Admissions Archives - 91̽��Ƶ

Pathway’s Own Wright Brothers Soar to New Heights

91̽��Ƶ — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:27:26 +0000

Yes, the Pathway School has its own Wright brothers – Zahiir and Zahkir’e! They are identical twins who had their own way of communicating with each other from the time they were babies. However, as they grew up, they had trouble communicating with others.

When attending public school, the twins were taunted, bullied, and physically harmed. They wanted to harm themselves and started refusing to go to school. When their parents learned more about their sons’ struggles, they knew they needed to seek a better educational environment – one that could assist with their learning, communication, and emotional challenges – for Zahiir and Zahkir’e.

In 2018, the family visited 91̽��Ƶ and noticed that the campus was beautiful and welcoming. Their parents were impressed with all the services available. After deciding to send the boys to Pathway, they saw immediate progress with Zahiir and Zahkir’e. The twins receive supporting therapy and have told their therapist how much they love school now. They enjoy playing football, basketball, and games in gym class and have also learned to make new friends. Zahiir and Zahkir’e are now thriving in their new environment at Pathway.

“91̽��Ƶ has a wonderful team, a good curriculum, and everything offered to help the students succeed is great!”
Nancy & Jamir, Parents

Pathway’s mission is to help many students with special needs like Zahiir and Zahkir’e build academic, social, and life skills to promote their success and independence after Pathway.

To read Zahiir and Zahkir’e’s full story and learn more about how you can help support Pathway students’ journey to success, click here.

Your donations support many students like Zahiir and Zahkir’e and promote their academic progress, as well as their success and independence both today, as students, and later in life as adults. You make the difference for Pathway students, their families, and their communities. to donate and help support Pathway students.

The post Pathway’s Own Wright Brothers Soar to New Heights appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

Finding a Place at Pathway – Syheem’s Story

91̽��Ƶ — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 18:10:16 +0000

Syheem Curry enrolled at 91̽��Ƶ in the fall of 2017 and continues to brighten the day of all of those who are around him with his warm and comforting smile. Even during the COVID-19 Pandemic, when masks prevent us from seeing his mouth, the twinkle in his eyes show the smile that we have all grown to know and love. His mother, Ms. Pouncey, said that she sees him smile so much more since starting at Pathway. She shared her appreciation for Pathway and how Syheem has grown during his time with us.

Syheem struggled in his previous school and Ms. Pouncey came to realize just how much these struggles were interfering with his ability to grow, so she began advocating for another school placement. 91̽��Ƶ was fortunate enough to be on the list of options provided for consideration.

Initially, the admissions staff were a bit concerned about Pathway’s ability to be the appropriate option for Syheem. Through conversations with multiple people throughout the admissions process, Ms. Pouncey convinced the team to ‘take a chance’ on him. She vividly recalls the conversation that allowed her to go into his trial period with ‘eyes wide open to the possibility that it may not be the right match’. Ms. Pouncey recalls respecting and appreciating the transparency of discussions and the dedication of the team to make the right decision for their family – even if that decision would be difficult to hear.

Syheem quickly acclimated to Pathway and has been showing us all he can do ever since. Ms. Pouncey remembers him coming home from school talking about his teachers and what he was working on. For the first time, she saw him emotionally engaged and invested in school.

Ms. Pouncey describes Syheem as an introvert. In the past, this has interfered with his ability to speak up and advocate for himself. Through the trust he has built with his staff, improvement in his confidence, and lessons provided about the importance of making your thoughts/feelings known, he has shown the ability to make his voice heard – always in a respectful manner (just as his mother taught him).

Ms. Pouncey has been encouraged by the team’s ability to talk through concerns she brings to the table. She feels truly heard and understood at Pathway, and she is grateful for the teams’ immediate actions implemented to solve concerns she may have.

