anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Canon-Mac Life Skills Students Host First-Ever CM Challenge Event
It was a day for team-building, goal-setting and socialization – it was the first-ever CM Challenge, an event hosted March 12 by Canon-McMillan High School’ s life-skills students and one organizers say was so successful it will be an annual offering. Life-skills students from 11 neighboring districts converged at the high school to take part in the event, with each being greeted first at the door by members of Canon-Mac’ s Society for Exceptional Citizens( a club dedicated to working with and helping peers with special needs) and then by a performance from the varsity cheerleaders and drum line.
Once assembled, the schools broke up into groups and cycled through a series of stations where they would complete challenges that required students to work and problem-solve using teamwork and communication.
But organizer and life-skills teacher Mrs. Sherree Mohler said improving those skill sets are only one goal of the event.“ Socialization is also the big thing,” she said.“ You get to make new friends.” And as much as learning and growing was on the menu at the CM Challenge event, Mrs. Mohler said so was fun: Canon-Mac high school art students volunteered their time and talents to do hand and face painting, and local businesses not only donated snacks and beverages for a break station where students could mingle, but also pizza and other lunch items.
The good news? The event went off without a hitch – with participating schools lauding the first-time event. The better news? Mrs. Mohler said the event will become an annual one.
And it wouldn’ t be possible without the hard work of the high school life-skills students and their teacher.
“ Mrs. Sherree Mohler continues to go above and beyond to help prepare our students with the necessary skills they need for transition from high school to post-secondary options, including enhancing their social skills and ability to build relationships through various social opportunities such as the C-M Challenge,” Director of Special Education Becky Lieb said.
Editor’ s Note: To read coverage of The CM Challenge from the Observer-Reporter newspaper, click here.
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Include Me Presentation Punctuates Importance of Inclusion in Classroom
Borland Manor Elementary School was recently presented with a special plaque and painting from the Include Me program, which works to promote inclusion in the classroom.
The items were presented to the school by Quimber-Kay Nutter, a team leader at ARC Human Services, to honor its efforts in bringing special needs and regular education students together.
Not familiar with the Include Me program? Include Me is a new model for the inclusive education of Pennsylvania’ s students with disabilities. Its mission? To build the capacity for inclusive education in public schools for all students. Include Me, now in its third year at Borland Manor, works alongside Mikayla’ s Voice, a program that also involves promotion of inclusion among students in the classroom.
Ms. Nutter explained that the lady bug with the yellow dot represents each student and their differences. The painting? It was created by the Mikayla’ s Voice program’ s namesake to show inclusion is for all students, not just for those with special needs.
She works with three students at Borland Manor – as well as students who attend First Street and Canon-McMillan Middle School, and said everyone has been welcoming and warm at Canon-McMillan.
“ I meet with the students and teachers each week. I observe the students and provide feedback when needed. I meet with the teachers and discuss issues and changes, and different supports and techniques to try,” Ms. Nutter said.“ We all work together to provide each student with the support needed to give each of them the education they deserve.”
Principal Marella McConnell said it was an honor for the school to be recognized for its inclusive practices.
“ We believe that understanding differences and similarities between individuals fosters lifelong skills such as compassion, understanding and a genuine affinity for others,” she said.“ Our students, staff and parents are shining examples of how a community works together to teach and learn in harmony.”