Scouts on the Scene
A huge shout-out to Max from Boy Scout Troop 763! For his Eagle Scout project, Max has given Northstar something truly special that our students will enjoy every day.
At 17 years old, he wanted his project to make a real difference. “My brother went here, and around that time I started thinking about Scout projects,” he explained. Max, who enjoys woodcraft and working with his hands, commented, “After talking through some options with the Head of School, we decided to do a sensory walk.”
With stencils he and his crew of volunteers designed and printed, Max turned an ordinary stretch of sidewalk near our playground into a colorful sensory walk. The first step was power washing the nearly 300 feet of concrete to clear it of any debris and prep the surface, then lay the stencils and spray paint the activities in vibrant colors. Along the path, students are prompted to crab walk, spin, touch their toes, jump, balance, and more. Sensory walks are great ways for students to incorporate movement during the day while taking a break from the classroom. The exercises are fun, but they also help students build coordination, practice motor skills, and even regulate their bodies.
Max shared that his favorite part is the balance beam section. He also hopes the project has a long life here at Northstar. “I hope it lasts as long as it can and that kids like to use it,” he said.
The Eagle Scout project is a significant milestone — it represents not only years of Scouting but also the ability to plan, lead, and complete a meaningful service project that benefits the community. Max’s work is an example of how young people can leave a lasting mark while learning leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.
Already, students are eager to try out each new challenge, and teachers have noticed how much joy it brings to recess, P.E., and even quick brain breaks. What was once just a sidewalk is now an interactive space where movement and learning come together.
A Peek Inside Business Technology
In the 21st century, technology is no longer just a tool. It is a fundamental skill area for personal and professional success. For students with diverse learning needs, mastering business technology can be a transformative experience. They unlock opportunities for independence, employment, and personal growth. At Northstar Career Center, we believe in the power of individualized instruction to meet every student where they are.
When you step inside the Business Technology classroom, you may notice some things are a little different than a traditional classroom.
Northstar leverages assistive technology to create access for all learners. For instance, a student whose physical disability prevents them from typing with a standard keyboard may instead use voice-to-text software or an adaptive keyboard.
We offer choice in how students show their knowledge. For example, a student might pre-record an oral report using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device instead of presenting live. This allows them to demonstrate their understanding in a format that plays to their strengths.
Each student works towards their own unique goals. We know that no two students learn the same way or at the same rate. In the Business Technology program, a student’s goals will differ depending on their unique strengths or challenges. For example, one student may be working towards the objective to send and receive professional emails independently. Meanwhile, their peer sitting beside them may be working towards the goal of demonstrating understanding of all the hardware components of a computer.
This practice of individualized instruction allows for flexibility in the classroom. It involves a responsive cycle of teaching and assessment. We are constantly monitoring each student’s progress to ensure they are meeting their goals and building skills.
The Lesson Matches the Learning
Northstar’s program relies on the principle of scaffolding. Teachers start building a foundation of basic skills, then gradually introduce more complex concepts. In a lesson about encryption, we are able to see these methods in action.
First, students learn about how spies use codes to send encrypted messages. Each student builds their own cipher wheel, complete with letters, numbers, and symbols. Then they write encoded messages made with their own unique cipher and were tasked with unscrambling each other’s notes.
“A lot of computer tech is abstract,” says Business Technology teacher Cynthia Izac on the lesson, “so I try to make it into something we can see and feel.”
With a grasp on basic encryption, students then learn about its real-world applications in the tech world. End-to-end encryption is a communication security method where data is encrypted between the sender and receiver, making it unreadable to third parties. The U.S. Department of Justice calls encryption "an existential anchor of trust in the digital world" and stresses the importance of its part in protecting digital privacy. Because this kind of intangible concept can be difficult to understand, a hands-on activity can help our brains make a connection.
Scaffolding breaks up curricula into bite-sized segments. This lesson on encryption leads into more complicated concepts, such as the binary numeral system and data management.
“That’s what teaching is,” says Izac. “It’s students getting comfortable with the basics and then building and building on top of that.”
