Coloring Outside of the Box |
|
COVID may have changed a lot of things, but one constant remains JPII staff’s commitment to providing the educational experience for our students and adults deserve. They continue to push the limits of virtual services to ensure that those who are unable to join us for in-person sessions continue to be part of our JPII community.
Andrew remains connected to his adult program friends by attending five group sessions each week via Zoom: music, art, prayer, social, and activity group programs. He's happy to see his friends on Zoom since they are not able to gather in person right now. His mom, Bernadette, is thankful to JPII’s staff for making the remote participants feel like they are active and engaged.
During a recent Zoom art therapy session, Andrew followed the instructions of our staff member, Tammy, to create a beautiful fall picture. She showed Andrew and the group how to gather colorful fall leaves and then sketch them by breaking them down into basic shapes and colors. Following Tammy’s instructions, Andrew and his mom took a walk, gathered leaves, and took photos so he could sketch them inside using his brand-new colored pencil set.
Tammy says, "It makes me feel that even though we are apart from each other, we can still connect through technology. Even though I fought it for years and I thought I could never feel comfortable on the computer, it has been a blessing for these purposes."
|
|
 |
|
|
|
October was Fire Safety Month and although this year we could not visit with the Cumru Township Fire Department, we created a video to learn about Fire Safety virtually!
|
|
|
|
Message from Principal Adams: |
Thank You! Gracias! Merci! Arigato! Danke sehr! Grazie! Spasiba! Mahalo! Toda! De jeh, daw-dyeh! November is the month we reflect on those things we are most thankful for. I know during this crazy time it can seem impossible, but you can ALWAYS be thankful and find good in every encounter and every experience. Sometimes you just need to see things in a different filter or stop a minute to refocus.
I’m so thankful we are back in session! Even though we're not at full capacity or in a normal routine, our students, adults, and staff are here together. We so missed their chatter and laughter.
The staff are always front and center ready to tackle the day to give our individuals the best programming possible. Gracias and kudos to my staff! You are awesome!
Merci to our families who had to make the difficult choice of sending your loved one for in-person learning or keeping them connected through our virtual programming. Everyone makes the best decision for their family. Hopefully, we’ll have everyone together again soon.
To our Board of Directors, community partners, friends, supporters who believe in our mission even when we fulfill the mission in a different way. Danke sehr for weathering the storm with us and helping us keep afloat!
As we approach Thanksgiving I pray you find peace during these challenging times and hope the future will be nothing but bright for you. I have faith God will carry us through this all!
|
|
Our students have been working hard and having fun since getting back into the classroom in August. Pendants with Purpose is still open for business and working to make holiday-themed products.
Lovely earrings and pendants are available now! Email Mrs. Berkhammer at rberkhammer@johnpauliicenter.org for any requests or custom orders for the holidays. She will be take orders on a first come, first serve basis.
|
|
Save the date: December 1, 2020 |
|
Our annual Christmas Raffle is going online! Starting November 23 and running through December 16, 2020 you will be able to buy raffle tickets for great prizes donated by our dedicated volunteers. Check our Facebook page and website for more information closer to November 23. |
|
|
|
Our annual report is a publication that shows the combined efforts of John Paul II Center, Berks County, and the surrounding communities in making an impact in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For some families, it is the support of the community that makes a difference in whether or not their child attends school here or an adult receives our services long after their formal education has ended.
Please note in the printed version: On page 5 Building & General Operations should say "Includes depreciation of $294,000" instead of "Excludes."
|
|
Rainy Day Indoor Activities |
|
Set up a one-time donation to help the students and adults at JPII. |
Help on a monthly basis by setting up a recurring donation. |
A planned gift – whether through your estate plans, to our endowment, an IRA-distribution or a charitable gift annuity – becomes a forever gift for future generations of students and adults. |
|
Help Out YOUR Way
As a private school, JPII depends on community support to enable us to provide specialized programming for our students and adults. Every dollar goes back into the center, our programs, and our services. We are able to care for and teach our incredible students and adults because of the support we receive from our generous supporters.
To make giving as secure and convenient as possible, we provide a number of ways for you to help fund our mission. Simply choose which form of giving suits you best. And if you need assistance, remember, we're just a phone call away.
Phone: 610-777-0605
|
|
Shop to Support
A simple way to give to JPII is through the shopping that you already do! We currently participate in various school rewards programs, which allow us to receive donations directly from your purchases.
For more information on the following programs, click the desired image below:
|
|
|
|
Please note: School will be closed Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving break. |
|
|
|
“If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.” – Roald Dahl |
|
November Book Orders
Place your fall book orders today! Mrs. Berkhammer will be notified and can arrange for a pickup. If you have questions, please contact her here.
2. Click on Connect to your Teacher
3. Enter our one-time Class Activation Code (HG6HC).
4. Shop and submit your child's book order.
5. Your books will be delivered directly to the classroom.
Orders are due by November 20!
|
|
John Paul II Center for Special Learning | 1092 Welsh Road, Shillington, PA 19607
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
