Being successful comes down to several factors, including people, resources, and a clear goal of doing the very best for the good of those served.
At the Elizabeth Lee Black School, we have never been content to stand still. We hold a steadfast belief: if a child cannot learn the way we teach, we must teach the way a child learns.
It is our exceptional staff, enduring partnerships, innovative services, and state-of-the-art technology that drive this mission forward. Together, we are changing lives, one child at a time.
Inspired by the legacy of Dr. Gertrude A. Barber, we continuously reinvent ourselves to meet the evolving needs of our students and their families.
We are agents of change, and our mission of making dreams come true is unwavering.
Join me in revisiting the impact we’ve had in 2024 and looking forward to continued growth in 2025.
Key Ingredient #1: Our Exceptional Staff
Our success is driven by our dedicated staff, who bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and diverse perspectives to help our students reach their full potential.
In addition to offering a comprehensive Approved Private School that serves the needs of 26 school districts in our region, the Barber National Institute offers offsite classrooms at two school districts as well as a Happy Hearts Child Care program and Pre-K Counts programs in both Erie and Corry. I’m convinced we have the highest-caliber staff in the country! The success of our students goes to show the incredible work our staff do every single day.
Key Ingredient #2: Strong Collaborations
By leveraging longstanding collaborations, we amplify our impact, accelerate progress, and work tirelessly to make dreams come true for every student.
In 2024, we collaborated with many groups, including:
- 26 School Districts
- Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust
- Erie Arts & Culture
- Erie Insurance
- LECOM School of Dentistry
- PNC Grow Up Great
- Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5
- Donors
- Countless Volunteers
And the list goes on
Key Ingredient #3: An Innovative Strategy
Our cutting-edge services transform student lives, fostering growth and development beyond the classroom. We break down barriers to engage students, enhancing their readiness for life’s challenges and paving the way for their long-term success.
In 2024, students benefitted from the following services:
- Adaptive playground equipment
- Dog therapy program
- Outdoor classrooms
- Fitness room
- Physical, occupational, & speech therapy
- Newly renovated library & sensory room
- Adaptive art, physical education, & music classes
- Integrated technology in every classroom
- Transition planning
Key Ingredient #4: Embracing Technology
As technology evolves, we adapt by incorporating state-of-the-art tools, which provide students with real-world experiences.
These tools help improve communication, enhance students’ learning, drive discovery and wonder, and help develop future-ready skills.
Tech Quick Facts:
- 112 iPads are used in classrooms throughout the school.
- The Lü Interactive Playground is used within 100% of physical education classes to make lessons fun and engaging.
- Students have access to 3 ActiveFloor units and 8 VR headsets for immersive learning.
- Top Skills Gained Through Technology: Cognitive growth, emotional regulation, gross motor skills, independence, self-motivation.
What’s next?
Staff will continue to empower our students and families.
Collaborations will grow even stronger.
Innovative services will enhance engagement.
Technology will help connect more students to the world around them.
Together, we’ll continue to change lives one child at a time.
The possibilities are endless in 2025.
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