The MKSD Middle School Residential Program focuses on the social and emotional development of the students and assists the students to develop good study habits through a mandatory, supervised study hour.  Swimming, bowling, shopping, and trips to area restaurants are just a sampling of the activities the students enjoy in the surrounding communities.  

Students travel to a local theater to enjoy the open-captioned movies.  Clubs are an important part of the program as they are developed according to the interests of the students. Recently Katzenbach was awarded a grant from the Citigroup Foundation to fund the startup costs of the Bike Club.  Students enjoy leisurely  bike hikes while at the same time learning the rules of the road and bike safety.

For the fashion conscious there is a Hair and Nails Club where the students practice the latest in hair styles and nail decoration.  The Cooking Club bakes goodies for nighttime snacks and the Video Club learns about equipment care and operation and plans to produce videos of campus activities.  This year the students expressed an interest in an arts program,  furniture refinishing, pets, and karate.  These clubs will be formed in September 2001.

The Educational Resource Center has a state-of-the-art computer lab that is staffed by a certified teacher of the Deaf that offers academic support and tutoring to the students. Communication between the academic instructors and residential personnel is emphasized to ensure student success.  Homework and study time is built into the afternoon or evening schedule.

The intramural sports program allows students to develop their skills for participation in the Interscholastic sports program in the high school. Participation in the Middle School basketball and soccer program is open to students grade four to eight.  Providing students the opportunity to participate in recreational activities is the responsibility of the sending school district and should be a part of the development of the IEP. Day students can participate in the MKSD Residential Program's recreational activities by the provision of a late bus, or residential placement for the length of the activity.  

Team building, leadership experience, and the development independent living skills are an important part of the program.  Our students participate in activities utilizing direct communication with both staff and peers.  Peer group identification is vital to the Middle School student.

At the end of the year, students who have exhibited good leadership and exemplary behavior participate in the end-of-the-year trip.  In the past these trips have been to Great Adventure and Dorney Park.

The residential program is in operation Monday through Thursday, and bus transportation is provided for residential students from across the state on Monday morning and on Friday afternoon.