Town & Country Insider
Shevaun Etier, Executive Director
Embracing a New School Year
The new school year began at a running pace, and it is hard to believe we have already been in session for a month! Our students are settling into their routines, reconnecting with friends, and embracing new opportunities. September brings changing weather along with the start of clubs, sports, and social activities. We are excited to see what the year will bring.
One important focus for schools everywhere is artificial intelligence and how to use it effectively without becoming dependent on it. AI presents valid concerns related to cognitive development, academic integrity, privacy, and equitable access. At the same time, it can provide personalized academic support, immediate feedback, and opportunities for students to work at their own pace while developing valuable career skills. This year, Town & Country School has introduced new AI policies to help us navigate this evolving technology thoughtfully and responsibly.
Regardless of how technology changes education, our mission remains constant: to improve the lives of students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism. We cannot accomplish that mission with a single tool or one style of teaching. We must embrace a variety of approaches so we can choose what is right for each student. That individualized commitment is at the heart of what makes Town & Country School so special.
We are proud of our mission, our dedicated staff, and, most of all, our remarkable students. We look forward to partnering with every family as we help each child continue the journey toward adulthood and independence. We wish everyone a wonderful school year!
Denise Jurbala, Director of Admissions
Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year
We are thrilled to welcome 37 new students and families to Town and Country School for the 2026–2027 school year!
Our classes in Grades 2 through 8 are filled to capacity, while we still have openings available in Grades 9, 10, and 11. It is so exciting to welcome such a wonderful group of students to our school family.
At Town and Country School, we are committed to providing a caring and supportive environment where every student can reach their fullest potential. Our dedicated staff encourages students to do their best by providing meaningful opportunities for learning in an accepting environment that embraces different learning styles. Your partnership, support, and enthusiasm help make Town and Country School the strong, caring community that it is.
We are grateful to have you as part of our school family and look forward to an outstanding 2026–2027 school year!
Devin Cross, Principal
The start of a school year is always exciting, but it can also be a little crazy. There was definitely some anxiety and uncertainty among both staff and students as we navigated several changes, including new administrators, four new teachers, and two new assistants. Despite all of the changes and the couple of devastating events we experienced during the first few weeks, it has been a great start to the 2026–27 school year.
I have had several staff members tell me that this has been the best and most stress-free start to a school year they have experienced since they began teaching. To me, that says it all. I am incredibly proud of how everyone has come together, adapted to the changes, and continued to create a positive environment for our students. It has been wonderful to see our staff and students settle into the new school year, and I am excited to see what the months ahead bring.
Liz Barna, Vice Principal
As I settle into my new role as Vice Principal, I've loved every minute of getting to know our students and staff. One of the biggest lessons I've learned since the start of school is just how amazing our Town & Country School community truly is. I've watched our staff show up for each other's needs and support one another in ways that have been genuinely inspiring to witness.
We're also settling nicely into the rhythm of the school year. Students are learning their routines, and teachers are getting acquainted with their new classes. The start of the year can be a little bumpy for all of us — but what I've seen from our staff and students is a willingness to keep trying, keep adjusting, and keep doing what's best for our students. We're all learning and growing together this fall, and with the cooler weather rolling in, I couldn't be more excited for the year ahead. Here's to a great school year!
Nancy Kimery, Career Counselor
As a Career Counselor, I assist students with academic planning, college and career guidance, and help navigate the transition from high school to post-secondary education, technical school, or employment. I do this by assisting students to explore career options, provide information about college admissions, ACT testing, scholarships, financial aid, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
All 10th graders will take the Pre-ACT October 5-8th. Pre-Act assessments help educators, students, and parents identify areas of academic strength and opportunity. On October 26th, Tulsa Tech will be here to present information to students about all the different opportunities that tech has to offer. This year our 4th Annual Transition Fair will be held in November. This is a great opportunity for the students and their family to connect with over 20 plus local agencies, colleges, and other programs to learn about the services they provide for students with learning differences.
I am truly blessed to be part of the T&C team. I am looking forward to another incredible and rewarding school year.
Rosalee Stich, School Nurse
As we begin another school year, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be a part of the Town & Country School family. It has been wonderful seeing everyone’s faces again, both familiar and new. It is amazing to see how much our students have grown over the summer and to watch them continue to grow throughout the school year.
This year, we are seeing illness earlier than usual. We have already had several cases of strep, flu, COVID, and a stomach bug. Please keep your student home if they are vomiting, have diarrhea, or have a fever. Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
One of the best ways to help prevent the spread of illness is good handwashing. This fall, we will be doing a fun activity with students to help them better understand how many germs can be on our hands and how proper handwashing can help keep everyone healthier.
Here’s to a great school year full of growth, learning, and great memories.
Rosalee Stich, BSN, RN
