Wye River Upper School

On February 6th, 2020, Wye River students made a powerful statement against flavored tobacco and nicotine products at the State House in Annapolis. They spoke on behalf of HB3 and SB233 which propose to ban the manufacture, sale and import of all flavors of tobacco and nicotine products. This includes candy-scented vaping products and e-cigarettes, which have rapidly gained popularity among young people.

Matthew Cowan, WRUS Director of Education, prioritizes civic engagement and attended the event to show his support: “It is critical that students of the 21st century not only learn about the systems and processes of government but engage authentically with the legislative process. Every year Wye River Upper School students pursue real-world inquiry and research into current legislative issues culminating in a day of civic advocacy. This sort of experiential learning, a hallmark of our program, doesn’t just cultivate those critical college literacy skills, but fosters a new generation of engaged citizens.”

Wye River students Sam of Dorchester County, Nadia of Calvert County, and Ian of Talbot County lobbying at the State House with Senator Adelaide Eckardt.

Led by Social Studies teacher Lydia Meeks, Government students prepared extensively to make their voice heard. First, they met with Laura Hale of the American Heart Association who sparked their interest in the bill. She and Ms. Meeks encouraged students not to underestimate the power of their collaborative voice when advocating for themselves and their peers. Students researched the dangers of flavored vaping and tobacco as well as the lobbying process, and wrote persuasive, data-backed essays in preparation for their visit to Annapolis. Meeks remarked, “What better way to engage kids in Government class than involve them in the process?”

According to Ms. Meeks, students learned that flavors like mango, gummy bear and cotton candy strategically entice teens whose brains are not fully developed, which allows them to more easily become addicted. Her students write, “Teens are especially drawn to vaping products because of the social media campaigns involved and the ability to hide the products from adults in their lives. . .Once addicted the changes in a teen’s brain are permanent. Quitting nicotine becomes a lifelong struggle.”

This knowledge, their sense of injustice for being targeted, and their personal experiences with family and friends fueled a passion for them to speak out, Meeks explained. “I think that finding a cause to sink their teeth into has helped them produce exceptional work that is meaningful–Government should be meaningful.”

Wye River Upper School Students in the 2019-2020 Government class with individuals from ACSCAN and State Representatives.

Meeks guided students to channel their findings and resolve into one cohesive, persuasive letter to the Senate and House, signed by each. Sophomores Cole of Edgewater, Sam of Cambridge, and Kayla of Annapolis also prepared individual, evidence-based statements to be read before the committee. On the day of lobbying, Wye River partnered with the American Cancer Society who established meetings, and students spoke with or delivered their letter to the 31 Delegates and Senators who represent them across the state. Wye River is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside ACSCAN and the AHA on this important and timely matter, and we are proud of our students for taking action.

HB3 is still in committee, and SB233 goes before the Senate on Thursday, February 13th. Wye River Government students are following both bills and eagerly await the results. WRUS is headed back to Annapolis on Feb. 20th for Decoding Dyslexia Day, a day of advocacy to raise awareness of the critical importance of early detection and intervention for students struggling to read.

Wye River Upper School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is focused on students who learn differently discovering through innovation, developing with rigor, and celebrating their strengths while preparing for success in college, career, and life. Students who attend Wye River come from eleven Maryland and Delaware counties including Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George’s and Caroline, and accepts students on a rolling basis. For more information visit www.wyeriverupperschool.org or call 410.758.2922.

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Up to six years ago, I knew little or nothing about children with learning differences. I didn’t understand their travails at public schools. These young people were distraught. So were their parents.

Previous school experiences were sadly unsuccessful.

Saddled with dyslexia—a learning disorder that causes people to find use of letters and words difficult, though their intelligence level is as high as others—and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), commonly linked with inability to concentrate or impulsive behavior—young folks and their parents often face academic and social despair. Some young people might be on the autism spectrum.

Chrissy Aull, founding head of Wye River Upper School (WRUS), now located in the wonderfully renovated Maryland National Guard Armory in Centreville, joined with her friend, Patricia McGlennan, to establish a special place for high school students with few good choices, to use their good brains and learning differences to succeed and move on to college.

WRUS is more than a school. It provides a safe, welcoming environment where students unaccustomed to feeling good about themselves, find that others share their academic challenges.

Chrissy Aull is retiring in June, 2020. In a letter sent last week to the WRUS community of alumni, parents, faculty, donors and friends, Alexa Seip, board chair, wrote: “Timing is everything. Wye River Upper School is in a position of strength. Enrollment has increased. Budgets have been balanced. A faculty team is delivering transformative education.

“Chrissy Aull, founding Head of School, has announced her retirement will take place in June, 2020…thank you, Chrissy, for giving us this school that has given so much to many.”

My first meeting with Aull left a lasting impression. She was enthusiastic, dedicated and dogged about a school that changed the lives of hundreds and hundreds of young people and parents justifiably discouraged about the education and treatment they were receiving in public schools hampered by lack of qualified, though well-meaning teachers and administrators.

Chrissy cared, deeply. She and Patricia McGlennan had sons who needed a curriculum geared to their learning differences. It was their mutual concern about their children that motivated them to found a school originally situated in a classroom at Chesapeake College.

Aull wrote in her letter explaining her retirement: “Few people are blessed as I am to wrap up a lifetime of professional experiences with the knowledge that persistence and passion can result in a legacy such as this one. That is a gift with no equal as I hand over the key to the front door(s).”

Through Tom Seip, who co-chaired the capital campaign for the renovation of the old Guard armory, I learned about the struggles experienced by parents trying mightily to divine a way for their children to succeed and achieve a level of self-esteem that might have seemed unachievable at some point.

I met some of the WRUS students; I was impressed by their abilities to navigate their learning differences and contribute to a safe, comfortable environment.

It’s not easy for a founder of any organization, private, public or academic, to step away from something to which he/she gave birth and nurture. I suspect that in Chrissy Aull’s case, her service as school Head was more a calling than a job. The school she co-founded has provided hope to so many.

Godspeed, Chrissy Aull, on your retirement journey. As you said, you leave an invaluable legacy, one that has enhanced the lives of so many students and parents.

Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.

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Wye River Students Lobby Against Flavored Vaping and Nicotine Products

Out and About (Sort of): Founding School Head Leaves Lasting Legacy by Howard Freedlander

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