                          (  ) University Student

(  ) Alumni                                                      (  ) Family member of student

PLEASE CALL SHEILA CARGILE AT 601-922-5530 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CONTACT HER AT SHEILA.CARGILE@MAGNOLIASPEECHSCHOOL.ORG

There are many specific ways that you can give to Magnolia Speech School. Please read on for more information about the types of financial assistance you or your organization could provide.

• Scholarship Fund – These gifs help offset the actual operating costs incurred for each child as well as the sliding scale tuition that helps all children afford our program. Magnolia has always served a diverse population – racially, culturally, and economically. The average Magnolia parent pays $500 monthly (or 32% of the total cost). Our cost per child is $1,600 per month. Therefore, we supplement approximately $1,100 per child per month. With an enrollment of 80 children, this challenges us to raise $1,056,000 in scholarships annually.
• Sponsoring Teachers/Classrooms - Our most urgent need for increased funding is to move salaries into a competitive range. Though our specialized, skilled staff feel “called “ to this work, it is only reasonable to offer them, at the very least, salaries in the range of those in the public schools in Mississippi.
• Capital Improvements - These are one-time costs that help us to maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment. Our building use is at capacity. The types of projects listed in this category include basic expansion efforts to meet known demand, as well as regular building/grounds maintenance needs. Examples of needs include: carpet throughout the building, replacing air conditioning units, and adding basic storage space by putting in an attic floor or a portable building.
  Endowment Fund - While we do have a small endowment fund started, it has become apparent that we need to build the principal on this fund to ensure the school’s future, to continue quality programming and provide services for more children.
• Replication Sites
  
  The Chesapeake Speech School - The Chesapeake Speech School was founded to enable children with severe communication disorders to reach their full potential by teaching them listening, speaking and literacy skills. By increasing language, we hope to give children a voice to let the world know their thoughts, dreams and wishes.
  
  For more information on the school’s needs, please contact:
  Executive Director Sue Ann Shafley
  
  ChesapeakeSpeech@aol.com
  
  Chesapeake Speech School
  6135 Old Washington Rd
  Elkridge, MD 21075
  
  Phone: 443.745.0455
  Fax: 410.489.9975
  
  http://www.chesapeakespeechschool.org/index.html
  
  The TALK Institute - The TALK Institute and School, formerly the Magnolia School, is the nation's most progressive center for the education of children with autism and language disorders. As teachers, therapists and researchers we are at the forefront of a new, more accurate and person-centered understanding of autism - one that presents autism as a sensory-based movement disorder profoundly affecting language, social interaction and praxis.
  
  While the scientific literature is just beginning to reflect this view, TALK has always recognized that sensory and movement difficulties are at the foundation of autism and other language disorders. As a consequence, TALK provides intensive occupational and speech therapy to support a full-day systematic, multisensory, language-based curriculum.
  
  For more information on the school’s needs, please contact:
  Executive Director, Melinda Kotler - melindakot@aol.com
  
  TALK Institute and School
  395 Bishop Hollow Road
  Newtown Square, PA 19073
  
  Phone: 610.356.5566
  
  http://talkinc.org/index.html

.

16th Annual Golf Classic

Join us for Magnolia's Golf Classic on Monday, May 2, 2012, at Reunion Golf and Country Club. This annual four-person scramble is always a fun event and helps to raise funds for scholarships for our students.

Registration, lunch, and practice begin at 11:00 am, with the scramble starting at 12:30. The $175 entry fee includes the range, cart, and green fees; lunch, snacks, and beverages; and a gift bag for each golfer. First and second place prizes will be awarded for each flight, as well as prizes for hole-in-ones and a chance to win a car!

Sponsorships are still available. To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the Golf Classic, call Kristen Thigpen at 601.922.5530 or e-mail at kristen.thigpen@magnoliaspeechschool.org or download the brochure here.

First Choice Medical Supply Presents
the
3rd Annual Magnolia Speech Sprint 5K/Fun Run

Come out and run or walk in support of Magnolia Speech School on June 2, 2012, at Jackson Academy's Raider Park. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a 5K Run, 5K Walk or ½ Mile Fun Run. Winners will be recognized in each category.

Registration begins at 6:45 am, with the 5K beginning at 8:00. Early registration is $20 for the 5K and $10 for the Fun Run. Download the brochure here or visit http://www.mss5k.com for more information.

Celebrate Magnolia Drawdown

Magnolia's 17th Annual Drawdown will be held on November 17, 2011, at the Old Capitol Inn in Downtown Jackson. This is your opportunity to win a $5,000 CASH prize, while directly benefiting all the children we serve across our great state.

Tickets are $125 per couple (insurance can be purchased for an additional $25) and includes an open bar, heavy hors D'oeuvres and a fabulous silent auction.

