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Dear OSB Families and Staff,

I am writing to inform you of an important change to the 2026–2027 school calendar and to remind you that Parent Day is around the corner.

Overbrook School for the Blind will move our Professional Development Day from Friday, December 11, 2026, to Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

On November 3, Overbrook will serve as a polling location. Because Malvern Avenue will be closed and there is the potential for unfamiliar individuals to be on or around our campus throughout our transportation times and because of the unique needs of our students, we believe it is in their best interest to keep students off campus that day, so we can provide the highest possible level of safety and security.

Therefore:

• November 3: There will be no students on the Overbrook campus. Staff will report for a Professional Development Day as scheduled.

• White Hall/Residential Program: Residential services will be staffed; however, students participating in the White Hall Program will not be permitted to sleep on campus on the night of November 3. Students may return to campus on November 4.

• December 11: This will no longer be a Professional Development Day. It will be a regular school day, and students will be on campus as usual.

• October 9 is Parent Day. Please see the attached schedule. 

We recognize that changing the calendar may create an inconvenience for families and staff, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause. However, our first responsibility is the safety and security of our students. Given the circumstances surrounding November 3, we believe this schedule change is the most appropriate way to protect our students while allowing our staff to participate in meaningful professional development.

We also want to share that Overbrook School for the Blind will not serve as a polling location for the spring election.

The revised 2026-2027 Overbrook School for the Blind calendar is attached. Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and continued partnership as we work to provide a safe and secure environment for every student at Overbrook. 

PARENTS’ DAY.docx 

2026-2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Google Docs (6).docx 

Sincerely,

Beth Ramella,
Superintendent

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I ran an environmental consulting business for 25 years, retired, then got involved with education in Cambodia, building three schools in a rural area. I am also a lifelong artist and love anything to do with educating young people.

How did you first learn about Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB)?

Board member Rick Wheeler cornered me and encouraged me to come for a visit. His enthusiasm is contagious and it rubbed off on me. We met years before when our kids went to the same school.

What inspired you to become involved with OSB?

Overbrook is such a special place. I see the earnest love of learning and happiness that comes from it. Overbrook delivers this to children who would otherwise be on the sidelines.

What is one of your favorite memories or experiences with OSB?

Going to my first Holiday Concert was mindblowing. The students are thrilled and give their all to the music.

Is there a particular aspect of OSB’s mission or programs that resonates most with you?

It all is woven together and hard to tease out anything in particular. I am constantly amazed by the learning and athletic challenges they are given and that they invariably rise to give their best.

What motivates you to give to organizations like OSB?

Like most schools, OSB needs money to develop new programs such as the CVI clinic. There are a number of initiatives that we have that we are raising money for including a student run Airbnb and producing braille signage for use in public institutions.

How does your support of OSB align with your personal or family values?

I am lucky to come from a family that values education and service to others. It is quite literally part of my DNA.

What would you say to someone considering a gift to OSB for the first time?

Your gift will create more possibilities for students to fulfill their potential and become an integral part of our culture. It will be an immeasurable addition to each student’s self esteem.

You’ve supported OSB through the Taking Flight campaign — what inspired you to invest in this transformative initiative?

The initiatives are so compelling and will have a dramatic effect on the future of visually impaired children. It is a long term investment in the future. These initiatives will help them become more independent and skillful in the world. It will help them fulfill their potential as human beings.

Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it can’t happen alone. For DeAngelo, a deafblind student at Overbrook School for the Blind, growth is shared with his intervener, Kim.

As an intervener, Kim supports DeAngelo one-on-one at all times while on campus, helping to implement his Individualized Educational Program (IEP). Interveners like Kim work alongside others, like DeAngelo’s teacher Kelsey and private nurse Dennis, who all contribute to providing a stable learning environment for DeAngelo.

Now in their third year together, Kim has become a steady and trusted presence in DeAngelo’s life. Their relationship didn’t form instantly. The adjustment took time when DeAngelo first began working with an intervener. Trust had to be built and routines had to be established. But through patience and consistency, Kim and DeAngelo developed a bond that continues to deepen each day.

DeAngelo’s journey at OSB began in the Early Childhood program. Today, DeAngelo is preparing to transition from the Secondary program to STRIDE, OSB’s School-to-Work program, with Kim right by his side. 

Kim supports DeAngelo in both his big achievements and small victories. For example, Kim has helped DeAngelo learn to count and spell his name, skills that open doors to greater communication and confidence.

DeAngelo connects with the world in his own unique ways. He identifies people around him by gently touching their hands and feeling for familiar jewelry. He thrives on routine and isn’t shy about reminding Kim what comes next in his day. Using one iPad for communication and another for activities, DeAngelo actively engages with his environment, especially when it involves motion. DeAngelo loves watching videos of trains or flowing water.

Mobility is another important part of DeAngelo’s growth. DeAngelo has steadily gained confidence navigating his surroundings whether using his wheelchair, walker, stander or bike. Kim has witnessed this transformation firsthand, noting how his independence and self-assurance have grown over the years.

Kim describes DeAngelo as curious and patient, a student who expresses a full range of emotions just like anyone else. His frequent smiles, spontaneous hugs and laughter are reminders of the joy he brings to those around him. 

For Kim, being an intervener is more than a job, but a privilege. According to Kim, “It’s an honor to be a part of my students' educational journey, to watch them learn about the world around them, learn to communicate and experience new things. So much of their learning experiences are by accident, like introducing a flower and they realize it has a scent. So every time a flower is introduced, they'll smell it. Watching them succeed is exciting, heartwarming and a sincere honor to be part of.”

Together, DeAngelo and Kim are a testament to what’s possible when trust, dedication and compassion come together. Their journey is one of growth, not just in skills, but in confidence and independence.

With your support, OSB can help more students with visual and other impairments find the resources they need to succeed. 

Make a donation today.