When Michael Brennan was named the new Head of School at Marian Catholic High School, Hometown, in 2021, he brought with him not only a Pennsylvania principal’s certification, but a background in special education with over a decade of experience.

Under his guidance, Marian has implemented the Aquinas Learning Support Program that “strives to educate the whole child in the areas of physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development,” he said.

Aquinas is a relatively new program in the Diocese of Allentown for families of boys or girls with learning disabilities, as previously Notre Dame of Green Pond and Berks Catholic high schools have offered the program.

Marian is in the first year of a three-year implementation plan that offers “a Christ-centered, quality academic education within a Catholic school environment for children with identified specific learning disabilities,” Brennan said.

“We started the program this year without advertising it, and there were 14 students in the program to start. Through the year, with transfers and other situations, we now have 26 students who receive some level of support in the program,” said Brennan, who spent the last eight years in the Palmerton Area School District as a learning support teacher and department head before coming to Marian.

Brennan, who also has his special education teacher and supervisor certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, wanted to start the program “because of the increase in 504 plans and learning support locally, and also due to the mental health issues youths may be facing in the aftermath of COVID,” he said.

A 504 plan, Brennan explained, is one that assists a student who has a physical, mental, or medical impairment that limits his or her life activities, as opposed to having a specific disability due to academic testing.

Brennan said data on schools statewide shows the norm for school districts is 10-15% of their student body is in special education, but it has increased in recent years, he said, and has become “more around 20% of the populations.”

“We want to make Marian an opportunity for more and more students,” Brennan said. “With the program in place here, parents now have an alternative location to send their sons or daughters.”

He added, ”We cannot do all of the accommodations, for instance, we do not have an elevator, but we can do a lot, and we want parents to know we’re here to help their son or daughter gain self-advocacy skills, increased confidence and develop leadership while supporting individual learning differences while respecting the spiritual dignity and potential of each person.”

Accommodations, he said, often refer to testing changes, classroom adjustments and curriculum modifications which may be updated or revised as the need changes.

Brennan said space formerly used for library purposes at the school was turned into a “student support center,” a place where students in the Aquinas program go to for help.

To begin implementation of the program, Marian hired Nicole Dunn, a 2008 graduate of Marian, as director of student support services. Dunn holds a BA in psychology and a master’s degree in school counseling, both from Kutztown University.

Dunn, whose duties include overseeing guidance and the Aquinas program, said, “Through fostering a culture of inclusion and advocacy, students are provided with one-on-one support as they work toward reaching their highest potential; not just academically, but socially, emotionally and spiritually.

“Together with the students, our Aquinas Team and classroom teachers have worked tirelessly to tackle barriers to learning, integrate differentiated instruction, and celebrate every academic victory - whether large or small. As we reflect on the success of our first year and look forward to our future goals, our hearts are full of immense gratitude for our generous donor who made this program move from a dream to a reality.”

With Dunn’s assistance, students and parents develop a schedule, do academic planning, and get personalized attention. In some instances, students are scheduled for an extra preparatory period; others might get help from student-led tutors; and some are afforded one-on-one attention.

Caitlyn Weniger, a counselor with the Catapult Learning program made available through a contract with the Schuylkill IU, is assisting with the program.

For the past two years, Weniger has helped provide support in Schuylkill County schools in the areas of mental health, academic achievement, transition planning, career readiness, personal and social development, and in supporting students in times of crisis.

To be eligible for the Aquinas program, a student must have an Individualized Education Plan or the 504 Plan upon enrolling at Marian.