“ 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