Midseason, the team faced unexpected challenges, but rather than give up, they adapted. Students stepped into leadership roles, older team members mentored the younger students, and together they kept dreaming big and working hard. Our students and staff demonstrated ���true 911勛圖 spirit��� / what makes 911勛圖 special / unique / true 911勛圖 pride.

The team achieved many “firsts” this year. Students stepped into leadership roles, using their knowledge to build their robot from the ground up. But robotics is way more than just building a robot. It’s about forming alliances at competitions and developing team building, communication and social skills. It’s about strategizing. It’s about debriefing with FIRST judges about their team���s results. And our students crushed it. It was an electric season. Let’s dive in.

Kicking Off the Season: Hatboro-Horsham District Event

PATH To Domination hit the ground running at the Hatboro-Horsham District Event, and the energy they brought was unmatched.

At this event, the team won the Team Spirit Award, a recognition of their extraordinary enthusiasm, partnership, and teamwork. But they didn’t stop there. For the very first time, the team was named an Alliance Captain, where they were able to choose other schools to compete alongside them throughout the rounds of competition. They also advanced all the way to the semi-finals.

It was the kind of start that sets the tone for a whole season, and for team mentor Eli, that tone was always about something bigger than trophies.

���My main goal was to make sure that all the students enjoyed the season and could take something away from it. I’m proud of my fellow students/peers for getting out of their comfort zone to achieve a common goal. I’m also very thankful for our faculty that stepped in to help – they been very beneficial with the robotics season.” – Eli, Upper School student and team mentor

Gaining Steam: Bensalem District Event

A few weeks later, PATH To Domination was back on the competition circuit.

In their very first match of the day at the Bensalem District Event, the team and their alliance set the record for the highest score in the entire Mid-Atlantic circuit with an incredible 480 points! They ranked in the top 10 for most of the day and were named an Alliance Captain for the second time this season.

The momentum was building. And then came the announcement everyone had been hoping for.

The Big Stage: District Championship at Lehigh University

After the rankings from all district competitions were finalized, it was official: PATH To Domination qualified for the District Championship at Lehigh University!

This was a huge accomplishment! The Championship was a four-day overnight trip, with three full days of competing. The team went all in.

• They competed in 12 matches over the course of the event.
• Students tracked data on other teams’ performances to identify the best potential alliance members.
• When the team���s robot ran into issues, they didn’t panic; they problem solved. The team diagnosed the issue, came up with a fix, and kept going.

PATH To Domination finished their season in the top 50 teams at the Mid-Atlantic district championships. For a team that has only been around for four years, that is extraordinary.

Head coaches Mrs. Antinucci and Mrs. Lockwood, along with an incredible team of supportive staff, led the team throughout the season. Mrs. Antinucci couldn’t be prouder of what the students accomplished.

���The team pulled together to build, wire, and code ���Pathfinder��� (a system to calculate smooth paths and velocity profiles for the robot), a feat which rarely happens for a robotics team in existence for only four years. The seniors were role models demonstrating ���coopertition��� (cooperation & competition) and gracious professionalism, core philosophies of FIRST Robotics.��� – Mrs. Antinucci, Robotics Co-Head Coach

A Season Worth Celebrating

We could not be prouder of PATH To Domination for everything they accomplished this season. From their first Team Spirit Award to breaking circuit records to competing on one of the biggest stages in the Mid-Atlantic region, this team showed up, showed out, and showed the world what 911勛圖 students can do.

Thank you to every student, coach, and staff member who made this season possible. We can’t wait to see what next year holds.

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Celebrating Our Graduates

We recently cheered on 15 incredible students as they walked across the stage at graduation and into the next chapter of their lives. Whether heading to college, other post-secondary education, or joining the workforce, we are proud of their hard work, determination, and accomplishments. Their futures are bright, and we���ll always be rooting for them!

