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HERO,org 989-728-1999 |
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I’m Betty Klug, the creator of Pinecrest School and Learning Center. In 1987 I opened Pinecrest because of the difficulties my children were having in the public school. I am a dyslexic and so are two of my four children and one is ADHD. I understand the problems, frustrations, and difficulties that parents, teachers, administrators and the individuals themselves face every day.
I received my B. S. Degree from MSU in Human Ecology, Psychology and Education. I became a teacher because of my desire to help children with learning differences like mine. If children are taught properly and in the manner in which they learn best, I believe, they can experience success more rapidly and with less frustration. Once I started teaching in the public school, I found that I was expected to follow the school system’s methods and was often criticized for my methods. My objectives were often misunderstood but the students responded well and I succeeded with them when other teachers could not.
Finally, with encouragement from other parents, I started Pinecrest School in 1987. My mission was to provide students with an educational experience which teaches the” whole child” and prepares the student psychologically, socially, and physiologically to meet the world and become productive citizens. My goal was to accomplish this through an innovative individualized curriculum incorporating three elements: academics, “creative” courses and socialization activities. The specific goals to which all activities and relationships are directed to, are responsibility, respect, resourcefulness, and responsiveness. I believe, developing these skills will prepare the students for a meaningful life and desire for life long learning.
I went on to receive my master’s degree in Educational Leadership ( Principalship & Central Office) from EMU. I now offer seminars for teachers and parents in order to help them cope with and understand the learning styles of individuals with dyslexia, ADD or ADHD.
Many of the students that attend my school and learning center are on or considering drug therapy. I believe most people can function without the aid of prescription drugs. My approach takes into consideration the whole person, their physical, mental, and emotional state. I develop programs that cater to the right side of the brain, which is the creative and emotional side. Since, right brain dominant individuals’ brains think 400 to 2000 times faster than most left brain individuals they have a great deal more problems in traditional school systems or environments. If they are taught with multitask, creative projects their behavioral problems are less and their achievements are greater. Also, very few need the aid of prescription drugs. The key is not to form the individual to the environment but to mold the environment around the individual. This may sound difficult but once it’s done, all individuals seem to function better. If you know individuals with ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia, then you know they will spend hours doing projects, working on computers or electronic games. When presented with activities that stimulate their brains and use their fast pace thinking, they do not show the usual signs of frustration or distractions.
We teach time management, organizational skills, study skills, color coding and coping skills. We evaluate each individual and use the knowledge of their own personal insight on how their mind and body works. Then we develop a program to best suit their individual needs.
MISSION STATEMENT It is the vision of Pinecrest Academy to provide students with an educational experience which teaches the “whole child” to prepare the student psychologically, socially, and philosophically to meet the world and become productive citizens. We will accomplish our goals through our innovative individualized curriculum’s three (3) elements: Academics, “Creative” Courses, and Socialization Activities. The specific goals to which all activities and relationships are directed to are responsibility, respect, resourcefulness, and responsiveness. These will prepare the students for a meaningful life and desire for life-long learning.
Vision & Purpose Our vision for Pinecrest: to be a community within a community, a life-long concept of teaching and learning through experience.
Many of our students have learning differences: dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, or highly gifted/talented. Most of our students are good, caring kids with a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to take on challenges.
Our purpose is to educate and make them into good citizens who will positively contribute to the community. When we asked why school hasn’t worked for them, we listened to their answers and developed a plan that gives them the success they need and want.
Our program is based upon four “R’s”; Respect, Responsiveness, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility. We teach respect by giving respect to students and expecting it in return. We teach responsiveness so they will learn to care for others and know how to develop good relationships. We teach resourcefulness so they can think for themselves and not always have to depend on others. We teach them to take responsibility for themselves, their possessions, and for others. We involve the students in the teaching process.
We incorporate hands-on learning into daily lesson plans. Students have community work experience to learn goal setting that will have meaning and purpose. We let the students explore the awareness of life. All questions are treated seriously and answers are explored together. We believe school must be an enjoyable, non-threatening, and safe environment in which to grow and develop. We will meet each student’s needs by letting them soar in their own direction. We don’t believe that school is a place for failure. Students are capable of learning and we require and expect success. No student will be forgotten or left to fall between the cracks.
Our staff will consist of caring teachers who believe that all students can achieve. Our school will involve the parents as much as possible. We will listen and make changes, growing to fit the needs of our students.
PHILOSOPHY Pinecrest is a private, co-educational day school specializing in individualized education. It is tailored to meet the specific academic, emotional, and creative needs of the student. The teachers at Pinecrest will strive to educate the heart, the hand, and the intellect to face life’s challenges.
Students at Pinecrest will experience the best of both worlds: (1) Basic academic concepts and skills will be taught. (2) The specific goals of Individual Education which all activities and relationships are directed to, are Responsibility, Respect, Resourcefulness and Responsiveness (Social interest) will be emphasized.
Admission at Pinecrest is open to all children. Their race, religion, or creed can be integrated into the school’s learning environment. Each student’s experiences will be valuable in enriching our curriculum.
Pinecrest is a school that seeks to “educate” their students. The emphasis will be on thinking, researching, and analyzing. Parent participation and interest will be encouraged.
Educator Marva Collins composed a “school creed” which Pinecrest School would like to adopt. Some excerpts from the creed read as follows:
“Society will draw a circle that shuts me out, but my superior thoughts will draw me in. I was born to win if I do not spend too much time trying to fail. I will ignore the tags and names given me by society since only I know what I have the ability to become.”
“My success and my education can be companions that no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, and no enemy can alienate. Without education, man is a slave, a savage wandering from here to there believing whatever he is told.”
New for 2008/2009 School Year We are offering group study sessions. The following are the sessions we have currently set dates for. Sept 30 Math Study Group—this session is on general Math Oct 14 Language Arts study Group—this session is on parts of speech Oct 28 Social Studies Study Group—this session is on current events and how to vote Nov 11 Science Study Group—this session is on general Science Nov 25 Math Study Group—this session is on Consumers Math– game Johnny Money Dec 9 Special Craft Class—this session we will be making Christmas crafts for decorations or gifts
Tuition & Fees School year 2008 – 2009 $75 – Testing & enrollment fee $12 / hour – tutoring fee Monthly book testing – fee varies according to student needs. Graduation Diploma $25.00
If you wish to contact the State of Michigan to verify that I am a registered School, contact them at: 517-373-1833.
Thank you. Betty Klug / Principal
PINECREST SCHOOL & LEARNING CENTER 3669 M-65, Hale, Mi. 48739 989-728-1999 Books can be purchased online. We recommend Alpha Omega, but you may use other books. We would need to review other materials to make sure they meet required state standards. You can buy used books that have not been written in. Web sites: |
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At Pinecrest Learning Center we try to focus on Dyslexic, ADD, ADHD, and Right Brain Dominate individuals' needs. Also, we offer Seminars and educational materials for teachers, families and professionals. We offer a holistic approach to helping these individuals, including natural alternatives to medication and affordable legal services. Pinecrest Non-Profit Association was established to raise funds to help Pinecrest Learning Center continue to assist the individuals with other related learning differences.call or email Our Office With Your Requests! |
