Latest news with #Morse
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Announces 2025 Teacher and Staff of the Year Winners
Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members' dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced the selection of Mary Rico as its 2025 Teacher of the Year and Edris Morse as its 2025 Staff of the Year. Rico is an elementary school special education teacher at Sierra School of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California. Morse is a team leader at High Road School of Santa Rosa in Pace, Florida. Now in its fourth year, the awards program honors full-time SESI team members, including teachers, social workers, behavior specialists, and clinical and paraprofessional staff, who exemplify high-quality, evidence-based instruction and the importance of equitable education for all SESI students. 'It is with great pride that we recognize Mary and Edris, along with our divisional, regional and campus level winners, for their unmatched dedication to supporting our students,' said Dawn Thomas, president of SESI. 'Each year, we have the privilege of recognizing our most outstanding and innovative educators, who deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction and shine a bright light on the possibility and untapped potential of every SESI student.' With close to 100 private day schools and over 140 in-district classrooms serving nearly 13,000 students with diverse academic, behavioral, and emotional needs, SESI employs more than 3,500 educators and staff members across the country. Rico and Morse were selected – along with campus, regional, and divisional winners – by a SESI leadership committee. Rico has worked at Sierra School of Sonoma County for almost three years. Throughout her teaching career, she has prioritized differentiated instruction, behavioral support, and culturally responsive, evidence-based teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of her students. 'For me, teaching is not just a profession; it is a responsibility,' said Rico. 'Every child deserves an educator who is fully invested in their growth. Just as I push through personal difficulties to show up for my students, I teach them to push through their own obstacles – whether they are academic struggles, personal hardships, or moments of self-doubt.' Rico's dedication as an educator has helped many of her students make meaningful progress – so much so that several have been able to transition back to a public school setting. These transitions reflect her commitment to individualized instruction, behavioral support, and creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. Morse supervises program staff at High Road School of Santa Rosa, including special education teachers, social workers, and climate managers. Having begun his career at the school five years ago as a behavioral specialist, he ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom, prioritizing family engagement through weekly communication and monthly community activities. 'I believe education should celebrate diversity and foster confidence, and I also value creative expression in education,' said Morse. 'My educational philosophy emphasizes support, creativity, and inclusivity, aiming to empower students to become successful both academically and socially.' The goals of SESI's Teacher and Staff of the Year program include enhancing the visibility and importance of supporting educators, promoting the value of quality education and learning for the future, recognizing and honoring educators and staff who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence, and building an effective professional learning community. Teachers and staff had to meet minimum criteria to be eligible, including having been employed by SESI as of Sept. 1, 2024; teaching a minimum of 75% of the school day; and earning an advanced level rating on the last observation. Bonus points were given for community service activities, school community activity (led special projects, etc.), and mentoring of other staff members. To see the full list of divisional, regional and campus winners, visit: About Specialized Education Services, Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, is a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting. SESI partners with school districts to run in-district classrooms and private day schools that meet the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of special and alternative education students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and other challenges. Partnering with over 800 school districts nationwide, SESI serves nearly 13,000 students in private day schools and in-district classrooms. SESI is accredited by Cognia. CONTACT: Press Contact Jennifer Leckstrom RoseComm for SESI (215) 681-0770 jleckstrom@
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
UK's two-year-old boy becomes youngest member of high IQ society Mensa
Joseph Harris-Birtill, a two-year-old from the UK, has reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the youngest male ever admitted into Mensa, according to Guinness World Records. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known for his exceptional intelligence, Joseph spoke his first word at just seven months and was reading books aloud before age two. His rapid cognitive development and advanced skills stunned both his parents and experts. Mensa, the elite high-IQ society, requires an IQ of at least 132—placing members in the top 2% of the population. Joseph's early achievements have now earned him a place among the world's intellectual elite. Source: Guinness World Records Joseph's early learning set the stage for a world record as Mensa's youngest male member Joseph's entry into the record books did not start at two—it began long before. According to his parents, Dr. Rose and David Harris-Birtill, Joseph first started indicating extraordinary development at birth. At five weeks, he rolled over for the first time. At seven months, he uttered his first word—a precocious signpost of an exceptionally developed brain. His advancement sped up from there. At 21 months, Joseph was reading complete books out loud, a remarkable achievement for a child who had only just started to walk a year earlier. At two and a half years old, he could read out loud effortlessly for as much as 10 minutes, count to 10 in five languages, and count both forward and backward beyond 100. At two years and 182 days, Joseph was officially made a member of Mensa, making him the youngest male member in Mensa history. Membership in Mensa demands an IQ level of at least 132—putting members in the top 2% of people. Joseph's achievement has brought huge pride to both of his working parents, who are both academically employed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'We're extremely proud,' said Rose. 