“ Exceptional Things” Happened at Sixth-Annual Business-Education-Community Program
“ Exceptional Things” Happened at Sixth-Annual Business-Education-Community Program
Students honored at the Business-Education-Community Program November 23, 2016, along with teachers, principals, and administrators. orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
40 Norwin
Norwin School District celebrated American Education Week by hosting the sixth-annual Business-Education-Community Program, which shines a spotlight on student achievement and brings representatives of the greater Norwin community into the school setting.
This year’ s program theme at Norwin was“ Exceptional Things Happen Here,” with a focus on students who are enrolled in special education classes, which include, among others, Learning Support, Emotional Support, Autistic Support, and Life Skills Support. The program was held Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Norwin High School. Entertainment was provided by the Norwin String Ensemble and Norwin Show Choir. In prior years, approximately 150 business and community leaders have attended the annual event, but this year, close to 170 people attended.
Dr. Stacey Snyder, Director of Special Education and Student Services, opened the event by stating:“ Norwin School District and the Special Education Department are committed to ensuring that all of our students achieve their individual goals. Our greatest reward is seeing our students performing at their highest potential.”
Mr. Robert Perkins, Board of Education President, provided welcome remarks.
“ We are very proud of our Special Education Department here at Norwin,” Mr. Perkins said.“ In addition to inclusive education for all students, the School Board has fully supported the special programs, such as Life Skills Support and Autistic Support, which we now have in kindergarten through 12th grade. This has allowed us to bring students back to the District who would normally have had to attend other schools. Our programs are so well respected that we have actually had several families move into the District because of them.”
School Board Member Mr. Dennis Rittenhouse also attended. Mr. Rittenhouse also serves as President of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Board of Directors, which has a commitment and passion for special education student programs and services.
Masters of Ceremonies for the event included High School students Rachel Klingensmith and Jessica Welch- Mussori, who serve as president and secretary, respectively, of the Norwin Peer Mentor Buddy Club. Peer Mentors and Buddies assist and participate with students with special needs in Special Olympics, Homecoming, Open House, community events, some sports activities, service projects, charity events and in-class academic support.
Several students spoke publicly about their educational experiences and future goals, with some sharing videos of classroom interactions. These students included Justin Mason, who spoke about the Work Study program that allows him an opportunity to obtain High School credits while earning a paycheck; Rebecca Buzzie, who gave a motivational speech; Samantha Wexell and Paige Thornburg, who represented Unified Sports; and Connor Baverso and Isabella Buffalini, who provided a“ Forecast for Our Future.”
Dr. Snyder also provided a special recognition for the North Huntingdon Police Department and North Huntingdon EMS / Rescue, for all their assistance and support at special events.
Dr. William H. Kerr, Superintendent of Schools, provided 40 students with Certificates of Appreciation, assisted by Mr. Timothy J. Kotch, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education; Mrs. Natalie A. McCracken, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education; and Dr. Snyder.
“‘ Exceptional Things Happen Here’ is not only a theme for today ' s program, but it is central to what our educators believe, what they value, and what they do every day to