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MERCY SCHOOLFOR SPECIAL LEARNING2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF DIRECTORSFROM THE PRINCIPALDear Friends of Mercy,Every day, for the past 65 years, MercySchool For Special Learning hasprovided students with a dynamic,faith-based school environmentcentered on the teachings of Jesus.Every day, I am humbled to serve asPrincipal. Every day, I witness thededication and patience of our facultyand staff, and the excitement of ourstudents to learn. Every day, I amgrateful for the support we receivefrom our donors and friends.Mercy has been elevated as aPlatinum-level participant in theGlobal High School program throughCatholic Relief Services. As the firstspecial-needs school in the UnitedStates to participate in this program,Mercy places its students in dedicatedservice to others both near and far.We have monthly mission collectionsfor needed items, dress-down days inhonor of those in need abroad, andprayers and Eucharistic Adoration withtheir intentions in mind.Our Mercy Kitchen & Job Works programis a recipe for success. Our studentsexhibit a great deal of pride working inall aspects of the kitchen – from takingEXECUTIVE COMMITTEEAnnie McGeary, PresidentOlympus Company of AmericaJoseph Alfier, Vice PresidentProject Consultant, Mack Truck Defense LLCChristopher Kuhn, TreasurerOlympus Company of AmericaKelle Cox, SecretaryCox Building ServicesPete Waldron,At-Large Exec Committee MemberCatholic Foundation of Eastern PAorders and prepping food, to cleaningup. Our Work Experience Program isgoing strong, too. With 16 work sites,employers tell us they gain just asmuch from the program as ourstudents do. You can feel the sense ofaccomplishment our students gain fromboth of these vital programs.I am honored to share with you our2018-2019 Annual Report. As you readthrough these pages, you will see thatevery day is a joy here at Mercy.July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019We continue to create meaningfullearning experiences for our students atthe Baum School of Art, Rodale AquaticCenter, and Parkettes. Students enjoyfield trips to local cultural venues andsport-ing events such as DeSalesUniversity, Good Shepherd CatholicSchool, and IronPigs baseball games.Everything that happens at Mercy ismade possible with the support of ourfaithful donors and friends. Every dayyou make dreams come alive for ourstudents and their families. Weappreciate your financial support andyour willingness to share the Mercystory with others.Thank you for being part of our Mercyfamily, and for loving our kids. We areblessed by your pres-ence, and you arein our prayers every day.Beth GrysBeth Grys, PrincipalMercy School For Special LearningMEMBERSMarc Albanese, Jr. Esq.B BraunMarc Albanese, Sr.DeSales UniversityChristine AlvarezPrivate practice attorneyGary IacoccaYocco’s, Inc.Peter KrajsaNational Energy Improvement FundLoretta M. LeesonMember-Board of TrusteesNorthampton Community CollegeGenny ManzellaThe Quaker Oats Company (retired)Mary Beth MulickaEmbassy Bank (retired)Rev. Msgr. John MurphySt. Thomas More ParishFather John PendzickSt. Elizabeth of Hungary ParishDr. Dominic RochelleSt. Luke’s OMS – BethlehemPaul SmithComputer AidHeather KasardaCounty of LehighPeg BusATAS International (retired)From Our New Board PresidentAs I settle into my new position as Mercy’sboard president, I wish to pause and givethanks to Annie McGeary, our outgoingpresident. Annie was a shining leader.She leaves big shoes to fill. However,we are excited that she will always bepart of the Mercy family as a volunteer.You all know the important role that theMercy School For Special Learning playsin our education community. WithoutMercy, many children and young peoplewith intellectual and/or developmentaldisabilities would be without a place tolearn and grow. Parents of our studentscan be confident knowing that theirchildren are in