Wye River Upper School will hold their annual Art and Theater Expo on Thursday, April 27, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Students’ work will be showcased during this annual event which is open to the public for the first time in two years.

Wye River School, the brainchild of Chrissy Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Twenty years and 900 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact [email protected] or call 443-262-8292.

Wye River Upper School will hold an in-person open house on Thursday, April 21,  2022 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Prospective families will have the opportunity to see the depth of the academic, social and emotional impact Wye River Upper School has on high school students. Families will also be able to meet and speak with faculty and staff, parents and students. Registration is required: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/admissions/open-house-event/

Wye River School, the brainchild of Chrissy Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Twenty years and 900 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life. Last year, those paths included students who aspire to attend medical school, act on Broadway and to become certified as an underwater welder.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact [email protected] or call 443-262-8292.

Wye River Upper School and Connie Simon, Ed.D., will virtually present “Integrating Psych-ed Recommendations at School and Home”, on Thursday, April  7th at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Simon will share tips on ensuring that you get the answers to your questions in your student’s psych-ed report, how to clarify recommendations and how to implement recommendations at home and school.

Join us on Thursday, April 7th for this virtual presentation. Register here: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/

Dr. Simon, a well-known independent consultant in Maryland, earned her Doctorate in Special Education from American University. Dr. Simon also has her Master’s in Special Education from Boston College and is a graduate of the Columbia Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Summer Institute.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at [email protected].

The Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School welcomes Robyn Green of Annapolis as a new trustee.

Green received a B.A. from Howard University, a Masters of Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University and a Masters of Secondary Education from Ball State University. She is currently employed as the Director of the Naval Academy Primary School, where she also previously worked as a Special Education Lead Teacher. She has served as the Assistant Principal at a public middle school in North Carolina and in various teaching roles. Green currently resides in Annapolis with her husband and children.

Alexa Seip, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says that “Green will be a gift to the WRUS Board of Trustees.”

“She is an accomplished, dedicated educator who understands the school’s student population. She will bring her perspectives as an educator, a parent of children with learning differences and a strong community member of the Western Shore,” says Seip.

Welcome, Robyn!

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at [email protected].

Wye River Upper School and Connie Simon, Ed.D., will virtually present “Integrating Psych-ed Recommendations at School and Home”, on Thursday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Simon will share tips on ensuring that you get answers to your questions in your student’s psych-ed report, how to clarify recommendations and how to implement recommendations at home and school.

Join us on Thursday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. for this virtual presentation: https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/admissions/speaker-series/

Dr. Simon, a well-known independent consultant in Maryland, earned her Doctorate in Special Education from American University. Dr. Simon also has her Master’s in Special Education from Boston College and is a graduate of the Columbia Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Summer Institute.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at [email protected].

Wye River Upper School (WRUS) is pleased to announce the commemoration of its 20th anniversary. For over two decades, this small independent school located in the heart of Centreville, Maryland, has educated nearly 900 students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and executive function challenges. Wye River Upper School has become a leader in educating bright neurodiverse students.

The 20th Anniversary lands at the completion of Stephanie Borges Folarin’s first year as Head of School at Wye River Upper School.

“Wye River Upper School is building a legacy of excellence in education. We are unlike any other high school in our area. We tend to the academic needs of our twice-exceptional students, and we dedicate ourselves to supporting the growth of our parent body, building strong and supportive relationships with neighboring schools and businesses, and placing community service at the core of our programming. The culture at Wye River Upper School is rooted in inclusivity, acceptance, and the joy of learning. As we reflect on the first 20 years of our history and plan for the next 20, 40, 60 years, we want to say we appreciate everyone involved in the inception and growth of our school and invite them to continue supporting us in all ways.” – Stephanie Borges Folarin, Head of School

Wye River Upper School began when founding Head of School Chrissy Aull and Co-founding Administrator Patricia McGlannan realized there was no specialty high school on the Eastern Shore for their twice-exceptional 8th-grade children – so they decided to open a school of their own. These dynamic mothers rented classrooms at Chesapeake College, and with the aid of three teachers and a student body of nine, Wye River Upper School was born. This labor of love blossomed, and by 2014, WRUS opened its new home at the Centreville Historic National Guard Armory.

Chrissy Aull and Patricia McGlannan were ahead of the curve when designing an educational environment that recognizes and responds to the way each student learns. The school currently serves students from eleven different Maryland and Delaware counties and is the only high school of its kind on the Eastern Shore and beyond. Wye River Upper School provides the opportunity for students to build confidence and reach new levels of academic and personal success.

The WRUS experience is incredibly unique because of its small class sizes, individualized student attention, and student-centered curriculum abundant with hands-on learning experiences and real-world problem-solving. The students describe their time at WRUS as both life-changing and transformative and parents regularly express their relief at finding a school that enables their child(ren) to be their true authentic selves.

“Wye River Upper School has provided my daughter with a safe and supportive learning environment that has enabled her to overcome challenges and has encouraged her to find her passion with a positive outlook towards the future. The entire staff truly cares about each student reaching their potential”. – Mike Lysinger, Current parent and WRUS Parent-Teacher Organization Secretary

Wye River Upper School has launched a robust campaign for the 20th Anniversary Endowment Fund to ensure the security and longevity of the school’s future.

