Perhaps the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” can feel overused. However, for Miriam’s children, I can think of no phrase that is closer to our reality. Not only do we embrace and honor each child and see them through the lens of their strengths, but we band together to help them overcome their challenges and provide them with the specialized instruction, strategies and tools they need to be independent, well, and happy in their lives beyond Miriam.
This also happens as an organization. Many of the components of the 2020-2024 strategic plan sought not only to continue to provide high quality special education and services, but it also focused on creating tighter, stronger ties to strengthen and unify our “village.” Our mission is to empower unique learners by giving them confidence and a foundation for success. We stayed on target and achieved goals by using our core values and their underlying competencies to make organizational decisions, evaluate our programing. The values embedded in our culture are: Learners First, Working in Partnership, Striving for Excellence, and Respect for All. Each of these core values has competencies associated with them. We use these values to continually evaluate everything we do here at Miriam from budgeting, to programming, to student and family centered decisions, to staff evaluations etc.
As you may know, Miriam has 3 locations and facets; our K-12 school, our Learning Center Outreach Program and our Switching Post. Each one of these parts of Miriam contributes to the idea that we are an educational hub that seeks to help as many children with special educational needs as possible. Miriam has worked on clear messaging of who we are, and who we serve. We have worked on the “what we do” and “how” we achieve those goals. We have sought to overcome identity issues and unity issues by working to instill common language, approaches, and expectations throughout all parts of our organization. Furthermore, we are streamlining communications like this newsletter so each part of the Miriam community can see how their hard work helps others and the resources available. I hope you have noticed improvements in our presence on social media. Miriam no longer wants to be the “best kept secret in St. Louis.” The success of our hard work is indicated by the 1700 children we served just last year alone. We now employ over 210 people!
There are so many accomplishments to report. My hope is that small updates like these help to solidify your support for Miriam. We are devoted to helping as many students as we can to optimize their potential. Thank you for being a part of this momentum of progress.
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.
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?
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.
Four high school musicians have joined an after-school club led by Travis Lewis from Jazz St. Louis. They’ve formed a rhythm section – drums, bass, guitar and keyboard – with a jazz focus but also encompassing other music that is of interest to the students.
As the 2024 election approaches, I have been fascinated observing how differently our students are processing and engaging with the election compared to those at the traditional college preparatory school where I previously worked. Our faculty and staff have noted relatively little conversation among students about the election despite the prevalence of viewpoints on TikTok and other social media sites about the election and candidates.
Miriam Learning Center, an integral part of Miriam School and Learning Center, is excited to announce the expansion of its specialized services into St. Charles County. This expansion will provide critical tutoring and testing services for students with diverse learning needs.
At Miriam, magic isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. Choosing our mascot, Miriam Magic, was a decision that was heartfelt and symbolic.
Many Miriam Lower/Middle School students will dribble their way to new skills this month – skills they can use both on and off the basketball court.
Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce that the Rotary Club of St. Louis has generously awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support students in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipient, Remi W., a ninth grader from St. Ann, is a talented young student with a dream of becoming an artist and a passion for learning.