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Lab School Commemorates 40 Years in Washington With Construction of 14-Foot Tall Giraffe

Posted on: Thursday, 21 September 2006, 12:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lab School of Washington announced today that it will kick-off its 40th Anniversary Year with a festive ceremony at the school on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 12:15 pm in commemoration of the educational strides the school has made through its innovative programs and artistic expression for children and adults with learning disabilities. Learning disabilities are lifelong concerns and affect over 15 million children, adolescents and adults nationwide in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

The imaginative, 14-foot tall giraffe will be constructed entirely by the students of the Lab School prior to the day of the festival. Through song, dance, drama and masks reminiscent of the play The Lion King, "giraffes" of all ages will triumph over adversaries and barriers by "standing tall." The unveiling of the giraffe sculpture will be accompanied by drumbeats and bubbles blown up into the sky. Once completed, Founder and Director, Sally L. Smith will dedicate the sculpture where it will serve as a symbol of the growth and success the school has experienced over the past four decades.

"Our giraffe signifies how The Lab School continues to stand tall for children and adults with learning disabilities and encourage them to hold their heads high," said Smith. "Our students learn in unique ways and teaching them with innovative methods have helped them succeed. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past 40 years and I look forward to our adventures still to come."

Since its founding in 1967, Smith has grown the school to include nearly 500 students in three locations including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD and is consulting to a campus in Philadelphia, PA, which opened September 2006. Her academic clubs present history, geography, civics, science and literature through visual, concrete activities using drama, music, movement and art in all its forms. This total involvement in learning is not only an exciting way to learn, but also provides a rigorous academic curriculum.

The Lab School also has a thriving Night School serving adults with learning disabilities, and offers evaluation and services to the public in speech and language, occupational therapy and psychological services. Sally also offers numerous workshops and seminars for parents and professionals and is the author of ten books and numerous articles in professional magazines.

The ceremony will take place on the grounds of The Lab School located at 4759 Reservoir Road, NW and will be attended by staff, students, parents, grandparents and friends of the school.

About the Lab School of Washington

Founded in 1967 by Sally L. Smith, The Lab School of Washington is internationally recognized for its innovative programs for children and adults with learning disabilities. Located in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, The Lab School offers services for individual instruction to students in kindergarten to 12th grade, staff development training, conferences, therapy and psychological services, a summer school program and a night school for adults.

Lab School of Washington

CONTACT: Rachel Foltz for Lab School of Washington , +1-202-729-4208, orrachel.foltz@ogilvypr.com

Source: PRNewswire

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