“Syheem has had his learning struggles and it was frustrating as a parent. When 91̽��Ƶ took a chance on Syheem and our family, he began to excel, has excelled, and is still excelling. I see more excitement and willingness to try new things. Syheem comes home wanting to talk about what happened in school. We live by the motto and hashtag “My Son is NOT his disability” and Pathway has helped with encouragement, education, it’s staff support, and teamwork.” Ms. Pouncey states.

Syheem is starting to transfer some of the skills learned in school, at home. He independently can make some meals for himself, and she credits his programs focus on ‘learning the essentials’ to this carry-over. She laughed as she shared her excitement for the day he transfers more of his cleaning skills to home, but is grateful that he is mastering these skills at school. As most parents do, she spoke of being fearful of what things would look like when she is no longer around, but through experiences at school and him showing what he is learning at home, she is ‘not as afraid anymore’.

Do you know of a student who you think would be a good fit for Pathway? Contact our Admissions department at 610-277-0660 ext. 5 or enrollment@pathwayschool.org.

The post Finding a Place at Pathway – Syheem’s Story appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

Your Questions – Answered for Pathway’s 2022 Extended School Year Program

91̽��Ƶ — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 14:49:51 +0000

Summer is a time for fun and soaking up the vitamin D – but, especially given all that has occurred over the last few years, how do you decide what makes sense for your child and your family? Summer camp, Extended School Year program offered through the resident school, time off altogether – with so many options to think about, it can be a bit overwhelming to select the right fit for your family.

FIRST – Determine if your student is eligible for an ESY program

Students with special education needs are entitled to Extended School Year programming if they are determined to be eligible. There are several factors that guide this eligibility, and more information can be found on the

Additionally, the Pa. Training and Technical Assistance Network has a which provides more detail, including an eligibility checklist and a Q&A section.

SECOND – Consider your options

So, once ESY eligibility has been determined, the next step is to consider the options that best provide the Free Appropriate Public Education to your child. This could be done within programs offered at the resident school or it could be those provided by another organization/agency – such as Approved Private Schools or Private Schools. As you consider options available to you, some of the below may be helpful to think about/gain additional information so you can select the option that will have the most impact on your student.

