What we do...

Springall Academy provides an intensive, structured, individualized special education program aimed at strengthening each student's academic and organizational skills, social and emotional abilities, as well their sense of responsibility and their self-esteem. Our goal is get our students to the point where they may successfully re-enter the ‘mainstream’ schools and community.

All students are encouraged, nurtured, respected, and supported in achieving their full potential in an enriching, positive environment.

Who we serve...

We accept students from all over the greater San Diego County area. We serve students with special needs including those diagnosed with SLD, OHI, ED, and AUT, ranging in ages from age 5-21, and in grades K-12+.

How we rate...

The SARC is an annual report, it summarizes the facility conditions, faculty qualifications, class size and instructor to student ratio. It can be thought of as being the program's report card.

Our roots...

Springall Academy has been serving students since 1972 as a private, non-profit educational organization, and is a good-standing member of CAPSES, the California Association of Private Special Education Schools. As such, we adhere to an exclusive Code of Ethics set forth and enforced by the Association itself.

Our notice of Nondiscrimination Policy regarding students:
Springall Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, nationality, and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, and/or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school administered programs.

San Carlos Community Garden Event

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A garden grows in San Carlos

Community gardens on school property promote healthy eating, garden sustainability, neighborhood beautification, and community connectivity among students, faculty, and residents of all ages. Studies shows students who participate in school-garden programs score higher on academic tests and consume more fruits and vegetables.
Springall Academy, a school serving K-12 students with special needs from throughout San Diego County, partnered with San Carlos United Methodist Church to develop, operate and maintain the San Carlos Community Garden.

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Springall Academy connects with the community!

Springall Academy is one of the community partners in a new and exciting initiative that is aimed to establish the first Community Garden in the San Carlos area of San Diego, to benefit students from neighboring schools, community citizens and students at Springall Academy!

Named for it’s location, the San Carlos Community Garden project was originally a vision shared by the San Carlos United Methodist Church and Springall Academy. Together they wrote the first grant, which awarded the two organizations $15,000 to research and further develop community partnerships with the ultimate goal of establishing a community garden on our school site.

Our garden goals are simple:
•    Provide a profound teaching tool for Springall Academy students (and students from nearby schools)
•    Offer education and recreational gardening opportunities to the community
•    Create a beautiful and serene amenity to the neighborhood for all ages to enjoy
The San Carlos Community Garden project seeks collaboration from community members of all ages, civic clubs, faith and non-faith based organizations and schools.  Please check out the link for the most recent information regarding the San Carlos Community Garden.

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Western Connection

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What Springall Academy Means to Me

By Nickilla
Class of 2011

Safety, support, healthy living, hard work.
Not giving up on a chance for me to succeed,
People who care, and in me they believe.

Good times and laughter, hope for an ever after.
Everything that makes me smile, a safe haven for a while.

A place to get lost in a battle within
And know that you won’t lose and you’ll most likely win
A place I can share my confusion and fear,
The greatest adventures I’ve come to encounter were shared.

Within the walls of this place, close to home,
A place where this job was instilled in their hearts,

Where no matter what we do we are not labeled or judge
Dedication and honor are shared in these halls,

This school holds you up through your struggles and falls.
They let you know it’s worth it to be you, that if you try all your dreams will come true

The staff is what makes this school whole,
And I can say that they put everything in their hears and their souls.

Springall is a family, a place for faith, and people who care
So that’s what Springall means to me, I’m glad I could share!

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Dominic -One student’s story from Springall Academy

Dominic joined Springall Academy at the age of 10 and continued until June of 2005 when he earned his high school diploma.

His diagnosis of Autism seemed to precede him wherever he went. There are examples of his aggressive behavior, poor academic skills, emotional breakdowns and overall low self-esteem from his younger years. Over the years, he learned to acknowledge the symptoms, develop strategies to surpass the symptoms. For example, he was Springall’s first school president, being elected by his peers. He represented his peers politely and ethically. He helped younger students find their voice, much as he had when he was younger. He exceeded all expectations. He also took advantage of our Workability program and worked his first job at Von’s Grocery store.