an environment filled withlove and respect. THIS IS IMPORTANT.While the students of Mercy may havespecial needs, they are made to feel thatthis is a school, just like any other. Theylearn, they play, they participate in schoolplays, they attend prom, they takefield trips, they learn to play musicalinstruments, they use their creativity, andso much more. This is a reflection of thewonderful teachers and staff that work atMercy. We are so lucky to have them.If you have not been to Mercy, I stronglyencourage you to visit our school and seefor yourself. You will not be disappointed!Mercy has come a long way since itsinception in 1954 when Msgr. Leo G. Finkand the Sacred Heart Parish in Allentownprovided four rooms in the St. MarthaHouse for the Academy of Our Lady ofMercy. The school has enjoyed countlesssuccesses and achievements since then.You have helped make this happen and forthis I am extremely grateful. We ask foryour continued support.You can count on the Board to worktirelessly to make sure our kids havethe tools they need for the completeeducation they deserve. To us, thestudents come first. It will always andforever be about our kids.Joe AlfierJoe Alfier, Board PresidentMERCY SCHOOLMISSIONTo give all children and youngadults with special needs the bestopportunity to reach their utmostpotential, both academicallyand in life, which is an expressionand extension of the CatholicChurch’s mission to promote theGospel and sanctity of human life.We promise to:- Love, respect, and treasureeach unique individual- Use academics, activities, andcommunity engagement to buildlife skills and confidence- Provide a safe, nurturing andspiritual environmentCover: Ashlyn Tatasciore; Photo by Katy Mangold1MERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING 2018-19 ANNUAL REPORTMERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING MERCYSCHOOL.ORG2
Kitchen & Job Works Offers RecipeFor Developed Skills, IndependenceMercy Work Experience ProgramOne of the signature programs at Mercyschool is the Work Experience Program.Throughout the 2018-19 academic year,eligible students participated in thisdistinctive and structured opportunity.In a unique partnership with Lehigh Valleyarea businesses and commercial entities,Mercy students ages 15 and older are ableto actively develop and strengthen theirmath, processing, fine motor, groupactivity, and public engagement skills.Mercy has its very own dedicated staffto manage and run this program. Jobcoaches Donna Malone and BrookeLoller accompany the Mercy studentworkers and supervise their work ateach and every job site.3According to Donna, “This programgives our students the opportunity tolearn and master skills that will help themin their future endeavors. One of the mostsatisfying aspects of being a Mercy jobcoach is seeing the joy, confidence, andpride that shines forth in our studentsfrom their many accomplishments,most especially when them becomeindependent workers.”We are extremely grateful to the followingMercy Work Experience partners for allthat they do for our students:ABE Doors & WindowsAllegra Lehigh ValleyATAS InternationalBig LotsMERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING 2018-19 ANNUAL REPORTCatholic CharitiesDeSales UniversityGolden CorralHoly Family ManorJosh Early CandiesJust Born Quality ConfectionsOutback SteakhouseParkettesPocono Mountain DairiesRinger’s RoostSaint Paul ChurchYocco’sIf you are interested in having yourbusiness become a Mercy WorkExperience partner, please contactMark Napierkowski at 610-797-8242, oremail mnapierkowski@mercyschool.org.Mercy School is proud to have completedour second full year of the Kitchen WorksProgram. Throughout the 2018-19 schoolyear, our vision of providing an in-schoollunch program has exceeded our ownexpectations in terms of overall value.While increasing vocational skill development opportunities for our older students,our younger students benefit