Hello, my name is Tony Messina. I am the Head of School at Chelsea School, which serves students with learning disabilities and is located just over the Washington, DC border in Silver Spring, Maryland. We are a school filled with big dreams and big hearts. For the children and the families we serve, our school is a beacon of hope.

If you were to ask me what the profile of a learning-disabled student looks like, I could show you pictures of Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, or even my own son. If you asked me what they all in had in common, I would tell you about the many language-based challenges facing individuals who learn differently and about the courage, hope, and determination that such people needed to succeed. At Chelsea School, our halls echo with the voices of such individuals.

The motto of Chelsea School, posted in every classroom, is a belief in Chelsea P.R.I.D.E. -- Personal Respect and Individual Dedication to Excellence is the standard to which we hold every student who walks through our doors. When a student arrives at Chelsea School he/she is given a rare and unique chance; a chance for a wonderful life. The opportunity for these very deserving young people can continue through the assistance and shared resources of individuals such as you. We are embarking on an ambitious capital fund-raising campaign and I am reaching across the table and asking for your financial support.

The following document will tell you who we are, who we serve, and how we serve them. It will also describe the critical path that we need to take to guarantee the expansion and fulfillment of our vision. Join us in this initiative and be a part of our bold new future.

Thank you,

Anthony R. Messina Jr.
Head of School

Click here for the Executive Summary in PDF format.