Even amid the unpredictable weather of a St. Louis spring, wonderful things continue to blossom at Miriam!
This past Saturday, we gathered for our second annual Minds in Bloom Gala—a truly special evening that brought us together to celebrate our shared mission: transforming the lives of children who learn differently and supporting those who love and care for them.
Thanks to the exceptional leadership of co-chairs Judi Scissors and Stephanie DePlanty and our dedicated Gala Committee, the evening was filled with floral beauty, joy, and heartfelt purpose. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of our work and the incredible impact we can make together. Funds raised from the evening will help open the doors of our K–12 School to even more children in need of what Miriam uniquely offers
We were honored to recognize the steadfast dedication of Cathy and Dan Flynn, Trish Winchell, and Carol Walton's remarkable contributions. Their generosity, time, and talent have blessed our community.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from Shannon Lopota Kastor, granddaughter of Stanley and Lucy Lopata of the Stanley and Lucy Lopata Charitable Foundation. Shannon reflected on her grandparents’ deep commitment to education, and for children who learn differently. I appreciated her sharing Lucy Lopata’s resilience and passion for helping others.
The heart of the night came through the personal stories of those most impacted by Miriam. Parent Sarah Dull spoke beautifully about her son Jack’s transformation since joining our school—how he now approaches learning with confidence and curiosity, and how their family life is happier and more peaceful as a result.
We also had the privilege of hearing from Mariah Scott, last year’s Fund the Future Scholarship recipient. With grace and confidence, Mariah shared how her journey at Miriam has empowered her to embrace her future with hope and excitement. Her words brought tears to many eyes as she reminded us of what’s possible when a child is nurtured in a community that sees their strengths, supports their growth, and believes in their potential.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Gala a success, and to each of you for being part of the Miriam family. Together, we continue to create a brighter future for children who learn differently.
Warmly,
Meg Bamford, Head of Miriam School and Learning Center
During the month of February, Miriam High School students studied up on Black history - and engaged in friendly competition with their peers - through a scavenger hunt created by teacher Karen Cross.
Yesterday, at the beginning of our Board Meeting, some children from Rooms One and Two did a fantastic job demonstrating a dancing brain break session for our Trustees. Later, one Trustee said what inspired her was noting the progress of one little girl.
Six Miriam High School students had the opportunity to explore diversity from all angles in late February, attending MICDS’ Student Diversity Conference. The conference, titled “Diversity in Motion: Unity on Every Loop,” was led by students, for students - from MICDS and five other area schools, including Miriam. The schools applied for the opportunity to attend.
On a recent visit to Miriam Lower/Middle School in Webster Groves, Mayor Laura Arnold had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive influence the school has on the community in Webster and beyond, and its dedication to serving unique learners in St. Louis.
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my daughter Lucy and I had the privilege of visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. We were among hundreds of people from around the world who had gathered to pay our respects and reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom and peace. Standing in that sacred space on a day dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, during the week of the presidential inauguration, provided a powerful day of reflection.
At Miriam students in grades K-8 explore the forces of magnets not only for science but also as a hands-on way to understand social interactions. Miriam Lower/Middle School Counselor Janene Allen teaches students that depending on their behavior, others might be drawn to you - or they may want to stay away.
Your child needs a tutor. Maybe they are struggling to learn to read as a first-grader, or perhaps they need a little help to make it through geometry in high school. Where do you start?
Miriam Lower/Middle School will soon have a new addition on its playground – and other new or updated occupational therapy equipment – thanks to a grant from the Missouri Athletic Club’s Charitable Society for Children (CSC) Grant.
Wishing you a very happy beginning to 2025! Miriam School, although covered in glistening snow, is bustling with our students’ return to school and the promise of all of the good things that happen here throughout our winter months.
At Miriam School and Learning Center, the mission is clear: help children with special educational needs unlock their full potential. The K-12 educational institution draws on more than 60 years of experience in the field to provide a highly personalized learning environment that brings the best in every child.
Rob Miller was inspired to open his pottery studio to people of all abilities when his grandson, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy eight years ago.
A steady stream of power tools could be heard from the woodworking class, held in the science lab. The rhythm of the Electric Slide and other slide dance songs echoed from the gym, filling the air with energy and movement.
Miriam Learning Center is continually working to address needs in the community regarding students with learning differences. It’s no secret that we, as a society, are in the midst of a teacher shortage – and special education teachers are in even shorter supply. Enter Miriam’s Gen Ed to Special Ed teacher training program!
Wishing you a very blessed and joyful holiday season. Many wonderful events have happened in our organization over the last month as we continue to foster a sense of community and belonging. I had the pleasure of hosting two Community Coffees at both campuses to introduce our strategic plan.
Students at Miriam School and Learning Center learn differently, as classes provide individualized curriculum that often includes integrated speech and occupational therapy. At the high school, which is home to 40 students, teachers and staff place a major emphasis on preparing students for life after high school.