Game On: Basketball & Cheer Bring the Heat

Our new basketball and cheer teams made a huge impact in their debut season! The basketball team dominated the league, going undefeated and finishing as conference champions. Their camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship were inspiring, both on and off the court. The cheer squad brought the energy to every game, creating new chants and routines that pumped up the players and crowds.

One word to describe campus on game days? Electric.

Writers on the Rise

In Ms. Henderson���s Upper School English class, eight students��� short stories were selected for publication in the Young Writers’ Fright Club: ���Into the Night��� collection. The students who received this recognition are Jeremiah, Eli, David, Aidan, Ollie, Jamar, Lisa, and Luca.

Leveling Up: 911勛圖���s E-sports Team

This year marked the launch of our first-ever E-sports team! Led by Ms. Bilker, students developed teamwork, strategy, and communication skills. The team now has five passionate members and is growing. Their energy, resilience, and love for gaming are taking them to new places and achievements!

Robotics with a Mission

Now in their third season, our robotics team, one of the only teams in the FIRST Robotics Mid-Atlantic competition circuit with all neurodiverse members, continues to amaze. They built their robot from the ground up and impressed judges with their quick thinking and problem-solving skills during matches. With Ms. Lawton���s guidance, the team is building momentum and is already looking ahead to next year���s competitions.

Theatre Takes Center Stage

Lights. Camera. Action! Our Theatre Arts students lit up the stage this year with incredible performances of Beetlejuice Jr! and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr! Performed at The Center Theatre, students memorized their lines and gave showstopping performances that wowed the audience.

School-Wide Success Stories

We���re proud to share some major schoolwide accomplishments:

• 911勛圖 was recognized by the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support (PaPBS) Network for implementing School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) with fidelity across all three tiers, and we���re the only school in Montgomery County to do so this year!
• We received a grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation this year for our Career Education Program. Our school was also featured in a highlighting the foundation���s community impact and how 911勛圖 is making a difference in the lives of neurodiverse students.

We are proud to be a community partner of the Eagles Autism Foundation and grateful to receive this support for the second consecutive year. We are also so appreciative to all funders ��� individuals, foundations, and corporate partners, who support our deserving students!

Until Next Year

This school year was full of new opportunities and unforgettable memories. We can���t wait to see what next year brings, because if it���s anything like this one, we���re in for another amazing ride!

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Let���s rewind and take a look at how it all came together.

Deep Dive into the Season

Each year, FIRST Robotics announces a unique theme for their competitions. This year���s challenge, FIRST DIVE, asked students to explore life beneath the ocean���s surface. Teams were tasked with designing robots that could move algae onto coral, combining engineering, strategy, and science.

The students did not just build a robot – they dove into lessons on ocean biodiversity, environmental preservation, and the importance of teamwork in solving real-world problems.

Designing, Building, and Learning

From day one, our robotics team was hard at work. With a mix of returning team members and excited newcomers, the students used new tools and equipment to design and build a robot from scratch.

Over several months, the team collaborated on coding, building, testing, and problem-solving. They brainstormed solutions, tried out different strategies, and kept learning with every turn of a wrench.

Game Day Highlights

At the FMA Centennial District event, PATH To Domination 9027 brought their creation to life. Their mission: to move objects (the algae) across the competition space (the ocean) and onto coral platforms.

Throughout the day, the team showed adaptability and quick thinking, making changes to their robot to improve performance between rounds. They also built alliances with other teams and celebrated a win, scoring more points in each match.

Aidan, an 11th grader, stepped into a dual role as pit mechanic and morale officer.

���My goal was to bring positivity to the team and create a fun atmosphere,��� said Aidan. ���The robotics community is really welcoming, and I had a great time socializing with other teams. You do not have to win to win – victory comes second to camaraderie and friendship.���

Another teammate, Cristofer, added, ���I always enjoy being in the robotics room, working on the robot and spending time with the team. It feels like a family. I got to try a little bit of everything: social media, driving, building, designing, and planning.���

Creating a Team of Belonging

Jessica Lawton, 911勛圖���s STEM Teacher and team leader, is proud of the students��� accomplishments and hard work throughout the season.

