Insights Newsletter

As we embrace a new school year at WPSBC, we’re excited to reflect on some wonderful events that kicked off the season. This year’s theme is kindness, and we’re committed to creating a supportive environment for all our students.

One highlight was our Fall Ball, where our Residential Program students celebrated the autumn season in style! With DJ Eric providing the perfect soundtrack, students enjoyed a night filled with laughter, dancing and delicious pumpkin-themed treats. The event fostered a sense of community and joy, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

One highlight was our Fall Ball, where our Residential Program students celebrated the autumn season in style! With DJ Eric providing the perfect soundtrack, students enjoyed a night filled with laughter, dancing and delicious pumpkin-themed treats. The event fostered a sense of community and joy, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

Another memorable occasion was our Secondary Program Signing Day, where we honored students who officially joined the program. It was a proud moment as we celebrated the hard work and dedication of the students. These events exemplify the positive spirit we aim to cultivate throughout the school year. We look forward to many more exciting experiences ahead!

North Neville Adult Services Kick-Off Event

On September 27, 2024, WPSBC celebrated a momentous occasion: the groundbreaking of the North Neville Project, a significant initiative aimed at expanding adult services for individuals with blindness, visual impairment and other disabilities. This event marked a pivotal step in WPSBC’s mission to enhance support and educational opportunities, drawing together community leaders, families and supporters who are passionate about making a difference throughout their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

The event was held at our new 514 North Neville Street building and featured inspiring speeches from notable figures, including State Senator Jay Costa and several leaders at WPSBC, emphasizing the project's importance to the community. A heartfelt highlight was the presentation of a unique thank-you gift to Senator Costa from students, showcasing a beautiful design in both Braille and American Sign Language. This gesture encapsulated the spirit of gratitude and unity that permeated the event, reinforcing the collaborative effort driving this groundbreaking initiative.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our donor survey earlier this year. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re looking forward to applying your responses to enhance future fundraising and communication efforts. We’re also thrilled to announce the winner of the giveaway from a randomly selected survey, Lynne Wolfson! Lynne, a dedicated donor for over 30 years, shared, “I’m just so happy a wonderful organization like yours is there to help these beautiful children.” Congratulations to Lynne, and thank you for your continued support!

As we approach the season of gratitude, we can’t wait to share inspiring stories about two remarkable students, Jacob and Amara, in our Annual Campaign this November. Amara, a preschooler, and Jacob, who is nearing graduation, both embody determination, resilience and a great sense of humor. We’ll also feature extended versions of preschoolers Tenley and Declyn’s stories from our summer newsletter in the 2023-24 Annual Report.

Keep an eye out for these special stories and more about our joyful students as we close out 2024. It all begins with our Annual Campaign and Giving Tuesday this fall, followed by our Annual Report in December.

We’re deeply grateful for our students and the entire school community! If you didn't have a chance to complete our survey from this past Spring, there’s still time. You can participate by clicking this link. We look forward to learning more about you, tailoring our communications to your preferences and receiving your valuable feedback on how we can better serve you.

All additional surveys submitted by December 31 will be entered into a random drawing for a $100 gift card and a basket of WPSBC logo items!

Spirits were high the morning of September 4 as students and staff gathered to welcome back a beloved member of the community and long-time maintenance team member, Ron Tecza. After months of recovery from severe health issues, including a heart transplant, Ron returned to the school he has dedicated 28 years to, greeted by cheers, colorful signs and heartfelt enthusiasm. The outpouring of love and support from everyone truly captured the spirit of our school community.

Ron’s journey back to WPSBC has been nothing short of remarkable. Following six surgeries over just a few weeks, he spent months in rehabilitation and therapy, all while holding on to the hope of returning to work. His supervisor, Dennis Kwiatkowski, described Ron’s return as a miracle, emphasizing how much he means to the team. The sense of relief and joy was palpable as Ron stepped through the doors, a moment that brought tears of happiness to many.

Middle school principal Holly Russell echoed the sentiments of the staff, expressing gratitude for Ron’s recovery and the support shown throughout his absence. This welcome back was not just a celebration of Ron’s return, but a testament to the strength of community and the bonds that unite us at WPSBC. We’re thrilled to have Ron back, bringing his energy and dedication to our school once again!

Watch the news coverage on KDKA-TV here.

This October, we held our first Outreach Program’s Expanded Core Together (ECT) Day of the new school year! We welcomed over 50 participants, including outreach students, educators and paraeducators, for a day filled with learning, fun and community spirit. The event kicked off with engaging icebreakers that allowed students to connect and share their stories, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Afterward, we held a scavenger hunt designed to practice Orientation & Mobility (O&M) skills, celebrating White Cane Safety Day in style. Students got to roam the school for various activities such as enjoying our Paw Prints Students Shop and decorating their canes in the art room. Our paraeducators and support staff participated in valuable training sessions that included games and hands-on learning. They heard from three adults with visual impairments and learned about their experiences in the education system. Additionally, attendees familiarized themselves with braille and white cane safety. Alongside our ECT activities, the school also held an exciting “Touch-a-Truck” event featuring a Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus, Pittsburgh Fire Department Truck and more. The smiles on our students' faces as they explored new experiences were truly heartwarming and highlighted the impact of our programming.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of ECT Day! From the maintenance team to the dietary staff and all our volunteers, your collaboration made this event unforgettable. As one student joyfully exclaimed, “I’ve never seen so many people with visual impairments in the same place before - this is cool!” We are grateful for the opportunities we provide and look forward to many more enriching experiences for our students.