The Shelton School announces the completion of an extraordinary life-sized art installation —a striking, illuminated “S” — that captures the essence of Shelton’s mission and values. Displayed prominently in the dining hall, the piece serves as a daily reminder of Shelton’s dedication to educating students with learning differences and its commitment to Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts and STEM.  

A Collaborative Artistic Vision

The project was a true collaborative effort. Kellie Sirna, Shelton parent and founder of Studio 11 Design, led the design execution, helping bring the vision to life as a thoughtful reflection of Shelton’s vibrant and supportive community. Middle School art teacher Kathleen Goree and Shelton parent Aphrodite Paulos designed the initial layout, while Christy O’Neal, an in-house artist at Lou Verne by Studio 11 Design, brought the vision to life with her artistic expertise. The Aphrodite and Sam Paulos Foundation played a key role in making the project possible with a generous contribution.

“This installation is deeply personal to me. Shelton isn’t just where our children learn; it’s a community we pour our hearts into,” said Sirna. “We are not just supporters. We are mothers who are grateful for the opportunity to play a part in its ongoing legacy. Looking ahead to Shelton’s 50th anniversary in 2026, this piece serves as a foundation for future traditions, and I’m especially proud that our sons will be part of that celebration, continuing the legacy we’ve helped shape.” 

The Meaning Behind the Artwork

In 2022, a dedicated group of teachers, administrators, and parents set out to create something truly special — an art installation that reflects Shelton’s vibrant community. Inspired by a University of Oregon sports installation, the project evolved into a collaborative assemblage art piece featuring a large, illuminated “S” in Shelton Charger blue and white.

Standing 27 feet wide and 10 feet tall, the installation highlights the four key pillars of Shelton’s educational approach:

• Academics – Igniting intellectual curiosity through a multisensory approach to learning.
• Athletics – Instilling resilience and teamwork in students.
• Fine Arts – Nurturing creativity, empathy, and confidence.
• STEM – Equipping students with critical thinking skills for the ever-evolving world.

The artwork is composed of custom-made and found objects carefully selected to symbolize these core aspects of Shelton's identity. Embedded within the piece are Montessori materials and STEM elements, representing Shelton’s unique educational approach. The overarching message is that Fine Arts, Athletics and Academics work together to create a well-rounded, dynamic learning environment that makes Shelton a special place.

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell says that the artwork embodies Shelton's commitment to making a difference in the lives of students who learn differently. “Every day, it reminds students that their unique ways of learning are strengths to be celebrated and that confidence, perseverance and a love for learning open endless possibilities.”

By Debbie Knox, M.Ed.

Director of College and Career Advising, The Shelton School

For students with learning differences, college presents both new opportunities and challenges. A key to success is securing necessary accommodations. Unlike high school, where accommodations are provided under IEPs and 504 Plans, colleges operate under different laws, requiring students to take an active role in requesting accommodations.

Here’s what students and families need to know about accessing accommodations in college:

1. Understand the Difference: K-12 vs. College

• In high school, accommodations are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• In college, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 still apply, but students must self-advocate and submit documentation to request accommodations.

2. Obtain Proper Documentation

• Colleges typically require recent documentation, often within the past three years. This can include:
  • A psychoeducational evaluation (The Shelton Evaluation Center provides evaluations: 972-774-1772, ext 2243.)
  • A letter of diagnosis outlining the learning difference and recommended accommodations
  • A high school 504 Plan or IEP (helpful, but not sufficient on its own)

3. Research the College’s Disability Services Office

• Visit the Disability Services Office (DSO) when touring colleges.
• Check the college website for DSO contact information, forms, guidelines and deadlines.
• Apply to Disability Services and request accommodations before classes begin.

4. Be Aware of Common Accommodations

• Extended time on tests
• Note-taking assistance or permission to record lectures
• Alternative testing environments (e.g., a quiet room)
• Access to audiobooks or text-to-speech technology
• Priority registration
• Reduced course load

5. Encourage Self-Advocacy

• Unlike high school, parents cannot advocate for students in college.
• Students must take the lead in managing their accommodations:
  • Meet with professors to introduce themselves.
  • Explain their learning difference and needs in a confident manner.
  • Utilize campus resources such as tutoring centers or academic coaching.

