October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and while the students, faculty, and staff at Roberts Academy at Mercer University celebrate this common learning difference year-round, October offered several special ways for the school to amplify the message that dyslexia is a superpower.
The Academy kicked off the month with its second annual ‘Blowing Away the Stigma’ fundraising campaign. The Academy raised more than 10 times as much as it did during last year’s inaugural campaign, with more than $8,500 contributed by over 90 donors.
For just $5, donors sponsored red or orange pinwheels, which were displayed in the green space in front of the Academy. The pinwheels honored students, family members, and friends with dyslexia, as well as the teachers who supported them. Every dollar raised supported the Roberts Academy Scholarship Fund, which helps to ensure students with dyslexia can access the specialized education Roberts Academy offers.
“We are incredibly thankful for every person who supported our campaign this year,” said Head of School Joy Wood. “Not only will the funds raised support prospective Roberts Academy families, but the support is a reflection of our community’s commitment to advocating for all children with dyslexia, and for that we are grateful.”
Related: It’s not too late to support scholarships at Roberts Academy! Make your gift here.
On Oct. 2, Roberts Academy was featured as 13WMAZ’s School of the Week.
Reporter Sarah Grosch visited the Academy to learn more about our two certified therapy dogs, Sammie and Louie, and speak with students about their experiences with the beloved dogs.
You can watch the story here.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, more than 20 Roberts Academy friends and family members, including nine students, traveled to Atlanta to attend the 21st annual Dyslexia Dash – a 5K and 1-mile fun run hosted by the International Dyslexia Association–Georgia.
Ashley Evans, the Academy’s 2nd-grade teacher, led the group this year. Evans is also a former IDA-GA board member.
“The Dyslexia Dash is always a fun way to celebrate and advocate for individuals with dyslexia. I am especially proud of our students and grateful to their families for making the trip to Atlanta to raise money for dyslexia awareness, and I look forward to participating again next year,” she said.
On Oct. 30, students, faculty, and staff took part in one of the Academy’s most cherished traditions: the book character parade, which gives the Mercer community a chance to fellowship with our students.
Students dressed as their favorite book characters and walked to several buildings on Mercer University’s historic campus, where they visited with faculty, staff, and students and received non-candy treats – including Mercer-branded stickers, cups, and more.
Stops included the historic quad, the Jesse Mercer statue, the College of Education, the Tarver Library, and the Stembridge Center for Student Success.
Before the parade, a group of 12 students met with University trustees in the President’s Dining Room and Griffin B. Bell Trustees’ Board Room ahead of their biannual meeting. The informal visit gave University leaders a chance to connect with students, learn more about them, and talk with them beyond the classroom.
The Tift College of Education went the extra mile with themed costumes and music. Dr. Sharon Augustine, interim dean of the College, said the book character parade is as much fun for the College’s faculty and staff as it is for Roberts Academy students.
“The book character parade gives us a wonderful opportunity to connect with Roberts Academy students and faculty and celebrate their creativity and love of reading,” she said. “We are proud of our partnership with Roberts Academy, and this event allows us to share that partnership with the broader Mercer community in a fun, engaging, and lighthearted way.”
The month concluded with the Academy’s annual Football Family Tailgate on Mercer’s Black Field ahead of the University’s homecoming game against The Citadel.
Approximately 40 students and their family members, along with Academy faculty and staff, gathered for food, fun, and fellowship before holding the American flag on the football field before kickoff.
Leigh Anne Conner is the mother of two Roberts Academy students. She and her family have attended three Family Tailgates and said the annual event is a highlight of their Roberts Academy experience.
“Our family always looks forward to the tailgate at the Mercer University football game in the fall. It’s a great way to show the Mercer community and all of Middle Georgia that options are available to kids for help with dyslexia,” she said. “Roberts Academy does such a great job of educating the community, and in turn, the community pours back into these kids. It’s a win-win for both sides!”
After the flag-holding, students and their families enjoyed the football game, where the Mercer Bears beat The Citadel Bulldogs 28-19. During the game, Roberts Academy was announced the University’s “Tailgate of the Week.”
While Roberts Academy’s goal is to teach dyslexic children how to read, write, and spell, it also aims to increase awareness of dyslexia and destigmatize this common learning difference.
Roberts Academy serves dyslexic students in grades 2–7 and uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach – the gold standard in dyslexia remediation.
The Academy is Georgia’s only school dedicated to dyslexic learners outside of Metro Atlanta.
To learn more about the Academy and to schedule a tour, visit www.robertsacademy.org.
Discover Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia!