Story Autism Center

Last fall, our community joined together to fundraise for playground improvements, which also enabled Story to earn a matching grant. Students of all ages on campus have truly enjoyed these upgrades to their playground:

⭐️ a GREEN grassy field for walks, group activities, and leisure
⭐️ a new climbing structure and swing seats
⭐️ a shade canopy to make even the warmest days more enjoyable
⭐️ new materials to support engaging outdoor play

Thank you to all who invest in our mission to love and lead learners to happy and fulfilling lives. 💛

We are back for our summer session! ☀️These students enjoyed a scooter ride around the neighborhood as part of their morning routine. Several of our middle and high school students regularly take walks and scooter rides (weather permitting, of course!) with their classmates and teachers. This is a wonderful way to enjoy some fresh air, gain more experience in the community, and cultivate habits to support a happy and fulfilling life. 🛴

Earlier this month, Story hosted its second-annual high school Prom, and what a wonderful night it was! 🤩 Students and their families enjoyed a formal sit-down dinner before dancing the night away with a live DJ. Students ate safari-themed snacks and desserts while playing games like “Pin the Tail on the Cheetah” and “Guess the Animal Footprints”. 🐆

Our soon-to-be graduates were crowned Prom King and Queen, while their friends were honored as “Prom Court”. All students received boutonnieres and corsages. Students went home with safari-themed gift bags filled with treats. 🦓

We are so thankful to all the staff and parent volunteers who planned and facilitated a beautiful event from start to finish, as well as a generous supporter who volunteered to take these photos that our families will always treasure. We can’t wait until next year! 💛

Summer is upon us! Our academy, preschool, and childcare programs are headed into a two-week break before the summer session begins, and our clinic is headed into a long holiday weekend. Yesterday students enjoyed outdoor water play and a pizza party! 🎉 Our elementary students also took a field trip to wrap up the week. We’re looking forward to an awesome summer session ahead! ☀️

Last week, our academy students hosted their moms to celebrate Mother’s Day. Our lower school classrooms hosted ‘Muffins with Mom’ and helped make gifts and decorations. Upper school students hosted ‘Mother’s Day Tea’, and made freshly squeezed lemonade, baked cookies, and made gifts for mom. To all of our amazing mothers at Story Autism Center: may you be celebrated always! Happy belated Mother's Day! 🌷

That’s a wrap for Teacher Appreciation Week! The final gift for staff from the Story parent community was a branded tumbler, an Amazon gift card, and some goodies. This morning, each staff member got to throw a ball into a cup corresponding to either a white or a black tumbler. It was such a fun way to end the week!

Thank you to our generous parent community, who donated to support Teacher Appreciation Week, and thank you to the parents and staff who volunteered their time to make it happen.

Teachers and staff, we appreciate all that you do for your students and clients! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 💛

Did you know? All tuition received from insurance and private payments goes back into the care and programming for every child served at Story Autism Center. But it’s not enough to keep the best teachers or our three top-rated programs running. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we rely on the community to help us fill the gap with donations. We are honored by all who value our work and grateful for the additional contributions we receive. We could not serve this unique population without gifts from those capable and willing to support our mission. 💛

Visit our website to learn more about how you can help us fill the gap with a tax-deductible donation.

https://www.storyautism.com/donate

Teacher Appreciation Week is in full swing! Only two days in, and our staff have been feeling the love from our parent community at Story. From thank-you notes decorated by students to a catered lunch to snacks galore, it has been a lovely start to the week. And there’s more to come! Thank you, parents, for supporting our staff so well. 💛

Last week, our Academy classrooms visited the Phoenix Zoo for a field trip. Students enjoyed participating in zoo-themed large groups at school before the field trip to help prepare for the experience. At the zoo, they practiced safety skills, such as walking with their instructors in the community, as well as labeling and describing the animals they saw. They enjoyed walking around and riding the safari cruiser! Thank you to the parents who joined us as well. Both students and staff alike can’t wait to return to the zoo! 💛