This 2025–26 school year marks an exciting new chapter in the Unified partnership between The Help Group and Curtis School. What began last year with a joyful Unified Games Day, where elementary students from both schools came together for inclusive play, has grown into a deeper, student-centered exchange grounded in understanding and genuine connection.
Today, students are building relationships through monthly campus visits that foster familiarity, confidence, and shared experiences. The first visit of the year was led by Sue Anne Kaples, Director of Alternate Curriculum Schools, who helped Curtis students develop a clearer sense of what neurodiversity can look like and how to interact in ways that feel supportive and comfortable for everyone. “I started the visits with just me going to their site and bringing AAC devices and visual supports that our students benefit from,” Kaples explains. Students were introduced to these communication tools, which help individuals express themselves when speech is limited or not possible.
As the visits have continued, these supports have become a natural part of the activities, allowing all students to participate together with ease. “When they came here to visit, they got to see how those supports are used for our students to participate in ‘normal’ activities with them,” says Kaples. “They had a great time!” The impact has been profound. “Our students have not only connected by making visits to each other’s campus, but they’ve connected at a much deeper level,” she notes. “They have learned so much about neurodiversity.”
This partnership continues to grow, well beyond the classroom. The leadership and families of Curtis School, including Dr. Meera Ratnesar, Head of School; Rob Friedman, Past Board Chair; Jennifer Johnson, Director of Advancement; and the Curtis Parent Association, have embraced this collaboration wholeheartedly. Their commitment shines especially bright this season: more than 150 Curtis students and their families will volunteer at The Help Group’s 41st Annual Holiday Carnival, wrapping gifts, supporting activities, and helping ensure a memorable day for the children and families we serve.
As the 2025–26 school year unfolds, the connection between our two school communities continues to strengthen. Together, Curtis School and The Help Group are demonstrating what inclusive partnership looks like—collaborative, welcoming, and built on the belief that students, families, and whole school communities thrive when they learn with and from one another.