New special education school in Frederick offers individualized support

High Road School of Frederick County, a new school that’s part of the national organization Specialized Education Services Inc., is serving special education students in the county. The school is not part of Frederick County Public Schools, but the district can refer students to the school through their Individualized Education Programs (IEP). High Road serves students living with emotional disabilities, autism and other health impairments. Cullen King, the education director for High Road School of Frederick, said it focuses on academic progress while also providing behavioral support through social workers, behavior analysts and other staff members trained in verbal de-escalation. [...]

New special education school in Frederick offers individualized support2024-10-31T10:27:57-04:00

Forming strong bonds for student success at the High Road School of Fairfield County

Caleb, described by his mom, Shannan, as a bright and creative 9-year-old, is finding success at the High Road School of Fairfield County after facing significant challenges while enrolled in public school. Diagnosed with autism, Caleb struggled to stay focused and required more one-on-one attention than his elementary school could provide. “The district was wonderful and really tried to support him,” said Shannan. “But despite their best efforts, they acknowledged Caleb needed a more personalized environment with additional staff and smaller classrooms.” Since enrolling at High Road during the 2023-2024 school year, Caleb's experience has been transformative. Initially, he faced [...]

Forming strong bonds for student success at the High Road School of Fairfield County2024-11-07T10:38:54-05:00

Pretty in Pink: Buehrle Academy Unites for Breast Cancer Awareness

This October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the staff at Buehrle Academy showed their support by engaging in a variety of activities including joining the annual local walk, “Pink Lancaster”, organized by Advantage Lancaster. For many at Buehrle Academy, students and faculty alike, this cause is personal. It holds special significance for those who have lost loved ones or are supporting friends and family battling cancer. Every Wednesday throughout the month, the staff proudly donned pink t-shirts to raise awareness for breast cancer and show solidarity for those affected by this disease. The vibrant pink shirts serve as [...]

Pretty in Pink: Buehrle Academy Unites for Breast Cancer Awareness2024-10-31T10:21:57-04:00

Lancaster Area Schools Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Buehrle Academy hosted a special event bringing students together to honor the rich history and culture of Hispanic and Latino communities. The day was filled with exciting activities including bingo and history trivia, led by social studies teacher Mr. Falcone. As part of the celebration and lesson of the day, students researched and presented on various countries, deepening their understanding and appreciation of Hispanic heritage. Students and teachers also enjoyed delicious meals highlighting authentic Latin dishes prepared by Gran Sabor Latino Restaurant in Lancaster City. The menu featured empanadas, rice and beans, papas rellenas and [...]

Lancaster Area Schools Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month2024-10-24T16:58:26-04:00

Mary DiCarlo: How Our Family Navigates Life With A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Families with children on the Autism Spectrum face unique challenges and experiences. Each family’s journey is different, filled with both struggles and triumphs. We want to share their stories, insights, and advice to help and inspire other families going through similar experiences. As part of this interview series, we had the pleasure to interview Mary DiCarlo. Mary DiCarlo is a mom of two daughters, Sabrina, 27, a special education teacher, and Summer, 19. She has devoted to her life to being a stay-at-home mother to care for Summer who has autism and other medical issues. Mary lives in East Haven, [...]

Mary DiCarlo: How Our Family Navigates Life With A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder2024-10-09T19:23:19-04:00

Jayden’s Journey at High Road School: a Path to Achievement

This fall, after attending the High Road School of Wallingford for five years, 11-year-old Jayden will start sixth grade in a public school setting. His journey is a testament to his resilience and determination, and the transformative power of specialized support, says the person who knows him best – his mother, Michelle. Jayden faced challenges that made traditional classroom settings difficult, such as trouble focusing, constant frustration with learning, being misunderstood, and issues with navigating transitions such as changing classes or working with multiple teachers. He expressed his emotions through tantrums, which often included throwing [...]

Jayden’s Journey at High Road School: a Path to Achievement2024-10-07T22:09:17-04:00

Excel Academy students gain job experience and learn new skills

This summer, Excel Academy of Chicago students, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, participated in the city-wide One Summer Chicago program. Over the course of six weeks, more than 110 students across Roseland, South Shore, Southwest, and Englewood Excel Academy schools explored new areas of the city, engaging in activities and opportunities that many had never been exposed to before. The One Summer Chicago program, funded by the City of Chicago and The Alternative Schools Network, provides youth ages 14-24 with part-time weekly employment and enrichment programs during the summer months. Anthony Haley [...]

Excel Academy students gain job experience and learn new skills2024-08-12T13:16:16-04:00

Valedictorian Tyra Dixon’s Story of Perseverance

Tyra Dixon’s time at Excel Academy of South Shore, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, has been marked by strong academics, student leadership and extracurricular achievements - shaping her into a well-rounded young woman. Her hard work and dedication resulted in being named the class of 2024 valedictorian. A member of student government, Tyra was elected Executive Bronco, a position that goes beyond the typical student government responsibilities and one of her many roles that allows her to demonstrate her leadership skills. “Once I became a Bronco, that's what really pushed me [...]

Valedictorian Tyra Dixon’s Story of Perseverance2024-06-18T14:17:15-04:00

SAFE Achieve Academy students build confidence through hair education

Eight students from SAFE Achieve Academy of Chicago, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Option Network, recently visited Yvenetta "Midge" Welch, the dedicated owner of Issues Barber & Beauty Salon, for a tour and Q&A session at her salon. The students, part of a cosmetology class at the school, had the opportunity to meet stylists and chat with them about their profession, as well as practice some of what they had learned about washing hair. Throughout the spring semester, Yvenetta was instrumental in nurturing the students’ passion for hair styling and grooming as a potential career path. According to Joseph Haley, executive [...]

SAFE Achieve Academy students build confidence through hair education2024-06-18T13:14:09-04:00

Arien’s High Road Journey

Table of Contents Academic gains Ready for success beyond the High Road School Finding the right educational setting for a child with special needs can be an exhaustive search. Ashley Negron, the mother of Arien, knows this all too well. From the time Arien was just 3 years old, Ashley found herself struggling to get him the support he needed at school. Frustrated and wanting only the best for her son, Ashley decided to enroll him in the High Road School of Hartford, a decision that came with mixed emotions. "I didn’t [...]

Arien’s High Road Journey2024-06-13T15:00:42-04:00