IN Keystone Oaks Fall 2018 | Page 32

International training program gives Chinese education , medical professionals the opportunity to observe Keystone Oaks life skills classroom

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group of six teachers , medical professionals and schools administrators observed life skills teacher Abigail Ubinger and her classes at Myrtle Avenue Elementary on Friday , May 18 .
Keystone Oaks was one of four local school districts selected to participate in the program , which is coordinated by the Beijing Autism Association and the Handicapped Association of China as well as the South East Asia Prayer Center and Pittsburgh Behavior Services , both based in Oakmont .
The program provided the group with intensive direct training in research-validated instruction and procedures for working with children on the autism spectrum or with other intellectual and developmental disabilities . The group was in the Pittsburgh area for eight weeks , training in research-validated interventions and establishing a standard of quality care for children with autism in China .
Ms . Ubinger was selected to participate in the program because of her involvement with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network ’ s Autism Initiative , Applied Behavior Analysis Verbal Behavior Supports . Ms . Ubinger has presented at the PaTTAN conference and the National Autism Conference , focusing on the implementation of behavior and language-based learning and natural environment teaching for students at Myrtle Elementary . Ms . Ubinger is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst .
New Educational Foundation raises fund to renovate courtyard that will provide an outdoor space for students , teachers

eystone Oaks

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

In line with the Keystone Oaks School District ’ s effort to redesign classrooms and spaces such as the high school library , the Keystone Oaks Foundation for Educational Excellence ( KOFEE ) raised more than $ 4,000 this spring to begin its first project : the revitalization of an outdoor courtyard .

“ We wanted to support a project that could benefit a large portion of the student population and give them a space that they can enjoy and use for a number of different purposes ,” said Jeff Jesensky , KOFEE President .
This spring , students from the National Honor Society , NHS sponsor Mrs . Deemer , and volunteers from the Foundation spruced up the courtyard by raking leaves , pulling weeds and relocating plants . The tables were assembled by members of the Foundation Board of Directors and Keystone Oaks ’ Buildings and Grounds department .
Next year , the courtyard will be available to classroom teachers who would like to take advantage of an outdoor space as well as to students who simply want to get some fresh air while eating lunch or working on a project .
The KOFEE Board of Directors is seeking additional donations to purchase Adirondack chairs , white boards , and other items that will make the space usable as an outdoor classroom and for other social and recreational uses .
To support the work of the Foundation , please make a taxdeductible donation in one of two ways ;
• Online via PayPal . Visit paypal . me / KOFEE to make a secure donation with your credit or debit card .
• Via Check . Make a check payable to Keystone Oaks Foundation for Educational Excellence and send it via mail to :
Keystone Oaks School District | 1000 Kelton Ave ., Pittsburgh , PA 15216
“ We are thankful to the Foundation for their support of this project and for giving our students a usable outdoor space to get some sunshine and fresh air during their school day ,” said Keystone Oaks Superintendent Dr . Stropkaj . “ This is a tremendous asset and I look forward to seeing teachers and students taking advantage of the space next year .”
The outdoor courtyard project was made possible with generous financial support from :
$ 1,000 and above Jeff Jesensky Tom LaPorte Mary Grace Musuneggi $ 500 - $ 999 Jesensky Dental
$ 100 - $ 499 Matthew & Amy Cesario Lauren Dansey Jay Pisula
Up to $ 99 Dan Bruner Tom Masztak
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