The Scranton School Celebrates New Chapter
The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children officially launched a brand new chapter in educating deaf and hard of hearing children in northeastern Pennsylvania today when it held a New Campus Convocation and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The event was attended by over 200 people and included school leadership, faculty, staff, students, parents and community leaders. The new campus located in Clarks Summit, PA has been purchased and renovated for $5,000,000 by the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf [WPSD].
“We gave life to the idea of this extraordinary new school some three years ago”, stated Chris McCrady, President of the WPSD Board of Trustees. “But it wasn’t until August of 2011 when we were able to realize the dream of a beautiful, established and permanent home for our students. Today we officially convene to celebrate that dream.”
“ This new school was born in a time of great uncertainty and genuine sadness”, said Don Rhoten, CEO of The Scranton School, “but because of the commitment, vision and hard work of many dedicated people, this new school is now appreciated and loved by our students, their parents, staff, alumni and the greater northeastern Pennsylvania community. Seeing that appreciation and love in the faces of those people – especially those we strive to serve – has made all the work worthwhile.”
The events of the day included a breakfast reception, program and ribbon cutting ceremony under an enormous tent on the 100-acres campus located on Venard Road in South Abington Township. The program featured a stirring rendition of the National Anthem and a stunning poetic performance from Sign Connection, the performing group made up of students from The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children. Sign Connection makes public appearances to community groups all throughout northeastern PA.
Tours of the campus were offered and The Board of Commissioners of the County of Lackawanna presented a proclamation declaring October 14, 2011 as “The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children Day” in Lackawanna County.
The Scranton School is truly committed to providing a successful and enduring legacy of quality education for deaf and hard of hearing students in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Scranton School adheres to an All- Inclusive Communication Environment where American Sign Language, sign-supported English and spoken English are practiced. At the heart of the school’s philosophy is that each student is unique. The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children develops educational programs around the individual needs of each student.
Related articles:
The Times-Tribune: School for Deaf Dedicates New Campus