I hope you are enjoying the summer and finding time to slow things down. It seems that so many commitments demand our time and attention. Even summer seems to pass more quickly each year!

While I wish I could extend summer, I am looking forward to the start of a fresh, new school-year. As September quickly approaches, I would like to share some important information with you.

As 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. As always, all are welcome! On the district website, you can find a list the Ability Awareness Events and the SEPAG meeting dates, under the Child Study Team, Parent Group Tab.

I am super excited to announce some of our new Ability Awareness Activities and get your input for others! This year, we will participate in Rock Your Socks. The idea behind it is that together we can create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome in our school, community and around the world. March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. It was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which leads to Down Syndrome.

We will also organize an Ice Cream Social for Williams Syndrome. Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These often occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music.

The team has continued to set goals to improve upon various Special Education Programs throughout the district. One goal is to strengthen community relationships and bring community businesses into our schools, as well as, bring our students into the community. We continue to expand the district’s Structured Learning Experience Project and have partnered with local businesses. We also continue to participate in a grant with Rutgers and NJDOE involving Person Centered Planning.

Best wishes for an awesome 2016-2017!

Sincerely,

Jocqueline Renner
Director of Special Education