'It soon became clear that he was an exceptional little being… and this achievement is just a reflection of his curiosity and drive to learn.' Joseph's passion for knowledge sparks his rapid development Joseph's intellectual curiosity ranges well beyond mere reading and figures. He is in the process of learning Morse code and has become interested in the Greek alphabet and the periodic table of elements. His parents also portray him as socially well-adjusted and affectionate. He likes to hug friends, give toys, and play—qualities that underscore his emotional intelligence as well as his academic capacity. "He's a very kind and loving boy, confident and inquisitive," said Rose. "He enjoys a challenge and feeds on complexity—whether it's solving chess or diving into new words and ideas." Joseph's hobbies reflect a balanced growth and curiosity Outside of schoolwork, Joseph has developed an interest in music and has begun to learn the piano. He also likes learning new languages, doing math equations, cooking, making paper airplanes, and playing with his toy collection. These varied interests imply that Joseph is not only cognitively developed but also well-adjusted—a trait that will benefit him as he matures and matures further. Identifying their son's special abilities, Rose and David made the decision to contact Mensa to offer Joseph more resources and a network of support. "We looked online for other help and realized that Mensa had programs for children who were exceptionally gifted," said Rose. "We felt that this would be a good way for Joseph to meet others and see where his potential lay. They wish the Mensa membership to not just be an appreciation of his talent but also as an encouragement and source of pride as he grows up. Also Read |
News18
2 days ago
- Science
- News18
Move Over Baby Shark, This 2-Year-Old Is Part Of Prestigious High-IQ Society
Curated By : Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 12:59 IST This makes him the youngest male ever to join the high-IQ society. (Photo Credit: X) A remarkable two-year-old boy from the UK has earned the distinction of being the youngest male member of Mensa, the world's oldest and largest high-IQ society, according to a Guinness World Records report. To qualify for this exclusive club, individuals must rank in the top 2 per cent of IQ scores or have an IQ of at least 132. Joseph Harris-Birtill officially became a Mensa member at the age of 2 years and 182 days, making him the youngest male to ever join. He is second only to Joseph Isla McNabb, who holds the record for the youngest member overall, having joined at 2 years and 195 days old. This extraordinary achievement highlights Joseph's exceptional intellectual abilities at an incredibly young age. Joseph's parents, Rose and David Harris-Birtill, both serve as lecturers at the University of St Andrews. They shared that their son has consistently shown remarkable intelligence and development far beyond his years since he was born. 'He first rolled over at five weeks, said his first word at seven months and read his first book out loud from cover to cover at one and three-quarters years. By two-and-a-quarter years old, he was reading out loud fluently for 10 minutes at a time, could count to 10 in five languages and could count forwards and backwards to well over 100," Rose revealed to Guinness World Records. This exceptionally curious two-year-old is already familiar with the Greek alphabet and has reportedly begun learning Morse code and the periodic table. Alongside these impressive intellectual pursuits, he's also taking piano lessons and shows a genuine passion for exploring new languages, solving math problems and experimenting with cooking. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite his advanced abilities, Joseph remains humble, kind-hearted and always willing to share his toys with other children. His parents reportedly recognised his extraordinary talents early on—especially after he started reading at an unusually young age—which prompted them to reach out to Mensa to explore his potential further. Their decision has since opened doors to new opportunities and support for their gifted son's continued growth. 'It is a common misconception that everything is super easy for gifted children. But everyone needs appropriate stimulation and understanding throughout their lives and highly able learners can sadly have their unique talents dimmed by the pressure to fit into environments that simply haven't been properly designed for them," Rose told Guinness World Records. Watch CNN-News18 here. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! News viral Move Over Baby Shark, This 2-Year-Old Is Part Of Prestigious High-IQ Society
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Saree pride takes over NYC streets: ‘Desi aunties' react to woman's Indian attire
Two-year-old Joseph Harris-Birtill becomes the youngest male Mensa member, joining the world's top 2% intellectually. Reading fluently, counting in multiple languages, and learning Morse code, he demonstrates extraordinary intelligence while remaining kind and humble.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
IIT-M grad rejected by multiple Bengaluru landlords: 'Owners not okay with Muslims'
Two-year-old Joseph Harris-Birtill becomes the youngest male Mensa member, joining the world's top 2% intellectually. Reading fluently, counting in multiple languages, and learning Morse code, he demonstrates extraordinary intelligence while remaining kind and humble.