Accessing accommodations in college requires preparation, organization and self-advocacy. Students who take these steps set themselves up for success. Start early, stay informed and embrace your learning differences as strengths.

Debbie Knox is the Director of College and Career Advising at the Shelton School, where she is dedicated to helping students navigate the college admissions process and plan for their future. With a background in education, counseling and student support, she provides personalized guidance to ensure each student finds the right academic fit. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education from Southwest Texas State University.

Women We Admire, one of the fastest-growing networks of professional women in North America, has named Frisco resident Alisa Ulrey No. 20 on its list of "Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2025." Ulrey is chief operations officer of U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM), a local management services organization with 260+ surgeon partners across 29 states. As COO of USOSM, Ulrey is responsible for operations, business strategies, performance and growth for USOSM and all of its surgeon partners.

"Alisa is an exceptional COO and a natural leader, who has been instrumental in helping to establish USOSM as a valuable partner for oral and maxillofacial surgeons,” said USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall. “We’re thrilled to hear she’s been named to this year’s list of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers. She is most deserving."

Women We Admire is a membership organization comprised of some of the most accomplished women executives and leaders in North America. Nominations are gathered from all over the U.S. and Canada for the awards program, which recognizes exceptional women in chief operating officer roles for their leadership and operational management skills.

The Women We Admire website notes that the 2025 honorees are "shaping the direction and success of their organizations … they each play a central role in driving strategic alignment, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration across departments."

Ulrey is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience helping companies grow, including two of the nation’s largest Fortune 500 companies – CVS Health and Target – where she spent several years in various leadership roles. Prior to joining USOSM, Ulrey was president and COO of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). Ulrey is a graduate of Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management.

Ulrey is extremely active as a business mentor, both in the health care industry and beyond. She also volunteers with Women in DSO, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women leaders in the dental industry and is a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. Outside of work, she is active with Collin County animal shelters. She is a frequent foster dog mom, specializing in caring for dogs that are harder to adopt.

"The Women We Admire community provides important mentorship, learning and networking opportunities, and I’m grateful for their recognition and support," said Ulrey. "The Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2025 list includes many exceptional women who are leaders in their fields, and I’m honored to be a part of that."

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USOSM is a management services organization that exclusively serves oral and maxillofacial surgeons. USOSM provides operational, financial and administrative support services to fuel clinical excellence, innovation and wealth-creation.

Runners

The Oakleys, #2

by

Phil Oakley

This absorbing family drama continues as the nation survives the Depression, Prohibition, and World War II.

Runners is the second book in Phil Oakley’s fictional saga based on his own family history, and it is an emotional and heart-wrenching dive into not only theirs but also the nation’s past. The author gives readers truly relatable characters, putting names and faces on previously anonymous beings who survived the Depression, Prohibition, the Dust Bowl devastation of Oklahoma, and World War II. These events deeply affected his and every other family in the country during those times. 

Judge Walter Oakley and his wife, Ada, are undoubtedly strong people, but after the constant strain of the times and the barrage of personal family tragedies, the cracks in their armor began to show. It was quite an emotional rollercoaster reading what they experienced. Early on, I wept along with Ada when she had no idea where young Ray had gone off to, whether he was alive or dead, whether she’d ever see her youngest child ever again, all while grieving the loss of an elder son, Glenn.

 The book is rife with vibrant settings and vivid descriptions, and I easily imagined what it was like for Ray to ride the rails while learning it was not at all the romantic experience as pictured in films. The same can be said of Ralph’s activities on the Louisiana coast, smuggling liquor, or Jimmie’s wild child life drinking and partying in speakeasies. The stories are so visual I felt like I was seeing things firsthand alongside the characters. The author tells an absorbing tale. For being two strong pillars of their community, the Oakley’s children almost all sow a lot of wild oats or live recklessly. Some eventually learn a lesson and come out better for the experience, while others do not. 

