About the "A" Team
The "A" Team is Alice Vail's "self-contained" program for students in grades six, seven, and eight who have a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. The students in the program typically spend less than 40 percent of the school day in general education classes. We strive to "progressively include" students in core curriculum and/or elective classes at AVMS.
David Cleaver is the program teacher. He graduated from the University of Arizona and has completed most coursework leading to a Masters degree in Severe and Multiple disabilities. He is state certified in Severe and Profound Disabilities and secondary History. "Mr. David" is married and has four children and one grandchild.
Teaching Assistants in our classroom include Bernadette Tanner, Angelica Verde, Tessa Chalberg, Nancy Simpson, Kathy Stone, and Danny Krieger. Each of these paraprofessionals is highly qualified to work with our students.
We are very fortunate to have other Alice Vail students, who serve as peers and "hang out" with us to help build social skills.
Our Speech/Language Pathologist is Cheryl Palen, who spends a lot of time in our classroom. Alice Vail's school psychologist is Lisa Goldberg.
Teaching Assistants in our classroom include Bernadette Tanner, Angelica Verde, Tessa Chalberg, Nancy Simpson, Kathy Stone, and Danny Krieger. Each of these paraprofessionals is highly qualified to work with our students.
We are very fortunate to have other Alice Vail students, who serve as peers and "hang out" with us to help build social skills.
Our Speech/Language Pathologist is Cheryl Palen, who spends a lot of time in our classroom. Alice Vail's school psychologist is Lisa Goldberg.
Our program takes great advantage of the resources provided through Opening Minds through the Arts (OMA). Alice Vail Middle School has been designated an OMA Gold School, and is a leader in TUSD arts integration. We believe that integrating the arts (visual, music, theater, etc.) in our academic studies enhances learning and fosters social and communicative development in students with autism. This, of course, is true of all students. We are proud to be a part of OMA! Arts Integration and our mission of "Achieving Excellence in Academics, Arts, and Athletics" make up...
...The Alice Vail Way!
Learn more about our school by clicking on the link below.
