On Thursday, June 7, 2018, Abington’s A.C.T.I.V.E. Academy hosted its annual Thank You Breakfast in the auditorium lobby at Abington Senior High School. The A.C.T.I.V.E. Academy at the Senior High aims to assist students, ages 18-21, in reaching their maximum potential of becoming responsible and active members of their community by gaining independent living skills. The transitional program designed for these young adults who have IEPs utilizes the classroom and community as it teaches students vocational, travel training and independent living skills. Students are provided opportunities to practice these skills in the classroom, at their job site and in the community, as many students get firsthand experience and hands-on training at local businesses across the Abington and Rockledge area. The breakfast serves as a special day to thank these businesses for their partnership, including:
Abington Hospital Jefferson Health (Cafeteria)
Abington Hospital Jefferson Health (“Delivering Smiles” in partnership with Kremp Florist)
CVS (Jenkintown location)
Rydal Park
Abington YMCA
The Office of Rep. Madeleine Dean
TJ Maxx
Chartwells Food Service
Abington School District Administration (Mail Delivery Services)
Another learning opportunity within the A.C.T.I.V.E. Academy program is the ability to practice foodservice skills and business management. Throughout the school year, students prepare and serve coffee orders for teachers and staff around the Senior High, as well as in the Administration Building, where they also deliver Chartwells-prepared lunches on a monthly basis. The skillsets learned in these roles year-round provided the perfect foundation for the students to then host the Thank You Breakfast for those same business partners who have helped them learn and grow throughout the year.
At the breakfast, which was also attended by Dr. Amy Sichel and other members of Administration, students greeted attendees, prepared coffee orders and served a breakfast spread that included bagels, pastries and fresh fruit. There was also ample time to mingle with the special guests before program teachers Mrs. Kathy Rafter and Ms. Cara Gimbel took a moment to wish a proud farewell to the Academy’s graduating seniors – many of whom are moving on to careers and even college, attending schools such as East Stroudsburg University and Temple University.