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School Accountability Report Card

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Springall Newsletter

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Heather Dierolf PhD-Executive Director 

Dr. Dierolf joined Springall in the Fall of 1994. She began as a Support Staff member, and was our first Guidance Counselor before transitioning to Administration in 2005. Over the last fifteen years she has brought many programs to Springall including the Guidance Program, Club 45 and was a founding member of the CAPSES Sports League. She earned her BA in Psychology in 1994 from San Diego State University, and her Masters in Counseling from USD in the Spring of 1999. She earned her Doctorate in Leadership from the University of San Diego in the Fall of 2008. Dr. Dierolf is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego, teaching in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences’ Masters in Counseling Program. She brings a variety of experience to the Springall program including the experience of being a Lifetime Member and Volunteer with the Girl Scouts.

Dr. Dierolf believes in keeping the integrity of the program started by Dr. Springall in 1972 along with adapting to the changing times and current research in special education. She believes in educating the whole child, while providing a safe atmosphere for kids to be themselves.


Lanae Aguilera MA, Associate Director

Lanae Aguilera started at Springall Academy in 1996, after completing her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from SDSU. She furthered her education by attending the University of San Diego; receiving her Masters of Arts in Counseling Degree along with her Pupil Personnel Services Credential in 2000. Throughout the years, Mrs. Aguilera has held a variety of roles. She worked in the classroom, in the Support Center, and was co-creator of the Guidance Program with Heather Dierolf where she continued to be a School Counselor. Fall of 2008, marks her first year as an Administrator at Springall.
In Addition, Mrs. Aguilera is an Adjunct professor at USD, teaching courses in the MA Counseling program. She also coordinates the SDSU volunteer program that has been a staple of our program for over fifteen years.

Mrs. Aguilera’s passion has always been to motivate students while guiding them to reach their full potential. Mrs. Aguilera will continue to work closely with Dr. Dierolf to ensure Springall Academy is the exemplary school it is known to be.

Springall Basic Information

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PLUS Program

The Plus Program Explained...

The Plus Program is an integral part of Springall Academy. What makes the Plus Program unique is the primary focus on working with students who are transitioning from a typical high school program to adult life. To qualify as a student for the Plus Program, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

•Be within the ages 17-21
•Have a current IEP, noting NPS Approval
•Be able to show independence in completing tasks
•Show basic skills in reading and math
•Demonstrate appropriate behavior to attend and participate in community activities

The Plus Program is similar to what districts refer to as a Transition Program. Our program provides a supervised, structured environment combining counseling, positive reinforcement, independent living, goal planning, job skills, academic instruction, recreational activities and community outings. Upon intake to the Plus Program, each student reviews his or her IEP and ITP with the classroom teacher. In addition, each student completes a Vocational Assessment and Interest Inventory. Using the data collected from the student interview and the assessments each student is able to identify their areas of need and an individualized program is created.

The mission is to teach the students the skills necessary to be successful citizens of the greater community. In doing this, students are given opportunities for supported paid employment through Springall’s Workabailty 1 Program and non-paid, Work Experience through on-campus jobs. The students in the Plus Program continue to access the services of our Guidance Department, Counseling Department, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy as needed. Students have the opportunity to earn credit towards a High School Diploma, a Certificate of Completion, or work towards a GED. The IEP team decides which plan the student is working towards.

