Dedicated to the whole child and helping them succeed since 1974
April 2022 Special Edition
Awareness and acceptance

With tears in her eyes a mother once told me, “Because of being accepted by his peers at Newton, for the first time ever, my 12 year old son just received a birthday party invitation.” THIS was the moment I knew in my heart that we are not only educating but changing the lives of our students! I have heard many similar heartwarming stories from our parents through the years, which remind me that while April is known as autism awareness month, it’s acceptance that is needed to make a lasting impact and give our students hope for a brighter future. See below how each campus fosters acceptance of their peers.

Tara Bevington
Executive Director
Northern California
Pine Hill School Panthers

As we've observed, children with autism are less likely to participate in sports activities than their neurotypical peers but rather choose to play videogames instead.  Realizing this Pine Hill's P.E. Instructor, Jesus Carbajal and School Counselor, Haley Meyn came up with the idea of a dodgeball league. Team sports are very beneficial to enhancing communication, problem solving, critical thinking and other skills that improve with social interaction, as well as physical health.

A school vote on games was held and our Pine Hill students voted for dodgeball so a league was created to encourage more participation in team sports, create excitement, and bring students together as teammates. Jesus noticed positive differences in Pine Hill students, and so did the staff! There was motivation to show better efforts in class throughout the day prior to PE, as it was required to earn their points during the day to participate in the tournament. There was also a lot of talk between the students communicating about which team is doing well, which team to look out for that day, and even come up with strategies to be successful during game time.

Jesus emphasizes building a fun learning experience for all of our students.
Northern Nevada
Newton Northern Nevada

Halloween can be a nightmare for families with children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, but for our Green group, it was a year of being included with like peers.
 
According to our School Director RJ Larrieu, this group of students had never been invited to go trick-o-treating with other kids, especially any neurotypical kids. Most of our students either go alone with their parents or they just stay home playing video games.
 
With the encouragement of the Green Group teacher, the students and parents planned a night together to go trick-o-treating as a large group. The entire group class met up at the home of Sam McMahon and together, with all the parents, they hit the neighborhood had a great time.
 
Halloween is the one day a year where being different is not only accepted, but it’s celebrated! It’s a day when it’s okay for our students to stand out in the crowd. They can dress and wear whatever they want and nobody looks down on them for doing so.

We are so proud of our Green group and we hope they make this an annual event moving forward!
Northern Nevada Upcoming Events
World Autism Day Celebration 2022

Newton Invitational 2022

This year’s Newton Invitational Tournament is proud to offer the inaugural MILLION DOLLAR Hole In One Challenge. In addition, registered golfers could win an Oahu Hawaiian Vacation, Callaway® X Series Irons, and a 1 year supply of Omaha Steaks. 

This is our largest and most important fundraiser of the year. The school receives hundreds of calls from families each year who are desperate to find support for their children struggling in their current school setting. Sponsoring, participating, or donating will directly benefit our students with Autism and their families.

For sponsorship opportunities please contact RJ Larrieu at (775) 358-0808 or rebeccaj@secondstart.org.

Register to play and obtain additional information on the $1 Million Dollar shot at NewtonInvitational.com. We look forward to seeing everyone out there!
Thank you for your support!
Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs DBA: Newton Learning Center Northern Nevada and Pine Hill School is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made to organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be tax deductible.
Locations
San Jose, CA & Main Office
1325 Bouret Drive
San Jose, CA 95118
Tel: (408) 979-8210
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Northern Nevada
4895 Village Green Parkway
Reno, NV 89519
Tel: (775) 358-0808