Tampa Day School Hosts Speaker Rick Lavoie, National Expert on Children with Learning Disabilities

Excitement permeated the halls of Tampa Day School (TDS) the afternoon of March 16th as faculty, parents, and students eagerly awaited the arrival of Rick Lavoie. Although Mr. Lavoie liberally shares his wealth of knowledge about students who learn differently with parents and professionals, he is a humble professional who transforms from expert speaker to special educator colleague with ease. TDS faculty eagerly welcomed Mr. Lavoie as he walked the hallways of TDS during his tour with Lois Delaney, Head of School, and Steve Racelis of American Education Group. While at Tampa Day School, Mr. Lavoie observed and acknowledged the manner in which teachers honor students through widespread displays of student artwork and class work evidenced in every area of the school. He repeatedly commented on the culture and positive feel of the school. Although Mr. Lavoie has walked the halls of many schools in his career, he seemed at home at Tampa Day School as he toured through the halls greeting students and teachers.

Later that evening, parents and professionals gathered at the Rusty Pelican to participate in two separate workshops sponsored by Tampa Day School, The Friends of Tampa Day School, and American Education Group. When the committee decided to provide a community workshop as one of the activities chosen to celebrate Tampa Day School’s 40-year history of serving children who learn differently, there was no debate about who the group wanted to further extend the school’s mission in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. Rick Lavoie graciously accepted the invitation to participate in the community outreach effort for a second time this decade. Educators from private and public schools in over five counties attended the event. Parents and a wide range of professionals attended the workshops not only to build knowledge and skill but also to be inspired by the heartfelt stories and challenges embedded in Mr. Lavoie’s presentations. The camaraderie among the audience members grew as the evening progressed. Rave reviews followed the workshop and left a clear impression that Mr. Lavoie’s influence will not soon be forgotten by those of us who devote our lives to ensure that children who learn differently experience success each and every day.