from beingable to witness their senior peers workingand developing basic culinary skills.Specifically, we continue to pair studentsin Room 5 with students in Room 4.This allows students with stronger skills.This results in peer-to-peer learning,cooperation, and teamwork.A strong balance between studentcollaboration and work independenceare two key outcomes. Students takeownership and pride in a job well done.Life skills such as cooking, serving, andcleaning are developed and strengthened.Other results include the following:- a growing sense of confidence amongmany older students as they maximizetheir general job aptitude, preparingthem for outside employment afterMercy- a steady increase of lunch buyers andmenu development.- all our students are able to enjoynutritious and delicious lunches!Remember - all of this is made possibleby you, our generous donors. We deeplyappreciate your kindness and support,always creating new and excitingpossibilities for our students. Thank you!MERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING MERCYSCHOOL.ORG4
Why I Volunteer at Mercy SchoolWell, that’s a short story. My brother-in-lawasked me to!It’s true. “Mr. Mark,” as the Mercy kidscall him, was hired to be Director ofDevelopment at Mercy School and waslooking for people to join the hardworkingGala-Auction Committee.In the recent past, while raising my threekids, I had been a volunteer for anotherLehigh Valley organization and also atmy kids’ school, so I had some experience.I enjoy fundraising, spreading good newsand rallying people to get involved in theawesome happenings of their community.Mercy was a perfect fit as it is so easy tospread the GREAT news about thisspecial place.LITTLE REALLY BIG SHOWOn May 30, Mercy School hosted our first-ever “Little Really Big Show” at ArtsQuest.More than 200 guests and sponsors filled the room for a unique evening of entertainmentstyled after an old-fashioned variety show. The event was made possible through thecollaboration and sponsorship of Morgan Stanley.The evening kicked off with a compelling vocal performance by rising gospel music starCandace Benson, followed by the talents of the Pocono Baptist Choir. Finally, the StevenMaglio Band gave us a rich set of Frank Sinatra classics with his 10-piece orchestra.But the highlight was a small group of Mercy students who stole the show with their ownvoices and fancy dance moves!Everyone had an opportunity to participate in a raffle of exciting prizes, including severalsets of great concert tickets donated by Air Products.We are grateful to all our guests, sponsors and collaborators, especially Morgan Stanley,Air Products, and ASR Media for capturing the magic of the evening on video.MERCY TONE CHIMERSPERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEMOn June 13 at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, thousands of IronPigs fans got an unexpectedtreat. Thanks to an arrangement made by Laurie Hackett and Air Products, our ToneChime Choir performed the National Anthem on Mercy’s brand-new chime instruments.Led by Mercy music director Sue Kaczmarek, the group of Mercy musicians masterfullychimed the entire song, as the fans silently and reverently listened with hands over hearts.The fans were so attentive and silent, every note was clear and audible. You could haveheard a pin drop! We are very grateful to Air Products and to the IronPigs for thiswonderful and unique opportunity, which is yet another illustration of how Mercy Schoolenriches the lives of our students and the entire Lehigh Valley community!5MERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING 2018-19 ANNUAL REPORTAlthough I have lived in the Lehigh Valleyfor more than twenty years, I didn’t knowthat Mercy School For Special Learningexisted. When Mark Napierkowski invitedme for an official tour and I had theopportunity to see these young people inaction with their talented and