WESTMARK LEADERSHIP FLEX THEIR POWER
Together, our renowned HEAD OF SCHOOL and BOARD OF TRUSTEES
flex their power to propel Westmark School forward as a leader in LD brain research and
teacher training to benefit not only Westmark students, but ALL who learn differently.
Westmark truly has the power to change lives.
Head of School Claudia Koochek and Board Chair, Dave Clark share their 2018-2019 successes and their inspiration for their future...
CLAUDIA KOOCHEK: 2018-2019 was a very powerful year that is laying a foundation for what’s ahead. That power was evident in the participation of our entire community, the growth of our students and our programs, the passions that were discovered along the way, our graduates’ bright futures, and the overwhelming support we received to reach our goals. I am so proud of all that we accomplished over this past year, especially in the areas of research and teacher training. Westmark School continues to invest in professional development for our dedicated faculty who tailor specific strategies to each child’s learning profile. Our students are empowered with greater insight into how they learn, which ultimately helps them reach their full potential.
As part of our mission to empower our distinct learners and provide them with the tools for life success, it is critical that we remain on the forefront of brain research related to LD (language-based learning differences). Through various partnerships - both locally throughout Los Angeles as well as nationally - Westmark partnered with researchers at several major universities and other LD organizations to uncover work that not only positions Westmark as a pioneer and leader in this area, but that ultimately will help ALL LD learners. With this research and specialized training in our toolbox, Westmark truly has the power to change lives.
DAVE CLARK: Westmark certainly has the power to change lives and the power to lead the way. The Board of Trustees fully support Claudia as she and her team continue to forge meaningful partnerships, make significant connections to strengthen the mission of the school, and to grow as an institution to serve the LD community as a whole. Westmark has a strong and dedicated group of parent volunteers who experience first-hand what campus life is like, where help is needed, and how they can participate. Parents are their child’s most powerful advocate for effecting change. As we reimagine the school campus with designed learning spaces and diagnostic technology, we envision Westmark School as a leader in education, teacher training, translational research and innovative curriculum to benefit the entire LD community.
Claudia: Research and specialized training underscore the significance of early intervention. Students with learning differences, who are not diagnosed early enough or given proper intensive individualized instruction and supports, have a greater chance of experiencing learning delays that can lead to school failure, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Westmark School creates a personalized approach for each child and their specific needs, helping them to overcome their academic and emotional needs that limit their enjoyment of school and motivation to learn. Westmark students are given the space and techniques to learn in their own way, allowing them a full range of emotional, social, and behavioral outlets to express themselves and learn their strengths. ALL students should have access to these tools and to this kind of education.
Dave: As a Board member and a Westmark parent, I can’t stress this enough. The earlier a student has the right tools and supports in place to build on their strengths and overcome challenges, the sooner they start their journey to building a positive self-concept. Westmark faculty make the curriculum accessible to students by matching their teaching to individual student profiles and by supporting student strengths and affinities. This fuels their growth, both in and out of the classroom.
Claudia: Westmark parents have had to learn quickly and take action to support their children’s learning difficulties, and in taking immediate interest in their educational pathway. Parents have the opportunity to actively participate on Westmark’s campus and be positive role models for students. Many initiatives are parent-driven, including some of our largest fundraising efforts. Parents are actively engaged as volunteers, fundraisers, role models, Board of Trustees and committee members, supporting Westmark’s mission by giving generously of their time, connections, skills, and resources. Our parents are also the power of Westmark!
Thank you to our dedicated Board of Trustees for their commitment and passion, ensuring that our current students as well as those in the years to come have access to the tools and resources that enable them to find success.
BOARD OF TRUSTEESDavid Clark, Board Chair
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Veda Adams |
Kathleen Kennedy |