NBC 12News in Arizona spoke with Lenora King, director of the Sierra Academy of Scottsdale about our staffs passion for our students, our individualized approach to education, and what's new and exciting at Sierra Academy!. “We put our kids at the forefront of everything we do." –Lenora King, director of the Sierra Academy of Scottsdale Watch the video
In EdWeek Market Brief, CEO of Catapult Learning Jeff Cohen as well as Hank Fien, the director of the University of Oregon's Center on Teaching and Learning recently discussed the newly formed Institute for Scaling Evidence-Based Education. Initially, the partnership will focus on ramping up the reach of the center’s Enhanced Core Reading Instruction program. The reading program focuses on using explicit and systematic instruction, teacher modeling, practice, and review. Catapult Learning will provide professional development for the reading program, support with implementation, and other work, such as marketing it to schools. But over time, both Fien and Catapult Learning [...]
The Arizona Republic visited Aurora Day School to highlight the great work our students and Gabriel's Angels are doing. Gabriel's Angels is a nonprofit which provides animal-assisted activities which involve dogs and other animals in recreational and educational programs. Over the course of 18 weeks, students spend 15-20 minutes a week reading with the dogs which leads to increasing their confidence in a safe space where our students thrive. “Zane used to struggle with reading, but when he started working with Michelle and Caymus, all of a sudden, he really blossomed." –Robin Puckett, an Aurora school therapist Read the story [...]
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield Technical Community College provided career training to students from High Road School of Hartford. STCC's Workforce Development Center made it possible for students from the High Road School to get a sample of EMT training on Tuesday. Students also attended a modern advanced manufacturing machine shop to learn all about fidget spinners. “We do promote them to try for community college because I'm the first student to go to school in my family. It's kind of scary when you don't have a role model to show you the ropes. I want to be that for my students.” [...]
WFSB Eyewitness 3 visited the B.E.S.T. Academy in Wallingford, CT to learn more about Milo, a robot designed to assist students with autism. Milo is being utilized at B.E.S.T. Academy to help students with greetings, staying calm, and how to speak to other people.“The students engaged are making rapid progress, they're remember their skills from the lesson before. They're able to use them.” –Kyli Jones, social worker at B.E.S.T. AcademyThe story and video were published by WFSB Eyewitness 3 Read full article and watch the video
High Road School of Norwalk hosted their annual Thanksgiving Feast on November 20th. Staff, students, teachers, and parents enjoyed a great feast provided by the school. “The best part about doing this with special needs kids is it shows the kids that family, friends and the community are all a part of the village that helps them.” – Aimee Russo, transition coordinator, High Road School of Norwalk The story was published by The Hour. Read full article
Tim Martin and Jordan Pugh, directors at High Road Academy in Laurel, Maryland spoke with the Prince George Sentinel about their school, how the first began their careers in special education, and their passion for serving students who haven't found success in the typical classroom. “ For our students who have significant academic deficits, it is imperative that they can find and receive a free public education that meets their needs and has individualized instruction that can be provided in a small group setting with low student to teacher ratios.” The story was published by The Sentinel in Maryland. Read full article [...]
Catapult Learning's High Road School of Wright City hosted a free Halloween-themed Movie Night featuring a sensory-friendly showing of “Hotel Transylvania" attended by 25 people, including students and family members. “During sensory-friendly movies, the lights are left on a little higher. This keeps the contrast of the bright colors on the screen from being so harsh. The movie volume is turned down a bit as well.” The story was published by 70 West Sentinel in Missouri. Read full article
In recognition of October being Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, co-directors of High Road Academy, Laurel contributed to the Prince George's Post article "A Little Awareness - and Support - Goes a Long Way." Tim Martin and Jordan Pugh share, "As co-directors of the High Road Academy in Laurel, a school that serves about 70 students in grades 5 through 12 with exceptionalities including but not limited to autism and ADHD, we believe—and have seen—that every child has the ability to reach his or her full potential." Click here to read the article Credits: Published in The Prince George's Post for their October 25-31st edition. [...]
Aaron O'Neal, the Program Director High Road School of Wright City, shares advice for parents of K-12 students who are struggling with behavior management. In the article "Parents, help is here" posted by the Warren County Record O'Neal provides steps to address emotional and behavioral issues which could be caused by a learning difference or emotional disturbance. "In these situations, parents often take on blame and can feel too ashamed to ask for help. But as the program director of the High Road School of Wright City, a school for K-12 students with special needs, let me assure parents that resources are [...]