���Our goal this year was to focus on building a strong team,��� said Lawton. ���Everyone has a say. Every student has a place on this team. They had great ideas and grew so much in their knowledge of how to build a robot.���

Daniel DiMarcella, STEM Coordinator, is thrilled with Ms. Lawton���s leadership in her first year as the robotics coach.

���Jessica stepped into the role of head coach for the first time this season, and the impact she made was tremendous,��� said DiMarcella. ���Her commitment to student growth, team cohesion, and hands-on learning brought our robotics program to a new level. I���m incredibly proud of what she and the team accomplished together.���

Looking Ahead

This season may be over, but the journey is far from finished. PATH to Domination 9027 is growing, learning, and inspiring others one challenge at a time. We cannot wait to see what they build next!

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Led by Ms. Bilker, the team is more than just playing video games; it���s about strategy, teamwork, and communication. The goal is to create a collaborative online environment where students develop quick decision-making and sportsmanship skills, all while having a blast.

What started with just two students has quickly grown to five dedicated team members, each eager to level up their gaming abilities and work together toward success. The team recently joined the Generation Esports competition circuit, stepping into the virtual arena for their first-ever showdown in Rocket League – a high-speed, soccer-style game where teamwork and precision are key.

In their inaugural match, the team went head-to-head with a seasoned opponent, exhibiting impressive teamwork and determination. While they didn���t clinch the win, their energy, resilience, and positive attitude set the stage for an exciting season ahead.

���My goal for this first year is to introduce students to a structured Esports competition while fostering teamwork and collaboration,��� said Ms. Bilker. ���We had a great first match, and I���m excited to see how we grow and improve throughout the season.”

As 911勛圖 continues to expand STEM��education��opportunities, the Esports team is opening doors for students to explore careers in gaming, technology, and digital strategy. With each match, they���re not just playing – they���re building skills for the future.

Stay tuned for updates about��the team���s��inaugural season.

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Let���s set the scene: students set out on ���Operation Comet���, an important space adventure to study a comet that flies across the galaxy. Acting as scientists and engineers, students had to create a plan to intercept this comet, stop it in its track to Earth, and launch a space probe to collect the comet���s data.

During the simulation, 911勛圖 students broke into two groups: Mission Control and Astronauts. The Mission Control team relayed important information to the astronauts to ensure they were safe on their space mission. The astronauts completed a series of tasks in the spaceship simulator and listened to directions sent from Mission Control. Each student had an individual role to play as the group completed assignments and responded to simulated emergencies. From the communications leader, the weather forecaster, ROV leaders, safety directors, and more, all students played an important part in completing the assigned mission like true space-professionals.

Located at Montco���s Pottstown Campus, The Challenger Learning Center is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. The spaced-themed simulations are led by trained Challenger Flight Directors and reinforce science taught in the classroom. The goals of the Challenger Learning Center include introducing students to science-related careers and helping students build skills in critical thinking and collaboration.

This field trip extends beyond learning about STEM and space. The simulation gave our students an interactive environment to practice teamwork, run experiments, communicate with each other, and solve tough problems together. During their space task, 911勛圖 students applied the knowledge they learned in class, completed the lunar challenge, and shared the triumph of their space victory.

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It was a sea of blue and gold as we celebrated the Class of 2024���s graduation. Excitement flooded the gym as our graduates gave heart-touching speeches and diplomas were presented. Each 911勛圖 student���s journey to walk across the graduation stage is inspiring and unique. We cannot express how proud we are of our seniors for working so hard and achieving this incredible milestone. Congratulations graduates!

This year, our robotics team, PATH To Domination, had an electric second season and continued to impress. As one of the only special education teams in the FIRST Robotics Mid-Atlantic competition, they broke boundaries with a first and fourth place finish at regional competitions. They finished the season by qualifying for the Mid-Atlantic District Championships again! Teamwork and dedication are understatements for this team. Practicing every day, making updates to their robot, and using the skills taught to them in our STEM-based classes, our students proved that they can accomplish anything.

