Diocesan Administration
Special Education Programs

 

 

Introduction:
The mission of the Special Education Programs is to offer a Christ-centered,
quality
education within a Catholic School environment for students with
intellectual/developmental or learning disabilities. In the three Special Learning
Centers for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities academics, functional learning, life skills and social development are
enhanced through liturgical celebrations and prayer services. The Aquinas
Program for children with learning disabilities at the elementary and secondary
levels is unique in its emphasis on learning strategies and study skills to foster
independence.

 

What's New:

Plans are underway for the opening of a high school Aquinas Program for students
with learning disabilities at Central Catholic High School, Reading, for the 2008-2009 school year.

Upcoming Events:

 

 

Links and Resources:
John Paul II Center for Special Learning:
                    (www.johnpauliicenter.org/)
                    Email: altbjp2@ptd.net
Mercy Special Learning Center
                    (www.mercyspeciallearning.org)
                   Email: altlmslc@ptd.net
St. Joseph Center for Special Learning:
                   (www.pottsville.com/stjosephctr/)
                  Email: altssjc@ptd.net

Programs in this Department:
The following is a list of programs within the Special Education Programs department.

Special Learning Centers

John Paul II Center for Special Learning
Description: This Center located in Berks County serves students from 3 to 21 years of age.
Overall focus is the student's growth through individual attention.

Location: 1092 Welsh Road, Shillington, PA 19607
              Phone: 610-777-0605 Fax: 610-777-0682
              Email: altbjp2@ptd.net
              Mary Adams, Principal

Programs Offered:

Mercy Special Learning Center
Description:This Center located in Lehigh County serves students from birth to
21 years of age. Mercy's center of activity involves every student
in the pursuit of their goals, as established by their Instructional Plan.
Location: 830 S. Woodward St., Allentown, PA 18103-3473
                 Phone: 610-797-8242 Fax: 610-797-9092
                 Email: altlmslc@ptd.net
                Bridget Muehlenkamp, Principal

Programs Offered

Description: This Center located in Schuylkill County serves student from 3 to
21 years of age. St. Joseph Center is a unique environment committed to
guiding students to their full potential academically, physically, emotionally and
spiritually. The wonders of the world are opened up to every student through a
diverse and stimulating curriculum.
Location: 2075 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville, PA 17901-1907
Phone: 570-622-4638 Fax: 570-622-3420
Email: altssjc@ptd.net
Julia Leibensperger, Principal

Programs Offered:

Aquinas Program

Description: The program assists students from elementary to secondary grades who
have learning disabilities. An Instructional Plan forms the program's core. Elementary
students receive specialized instruction for half the day to address their learning
disability. In the afternoon, they join their peers in their own grade levels for religion,
social studies, science, physical education, computer and art, thereby assuring
integration. Secondary students are rostered into the general education classes including
a Learning Strategies Class one period per day.
For more information contact Sr. Janice Marie Johnson, R.S.M. at 610-866-0581 x25
or jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org.



Location:   Elementary: Seton Academy
                                         623 Sixth Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18018
                                         Phone:610-867-9530 Fax: 610-0868-6784
                                         Email: altlset@ptd.net
                                         Joan West, Principal

                                 St. Margaret School
                                 233 Spring Street, Reading, PA 19601-2121
                                 Phone:610-375-1882 Fax:610-376-2291
                                 Email:altbsmg@ptd.net
                                 Sr. Marian Michele Smith, I.H.M., Principal 

            Secondary: Notre Dame High School
                                3417 Church Street, Easton, PA 18045-2999
                                Phone: 610-868-1431 Fax: 610-868-6710
                                Email: altndhs@ptd.net
                                Joseph R. Kramer, Jr., Principal