HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

At HMS, physical therapy is always part of the school day! Here’s Ben, all smiles on the Rody Horse, working on trunk strength, motor skills, and leg movement with support from one of our incredible interns. Therapy that feels like play? Yes, please! 😊

Last week, our Student Government Association, led by Special Education Teachers Alexis and Kate, supported students in leadership elections. Our curriculum promotes civic engagement and real-world skills. While we tally votes, enjoy these photos of our voting security, Amir!

Our Board Chair, Becky, joined one of our classrooms this week for an afternoon of learning, play, and smiles with our students! We’re so grateful to have such a hands-on leader who truly values building connections within our HMS community. #InclusiveEducation

Speech and Recreational Therapy joined forces to keep the apple fun rolling. Together with the students, we read an apple-themed story, painted with apple prints, and finally enjoyed tasting the applesauce we made. We think it's safe to say, it was a delicious success!

This week in Recreational Therapy, our students took charge in the kitchen, using a Powerlink and switch to run the food processor and turn fresh apples into homemade applesauce!

Helena’s story continues to raise awareness for young people with developmental disabilities as they transition into adulthood. At HMS, we remain dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of our students. @ChildrensPhila @swarthmorean

We previously shared Helena’s impactful speech at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s 46th Annual Conference on Developmental Disabilities. Now, we’re excited to highlight her feature in The Swarthmorean.

Zoom Link: buff.ly/4eopS1S Meeting ID: 448 254 8865 Passcode: hms

Join us tonight at 7 pm! We’re excited to host Planning Your Financial Future, presented by 1847 Financial. It's a great chance to learn more about special needs financial planning, ask questions during the live Q&A, and connect with other HMS families!

@PennsylvaniaATF Josh's current communication device is funded through Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) which has been a great supportive resource for students at HMS! @pattanupdates

@PennsylvaniaATF Through this partnership, we’re raising awareness of how assistive tech supports independence, inclusion, and self-expression for individuals with disabilities. Stay tuned to follow Josh’s journey in his next video later this month!

HMS's very own Josh, is partnering with Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation to share his story on AAC and #AssistiveTechnology Watch as Josh demonstrates how technology empowers him to communicate and connect daily at school and with his family. @PennsylvaniaATF

In honor of #VeteransDay our students came together last week to create, handmade cards for the veterans at the Philadelphia Medical Center. One of our Recreation Therapists will be delivering these thoughtful messages to share a bit of joy with those who’ve served. Thank you!

We are sending a huge shout out to to our friends at Philadelphia Typewriter in the East Passyunk area! When we needed a time clock for our cafeteria crew, Bill stepped up making calls, sourcing parts, and getting it running for us. Check them out: buff.ly/48zMrz6

Ever visited the Otherworld Exhibit? Our students had a blast exploring its immersive, interactive art installations on a recent field trip! They dove into a world of creativity, and we’re excited to share some awesome moments we captured! #SensoryFriendly #Philly

Exciting news! Theresa Jenkinson joins HMS School as President. Her leadership will support our mission to empower students with cerebral palsy. Welcome, Theresa! buff.ly/3YEvQpc

The "Pea-Pod" is the go-to spot for daily stretches and relaxation! It's the perfect place for our students to take a break and stretch out their limbs and muscles during their out of chair time. Just look at Ariel. She's all smiles! 😃 #SpecialNeedsSupport

November 27th-29th - School Closed for Thanksgiving Break (Our Winter Showcase will have a new date of 12/13)

🍂 November is here! Check out what's happening this month! November 5th - Day School is Closed! [Election Day] Conferences & Staff In- Service November 11th - Evening Education Connection at 7 pm - Planning for Your Future with 1847 Financial (cont.)