A Night to Remember

It felt like the good old days at Imagining Tomorrow’s World, our first in-person Gala in three years. 

Turnout for the long-awaited event was close to pre-pandemic levels, with about 250 people joining the party on Saturday, April 23. Along with many familiar faces, there were plenty of new PHILLIPS supporters in the festive crowd. 

There were lots of first-timers on the list of sponsors, too. We are grateful to every one of them. Please scroll down to see all of this year’s Gala sponsors. 

Together, everyone helped us raise roughly $250,000 to continue our work creating opportunities for youth to pursue their dreams in tomorrow’s world. 

Along with our always-popular raffles, gift baskets and live auction run by Ernie Rogers, the program included video messages from PHILLIPS graduates who spoke movingly about the ways in which our schools made their lives better. President and CEO Piper Phillips also introduced SpringForward, a nonprofit organization we’ve launched to create employment social enterprises built with our EVERY Employee framework, which puts workers at the center of companies.

Andrew Platt, one of this year’s Community Engagement Award winners, has been instrumental for the past three years in developing SpringForward. He’s now the Chair of the Board of Directors of the new nonprofit. 

One of the evening’s highlights came when Piper coaxed Peter Schaffer out of his preferred behind-the-scenes role to accept a Community Engagement Award for 53 years (you read that right 53 years!) of service to PHILLIPS and, previously, the School for Contemporary Education. It was a rare opportunity to give Peter the standing ovation he so richly deserves as he retires.

We want to thank everyone who made our 25th Gala a night to remember. That includes our emcee, NBC4’s Shawn Yancy, our student entertainers from PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale who performed during the program, the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra members who played some fantastic jazz before and after the program, our team of volunteers led by Tamara Johnston, and the wonderful Hilton McLean Tysons Corner staff. 

If you couldn’t be with us at the Gala, don’t despair. There’s still a way for you to join your fellow PHILLIPS supporters in boosting this year’s fundraising total. Just click on the button below. You also have the option to make a contribution in memory/honor of someone, and to sign up for recurring donations.

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS

Art by PHILLIPS Students Promotes Mental Health 

The first week of May is Children's Mental Health Matters! Awareness Week. A poster featuring artwork by students at PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel has been distributed to schools across Maryland to promote the week.

Our students won both first and second place in this year’s poster contest organized by the Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) and the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD). 

The winning poster, Freedom Through Expression, is about different coping mechanisms and creative outlets. The people in these images are reading, spending time with friends and family, dancing, playing video games, and drawing. The artwork serves as a reminder that we all have mental health needs; how we deal with them is what makes us unique. This collaborative piece of art was made during our printmaking concentration using monoprint techniques. Participating students share an interest in comics, anime, and manga, which is reflected in this style of art. 

Earth Day at PHILLIPS

Students at our campuses took part in a variety of events in observance of Earth Day on April 22.

There were ecology-related classroom activities, poster contests and more. 

At PHILLIPS School ~ Fairfax, classes had the chance to act locally to help care for the planet by picking up litter around the campus and separating trash and recycling. They also gathered in the courtyard to plant seeds, which germinated over the weekend and were transferred to classrooms the following week to continue growing. 

On a Scale of 1 to 10 …

How much excitement did Bobby G Pets cause at our Fairfax campus on April 4th? We rate it a 10! 

Students and staff flocked to the gym for two sessions with Bobby and his reptilian pals, and many took advantage of the chance to handle some of the animals during the interactive show.

Thank You, ‘Ms. Laura’ (and Fisher)

How many lives has Laura Heyer touched during 31 years at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale? 

Hundreds of people owe “Ms. Laura” a debt of gratitude as she prepares to retire as a Program Supervisor. 

“She has demonstrated a high level of dedication and commitment to our students, families, and staff during her decades of service. Her knowledge and leadership that she has bestowed upon this organization will continue to flourish through the many staff to whom she has provided supervision and guidance,” said Annandale Program Director Jennifer King. 

Jennifer also noted that Laura’s long tenure is part of a family tradition. Laura's mother worked at PHILLIPS decades ago. 

And then there’s the four-legged member of Laura’s family, Fisher the amazing trick dog. He’s been an honorary staff member for several years, visiting classrooms every week to spread comfort and love. Laura also uses Fisher to promote enthusiasm for learning by having students assist in teaching him the tasks he performed to earn his Advanced Trick Dog Certificate.

(What did Fisher do when school was closed? Watch the Video )

Laura won’t be leaving until the end of this school year, so there’s plenty of time during the next few weeks to thank her for all she’s done at PHILLIPS.

Join the PHILLIPS Team

Do you want to work at a place people like so much that they stay on the job for more than 30 – or even more than 50 – years? PHILLIPS has many positions available.

For example, PHILLIPS Building Futures ~ Fairfax is hiring a classroom teacher. The position is open now and could be filled this summer or next school year.

PHILLIPS Family Partners is seeking a part-time Behavior Technician to support young people and their families in their homes. Although a Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, it is not required for this position. This is a great opportunity to supplement your income with late afternoon, evening, or weekend hours.

You’ll find all of our available career opportunities on our website.

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families
7010 Braddock Rd | Annandale, Virginia 22003
703-941-8810 | piper.phillips@phillipsprograms.org

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families is a private, non-profit organization serving the complex needs of children and youth living with cognitive, emotional and/or behavioral challenges in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Through excellence in specialized education, community programs and individualized support services, we provide our children and families every advantage to ensure they develop to achieve their greatest individual success. Their potential is our commitment.