“Wye River’s mission fulfills a critical need within our community. For twenty years, this exceptional school has changed the trajectory of hundreds of student paths. As we reach this milestone as an institution, we recognize the importance of building our Endowment to continue improving and enhancing our unique experience for these deserving students. A stronger Endowment will offer the flexibility and financial stability needed to grow our program in ways such as providing more tuition assistance to those in need, adding courses that offer glimpses into different career options, and maintaining our qualified teaching staff.” – Lori Ramsey, WRUS Trustee and Finance Committee member

Wye River Upper School shares more about its vision for the future, stories from its past, and information on the year of celebration ahead at wyeriverupperschool.org/20th/

For more information on how to get involved, contact the Director of Development and Philanthropy, Emma Rose Mumma, at 443-262-8291 or [email protected].

Wye River Upper School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is- students who learn differently, discover through innovation, develop with rigor, and celebrate their strengths while preparing for success in college, career, and life. For more information visit www.wyeriverupperschool.org or call 410.758.2922.

The Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School has regretfully accepted the resignation of Andy Cheezum, a six year member. As the building industry continues to boom, the decision to step down from the board was driven by Cheezum needing to dedicate more time to his growing business, Willow Construction.

When Cheezum began his tenure on the Facilities and Finance Committees of the Board of Trustees, he was no stranger to the Wye River Upper School. Willow Construction was the lead contractor in the renovation and restoration of The Centreville Amory that is now home for Wye River Upper School. It seemed like a logical step to have someone who knew the building so well join the Board of Trustees whose mission it is to protect and promote WRUS. “For six years Andy came to every board meeting prepared. He had read and analyzed the financial, academic, development and marketing reports. Andy also came with a list of questions. Andy took his fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. For that I will always be grateful.”, said Alexa Seip, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Cheezum leaves his position with a new appreciation of the Wye River Upper School’s mission and his vow of continued support. “It has certainly been an honor and a privilege to serve (on the Board of Trustees at Wye River Upper School),” says Cheezum. “I learned a lot about the values and needs of the school, how the students grow and how Wye River Upper School instills confidence in them.”

“While Cheezum will no longer be on the Board, he remains forever a friend, supporter and neighbor of the Wye River Upper School. Thank you, Mr. Cheezum, “ says Seip.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at traciespence@wyeriverupperschool.org.

The Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School is pleased to announce the nomination and election of Lori Ramsey as a trustee as of July 1, 2021. Ms. Ramsey is currently the Executive Director of the Temple B’nai Israel in Easton, MD.

Ramsey brings the talents of collaboration, creation of strategic partnerships, marketing and financial management skills to Wye River Upper School. She has been involved in education for over ten years as a professional and as a parent. “I have known Lori since she moved to the Eastern Shore with her family nearly ten years ago. She has a wonderful ability to think “big”, out of the box, creative ideas,” said Alexa Seip, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Lori will be a wonderful addition to our Board.”

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students who learn differently. Wye River is located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, please contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8292 or at [email protected].

Wye River Upper School is proud to announce the class of 2021 graduated in an outdoor ceremony held last evening on the grounds adjoining the school. The commencement address was given by Chrissy Aull, the founder of Wye River Upper School.

Wye River School, the brainchild of Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, opened its doors in September of 2002 when Aull struggled to find a high school for her son with learning differences. Almost 20 years and 800 graduates later, Wye River continues to provide the educational and social experiences for students to become successful and fulfilled in all walks of life. This year, those paths include a student who hopes to eventually attend medical school, one who is seeking a Broadway career and one who aspires to be an underwater welder.

Seven awards were presented at last evening’s ceremony including one for spirit and values, digital arts and technology, environmental studies and advocacy, portfolio (a requirement for graduation), a merit scholarship and one from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact [email protected] or call 443-262-8294.

Ron Vener, the Athletic Director at Wye River Upper School, has been chosen to join the advisory board of the Queen Anne’s County YMCA.

As part of the advisory group, Vener will provide leadership by working with local staff in the community to help support the branch’s strategic direction and identify and address community needs.

Vener says that he was honored to be recommended to the advisory board and is excited to expand on the existing relationship he and the school have built with the YMCA. “Wye River Upper School has had a long-standing relationship with Victoria Velton and Robbie Gill of the Queen Anne’s YMCA for many years,” says Vener. “We are excited to continue our relationship with the YMCA to help our students to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Vener.

Vener’s experience with youth and his ties to the community made him a natural choice for a position on the advisory board. According to Derek White, Executive Director of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, one of the goals of the group is to continue to be impactful in the realm of serving youth by creating a partnership with local schools to include water safety as a part of their physical education programs. “Vener was identified by the community as a prominent figure who can further these goals with his significant experience as an athletic director and coach,” says they White. Vener will also play a part in the YMCA’s annual campaign by identifying individuals who can help provide financial support for the organization’s programs and operations.

With more than 26 years of experience in education, Vener, who joined Wye River Upper School in 2012, holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education, and an M.S in Instruction and Curriculum. Aside from his duties as Athletic Director, Vener also serves as Director of Transportation and Director of Buildings and Grounds, and teaches a course in personal finance. Vener also coaches with the BSP Blacksox travel ball organization based in Centreville.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, approximately 20 minutes from the Bay Bridge. For more information, contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8294.