Special EDition Newsletter JCPS Special Education Department-Spring Edition 2024

Guided by strategic teaching methods such as Think-Pair-Share, the use of visual representations, and breaking tasks into manageable subtasks, students go on a multifaceted journey. Armed with tape and creativity, they construct a life-sized coordinate plane where each quadrant serves as a platform for mathematical discovery. Through this hands-on approach, students not only plot points across the Cartesian plane but also explore the complexities of coordinate geometry, tackle challenges related to area within the coordinate plane, sketch polygons using vertex coordinates, and uncover the mysteries of segment length between points with shared coordinates.

In Mr. Graham and Mrs. Rabadi's dynamic classroom environment, mathematical concepts transcend the confines of textbooks and become tangible experiences that ignite a profound and enduring passion for learning.

CAPE Program and PS #26 Partner in Bring Your Family to Physical Education Week

By: Eric Pawlowski & Steve Lenardo, Adapted PE Lead Teachers

From February 12th to February 19th, the CAPE program and PS #26 worked together in an exciting event called Bring Your Family to Physical Education Week. This initiative aimed to promote healthy competition and engage families in various activities, including kickball, bowling, and races. Led by Ms. Ables, the Physical Education Teacher at PS #26, along with Adapted Physical Education Lead Teachers Steve Lenardo and Eric Pawlowski, the event was an amazing opportunity to allow families an inside look of what skills students are learning and developing through the Adapted Physical Education Program as well as in their Physical Education Classes. Throughout the week, PS #26 had an amazing turnout with over 150 families that participated and joined their children on this fun experience.

This week families had the opportunity to participate in healthy competition alongside their children. All classrooms that receive Physical Education and/or Adapted Physical Education were invited to partake in this event. Parents and guardians joined their children in a game of kickball, showcasing their skills and demonstrating the importance of working together as a team. The bowling activity allowed families to bond over strikes and spares, while the races brought out the competitive spirit in both parents and children.

Bring Your Family to Physical Education Week emphasized the significance of exercising and engaging in fun activities as a family. Physical activity not only promotes physical health but also strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories. By involving parents and guardians in physical education classes, the event encouraged families to prioritize fitness and wellness as a collective unit. Engaging in physical activities together fosters a sense of teamwork, boosts self-esteem, and promotes a healthy lifestyle for all family members.

The event successfully brought families together to participate in various physical activities, fostering a sense of unity and promoting the importance of exercise. The activities and games provided a platform for families to bond, compete, and have fun. These engaging activities highlighted the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle as a family.

The pictures captured during this event serve as a testament to the joy and excitement experienced by all participants. They showcase the spirit of togetherness and the commitment of PS #26 and the CAPE program to promote physical fitness and family engagement. Bring Your Family to Physical Education Week will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the students, families, and the entire PS #26 community, inspiring them to continue prioritizing health and wellness in their daily lives.

We hope that we can expand this weekly program to other schools in the school district in the future.

J.C.P.S. Special Education Department's First Annual Coat Drive

By: Jennifer Valdora

The Special Education Department provided 120 new coats to Jersey City Public Schools students identified in need. Each school had the opportunity to submit a list of five students who needed warmth this winter. The Special Education Department worked closely with Cathy’s Kids, which donated over 50 coats, along with other winter accessories. Friends and family members of the Department also purchased new coats. A special secret elf donated additional resources to ensure that each student identified received what was needed. The Department will expand this initiative for the 2024-2025 school year.

Fun Friday Celebration

By: Jennifer Valdora

During our January 2024 Fun Friday event, we celebrated our 3rd anniversary. For the past three years, students have received real-life virtual experiences. We have over 1,600 students on average each month viewing the guest speakers and presenters brought to us by the Jersey City Free Public Library. Since the program’s inception in 2021, over 150,000 students have participated. We celebrated our 3rd anniversary with a virtual field trip to Turtle Back Zoo, which is always a crowd favorite. Students were treated to a special visit from Ms. Kate. Other Fun Friday events included: Liberty Science Center, Big Kid Bandstand, Wolf Conservation Center, and the Jersey City Fire Department.

To pre-register for future Fun Friday events click here.

