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.

Lori Ramsey

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 traciespence@wyeriverupperschool.org.

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 traciespence@wyeriverupperschool.org or call 443-262-8294.

Ron Vener

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.

Stephanie Borges Folarin

The Board of Trustees at Wye River Upper School (WRUS) is pleased to announce that Stephanie Borges Folarin has been selected as the next Head of School. Folarin, who received her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Special Education, brings a wealth of knowledge and skill in curriculum and programs designed for students who learn differently. She also brings many years of experience in school leadership, having worked in a variety of roles in several schools in the Mid-Atlantic. Most recently, she served as Principal of Bishop Walker School for Boys in Washington, D.C.

The Head of School Search Committee, led by Wye River Trustee Diane Freestate, reviewed many resumes over an eight month period. After holding interviews with eight semi-finalist candidates, three finalists were selected for on-campus interviews, resulting in Folarin as the clear choice to lead the school.

According to Dave Mullen, Interim Head of School, Folarin “is the right choice to lead Wye River to new heights.” In addition to her experience, Mullen cites her energy, drive, passion, and charisma as benefits to this position. “Her fresh eyes will bring new insights into our work here at WRUS,” says Mullen.

In her acceptance letter, Folarin says, “The passion, professionalism, and educational expertise within the community is astounding. Folarin adds, “I look forward to continuing the great work of Mrs. Aull and Mr. Mullen and working respectfully and collaboratively with (them) to advance the mission and expand this outstanding school’s vision.”

Wye River Upper School’s history extends back to 2001 when Co-founder and former Head of School Chrissy Aull was unable to find an appropriate high school for her son who has learning differences. At that time this type of educational experience did not exist on the Eastern Shore. With a master’s degree in education, Aull and co-founder Patricia McGlannan opened Wye River Upper School in September 2002. Three teachers and nine students made it possible to continue to move forward with a powerful conviction that allowed students with learning differences to grow and learn in a responsive environment. Eighteen years later, Wye River has grown to 57 students and a staff of twenty, with Mullen serving as Interim Head from July of 2020 through June of 2021.

Folarin will assume her role as Head of School at Wye River Upper School on July 1, 2021.

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 east of the Bay Bridge. For more info contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8294.

Wye River Upper School (WRUS) students donated a hand built MakerCart to the Queen Anne’s County Library in Centreville on Tuesday, Oct. 20, sturdy enough to hold a 3D printer.

Last year, the library staff visited the WRUS MakerSpace facility, a 1000 square-foot facility that features low and high tech tools to enhance students’ design and production skills. It was during this visit that they informed James Martinez, WRUS director of MakerSpace and Project Based Learning, about the issue they had with their previous cart: when they placed their 3D printer on their old cart, the top bent, causing the drawers below it to remain closed.

Martinez knew he wanted to help the library, so he enlisted his students to take on the challenge. Six WRUS students were ready to get their hands dirty for a rewarding classroom experience.

“We went over to the Centreville Library, interviewed the staff, looked at what they had,” said Martinez. “(The students) took notes, made several sketches and started measuring the wood to meet the dimensions. They used our wood laser cutter to make a model, put that all into a presentation, (and showed the library) our plan. The people at the library liked it, so we figured out how to make it.”

Youth Services Librarian Jenny Gallagher, Queen Anne’s County Library Centreville Branch Manager Erin Neusbaum, Wye River Upper School students Jay Truitt, Chris Windsor, Daria Milana and Director of MakerSpace and Project Based Learning James Martinez

Martinez also asked the library what additions they would like on the cart, and they requested cabinets, drawers, and space for a toolbox that can hold electronic items including batteries, wirings and simple circuits. The students quickly got to work, starting on the full-size cart in October of last year, and completing the project in March.

During that time, the students had some easy tasks to complete, and several challenging ones that presented difficult hurdles. WRUS sophomore Jay Truitt said that this was the first time anybody in the classroom has made a cart.

“We didn’t know how to apply sliding doors or anything. No matter how many times we had to recut, we eventually got it right,” Truitt said. “It showed we (could) figure out how to make things, and having Mr. Martinez was helpful.”

WRUS sophomore Chris Windsor added that the gluing was an obstacle, but they overcame this hurdle and learned an important lesson.

“If one of us messes up, we should fess up to it. It is important that we can acknowledge (a mistake), so somebody can change and fix that mistake,” Windsor said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school shut down on Friday, March 13, delaying the donation until it was safe for delivery. Youth Services Librarian Jenny Gallagher said working with the students on the creation of a MakerCart for the Queen Anne’s County Library was a wonderful experience.

“Seeing the students follow through on the entire process, from listening to our needs, doing a small scale mock-up of the design, and providing a finished product was wonderful,” Gallagher said. “The MakerCart was a great way for the students to take part in their community and demonstrate the practical skills they are learning.”

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 east of the Bay Bridge, WRUS also offers daily bus transportation. For more info contact Tracie Spence at 443-262-8294.