ACLD Tillotson School Home

Executive Director Message

August 2026

Dear Tillotson Families,

We are beyond excited for the new school year to begin! Our theme this year is Journey Explorers, and we have many activities and field trips planned to venture beyond our school walls.

Recent Happenings

Our ESY Program has concluded, and the 2026-2027 is ready to begin! If you have not yet received information about the school year via mail or email, please reach out to us.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix! We had 50 students, staff, and families from Tillotson who went to Schenley Park to volunteer.

Upcoming Events

August 19 – Welcome Back Event, 4:30-6:30pm

August 20 – First Day of School for Students

August 28 – Half Day; Dismissal at 12:30pm

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

Tara Skalka

Executive Director

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Smith!

Dr. Dawn Smith joins our team as our new Director of Special Education. Her professional background spans both public and private school settings, where she taught students in areas of Learning Support, Autistic Support, and Life Skills Support. Her experience in these areas ensures a comprehensive and compassionate approach to the educational needs of our students. A committed lifelong learner, she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania before going on to complete her Doctorate of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of her professional life, Dawn enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their three children. They enjoy hiking, taking trips to the beach, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dawn is eager to begin this new chapter at ACLD Tillotson and looks forward to building strong relationships with our students and collaborating closely with families to foster an inclusive and thriving learning environment.