By supporting inclusive education and meeting students where they are, we can help all students find their path to success.
Why Does It Matter?
Digital literacy is not just a convenient skill — it is essential for navigating today's world. For students with learning differences, it’s a key to future employment and self-sufficiency. Our Business Technology program empowers students to feel confident and capable by:
- Teaching broad job skills like navigating computer systems and using email.
- Connecting tech skills to real-world examples that prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce.
- Empowering students so they can use tools to communicate, create, and problem-solve.
At Northstar, we believe that every student has the potential to thrive. Through individualized instruction in our Business Technology program, we celebrate the uniqueness of each learner. We equip them with the skills they need to build confidence, capability, and a bright future.
Duck, Duck, Go!
What’s yellow, fuzzy, and oh, soooo cute? Ducklings, of course!
The incubation and hatching of these cute little things is a rite of passage at Northstar Career Center where embryology lessons are hands-on.
Each year, Henrico County 4-H provides the Career Center with a dozen fertilized eggs. Students of the Veterinary Assisting program care for the eggs until they hatch into ducklings. The project starts with the students setting up an incubator to track embryo growth over a two-week period during the Spring. Using a candling technique in which they shine strong light under the eggs, they watch the shadow of embryo growth underneath. When the time is right, students witness the eggs hatch and follow their progress as they “fluff up” with feathers.
"Specifically with the Embryology project, I love to do ducks! 4H gives us all the supplies needed and work with local farmers to get eggs," says Tricia Doria, who heads up the school’s program. "My students get to name their duck if hatched. They usually almost double in size in 10 days."
Once the ducklings’ coats change from fuzz to fluff they’re ready to swim. Veterinary assisting students take the lead in teaching their fellow K-12 students and sharing their experience with the embryology project. Seated around a baby swimming pool, they take turns fielding questions about the care and feeding of juvenile water fowl.
The Veterinary Assisting program is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for every student. Not every duckling hatches from an egg and not all of those that do will survive. Some years, only a quarter of the embryos may make it. The program requires students to build tolerance for varying environmental conditions, and a willingness to deal with the dirtier side of nature such as odor and excrement.
While working with animals can be a physically and emotionally demanding job, the field is projected to grow at a rate of 19 percent by 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When Northstar graduates exit the program, they have real world work experience and are prepared to work in clinics, animal hospitals, and research laboratories.
When the ducklings are just ten days old, they are returned to Henrico 4-H who distributes the ducks back to local farmers.
Five Tips for Creating a Positive Learning Environment for Students with Disabilities
Five Tips for Creating a Positive Learning Environment for Students with Disabilities
Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment is essential for all students, especially those with disabilities. When students feel safe and understood, they’re more likely to do well academically, socially, and emotionally. At Northstar, we aim to foster a supportive space where students with disabilities can thrive.
Here are five practical tips for teachers to help create a space comfortable for students who learn differently.
1. Foster a Culture of Respect and Inclusion
Ensure every adult who comes in contact with the student models inclusive language and respectful behavior. At school, faculty should remain professional at all times and have a calm demeanor. When conflicts do arise between students, use them as teachable moments to promote peer understanding. Age-appropriate discussions about diversity and empathy can become an opportunity to celebrate differences and encourage students to learn from one another.
2. Create a Predictable, Structured Learning Environment
Students with disabilities often rely on clear routines to get through the day. Incorporate tools in your everyday life to help students anticipate transitions. The key is being flexible without compromising an existing structure. For example, using a visual schedule can help a student understand the order of a day’s activities, or a timer on a wall can show students how long they have to finish a task before it’s time to clean up their space. Anticipate how changes to the routine may affect mood or behavior and prepare accordingly.
3. Design a Flexible Physical Space
Educators should ensure the learning environment is able to accommodate mobility needs and minimize sensory overload. It’s important to offer as much independence as possible to students as they navigate the school building. The ability to physically change locations independently fosters confidence. Consider creating a calm corner or quiet spaces for students who need sensory breaks. Provide low lighting sources or dimmable lamps as an alternative to bright overhead lights.