dedicatedteachers, the decision to help out as avolunteer was easy and has beenrewarding ever since.Luckily, I am fortunate to be verycomfortable around children of all agesand abilities. I was a school teachermyself for more than ten years, beforeI chose to stay home with my three kids,Luisa, Ellie and Faust. When you don’t havetoo many extra hours to spare, it’simportant to know and love the reasonsyou’re doing the work. It has to be a greatfit, or it can be uncomfortable.Volunteering means saying YES to manythings: unfamiliar people, unfamiliar tasks,occasional meetings, and for me thesometimes challenging computer skillsneeded to run an auction! Believe me, myteenagers bailed me out many times whenit came to that part! I have learned somuch through this opportunity. Perhapsmost importantly, I am constantlyreminded that just as I work hard toprovide lifetime opportunities for my ownthree children, my new friends at Mercydeserve awesome opportunities, too.Speaking of opportunities, a highlight forme and my kids is the chance tochaperone at the Mercy Prom. What agreat night for the Mercy kids and theirfamilies who come ready to dance andsocialize. I love seeing how happy andeager they are when they arrive, somecarrying corsages for their friends.It’s also heartwarming to see my childreninteract with the Mercy students, takeselfies with them, dance with them andleave that night with new friendships.The joy that radiates from Mercy School,its teachers, staff and especially thestudents is so special and unique.I feel blessed to be a small part of a greatplace. So, thanks Mark, for introducing meto Mercy School and thanks to all whohave been very welcoming.Missy CapobiancoMERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING MERCYSCHOOL.ORG6
ENDOWMENTS PROVIDELONG-TERM FUNDINGBack to School!Remember the first day of school when you were a kid, all those years ago?It was a day we all anticipated with great excitement, and maybe a little bitof apprehension. But it always meant a new start, and a chance to see oldfriends after a long summer vacation.The same is absolutely true for our Mercy students! What fun it was to seethem walk off the buses and experience their heartfelt enthusiasm for theirschool. The love of these students for Mercy School is evident. On theirbehalf, therefore, we are grateful for the support of all our friends, volunteers,and donors, without whom these students would not be able to experienceall that Mercy offers them. Thank you, and God bless you!7MERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING 2018-19 ANNUAL REPORTIn an effort to address the long-termfinancial viability of Mercy School,the Board opened two en-dowmentfunds with the Catholic Foundationof Eastern PA. The Board recognizedthat there always will be children bornwith intellectual and/or developmentaldisabilities who need the servicesof Mercy.A donor stepped forward and offered a 100,000 annual match for gifts madeto Mercy’s General Endowment Fundfor a five-year period. The goal is forthe match to generate a 1 millionendowment.Gifts may be made now with cash,securities, or IRA/401K transfers (age70.5), or later with be-quests in a will,beneficiary designations from lifeinsurance and investments, or memorialgifts mentioned in an obituary.ADVANCEMENT & MARKETINGOPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE279,952387,6459,000 OTHERPROGRAM EXPENSES50,823 SALARIES & BENEFITS 1,506,813OTHER182,342 BISHOPS ANNUAL APPEAL200,000 EITC & OSTC TAX CREDIT PROGRAM267,167 Expenses 1,584,004CONTRIBUTIONS, FUNDRAISING & GRANTS*RevenuesTUITION & FEESIn previous years, tax credits were onlyoffered to businesses in Pennsylvaniathrough the Education Improvementand Opportunity Scholarship Tax Creditprograms (EITC/OSTC). But with therecent changes to the state tax code,the definition of “business firms andpass-through entities” expanded toinclude individuals who join an SPE.Now any