Community Outreach Events
We offer various events to many different constituencies in the St. Louis community who need or want more information related to learning disabilities.
Our annual College Opportunities Fair for LD/ADHD connects area high school students and their families with college and university personnel who address their specific questions as they journey through the collegiate process.
Wilson® Parent Workshops are offered four times a year for interested parents, educators, or community members who would like to learn more about the research behind the Wilson Reading System® program and why it works. Experience Dyslexia®: A Learning Disabilities Simulation created by the Northern California Branch of the International Dyslexia Association allows participants to truly experience what dyslexia is and how it makes you feel.
As they become available, movies are screened on the topics of learning disabilities and dyslexia.
For more information on Churchill’s Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program Events, check out our upcoming events below or email Rachel Wheatley at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
Reviews from Community Service Attendees
- “I found the event to be very helpful. We found several new college options, plus a lot of helpful general information. I think this is an outstanding community service for the school to provide.”
– College Opportunities Fair Parent Attendee - “I love the fact that all the activities were hands on. They made me realize how challenging school can be for these children.”
– Experience Dyslexia® Participant - “I felt the frustration my students must feel.”
– Experience Dyslexia® Teacher Participant - “The simulation helped me better understand my students. I learned it’s not about working harder, but teaching differently.”
– Experience Dyslexia® Teacher Participant - “The simulation helped me as a parent better understand how my son learns. It was very eye opening! Now I really understand the frustrations he must face on a daily basis.”
– Experience Dyslexia® Parent Participant
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Churchill’s Speaker Series Presents… “For the Love of Learning”
Churchill Center & School's Speaker Series, Sponsored by the Mr. & Mrs. Parker B. Condie, Sr. Fund, Presents...
FOR THE LOVE OF LEARNING
SPEAKER: Emily Kircher-Morris
WHEN: Wednesday, April 20, 2025
TIME: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Dr. | Town & Country, MO 63131
COST: FREE EVENT (But must register to attend)
WHAT:
Teachers and parents have been searching for a way to ignite passion and motivation in kids for years. How is it that neurodivergent kids, many who have incredible strengths and abilities, struggle with basic motivation? The secret to motivation is deeper than a growth mindset, and drive isn't as black-and-white as intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Through this presentation, Emily shares the three ingredients needed for self-regulated motivation. Implementing these steps helps our learners harness their motivation, leaving us on the sideline to watch them soar.
WHO:
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. She started her career in education and now works as a mental health counselor in private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in supporting neurodivergent, twice-exceptional, and gifted people of all ages.
Find out more: emilykirchermorris.com
Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course (June 2025)
WILSON READING SYSTEM® INTRODUCTORY COURSE - JUNE 2025
WHEN:
• Wednesday, June 4, 2025
• Thursday, June 5, 2025
• Friday, June 6, 2025
TIME: Daily from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (lunch on your own)
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
COST: $725 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
This course provides participants with an overview of the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) 4th Edition curriculum and serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification. Over three consecutive days (16.5 hours), this course examines how WRS addresses the teaching of phonemic awareness, word identification, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through an integrated study of phonology, morphology, and orthography with students in grade two and above with persistent phonological coding deficits. Participants learn about reading research, dyslexia, appropriate student identification and placement, program implementation, progress monitoring, scheduling, and creating a successful learning environment. Principles of language structure and how to teach language with direct, multisensory methods are demonstrated and practiced during the course. Participants explore the standard 10-part Wilson Lesson Plan and practice planning and delivering a lesson while receiving modeling and feedback from a Wilson® Credentialed Trainer during the course.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to -
• Define dyslexia and describe common characteristics.
• Explain the process of identifying appropriate students and placing them in the Wilson Reading System®.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential, and cumulative, engaging multiple learning modalities with multisensory techniques, repetition, and feedback.
• Create an optimal learning environment, prepare a lesson plan, and practice techniques.