Your Questions – Answered for Pathway’s 2022 ESY Program

How many weeks is programming offered?
A program that is too short or too long, could interfere with a successful summer. 91̽��Ƶ’s 6-week program has been successful in providing the time needed to keep academic, social/emotional, and behavioral skills fresh while still allowing some time off that kids want and deserve.
What are the start and end dates, and how do they align with a desire to balance good programming with some much deserved/needed time off to be ready for the start of a new school year?
Some ESY programs start almost immediately after the school year ends, which doesn’t allow kids time to decompress from the rigor they have been under for the last 10 months. 91̽��Ƶ ESY program starts after the 4th of July holiday, giving a 2-week break at the end of the school year, and allows another several weeks before the new school year begins, so kids can enjoy some summer with their family!
How many days a week is programming provided? If programming is not offered every day of the week, do you need to consider alternate options that align with potential parent work schedules?
91̽��Ƶ offers programming to students every weekday for the entire 6-week program.
What are the hours of the program – is it a full day or half-day program. If half-days, do you need to consider alternate options that align with potential parent work schedules?
Although part-time programs can allow students some additional summer fun time, in some cases, this is at the expense of some quality support in social/emotional and behavioral skill maintenance – which is also vital for students to be able to access their education. 91̽��Ƶ offers a full-day (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) program to support students in multiple skill-building areas on a consistent basis.
How will Extended School Year Goals be addressed and met?
It is important that the IEP team determine which goals will continue to be addressed during ESY. Parents will want to provide input on what they would like to see occur and work collaboratively with the team to be sure a responsible, balanced decision is reached.
Will the program provide academic as well as social/emotional and behavioral skill-building that is needed, or is it focused on academic skills?
A program solely focused on reading and math could leave some holes in what is needed. 91̽��Ƶ provides social/emotional instruction in both structured format and through in-the-moment learning to support acquisition of skills.
How will the program provide the opportunity for your child to generalize the skills being taught?
Structured lessons are invaluable to help teach a skill, but just as important is the opportunity to see how students apply this to their life. By allowing students opportunities to practice academic, social/emotional, and behavioral skills during high-interest activities, 91̽��Ƶ team is able to see when skills are being applied and when further instruction may be necessary.
What is the skill level of the professionals providing the services? Do they have special education training/background? Do they understand the diagnosis and have the skills to capitalize on the strengths and support the needs of your child?
Many Extended School Year programs have professionals with a high skill set in these areas. If you are considering a summer camp option instead of an ESY program, I encourage you to find out more about the staff who will be directly supporting your child to be sure they understand the nuances of special education and will be able to provide the support and compassion your child needs. 91̽��Ƶ’s ESY staff do have the requisite skills to support your child’s strengths and needs.
How will fun be incorporated into the day? After all, it is summer and summer means fun!
Fun is vital to help students recover from a rigor of a strenuous school year and be emotionally ready to walk into a new school year in the fall. 91̽��Ƶ has found a way to balance the skill maintenance activities with engaging and exciting opportunities for kids to be involved in areas of interest including outdoor activities such as hiking, cooking, creative arts, including sewing and drama; these and many more opportunities add to the daily fun.
What is the cost of the program?
You want your child to have the best – of course, you do, but the reality is that financial responsibility does play a role in decision-making in most cases. For students who are eligible for Extended School Year, the school that is educationally responsible will pay costs for an approved Extended School Year programming.
Is there transportation provided?
The best program can only be available if you can get there – so distance and transportation information is also a factor to consider. Like cost, for students who are eligible for Extended School Year, the educationally responsible school is also responsible to provide transportation to and from the approved Extended School Year location.

Selecting a summer option for your child can be both exciting and exhausting. If you are not sure how to get started or would like more information about how Pathway can support your child, we would be excited to speak with you.

Contact one of our dedicated Admissions professionals at 610-277-0660 and select option 5 to reach the Admissions Department OR email us at enrollment@pathwayschool.org.

Visit our website for more information about ESY, our school year services, and much more:
/academics-services/extended-school-year/

The post Your Questions – Answered for Pathway’s 2022 Extended School Year Program appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

4 Ways to Prevent Caregiver Burnout

91̽��Ƶ — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 20:01:35 +0000

Written by: Rea Dunlavy, Family Community Liasion, 91̽��Ƶ

Being a caregiver can be tough at times. You may identify within yourself that you’re feeling tired and burnout from caring for your loved one. Below we have listed 4 ways to help assist you in preventing caregiver burnout.

1) Resist the urge to withdraw

Over time, many caregivers begin to withdraw from their loved ones when the mental and physical demands of family caregiving become more and more extreme. However, it’s critical to remember that friends and family are potential supports when it comes to coping with the emotional tolls of caregiver burnout. Being social is vital even during high-stress times and there is no shame in leaning on those close to you.

Though being around friends and family is a must, sometimes only other caregivers can truly understand and help you deal with the symptoms of caregiver burnout. If no one in your existing social circle has experience with caregiving, consider connecting with a caregiver support group.

2) Be realistic and fair with yourself

The setting of realistic goals is crucial in order to prevent burnout. Your own happiness is a function of expectation, so know what to expect.

Being a parent/special needs parent is a full-time job, and just like anybody else who works long hours, sometimes you need a vacation to regain your energy after burnout. Look into local respite care services and find a replacement for yourself. Go to a fall sporting event, take a day trip to the countryside, and find some time to reset so you can come back rested and be the best you can be.

