HISTORY

The John Paul II Center for Special Learning was established in 1982 in order to provide individualized education to children and young adults with special needs. The following is a timeline history of the school:

September 13, 1982 - John Paul II Center opened its doors to 16 students. The school operated two classrooms under the guidance of two full-time special education teachers. The school was located at 650 S. Sixth Street in Reading. Sister Francis Bisland served as the first principal.

1983-84 - Enrollment increased from 16 students to 21. Students became involved in the Special Olympics program. The parents of John Paul II students formed the Boosters, an organization to help share in the financial support of the school.

1985-86 - Enrollment increased to 36 students and a fourth classroom was opened. Liturgy was celebrated each week and some students also received training to serve mass.

1986-87 - This year saw an increase in students with multiple disabilities. With classrooms on the second floor of the building, the need for an elevator became imminent. Permission was granted by the Diocese of Allentown to begin preparation for the elevator.

1987-88 - Bishop Thomas Welsh broke ground for the new elevator in June 1987. Contributions from the Forward With Christ Campaign, local businesses, and private citizens helped to fund the project.

1988-89 - On January 17, 1988 the new elevator was dedicated with Mass celebrated by Bishop Welsh. Speech Therapy was offered three days a week and a swimming program was added. Some students also participated in half-day vocational-technical training.

1996-97 - A preschool program was added to accommodate children ages 3 to 5.

1997-98 - School enrollment was down to a total of 13 students and John Paul II Center was in danger of closing its doors. The decision was made to move to a new facility that was more accommodating at 200 Reading Avenue in West Reading.

1997-98 - A substantial grant was received from Sovereign Bank and used to purchase new computers for the school.

1998-99 - The Occupational Therapy program began.

2001-02 - John Paul II Center experienced an increase in enrollment and was the recipient of the Diocesan School Marketing Award. The need for a larger school became apparent.

March 18, 2002 - A groundbreaking ceremony for the new school at 1092 Welsh Road in Shillington was held.

Late September 2002 - After beginning the school year in the Fr. Lyons Room of St. John Baptist de la Salle parish, students were able to move into the new school building. The New Horizons adult day program began.

November 19, 2002 - Bishop Edward Cullen celebrated a Mass of dedication for the new facility.