CADES

Shout out to GCMS Special Education Teacher Renee Grimes for this post (if you saw our graduation video and we wondering about these presentations Daejon loved so much, here you go!)

Over the past two months, students have been working hard to create their own "About Me" presentations. These presentations include general information about themselves, such as where they live, their anticipated graduation year, and some of their favorite things. Students also explored and included the five components of the Transition Support Star: My IEP Team, My Strengths, My Adaptations, Eligibility, and Community.

Throughout the process they built valuable technology skills by learning how to navigate and use several Google platforms, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Slides. They then presented to classmates, GCMS staff, and a DCIU representative.

These presentations will be used during students' IEP meetings as a way to encourage more active and meaningful participation.

We are so proud of their hard work, confidence, and self-advocacy. After all, who better to tell their story than them?

On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in the United States learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth stands as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder that the journey toward justice and equality continues.

At CADES, this day reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, inclusion, and dignity for all. We strive to create a community where every individual feels seen, valued, and supported.

We honor Juneteenth by:
• Reflecting on our values and how we show up for one another
• Continuing to learn about our shared history
• Encouraging meaningful conversations
• Supporting our wider community

Today, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black individuals and communities—past and present—and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive future.

Welcome to our latest edition of the CADES Courier, and the last of our school year: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/Dz4TfC5r1NLsJC8m?ref=Link.

Which means a whole lot of school happenings, including:
Our 2026 Graduation Ceremony
Our Prom and our Middle School Dance- INCLUDING NEW PORTRAITS FROM Scott W. Anderson Photography!
Some special guests for two outstanding assemblies
Fun and educational field trips
Our Adult Day Program is building the foundation for an entrepreneurial enterprise, we celebrate our fourth cohort of newly NADSP certified Direct Support Professionals as part of many staff shout outs, and make our very first announcement CELEBRATING OUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY!

We hope you enjoy!

We had wonderful volunteers and incredible performances during our 2026 GCMS Graduation Ceremony this week! Future graduate Frankie (we're trying not to imagine that yet!) helped us honor our country before the ceremony began. Jeremi did a wonderful job handing programs out to guests. Our Hand Bell Choir, under the direction of Music Therapist Sabrina Stafford, included students and staff from rooms 114 and 115 (and one from room 118) who performed "When You Wish Upon a Star," which set the tone for an emotional graduation ceremony, to say the least! Julilyn from Room 9 led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, before Diamond brought the house down with her singing of the National Anthem. Finally, our GCMS Choir concluded our ceremony before our graduates, staff, and families began the recessional with their performance of "Landslide." All of these moments contributed to a magical graduation ceremony for these outstanding graduates, their families, our staff members, and our distinguished guests! Moments we will never forget!

Congratulations to our 2026 GCMS Graduates: Jayden, Katherine, Daejon, Mason, Gabrielle, Jared, and Chase!

It was a magical morning here at CADES celebrating these fantastic students and their wonderful families. From the performances by our GCMS Choir and our Hand Bell Choir (we will post on that soon), to exceptional speeches by CEO Julie Alleman and Special Education Teachers Chris Tipping, Renee Grimes (who handled a great deal of hilarious heckling from her graduate), and Denise McKee, to a fabulous slideshow produced by former CADES staff Lydia Freeman, to the presentation of certificates and medals by Supervisor of Special Education Cheryl Marmer, Secondary Education Supervisor (and graduation mastermind) Claire Shallow, and each of our partner school district's LEAs. We will definitely post more about all of the wonderful things that happened during graduation, but THIS ONE IS FOR THE GRADS! Congratulations to each of you, we will miss each of you considerably (CADES will not be the same), and we cannot wait to see what they future has in store!

Room 117 experienced a sensory explosion on their field trip to Junior Playground in Newtown Square! In between dressing in costumes, Joy, Vasilli, Maziar, and Robert bounced, climbed, rocked, and rolled all over their indoor playground! 🚌

For the 22nd year (!) Amosland Elementary School performed here at CADES, this year decked out in their USA best in honor of our country's 250th anniversary! In between chats of "USA," our students and staff enjoyed an outstanding performance from our friends in the Ridley School District!

Shout out to George Crothers Memorial School Special Education Teacher Renee Grimes for this post: Room 9 students had a blast at the bowling alley, cheering each other on, celebrating successes, and enjoying time together in the community. After building up an appetite on the lanes, they headed to lunch where students put their budgeting and independent ordering skills to the test.

To top it all off, Ms. Renee was surprised with a signed bowling pin from the class to remember today's chaos... we mean fun! And yes—it’s a real bowling pin! Be sure to stop by and check it out (and see just how heavy those things actually are!).