ACLD Tillotson School Home

Executive Director Message

December 2025

Dear Tillotson Families,

As we close out 2025, I’m grateful for the dedication, resilience, and curiosity that each member of our school community brings every day. This year, our students have demonstrated remarkable growth, our staff have continued to elevate learning, and our families have partnered with us to ensure every student can thrive. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for choosing to shape the future with us!

A Season of Giving and Gratitude

The holiday season is a special time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and to give back. Our students and staff regularly participate in service activities, volunteer opportunities, and most recently food drives, that make a real difference in our community. Your generosity and time strengthen not only our school but the world beyond our doors.

Recent Happenings

Our Thanksgiving Feast and Day of Giving were a big success! Each year, we take part in sharing a festive lunch and giving back to our community. Thank you to everyone who donated items for 12 Months of April – Autism Advocacy Project. Our students assembled sensory kits that will be donated to first responders who may assist with emergency situations involving children with special needs.

Upcoming Events:

December 15, 16, 17 – Students will participate in holiday shopping again this year! Please be on the lookout for communication regarding your child’s specific date and details.

December 19 – Our Winter T.A.G. (Tillotson Afternoon Gathering) will be taking place in the morning this season as we celebrate our final day together before the winter break!

December 22 through January 2 – We have a long winter break this year! Please take this time to rest, rejuvenate, and spend time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone in 2026!

Stay tuned for monthly letters, and as always, please reach out with any comments, questions, or concerns!

Tara Skalka

Executive Director

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Neal!

Braden Neal is very excited to be working at Tillotson this year as a new ELA teacher. Braden attended Penn State University in State College, PA, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. Later, he received his master's in secondary education from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. He is currently pursuing his second master's in special education at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. In his free time, Braden enjoys spending time with his family, girlfriend, and traveling to new places. Braden started work at Tillotson in May of last year as a long-term sub and looks forward to his first full year at Tillotson.

Upcoming Events

Dec 19

Half-day. Dismissal is at 12:30pm

Dec 22

No School- Winter Break

Dec 23

No School- Winter Break

Dec 24

No School- Winter Break

Dec 25

No School- Winter Break

Dec 26

No School- Winter Break

Dec 29

No School- Winter Break

Dec 29

No School- Winter Break

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At A Glance

100% Program Completion Rate
4:1 Student to Classroom Staff Ratio
35/7 Districts and Counties
2:1 Device to Student Ratio

Spotlight Video

Be sure to watch to the full video to hear from staff, parents, and other school districts about what makes The ACLD Tillotson School so unique!

Recent News

LEARN Seminar Series - Mental Health

Don't miss the first presentation in the LEARN Seminar Series happening on January 14th at 6:30pm. Register today

LEARN Seminar Series

We are pleased to announce that ACLD, Inc. and the ACLD Tillotson School are partnering with the University of Pittsburgh's REAACT Autism Research Center to offer the LEARN: Leading Education & Awareness on Research in Neurodivergence, a seminar series. The LEARN Seminar Series will offer a variety of topics in virtual sessions occurring monthly, starting in January, 2026.