qualifying individuals maydirect their individual state income taxpayment to Mercy as a scholarship andreceive a 90 percent tax credit. This isespecially enticing for multi-partnerbusinesses (medical, legal, accountingand investments, etc.)JULY 1, 2018 - JUNE 30, 2019666,040Pennsylvania residents who pay aminimum of 5,000 in state incometax can turn that into a scholarship forMercy School AND receive a tax credit.With more than 700,000 in scholarshipneed annually, the Special PurposeEntities (SPE) tax credit program is agame changer for Mercy.FINANCIAL SUMMARY TURN YOUR PAINCOME TAX INTOSCHOLARSHIPS,TAX CREDITSTOTAL: 2,899,553TOTAL: 2,234,233NET INCOME: 665,320*Contributions, Fundraising, and Grants include Parent Alliance contributions.IN SUPPORT OF OUR MISSIONEvery year, Mercy is challenged to raisemore than 1 million in private support tofulfill its mission of educating studentswith special needs. Year after year,generous contributions from our faithfuldonors bless our school with thenecessary funds to help us remain a viableeduca-tional resource for our families.Our wonderful friends demonstrate anunconditional belief in the mission ofMercy School.The 2018-2019 school year began inAugust with our Annual Mercy GolfClassic where more than 130 golfers andvolunteers attended the event at BrooksideCountry Club in support of the school andour kids. We thank all our sponsors andgolfers, as well as all raffle prize donors.We are happy to report that we made ourfinancial objective, as the event nettedmore than 50,000.Our Annual Dinner Gala and Auctiontheme was “Keeping the Dream Alive”and took place at Homewood Suites inCenter Valley in October 2018. Under theleadership of veteran Mercy teacher andtheater director Ms. Vickie McHale, theMercy Magical Movement Dancersdanced and sang their hearts out to theenjoyment of all. More than 300 attendeesshowed their support, and the eventnetted almost 245,000.In May 2019, we partnered with MorganStanley to produce our first Little ReallyBig Show, an old-fashioned variety showwhich featured the music of StevenMaglio, Candace Benson, and the PoconoBaptist Choir. But the show stealer wasa small group of our Mercy MagicalMove-ment Dancers who performed tothe delight of more than 200 guests at theMusikfest Cafe in Bethlehem. This eventnetted more than 31,000.On June 1, 2019, Mercy once againparticipated in the Highmark Walk for aHealthy Community. On this beautifulsunny day, with the participation of severaldonors and friends, we raised 1,465.Proceeds from these events, our AnnualFund, grants, and major gifts are criticallyimportant development components eachyear. We are abundantly blessed and sograteful for the support and love shownby all of our donors, event sponsors andparticipants!MERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING MERCYSCHOOL.ORG8
DONOR RECOGNITIONAngel of Mercy ( 10,000 & Up)Air ProductsATAS International, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Rob BennettBridge Educational FoundationCapobianco Family FoundationMr. Frank Dulmovitz & Mrs. Geraldine SkrapitsMr. & Mrs. James FinneganMr. & Mrs. Michael GumanMr. & Mrs. Paul HuckMs. Margaret C. PerezPrecision Medical, Inc. - Michael A. KrupaMrs. Diane SipicsMr. William Straccia Sr.The Donald B. & Dorothy L. Stabler FoundationMr. & Mrs. Joseph TopperThe Harry C. Trexler TrustYocco’s & Mr. Gary IacoccaMr. & Mrs. Alexander ZamboVisionary ( 5,000 to 9,999)The Bill Sugra Memorial FundMr. & Mrs. Chris BirkheadMr. & Mrs. Dick BusMr. & Mrs. Faust Capobianco IVMs. Nicole Capobianco-ScottDeSales UniversityMrs. Kathy FlanneryMr. & Mrs. David GillMr. & Mrs. Joseph Hixson Jr.KeyBank National Association Renee Webb MurckMr. & Mrs. Christopher KuhnLehigh Valley Rail Management LLC Patrick LoughlinLehigh Valley Rail Management LLC Patrick SabatinoRev. Wilfred MaloneyMrs. Rosemary McFaddenMr. & Mrs. Kevin O’DonnellMr. Thomas RiddleSacred Heart Senior