Our mission is to provide individualized education with mental health, behavioral and autistic support services that empower students to thrive. Keeping Pace A publication of Pace School, Learning Redefined Summer 2023 Meet the teacher: Ms. MacNeil knew that Pace’s first Kindergarten class could learn and grow but she also knew that there were challenges ahead. Specifically, due to the pandemic years, these young students with autism might not have experienced pre-school exposure for learning readiness. That didn’t stop her and her team. They started the year working on the basic skills needed such as sitting at a table or desk, taking turns, participation and most importantly communication. Throughout the year, behaviors improved and participation and learning occurred. As Ms. MacNeil acknowledges, “It was cool to see the students grow in their functional skills and use their communication skills to express themselves.” There is a first time for everything and for Pace School, it was our first Kindergarten Graduating Class! This important milestone celebrates the student’s readiness to transition from play based learning to the more academic and rigorous structure of 1st grade. For many of our parents and families whose child is not neurotypical or at a traditional school, this is an event that may seem to be out of reach. However, that was not the case at Pace this year. Our graduation ceremony was a celebration of each student’s progress, a celebration with family and friends. For our staff, it was a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate all of the successes that occurred during the year and that lead to student growth. This wonderful experience gave our families and their child a moment to feel proud and encouraged that there is a future filled with possibilities. For our kindergarten students, it was their moment – their time to shine! to Shine! Their Time “As an administrator, it was an honor to lead the planning of kindergarten graduation. I am thankful that our staff were able to provide that “moment” for our families and students. “ – Dr. Megan D. Nelson Special Education Supervisor
Meet a graduate: Five years ago, Patrick remembers that when he came to Pace School, he said hurtful things to people. He didn’t understand the impact of his words. Now, thanks to the school and its staff, Patrick says he knows how to express himself, treat others equally, and that he is more friendly. How Patrick describes himself is how we know him . . . intelligent, likes to read a lot, and knows a lot about astronomy! What does Patrick say he learned at Pace? He knows that everyone has the potential to be able to control their emotions. At Pace, he has realized that there are others with autism and that he, himself has a better understanding of his disability. Patrick now feels confident that he can express this to others in the community to help them to understand it. There is no limit to where Patrick can go from here and the Pace staff is very proud of him! Congratulations! For our six seniors, the journey didn’t start at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year or during Senior Week. It started the day they walked through Pace School’s doors. For each of our graduating students this journey has seen much growth, learning, and development by getting to know who they are and preparing for the future. To celebrate, the seniors enjoyed a trip to the zoo and many fun activities during Senior Week. During the week, all students were able to celebrate the seniors with activities such as sunglasses day (showing support for the seniors’ bright futures) and silly hat day (hats off to the seniors)! The staff and students at Pace congratulate each graduate and we are glad to be a part of the seniors’ journey to graduation. We believed they could and they did! “I have learned every day and made new friends. Pace School is wonderful and I would suggest it to those that need help like I did” - Patrick
Connect with us at: Pace School 2432 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Phone: 412-244-1900 Fax: 412-244-0100 E-mail: [email protected] It is the policy of Pace School to offer admission and provide services to students, and employ staff without discriminating based on race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or disability. President Matt Helfrich Vice President Michael Nicolella Secretary Cheryl Levin Treasurer Lynda Petrichevich Debbi Casini Klein Brett Fulesday Robert Gold James W. Isler Shannon Koch Sarah Laughlin Kathleen Lovett David J. Mosey Walter Reineman, III Jennifer Seng Melissa Sutcliffe Wrenna Watson Amira McLemore Wolfson Enclosed is my gift of $ payable to Pace School. Credit card giving available at www.paceschool.org or at 412.342.4385 Return to: Tricia Norris, Pace School, 2432 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 I believe kids can! Board of Directors Thanks to our Supporters and Corporate Sponsors & Volunteers! You help us to help children. In May, on a warm spring night, we gathered with our special friends who have supported the children and families of Pace School. It was a an evening for conversations, laughter, good food and a beautiful view on the Il Tetto Rooftop at the Sienna Mercato. Contributions from all of our donors support programs such as the Thrive Horse Therapy Program at Bella Terra Stables, Carnival Day and Family Fun Night and the Holiday luncheon for students and their families. In addition, they help to provide students with learning and therapy that leads them to be part of a community and to independence. Social Emotional Learning (SEL), hands-on learning, STEAM assemblies, and more are important parts of each child’s development. Thanks again to all of our supporters, donors, and volunteers for your support that has helped our students learn to be a part of the community, develop daily living skills leading to independence and to explore the possibilities for their future! Thanks to our corporate sponsors: A. Martini & Co. Alcosan BNY Mellon Simpson & McCrady Freeport Steel Company Central Maintenance Henderson Brothers Hunter Associates Maher Duessel Opal Business Solutions Indovina Associates Smart Futures
Pace School is HIRING! for more visit www.paceschool.org or Contact us details on the positions available. If you are a passionate, caring and patient professional with the desire - to support our mission in a diversified, inclusive & equitable work set ting then we have the perfect career opportunity for you! Pace School is an Approved Private School and Partial Hospitalization Program located in Churchill, serving children and adolescents with autism and behavioral challenges, from Allegheny County and neighboring county school districts. Pace School offers competitive compensation and benefits: Medical, dental, vision with portion of premiums paid by Pace • Employer paid life & long term disability insurances • 403(b) retirement savings program with generous employer contribution • Paid personal and sick days • Tuition reimbursement • and more! • Make a difference in children’s lives. . . JOIN OUR TEAM! Human Resources 2432 Greensburg Pike Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-342-4365 [email protected] What’s Inside: • Their Time to Shine! • Graduation 2023 • Thank you Supporters Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 3097 2432 Greensburg Pike Pittsburgh, Pa 15221 www.paceschool.org Electronic Service Requested