• Understand the key components of instruction and presentation of lessons in three blocks:
BLOCK 1: Word Study/Foundational Reading Skills: Lesson Plan Parts 1-5
• Phonemic Awareness, Decoding, Vocabulary, High-Frequency Word Reading, Single-Word Accuracy/Automaticity, Phrasing/Prosody, Fluency, and Comprehension at the Sentence Level
BLOCK 2: Spelling/Foundational Writing Skills: Lesson Plan Parts 6-8
• Phoneme Segmentation, Encoding (Spelling), English Spelling Rules, High-Frequency Word Spelling, Vocabulary, Concept Mark Up, Sentence-Level Punctuation and Proofreading
BLOCK 3: Fluency/Comprehension: Lesson Plan Parts 9-10
• Vocabulary, Listening/Silent and Oral Reading Fluency and Comprehension, Narrative and Informational Text
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Participants may enroll in the WRS Level I Certification Training or the online course WRS Intensive Instruction for the Non-Responsive Reader (Steps 1-6) within five years of completing a WRS Introductory Course.
2. Materials are not included. All materials can be purchased directly from Wilson Language Training®.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: Any refunds for cancellations will only be issued if cancelled seat can be filled, less a $50 processing fee. This applies to seats purchased with any accepted forms of payment.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Please email Rachel Wheatley, Director of Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
Experience Dyslexia®: A Learning Disabilities Simulation (June 2025)
EXPERIENCE DYSLEXIA®: A LEARNING DISABILITIES SIMULATION
WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
TIME: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
COST: NO free to attend, but you must register in advance.
PRESENTED BY: The Steve and Ginny Orthwein Family Fund
WHAT:
Join us for a series of simulations designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia encounter daily.
You will rotate through six stations that simulate various language-related tasks similar to those encountered by dyslexics in the classroom and workplace. We hope this experience will lead to greater empathy and understanding when working with students/children with dyslexia.
This session is limited to 60 participants. Reserve your spot now! Participants must be 18 years or older.
Marilyn Zechers’ Multisensory Math Approach™ (June 2025)
MARILYN ZECHERS' MULTISENSORY MATH APPROACH™ THREE-DAY WORKSHOP
WHEN:
• Wednesday, June 11, 2025
• Thursday, June 12, 2025
• Friday, June 13, 2025
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Daily
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Style, MO 63131
COST: $700.00
SPONSORED BY: Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
WHAT:
Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math Approach™ builds on the multisensory tradition and uses Orton-Gillingham instructional strategies, which are supported by evidence from the What Works Clearinghouse, recommendations from the NCTM, neuroscience, and best practices in mathematics education. It includes evidence-based strategies we use to meet the needs of all students. Its focus is on the core foundational concepts, the Big Ideas in math, providing a firm foundation, or providing intervention to help students catch up to keep up.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Please email Rachel Wheatley, Director of Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
Fundations® Level 1 Workshop (June 2025)
FUNDATIONS® LEVEL 1 WORKSHOP
WHEN: Monday, June 16, 2025
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
PRESENTED BY: The Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
COST: $330 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
Fundations® utilizes a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations® is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices.
A STRUCTURED LITERACY APPROACH GROUNDED IN THE SCIENCE OF READING:
Level 1 builds on the skills and concepts that are taught in Levels K.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Identify the skills taught in Fundations: phonics and word study, vocabulary, high frequency/trick words, fluency, comprehension strategies, handwriting, spelling and punctuation.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential, and cumulative instruction that engages multiple learning modalities with multisensory instruction, repetition, and immediate, specific feedback.
• Identify and understand the use for all materials in the Fundations Teacher’s Kit and have a sense of how to find and use the many extended resources available on the Prevention/Early Intervention Learning Community for Fundations (membership included with participation in this workshop).
• Use the Teacher’s Manual to prepare a daily learning plan and practice lesson activity procedures.
• Visualize the flow and pace of a full Fundations lesson completed with fidelity.
As a Wilson® Accredited Partner, Churchill Center & School has been reviewed by Wilson Language Training® (WLT) and meets their standards of excellence in the delivery of their programs.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Rachel Wheatley, Director of SKG School Partnerships & Outreach, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
Fundations® Level 2 Workshop (June 2025)
FUNDATIONS® LEVEL 2 WORKSHOP
WHEN: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
PRESENTED BY: The Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
COST: $330 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
Fundations® utilizes a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations® is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices.
A Structured Literacy Approach Grounded in the Science of Reading:
Level 2 builds on the skills and concepts that are taught in Levels K and 1.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to-
• Identify the skills taught in Fundations: phonics and word study, vocabulary, high frequency/trick words, fluency, comprehension strategies, handwriting, spelling and punctuation.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential, and cumulative instruction that engages multiple learning modalities with multisensory instruction, repetition, and immediate, specific feedback.
