Press Release
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September 29, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Kane
(301) 933-8844
communications@ccse-maryland.org
www.ccse-maryland.org
CATHOLIC COALITION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AWARDS
$84,000
Children with Developmental and Low-Incidence Disabilities Served in
Catholic Schools
The Catholic Coalition for Special Education, Inc. (CCSE) based in Kensington, Md., in only its second funding cycle, awarded grants totaling approximately $84,000 to four Catholic schools in Maryland. A signing ceremony on Saturday, September 29, 2007, was organized at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the school funding.
“CCSE is poised for growth,” said Francesca Pellegrino, CCSE president. “Our funding priorities continue to focus on schools initiating or expanding special education instruction for students with developmental disabilities and our generous donors have helped us reach even more students and their families.”
CCSE’s event was a celebration of successes, with CCSE aiming to serve as a beacon of hope in opening doors that were once closed. Many guests attending the ceremony were visibly moved by remarks made by the grant recipients. Teary-eyed parents, in particular, expressed gratitude and relief upon hearing the grant recipients speaking about Catholic schools providing a “home” for children with disabilities. Patricia Staros, a parent, commented that she had waited such a long to hear this message, all her daughter’s life in fact, and was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.
James Pavlacka, Principal of St. Mary of the Mills School in Laurel, Md., accepted one of the grants. St. Mary’s funds will hire two full-time paraprofessionals who will serve students with low-incidence disabilities. Maggie Hubbard, Assistant Principal, and Rev. Msgr. Mike Wilson also represented the school.
Sister Kathleen Lannak, I.H.M., Principal of St. John the Evangelist School in Silver Spring, Md., accepted a grant to fund the salary of two part-time special education aides for students with low-incidence disabilities and to supplement the Resource Teacher’s salary. Teachers Claire North and Kelly Burgess also represented the school at the signing ceremony.
Brother James Kelly, President of Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore accepted a challenge grant for the St. Giles “Come, sit by me” program to expand the school’s services to young men with developmental disabilities. Kate Stearns, Special Programs Director and Emily Rollins, Director of Development, also represented the school.
CCSE’s fourth grant was awarded to Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. Accepting the award was Arthur Raimo, President of the High School. The school intends to fund teacher professional development and special education instruction and support to students with developmental and/or low-incidence disabilities in the Ryken Studies Program.
Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, applauded the continued growth of CCSE. “Through hard and diligent work, CCSE has improved on last year’s track record by awarding grants to four schools this year. With these funds, our excellent school administrators and teachers will be able to better serve all of our students with appropriate instruction and programs.”
CCSE is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 independent, non-profit organization established in 2004 to advance, support and promote the implementation of special education services in Catholic schools in Maryland and Washington, DC by awarding grants and providing technical assistance to Catholic schools.
To advance its mission CCSE relies on donations from individuals and local businesses, as well as pro-bono services. To make a donation, to volunteer or for more information, please visit the CCSE website www.ccse-maryland.org. or contact them at info@ccse-maryland.org