January 2025 Newsletter
““Our society should be judged by its concern for the quality of life for all its members without exception.” ”
Escape to Vail: Enter Our Valentine’s Raffle!
Looking for a dreamy four-day, three-night getaway in stunning Vail? Thanks to Jon and Courtney Spaeth, this year’s Vail for Valentine’s raffle winner will enjoy an unforgettable stay in their beautiful home.
Grand Opening: Explore Our Redesigned Annandale Campus Library!
We are thrilled to announce the transformation of the library at our Annandale Campus! After months of anticipation, our redesigned space is now open, featuring sleek new shelving and cozy seating arranged in a creative "S" configuration. This modern, inviting layout is designed to inspire exploration, imagination, and learning for all who visit.
The journey to this transformation was not without challenges. Our books and materials were carefully boxed for several months as we awaited new furniture. Unfortunately, manufacturing issues caused delays, with misaligned screw holes setting us back. But the wait was worth it—our library is now a true masterpiece!
A huge thank you to Courtney Spaeth and her incredible team at Growth[period], who generously spent an afternoon unboxing, sorting, and shelving our collection. Their hands-on support exemplifies their ongoing commitment to our mission. Growth[period] has been a steadfast supporter of PHILLIPS, previously purchasing and displaying one of our student-decorated holiday trees in their offices. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to our community.
The library’s shelves are now filled with treasures old and new. Among our recent additions are adaptations of Zora Neale Hurston’s works for children, offering students a fresh perspective on this literary icon’s legacy. We believe libraries are places of wonder and discovery, and we can’t wait for our students to explore this beautiful new space and immerse themselves in the joy of reading.
We invite everyone to stop by and experience the magic of our redesigned library. Here’s to new beginnings and endless adventures in learning!
PHILLIPS Leaders Shine at the NAPSEC Conference
AWe are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of three PHILLIPS leaders: Zachary Haney (Executive Director of Programs), Renee Flowers (Program Director, Laurel Campus), and Courtney Gaskins (Program Director, Fairfax Campus). These dedicated professionals recently attended the NAPSEC Conference in New Orleans, where they explored innovative strategies to inspire, energize, and empower special education leaders.
Despite an unusual snowfall in New Orleans, our team made the most of this valuable professional development opportunity. PHILLIPS remains committed to fostering continuous learning and growth for our staff, ensuring we stay at the forefront of educational and leadership advancements. The insights gained from this event will undoubtedly benefit our students and community.
PHILLIPS Programs Spring Gala
Mark your calendars for the PHILLIPS Programs Spring Gala on April 5, 2025! Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of our students across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. This exciting event will provide an opportunity to support educational initiatives that empower students to succeed academically and personally. More details will be shared soon, but for now, save the date and prepare to be part of a meaningful celebration of student success and community support!
