Sierra Academy of Scottsdale
17800 N. Perimeter Drive 
Suite 110
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tel: 480-767-8659
Fax: 480-767-9776
Education Director
Debi Watland
Sierra Academy of Scottsdale is a leading provider of Special Education services for students who struggle or have been diagnosed with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, ADHD, or Autism, and other disorders that slow or otherwise hinder educational development. 
Using The Orton-Gillingham direct, structured, and multi-sensory approach with science-based curricula; each child’s program is individually designed to remediate or enhance independent learning skills. Early, effective intervention enables students to achieve academic success. Our goal is for our students to successfully return to their regular classroom instruction. Students with learning disabilities need alternatives to traditional educational models and settings. They learn differently and therefore must be taught differently in order for them to achieve success in their regular classroom setting. We are committed to providing a comfortable, relaxed environment where students can feel at ease while learning.
Sierra Academy uses a wide selection of nationally acclaimed, research-based curricula in all subject areas to assure our students achieve success. We provide a range of comprehensive educational assessments administered by our highly trained professionals. A standardized assessment is given to determine the course of educational therapy. Then students are benchmarked three times a year and progress is monitored frequently during instruction using AIMSweb – a state-of-the art progress monitoring program. This assures parents and staff that students are making adequate gains.
Sierra Academy of Scottsdale is approved by the Arizona Department of Education.
Informational Forum
Upcoming Events for 2011 - 2012
Back to School Night – Parents and Faculty come together to meet and talk about the upcoming school year. It’s a time to share with parents: expectations and come together as a collaborative education team for the students.
Autism Walk – 10/30/11 - Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event consisting of a 5K route, one-mile route, Community Resource Fair, Kid's Zone, main stage entertainment, and more. It is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. (Taken from the Autism Speaks website) Team Sierra Website.
Sierra Academy’s Walk-a-thon – 10/6/11- A fundraising event to help subsidize the purchase of Physical Education equipment for Sierra Academy. Pizza party to follow the walk.
Community Awareness Event (Holiday Toy Donations) – 11/1/11-12/9/11 - 2011 Crystal Princess Event – The events goal is to provide 250 children from under-resourced families’ age-appropriate toys, books and a chance to meet Santa and the holiday “Crystal Princess”. Kids served by this program will be identified by partnering school social workers as those who are most at-risk; in this way we can be sure we are having the greatest impact on those in greatest need. Contact Sierra Academy of Scottsdale for a list of recommended donations. (This items can be dropped off at our school during the listed dates)
AZ Parenting Annual Camp Jamboree – An opportunity for family’s to meet and learn about all the exciting summer camp activities available through-out the Metro-Phoenix area under one location. There’s food, activities for the kids and loads of summer camp information available.
Spring Social – Students come together with another school to socialize and develop new friendships.
Open House/ Art Walk – The event shares our school with parents, the public and friends of Sierra. We will also share the creative talents of our students with our First Annual Art Walk.
Spirit Week (during the week of AIMS testing) – Spirit week includes a multitude of fun and athletic events for our students and staff. Events include: crazy hat day, funny dress-up day, dress like your favorite super hero, and many more. We have a pep assembly to kick off the AIMS test.
Graduation - 5/25/12 - this event focuses on 8th grade and high school graduation. Students are celebrated for their achievements throughout the school year. One student who has displayed exceptional growth will receive the Annual Gecko Award. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss 
Hello everybody,
Just remember this is something to remind you of Dr. Seuss and his stories. Dr. Seuss’s books are very good. Now we will start the story of Dr. Seuss. Ten years ago, Dr. Seuss took 220 words, rhymed them and turned it into The Cat in the Hat. Now we will talk about his other stories. The first story we will talk about is Go Dog Go. Let’s begin. “Dog. Big dog. Little dog. Big dogs and little dogs. Black and white dogs. Hello! Hello! Do you like my hat? I do not. Good-bye! Good-bye! One small dog going in. Three big dogs going out. A dog party! A big dog party! What a dog party! The end.
Now we will talk about Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss day is celebrated because of his wonderful stories. We eat green eggs and ham on Dr. Seuss Day. We read his stories on Dr. Seuss Day. It is really fun. Some other stories are “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Lorax.” They rhyme and are about trees. I love Dr. Seuss and his stories! Please never forget Dr. Seuss.
Student of the Month: Garvey 
So, I hear you launched your own website! Tell me about it.
I do audio books with different voice accents.