3) Pay attention to your mental health

You should immediately seek help from a mental health professional as depression is a common indicator of burnout.It’s nearly impossible to avoid stress and anxiety about your children. There are certain types of yoga classes that focus on calming mental practices, and meditation has been found to be extremely helpful as well. Improved quality of sleep, faster recovery from stress, and stronger immunity are just a few of the many benefits of caregiving meditation. If you’ve never tried to meditate before, download one of the many popular mediation apps like Headspace and Mindfulness. They are easy to use and can be a great way to prepare yourself for a demanding day or wind down from a stressful one.

One of the emotional tolls associated with burnout is sudden shifts in emotion. In order to prevent burnout, be aware of the possibility of displaced anger or emotion. Are you angry about the fact your spouse left dishes out, or are you taking out your completely understandable frustrations of your caregiving day on your partner’s small mistake? Acknowledging your feelings will help keep your other relationships and interactions as healthy as possible.

4) Make a point to reflect and self-assess

Being a parent is hard work, both emotionally and physically. Because of this, it’s important to know your limits and take the necessary steps to manage the stress and anxiety that come with the job.

The post 4 Ways to Prevent Caregiver Burnout appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

2021: Back to [In Person] School Tips for Parents

91̽��Ƶ — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 14:06:13 +0000

Article by: Dr. Kara Fawley, Director of Clinical and Behavioral Services, 91̽��Ƶ

The transition back to school can be challenging in the best of years, but our students have been grappling with 18 months of uncertainty, isolation, and constant changes. Here are some tips for a successful transition, even if it has been a while since they’ve been in a physical classroom.

Talk 91̽��Ƶ It: Start asking about school, what your child is looking forward to, and what they might be nervous about. Think out loud about what they can expect, or what they know about their new teacher and classes. Tell stories about your own time in school that can be encouraging or relatable. This can start to get kids into the mindset of being in school and can be an opening for discussing their anxieties or frustrations about the new year. A great time to start this process is when shopping for or gathering school supplies.
Create Routines: While we might expect grumbles or tantrums at the onset of any school year, this year we might be confronted with outbursts, stomachaches, or separation anxiety. Predictable routines help children feel safe because they know what to expect. Implement a sleep schedule and set limits around technology for waking early. Come up with a fun way to say goodbye, so it can become part of the transition. Anxious kids might appreciate a picture of mom and dad or the family pet to bring with them or another little reminder of home, such as a small toy or fidget. This can serve as a little reminder you are still with them even when you are apart.
Empathize: When your child is stressed, it can be tempting to try to fix the problem and alleviate their discomfort. First, acknowledge the feeling, which shows that you are listening and understand. It can also give them the language to describe their emotional state. Saying “I get it, change can be uncomfortable,” or “I’m nervous too, but we’re doing everything we can to stay safe,” can be more effective than saying, “You’re okay,” or “It’ll be fine.”
Model Self-regulation: Children look to the trusted adults in their lives for cues about upcoming events. If you are feeling anxious about the school year, your children will know and react. Make sure to take care of yourself and your needs, lean on your supports to manage stress, and be kind to yourself if you find yourself or your child struggling in these early days.

Remember, it may take a while for you and your child to adjust to the new year, especially when a year has been as tough as this one. The transition back to school may take time and patience, but after time adults and children alike will be able to enjoy a renewed sense of freedom and progress.

The post 2021: Back to [In Person] School Tips for Parents appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

An Interview with Pathway’s Director of Admissions on ESY 2021

91̽��Ƶ — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:28:38 +0000

Pathway’s Director of Admissions, Diana Phifer, answers your questions on this summer’s Extended School Year program.

When is Pathway’s 2021 ESY Program and how long does it go for?
Tuesday, July 6th through Friday, August 13th. Monday through Friday (except the first week which starts on Tuesday) starting at 9:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm.

Who is eligible to participate in our ESY program?
Anyone student eligible for Extended School Year per the IEP team’s decision is encouraged to consider our program. Students who are not eligible for ESY can discuss eligibility with their school team and ask to be reconsidered, or they can enroll with us via private placement. Students who do not attend our school year program are welcome to participate in ESY with 91̽��Ƶ.

