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Getting a message out quickly is important for a school. For daily activities and safety situations.

With the school’s old Public Address unit, however, only some classrooms could hear a crackly-sounding voice ringing from discolored speakers.

Thankfully this all changed in the spring when Torrence, a company based out of Perrysburg, finished installing a new, up-to-date sound system.

In days of the old PA, someone from the front office would have to set an alarm for class changes, wait for the alarm, grab a microphone, press a red button, and say something like, “Math Concepts classes will begin in five minutes.”

This process would have to be repeated many times a day every day. Some announcements would be delayed or skipped by the office due to phone calls or other pressing issues.

Now, class changes are announced automatically with pre-recorded announcements.

This lets the front office team focus on responding to more immediate needs.

The PA’s powerful features will also increase the safety of students and staff during an emergency situation.

With the old system not everyone in the building would hear the call for a safety drill. The front office team would need to individually contact certain teachers.

And, once again, a staff member would have to go through a multi-step process to make the announcement.

How many steps does this take with the new PA?

One.

A single press of a button initiates a pre-recorded message to lock-down that rings out across all areas of the school, including the playground.

Teachers are able to check-in by pressing a button on a console located in their classrooms, which instantly sends a signal to the main office.

This project has furthered our goal of creating a safe place where everyone can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

The new PA system was funded through the OH K12 School Security Grant administered by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.

A warm greeting from a familiar face.

It’s a simple but powerful action.

And one reason the Afterschool Astros is treasured by so many 9th-12th graders at the Autism Model Community School.

Because the program is staffed by AMS employees, students are quick to build positive relationships. And parents benefit from knowing their child is receiving continuity between the school day and the Astros.

A main source of afterschool funding comes from the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, a federal grant administered by the Ohio Department of Education.

This grant award is automatically reduced by 25% in year four (2022-2023 school year) and 50% in year five (2023-2024 school year).

Thanks to a big boost from some new partners, the program will continue offering students a chance to learn and grow into next school year. A total of $22,000 was gifted to the Astros from the following foundations:

• France Stone Foundation
• Lott-Conlon Foundation
• Roach Family Foundation
• Robert C. & Susan M. Savage Family Foundation
• Waite-Brand Foundation

Now that’s what we call team work!

These partners are investing in a program with solid leadership.

Mary Jo Besase (“MJ”), program manager, has led the Astros since 2019. With previous experience in business management and as a van driver, MJ brings a unique mix of talents to her role and is always adding a creative touch to afterschool activities.

During the health crisis, which happened in her fist year, MJ and her team stayed connected with students by hosting Zoom check-ins and making personal deliveries of healthy snacks and school supplies.

The Astros served between 12 to 16 daily participants across the 2022-2023 program year. Family engagement activities were held in partnership with the Ability Center of Greater Toledo’s Agility Angels program.

There was something for everyone at the second edition of our end-of-year party, held on the sunny and humid evening of Friday, June 2nd.

A celebration of the class of 2023 kicked things off.

Parents, families, and school employees crowded into seats under a large tent, as seven graduates walked up, one at a time, to a small stage to receive their diplomas.

Each graduate walked up while a song of their choice played on the speakers. From Queen to One Direction to Post Malone, the eclectic artists reflected the unique and gleaming personalities of each student.

Following this, more students, families, alumni, and staff members began rolling in for the second act of the party.

Guests were treated to hot dogs and chicken sandwiches from Ida’s Catering, and able to purchase items from an ice cream truck.

Entertainment included an acoustic performance from Robbie Clark, a Toledo School for Arts alum, and animals from Paige’s Pony Parties & Petting Farm.

Despite the unseasonably warm conditions, the end-of-year party was a hit, with an estimated 150 in attendance.

All of this fun was made available at no cost thanks to the generous support of the Elsie and Harry Baumker Foundation.

The school’s leadership team is grateful to all who made the year a shining success…2023-2024 here we come!