“Lucky to Work Together”

By: Jennifer Valdora

Students from Mr. Naumann and Ms. Valentin’s class at PS #28 were “lucky” during a St. Patrick's Day and team-building experience. The lesson began by discussing traditions to activate background knowledge. Students interacted during a lively reading of “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace. Students then worked together to discuss a possible trap to catch a leprechaun. Groups of students worked together to create a model trap with various materials ranging from boxes, construction paper, paint, popsicle sticks, and gold coins. The following week Mr. Naumann’s student joined Ms. Deterelizzi & Ms. Morales’s class followed by Ms. Sullivan’s.

Click here for more details.

Event Flier

Spring into Speech is an annual event crafted by JCPS Speech-Language Pathologists with the intent to educate and empower the community on special education topics. Each year, the event adopts a new theme to address diverse needs within the special education population, providing resources, workshops, and networking opportunities for parents, educators, and caregivers of approximately 4000 students receiving special education in the JCPS district. Spring into Speech is held every May, honoring Better Hearing and Speech Month.

This May, the 2nd annual Spring Into Speech is titled: A Sensational Spectrum Soiree! The event is intended to highlight and support the friends and families of the Autistic and neurodivergent students in Jersey City Public Schools. A. Harry Moore has generously offered to host the event and this year the SLPs are collaborating with even more professionals, including BCBAs, Child Study Team members, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Special Education Teachers, and Supervisors to provide their expertise!

During the symposium, attendees will be guided through different “zones,” each zone containing booths run by JCPS professionals that aim to provide support for families and the various needs of their children. The “Welcome Center & Family Support Zone” will offer resources regarding general information about Autism and how to connect with parent advocacy groups. The “Therapeutic and Professional Support Zone” will include information about speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Parents can learn about behavioral therapy options, picky eating, and creating sensory-friendly spaces at the “Behavioral and Sensory Support Zone.” The JCPS AAC team will provide information about Alternative and Augmentative Communication options, from low to high tech forms of AAC. The “Achievements and Community Zone” will highlight local programs and organizations, as well as the achievements, both big and small, of autistic and neurodivergent students in the district.

JCPS Special Education Supervisors will be available to discuss programs and services available for Autistic students, as well as information on transitioning to adult services.

Exploring the Preschool Special Education Process: A Collaborative Endeavor

By: Jessica Llamas, SSW

In collaboration with the Early Childhood Department, the Jersey City Free Public Library, and the Special Education Department Preschool Disabilities Program provided a series of presentations aimed at shedding light on the Preschool Special Education Process. With a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, these presentations offer valuable insights and guidance for parents, educators, and professionals involved in early childhood education.

Presentation Highlights:

Understanding the Basics: The presentation provided an overview of the preschool special education process, including eligibility criteria, evaluation procedures, and the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in accessing special education services for preschool-aged children.

Navigating the Evaluation Process: Delving deeper into the evaluation process, the presentation session explored the various assessments and tools used to identify developmental delays and disabilities in young children. Attendees learned about the roles of parents, educators, and specialists in conducting evaluations and gathering relevant information to inform decision-making.

Developing Effective IEPs: Building on the evaluation findings, the presentation focused on the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of preschool-aged children with disabilities. Participants learned about goal-setting, service delivery models, and strategies for promoting meaningful progress and inclusion in early childhood settings.

Promoting Collaboration and Advocacy: The presentation emphasized the importance of collaboration and advocacy in ensuring positive outcomes for children with disabilities. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical tips, participants explored ways to foster effective partnerships between families, educators, and service providers.

Social Emotional Learning Day

By: CLM Staff-Alexa Cruz, Michelle DiMaggio & Cathleen Moore

March 8, 2024, marked a significant day for students enrolled in the Connect, Learn, and Move Forward program as they embarked on a memorable journey to A Harry Moore School to celebrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Day. This special event not only highlighted the importance of SEL in special education but also provided students with valuable opportunities for growth, connection, and empowerment. In this article, we delve into the enriching experiences of the day and the profound impact it had on the students.

The Connect, Learn, and Move Forward Program:

The Connect, Learn, and Move Forward program is renowned for its commitment to supporting students with behavioral challenges in achieving academic success while fostering their social and emotional development. Through personalized interventions, a multidisciplinary approach, and a focus on creating inclusive environments, the program empowers students to thrive in school and beyond.