Because the Plus Program is highly individualized, it is difficult to summarize what the Plus Program would look like for your student. Here are the stories of three of our Plus students:

Joey
Joey is twenty years old. Prior to joining the Plus Program, he was as student in Spingall’s High School program. He he has been in our Plus Program for the last two years. Joey’s goal is to be an independent as possible. Currently he lives in a group home and takes the school bus from home to school each day. No one day of the week is the same for Joey. He starts each day working on the life skills of reading and math. After he completes his academics, he is off to participate in his community activities. Through the support of the Plus Program, Joey connected with Disabled Student Services at Grossmont College. There, he enrolled in an entry level English class. His plan it to build up to becoming a full-time college student. In the mean time, he also enrolled in San Diego’s Adult Education Center, taking an Art class. On Wednesdays, Joey enjoys going to the local library with his classmates to borrow books and movies. Joey is responsible to manage his library card the responsibilities that accompany it. If you ask Joey, Tuesday is his favorite day of the week, because each Tuesday, he goes to Balboa Park to enjoy one of the many museums.

Joey is most proud of learning how to open a bank account, manage his own money, grocery shop and cook all on his own. Joey is also connected with the San Diego Regional Center who helps him with housing and continued job training as needed.

Joey plans on staying with the Plus Program until he turns 22; at which time his contacts at the Regional Center will come into play. Joey continues to be an active member of his IEP team and participates in writing his own IEP goals each year.

Paul
Paul is in his first year in the Plus Program. He joined Springall two years ago, but after having completed his High School credits towards a certificate of completion, he and his family decided he would be a great candidate for a transition program. Of all the programs in San Diego County, Paul decided Springall’s Plus Program was the best to meet his needs.

As a first year student in the Plus Program, Paul takes advantage of the Work Experience Program on campus. Currently, he works as an aide to the front office. He has also worked in the school cafeteria. In addition to working, he loves art. He takes an Art Class at the local Adult Education Center twice a week.

Paul’s program goals include: learning self-advocacy, opening his own bank account and if you ask him, he wants to learn to be “less nervous” in public. He likes to attend community activities where he can really practice his skills.

Nate
Nate was also a student in our high school program. Because of some personal issues he had as a ninth grader, he did not earn enough credits to graduate with his class. He joined the Plus Program to complete the last five credits he needs to earn his Diploma. He likes the independence of completing the credits as his own pace. His goal is to finish all five credits in one semester’s time. However, he admits that he thinks he may need an additional semester to complete at least one last credit. He is proud of the fact that he already passed the California High School Exit Exam.

Nate lives on his own, renting an apartment with a friend. He works part-time, and wants to eventually work full time in the field of construction or mechanics. Nate takes full advantage of the support of the Plus Program. Without it, he says, “I’d just be hanging out, probably not getting a diploma.”

Physical Education

Mr. Brian Lamb has been our Physical Education Teacher for over twenty years. He is certified as an Adaptive Physical Education teacher and makes accommodations and modifications in the traditional physical education program as needed. The Springall Academy Physical Education Program is an all inclusive program teaching fundamental skills in football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, running, badminton, golf, volleyball, and table tennis. Each student participates daily in a forty minute physical education class period which includes exercises and skill instruction in all the sports listed. In addition, five times a year, students are tested in fifteen fitness categories that measure cardiovascular endurance, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, agility, speed, muscular coordination and endurance. Each student is treated as an individual. Students are not tested against other students. Each student is simply asked to “try his or her best.” Students set goals for the year by establishing individual baselines in each of the above categories. Quarterly report cards indicate progress in all the assessed areas.

As a branch of our Physical Education Program, Springall Academy is proud to participate in a competitive Sports League with other non-public schools in the San Diego area. The team sports that we play are flag football, basketball and softball. Games are played on Fridays during the school day, giving every student an opportunity to join the team and play in the games.

Students can also participate in our Golf Program that we have in partnership with Pro-Kids Golf Academy. At the Pro-Kids Golf facility here in San Diego, professional golf instructors provide lessons at their regulation course two days a week. Students also have the opportunity to qualify for their own membership at Pro-Kids. Membership is earned by participating in six golf lessons and the passing of a written test that emphasizes the Positive Pillars of Character Education. Both the lessons and the test prep are completed with the help of the Physical Education staff. Members of Pro-Kids can participate in activities hosted by Pro-Kids, free of cost. Activities include access to tutoring services, use of a computer lab and library, and fun activities like field trips all around Southern California.