Who came up with the idea of calling your website Garvey’s Groove?
My Mom!
Do you get comments on your audio book? Do you respond to the comments?
Yes, and sometimes I respond.
How many recordings do you plan on doing on your website?
One at a time.
How do people get to your website?
They can go on Facebook or Twitter. They can also Google “Garvey’s Groove”.
Dog Therapy Program
The Sierra Academy of Scottsdale have instituted a Dog Therapy Program for our students. The support of our 4-legged friends have taught our students about sensitivity, self-control, compassion and the importance of treating others with respect. Please click the link below to read the entire article as posted on the online magazine, Special Education Advisor, about our Therapy Dog Program.
February Newsletter
“Student of the Month: Allison” 
The student spotlight is an award that goes to someone in our school who is working hard in class, is friendly with others and has a positive attitude. How do you feel about being chosen?
Great! I feel like a star! This is your first year at Sierra Academy. How is our school different than your old school? My old school had a lot of people and sometimes kids would bump into me. What do you like about being a student at Sierra Academy? I get my work done. There is more time to focus. What would you like to do for a job someday? I want to be an artist. I love to paint.
“A New Year, A New Start” 
2012 lies before us and with it comes fresh and exciting challenges. Every day, the teachers at Sierra Academy encourage students to strive toward reaching their goals and when a goal is met, it is time to celebrate!
A long term goal of transitioning to public high school has been met by Kyle, a student who began Sierra Academy after struggling in the public middle school setting. During the past three years, Kyle has become increasingly more confident in our highly individualized, small group environment. Though nervous about starting a high school with 1,500 students, Kyle took his learning into his own hands and braved the massive school for the morning session, then traveled on a bus to Sierra Academy for the afternoon. The semester long transition of going half the day at the larger school and half the day at our small setting eased Kyle into his current full time enrollment at the public high school. The staff at both schools collaborated to ensure that Kyle made a successful transition. Upon leaving Sierra Academy last
December, students lined the hallways to cheer and give him high-fives and personal cards of congratulations. By continuing to reach for his goals, Kyle has been an inspiration to all of us at Sierra Academy. We wish him the best success in his new school!
Students at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale Learn Valuable Lessons from Four-Legged ‘Therapists’
Informational Forum
Ready, Set, Go! 
And off they ran with a spectacular mass start to our first Sierra Academy of Scottsdale fundraiser to benefit our physical education department. With enthusiasm the students of all ages began their mile walk or jog with classmates, family, Sierra faculty and relatives to support our school. 
The beautiful fall morning weather, motivational music, drinks, and snacks were only a few of the rewards enjoyed by all who participated. Not only did the social event continue to build long lasting friendships for the students but also provided a true experience of community support as the generosity of giving was evident. The students turned in their donations far surpassing our initial fundraising goal. A special thank you to Susie Vanderwey who volunteered as chairman of this first time event. 
Following this memorable event was a Thanksgiving potluck of traditional food and desserts. Everyone left for the start of their holiday festivities stuffed as a turkey!
An Interview With Student of the Month Michaela: 
What types of things to do like to do?
I love to ride horses, go to the library, watch movies, go shopping and read books. Jewelry like peals and diamonds interest me. I also like learning about Geography and I’m learning to like Math. To relax, I enjoy candles and getting massages.
What types of books do you like to read?
I enjoy history; in fact I would call myself a historian. My favorite books are Poppy, Dear America and A fairy Promise. I love poetry and reading book series such as the Stargate series. I also like to read text books because it helps me with my grades.
You said you like to get good grades. Why do you think that it is important?
So I can grow up and be a future leader of our country – maybe even the president of the United States.
Wow! You are so ambitious. Tell me a few things you would do if you were the president?
I would like to secure the borders and help the United States get out of their terrible job problems. The main thing though is that I would tell the truth. Politicians tell you one thing but then they don’t do it. I would be honest. Another thing that I would do is help stop crime.
That is an excellent goal. If you were the president, how would you help stop criminal behavior?
I would make sure everyone gets an education so they can have jobs. Also, I would build more shelters and soup kitchens. Better insurance will be provided for people who are disabled or who have fallen upon hard times. When people are educated and protected, crime should go down.
Good for you Michaela! You certainly got my vote for the student of the month!
Back To School Event
Our Partners
The Sierra School of Scottsdale is proud to work in conjunction with the following organizations to provide thorough services to our students.
