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Happy Retirement Mary Lange & Coach Waters!
As we close out the year, we say farewell to two beloved fixtures of Academy360—Mary Lange and Coach Stephen Waters—as they begin their well-earned retirements.
Partner Spotlight: Western Pest
In most circumstances, mosquitoes generally bring nothing but itching, scratching, and annoyance, but at Spectrum360’s annual Walk for a Lifetime, the sight of Western Pest Services’ giant mosquito mascot brings only smiles and laughter to the faces of S360’s students, families, and walk participants. It also reminds us all of their enduring support.
Celebrate Arts in Education Month
This March, in honor of Arts in our Schools Month, we invited our art, music, film and culinary teachers to share their personal journeys and insights into why art instruction is important in special education schools.
At Spectrum360, we believe that every step of a student’s journey should be met with purpose, support, and clarity. That’s why we’re p
roud to announce that our Young Adult Program (YAP) is now Path360.This is not a new program—but a new name that better communicates what the program offers and the value it brings to students, families, and districts. Housed on the Academy360 Upper School Campus, Path360 continues to serve students aged 18–21 through a transition-focused curriculum designedto support the move from school to adulthood. Whether students are preparing for college, employment, or independent living, Path360 equips them with the tools they need to take their next step with confidence.
We renamed the program after identifying some ongoing confusion about its purpose and structure. Internally and externally, we saw that the name “YAP” didn’t fully reflect the depth or range of what our students experience—and it shared an acronym with other programs unrelated to ours. We wanted a name that would reflect progress, growth, and individualized pathways—and Path360 does just that.
What is Path360?
Path360 offers students three distinct but flexible paths, based on their individual transition goals:
- Path 1: College & Continuing Education – Supports students exploring post-secondary education through dual enrollment, campus-based experiences, and readiness planning.
- Path 2: Employment & Vocational – Focuses on career exploration, on-the-job training, and skill-building to support long-term employment and independent living.
- Path 3: Everyday Living & Learning – Designed for students preparing for day programs or supported living, emphasizing life skills, communication, and community access.
Students receive wraparound support across all paths, including travel training, community-based instruction, and transition planning.
Path360 reflects our belief that every student deserves a path that fits their unique strengths, interests, and needs. And with the same dedicated team, strong curriculum, and community-based experiences, we’ll continue to walk beside them—every step of the way.
To learn more about Path360, visit www.spectrum360.org/path360 or email us at admissions@spectrum360.org