We also have a competitive wrestling program involving our students and students from the community. Wrestlers participate in tournaments from December through March, receiving individual medals and trophies.

Our school and P.E. program is based on positive reinforcement and supporting gains in self-responsibility, which prepares our students to be full participants in the larger community. We want each of our students to shine like the stars they are!

Here is a testimonial about the effect our Physical Education Program has had on one of our graduates. He says this about his experience:

The goal is to go out and do great things after you have left Springall. Go somewhere exciting. The Friday run during PE is all about setting goals for yourself about whatever passion that you may have. This run has helped me. Yes, I had struggled with specific Learning Disabilities in the terms of reading comprehension, but I never ever said that I wanted to quit my goals because of this condition. I took my run goal and put it toward obtaining my drivers permit. I passed the test, and got my California Driver's License!
          -Dominic, Class of 2005

Occupational Therapy

My name is Lyndy Gelb Cuevas and I am the Occupational Therapist at Springall Academy. I began working here in August 1998. I knew from the age of 12 that I wanted to become an Occupational Therapist. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. I graduated in 1997 and spent my first year as an Occupational Therapist traveling around the United States working in various hospitals and nursing homes. My passion was working with children and so when I moved back to San Diego I pursued my career in pediatrics. That is when I found Springall Academy and have been here ever since.

Occupational therapy (OT) is an integral part of the Springall Academy program. My duty as the occupational therapist is to assist and improve the students’ skills in their occupations of being a child and a student. I work with the children of Springall to improve their ability to function in the classroom as well as around school and at home. The specific areas occupational therapy addresses are self-care skills, sensory processing skills, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting skills, visual perceptual/visual motor skills, keyboarding skills and self-regulation.

My caseload consists of children ranging in age from 6 years to 22 years of age. The students who receive OT services must be formally evaluated by the school district in order to receive OT services at Springall. The majority of students who receive OT services are seen on an individual basis. However, group therapy treatments do occur. As the occupational therapist, I am also responsible for educating, training and collaborating with teachers and staff so that everyone understands the students’ individual OT needs.

Springall Academy has a school wide sensory motor program that I designed my first year working here. This program is a very important asset to Springall as it has allowed children the freedom and ability to take sensory motor breaks throughout their school day assisting them to function better in the classroom. All classrooms are equipped with a “Sensory Toolbox” which consists of various sensory tools including squeeze balls, putty, and other finger fidgets. Students are encouraged to take sensory breaks and to use the sensory tools or other sensory strategies taught by occupational therapy to the students, teachers and staff. This program has helped the children who require a sensory diet the freedom to use sensory strategies without being singled out. There are many stories of children who refused to use sensory strategies at their previous placement because they were afraid of being made fun of, but now at Springall are using sensory strategies regularly and are behaving better and producing more work in the classroom.

My goal as the occupational therapist is to support the students’ of Springall Academy and to help them to reach their greatest potential. Springall Academy is an amazing place and I am very proud to be a part of the Springall Academy team.

Extracurricular Activities

Springall’s Extra-Curricular Activities

OPEN HOUSE
One evening towards the beginning of the school year, there is an "open house." This is a time where caregivers, families, and friends of students can tour the campus and see the classrooms. Springall Staff is there to answer questions. Usually there is a short presentation in the motor room.

HOLIDAY POTLUCK
In December, right before winter break, is the Holiday Potluck. Family and friends of students are invited. Each family is asked to bring a dish to share with others. Usually there are presentations by students. This may include a play starring students from different classrooms.

AWARDS NIGHT
Awards night is a semi-formal event held in June. All students receive an award for the participation in the Springall program. Students might receive an award for their academic achievements, behavior achievements and motor achievements. Some even earn awards for participation in communication, and occupational therapy.

