In this episode of Pencils Down, Jamie welcomes key members of the Manhattan and Westchester Middle School Student Councils. Sophia Hadar, Jesse Brown, Clara Gaudelet, and Stuart Ross discuss their journeys at Windward, their experiences working on Student Council, and share their advice for future students.

⁠The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠professional growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

In this episode of Pencils Down, Director of Health, PE and Athletics Marilyn Hunt, and Athletic Director Dan Smith sit down with Jamie. Both Marilyn and Dan reflect on their time at Windward and how they’ve both been involved in building and shaping our athletics program over the years. The program instills teamwork, athletics skills, and confidence in Windward students, and Marilyn and Dan discuss the importance of the program and the variety of offerings.

The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠professional growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

In this episode of Pencils Down with Jamie Williamson, Jamie is joined by Associate Head of School Jon Rosenshine. The conversation dives into some of Jon’s contributions to Windward over the years, from working to define the school’s core values to enriching SEL programs and extracurricular opportunities. Jon shares his perspective on education, student growth, and what makes the Windward experience special.

⁠The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠professional growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

In episode 6, Jamie Williamson sits down with Westchester Middle School Campus Head Chris Eberhard to reflect on Chris’ 27-year journey at Windward. From his early days as a teacher to his current role as a campus head, Chris has seen Windward evolve over the years, both inside and outside of the classroom. They dive into some of the values that guide Chris’ work, Windward’s growth, and the lasting impact the School has on students.

⁠The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠professional growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

Meet Dr. Anna Weiser, director of student support and social-emotional learning. In this episode of Pencils Down, Jamie Williamson discusses a range of topics with Dr. Weiser including the gift of unconditional love, the tremendous value of Windward’s student support team and their accessibility to the greater community, and the importance of implementing daily student support structures that help our students to continue to strengthen and build new skills.

The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠⁠⁠⁠professional growth⁠⁠⁠⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠⁠⁠⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠⁠⁠⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠⁠⁠⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

Jamie Williamson is joined by Dr. Romina Pacheco, director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in this episode of Pencils Down. Listen to Dr. Pacheco share her journey from starting out as a teacher in Venezuela to becoming director of DEIB at Windward. The episode dives into how Dr. Pacheco leverages her experiences to inform the important work she is doing at Windward to support students, faculty, staff, and greater community.

The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠⁠⁠professional growth⁠⁠⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠⁠⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠⁠⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠⁠⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

In this episode, Jamie Williamson is joined by two of Windward’s 2024 faculty award winners: Lacey Fraser, recipient of the Isabel Greenbaum Stone Master Teacher Award, and Ashley Anne Bloom, Sandi Galst Scholar Award recipient. Tune in as they share their teaching experiences and discuss what makes Windward such a special place to work and grow, reflecting on their personal “why,” and their commitment to the School’s mission.

The Windward School Official Website⁠⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠⁠professional growth⁠⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

Jamie Williamson sits down with Director of The Windward Institute Alexis Pochna for a special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode of Pencils Down. Together they dive into Alexis' journey from assistant teacher to leading the crucial work of The Windward Institute, and discuss the various opportunities the Institute offers for teachers, families, and the greater community.

The Windward School Official Website⁠

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to ⁠professional growth⁠ for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the ⁠greater learning disability population⁠⁠.⁠

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a ⁠diverse and inclusive community⁠ that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​

Head of School Jamie Williamson sits with Lisa Murray, associate head of school for academic programs to discuss her career, the unique programs at The Windward School, and how this recently added role helps to advance and continue to evolve those programs.

The Windward School Official Website

Windward is a coeducational, independent day school dedicated to providing a proven instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting, enables students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to a mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the School provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision: A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Our Core Values

Commitment – Windward maintains a disciplined and rigorous approach to all we do, and our every action is guided by an unparalleled commitment to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Growth – We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning. At Windward, a growth mindset is shared by all and takes many forms, from academic growth for students to professional growth for faculty and staff.

Impact - Each day Windward strives to serve as many students as we can and to make a life-changing and transformational impact on every individual child in the classroom as well as within the greater learning disability population.

Community - Windward believes in fostering a strong, cohesive, and collaborative culture and building a diverse and inclusive community that puts our students at the center of all we do, and where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

At The Windward School, we are committed to a world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success – a vision fulfilled by disrupting the educational status quo. The Windward School deliberately builds both its curriculum and culture to foster a powerful sense of belonging through a research-based program that is authentically inclusive and a community in which everyone is seen in their full humanity. ​

The Windward School aspires to bring forth students who are culturally engaged critical thinkers, confident self-advocates who understand and celebrate their differences, and upstanders who identify and challenge all forms of injustice. Windward is committed to these values and expectations of its community members by embracing the importance of ongoing anti-oppression dialogue and critical conversations; by advancing educational equity in underrepresented communities, especially those historically marginalized by society; and by working to ensure that our program is accessible to all who need it.​