4. Build Strong Relationships with Students
Take time to learn about each student’s strengths, interests, and challenges. Use positive reinforcement to encourage collaborative behavior. Evaluate how the student learns best and adapt lesson content to different formats (visual, auditory, hands-on, etc). Allow students to demonstrate knowledge in various ways and participate at their own level. For instance, if a student struggles with oral presentations, consider adapting their assignment to include a written portion or allow them extra time to practice. Patience and empathy are key to making a student feel valued at school.
5. Be Open to Growth
Every person in a student’s life has an impact. A student thrives when teachers can collaborate with parents, caregivers, aides, doctors, coaches, or other influential adults. When these people team up, they are able to share what strategies work best for the student and contribute to their social-emotional growth. Don’t forget to include the student’s opinion. Ask the student, what makes you feel successful at school? Be open to feedback while you reflect on what’s working — and adjust what’s not.
A positive learning environment doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of intentional, compassionate practices that put students first. By focusing on respect, structure, flexibility, and collaboration, we can help students with disabilities feel empowered and capable, both in and beyond the classroom.
Teen Volunteers Embrace Northstar with Big Hearts
A volunteer group of six teens and two adult chaperones gather in the sweltering parking lot of Northstar’s campus on this mid-June morning. They don rags, cleaning supplies and water buckets as they detail buses and vans used to take students with disabilities into the community.
“We need someone tall to hose the top of the bus. I can’t reach up there,” the young man says as he gingerly sprays a taller teen with the hose. They both giggle.
“We need more rags, please,” a girl says to anyone who will listen.
Undeterred by Virginia’s heat and humidity, the teenage volunteers joyfully sing, laugh, and playfully coach each other as they work on the task at hand.
For three days, these teens work through a robust task list that includes painting a large storage unit, cleaning and moving furniture and landscaping. Each task addresses a need and directly impacts Northstar special education students, while helping the school reset and prepare for the upcoming school year.
“Our goal in addition to completing the tasks was to raise awareness about why individualized education is important for students with disabilities,” Director of Development Susan Herzick says, "The campers were enthusiastic about helping. They asked questions about the task, but also about the students.”
The teenage volunteer work group that visited the Glen Allen campus were among about 250 teenagers and adult chaperones who participated in Catholic Hearts Work Camp-Richmond. They hailed from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio to strengthen their faith and help the local community, explains Program Manager Caryn Fresco, a special education teacher and tutor for over 30 years.
“We provide a safe opportunity for teens and adults from across the country to convene, love, serve, and connect not only with their faith but with organizations or deserving individuals in our metro-Richmond community,” Fresco says. The teen and adult campers eat, sleep and attend morning and evening faith-based programs at Benedictine Schools of Richmond.
The local camp is an outgrowth of the mission trips hosted by Catholic HEART Workcamp, which was founded in 1993 by Steve and Lisa Walker in Orlando, Florida. A group of teenage boys on return from a mission trip, notes Fresco, initially pitched the program to “share their faith and community service commitment” in Central Virginia.
Northstar welcomes volunteers and offers one-day and event volunteer opportunities.
Welcome Head of School Ms. Raffanello!
Northstar is thrilled to welcome Bethany Raffanello as our next Head of School, beginning July 1, 2025. After an extensive international search, Bethany stood out as the clear and unanimous choice of our Board of Directors—thanks to her compassionate leadership, deep commitment to inclusive education, and decades of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs.
“Bethany Raffanello emerged as the clear choice to lead Northstar into its next chapter,” said the Board of Directors in a joint statement. “Her professional expertise, warm and engaging personality, and alignment with Northstar’s mission made a lasting impression on every group she met during her campus visit.”
"I've been inspired by the passion and commitment I've seen across the Northstar community, and I am eager to listen, learn, and work alongside you as we build on the school's strong foundation and move forward together," said Bethany.
