Volume 4 | April 2018
Monthly Newsletter
Upcoming Events
FORE! the kids Annual Golf Outing
FORE! the kids has grown to become one of Pathway’s largest fund-raising events.

When: May 15, 2018

Where: Rivercrest Golf Club and Preserve
100 Rivercrest Drive
Phoenixville, PA 19460


The Pathway Players Present:
Hairspray, Jr.

When : June 5th-10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.      
           June 6th- 1:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Where : The Pathway School SALC Library

RSVP to lrhoades@pathwayschool.org
Student & Staff Spotlight
Isabel enrolled at Pathway in September of 2009 and will be graduating in June. She is described by her teacher as a “ bright ray of sunshine ”. She comes to school with a smile on her face and eager to start the day. She loves to talk about current events, movies, plays and music. She has been a valuable asset to the Pathway Players , Pathway’s theatre group, having had significant parts in many play performances over the years. Isabel will have her final performance in “Hairspray”, scheduled for June 5 th and 6 th .

Isabel’s participation in the Career Education Program has provided her with a variety of work experiences, further developing her employability skills. Over the years she has worked on campus in Pathway’s food services program, as well as the Hot Spot Café. This school year, she has been working at Boscov’s and Homewood Suites. At Boscov’s she unpacks garments, hangs items, and on occasion works the floor in the Jr. Department. Isabel’s job responsibilities at Homewood Suites include collecting dishes and trays, attending to laundry, dining room set up and various other tasks as needed. Isabel’s strong interpersonal skills have helped with her communication on the job site. She is always friendly and personable with work site staff, as well as Pathway staff and peers.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with the rest of her class, Isabel spends time working at Cabrini University. The experience has provided her the opportunity to socialize with age appropriate peers, take direction from Cabrini staff, accept feedback, learn flexibility, and master new job skills.

On Thursday afternoons Isabel leaves from her work site at Cabrini to go to Phoebe Nursing Home, where she assists setting up for events such as bingo, parties, conversing with the residents and helping wherever needed. It was Isabelle’s idea to offer her talents in this way and she is hopeful this job will continue after graduation. 

Isabel says that she has many good memories from her time at Pathway. She especially loves her teachers, enjoys her friends, participating in the plays, having occupational therapy with Ms. Zarrilli and going to work at Cabrini.

Isabel, we are all so proud of your accomplishments and wish you much success in your journey after graduation!
Ms. Pearson will be celebrating 25 years with Pathway this coming September. During her career she has worked as a Personal Care Assistant, Teaching Assistant and currently as an Instructional Coordinator. For the past 2 years Ms. Pearson has worked in the Upper School and is an integral member of Ms. Harper’s team. It is not unusual for students to seek out Ms. Pearson during homeroom to say good morning and discuss struggles they may be having or to share good news. She always takes the time to listen and offer advice or encouragement.

Ms. Pearson has consistently taken on additional responsibilities both within the classroom and during her personal time. She is a great support to Pathway’s Student Council and the projects they participate in throughout the school year. She is described as “proactive”, offering new ideas and suggestions to benefit the students.

Thank you for your dedication, for being a role model and inspiring our students.
 
Students enjoyed a “Mini Field Day” and a special gift from Boscov’s

On April 12 th the weather finally warmed up so staff and students could celebrate with a day of outdoor fun and games. Every class had an opportunity to participate in cooperative parachute games, lawn games, volleyball, and various relay races as they moved to different game stations throughout the afternoon. This activity was in support of Pathway’s school-wide positive behavior initiative which is the framework that leads students and staff towards behavior that makes a positive impact. The fun continued after the games when the students returned to their homerooms to enjoy a frozen treat and were given an Eagles T-shirt to take home.

This past February, Boscov’s Public Relations Manager, Jessica Blasco participated in Pathway’s Literacy Celebration by reading to the students in Ms. Bondi’s classroom. Boscov’s has been a valued business partner with Pathway for over two decades. The Plymouth Meeting store has been a work site for our students to gain on - the - job work experience with the support of a job coach and Boscov’s has supported fund raising events over the years with in-kind donations.

When Ms. Blasco contacted the school in March to offer Eagles t-shirts to every student, we enthusiastically accepted! The students enjoyed this additional surprise to end a great day. Thank you Ms. Blasco and Boscov’s for your continued support and generosity!
Pathway Recognizes Autism Awareness Month and Celebrates Diversity

Throughout April, Pathway students and staff participated in several activities geared towards the goals laid out 25 years ago by the Autism Society. As the Society’s website states their national vision of “ acceptance and inclusion in school and community that results in true appreciation of the unique aspects of all people. We want to get one step closer to a society where those with ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts .” 

To kick off the month, Pathway students united and wore blue on April 2 nd . During the month each student painted a puzzle piece that represents their own unique self. During the culminating activity on April 30 th all puzzle pieces were gathered and used to develop a display, representative of acceptance and understanding of each other’s talents. An all-school campus hike closed the month and set the stage for on-going action and respect for each other.

Students Dance the Night Away

There was excitement across campus the week leading up to the April 27 th Pathway Prom held at Hilton Garden Inn Valley Forge/Oaks. Enchantment Under the Sea was the theme of the evening, with the ballroom transformed into a magical underwater getaway. The room was energized as forty students, along with staff chaperones danced to the music played by the fabulous “Dancing DJ”, Mr. Gil Keough.

The buffet dinner entrees included garlic herb roasted chicken, beef tips in gravy, southern fried catfish, and Italian baked ziti. The food was delicious and the variety offered something for everyone.

Guests enjoyed the evening and agreed the weeks of planning, preparation and fund raising paid off! A special “thank you” to Ms. Kinzie and Ms. Connor for their hard work in creating an evening of celebration and truly a night to remember.
 

 
The Pathway School | 610-277-0660| www.pathwayschool.org