PROM
As a celebration at the end of the year, students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to attend our annual Prom. Prom is usually scheduled for the night before the graduation ceremony. Because the prom is held off site; students must buy tickets to the prom, all the money collected goes towards the cost of renting the location, food, and music.

SENIOR WEEK
Senior Week is four days of special activities just for our 12th grade students. Students vote on which activities to have each day. In the past years, students have chosen to go to Boomers, the Park and even Sea World. Senior Week ends with the High School Prom and Graduation. Our 12th graders either have to raise money to pay for these events or pay for the cost each event.

GRADUATION
On graduation day students completing their high school program will be participating in graduation ceremonies. Families and friends are invited to celebrate this special occasion. Caps, gowns and tassels are provided by Springall Academy. Participating in the ceremony is very special to all of us. Some students who participate in the ceremony still have additional courses to complete after graduation ceremonies, which can be obtained through participation in our PLUS program.

CLUB 45
Club 45 is a group of students and staff that get together at least once a month. They discuss issues important to the students.

You must be on Level Four or Five (Independent) to participate (Levels 3 and 4 for elementary students). The student "represents" their classroom and the school at the meetings. The members are role models for the other students. They are our student leaders.

They bring any ideas or comments from their classmates to the meeting. Whoever attends the meeting shares the information with the rest of their classmates.

Club 45 is a group run by the students for the students. Club 45 sponsors snack sales to raise money for school projects. In the past, Club 45 has sponsored such things as: Award's Night decorations, a new microwave for the kitchen, Level Four Fridays, and new uniforms for our Flag Football and Basketball team. Club 45 students plan many field trips for themselves throughout the year.

FRIDAY CLUBS
Friday clubs are a great opportunity for students to be involved in. This is reinforcing for students and an opportunity for them to be engaged in learning and activities that they might not otherwise have access to. Clubs meet every Friday for an hour. Friday Clubs can include music, art, computer, Spanish, cooking, chess, etc. The clubs have provided another level of enrichment for the students at Springall.

PRO KIDS GOLF PROGRAM
Ernie Wright, a Chargers offensive tackle in the 1960’s, began a dream in 1984 to transform a par-3 golf course at Colina Park, at 52nd and El Cajon Boulevard.  His dream was for disadvantaged kids to learn about respect and integrity through the game of golf.  He wanted to create people who would have good moral values, appreciate education, and go on to become productive members of society.  He wanted to make a bigger impact on society than his football career, and so began the birth of the Pro Kids Golf Academy. His dream has now become a reality and is being reproduced across the country.

Students on Level 3, 4 and 5 are invited to participate in the program for the 1-hour lessons with our own Professional Golf Instructor. Once the students take 6 lessons they are eligible to take a written test and on course test.  Once passing the two tests they receive their own I.D. Card which gives them free access to the course 7 days a week. There is a computer room as well as a small library and snack bar.

Caregivers are encouraged to go and check out the Pro Kids Golf Academy.  It is so exciting to see how dreams can become reality and have such a positive effect on society. Springall Academy is now benefiting from the Mr. Wright’s contributions.

CAPSES SPORTS LEAGUE
Springall is one of the founding schools that participate in the CAPSES Sports League. We are proud to have a Flag football team, a basketball team and a softball team compete against the other teams in our league. Many of our students are also outstanding athletes; joining the team is an outstanding venue to showcase their talents.

GIRLS GROUP
Girls’ Group is about the fun, friendship and empowerment of girls together.  As a bonus, most of the time girls are having so much fun, that they don’t realize they are learning! Girls have the opportunity to participate in: Big Sister/Little Sister program, peer tutoring, cheering on our team at Sports events, bimonthly meetings, and other activities.
This is a wonderful opportunity to allow girls to connect to female staff and form lifelong relationships with other girls throughout the school.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES OF SPRINGALL
If you would like volunteer to help make any of these events or clubs extra special for our students please contact our front office. The staff at the front office will direct you to the appropriate person.