• Identify and understand the use for all materials in the Fundations Teacher’s Kit and have a sense of how to find and use the many extended resources available on the Prevention/Early Intervention Learning Community for Fundations (membership included with participation in this workshop).
• Use the Teacher’s Manual to prepare a daily learning plan and practice lesson activity procedures.
• Visualize the flow and pace of a full Fundations lesson completed with fidelity.
FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Rachel Wheatley, Director of SKG School Partnerships & Outreach Program, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
As a Wilson® Accredited Partner, Churchill Center & School has been reviewed by Wilson Language Training® (WLT) and meets their standards of excellence in the delivery of their programs.
Fundations® Level K Workshop (June 2025)
FUNDATIONS® LEVEL K WORKSHOP
WHEN: Monday, June 30, 2025
TIME: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
PRESENTED BY: The Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program
COST: $330 per registrant (lunch on your own)
WHAT:
Fundations® utilizes a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling and handwriting curriculum using engaging, multisensory techniques. Fundations® is aligned with the science of reading and guides teachers to provide effective instructional practices.
A STRUCTURED LITERACY APPROACH GROUNDED IN THE SCIENCE OF READING - COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of the course, participants will be able to -
• Identify the skills taught in Fundations: phonics and word study, vocabulary, high frequency/trick words, fluency, comprehension strategies, handwriting, spelling and punctuation.
• Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential, and cumulative instruction that engages multiple learning modalities with multisensory instruction, repetition, and immediate, specific feedback.
• Identify and understand the use for all materials in the Fundations Teacher’s Kit and have a sense of how to find and use the many extended resources available on the Prevention/Early Intervention Learning Community for Fundations (membership included with participation in this workshop).
• Use the Teacher’s Manual to prepare a daily learning plan and practice lesson activity procedures.
• Visualize the flow and pace of a full Fundations lesson completed with fidelity.
As a Wilson® Accredited Partner, Churchill Center & School has been reviewed by Wilson Language Training® (WLT) and meets their standards of excellence in the delivery of their programs.
QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Rachel Wheatley, Director of SKG School Partnerships & Outreach, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
The Key Comprehension Routine for Teachers of Grades 4-12 (July 2025)
THE KEY COMPREHENSION ROUTINE (for Teachers of Grades 4-12)
WHEN: Monday, July 7, 2025 and Tuesday, July 28, 2025
TIME: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
COST: $400.00 (covers a copy of the book, access to online course and in-person training)
WHAT:
The Key Comprehension Routine teaches a foundational set of research-based, comprehension strategies that support listening and reading comprehension in any subject area. Teachers learn how to share strategies using existing content reading and instructional materials. When used across multiple grade levels, students will benefit from a consistent approach to comprehension instruction as they move from grade to grade and subject to subject.
Register by May 27, 2025 for our summer session to learn valuable comprehension and notetaking strategies to improve your classroom instruction. You will receive a copy of "The Key Comprehension Routine" book with your registration. The book includes an introduction to comprehension instruction, details about each instructional practice, classroom examples, and professional learning activities. There are also reproducible templates.
* You will need to complete 8 hours of the online course before each in-person meeting. *
QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Rachel Wheatley, Director SKG School Partnerships & Outreach Program, at rwheatley@churchillstl.org.
Churchill Center & School Sibling Workshop
CHURCHILL CENTER & SCHOOL SIBLING WORKSHOP
*** Exclusively for siblings 5th grade through college-aged of Churchill day or summer school students. ***
WHEN: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
TIME: 4:00 PM - 5:50 PM
WHERE: Churchill Center & School
1021 Municipal Center Drive | Town & Country, MO 63131
WHAT:
Sibling relationships can be complex and challenging. When a child is struggling with a learning disability, those relationships can become even more complicated.
This workshop will focus on activities that simulate what it is like to have a learning disability/dyslexia. Siblings will have the opportunity to actually experience some of the frustrations felt by children with LD via these simulated activities. We hope it will help siblings understand the daily social and academic struggles experienced by their brother or sister with a learning disorder. Some time for discussion and Q&A will be provided.
SPONSORED BY: The Sandra K. Gilligan School Partnerships & Outreach Program.
Free to attend. Must register to attend.