CSN (Children’s Services Network) http://www.csn-az.org/
AZ Autism Coalition http://www.azautism.org/
International Dyslexia Association http://www.interdys.org/
Learning Disabilities Association http://www.ldanatl.org/
CHADD http://www.chadd.org/?gclid=CKja88zHuKoCFWZ_5god7lte6g
Graduation is Only a Concept 
This graduation quote represents the theme for the first Sierra Academy of Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference. ~Arie Pencovici
Scottsdale’s eighth grade graduation ceremony was held on June 10, 2011. Students, parents, and staff supported our two graduates Kyle and Peter with a great celebration. In addition to receiving their eight grade graduation certificates, Michael Plunket, Sierra’s music therapist led all the students in playing a jazz number in front of the attending parents and staff. In addition, each student was awarded a certificate of achievement and one exceptional student received the first “Golden Gecko” award for the most improved. The ceremony concluded with a video of highlights from the year, making this a memorable event for everyone attending.
It has been a great first year at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale. This school year’s events have been significant. We are exceeding parent and district expectations because our staff exists for one reason – to serve children with disabilities. In our creative, flexible school environment we individualize the educational programs to meet the unique need of each of our children. With these custom-tailored classroom experiences we are seeing students have positive gains towards their goals which impact their success in all facets of their lives – at school, at home, and in the community.
Since we have a small student/teacher ratio, the entire staff can really get to know each child and recognize their unique talents and strengths while supporting their challenges. Thus, our children feel safe and valued. We are a school that values parent participation, district collaboration, and community connections. We recognize that we are accountable for our children’s progress so we provide well trained staff. Sierra Academy of Scottsdale is a school in which students are fully included in all aspects of school life, from field trips, to social gathering, music, art and PE experiences. 
Due to our unique school model we can document our success as our graduate Kyle will participate in a transition plan to a public district high school with our school support and collaboration. He will begin at the high school for a few periods in the morning and then end his afternoon at Sierra Academy. This has been Kyle’s goal and now that he has achieved it, he is very proud. Kyle stated, “I am glad that I have worked hard at Sierra Academy and that now I am a better student. I hope I can make new friend at my high school. I know I will have a great future.”
Peter who enrolled at Sierra Academy School this semester has found our school to be a comfortable learning environment to meet new friends while working hard on improving his academic skills. Peter will return to Sierra Academy’s high school program for the next school year. When asked what is distinctive about Sierra Academy Peter replied, “I really like my school now because I am learning that math is fun and how to write long paragraphs. I have new friends here that I can go on field trips with. I even rode on a horse called Teddy at the Hunkapi Farm!”
Congratulations to Peter and Kyle and best wishes as you move forward. The future is yours so make it spectacular. Remember to believe, create, inspire, hope, imagine, and dream!
Exceeding Expectations 
It has been a great first year at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale. This school year’s events have been significant. We are exceeding parent and district expectations because our staff exists for one reason – to serve children with disabilities. In our creative, flexible school environment we individualize the educational programs to meet the unique need of each of our children. With these custom-tailored classroom experiences we are seeing students have positive gains towards their goals which impact their success in all facets of their lives – at school, at home, and in the community.
Since we have a small student/teacher ratio, the entire staff can really get to know each child and recognize their unique talents and strengths while supporting their challenges. Thus, our children feel safe and valued. We are a school that values parent participation, district collaboration, and community connections. 
We recognize that we are accountable for our children’s progress so we provide well trained staff. Sierra Academy of Scottsdale is a school in which students are fully included in all aspects of school life, from field trips, to social gathering, music, art and PE experiences.
Give me a call and come tour our special school.
Debi Watland
Director Sierra Academy of Scottsdale
Director's Message
Sierra Academy of Scottsdale
With the New Year brings new opportunities! In this spirit, we are proud to announce that Totem Learning Center & Day School will now be the Sierra Academy of Scottsdale, a member of Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI).
SESI has a successful history of providing non public school services throughout the nation. They are very excited about the opportunity to work with your students and our transition is going very smoothly to ensure you the continuum of care and education your district surely deserves.
Sierra Academy of Scottsdale will continue to provide a environment for optimum learning, our professional staff, and instruction with our specialized curriculum.
Debra Watland 
Director
Debra Watland, the Director at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale, brings broad expertise with 30 years of special education experiences to her position. She not only has a passion for her field but a variety of leadership experiences. She was the educational director for Totem Learning Center and Day School for the past two years (now Sierra Academy of Scottsdale).