The 911勛圖 Players, our talented theatre arts students, performed in two show stopping productions at the Center Theatre. Students rehearsed every Monday at the theater and practiced throughout the week, memorizing their lines and perfecting their stage presence. If you missed either performance, you can watch the full videos on our !

911勛圖 pride was off the charts during spirit weeks this year! A highlight was Autism Acceptance and Appreciation Spirit Week where students and staff dressed up in pajamas, their favorite sports team gear, and more. Our students and staff beamed with joy as we celebrated inclusivity throughout our campus community.

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lower School teacher Mrs. Sue Subers who received the Citadel Heart of Learning Award for her outstanding dedication to inspiring students and making an impact in their lives. Learn more about the Citadel Credit Union grants and teacher recognition .

911勛圖 was recognized again for our school-wide positive behavior support program. Our dedicated staff continued successful implementation of this program making 911勛圖 the only school in Montgomery County to receive distinguished recognition this year. We also honored 98 911勛圖 students for their exemplary behavior throughout the school year. What an amazing accomplishment!

As we wrap up another wonderful year, let’s celebrate all the hard work, achievements, and fun moments that made it special. We look forward to another fantastic year ahead!

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Every week, these young ���engineers��� dive into robotics, working together to build and modify their robot. Competitions are about more than just winning ��� they are about collaboration and learning to work together as a team. The team is not just scoring points; they’re making friends, learning from others, and growing as individuals.

Beyond the thrill of competition, PATH To Domination strategizes with fellow students and builds alliances with teams from other schools, showing that true success comes from shared knowledge and community support. Innovation knows no bounds for PATH To Domination.

Looking ahead, the team is gearing up for their next challenge at Bensalem Township High School from March 22 ��� 24. Get ready to witness the excitement as they step onto the competition stage once more!

PATH To Domination is more than a robotics team; they are a symbol of hard work, dedication, and the endless possibilities in STEM for special education students. Join us as we cheer them on in their journey to robotics greatness!

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The team was formed by STEM Coordinator, Mr. Quijas, along with Instructional Coordinator, Ms. Green, and STEM Technical Coach, Mr. Berdis. The team consists of 25 students and will compete against local high schools this season. Their competition schedule kicks off at the District Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Event from March 17-19.

���The creation of the Robotics team is a great way for our students to have the opportunity to take part in a STEM-related and team building event that other special education students might not have access to,��� Mr. Quijas said. ���The robotics team enables students to learn machine skills in high school, and this will help them prepare for a career in this field and set them up for success in the future.���

The students involved in the club, including Upper School students Eli and MiHir, are excited to have this new opportunity at 911勛圖 to further develop their passion for STEM and robotics.

���I love working in a team environment and seeing others become confident throughout the season,��� Eli said. ���My main goals of the season are to get to the Championship competition and meet more people at competitions.��� MiHir added to Eli���s excitement for the robotics team and said, ���I like the team building activities we get to do, and I am excited to start competing this year.���

PATH To Domination is making history and is ready to take on the season. To learn more about 911勛圖���s new robotics team, click .

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This cart, on wheels, can travel to different parts of the schools where Mr. Berdis can finish and create new projects with students in a socially distanced and COVID-safe manner. The cart includes hand tools (no power tools), nuts and bolts, paint, brushes, pencils, sanitizing wipes, and vinyl gloves ��� everything needed for students to work on their projects while receiving instruction and supervision from Mr. Berdis at a safe distance. The wheels are adjustable ��� flaps down, wheels roll and the cart is mobile. Flaps up, the legs of the cart lower to the ground for stability while working on the cart.

The first project that the students will complete is their candy dispensing machines. This is just one example of how 911勛圖 teachers are using innovation and creativity to continue offering leading-edge education and hands-on experiential learning in the special education environment.

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911勛圖 encourages its students to join local and national Sumdog competitions as part of our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programming. These activities challenge students��� mathematics skills as they learn valuable lessons in working individually and as a classroom team.

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