San Diego Moms: Tips for Teaching Inclusive Play During Autism Awareness Month

A few weeks ago, my son’s classmate taught him how to “play Spiderman.” The conversation began when the classmate told his mother that my son didn’t know how to play the game. In response, the mother told her son she should teach him how to play by showing him what he could do. The classmate went to school the next day and did exactly that during recess. The response? My son came home excited to show me how he played Spiderman. Little does the classmate know my son is on the spectrum, and has difficulty understanding certain social cues. The [...]

San Diego Moms: Tips for Teaching Inclusive Play During Autism Awareness Month2023-04-07T09:35:37-04:00

Training for the Transitional Olympics

ELKTON — A team of students from High Road School of Cecil County will travel to Wilmington, Del. on March 30 to compete for awards in the Transitional Olympics. These teenagers in Morgan Davis’ class have been practicing their daily life skills for weeks in hopes of bringing home a prize to their school on Singerly Road in Elkton. What the average adult sees as the drudgery of folding clothes, packing lunches, setting the table or handling a checking account these students see as a learning experience and a step toward independence. “I like folding clothes,” said Justin George, 19, [...]

Training for the Transitional Olympics2023-03-31T12:34:52-04:00

School social workers fill critical gaps in student care

On World Social Work Day, school and community leaders can recognize the essential role that social workers play in promoting student well-being By MICHELLE WILLIAMS, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Special Education Services, Inc. | March 21, 2023 - As a social worker for an in-district classroom inside of a Texas elementary school, I have the honor of serving some of the most vulnerable students in our community. On March 21, World Social Work Day, it’s important to highlight the essential role social workers play in promoting the well-being of our students and their families. Every day, I have the privilege [...]

School social workers fill critical gaps in student care2023-03-21T11:23:19-04:00

These Philly high school students almost didn’t earn diplomas. Here’s how they made it.

Quisean Suter-Robinson's graduation wasn't the one he initially dreamed of, but that's OK. “It feels better because I didn’t fold under pressure. The things along the way built my character," he said. Graduates including Kaiyon Jaynes (front) listen to instructions from administrators prior to the 2022-2023 mid-year high school commencement ceremony at the School of the Future in Phila., Pa. on Wed., Feb. 08, 2023. For Khalia Smith, graduation didn’t take place on a bright spring day after four years of high school. Instead, she collected her diploma on a cold February night while her family — including [...]

These Philly high school students almost didn’t earn diplomas. Here’s how they made it.2023-02-16T16:03:22-05:00

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates graduates of its EMS program

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A special ceremony on Friday honored seven high school students from the Excel Academy of Englewood. They graduated from the emergency medical responders training program. The 56-hour course is taught by EMS instructors and upon graduation, students have a guaranteed job with Superior Ambulance. This marks the first time high school students were offered enrollment into the EMR program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9-k004PHqc

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates graduates of its EMS program2023-01-24T10:06:37-05:00

Specialized Education Services, Inc. Names Dawn Thomas President

Experienced operational leader will help guide the organization’s continued commitment to ensuring students with the greatest need receive a quality education PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), 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 hiring of Dawn Thomas as president. Thomas will lead the growth and development of SESI’s special education and alternative education programs, as well as identify, attract and cultivate talent. “Dawn Thomas brings an impressive set [...]

Specialized Education Services, Inc. Names Dawn Thomas President2022-11-08T08:48:23-05:00

Open house held at High Road School of Lima

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - A new building is going to change more than just where students come to learn. High Road School of Lima welcomed the public to their new location at 71 Town Square in downtown Lima. They provide structured education to students with a variety of learning needs, such as autism, emotional disorders, and more. Previously, the school was divided into three separate school buildings, but this new space brings all of their students and staff under one roof. The new school has bigger classrooms, specialized rooms to support the needs of students, and opens the door for learning [...]

Open house held at High Road School of Lima2022-10-18T13:13:38-04:00

I’m a teacher, but I was also “that student”

A teacher’s background – as someone who struggled in school – deepens her connection with alternative education students By KARYN L. DRISCOLL, English 4 Teacher, Excel Academy South | September 5, 2022 - This fall, I will return to the classroom for my second year teaching English at Philadelphia’s Excel Academy South, an accelerated high school experience for students seeking a smaller, more personal setting, intensely focused on elevating social skills, emotional wellness, and academic success. My colleagues and I are committed to helping students succeed by developing meaningful relationships with each of them, therefore understanding their individual needs, challenges, and strengths. When students feel safe and valued, they become empowered to take charge of [...]

I’m a teacher, but I was also “that student”2022-09-07T13:12:02-04:00

Teacher Erin Juarez honored for ‘strong work ethic’

Buckeye special education teacher Erin Juarez was recognized by a national organization as the Southwest region’s teacher of the year. Philadelphia-based Special Education Services Inc. bestowed that honor upon her for her work during the 2021-22 school year. Juarez, who has taught kindergarten through fourth grade special education for four years at Sierra School of Liberty, was nominated for the award by her supervisor for her strong work ethic. She was emotional when she learned that her hard work and commitment to improving her students’ lives had been recognized and validated by SESI. "I’ve gone above and beyond (in my [...]

Teacher Erin Juarez honored for ‘strong work ethic’2022-06-28T14:14:44-04:00