What does a typical day look like in our ESY program?
Math and English skills are reinforced through classes held daily, and then students have the opportunity to select from a list of available clubs. social skills, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and other invaluable skills are taught and practiced through both the academic and clubs students participate in. Our older students may have some job training opportunities. Of course, fun is infused in everything we do.

What types of activities are students involved in for ESY?
Clubs being offered this summer include robotics/coding, fashion design/wearable technology, master chef, drama, sports/fitness, e-games, fine arts, horticulture, and #adulting. In addition, virtual field trips will allow students to explore faraway exotic locations, and our 12-acre campus will provide lots of opportunities for students to run around, get some fresh air, and get some exercise.

Who should someone contact to speak about ESY?
Additional information can be obtained through contacting the Admissions staff via email at enrollment@pathwayschool.org or calling us at 610-277-0660 and selecting option 5 to be directed to Admissions.

Looking for more information on Pathway’s ESY program? Check out our Facebook Live session: or visit: /academics-services/extended-school-year/

The post An Interview with Pathway’s Director of Admissions on ESY 2021 appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

91̽��Ƶ Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan

91̽��Ƶ — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:04:03 +0000

As required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, each school entity must create a Health and Safety Plan which will serve as a guideline for all instructional and non-instructional school reopening activities. This plan has been developed to address the unique reopening needs of 91̽��Ƶ in conjunction with the recommendations set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Montgomery County Office of Public Health.

The goal of this plan is to guide a safe reopening of the Pathway campus. This plan reflects our current knowledge and will be updated, regularly, throughout the coming months as new information is made available or as the situation dictates.

Download Pathway’s Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan here

The post 91̽��Ƶ Phased School Reopening Health and Safety Plan appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

Your Questions Answered for our Virtual ESY Summer Program

91̽��Ƶ — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 18:37:49 +0000

As we move into summer, here are answers to our most frequently asked questions about our virtual ESY program!

Can I still enroll my child in the summer ESY program?
We welcome the opportunity to have your child join us for our ESY program. Enrollment in our summer program will be based on space availability in our classrooms but we have a lot of flexibility in order to accommodate new enrollments.
What is the process to enroll in virtual ESY?
Enrolling in our virtual ESY program is the same process as enrolling in our school. Click here to see our enrollment process.
How/when will on-campus tours be available?
We are eager to welcome you and your child to Pathway’s campus during the summer to see what the school looks like and what education spaces your child will have. Although we will not have staff/students on campus, the admissions team will work with you to schedule a tour that will allow you to view our campus and buildings.
Will my student keep their district-issued Chromebook? If not, how can I get one from Pathway?
If your child is used to using the technology provided by the school and they are willing to let you continue the use of that device, we are happy to support this. For families who do not have the technology, the Pathway School will make arrangements to provide the tools needed to participate in online learning. We also offer print materials to families who request this format due to difficulties with technology; however, we encourage all of our students to use technology to join the google and/or zoom classrooms in which the staff are leading instruction and activities.
Why is Pathway going virtual?
Like almost all other schools in Pennsylvania, safety for our students, their families, and our staff are of utmost importance to us. With ever-changing information and safety steps that will need to be in place, 91̽��Ƶ feels that continuing an online delivery model will allow all to be safe and provide us the time needed to plan for safety measures necessary to return to school in the fall.
What is the difference between virtual and our regular summer program?
The largest difference between a virtual and in-person summer program will be the club options available and the field trips/community integration (including job training) that is offered. Our summer program will continue to allow students to select clubs they want to participate in, but due to materials needed and in-person supports, some clubs will not be able to be offered. We have planned for some exciting club opportunities remotely and will also participate in virtual field trips that will take us to unique places we would not otherwise be able to explore. More information available below on these opportunities.
What will the schedule look like?
Students will have 40 minutes of each of the following: math, reading/English Language Arts, social skills, and 2 club options with short breaks between. There will be time built into the day for lunch and recess/break period. Related services will be delivered as appropriate per the IEP and support opportunities with our clinical/behavior team will also continue to be available. Fridays are set aside for catch-up (if a student needed to miss instruction during the week) and/or to receive additional individual support.
What types of clubs will virtual ESY have?
Our virtual ESY program will have a Video & News Production Club, Fine Arts Club, Summer Cooking Club, Drama Club, and a Sports & Fitness Club.
How will my child participate in virtual ESY?
Your student’s teacher will provide information on their Google classrooms, Zoom, and additional materials for virtual ESY.
Will there be integrated services available throughout virtual ESY?
Clinical/behavioral services will continue to be available to students and their families as provided in our regular school year. Related services will continue to be delivered by the appropriate professionals based on the student’s IEP.

