Spectrum Charter School Newsletter
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“Educating Students for Success
in a Changing World”
I
pledge to be a self-advocate who believes in my potential; to care for myself, my family, my community, and our environment.
I will show the quality of my character by being trustworthy, respectful, and valuing the uniqueness of myself and others.
I will remember that where I fail, I learn.
I will be mindful and take each moment
as an opportunity to grow.
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A Message From Michelle Johnson
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The morning of Saturday May 5
th
dawned with a clear blue sky and a promise of warm 70 degrees – a picture perfect day for the Spectrum Charter School 4
th
annual
Touch-A- Truck & BEE Well Expo.
This year’s event was our best yet. There were 650 estimated in attendance that came to explore and have fun and learn. It was a great opportunity for our school, staff, students and families to meet and interact with the community and share our message and goals about how Spectrum Charter School has been
Celebrating Education & Community Service since 1999
.
This year we would like to thank our event day
Presenting Sponsors
: Autism Society of Pittsburgh, Flagger Force, TribLive, Green Mountain Energy, The Healing Center, Premier Medical Associates, Republic Services, and our S
upporting Sponsors
: Barto Chiropractic, Crunch Fitness, Medical Marijuana Specialists, Sheetz and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.
A special thank you to all of our Board Members who participated in volunteering at the event and contributing 2 bikes and helmets for raffle plus a host of exciting raffle baskets.
We are looking forward to next year’s event and hope that you will join us once again –
for the
5
th
Annual Touch-A- Truck and BEE Well Expo on October 5, 2020.
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Dear Families,
As some of you may have already heard, I will be leaving my position as principal at the end of this school year. It was with great reflection that I have made the decision to become a stay at home mom for my children.
Thank you for the opportunity and honor to work with you towards your child’s success. Know that you and your child will always remain dear to me. I am confident the Spectrum Board of Trustees will find the most qualified and compassionate school leader to join your Spectrum family!
Best wishes,
Jenni Schurr
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Spectrum welcomes
a new member to their staff
Ms. Amanda officially joined the Spectrum family on March 18
th
as the Administrative Assistant – a position previously held by Ms. Rachel. Ms. Rachel has taken new and additional responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer Assistant – Congratulations Ms. Rachel!
Here are some fun facts that Ms. Amanda would like to share with you:
She is originally from Pittsburgh but lived in Cleveland for 12 years
Her first job after graduating from college was with the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame
She lives in Monroeville with her husband and sons Max and Ollie and their dog Bugsy
Before joining Spectrum she worked at the library at the Children’s Institute
Her hobbies are gardening, reading, hiking and playing with her kids.
Most importantly she wants to share with us that Spectrum Charter School is exceptional! “The students, staff and families have all been so welcoming.” Next time you call the school – make sure to say hello to Amanda and to welcome her!
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Students Participate in Mock
Interviews
Our students made a strong showing at the Transition Coordinator Council of Allegheny County Mock Interview Event on May 7. Eddie, Mya, Jerome, John and Ryan participated and came dressed for success!
Each of these students did an excellent job speaking with local business leaders, all the while honing their skills for “real” job interviews.
Congratulations to Eddie and Mya, who were recognized. Mya was awarded Best Professional Attire. Eddie received awards for Best Professional Attire, Best Professionalism and Best Overall.
Well done students!
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Students got to enjoy their first Fun Day event this spring.
The original plan was to spend the day at the Monroeville Community Park, however Mother Nature had other plans in mind for us. Despite some bad weather in the morning, the students were able to enjoy an escape room, kickball, and playing board games. There were minute-to-win-it games in each individual classroom and once the sun came out, the students (and some parents) got to enjoy playing different relay games.
The students enjoyed working together (as they always do) for a three-legged race, a beach ball relay, and an apple/spoon relay race.
A good time was had by all! A special thank you to Ms. Jhanaya and the entire paraprofessional team for helping to organize such an incredible event.
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Summer Survey by Classroom 1
What are your plans for summer? Spectrum staff and students are excited for the summer! They plan to sleep, go to amusement parks, soak up sun at the pool, and go fishing. Some staff and students are planning vacations in Virginia Beach, Nashville, TN, and Orlando, FL.
When asked what movies are coming out this summer,
Lion King
,
It: Chapter 2
, and
Spiderman: Far From Home
are the most anticipated! Other staff selections were
A Dog’s Journey
and
Rocketman
. And, when asked about summer jobs, none of the students interviewed had a summer job lined up. One student planned to get a summer job. Several of the students will attend summer camp and one teacher will be a summer camp supervisor!
Altogether, we can conclude that this summer will be full of relaxation, fun in the sun, and good movies!
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Senior Spotlight
Our Graduating Senior Class of 2019 is - Miss Bethany.
Bethany came to Spectrum Charter School during the 2012-2013 school year.
During her time at Spectrum, she excelled in the classroom, volunteered at CBVT sites, and made many friends. From her many volunteer hours, she has gained an exceptional work experience which has given her valuable skills that she has transferred into the working world at Goodwill and Gabe’s.
After graduating, Bethany will be joining the workforce at Gabe’s part-time where she will work in the clothing department as an organizer.
“We are very proud of all of Bethany’s accomplishments and are sad to say ”good-bye”. She has been in my classroom for half of my teaching career. Who will run errands or keep me in line?,” added Ms. Lori.
Best of Luck Bethany! We hope you come back to visit!
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Prom Night
This year we offered all of our students the experience of a high school prom. This was a first for Spectrum Charter School. We had close to 100% attendance.
On prom day, student stylists from Bella Capelli Academy visited the school and treated many of the students to complimentary hair and make-up stylings.
The prom was catered by Olive Garden and the students were waited on by Spectrum teachers and staff. Photos were taken by a professional photographer and offered to the students as part of their prom night package.
Students and staff were asked to elect two students, a junior or senior, who represent our Spectrum Core Values. These two students were announced as our Spectrum "Stars" – Congratulations to Mya & John on receiving this special honor.
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Parent Task Force Message
Wow, what a great school year for the PTF! I want to thank everyone who helped with events throughout the school year such as the The Turkey Trot, Holiday Shop, Our First Prom, Touch A Truck, Bike Raffles, and a Fantastic Teacher Appreciation Week. Our monthly meetings were well attended with so many fantastic responses from our e-mail group. None of this could have been done without you.
I am looking forward to another year with such supportive parents. Have a Happy and Safe Summer!
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Shop Amazon Smile
and Amazon will make a
donation to
Spectrum Charter School
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Every Gift, Large or Small,
Makes a Difference
Thank You!
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Family Resources
Kennywood has made a commitment to ensure all visitors, even those with sensory needs or those on the autism spectrum can now have an amazing experience. Kennywood recently earned the Certified Autism Center designation.
“When we looked at ways to improve guest service over the off-season, becoming a Certified Autism Center was at the top of our to-do list,” says park General Manager Jerome Gibas. “Our mission at Kennywood is to provide the finest in family fun and entertainment, and ensuring we’re on the front lines in understanding and serving our guests who are on the autism spectrum is critical to achieving that mission.”
Currently, ride admission passes are available onsite for guests with disabilities, which will make rides more accessible. Sensory bags are also available for guests, which include ear plugs, a fidget toy, squishy ball, and coloring books and crayons. While an officially designated quiet space is not yet available within the park, Kennywood is identifying lower-traffic areas for families to visit when in need of a break from the normal activity of the amusement park.
Families can visit
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