Roberta Smith
Dore Academy and Learning Disabilities
By Rick Jackson
 
The Charlotte Rotary welcomed Roberta Smith, Executive Director of the Dore Academy as a speaker for our luncheon this past Tuesday and we discovered an exciting world of opportunity for children with learning disabilities.
Roberta moved to Charlotte from New York in 1977 and joined Dore Academy in 1992. With a degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Education, Roberta has used her considerable education and experience to lead one of the most respected learning institutions in our region.
 
She explained some of the primary learning disabilities with children with special attention to three of the most common, including late speech development, poor physical coordination and a reversal of letters when spelling. Nearly 15% of Americans have a learning disability including some important historical figures such as Thomas Edison, John Kennedy and Bruce Jenner. The affliction tends to run in families and has a wide range of impact - from very mild to severe. A learning disability will generally find manifestation in reading, writing and spelling. Poor processing of language is another telltale sign that a child may need help.
 
Early intervention is key. If not addressed early - between the ages of three and seven - the result is often a child with poor self esteem and poor academic performance which generally leads to a prolific number of drop-outs and can also lead criminal behavior in adolescent and adult life. The Dore approach to resolution includes the entire family and their program provides a role for all involved. A K-12, college prep school with stress on arts and technology, students need to come to Dore with average to above average I.Q. The Academy is proud of its graduates and many have reached positions of esteem and respect in the business and civic community. Children with learning disabilities can learn and contribute and the Dore Academy has developed an effective curriculum that serves as proof.
 
In our Q&A segment, we learned that the Dore Academy was named for Dr. Mary Dore, a nun at Belmont Abbey who took a special interest in children with special needs. She established a tutoring school for them that served as an early model in the evolution of teaching children with learning disabilities. Tuition for the school is $15,000 for children grades 6-12 and $15,100 for grades 1-5. Current enrollment is 105 students.
 
An insightful and reassuring speech, Charlotte Rotary wishes Roberta Smith and her staff and students much good will and hope for their future.
   
Head Table: Steve Montgomery, Joel Walters, Luther Moore, Gregg Walker, Ed Driggs, Todd Smith;
Invocation: Ken Poe
Visitors & Guests: Bill Meanor; Health & Happiness: Phil Van Hoy; Song: Biff Virkler; Piano: Thomas Moore

• Mike Rash introduced Spencer Williams on Tuesday. Spencer is National Director of Marketing for Metro Networks, the nation's largest broadcaster of news, sports, weather and traffic reports on radio, TV and the internet. Contact Spencer at spencer_williams@metronetworks.com. Spencer was a member of the Tahoe-Douglas, NV club and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
 
• Claude Lilly, dean of the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte, has been named business school dean at Clemson University effective July 1st; John Scharer, general manager of the Charlotte City Club, was on hand as the Club celebrated its 60th anniversary last week; Jack Kemp, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Reagan, spoke very highly of work being done by Community Link (Floyd Davis) to provide housing and counseling for homeless individuals.
  
• Martin Waters had cataract surgery on Tuesday and is doing well; Congratulations to John Hewitt and Margaret Ann Morgan who were married in Georgetown, SC on March 17; Dr. Richard Reiling commented on second-hand smoke in the Observer Forum;
  
• HOST FAMILIES are needed for the club's exchange student, Isa Masa Tejeda, who will arrive from Spain in the fall. If you can help, please contact Ed Wadsworth at 704-895-3435 or Lamar Thomas, 704-372-8615.

• Dr. Harriman Jett -- 2006-2007 -- Four Avenues of Service Award
Congratulations to Harriman Jett, who was awarded RI's Four Avenues of Service Award for his outstanding service and commitment to the Rotary Club of Charlotte.  Click here to read the tribute article
 
David Norman will be set up to take ROSTER photos on May 29.
Cost is $10. Time is 11:15 to 12:15 and 1:30 to 2:15

The Classification and Membership Committee recommend and the Directors approve for consideration for all members, the following NEW MEMBER. Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, please call the Rotary Office by May 28th. You will be contacted by a member of the Board. Otherwise, no reply is necessary and election will proceed according to our bylaws.