August 2024

Message from Principal Simcik

Dear JPII Community,

We are eagerly looking forward to the first day of school and can't wait to welcome back our students! The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement, and we are committed to making it a memorable and impactful year for everyone.

This month kicks off our annual lunch program fundraiser dedicated to fighting food insecurity by providing all students with a healthy school lunch option. The need for this initiative continues to grow with nearly 65% of our students qualifying for free/reduced lunches. The program not only provides a nutritious meal, but studies show that a balanced lunch also supports their academic and social development.

Want to make a difference in the lives of our students and adults? If so, then consider joining our team! Open positions include a Speech-Language Pathologist, Paraprofessionals, Direct Service Professionals, and a Job Coach.

Our Extended School Year program finished last week, and thanks to the generous donations we received at our Legacy Gala we were able to double the number of students attending the program. The impact of this support was profound, allowing us to extend our educational and developmental services during the summer months to all students.

Our adult program continues to flourish with a variety of engaging activities and community outings, including trips to the movies and visits to the Maple Springs Pool and JPII’s Splash Pad. These outings provide essential social and recreational opportunities, enriching the lives of our participants and fostering a sense of community.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of the children and adults we serve.

Warm regards,

Kaylee Simcik

Principal, John Paul II Center for Special Learning

Let's Raise Some Dough for the JPII Lunch Program Fundraiser!

Nearly 65% of our students qualify for FREE or reduced lunches. ALL JPII students and adult participants enjoy FREE pizza every Friday!

Research shows that receiving free or reduced-price school lunches reduces food insecurity, obesity rates, and poor health. JPII's lunch program provides a healthy meal option for our students. Join us in supporting this important program.

You can provide a healthy lunch starting at just $12! Donate today: bit.ly/JPIIlunches

Click here to donate!

JPII Splash Pad makes a splash!

The JPII Splash Pad at Maple Springs Pool in Birdsboro began with a simple text in February asking if JPII would be interested in running the pool’s snack bar. Over the summer, JPII students and adults utilized the skills they learned in the classroom to run their own business in a safe, controlled environment. And the pool was a great place for an outing for our participants.

“The JPII Splash Pad taught me so much about starting and running a business alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Rene Berkhammer, JPII Transition Coordinator. “It was pure life skills in a real-world setting and every single student and adult rose to the occasion. They knocked it out of the park! They ran the register and the Square terminal using cash and cards. They practiced their social and listening skills when interacting with the pool patrons. All this while providing a variety of food options from hot dogs to Buffalo chicken dip and fresh-made smoothies.”

JPII Splash Pad staff members Cynthia, Melissa and Corey loved the experience as well.

“This is the best time ever!” shares Cynthia. “We worked the register, made food and even got to swim after work!

For Melissa, the highlight was getting a small Smoothie after her shift. Corey worked hard refilling and reorganizing the drink fridges and proudly shares that he even ran the register without any help.

“The JPII Splash Pad brought amazing value to our program during the summer months when school isn’t in session,” Mrs. Berkhammer says. “We are grateful to the Maple Springs Pool who approached us with this wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to be back next year with even more students and adults!”

Start thinking about your holiday shopping today!

🎄 Shop at Boscov’s and support JPII through Boscov's FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS EVENT! Your $5 donation provides you with a 25% off Shopping Pass* for purchases made Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. (In-store only). JPII keeps 100% of this donation.

🎁 Call Elena at 610-777-0605 to purchase your passes (cash or check only). You can pick them up at the JPII, or we can mail them to you. *Exclusions apply

Help our teachers fill their rooms!

Many of our teachers and staff have Amazon wish lists to help them make their rooms more educational and fun! Check our Facebook page and scroll back for the direct links. (You do not have to have an account to see our public posts!)

Visit our Facebook Page

Employment Opportunities

Are you looking to make an impact that will truly make a difference in someone’s life? We are seeking individuals who are passionate about helping all students and adults reach their God-given potential. Work with a team whose goals are to carry out our vision and mission of supporting students and adults to success and independence.

Click here for info.

JPII Uniforms:

School uniforms are now available through an online vendor: FlynnO'Hara. There are boys and girls in youth and adult sizes in banded and non-banded short and long-sleeve polos as well as khaki shorts, skorts, and pants. All items are ordered online and shipped directly to you (or you can visit their Allentown location). No orders or payments are taken at JPII.

You can visit the Allentown FlynnO'Hara retail location to measure your students, shop, or pick up an online order.

Visit our Website

Help Out YOUR Way

Donation Options:

Set up a one-time donation to help the students and adults at JPII.

Simple Donation

Help on a monthly basis by setting up a recurring donation.

Recurring Support

A gift to JPII’s endowment becomes a forever gift for future generations of students and adults.

Planned Giving Info

Matching Gifts

You may be able to double your gift to JPII through your employer’s corporate matching gift program. If your company offers this benefit, you may be able to maximize personal contributions and increase the impact of your gift.

There is an understanding that giving is both a reflection of the best parts of who we are and the key to the most important work we will accomplish as neighbors and communities.

John Paul II Center is able to care for and teach our incredible students and adults because of the support we receive from our community. In an effort to make giving as secure and convenient as possible, we now provide a number of ways to help fund JPII’s mission. Simply choose which form of giving suits you best. And if you need assistance, remember, we're just a phone call away.

For more information, contact Melissah Jablonski

Phone: 610-777-0605 - Email: mjablonski@johnpauliicenter.org

Contact Us

John Paul II Center for Special Learning

1092 Welsh Road,

Shillington, PA 19607

610-777-0605

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