The Hutson School

The Hutson School 5815 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46218 *moving to 7245 E. 75th St. in June Phone: (317)377-0544 Fax: (317)377-0608 Web site: www.hutsonschool.orgFounded: 2000 Paid employees: 18 Highest-paid staff member: Janet L.

George, head of school, $60,000 Top volunteers: Sherri Diggle, Mighty Oaks Task Force coordinator, seven years; Shelly Penny, reading fluency, eight months

MISSION

The Hutson School is an independent day school, grades 1-12, for students with language learning differences, including dyslexia. The mission is to provide an environment that nurtures each child’s development, builds upon strengths and offers remediation in areas of weakness.

MANAGEMENT

Janet George, principal and head of school Kristi Harris, head of Upper School Mary Ragsdale, head of Lower School

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Charlie Meadows, president Tom Fisher Bonnie Smith, vice president Roberta Knickerbocker-Jaggers Jessie Westlund, secretary Dr. Ernest Smith Kelly George, treasurer

PROGRAMS

Success Attribute: School empowers youth to take control of their lives by building self-confidence. “Success attributes” are indicators of success developed by the Frostig Center to further help students cope with their learning difference. Each year the students are evaluated to determine how successful they are in the following areas: selfawareness, pro-activity, perseverance, goal setting, use of effective support systems and coping strategies. Instructor and family therapist Chip Calwell works with each student on a plan to strengthen each area.

Orton-Gillingham Approach: The approach, the foundation of the school’s teaching, is based on a technique of studying and teaching language, understanding the nature of language, mechanisms involved in learning, and language-learning processes of individuals. It incorporates three learning styles-visual, auditory and tactile kinesthetic. New learning is always conected with prior learning. Practice is an integral component of the process, and students learn at their own pace.

FUND-RAISER

Annual dinner and silent and live auction. Net income from the Luau-themed dinner in March was $68,000.

FINANCIAL PROFILE

2008 income: $653,704 2009 projected income: $807,250 2008 expenses: $650,984 2009 projected expenses: $792,250 2008 assets: $89,204 Fiscal year begins: July 1

Information was provided by Hutson School. Profiled organizations must be based in or serve the Indianapolis area, must have Internal Revenue Service tax-exempt status, and must be willing to provide IBJ with detailed financial information.