Educating and empowering students with autism to achieve their greatest potential in all aspects of their lives. | | |
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate 60 years of educating and empowering students at The Timothy School, we’re kicking off a year of celebration and already looking ahead to the spring and the many exciting moments to come.
You may notice a new look across our materials and website. Our updated logo features a ribbon heart with our school colors of blue and green—simple, strong, and intentional—reflecting what has always been at the center of our work: belief in our students, a commitment to meeting each child where they are, and a community that leads with compassion and possibility.
While our look has evolved, the heart of The Timothy School—and the legacy represented by our longtime logo—remains deeply important to us. “Have A Heart for Autism” isn’t just a phrase—it’s who we are.
Inside this newsletter, you’ll find highlights from our 60th anniversary celebration, Hearts Across the School, the Sensory Room Project, and a Save the Date for our Heart for Autism Art Show—along with moments of student growth we’re proud to share.
With gratitude,
The Timothy School

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You are invited to the 2nd Annual Heart for Autism Art Show! Hosted by The Timothy School on our campus with partnership with Wayne Art Center, the event promises to be a wonderful celebration of art, heart and community.

Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 PM
60th Anniversary Reception (Invitation Only)

Friday, April 17, 2026| 2:30-4:00 PM
Friends & Family Preview (Current Students & Families)

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Open to the Public
Join us in celebrating their achievements and empowering their futures —because every masterpiece starts with a HEART.
| | Support Our Amazing Students | | |
Become an Art Show Sponsor:

Become a Heart for Autism Art Show Patron—a true Patron of Possibility—and help bring creativity, connection and opportunity to life.
Your support helps ensure our students have access to adaptive tools, enriching experiences and the resources they need to learn, express themselves and build independence.
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Join the Signature Sponsor Circle:
The Signature Sponsor Circle offers year-round visibility while making a meaningful difference for The Timothy School.
With one gift, you support all three of The Timothy School’s signature events:

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Heart for Autism Art Show: April 16–18, 2026
- Community Day : May 30, 2026
- Heart & Sole Family Fun Run: October 4, 2026
| | | Tell Us What Timothy Means to You | | | | |
As part of our 60th anniversary, we’re inviting our community to help us fill our halls—and our hearts—with messages, memories and reflections.
Share a favorite Timothy School memory, a short note, or words of encouragement, and we’ll turn it into a heart for our Hearts Across the School display throughout the building.
Need inspiration? Try one of these:
- “A moment I’ll never forget at Timothy is…”
- “The Timothy School means so much to our family because…”
- “I love The Timothy School because…”
- “What makes Timothy special is…”
Submit your message through the button below or email Sarah Greim at sgreim@thetimothyschool.org. Photos and short video clips are welcome too.
| | | Sensory Room Coming Soon! | | |
We’re excited to share that, in honor of our 60th anniversary, The Timothy School is creating a dedicated Sensory Room to provide students with autism a calming, structured environment where they can learn to regulate their bodies, process sensory input and return to learning ready to engage.
Used daily by our Occupational Therapy team, the Sensory Room will serve as an instructional and therapeutic space where students are explicitly taught self-regulation strategies that support communication, participation, independence and emotional well-being.
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Thanks to the generous support of the Brian C. Zwaan Foundation, Jeff and Eileen Brown and the Stephen Golasa Legacy Fund, construction has already begun!
Our in-house maintenance team have painted the space a calming gray, erected a wall to divide learning stations and the calming zone and installed carpeting to quiet the space.
More information—and ways to be part of this history—coming soon!
| | Employee Spotlight: Maintenance Team | | | | |
As mentioned above, our Maintenance Team of Supervisor Rick McGurl (pictured during our 5K), and John Trolley work tirelessly—during the day, evenings and weekends—to keep our retrofitted 1950s former township building running smoothly in support of student success.
From tackling ongoing repairs and improvements, setting up and breaking down events, to prepping spaces for volunteers, they are always on the move.
During these freezing winter days, they keep walkways and parking lots shoveled, salted and safe for our students, staff, faculty and visitors.
We are deeply grateful for all they do to support our school and community.
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The Timothy School is excited to host the Wayne Business Association Monthly Membership Meeting on February 19 from 5:30–7:30 PM.
Join us for an evening of networking and connection with local business and community members.
All are welcome, free to attend, and light refreshments will be served.
Kindly RSVP to rsvp@waynebusiness.com.
| | | | | Music Therapy with Mr. Jake | | |
Sometimes the most powerful learning happens through music.
In Music Therapy at The Timothy School, students come together through rhythm, movement and shared moments—using music as a form of communication while building connection and confidence in ways that feel natural and joyful.
Led by our on-campus music therapist, Mr. Jake, music therapy reaches every class several times each week and supports far more than music.

You can see it in the shared smiles, focus, trust and joy—this is what learning looks like when every student is met where they are.
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Middle School students in our on-campus internship program recently ran a Pop-Up Hot Dog Stand from start to finish. Using visual order cards, they prepared food, followed multi-step directions and delivered orders to customers.
The Timothy School continues to be a leader in creating hands-on opportunities where students practice communication, sequencing, customer interaction and independence.

These are the experiences that help prepare our students for life beyond the classroom.
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Students in our Secondary Program are building real-world skills through Home Economics—an essential part of learning at The Timothy School.
From cooking and meal prep to organization, hygiene and daily living routines, these experiences help students build independence, confidence and skills they’ll use every day.
Our Occupational Therapy team works alongside teachers to support functional skills and meet students where they are—turning everyday tasks into powerful learning moments.
| | Inside A Timothy Classroom | | |
Here’s a peek inside an Elementary Program classroom: students rotate through working 1:1 with their teacher Olivia, Sims, practice independent tasks and build self-care skills through Occupational Therapy. This intentional structure ensures that each student receives individualized support while developing independence and confidence.
This is just one snapshot in the day of our Timothy School students. thoughtfully structured, highly individualized and full of purpose.
| | Celebrating Student Success | | |
Our students work hard every day—and that effort is recognized and celebrated.
Using a First–Then communication card, one student recently completed his classroom work and earned one of his favorite rewards: five minutes visiting with Teacher’s Aide, Mark Hargrove.
These small moments show how clear expectations, positive reinforcement and strong relationships help students stay motivated, engaged and confident.
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Alumni Association News
Join us for Rollerblading at Marple Sports Arena
Saturday, February 22, 2026 | 1:00-3:00 PM
Skating: $10.00
Skate Rental: $3.00
| | Submit Your Art for The Alumni Gallery at the Art Show! | | |
Are you a member of The Timothy School Alumni Facebook page? Don’t miss out—connect on Facebook to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and to keep in touch with fellow alumni.
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