A Harry Moore School: A Hub for Special Education Excellence:

A Harry Moore School, located in Jersey City, stands as a beacon of excellence in special education. Dedicated to serving students with multiple disabilities, the school provides a nurturing and supportive environment where every student can reach their full potential. With a focus on holistic development, A Harry Moore School incorporates SEL principles into its curriculum to promote self-awareness, social skills, and emotional well-being.

SEL Day: A Celebration of Growth and Connection:

On March 8, 2024, students from the Connect, Learn, and Move Forward program had the privilege of spending the day at A Harry Moore School to celebrate SEL Day. The event was filled with engaging activities, interactive workshops, and opportunities for reflection and connection. Through collaborative games, art projects, and group discussions, students explored important SEL concepts such as empathy, communication, and self-regulation.

Key Highlights of the Day

Interactive Workshops: Students participated in interactive workshops facilitated by SEL experts and educators from A Harry Moore School. These workshops focused on building essential SEL skills such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.

Peer Interaction: The event provided students with opportunities to connect with peers from A Harry Moore School, fostering friendships and promoting social inclusion. Through collaborative activities and team-building exercises, students learned the value of cooperation and empathy.

Creative Expression: Art activities served as a platform for students to express themselves creatively and explore their emotions. From painting to storytelling, students embraced their artistic talents and shared their unique perspectives with others.

Reflection and Goal Setting: Throughout the day, students engaged in reflective exercises to assess their social and emotional strengths and areas for growth. Guided by educators and mentors, they set personal goals for enhancing their SEL skills and building positive relationships.

Impact and Future Directions:

The SEL Day celebration at A Harry Moore School left a lasting impact on students from the Connect, Learn, and Move Forward program. By experiencing firsthand the power of SEL in action, students gained valuable insights into themselves and their relationships with others. Moving forward, the program aims to integrate SEL principles into its curriculum and daily practices, further empowering students to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.

Conclusion:

The SEL Day celebration at A Harry Moore School was a testament to the transformative potential of social-emotional learning in special education. By bringing together students from different backgrounds and abilities, the event fostered a sense of belonging, empathy, and mutual respect. As students continue their journey of growth and discovery, they carry with them the lessons learned from this memorable experience, shaping their futures as compassionate and resilient individuals.

Weekly SEL Lessons at PS #24

By: Danielle Dima

Social Emotional Learning lessons are implementated to a third grade group from PS #24 on a weekly basis. We start our group session with an emotional check in update, move onto written independent work then share our answers. Some topics we have gone over are gratitude, proper communication, self control, being present, problem solving plans, digital/social media and video game breaks. This ensures practice with active listening, waiting to speak when it is your turn and having patience. We then move to SEL prompt cards or conversation cubes and share our answers.

New research shows that…

The advent of technology in the last 15 years has meant that many children have grown up alongside social media in ways that most adults did not experience until much later in life, raising concerns about how this may affect child development, particularly mental health. For instance, mental health professionals have pointed out some concerns regarding the relationship between depression and social media use. It is hard to determine for sure whether social media use causes mental health problems such as depression symptoms. Teens who spend more time on social media feel more isolated, potentially due to fewer deep and empathetic connections in social interaction obtained by social media, although equally possible is that isolated teens are simply spending more time on social media. Social media use at nighttime can interfere with restful sleep, one symptom of depression.

Informal mindfulness practice exercise for outside of school:

Press pause’ on yourself for 10 seconds when you have the urge to open a specific app or if you notice you have opened it without realizing it. Before opening the app, check in about how you’re feeling. Do you notice any patterns? Do you tend to open social media up when you are in a pleasant or poor mood? When experiencing pleasant or painful thoughts?

*Always remember, be kind to yourself about your thoughts and feelings in the same way you would a friend going through something tough.

By: Carol Sisterhen, Special Education Supervisor

In a heartwarming collaboration this month, the Connect, Learn, and Move Forward Behavioral Disabilities Program has joined forces with Blankets of Hope, a charitable organization dedicated to providing comfort and support to homeless individuals across the United States. This partnership exemplifies the power of compassion and community engagement in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Through the distribution of purple blankets adorned with inspirational notes, students from Jersey City Public Schools are making a meaningful impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

The Connect, Learn, and Move Forward Behavioral Disabilities Program:

The Connect, Learn, and Move Forward Behavioral Disabilities Program is dedicated to supporting students with behavioral challenges in achieving academic, social, and emotional success. Through personalized strategies, a multidisciplinary team approach, and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments, the program empowers students to overcome obstacles and thrive in school and beyond.

