The Vanguard School and Services

06/19/2026

All Vanguard programs will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth

06/18/2026

We’re proud to celebrate the students and staff who earned their ServSafe Manager credential — a nationally recognized certification that reflects advanced knowledge in food safety and professional kitchen operations!

This cohort committed to meeting twice a week throughout the school year, building their skills and preparing for the exam with steady focus and teamwork. Their dedication truly shows in this accomplishment.

With guidance from Culinary Arts Specialist Sheila McCoy, our students and staff put in months of studying effort and hands-on learning in our student-run restaurant, Phin’s Café, to reach this milestone. Their commitment continues to strengthen the high quality work happening every day at Phin’s Café.

We’d also like to recognize Lisa A. for pursuing certification to better support our students, and Johnathan M. and Rashien H. for returning to class even after earning their own credentials to encourage and study alongside Will P., who passed with honors.
Congratulations to all who achieved this impressive milestone — your hard work and Vanguard pride shine through!

06/18/2026

To end the 25–26 school year, our Middle School and High School students enjoyed fun celebrations. High School earned a day at Dorney Park and Arnold’s Fun Center for their quarter award, and Middle School wrapped things up with a lively foam party to kick off summer. We’re already looking forward to welcoming students back for Extended School Year (ESY) fun.

06/17/2026

Vanguard Executive Director Tom Quinn was invited to a select round table discussion at the Governor’s Mansion organized by 1st Lady Lori Shapiro last week. The First Lady has made employment and services for adults with disabilities her signature issue and Tom was able to meet with the state directors of Special Education, Health and Human Services and Vocational Rehabilitation to share what Vanguard does and how we can be part of the conversation for better services for all of our students and alumni. This is all part of our commitment to learning for life and we are excited to see where these conversations will lead!

06/17/2026

We proudly celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month and the rich traditions and voices that continue to shape our shared story.

06/16/2026

Last week’s Staff Appreciation Food Truck Festival gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of the people who make The Vanguard School and Services such a special place. In addition to enjoying delicious food from a variety of delicious food trucks, we paid tribute to staff members who celebrated milestone years of service and other noteworthy recognitions.

We were happy to honor staff members who retired this year – Marcy McGee (41 years), Jim Nice (5 years) and Christine Moran (5 years) – and thanked them for their commitment and contributions to our mission throughout the years. Congratulations and enjoy a happy, well-deserved retirement!

Another highlight was the presentation of this year’s staff awards:
Excellence in Education Award – Alicia Dewey, One-to-One Aide, was honored as a staff member who demonstrates exceptional excellence in direct student support.
Unsung Hero Award – Mira Holloway, Classroom Behavior Technician, was recognized as a staff member whose compassion, creativity, and behind the scenes dedication makes a lasting impact.

Thank you to our Human Resources team for organizing this event and to all of our staff for the care, energy, and commitment they bring to our students each day.

06/12/2026

What happens when legislators, educators, and advocates come together with a shared purpose? Watch our video recap to see how The Vanguard School and Services' first annual Legislators' Breakfast brought together voices from across Pennsylvania in support of brighter futures for the children and adults we serve:

This is "The Vanguard School and Services Legislative Breakfast" by Sheba Simms on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

06/12/2026

It’s a wrap on another amazing school year! 🎉
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for making this year one-of-a-kind. We are proud of all that our students have accomplished and look forward to seeing what the future holds.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and relaxing summer! ☀️

06/11/2026

A few weeks ago, while visiting Elmwood Park Zoo, our students had the opportunity to meet Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro. That special moment led to an opportunity for a larger conversation about the future of students with disabilities.

Yesterday, our Executive Director Tom Quinn participated in a small roundtable discussion at the Governor’s Residence alongside First Lady Lori Shapiro, Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, leaders from ODP, OVR, and Special Education, and members of the Governor’s team. The discussion focused on one of the most important topics facing our community: helping students successfully transition to what comes next after school.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share the experiences, challenges, and successes of the students and families we serve. We are also proud to have Vanguard staff like Teresa Russell, whose initiative helped create the connection at Elmwood Zoo that elevated Vanguard’s voice in an important statewide conversation.

You never know where a single moment can lead—but when it helps advance opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, it’s a moment worth celebrating!

06/09/2026

Last week, our elementary students took an important step forward as they bridged to Middle School. This ceremony honored not only their academic growth, but the confidence, skills, and character they’ve built along the way. Surrounded by families, staff, and peers, they crossed this milestone ready for new challenges and new opportunities. We are incredibly proud of all they’ve achieved and we’re excited to support them as they begin their next chapter in Middle School. 🍎📚