June 3, 2020
Dear Pathway Community:
Our nation and our local communities are hurting. Over the past several months we all have experienced the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Now we are grappling with the shock and horror of the recent killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, and the resulting protests and riots. These events, however distant, do have an impact on our school community, and on your students and your families.
The Pathway School was founded on the belief that students with learning differences need a safe, supportive place to learn and grow based upon their individual needs. Our students are often discriminated against by the traditional educational system, and Pathway offers a supportive environment to those who choose to attend school here. Today, Pathway is a multicultural school for children who come to our campus from a diverse variety of communities from the Philadelphia region, but we are not immune to discrimination and racism that still exists in our country.
Beginning this week, Pathway is looking inward at our curriculum and internal processes to determine whether biases exist (explicit or implicit) and we will seek advice on how best to address them. Our goal is to make the Pathway experience one that promotes equality and social justice for our students and our staff. We acknowledge the need to be our best selves, so our students can become their best selves.
In the coming school year, we will promote community service among our students and staff. It is my hope that we include a service project as a requirement for graduation. Pathway cannot just be a recipient of community service; we can also be a source of service to our communities and impart to our students the importance of giving back to the community.
I know these are troubling times. Pathway is here to be of assistance to you. We are available to talk, to offer support, and to help address issues you may be currently experiencing.
In the days ahead, the clinical team will be sending out resources which will provide guidance on how to discuss the current events with your students. If Pathway families require additional support, I strongly suggest you access the Clinical helpline at 610-277-0660 x 444.
We are here for you.
If you have questions for me, I can be reached at 610-277-0660 x 214.
Stay well. Stay safe.
David Schultheis
President and CEO