 As this is the second book in the series, much of what I imagine was covered in the previous book, had I read it, would have helped me enjoy and understand this one better. I had some difficulty figuring out who many of the characters were, having to determine that from context as the story progressed. The author often mentioned names of people who hadn’t been introduced in this book at that point, and that was confusing. Sometimes, an explanation would soon follow, as in the case of Jimmie’s friend, Lewis. Still, at other times, I was left in the dark for quite some time, as in the case of figuring out how many children there were in the Oakley family, their names, genders (Jimmie), and their position in the family. Their backstories were missing from this book in the series. I also experienced a bit of confusion regarding the timeline as the author jumps around some as he picks up the story of a different sibling. Eventually, my understanding did clear up, but by that time, I was well into the family drama. I feel that for the best reading experience, the two books should be read in chronological order. 

I recommend RUNNERS to readers of historical fiction, family dramas and sagas, especially those who enjoy stories based on real people. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours. 

III Forks is working to reinvent the steakhouse, and the new iteration of the brand will debut in Addison’s Village on the Parkway when the restaurant’s new flagship location opens on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

From the time guests approach the glowing exterior façade and open the gateway door with its oversized golden handle and enter the elegant lobby, they are transported by the mesmerizing graphic floor tiles and brighter lighting that help define this liminal space. Here, guests are treated to their first peek at the curated wine collection of more than 1,200 bottles.

As they enter the restaurant through the bustling bar, a destination, guests find a space that is more communal than clubby.  The see-and-be-seen dining room defines dining areas with a beautiful array of artistic, antique gold light fixtures and a uniquely layered ceiling with an impactful design. This contemporary brand expression is designed specifically to resonate with a broader audience, including a younger clientele of both women and men. Brand innovators at Harrison designed every aspect of the space with both the classic and contemporary in balance.

“This opening marks a bold reinvention of III Forks, our team blending its iconic heritage with a dramatic evolution in brand identity, guest experience and design, ensuring its timeless values remain at the heart of this transformation,” said Harrison CEO Keith Anderson.

Three key design components define the new III Forks brand expression. First, the design team created a custom pattern, a polished abstract representation of flowing abundance, the number three and the flow of time. Then, blind patterns that exude timeless elegance were added throughout the design, from exterior features to custom-designed wallpaper and more. Finally, by creating an environment that plays with the contrast between legacy and contemporary cues, III Forks secures memorable experiences in the heart of each guest.

While Chef/Proprietor Chris Vogeli and his team are excited to share delicacies such as Snake River Farms American Wagyu and A5 Miyazaki Gyu Japanese Wagyu paired with favorites including diver scallops with bacon jam, chicken fried lobster and prime double-cut pork chops with serrano peach BBQ sauce and a balsamic glaze, III Forks President Curtis Osmond cannot wait to share the finer details that truly make the III Forks flagship stand out.

“Our flagship location will redefine what steakhouse dining means, both in our larger dining room and in our private dining rooms,” said Osmond. “Entering our primary private dining room is akin to finding the well-hidden entry to a speakeasy. A second private dining space is artistically created with Art Deco accents, signature lighting and art.”

The lighting, art and textures throughout the confidently created spaces provide a warm glow that leaves every guest in soft rays of light, which provide privacy and intimacy without the use of artificial dividers. Even the restrooms and the adjoining corridor are filled with thoughtful extras. Elegantly curved ceilings share custom wallpaper reflecting nature scenes from the Texas Hill Country. The beautifully appointed spaces feature custom textures, tiles and artistically designed fixtures.

The entire III Forks experience gives the impression of walking into a luxury boutique. Guests instantly feel a sense of transcendence amid the warm and glowing surfaces as they are treated to culinary delights, craft cocktails and a world-class curated wine list perfect for any celebration.

The beautiful bar at III Forks opens daily at 4 p.m. The dining room is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made at IIIForks.com/locations/Addison.

About Consolidated Restaurant Operations

Consolidated Restaurant Operations Inc. (CRO) is a Dallas-based privately held company which operates restaurants including III Forks, Silver Fox, Cool River, Cantina Laredo, El Chico, Luckys Café and Black Oak Grill. More information can be found at www.croinc.com.