Her past employment experiences include Special Education Department Chairperson and teaching elementary through middle school students with special needs in these public school settings: Iowa, Maryland, and Virginia. She fulfilled the responsibilities as an educational diagnostician while monitoring special education policy and procedures for Harford County Public Schools in Maryland.
Debra has many successful professional experiences to draw from. She has been local president for The Council for Exceptional Children and served on a Special Education Advisory Board in Maryland. She taught a course for teachers who were continuing professional development while fulfilling their certification requirements for the Maryland Department of Education. Additionally, she worked as a clinical faculty teacher for Virginia Commonwealth University mentoring future teachers. Currently as director, she partners with ASU in supporting their Professional Teacher Preparation Program.
As Director of Sierra Academy of Scottsdale, she is privileged to support her teachers with effective educational interventions which enable all students to achieve in this alternative learning environment provided at Sierra Academy. “Through our highly trained and nurturing staff, our goal is to build student self-esteem and an unprecedented degree of success in all facets of their lives – at school, at home, and in the community.”
Debbie Spotleson 
Administrative Assistant
I grew up here in Scottsdale, known as the “West’s Most Western Town”. I can remember when Old Town was just dirt and there were no roads heading towards Sierra Academy of Scottsdale. I attended the Scottsdale public school system, as well as Scottsdale Community College.
I have raised four wonderful children which led me on my path towards working in education. I was an instruction assistant in the Scottsdale School District, as well as owning my own marketing company. I have also worked for many years as an administrative assistant in the real estate world and have taught in the pre-school atmosphere. I am proud to be a part of Sierra Academy and help our children grow!
Alphonso Williams 
School Assistant
Al is from Vidalia, Georgia, the home of the Vidalia Sweet Onion. He grew up in Long Beach California and graduated from Long Beach Poly Tech High School. He studied Physical Education at the University of Nevada Reno.
From college Al could be found playing professional football in the NFL as well at the United State Football League for our own Arizona Outlaws.
Since retiring from playing professional football he has become very committed to making a difference in the lives of children.
Heather Dunphy 
Teacher
My name is Heather Dunphy and am honored to be an academic instructor at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale. I grew up in the Midwest and attended Purdue University for my undergraduate degree in education.
My student teaching experience on the Navajo Reservation was my first glimpse of Arizona and I fell in love with this state. I returned to Indiana to pursue a job as a reading specialist and while living and teaching there, I completed my master's degree in education from Indiana University. Lured by the beautiful weather, I returned to Arizona in 2003 and have been tutoring and teaching both regular and special education children since.
It is my mission to teach children to set goals, believe in themselves, and work hard to achieve anything they put their minds to. Kids are made to be free thinkers, discoverers, and explorers of new things. Sierra Academy gives children these opportunities and I am grateful for the opportunity to play a vital academic roll in the life of these students.
Susan Pace 
Teacher
I have lived in Arizona for over 5 years, but I am a Midwestern at heart. I grew up in Indiana and Minnesota. I still root for the Colts and Cubs.
I have been teaching special education for over 10 years. I have taught in a variety of settings- public to private schools. I have also taught in self contained classrooms, resource, and inclusion in the general education rooms. I have a Masters of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities and Mild/ Moderate Disabilities. But I still like to learn, I have also earned my endorsements in English as a Second Language, and Elementary Education. I am also taking classes in speech and language communication disorders.
This is my first year teaching at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale. I work primarily with the elementary students. I enjoy the small class size and individual attention the students can get. I also like the flexibility of teaching. I believe all students can learn. With what little free time I have, I enjoy hanging out with my cats, reading, hiking, going to sporting events, hiking, and knitting.
April Newsletter
March Newsletter
Academic Skill Instruction
We customize a program for each child because disabilities manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Students who are in the same class will use different curriculums reflecting the uniqueness of each child’s abilities, learning style, and interest. Our teachers take the time to find the right instructional approach for each student. At Sierra Academy the morning is reserved for core academic instruction in these areas: reading, writing, mathematics, and language arts. The teaching staff provides direct instruction using the Arizona state standards while following the individual educational program. The students participate in a 30-minute rotation schedule that keeps them focused and actively engaged with their learning material. This rotation includes: individualized instruction, independent practice, and supplemental instruction through computer based software. During this instruction reading is the essential core subject that allows students to continue with a lifetime of learning. Therefore, our teachers employ a variety of reading, spelling, and writing methodologies to help students establish these critical skills to build a strong foundation.