Bethany brings nearly 20 years of experience from The New England Center for Children (NECC), where she has worn many hats—from classroom teacher to Director of Student Administration. Her work has taken her across the globe, including time spent at NECC’s campus in Abu Dhabi, where she led early childhood and secondary programs and supported staff and families alike with a thoughtful, student-first approach. At every step, Bethany has championed excellence in special education and built strong, collaborative communities around her.
She holds an MBA from Quinnipiac University, a Master’s in Education from Simmons College, and a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from Drew University. She’s also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA), with specialized training in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western New England University.
Bethany will replace Crystal Trent, who has served as Northstar's Head of School since 2017. Under her leadership, Northstar notably relocated to a new facility in Henrico County in 2022.
Bethany’s blend of warmth, wisdom, and vision makes her a perfect fit for the Northstar community. We can’t wait for our students, families, and staff to get to know her and begin this exciting new chapter together.
P.E. Class Gets a Refresh
Northstar staff are great at adapting. With the addition of new gym equipment, Northstar’s P.E. teacher, Ms. Pigg, will have the tools to customize her curriculum. Because of the generous support provided by the Women’s Giving Circle, a fund of the Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond, she has the equipment she needs to help our students learn and thrive.
While traditional physical education goals can fixate on athletic ability, Northstar's daily P.E. activities are adapted to meet the needs of every students. Northstar has invested in new equipment with student success in mind. Tools such as yoga mats, varying size balls and birdies, and even the color of the volleyball net have been purchased with student success in mind.
- Multi-size balls help students with developmental delays or differing skill sets in the same class. It also gives students the chance to first build their confidence with an easier-to-grasp ball, then gradually move to into standard equipment.
- A bright orange volleyball net assures students with visual impairments can see the net while playing, and special jumbo-size badminton birdies allows students to clearly track them in the air, helping with hand-eye coordination.
- New mats for yoga lessons help our students practice mindfulness, emotional regulation, and strategies for coping that are crucial for students with disabilities.
- Additionally, organized and clean storage units ensure the long-term sustainability of this equipment.
This equipment has also allowed Ms. Pigg to be creative during P.E. class. During the 2024-25 school year, lower school students played a version of “Battleship" in the new gymnasium. This game, involving mats, scooters, and balls, was an fun way to practice sportsmanship, teamwork, balance, and dexterity. Varying sizes of balls are used, allowing the game to accommodate students with differing muscle tone and gross motor skills.
Thank you again to the Women’s Giving Circle for providing invaluable support to Northstar students!
Pomp and Circumstance for Graduates
The staff and faculty of Northstar are pleased to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025. On Thursday, June 5, students, families, and loved ones gathered in the gymnasium and community center to honor nine graduates from the Academy and 21 students who completed their programs at the Career Center.
"Throughout their years at Northstar, our students work tirelessly to reach their goals and pursue their dreams," said Wanda Ramsey, Assistant Head of School.
One of Northstar’s most cherished traditions is the senior essay. In the weeks leading up to graduation, every senior reflects on their educational journey by writing a personal essay. In them, they describe past challenges, growth, future plans, and the people who have supported them along the way. Each candidate takes the podium to share these heartfelt stories during Baccalaureate, a special ceremony held the evening before graduation. This year, Northstar's family volunteer group SCOPE (Seeking Careers, Opportunities, Possibilities, and Education) awarded two students, Maya and Bryan, with scholarships to support their next educational adventure.
"Since being at Northstar I've improved my reading by at least four grade levels and passed all the tests I needed to graduate. I've also gotten to work as a mentor for one of my classmates whose disability impacts her differently than mine. Being at this school with classmates with so many differences has made me a lot more empathetic and understanding . . . . I want to use my voice to advocate for people like me when it comes to people with learning disabilities and mental health. I want to show everyone else who has a disability like me that they can be successful and they can chase their dreams."-Maya, a 2025 graduate
At Northstar, we believe every student deserves a customized education tailored to their unique strengths and abilities. Graduation day is not just a milestone — it’s a celebration of the incredible journeys, hard work, and perseverance that brought each student to this moment. Our students have the flexibility to pursue various pathways, with options to earn an advanced, standard, or applied studies diploma, reflecting their personal goals and accomplishments.
