Jovannie Grows Into a Leader at High Road School of Bucks County
Building Trust and Finding His Place
When Jovannie arrived at High Road School of Bucks County in March 2025, the now-11th grader wasn’t sure what to expect. School had been challenging in the past, and he didn’t always feel supported. He also struggled with impulse control and initially kept his guard up around his new teachers and classmates.
That began to change as Jovannie got to know the staff and realized they wanted to help him succeed.
“Once Jo learned he didn’t have to put up a front with this team, he started to feel more comfortable being himself,” said Sarah Washerstein, special education coordinator at High Road School of Bucks County. “It was the small conversations with staff, access to the school store and the sense of community here that helped him begin to open up.”
Making Thoughtful Choices
Building that trust helped Jovannie make progress. Over time, he became better able to pause and think through his decisions rather than acting impulsively. Today, he consistently earns 90% or more of his CASE points by demonstrating that he can be Considerate, Accountable, Safe and Engaged.
His growth is also evident in the way he interacts with other students. When classmates are struggling to make good choices, Jovannie is increasingly likely to stay focused on his own work and encourage them to reconsider their actions.
Becoming a Voice of Reason
“He has become a voice of reason for other students,” Washerstein said. “I’ve heard him tell a peer, ‘No, actually you were wrong in that situation.’ His perspective is important because he’s willing to hold his peers accountable.”
Jovannie has also become a positive presence throughout the school.
“Jo is truly a joy to have in our building,” Washerstein said. “He brings a level of calm and kindness to both students and staff. He has a way of reading a room and figuring out what people need.”
Looking Toward What Comes Next
Now, Jovannie is thinking about what comes next. He is interested in getting a job and earning his own money. His progress at High Road has also led staff to begin discussing a possible transition back to his home school.
“We’ll selfishly be sad to see him go if that happens, but we’re excited about the opportunity,” Washerstein said. “He has made so much progress, and seeing him reach the point where a transition back is being considered says a lot about how far he has come.”
About High Road School of Bucks County
High Road School of Bucks County serves students with academic, emotional and behavioral needs through individualized learning and specialized support. With smaller class sizes and student-centered instruction, teachers, therapists and staff build strong connections with students while helping them develop the academic, behavioral and emotional skills they need to make progress at school and beyond.
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