Hello,

On behalf of the Special Education Department, I would like to welcome all students and their families to the 2019-2020 school-year! I am eager to begin my ninth year as the Director of Special Education for the Haddon Heights School District. I am proud of our team and their commitment to the students.

A few themes the team will focus on this year include Ability Awareness and Combating Ableism. The Child Study Team will also be reading “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” by Barry Prizant. We will continue to identify ways to promote Person Centered Planning, as well.  

The district continues to strengthen the Special Education Parent Advocacy Group (SEPAG) and the relationship with the Haddon Heights, Barrington, Lawnside, and Merchantville communities. I invite you to join us for a meeting and/or to celebrate an event. All are always welcome! On the district website, Ability Awareness Events and the SEPAG meeting dates are updated, under the Child Study Team, Parent Advisory Tab.

Each year, the Haddon Heights School District's Special Education Department focuses on a theme for Ability Awareness. For the past 9 years, the Department has organized events to raise awareness and promote inclusion. This year the theme is “Choose to Include”. “Inclusion is not simply about physical proximity. It is about intentionally planning for the success of all students.” -National Inclusion Project 

This theme is not simply about the inclusion of students with special education needs; rather, it is about planning with purpose for the needs of all students. As Garnets, we want to take action to be the most inclusive school community!  The group plans to hashtag the awesome activities and actions of staff, students, and the school community in hopes of spreading their message.  #GarnetsChoosetoInclude  

Please log on to PowerSchool to identify the Case Manager/s for your child/children. The Case Manager is listed under your address at the top, left side of the screen. We are here to help! Please reach out with any IEP related concerns. Contact information can be found on the District Webpage, under the Child Study Team Tab, Meet the Team. 

Sincerely,

Jocqueline Renner
Director of Special Education