Special EDition Newsletter Fall 2024

Ms. Trivisonno’s room is a friendly classroom environment, one that places a high value on inclusivity and empathy. The walls are covered with students’ artwork, bright graphics and cultural icons that make us all feel welcome. Ms. Alsobt joins Ms. Trivisonno in the classroom and adds some energy and warmth to the classroom. They collectively help to build an environment not only that encourages learning but that makes students feel welcome and valued. Everyone is invited to bring their thoughts to the class, which makes the experience not only enriching but self-empowering.

And the project’s success speaks to the imagination and hard work that both teachers bring to their students. All the final PowerPoints are vibrant, mixed and bursting with Hispanic cultural knowledge and show the passion of the students. The lesson doesn’t end with class in room 313, it’s a place where students are encouraged, heard, and supported in their freedom to speak. This class is the perfect demonstration of how effective teaching can make learning fun and engaging – and has the ability to stay with students long after the project is finished.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

By: Megan Costigan

For the second consecutive year, The Jersey City Public Schools’ Department of Special Education worked with community leaders and citizens to host a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the district. Through collective efforts and camaraderie, the Special Education Department L.I.N.K.S. team was able to provide over 130 meals to our JCPS families. This accomplishment is due in large part to the generosity of the Jersey City community at large.

This year, our donors and supporters included BJ's Wholesale Club, Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski, Councilman Daniel Rivera, Councilman Yousef Saleh, County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, Hudson County Improvement Authority, James Solomon Civic Association, Jersey City Fire Department, Kismet of Kings, Kristen Zadroga-Hart, Ray of Hope Foundation, Salumeria Ercolano, Senator Raj Mukherji, Dr. Maya Angelou School, and Central Office staff, including members of The Special Education Department, members of The Senior Leadership Team, and anonymous donors.

In reflecting on the generosity and kindness of others, we are reminded that Thanksgiving food drives are a beautiful example of how communities can come together to support one another. By donating food, time, or other resources, you can help ensure that more families can celebrate the holiday with a full stomach and a grateful heart. Whether it’s a single can of soup or a full meal kit, every contribution counts. In this season of thankfulness, let’s remember that the greatest gift we can give is not only the food we share but the care and compassion we show toward others in need.

CHAMPS Professional Development Highlights

By: Heather Piechocki & Robyn Drag

In October, our CHAMPS teachers participated in a professional development training titled, “Strategies and Tools for Improved Functional Performance,” presented by occupational therapy supervisors Elizabeth Kubie and Melissa Bernardino from Pediatric Therapy Resources. The training was a valuable opportunity for our educators to enhance their knowledge and skills to better support their students’ functional and academic success.

The session began with a teacher survey to identify key areas of interest and need. Based on the feedback, the training covered a wide range of topics that directly impact students in the classroom, including:

• Sensory Processing: Understanding how sensory input affects student behavior and learning, and strategies to help students regulate and engage effectively.
• Handwriting and Prewriting Skills: Techniques for improving tracing, letter formation, and other foundational skills critical for literacy development.
• Developmental Milestones: A focus on fine motor and visual motor skills, including scissor skills, to support student growth and independence.
• Self-Care Skills: Practical tools for teaching dressing, feeding, and other daily living skills, fostering greater independence in students.
• Pre-Vocational Skills: Strategies to build early work-related abilities, preparing students for future transitions.

During the workshop, teachers were provided with a wealth of practical tools and strategies to implement in their classrooms and engage both students and staff! The room was bursting with colorful stations as Elizabeth and Melissa shared many exciting activities and demonstrations for the classroom. They also highlighted how the collaboration between educators and therapists leads to a richer experience for the students. It was delightful to see the staff engaging during this collaborative day.

We look forward to continuing these professional development opportunities that support our educators in providing the best possible learning environments for their students.

Children’s Adapted Physical Education Program

By: Steven Lenardo

The Children’s Adapted Physical Education Program (C.A.P.E.) has been working with multiple classrooms across the district to provide a safe, fun, and valuable learning environment. As the C.A.P.E. Lead Teacher, I work in a group setting with our students to improve their physical, social, and emotional well-being. I look to foster simple and complex movement for a lifelong appreciation of physical activity.

How do we do this?

• Pre/Post Assessment to see growth
• Individual goals for students
• Collaboration/support with teachers, therapists and parents to ensure students' development
• Community involvement - Encourage partnerships and involvement to enhance resources and support for the program

School updates:

This 2024/2025 school year has been busy with successfully moving the movement room at PS #26 from the 3rd floor to the 1st floor to make it easily accessible for the Pre-K students.

