Northhampton News

Rep. Milou Mackenzie and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail, held a hearing today at Centennial School in Bethlehem to showcase its program for students with emotional disturbance and autism. The school is affiliated with Lehigh University College of Education and also trains special education teachers for Pennsylvania.

The event, titled "Back to School," featured two panels of testifiers. The first included Robin Hojnoski, dean of Lehigh University College of Education; Julie Fogt, director of Centennial School; Heather Caricari, lead teacher at Centennial School; and Sara C. Heintzelman, technology integration specialist at the school. The second panel consisted of parents Judy Holden, Kristi Sadow, Melissa Howard Heptner, and Jim Shields. Joseph J. Helble, president of Lehigh University, opened the hearing with remarks.

"We thank the committee for the opportunity for our Lehigh University and Centennial School educators to share insights about this unique model," said Helble. "We strongly believe in bridging the divide between theory and practice, and we take great pride in the impact Centennial School is having."

Mackenzie praised the school's influence on both the local community and schools across Pennsylvania: “I applaud the Centennial School for the positive impact it has had on the Lehigh community and the value it is adding to schools throughout Pennsylvania.”

Kail emphasized that while Pennsylvania's current educational system may be outdated, Centennial School represents a modern approach: “Pennsylvania’s 19th century school system is not equipped to educate 21st century students. The Centennial School is the exception.”

The hearing highlighted how Centennial School prepares teachers for data-driven special education practices that include family collaboration and effective school environment management.

For more information or to watch the complete hearing, interested parties can contact Representative Milou Mackenzie's office.