Empowering students with autism to achieve their greatest potential in all aspects of their lives. | | | | |
Paige Parker has been a dedicated member of The Timothy School for more than a decade, and her leadership as Coordinator of the Extended School Year (ESY) program reflects both her experience and deep commitment to student success.
“ESY is a specialized educational service designed to support students in maintaining essential academic, social, behavioral and communication skills during school breaks,” Paige explains. “Held annually over six weeks in July and August, the program operates Monday through Thursday. The Timothy School's primary goal is to ensure continuity of services and accommodations provided during the regular school year, helping to prevent significant skill regression and reducing the time needed for students to reacquire these skills when school resumes.”
While maintaining skills is the core focus, Paige emphasizes that ESY also brings summer fun to learning. “The program also offers students opportunities to enjoy summer-themed activities in a structured and supportive environment.”
For Lower School students, this includes outdoor water play, themed activity room centers, community-based instructional outings and music therapy sessions.
For Middle School and Transition-aged students, the focus shifts to on-campus internships that build vocational and work-readiness skills. “These include running the smoothie stand, cleaning the school van, preparing teaching materials, maintaining the vending machine, operating the coffee cart and managing the school store,” Paige notes. “We’re building skills that matter.”
These experiences are just part of what makes ESY so important. Keep reading to see just some of the awesome activities happening this summer at The Timothy School!
| | | Sibling & Special Friend Day | | |
One of the highlights of summer at The Timothy School is the annual Sibling & Special Friend Day. This year’s event added a festive twist as we celebrated Christmas in July, complete with crafts, a sing-along led by our amazing music therapist Mr. Jake, light refreshments and holiday cheer.
Paige explained, “This cherished event offers a meaningful opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate the sense of connection and community that defines The Timothy School."
Thank you to everyone who visited during Sibling and Special Friend Day -- you are an important part of The Timothy School Family.
| | | Thank You to the Brian C. Zwaan Legacy Fund | | |
We are deeply grateful to the Brian C. Zwaan Legacy Fund, through the Chester County Community Foundation, for awarding The Timothy School a $3,000 grant to support the development of our future Sensory Space.
This generous gift brings us one step closer to enhancing our Occupational Therapy program with a calming environment, where students can access specialized tools that support emotional regulation, sensory processing and self-calming strategies. These foundational skills reinforce independence and real-world readiness.
Brian Zwaan’s legacy of faith, family and service continues to uplift our community, and we are honored to be part of that lasting impact.
Thank you to the Brian C. Zwaan Legacy Fund and the Chester County Community Foundation for having a Heart for Autism, and for helping us build a space where every student can learn, grow and thrive.
| | Sweet Skills and Cool Treats | | |
At The Timothy School, even a summer ice cream break is a chance to build confidence, independence and connection.
Our Elementary Program students took a special trip to Handel’s Ice Cream, where they practiced ordering their own treats and enjoyed social time with classmates. From choosing a flavor to saying “thank you,” every moment was filled with real-world learning, and a few jimmies for good measure.
Back on campus, Middle and Secondary Program students hosted their own DIY ice cream bar in the Secondary Center. They set up the ice cream and toppings, took turns building their sundaes and practiced social skills.
These types of structured-yet-fun activities reinforce essential life skills like planning, communication and teamwork; while giving students the chance to enjoy the sweet rewards of accomplishment.
| | | Empowering Fellow Educators | | |
Through our Consultative and Training Services, The Timothy School has been equipping educators, therapists and families with practical, evidence-based strategies for more than 30 years.
Every summer, The Timothy School becomes a hub of hands-on learning, not just for our students, but for professionals from across the region who are eager to deepen their understanding of autism education.
This year’s program welcomed 50 professionals from over 15 school districts, approved private schools, intermediate units and charter schools to participate in two intensive, week-long sessions.
What makes this training unique? It goes far beyond lectures and handouts. Led by Director Wendy Moran and Assistant Director Aime Siravo, participants work side-by-side with our current faculty--and directly with students and alumni of all ages and abilities--in a live demonstration classroom. They observe Structured Teaching, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Functional Communication Systems in action, and leave with tools they can apply immediately in their own schools and programs.
At its core, this program is about more than professional development, it’s about multiplying impact. When we empower educators and therapists, we help students far beyond our own campus thrive.
Want to bring our expertise to your team or learn more about our training model? Contact Consultative Services: Michelle McGurl, mmcgurl@thetimothyschool.org, to start a conversation.
Together, we can build more inclusive and supportive learning environments for every student.
| | Become A Member of The Timothy Society | | |
We know you have a Heart for Autism and care deeply about our students -- The Timothy Society is your opportunity to make an even bigger impact on their lives.
This annual sponsorship program brings together a dedicated community of advocates, businesses and friends who believe in our mission. Your sponsorship fuels programs that create confidence, connection and real-world opportunities for our students by supporting all three of our signature events:
- Heart & Sole Family Fun Run
- Heart for Autism Art Show
- Community Day
As a member, you’ll be recognized throughout the year, invited to exclusive school experiences and connect more deeply to the incredible students and mission of The Timothy School.