Blankets of Hope: Providing Comfort and Encouragement to the Homeless:

Blankets of Hope is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide physical and emotional support to homeless individuals across the United States. Through the distribution of blankets adorned with handwritten notes of encouragement, the organization aims to spread warmth, comfort, and hope to those facing adversity on the streets. Each blanket serves as a tangible reminder that they are not alone and that their community cares for them.

The Collaborative Effort:

This month, students from the Connect, Learn, and Move Forward program have partnered with Blankets of Hope to extend a helping hand to the homeless population. Together, they are delivering purple blankets along with inspirational handwritten notes to individuals experiencing homelessness in Jersey City and beyond. These blankets not only offer physical warmth but also serve as symbols of compassion, solidarity, and support.

The Impact of the Initiative:

The collaborative effort between the Connect, Learn, and Move Forward program and Blankets of Hope is making a significant impact on both the recipients and the students involved. For individuals experiencing homelessness, receiving a blanket and a heartfelt note can brighten their day, provide comfort during difficult times, and remind them that they are valued members of the community. For students participating in the initiative, it offers an opportunity to cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility.

Project Search: “Celebrating Me”- Disability Day Awareness

By: Eric Lorfink and May Ling Chong

On March 15th Project SEARCH celebrated Disability Awareness Month at the DoubleTree Hotel. The theme was “Celebrating Me”. During this event our interns had the opportunity to interact with one another, and celebrate their unique talents. They were able to demonstrate their skills and knowledge they learned throughout this school year thus far during Team Trivia (they had great answers).

A Disability Awareness Presentation was provided for all in attendance offering an opportunity to learn about disabilities, ask questions, and socialize while enjoying a delicious pizza lunch. Our guests were able to view our intern’s silly side as they shared their video version of “TIKTOK of course I’m a Project SEARCH intern…” A great day was had by all.

Language Builder: ARIS Early Autism Curriculum

T.E.A.C.H. Program

This school year, students and teachers in the T.E.A.C.H. program continue to work diligently on developing a variety of different skills. In the classroom, students continue to learn independence and self-help skills, social skills, such as working in a group, communicating with others, play skills, and pre-academic skills, such as following directions, appropriate sitting, eye contact, and attending to teachers during instruction as well important academic skills including mathematics and language arts.

The T.E.A.C.H program is excited to start a new program focused on building language skills, Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) Early Autism Curriculum. The Language Builder ARIS program is anchored in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and enables our teachers to adapt the lessons according to the needs of individual students and a variety of learning environments while ensuring that there are no gaps in the student’s progress toward academic readiness. The goal of the ARIS curriculum is to make sure teachers have 100% of the hands-on materials, detailed lesson plans, and program management tools they need to carry out a complete and structured learning plan for their students with autism.

We are excited to see the progress our students make in language development with the introduction of this program!

Appreciating Languages and Cultures

By: T.E.A.C.H. Program

The students at PS #34 Barack Obama School in the TEACH program participated in events learning about world languages and culture. They read books about different cultures and languages and completed various assignments and activities to enhance their learning. The study of foreign languages not only broadens students' perspectives of the world, but also imparts a more profound understanding of their own cultures. Exposure to different cultures can provide students with greater cultural sensitivity as well. Great Job!

Benefits of Brain Breaks

By: Melissa Cook

Ms. Milliken’s Primary BD class at PS #15 begins each day with meditation and yoga in order to shift their minds to prepare them for a day of learning. They participate in brain breaks throughout the day as needed to re-energize and re-focus. Their favorite brain break is GoNoodle Cat Party and anything Kidz Bop that they can dance to.

When you are at work or focused on a task, do you often need a break? Do you take a walk or listen to your favorite song in order to get your mind refocused? Our students need these “brain breaks” too.

A brain break is just what it sounds like: a mental break from whatever students are working on. Short brain breaks during instruction time have been shown to have real benefits. The brain breaks get students moving to carry blood and oxygen to the brain; reducing stress, anxiety, frustration and helping students to focus and be more productive.

In the classroom, brain breaks are quick, structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities. Brain breaks can be done individually (like deep breathing) or as a whole class (like using GoNoodle.com).

Different types of brain breaks can be used depending on the students’ needs at a given time. Students struggling with focus, attention, and hyperactivity may need an energizing break, whereas students who get overly excited or struggle with self-regulation may find a relaxing brain break to be more effective.

