The Pathfinder
40th Anniversary Year
Reflecting, Re-connecting & Renewing
April 2022
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At Pathways, we are concerned about the whole student: mind, body and spirit. For the past year, under the guidance of therapist Barbara Stortz, weekly wellness classes have been held. At first, during COVID virtual instruction, it was a way for quarantining students to socialize and move. This year, students and staff at Anne Arundel have continued the weekly class in person and it has been opened up virtually to all who want to participate from other programs. Activities include dance (a student favorite), health related games, guided walks. and guided imagery. Barbara said, "It changes the atmosphere. The mood shifts and there is more energy." She would like to expand the program to include as many Pathways students and staff as possible, perhaps even having sites take turns in leading activities.
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Spotlight on Pathways Alum, Cliff
from Tania DuBeau, Executive Director
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Even many years after graduation from The Pathways Schools, our alum seek comfort and support by reaching out to us during difficult times. Cliff graduated in 1994. His heart was broken when his wife passed away in the fall of 2021. A good deal of the time was spent talking about how his experience at Pathways still plays a part in his life today. What follows are remarks Cliff shared during our conversation:
Pathways altogether gave me guidance. When I came there, I only knew evil and thought, “why school?” Coming from the projects, I didn’t see people going to school. They were getting locked up. I thought I have got to get up out of here, go in the right direction, and take the guidance. . .
At my admissions interview, the former Principal (and current Board member) Dr. Philippe Dupont said I had an attitude and that Pathways doesn’t need anybody in the school with that attitude. I walked out. My foster parents explained this was my last chance. Dr. Dupont was willing to give me a second chance. I never thought that could happen. I took that second chance, I learned I had to do it to live, and I successfully completed school at Pathways. . .
While I was in school, I got a lawn mower and started to make money the right way. Now, I’ve been the manager of a pizza place for many years. At Pathways I learned it was important to have a sense of humor to help make others feel comfortable, and I use that with my employees and customers. . . My foster family and Pathways helped me deal with everything. . . In the school community groups, I learned how to communicate. To deal with the loss of my wife, I held a family community group. . . I was blessed to have seven of my own foster kids come to my wife’s funeral. . .
I carried a lot from Pathways to be successful. I was always watching the staff and learning from them. They made me feel good. You changed me.
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Students with Children Thrive at Pathways |
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The national graduation rate is 85.3%; in Maryland it is 87%. Unfortunately, some subgroups of students do not do as well. Only 67.1% of students with disabilities graduate, and teen moms graduate at only a 40% rate.
Given support and flexibility at Pathways, our teen parents beat those odds every day. This past January, a young father of two children attending our Anne Arundel program graduated. A young Howard County mom, pictured here, celebrated her graduation day in June 2021 from our Anne Arundel program with her daughter. A student at Edgewood recently gave birth, stayed engaged with her schooling virtually, and recently returned in person. The team at our Catonsville school is working with Howard County to help a student balance school with the needs for childcare for her baby and housing. Throughout the years, Pathways has supported the unique needs of the students with children from all of the jurisdictions we serve. Our strategy is simple - partner with these students individually to figure out what it takes to get that diploma.
Being a teen parent is never easy, and it is challenging to stay focused on school and career preparation. These young people give their children much to be proud of as mommy or daddy graduates and strives to fulfill their dreams.
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Therapeutic Horseback Riding Returns!
One of the alternative therapies that our Art Show proceeds support is the newly revived therapeutic horseback riding program. Eight students from our Anne Arundel and Catonsville programs are participating in weekly classes at the beautiful Maryland Therapeutic Riding center (MTR) in Crownsville, Maryland. Student response has been tremendous. Josh said, "At first, I was a little worried about falling off, but I just treat it like a car and steer it where I want to go. I think I am a natural and my horse likes me." Jackson said, "I love it! I would do it again in a heartbeat. At first, I was nervous because the horses are so big, but they take it very slow and allow you to learn how to ride. I really felt like I bonded with the horse." Danielle said, "It is a little scary riding the horse, because I am up so high it feels like I might fall, but I do not feel that way anymore." She shared that she has learned that she likes horses and feels brave because she can do scary things. She feels proud that she is able to control the horse herself and that she has graduated to riding in an open field.
Students and staff also give high praise to the staff at MTR. Danielle said, "There is always someone available to assist when you are riding the horses." They also feel that the staff at the stable have been very kind and supportive. Building confidence and connection is what therapeutic riding is all about, and we are thrilled to give our students this opportunity.
YOU CAN HELP!
Virtual Art Show:
May 18, 2022
For information about becoming an Art Show sponsor, advertiser or donor
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Become a Pathways Partner! |
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~Sign up for Amazon Smile. ThIs is an easy way to donate to Pathways when you shop on Amazon. To get started with AmazonSmile, visit smile.amazon.com on your web browser and sign in with your Amazon.com credentials. Search for and choose The Pathways Schools to receive donations. Start shopping! Pathways will automatically get a percentage of your purchase and it does not cost you anything! Remember, you must be signed into your Smile account to donate.
~Donate! Your generous donations can support our arts, sports, therapeutic horseback, and transition programs bringing opportunities to our students. Through grants, this year we have four resident artists to our programs, and your donations will help us support the matching grant costs. Visit our web site from the link below and click on the Donate tab.
~Sign up to receive this monthly newsletter (Link below)
~Follow The Pathways Schools on Facebook.
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