Thank you for being a faithful member of The Timothy School community and a leader in advocating for our students and their families.
| | Repurposed, Reimagined & Remarkable! | | |
Phoebe Murer is a professional artist, proud Timothy School alumnus and our amazing Reading Coordinator Assistant, bringing boundless imagination to her work with students.
During ESY, Phoebe challenged students to repurpose lamination scraps and plastic bottles into inventive and colorful waterslide sculptures. She also guided students in designing their own custom passports for future adventures.
Phoebe’s projects don’t just teach art, they empower our students to think creatively, problem-solve and express themselves.
| | | Meet Our New Teacher: Bianca Joseph! | | |
Bianca joined The Timothy School as a lead teacher mid-year, “The warm and supportive staff made my transition smooth and welcoming,” Bianca reflects, “From day one, I felt like a valued member of the team, and their guidance has helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
Bianca holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ursinus College and earned her Master of Education in Education Studies, Special Education, PK-12 from Wilmington University.
With a strong academic foundation and a deep commitment to her students, she brings compassion and energy to her classroom each day.
| | |
“One of the most inspiring parts of my role is the strong family involvement,” she shares. “Parents and caregivers have shown such dedication to their children’s success, and it’s been a joy to collaborate with them.”
Bianca is especially proud of the progress her students made during the regular school year and during ESY, not just academically, but in developing essential life skills.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see their independence grow each day,” she says. “We worked hard on self-help skills like toileting, tooth brushing and hand washing. In the classroom, we focused on the alphabet, phonics and adapted books to support early literacy. During math, we practice counting and matching--activities the students really enjoy!"
| | |
Bianca credits much of her smooth transition and classroom success to her teacher's aide, Chrissie Lucey (pictured above).
“I couldn’t ask for a better teammate. Chrissie’s support, kindness and positive energy make every day better.”
As a newer educator, Bianca says she feels lucky to be part of such a strong, mission-driven community.
“Each day, I look forward to celebrating my students’ progress and finding new ways to support their individual needs. The sense of community at The Timothy School truly makes it a special place to teach and to learn.”
| | |
Heart for Autism Spotlight:
Coffee Closet With Barista Jake
| | |
Coffee Closet with Barista Jake (aka Jakes Baristas) is an inclusive coffee shop in Norristown, PA that empowers individuals with autism and other special needs through meaningful work and community engagement.
"Barista Jake," as he is known throughout the community, is the heart behind Coffee Closet with Barista Jake. Inspired by Jake’s journey, his mom, Angela Bucci McFarland, founded Coffee Closet to create opportunities for individuals whose talents and potential often go overlooked. With Jake as the face of the organization, it’s become a space where purpose is served daily, along with great coffee.
The Development Department visited on a Wednesday, when Barista Jake’s Kindness Crew meets to work on a community service project. This incredible program brings together individuals of all abilities to promote community engagement and philanthropy while building job skills and fostering friendships.
| | |
Soon after, Angela and Board Member Caroline Zappone Clancy visited The Timothy School for a tour of our campus and on-campus internship programs. From the Smoothie Station and Coffee Cart to our student-run School Store, they saw firsthand how our students are developing life skills, gaining confidence and preparing for greater independence.
Angela shared, “The programming is exceptional. I left excited for our partnership—and so honored that THEY want to work with US.”
We’re proud to partner with changemakers like Angela and Jake, who prove that purpose, community and possibility can be built one cup (and one conversation) at a time.
Look for Coffee Closet with Barista Jake at this year’s Heart & Sole Family Fun Run! More details to come!
| | Heart & Sole Family Fun Run | | |
Join us on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Wilson Farm Park for The Timothy School’s 8th Annual Heart and Sole Family Fun Run! The 5K run and 1-mile walk brings our community together in support of The Timothy School and our amazing students.
Sponsorships are open! All money raised from the Family Fun Run benefits The Timothy Fund. This fund is critical in supporting the programs that educate and empower our students with autism. Starting at $150, there are several sponsorship packages available. Click the button below to learn more.
New Awards This Year!
- Raise $150 and receive a Timothy School Car Magnet with our brand new school logo!
- For every $500 you raise, you'll receive a cool Timothy School Hydroflask!
Team Awards, Too!
- The team with the most participants!
- The team that raises the most money!
| | | |
Rain couldn’t stop the fun at the 2025 Annual Alumni Picnic! Before the skies opened up, alumni enjoyed a walk together around beautiful Wilson Farm Park, followed by food, conversation and plenty of smiles.
Calling all alumni! Stay connected and be part of the memories still to come by following The Timothy School Alumni Association Facebook page for updates on future events.
| |
Save The Date: Alumni Homecoming Day Please join us at your alma mater on Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1-3pm. Bring your yearbook! Light refreshments.
Alumni Update: The Timothy School Alumnus Jason Rice was named Volunteer of The Month by The Special Olympics!
| | |
The Timothy School is the oldest non-profit approved private school in Pennsylvania devoted exclusively to teaching students with autism. Since 1966, we have worked to develop an understanding of autism that recognizes the strengths and uniqueness of our students and the specialized methods needed to expand their educational opportunities.
| | | | |
