Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Visit with Santa

In 2011, Susie was a 13-year-old student enrolled at the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute in Erie, PA. One winter day, while chatting with her mom about the school holiday events, she mentioned that Susie had … Continue reading

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Addressing Anxiety and ASD

It is estimated that the prevalence of anxiety in children with ASD to be 30-81% (MacNeil e al. 2009; White et al. 2009). The impact of anxiety on educational success, social participation, friendships and family members is great.  It’s fairly … Continue reading

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thanksgiving with a small “t”

The holiday season officially kicks off this week. Are you ready? It’s a busy time with the hustle and bustle of shopping, school plays, holiday parties, and family functions mixed into the “regular” schedule. It’s a season that seems to … Continue reading

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Ladies Only Luncheon Coming Soon

The countdown begins! We are four days away from the 10th Annual Ladies Only Luncheon, and the excitement is building.  Saturday, November 17 will be here before we know it, and I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the event. … Continue reading

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My Hope

As fast as the political campaigning began, it ended.  To be honest, I’m happy the barrage of political ads that seemed to envelope the media has ended. What a difference a few days can make.  However, even though the elections … Continue reading

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Voting: All People Have a Voice

It’s Election Day!  Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, it’s a day when our voices get to be heard as we vote in local and national races.  Ryan and I decided to vote early today with hopes of avoiding the crowds … Continue reading

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Artist Makes Dreams Come True for Students

Disney has Mickey and Pixar may have Nemo, but only the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute in Erie, PA has Dharma, Angelina and Mackenzie.  These are just a few of the 60 students who became stars … Continue reading

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Emergency Preparation: Are We Ready?

The wind whipped through the trees, rain pelted the windows and I wondered how prepared our families are for an unusual weather occurrence. Living in Erie, PA, we seldom consider disaster preparedness. Snow storms dumping two feet of snow are … Continue reading

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7 Tips for Successful Trick-or-Treating

It’s a sunny, warm Thursday in Erie today. Looking out the window, one would guess that the Fourth of July, not Halloween, is approaching.  However, as I walk though the school I’m reminded that this is October. Our school is … Continue reading

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The Power of a Word

Have you ever used the word “retarded” to describe a child or an adult that you know? Have you ever heard someone else use it as slang in conversation? When I was teaching in the 80s, special education was thought … Continue reading

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