LivingMr. & Mrs. Paul Smith Jr.St. Joseph the Worker ChurchThe Charles H. Hoch FoundationThe Topper Foundation9Principal ( 2,500 to 4,999)Mr. & Mrs. Joseph AlfierB. Braun Medical Inc.Baker HughesMrs. Laura Bennett-SheltonDr. & Mrs. Edward J. Burkhard Jr.Cathedral of Saint Catharine of SienaMr. & Mrs. Stuart CattellCox Building ServicesMr. Robert Della SalaDunne Manning Inc.Flexicon CorporationFred J. Jaindl Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. John FreehHoly Infancy ChurchIAI Construction Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Ann KushLehigh Valley Rail Management LLC August N. Fix, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Michael ManloveMr. & Mrs. Peter MattMrs. Annie McGearyMD Lieberman Foundation IAA/Mr. Mrs. Mark LiebermanMichael E Kulp Memorial FundMr. & Mrs. Jose MinguillonMorgan Stanley The Hoffmeier Romanelli GroupMr. & Mrs. Damon NeagleMr. & Mrs. Jerry NollNotre Dame of BethlehemOlympus Corporation of the AmericasPatricia Saam Insurance Agency Inc.Penn State Paper and Box Co., Inc.Sacred Heart ChurchMr. & Mrs. Tom ScaliciShift4 Payments - Christopher RoyerSt. Jane Frances de ChantalSt. Thomas More RectoryMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey StracciaMr. & Mrs. William SugraMr. & Mrs. Michael TonerTransEdge Truck CentersMr. & Mrs. Edward WeistLeadership ( 1,000 to 2,499)A.B.E. Doors & WindowsMr. & Mrs. Paul AmentaAmerican Bank - Mark W. JaindlDr. & Mrs. George ArangioArbor Insurance Group, Inc.B.F. Brown Co.Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLPMrs. JoEllen BartolacciMr. & Mrs. Ammon Baus Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Ross J. BornBoyle Construction Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Mark BradburyBrock Associates, LLCMr. & Mrs. Frank BurnsMr. & Mrs. Jim BusMr. & Mrs. Anthony CarfagnoMr. & Mrs. S. Chip CatinoMr. & Mrs. Gregory ChristensenCrossAmerica Partners LPMs. Lois DadayMr. & Mrs. Al DezubayMr. & Mrs. David DiLuigiElectro-Space Fabricators, Inc.Embassy Bank for the Lehigh ValleyJohn & Eileen FasolkaMr. & Mrs. William E. FordMr. & Mrs. Barnet FraenkelMr. & Mrs. Barry GaalGerhartGreater Allentown PioneersGross McGinley, LLPHampson Mowrer Kreitz InsuranceMs. Diana HandlonHeydt Insurance Agency, Inc.Holy Family ChurchHoly TrinityHugh E. Friel, D.D.S., M.D.S., P.C.Immaculate ConceptionJenns HouseJosh Early CandiesKeystone Savings FoundationMrs. Mary Clare KibelstisMr. & Mrs. Jeff KlossLehigh Valley Community FoundationMr. Christopher McFaddenDr. & Mrs. David MeehanMr. & Mrs. Jim MiltenbergerMs. Melissa Morea & Vincent EvolaMr. & Mrs. Tom MuehlenkampMr. & Mrs. Chris MyersDr. & Mrs. John NapierkowskiNational Energy Improvement FundNew York Urban, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Aidan NiggelMr. & Mrs. Al OttingerDr. & Mrs. Joseph PatrunoMr. David PaulusPeters Marine Service, Inc.Mrs. Diane PetrizziMr. Erik RanderMr. & Mrs. Richard ReynoldsDr. & Mrs. Robert RienzoRoss Body / A-1 TowingMr. & Mrs. Mark RothSacred Heart of Jesus ChurchMr. & Mrs. William J. ScharleDr. & Mrs. Frank SchweighardtSherwin-WilliamsShift4 Payments - Kelly BullardMr. & Mrs. Vince SorgiSpillman Farmer ArchitectsSt. Joseph the Worker - The Knightsof Columbus Council 10921St. Nicholas Catholic ChurchSt. Peter Church & Rev. Msgr. John J. MartinSt. Rocco’s Catholic ChurchSt. Thomas More SchoolSt. Ursula ChurchMr. & Mrs. Joseph StarkMr. & Mrs. Christopher StenMr. & Mrs. William J. Straccia IIISts. Simon & JudeMr. & Mrs. Michael Stuppiello& Mr. John StuppielloMr. & Mrs. Matthew SwatskyMERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING 2018-19 ANNUAL REPORTMrs. Barbara TantarosThe Century FundDr. & Mrs. Philip J. TigheMr. & Mrs. Dennis TroccolaMs. Rosanne VendittoMr. & Mrs. Peter WaldronWaste Management - John HambroseMr. & Mrs. Christopher WeilerWells Fargo - Leona Gruber TrustMr. & Mrs. Len WrabelMr. & Mrs. Philip YoderHonors ( 500 to 999)AkzoNobelAlan Kunsman