Brain breaks benefit not only the students but teachers, too. They help improve the pacing of the classroom lesson while keeping teachers and students refreshed, focused, and engaged.

By: Carol Sisterhen and Dave Gibbons, Special Education Supervisors

Introduction:

As part of the Department Of Education DREAM initiative, Schools PS #6 and PS #12 are incorporating the Nurturing Heart Approach (NHA) into their educational framework. NHA focuses on fostering positive relationships and emotional development among students, staff, and the school community.

Certified Staff Members:

Alexa Cruz and Jessica Llamas, two staff members from the CST, are trained and certified in the Nurturing Heart Approach. Their expertise will serve as a valuable asset in implementing NHA within their respective school environments.

Training Plan:

Certified Trainers: Certified trainers of the NHA approach will be available to conduct training sessions for teachers and staff members. These trainers will provide comprehensive guidance on the principles and techniques of NHA.

Teacher Training Sessions: The certified trainers will conduct training sessions for teachers and staff members from both PS #6 and PS #12. These sessions will focus on:

• Understanding the core principles of Nurturing Heart Approach.
• Learning practical strategies for implementing NHA in classroom management and student interactions.
• Cultivating a nurturing and supportive school environment conducive to student success.
• Addressing challenges and troubleshooting potential barriers to implementation.

Expansion to BD Program and Interested Teachers: Following the initial training sessions, the plan is to extend the NHA approach to teachers in the Behavioral Disorder (BD) program and any other interested teachers within the district. This expansion aims to ensure that NHA principles are integrated across various educational settings and cater to the diverse needs of students.

Timeline:

• Initial Training Sessions: Scheduled to take place within the upcoming school year, ensuring all staff members receive foundational training in NHA.
• Ongoing Support: Continuous support and guidance will be provided by certified trainers to assist staff members in applying NHA principles effectively in their day-to-day interactions with students.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms will be implemented to monitor the progress of NHA implementation. This will include:

• Observations of classroom practices.
• Feedback surveys from teachers and staff members.
• Student feedback on the school climate and relationships.

Conclusion:

The integration of Nurturing Heart Approach into Schools PS #6 and PS #12 aligns with the DOE DREAM initiative's goal of fostering positive school cultures and supporting holistic student development. By leveraging the expertise of certified staff members and external trainers, the schools are poised to create nurturing environments where every student can thrive academically and emotionally.

JCPS Special Department Department Annual Holiday Gift Giving

By: Heather Piechocki

During this past holiday season, 1,505 students with special needs (self-contained classes) received a wrapped gift from their wish list. Generous donors within our local community, as well as other communities in New Jersey came together to make these heartfelt gifts possible. In a collaborative effort, staff from The Department of Special Education played a crucial role in wrapping and delivering gifts to approximately 200 classes districtwide. This included self-contained classes throughout Jersey City, as well as all of the students in The Regional Day School.

We are beyond grateful for all of the generosity and hard work put forth to make our annual holiday gift giving event a success. This initiative would not have been possible without the wonderful organizations/individuals listed below:

• Advisors Mortgage Group, LLC
• All Saints Catholic Academy
• The Artists Avenue (Musical Theater Program)
• The Bayonne Rotary Club
• Chickie's Italian Restaurant
• Cinelease Studios
• The Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City
• Friends of Mary Hussey (in honor of deceased Adapted Phys. Ed. Teacher, Mary Hussey)
• Hamilton Inn
• Hamilton Pork
• The Healy and Hussey Families (in honor of deceased Adapted Phys. Ed. Teacher, Mary Hussey)
• Hudson Hall
• Hudson Subaru
• JCFD Captain Mark V. Lee Sr. Christmas Fund Drive (The Lee Family)
• JCPD Emerald Society
• JCPS District Staff
• Keller Williams City Life JC and Bayonne offices
• Mayor Steven Fulop
• Target of Jersey City

Unlocking the Power of Collaboration and Comprehension with Kami

By: Jaime Merced

In a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments, the Special Education Department has provided the Kami app, an online document annotation and markup tool for teachers and students across self-contained and Inclusion classes. Kami's features empower educators and learners by providing versatile tools for document interaction. With Kami, students and teachers can easily highlight, underline, and strikethrough text in PDF and other document formats, fostering engagement and comprehension.