Green Chimneys

Green Chimneys Farm Science Teacher Skyler Opromolla gently taps on the door of the guinea pig pen as her students watch and wait patiently. Three guinea pigs eagerly line up and file through their specially crafted bridge, made by students in woodshop class. Out on the activity table, they clamber around obstacles built by the students and are rewarded for their participation with healthy treats. At any time, the guinea pigs have the option to return to their pen and end the interaction. Offering choice to our animal partners is just one way to make sure human-animal interactions are mutually beneficial. Skyler says, "The children know to stay calm and gentle when interacting with the guinea pigs, or they won't stay. It's an experiential way for them to learn boundaries and respect."

Green Chimneys' emphasis on family-centered care means that support extends beyond students to family members. Some of these resources include monthly trainings led by clinicians or opportunities for parents to connect with each other. "We’re not isolated. We are not the only ones going through what we are going through. It makes you feel better knowing that other parents have similar experiences," says one parent. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eemyK8Q2

Keep up with Green Chimneys and check out the July eNews at: https://conta.cc/3Wi37GU

Congratulations to Green Chimneys staff member Jacob Matthews, a 2024 Jim Purcell Excellence Award recipient! Jacob has been part of Green Chimneys’ Residential Life team since 2018, and was recently honored by The Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) with this annual award recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in their jobs, and a genuine commitment to the children and families they serve. In their written nomination, our Residential Life Administrative Team credited Jacob’s natural gift for working with people – from youth to family to colleagues – and his ability to form relationships built on a foundation of respect and genuineness. The youth at Green Chimneys love working with him and often seek him out, even those he doesn’t work with directly. Family members frequently comment on his positive impact and strong relationship with their child, and coworkers often seek his opinion, support, and guidance when faced with professional challenges. We appreciate and admire Jacob’s hard work and dedication, and are proud to have him as a member of the Green Chimneys community.

Calling all former students, former staff, and former volunteers: You are invited to attend Green Chimneys Alumni Day on Sunday, July 21! You can reconnect with old friends and visit the farm. Alumni Day is free, but registration is required by July 8! RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/ghRk4cGN

To cap off a week of celebrations and new chapters, Nature’s Nursery Preschool held their graduation. Each class of little learners sang a song for their parents and received their certificate with big smiles. Plus, every child took home a sunflower seedling they’d planted in the spring as a reminder to keep on growing. 

Keep up with Green Chimneys and check out the June eNews at: https://conta.cc/3x0dJRb

Presenting the Class of 2024! It was a proud day for our graduating seniors, their families, and the staff who have come to know them so well. These students who once found traditional school settings challenging have worked hard, both academically and personally, discovering new skills, and overcoming obstacles. Some graduates will head to college, others to Job Corps, but all are on their way to bright futures. Our thanks to their families and to Green Chimneys staff for their unwavering support. Congratulations, graduates!

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, the day when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On this historic day, Federal troops arrived in Galveston to ensure their liberation. As we celebrate racial diversity, we also take this time to acknowledge the injustice, pain, and loss endured due to racial inequity, both in the past and present. This is an opportunity to educate ourselves about our history and to work collectively towards achieving lasting justice, equity, and inclusion for all.

Calling all former students, former staff, and former volunteers: You are invited to attend a very special Green Chimneys Alumni Day on Sunday, July 21! This is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and visit the farm. Alumni Day is free, but registration is required. RSVP today: https://lnkd.in/ghRk4cGN