2011 SPONSORS (as of 9/30/11)

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA
BancorpSouth
His Way, Inc.
ERGON, Inc.
Bertha Thornton
Frank & Sloan McKellar
Tom Rhoden

Contact Kristen Thigpen at 601.922.5530 or Kristen.thigpen@magnoliaspeechschool.org to reserve your ticket.  TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO #250.

Magnolia Speech School has launched a $2 million campaign to secure the resources we need to expand our services and serve more children with quality instruction. The Campaign will address both capital and capacity needs, including:

Clinic Construction – Funds will be used to construct our new Hackett-Bower Clinic, which will free up the current clinic for classroom use, thus enabling us to serve 20 percent more children annually.

Clinic Equipment – The clinic must have furnishings, therapy equipment, audio/visual equipment and computers to conduct the therapy sessions. This includes a hearing aid analyzer to be used to program students’ hearing aids to new standards.

Building Repairs and Renovation – To create a brighter, safer environment for our students, we need to repair foundation problems, reconfigure HVAC, replace kitchen equipment, add additional bathrooms between classrooms for very young children, and replace the carpet in our library and classrooms.

Capacity Needs – As we expand our services and serve more children, we will need to attract new, qualified teachers and support staff, increase professional development opportunities, and ensure they have access to the latest research, technology and information in the field of communication disorders.

Click here to download the Capital Campaign Brochure.

Gifts to Magnolia Speech School are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law, as no goods or
services are provided in consideration of a gift. Please send your completed pledge form to:

ATTN: Julie Crump
Magnolia Speech School
733 Flag Chapel Road
Jackson, MS 39209

Please contact Julie at 601-213-7490 OR 601-922-5530 should you have additional inquiries.

Click here to make your donation!

Blue Cross Blue Shield

United Way

Mississippi Department of Health

The Magnolia PTO is an active organization that exists to support the school and its programs. All parents are encouraged to be involved in PTO fundraisers such as our annual garage sale, Southern Belle T-shirt sales, raffles, sale of our signature Magnolia materials such as cookbooks and calendars, etc. The organization contributes a significant amount annually to support Magnolia's music programs and often purchases needed instructional materials for our classrooms. Additionally, the PTO supplies wonderful gifts for our teachers during "Teacher Appreciation Week."

PTO BOARD

President – Jody Parham
Vice-President – Twyla Lovern
Secretary – Shawn Tolbird
Hospitality/Volunteer Coordinator – Brandy Smith
T-Shirt Committee Chair – Kendra Collins
Newsletter Committee Chair – Claire Hasselle
Fundraising Committee Chair – Elizabeth Floyd

For more info contact Jody Parham, President at jodypham@yahoo.com

School Wide Field Trips and Events for November 2011 - March 2012

Upcoming

16th Annual Golf Classic

Join us for Magnolia's Golf Classic on Monday, May 7, 2012, at Reunion Golf and Country Club. This annual four-person scramble is always a fun event and helps to raise funds for scholarships for our students.

Registration, lunch, and practice begin at 11:00 am, with the scramble starting at 12:30. The $175 entry fee includes the range, cart, and green fees; lunch, snacks, and beverages; and a gift bag for each golfer. First and second place prizes will be awarded for each flight, as well as prizes for hole-in-ones and a chance to win a car!

Sponsorships are still available. To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the Golf Classic, call Kristen Thigpen at 601.922.5530 or e-mail at kristen.thigpen@magnoliaspeechschool.org or download the brochure here.

Magnolia Speech Sprint
5K/Fun Run

Come out and run or walk in support of Magnolia Speech School on June 2, 2012, at Jackson Academy's Raider Park. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a 5K Run, 5K Walk or ½ Mile Fun Run. Winners will be recognized in each category.

Registration begins at 6:45 am, with the 5K beginning at 8:00. Early registration is $20 for the 5K and $10 for the Fun Run. Download the brochure here or visit http://www.msracetiming.com for more information.

Celebrate Magnolia Drawdown

Magnolia's 17th Annual Drawdown will be held on November 17, 2011, at the Old Capitol Inn in Downtown Jackson. This is your opportunity to win a $5,000 CASH prize, while directly benefiting all the children we serve across our great state.

Tickets are $125 per couple (insurance can be purchased for an additional $25) and includes an open bar, heavy hors D'oeuvres and a fabulous silent auction.

2011 SPONSORS (as of 9/30/11)

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA

BancorpSouth

His Way, Inc.

ERGON, Inc.

Bertha Thornton

Frank & Sloan McKellar

Tom Rhoden

Contact Kristen Thigpen at 601.922.5530 or Kristen.thigpen@magnoliaspeechschool.org to reserve your ticket.  TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO #250.