Roofing & Siding, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Michael AlbaneseMr. & Mrs. Marc Albanese Sr.Albarell Electric, Inc.Dr. & Mrs. Luis AlvarezAncient Order of HiberniansAnonymousASI Spray Insulation ProfessionalsASR Media ProductionsMr. & Mrs. George BaileyMr. & Mrs. John BakeyBishop PhotoMr. & Mrs. John BowenDrs. Steve & Gina BrigidoMr. Gene BucknoBuckno Lisicky & Co.Mr. & Mrs. Tino CalantoniCalantoni EnterprisesCapital Blue CrossMr. George ChmielDr. & Mrs. Kenneth ChoquetteConcannon Miller & Co.Mr. & Mrs. Gene CrosslandDr. & Mrs. Philip and Ursula Del Vecchio Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Jack DeMatosDesign IPMr. & Mrs. Alfred Douglass IIIEagle Truck EquipmentEaston Coach Co.Empire Resources, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Amos EsliebMr. & Mrs. John FioreMs. Dianne FoxMs. Mary GedneyMr. & Mrs. Mark GilbertMr. & Mrs. Armand GrecoMrs. Mary Jo GrovesMr. & Mrs. Bryan GuzleyMr. Bill Halstead & Ms. Martha PhelpsHance Construction, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Fred HayesMs. Kathy HillyardMr. Donald HochMr. & Mrs. Jim IacoccaMr. & Mrs. Brad JohnMr. & Mrs. Tom KacsurMrs. Rosemarie KaminskiMr. & Mrs. Thomas KellyKensol Airways, Inc.Keystone Sales & AssociatesMr. & Mrs. Brian KiernanKnights of Columbus, Queenship of Mary #4050Mr. & Mrs. Peter KrajsaMr. & Mrs. Christopher KulpLehigh Valley Investment GroupLiberty Property TrustMr. & Mrs. Jason LinkMaitz Home ServicesDr. & Mrs. Victor ManzellaMr. & Mrs. Roger MarranMr. & Mrs. Shaun MatthewsMr. P.M. McFaddenMcGriff Insurance ServicesMr. John McGuinnessMr. & Mrs. Robert MelchiorreMs. Marie MessmerMidContinental ChemicalMr. & Mrs. D. Bradley MitchellModern Trade Communications, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Eston MorganMRC (Manufacturers Resource Center)Mr. & Mrs. Tony MuirMr. & Mrs. Mark NapierkowskiDr. & Mrs. Michael NapierkowskiMr. & Mrs. Steven NeelMr. & Mrs. David NewcombeRobyn Leuthe NorrisO.R. Pacchioli Insurance AgencyMr. & Mrs. Anthony OchotorenaMr. & Mrs. William OdenthalOley Hills International Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Jerome OravecOur Lady’s Women’s Guild Queenship of Mary ChurchMr. & Mrs. Victor PalmMr. Steve PastoreDr. & Mrs. Nicholas PatrunoMr. & Mrs. Michael PerrucciMrs. Theresa PinterBruce & Sherry Quist & Ms. Emily QuistMr. & Mrs. Christopher ReidMr. & Mrs. John ReillyRER Energy Group LLCMs. Barbara RowleySeidel Cohen Hof & Reid, LLCService Tire Truck CentersMr. & Mrs. Ralph ShieldsMr. & Mrs. Donald SnyderMr. & Mrs. Richard SpugnardiMr. & Mrs. Frederick SquireSt. Ann’s Women’s Club of EmmausMr. Brian A. SullivanMr. Mark SwartzMr. Joseph SweeneyT. R. Engel Group, LLCThe Equinox AgencyThe Honorable Sen. & Mrs. Patrick ToomeyTop Star ExpressMr. & Mrs. Bill TunkeMr. & Mrs. Alfred UmbleMr. Barry VolkelMr. & Mrs. Esdras WalkerMr. & Mrs. William WargMrs. Maureen WashingtonMs. Mary WendellMr. & Mrs. Lance WertmanMs. Jan WillsMr. & Mrs. James WishchukMr. & Mrs. Keith YandersMr. & Mrs. David ZinklerMaroon ( 250 to 499)Mr. & Mrs. Sal AguilarMr. & Mrs. Marc Albanese Jr.Alvarez OrthodonticsAmbler SurgicalAssumption of the BlessedVirgin Mary - NorthamptonDr. & Mrs. Mark AugelloMr. & Mrs. Bill BakerMr. & Mrs. Richard BakerMr. Trevor BehrBeyer-Barber Co.Mr. James BirkheadMr. & Mrs. David BodekMr. & Mrs. Kevin BordenBrookside Office Partners LPBurkholder’s HeatingMr. & Mrs. Eric BusMr. & Mrs. Al Cannon Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Tracy CarltonDr. Victor CelaniMr. Mark Chmiel & Mr. John SeidmanMs. Reese CollnsDr. & Mrs. Michael P. CosgroveMr. & Mrs. Eddie and Chelsey DeJesusMr. & Mrs. Brian DreisbachMr. & Mrs. William EhritzESPIMr. & Mrs. Robert FischerMr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Fitzpatrick Jr.Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba, P.C.Dr. Amanda Flicker & Mr. Corey MoyerMr. & Mrs. Jim FoleyDr. & Mrs. Pasquale J. FugazzottoDr. & Mrs. Hugh GallagherGilboy Automotive GroupDr. & Mrs. James GoodreauMr. & Mrs. Al GosciniakMs. Susan GuzmanMr. & Mrs. Richard HebertMr. & Mrs. Robert Hicks Jr.Ms. Joane HockenburyMr. & Mrs. John R. HoffnerMeet AshlynMy name is Ashlyn Tatasciore. I am asix-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy.My story starts June 5, 2013 when mymom Tammy had me on my olderbrother’s 7th birthday. When I was born,everyone was so excited to meet me,but there were also tears in their eyes.When my mom was deliveringme, things got complicated andshe had to go to heaven. Due tocomplications at birth, I suffered fromHypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy.Even though she is not here, I know sheis watching me and keeping me safeevery day. After I was born, my brotherAustin and I had to find a new home.My mom’s sister (my Aunt Sheila) andher husband (my Uncle Mike) adoptedmy brother and me. They show me allthe love in the world and have becomemy new mom and dad!ASHLYN’S STORYAshlyn started at Mercy last schoolyear when she was 5-years-old. Sincethe first day her mom and dad droppedher off, her smile has been electrifyingand simply lights up the school.Ashlyn is a nonverbal child wholoves to be with her peers. Shecommunicates her thoughts andfeelings with her classmates, teachers,and family with a communication appwhich is downloaded onto her iPad.She can identify some colors andshapes, as well as days, months,numbers, and letters while participatingin “Morning Circle” and duringacademic time on a daily basis.Ashlyn gets very excited when shesees some of her close friends,especially in Room 6! Every day is a lotbrighter with Ashlyn in the classroom.Because of her, and because of somany special kids in our school, thesun is always shining at Mercy!Diane SchultzDiane Schultz, Teacher,Mercy School For Special LearningMERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING MERCYSCHOOL.ORG10
Mercy’s Pre-K ProgramMercy School For Special Learning happily continues to provide a wonderful Pre-Kprogram for children ages 3-5. After the June retirement of 38-year Mercy teacher JayneSerino, we were blessed to welcome Ms. LeeAnn Stanley as our full-time Pre-K programdirector. LeeAnn’s priority will be to offer a stimulating classroom environment for theboys and girls in the program, including a variety of enjoyable activities in generallearning, art, life skill development, and much more.It is with deep affection and gratitude that we say goodbye to “Ms. Jayne.” We wish herall the best and well-deserved comforts in retirement, and it’s a delight to see her in theschool frequently as she helps in various classrooms! At the same time, we are excitedabout a new era in our Pre-K program, so please join us in welcoming “Ms. LeeAnn” as ournew program leader!11MERCY SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL LEARNING 2018-19 ANNUAL REPORTHospital Central Services Corp.Houser & Plessl Wealth Mgmt GroupMrs. Phyllis IacoccaJ & M Roofing LLCJ.S. Burkholder Funeral HomeMr. & Mrs. Ronald JacobsMs. Jill JarrettMr. & Mrs. Sam JarvisJenkins International MarketingJEV Construction LLCMr. & Mrs. Rich KasardaMr. & Mrs. Anthony KellerMr. & Mrs. Charles J. Kelly Sr.Keystone DentistryMr. Kent S. KisenbauerMr. & Mrs. Ervin P KleinKnights of Columbus Council #15188Ms. Wendy KrisakMr. & Mrs. Stephen LansheMs. Natalie LauerMr. & Mrs. Joseph Leeson Jr.Lehigh Valley Safety ShoesDr. & Mrs. Jack LenhartMr. James Lett II & Ms. Holly HopeMr. & Mrs. Larry LurwickMr. & Mrs. Vince LynottM&T Bank/Wilmington TrustMr. Donald MaranoMr. & Mrs. Fran
The joy that radiates from Mercy School, its teachers, staff and especially the students is so special and unique. I feel blessed to be a small part of a great place. So, thanks Mark, for introducing me to Mercy School and thanks to all who have been very welcoming. Missy Capobianco Why I Volunteer at Mercy School LITTLE REALLY BIG SHOW
