Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco

Celebrating an Incredible Educator: Mary Rico Named 2025 Teacher of the Year We’re thrilled to congratulate Mary Rico, an extraordinary educator at Sierra School of Sonoma County, for being named Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI)’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! With a heart full of compassion and a philosophy grounded in seeing students as individuals, not just behaviors. Mary brings a powerful, human-centered approach to the classroom. Whether she’s rolling on the carpet with students or helping them develop self-agency, her work goes far beyond academics. She’s a mentor, a motivator, and a daily source of hope. Don’t miss her [...]

Mary Rico, SESI’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, featured on Fox 2 San Francisco2025-06-11T20:12:30-04:00

SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS

Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025 – Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced the selection of Mary Rico as its 2025 Teacher of the Year and Edris Morse as its 2025 Staff of the Year. Rico is an elementary school special education teacher at Sierra School of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California. [...]

SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS2025-05-30T10:43:51-04:00

Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month

Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate in a service initiative that makes a difference. This May, that tradition took on new meaning as students went all in for Autism Awareness Month by bringing back a much-loved event: Penny Wars. Divided into four teams, students spent the first half of the month collecting pennies to raise money for a local cause. Then came the twist: silver coins could be used to sabotage other teams’ totals. It was competitive, energetic, and fun to the very last [...]

Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month2025-05-21T14:21:20-04:00

Graham Academy hosts ‘Light It Up Blue’

Graham Academy Hosts 'Light It Up Blue' In celebration of April’s World Autism Awareness Month, The Graham Academy hosted its annual “Light It Up Blue” Autism Awareness event on Sunday on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. This family-friendly day included vendors, face painting, food trucks, live music, family resources, and more — all focused on promoting autism acceptance and celebrating the amazing students the school serves. All proceeds from race registrations will benefit the A Moment of Magic Foundation, a nonprofit that uplifts [...]

Graham Academy hosts ‘Light It Up Blue’2025-05-20T15:20:08-04:00

PA Live 4.29 The Graham Academy

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, The Graham Academy is hosting its annual "Rock Around the Block" event on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This family-friendly celebration aims to promote autism acceptance and support within the community. The day's festivities will kick off at 11:30 AM with registration for a 5K Walk/Run, accommodating participants of all abilities whether you choose to walk, run, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. The event will feature live music, including performances by local bands and a special rendition of the national anthem by a Graham Academy staff member. Attendees can [...]

PA Live 4.29 The Graham Academy2025-05-20T15:20:58-04:00

Prom held for special education students in the QC

High Road School of the Quad Cities provides individualized education plans for students with extra needs. The school provides academic and therapeutic services to help give kids a positive attitude toward learning. It welcomes students with disabilities or disorders and works to provide them with a learning model that works for them. Friday the school held its third annual prom complete with music, dancing, photos, and food. The “Let’s glow crazy” prom gave students an experience they would get at any other school, so they don’t feel left out. “It gives them a time [...]

Prom held for special education students in the QC2025-05-20T15:21:39-04:00

Rocking Around the Block’ in Wilkes-Barre to raise autism awareness

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — You did not need to run or walk to take part in a 5K event in Downtown Wilkes-Barre. The Graham Academy hosted what was billed as Rock Around the Block. It featured live music, food, and fun activities on Public Square. The Graham Academy offers special education to children living with autism or behavioral challenges. People there today say raising awareness is important. SEE ORIGINAL STORY >>>

Rocking Around the Block’ in Wilkes-Barre to raise autism awareness2025-05-20T15:22:12-04:00

Artsy for Autism Awareness Students celebrated at festival in Cecil County

ELKTON, Md. — He first picked up a guitar two years ago, and now, Justin Leon has mastered a piece by Metallica. “I just started trying to teach myself how to play and it’s just gotten a little bit better from there,” said Leon. 14-year-old Katie Betrond of Perryville gains her strength through song. “I am one of those people who struggle with depression, anxiety and a load of other things,” Betrond told us, “When Em Beihold created that song, I was like, ‘This is a door opener. I see that [...]

Artsy for Autism Awareness Students celebrated at festival in Cecil County2025-05-20T15:23:28-04:00

Sierra Academy students enjoy ‘Alice in Wonderland’-themed prom

The Sierra Academy of Scottsdale was transformed into a scene straight out of a story book on Friday to create a memorable experience for the students at the Scottsdale school. The academy, which provides education and services for special needs students, chose an Alice in Wonderland-inspired event for its annual prom, this year themed, “A Mad Tea Prom.” Students sported whimsical attire and gathered for an inclusive, joy-filled celebration inspired by the Mad Hatter’s tea party. VIEW ABC 15 STORY HERE

Sierra Academy students enjoy ‘Alice in Wonderland’-themed prom2025-04-29T14:32:08-04:00

Police Cars a Shelter and Reducing Pollution

Wilkes-Barre’s honorary Fire Chief had a question for the Honorary Mayor. “How many fire trucks are you gonna buy today?” asked Josh Thomas, a student at The Graham Academy. By the end of the morning, Aiden Temple had “approved” the purchase of a new fire engine, 11 police cars, and 10 bicycles. “We’re talking about $3.5 million,” Mayor George Brown told the 13-year-old boy who sat in his chair at City Hall. Wednesday was the fifth year that Brown recognized The Graham Academy students, naming students honorary mayor, fire [...]

Police Cars a Shelter and Reducing Pollution2025-04-24T22:43:11-04:00