February 2025
Dear Tillotson Families,
Now that we’ve had an opportunity to settle into 2025 and are past the halfway point of the school year, please continue reading below for some amazing updates about our students, staff, and school!
Tillotson is Growing
We have another two students who have joined our Tillotson family! We are so grateful to our families and sending schools who continue to recommend Tillotson! Last month, I shared three talking points about our school regarding referrals, enrollment, and our 18–21-Year-Old Program, ShYFT! Here are some additional tidbits about Tillotson that make us so unique!
-Tillotson is one of the 33 Approved Private Schools (APS) in Pennsylvania. Unlike private schools, APSs are licensed by the State Board and meet strict guidelines for regulations regarding educating students with disabilities.
-Tillotson’s day is structured to replicate a public-school environment, in a much smaller and supportive setting! Students transition through classes on an 8-period bell schedule, engage in content and special-area classes, and have opportunities for extracurricular activities.
-Tillotson students have clubs! We base our clubs on student interest – golf club, karaoke, anime – you name it! Clubs meet every Wednesday afternoon to provide a structured social opportunity for our students to engage with like-minded peers.
Building Bridges
February is Black History Month! High school students will be visiting some sites in the Pittsburgh area to further expand on their knowledge of the achievements of the Black community. The website, Visit Pittsburgh, has additional information on events and exhibits such as the Teenie Harris Archive at Carnegie Museum of Art, a focus on Black contributions at the Heinz History Center, and a Virtual Reality art gallery at the Trust Arts Education Center.
We also continue to expand our Community Connections at Tillotson. If you know of any businesses that could use our student volunteers or who would like to come to the school to teach our youth something new, please let us know!
Recent Happenings
The winter weather hit us hard last month! There were several delays and closures across the Pittsburgh region. However, we were able to squeeze in a few basketball and cheer practices to get ready for our upcoming game!
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
February 6 – Bynam Theater Arts Workshop
High school music students will have the opportunity to participate in this fun field trip where acting, stage design, and costumes are explored!
February 14 - Valentine’s Day T.A.G.
Get ready to party! We have a fun morning planned for our students on this half day.
February 14 and 21 – Half Day for Students
February 17 – President’s Day, No School
February 28 – Student and Staff Basketball Game
We can’t wait! Please see our flyer for additional details!
Stay tuned for monthly letters, and as always, please reach out with any comments, questions, or concerns!
Tara Skalka
Executive Director