Contact us today for more information on our virtual ESY program! enrollment@pathwayschool.org or 610-277-0660 ext. 289

The post Your Questions Answered for our Virtual ESY Summer Program appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

2020 Extended School Year Program Update 6/5/2020

91̽��Ƶ — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:47:57 +0000

After careful consideration, we have determined there is not sufficient time to adequately plan for and implement a safe re-opening of our campus for our summer, 2020 ESY program. Our ESY programming will remain as originally planned, a six-week, online program.

The health, safety, and welfare of our students, their families, and our staff must remain our first priority. The complexities of re-opening our 12-acre campus are significant. Pathway School leadership, working with our educational and clinical staff, will focus on creating a comprehensive re-opening plan for this coming September.

While not ideal, we believe we will have a meaningful and fun online ESY program for our students. We will continue to support our students and their families via technology, telephone, and via the US Postal Service as appropriate.

We realize this decision will be a disappointment for some Pathway families, and a relief to others. We remain committed to being of assistance to you during this national emergency. Please feel free to reach out to us with questions or concerns.

David Schultheis
President & CEO

The post 2020 Extended School Year Program Update 6/5/2020 appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

6/3/20 – Important Message from Pathway’s President & CEO

91̽��Ƶ — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 20:27:47 +0000

June 3, 2020

Dear Pathway Community:

Our nation and our local communities are hurting. Over the past several months we all have experienced the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Now we are grappling with the shock and horror of the recent killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, and the resulting protests and riots. These events, however distant, do have an impact on our school community, and on your students and your families.

91̽��Ƶ was founded on the belief that students with learning differences need a safe, supportive place to learn and grow based upon their individual needs. Our students are often discriminated against by the traditional educational system, and Pathway offers a supportive environment to those who choose to attend school here. Today, Pathway is a multicultural school for children who come to our campus from a diverse variety of communities from the Philadelphia region, but we are not immune to discrimination and racism that still exists in our country.

Beginning this week, Pathway is looking inward at our curriculum and internal processes to determine whether biases exist (explicit or implicit) and we will seek advice on how best to address them. Our goal is to make the Pathway experience one that promotes equality and social justice for our students and our staff. We acknowledge the need to be our best selves, so our students can become their best selves.

In the coming school year, we will promote community service among our students and staff. It is my hope that we include a service project as a requirement for graduation. Pathway cannot just be a recipient of community service; we can also be a source of service to our communities and impart to our students the importance of giving back to the community.

I know these are troubling times. Pathway is here to be of assistance to you. We are available to talk, to offer support, and to help address issues you may be currently experiencing.

In the days ahead, the clinical team will be sending out resources which will provide guidance on how to discuss the current events with your students. If Pathway families require additional support, I strongly suggest you access the Clinical helpline at 610-277-0660 x 444.

We are here for you.

If you have questions for me, I can be reached at 610-277-0660 x 214.

Stay well. Stay safe.

David Schultheis
President and CEO

The post 6/3/20 – Important Message from Pathway’s President & CEO appeared first on 91̽��Ƶ.

Admissions Archives - 91̽����Ƶ