Welcome to our school! 

September 2010 

As Director of Overbrook School for the Blind, it is a privilege to reach out to the many individuals, groups, and families that make up the Overbrook community. You are the people we serve as well as the people and institutions who make it possible for us to serve, educate, and prepare our students to live up to the potential of their individual talents and abilities. 

But I would like to do more than merely report to you, something we already do through our Towers newsletter, annual report, Friends’ letters, open houses, and other publications and events. For the duration of this school year and for many school years to come, I look forward to sharing with you some of the details—human and humorous, personal and professional—that bring to life how, what, and why we do what we do. 

One of the first things I would like to bring to your attention is that teaching and learning never stop. A number of years ago, Overbrook was ahead of the educational curve that says student learning should not be restricted to a 10-month year. At the time, we initiated an expanded school year for the Early Childhood students, continuing what we always do—making learning fun within the mandates and parameters of the children’s IEPs (Individual Education Plans). Then we extended the same kind of age-appropriate summer school to the Elementary program and aptly titled it ESY (Extended School Year). Now, in 2010, we brought into the summer learning fold our Middle School, High School, and School to Work students in the equally rigorous and enjoyable learning experience known as OSP (Overbrook Summer Program). 

This summer, there were classroom lessons, O&M and other therapies, swimming, field trips, music, sports, theatre, career awareness, and so much more. Teachers, teacher aides, therapists, lifeguards, two of our high school students (Douglas Trinidad and Nygea Williams), and a recent grad (Ridley Lassiter) staffed the school-wide extended school year. An OSB Board member (Peggy Garrett), who is also an alumna, pitched in, as she so often does. Another recent grad (Sam Wallace) and high school student (Isaiah Coleman) worked on campus in the maintenance department. 

The seven families who attended the annual Early Intervention Outreach Summer Workshop were vocal and unanimous in their appreciation of the opportunity to meet with and bond with others facing similar life challenges. One woman, in particular, seemed to speak for everyone: “The most important experience my husband and I got out of this week is being able to see other children and talk to other parents who are in the same place we are. Being able to talk to other parents who understand our life experiences is invaluable. Thanks, Overbrook!” 

The success of those we serve and the involvement of those who support the school are both gratifying and humbling. 

Our recent Commencement attests to the success of our students. The largest class since 1972 included young men and women on their way to college, other training programs, group homes, and their loving families. Each graduate was different from his or her peers, but each one was living up to a personal and unique set of abilities. 

Over the next few months, I look forward to sharing with you the story of an alumna (class of 2000) who was recently honored as the employee of the year where she works and recognized as a role model for her colleagues. There will also be notes about specific academic activities, the rich diversity of the families who make up the OSB community, and the extra-curricular activities that add both breadth and depth to the students’ education. 

I also encourage you to check out our blog throughout the school year for pictures of current activities and to send your comments and thoughts about our school to the program coordinators with whom I meet regularly.  

They can’t promise to individually respond to every e-mail, but they promise to continue to read and carefully consider your comments and to act upon them when possible and appropriate. 

Welcome to our school! Welcome to the OSB community! 

Gerald Kitzhoffer

Overbrook School for the Blind
6333 Malvern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151
215-877-0313