Learning computation skills and problem-solving applications are essential instructional areas in mathematics. At every age, we emphasize mathematical reasoning skills, analytical skills, computation, and calculation skills. Our balanced math curriculums emphasize the importance of problem solving in our modern, global, and technological age. By using incremental math instruction and incorporating time for practice, process and mastery of skills become evident.
At Sierra Academy we provide content-area instruction in science, social studies, physical education, health, technology education, art, and music.
After School or Summer School 1:1 Education Instruction
In addition to our school, Parents can access all of our services for students who are not enrolled at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale. This can be done through our after school or summer school instructional programs. This 1:1 academic instructional intervention provides students with remediation of academic skills deficits which allows them to achieve in their district or regular classroom setting. This is an exceptional program individually designed to meet the needs of any student who may require support with the instruction that they receive in a traditional classroom setting. Planning for each student’s educational remediation program begins with a thorough assessment of his or her academic strengths and areas in need of improvement. We customize the program for each child and our teachers find the right instructional approach for each student based on this information. Students will find it a warm and welcoming home while working on the specially designed remediation program that will meet their needs. This program will help students achieve success in all facets of their lives.
Behavioral Interventions
Promoting positive school behaviors and the development of appropriate social skills is the basis of our school-wide behavioral program. Students learn to demonstrate positive behaviors that facilitate greater academic successes through our behavioral program. Capitalizing on students’ feelings of personal significance and self-management abilities is our goal since the staff is trained in crisis intervention and behavioral modifications.
Occupational Therapy
We meet the demands of our student’s environment through occupational therapy which assists sensory, perceptual, and motor skills. Our therapist works directly with children on the foundational skills for motor planning, sensory processing, organization and visual motor integration. Integration of OT within the classroom by our core teachers ensures that each student’s therapy plan compliments their responsibilities outside the therapy setting in everyday experiences.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy services are provided to students with gross motor, postural problems, balance and coordination deficits, muscle weaknesses, decreased flexibility and/or abnormal gait. Therapists work on foundational skills which are necessary for the performance of daily functional activities.
Social Skills
The special education teachers at Sierra Academy focus on helping students develop age-appropriate social and emotional skills, particularly those that relate to improving their classroom performance. Our teachers concentrate on the individual development of each student to increase self-esteem, improve interpersonal relations, and improve their performance. The focus is to provide experiences by using activity-based lessons to teach students how to work with others, make positive choices, accept responsibility, and peacefully work out conflicts.
Speech & Language Therapy
Children are required to think, perform, and problem-solve. Language development plays an important role in clarification of these required skills. Each eligible student receives a synchronized and individualized speech program created at Sierra Academy. Our certified speech pathologists work on a variety of areas including expressive/receptive language skills, speech production skills, auditory processing, pragmatic/social language skills, voice and fluency. Engaging in appropriate topic-relevant conversations, establishing pragmatic problem-solving skills, improving decision making, utilizing appropriate vocabulary, and developing conceptual understanding are all components of the strategic instruction of the speech pathologist.
Technology in the Classroom 
Technology in the classroom is a vital supplement to instruction. We feel it is important to provide familiarity with computers and technology to prepare our students for their future. Staying up to date with the latest educational initiatives, research, and educational standards is accomplished through our Compass Learning Program, which is a leader in modern educational solutions.
CompassLearningOdyssey delivers standards aligned K- 12 software based curricula that provide interactive, self-paced, challenging, engaging activities. These activities promote exploration, individual and cooperative learning, problem solving, and real-world connections. Odyssey applies current and confirmed research about how students think and learn. These research based curriculum programs provide standards-aligned content, individualized learning and differentiated instruction, plus management and assessment tools.
The learning activities are enhanced with grade-appropriate content, animations, and include audio and video instruction. The focus is to provide highly engaging, interactive content that fosters an interest in learning. While working through the activities, students can use offline resources as well to extend, enhance, and transfer knowledge. CompassLearning helps students, educators, and parents in the ongoing pursuit of higher achievement.
Our teachers use computers and programs to spotlight skills that are currently being taught or to provide review. It is essential for teachers to use computers for monitoring student’s progress and provide appropriate instruction.
Fun at the Zoo
We got the beat!
Architects in the Making
First Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Fundraising Fun
Art: A Messy Situation
iPads + Middle School = Nature Walk
Autism Walk 2011
Halloween 2011
Arizona Fauna comes to us!
A Visit From Our Fire Department
Football Kick-off Event
Our Blue Level Achievers
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