School-to-Life

Guidance Program

The Guidance Program has many aspects. We follow the American School Counseling Association’s guidelines and Code of Ethics. Specifically this means focusing our program in the three Domains of school counseling: academics, social, and career. To begin, I work with all the students and teachers on campus. I work with students individually as well as in groups. Groups are either classroom groups or focus groups. Focus Groups are groups of students placed together to work on a similar area of need. Some of the focus groups include; SDIEP (self-directed IEP/self-advocacy), social skills, mobility training, anger management, and goal setting. Some groups meet weekly and some meet monthly. My personal goal is to see every student in at least one group throughout the school year. In addition, individual students can make appointments to see me anytime to discuss their IEP, High School Plan or credits, job placement, or just to talk. Guidance is often a quiet place on campus where students can go to work independently. The Guidance department also organizes all school events like School Spirit Days, Career day, Winter Carnival and the High School Prom.

A large part of Guidance is our WorkAbility program. Students who participate in our Workability program work very closely with Ms. Hunter, our Transition Assistant and myself. As a team, we support the staff by providing the appropriate services for each student in middle school, high school, and the PLUS Program. WorkAbility encompasses many areas. For example, one of the practical experiences that are implemented for students is participation in the Work Experience Program. Work Experience is the term for the many jobs on campus that allow a student to gain job skills on campus before getting a job in the community. Having work experience is an important part of a student’s transition in learning what it takes to be a good employee.         


WorkAbility 1 Program

WorkAbility 1 (WA1) is a state program that was established in 1981 as a result of two-year pilot study to help special education students gain work experience and skills. The pilot study was a success and soon became a statewide program known as WorkAbility. Springall Academy became part of this program in 1997. WorkAbility's mission is as follows:
   
The mission of WorkAbility 1 is to promote the involvement of key stakeholders including students, educators, employers, and other agencies in planning and implementing an array of services that will culminate in successful student transition to employment, life long learning and quality of life. 
 
WorkAbility 1 and Springall share a very similar philosophy, both programs take a holistic approach to educating students. We assess the student as a whole, not just one aspect, helping the student to reach his/her goals both on and off of campus. As part of the WorkAbility program each student has a Transition Binder that is kept in the Guidance Center. This Transition Binder has a collection of transition related documents and work that each student can use as a tool and take with them after they leave Springall and enter the world of work.

What exactly is the WorkAbility 1 (WA1) program all about?
The program promotes independent living and provides comprehensive pre-employment, employment, work-site training and follow-up services for students in Special Education who are making the transition from school to work, post-secondary education or training. Specifically, WA1 provides special education students (ages 16-22) with the opportunity to complete their secondary education while also obtaining marketable job skills.

How is WorkAbility 1funded?
WorkAbility is funded by a federal grant administered by the California State Department of Education.

How does Springall personnel offer assistance to the students in the WA1 program?
The academy provides the following staffing in the form of Vocational Education Team (VET) to implement the program: Transition Coordinator, Transition Assistant, Curriculum Coordinator, Guidance Counselor, Specialist Teachers, and Job Coaches.

What does WA1 offer perspective employers?
       Students who have been screened and prepared for employment
       On-going monitoring provided by Springall Personnel
       30-90 hours of training can be subsidized by the Springall
       Future trained employees who have proven themselves

What are the advantages to our students?
       Job development/placement services
       Support and encouragement by staff
       Pay for job training
       Opportunity to gain work experience
       Assessments of vocational interests and skills

What are possible outcomes/goals for participating in WA1?
       Students will obtain competitive employment
       Students will become successful, productive and contributing members or our community
       Build self-esteem through reinforced positive behavior

Listed below are current and past employer partnerships with Springall:
•    Sea World
•    Gamestop
•    Original Pancake House
•    Foot Locker
•    Albertsons
•    Einstein Bagels
•    Jo Ann Fabrics
•    Mission Trails Park and Recreation

Project Workability

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