Our graduates also earned a variety of credentials across Career Center's five specialized program tracks: Hospitality, Construction and Maintenance, Business Technology, Materials Handling, and Veterinary Assisting. Each credential represents dedication, skill-building, and workplace readiness for exciting next steps.
Congratulations to the incredible Northstar Class of 2025!
Northstar Cheer Club Steps in Style at Richmond Urban Dance
"Step, step, cross. Step, step, cross."
That’s how it all began as 20 students from Northstar’s Cheer Club laced up their sneakers and took to the dance floor at Richmond Urban Dance. During this exciting field trip, students had the opportunity to learn a brand-new routine taught by professional instructors in a welcoming, high-energy environment.
"First we did the Cha-Cha Slide, then the teacher taught us new choreography for a new song," said 7th grader Laureli. "We got to do our own dances, too, which was really fun."
“It was incredible how quickly the students picked up the routine,” said Northstar board member Nancy Jordan, who attended the session.
As the hour-long class came to a close, the dancers gathered in a supportive circle, and each student had the chance to shine with a freestyle moment in the center — cheered on by their peers and beaming with confidence.
“It made my week to see their smiling faces and to watch them cheer each other on as they danced!” Jordan added.
Cheer Club is an inclusive club available to any Northstar middle or upper school student. Northstar includes extracurricular activities as part providing a well-rounded school experience to every student.
Richmond Urban Dance offers a free weekly class designed for people with disabilities, providing an inclusive space where creativity, movement, and self-expression take center stage.
Career Center Students Take Center Stage in Community Construction Project
“It was fun,” said Trey, a Career Center student, “I got to practice using the circular saw and I got better at taking measurements. It’s a lot of fun going off campus.”
Originally a 20ft x 20ft stage, the new construction added an additional 4 feet of width as well as an accessible 5 foot ramp, ensuring anyone who uses mobility aids will still be able to access the stage. The Shady Grove Family YMCA plans to use the stage as early as this summer for performances and ceremonies by summer camp attendees.
“We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated teen volunteers at Northstar Career Center who gave their time, energy, and heart to build this ramp. Their hard work has made a lasting impact, providing greater accessibility and independence. This partnership with Northstar and Project:HOMES is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together in service of others,” stated Jody Alexander, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond.
Northstar Career Center serves young adults with disabilities to help them gain work readiness skills as they transition out of secondary education and into the workforce. The outdoor stage renovation was made possible through a partnership with project:HOMES, a nonprofit organization that offers home repair assistance to low-income homeowners in the Richmond area.
“project:HOMES is proud to be a partner to this meaningful project. The new stage and ramp will give the students more inclusivity and accessibility," said project:HOMES Director of Volunteer Services, Brad Burnum. "This was an opportunity to build much more than a structure. This project will also build community.”
While the class generally enjoyed the experience, the multi-week experience proved that construction work is not always an easy task.
“It took a long time,” said Bryan, another Construction and Maintenance student. “The hardest part was when there was ice and snow on the ground while we were building the ramp.”
When working on a project like this, Northstar Career Center students first build skills in the classroom, then go out into the community to practice their skills on the worksite. This twofold learning experience allows students to navigate real-world challenges, gain confidence through hands-on practice, and develop the independence and professionalism needed for future employment.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday, May 16th to dedicate the revamped space with attendees from Northstar Career Center, the Shady Grove YMCA, project:HOMES, and local community members.
About Northstar
Northstar is a 501(c)(3) non-profit school dedicated to serving students with autism, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, emotional disabilities, developmental delays, and speech/language impairments. Located in Glen Allen, Virginia, Northstar is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and is a fully accredited member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Northstar is committed to promoting educational excellence and career opportunities for students with disabilities.
About the YMCA of Greater Richmond
The YMCA of Greater Richmond is a non-profit, cause-driven organization committed to strengthening communities through enriching learning, preventing drowning, and advancing whole health. Serving over 210,000 people across 17 branches, the YMCA believes that everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at www.ymcarichmond.org.