PS #39: The students have been enjoying the slow build of our dedicated movement room in collaboration with the OT/PT team and Dr. Perry.

PS #14: Similar to PS #39, we have a dedicated movement space in the basement that is a work in progress and has been enjoyed by the students at PS 14, thank you Mrs. Abbruscato.

Heart Heroes: Empowering Students with CPR through Finn's Mission

By: Mabelle Manzo

The students at Ms. Thomson’s class at MS #7, Franklin L. Williams Middle School, are not just developing life-saving strategies but accumulating life-saving knowledge from her partnership with the American Heart Challenge. In this effort, Ms. Thomson’s students participate in Finn’s Mission, a heart-focused school program that teaches students CPR and what to look for in a heart emergency. The mission’s hero, a young heart-health advocate named Finn, is a heart-pounding presence in the room and the class really connects with him. In this dynamic collaboration, the students acquire skills that could one day save their lives, as well as learning how the heart works and why it’s so important to keep it healthy.

Ms. Thomson teaches CPR by doing the exercises herself so that her students can practice it under the care of their teachers. She teaches her class how to perform chest compressions,and what to do if a heart attack is happening, all by helping them work together. There is energy in the room where they are interacting with each other, performing CPR on gopher balls, and talking about what they can do with their knowledge in the world. It’s thanks to Ms. Thomson’s way of linking the mission with her students’ lives that the lesson is even more meaningful and they know what they can contribute to their communities.

In dedicating her life to Finn’s Mission, Ms. Thomson is teaching her students not merely how to save a life, but responsibility and agency. Our partnership with the American Heart Challenge integrates education and practice of heart health right into the classroom. Her students walk away from the class not just knowing how to perform CPR, but also more aware of the value of heart health. This alliance is just one example of how Ms. Thomson’s teaching techniques create connections with her students that don’t have to stop at the classroom door.

Halloween Halloween Trick or Treat

By: Lucas McCarren

Mrs. Perez’s class at Dickinson High School worked hard to write and record a rap about Halloween! The class made sure the lyrics rhymed and then created a beat with music therapist, Mr.Lucas before recording their voices. Mrs. Perez and Mr. Lucas are so proud of the final product. Please enjoy Halloween Halloween Trick or Treat!

Project SEARCH 2024-2025

By: Eric Lorfink and MayLing Chong, Instructors

Welcome back! The new school year has been filled with excitement for both the Project SEARCH interns and the staff. We began our 7th year at the Jersey City Medical Center and our 1st year at Hudson County Community College Journal Square Campus, which has been met with great optimism. All of the interns were eager to get started on their first day and have excelled in their respective departments at both locations. They have learned many new transferable skills and have become an asset to their departments. They are developing into young independent adults contributing to the workforce and forging new friendships along the way.

One of the many highlights in the first few months was the celebration of inclusivity and ability within our community at the Champion’s Breakfast. It was held on October 15th hosted by The View at Lincoln Park. We look forward to continuing on a path to success, independence and employment!

Hello Fall!

By: Kara Ryan

Room 132 from PS #26 has had a very busy couple of weeks. We have not only celebrated numerous birthdays and Halloween, but we also got to visit our very own "pumpkin patch" without even leaving the safety of our school! The children have been learning about all things fall, especially pumpkins and leaves. We had a sensory activity that involved carving our own pumpkin as well as feeling (and some smelling!) the insides. We also participated in numerous fine motor skill activities that left our classroom very colorful and beautifully decorated. We are looking forward to the holidays and winter activities that are coming ahead!

Little Explorers

By: Hanna Riley

Ms. Columbia's class are growing into little explorers. They explored new STEM activities and are learning about our friends in the classroom. We participated in school wide events such as the Halloween Parade and we did pumpkin painting in October! Each child is embracing the joy of learning, building friendships, and actively participating in the activities. The children have enjoyed playing with sensory sand, playdough, dinosaur toys, building blocks, and in the kitchen area.

The Importance of Flexible Seating in Preschool

Allowing preschool students the freedom to sit in various positions during whole-group times supports their individual needs and enhances engagement. Young children naturally have varying levels of energy and comfort, and offering flexibility—sitting on a chair, a special cushion, or sitting criss-cross applesauce (pretzel), long sitting, crossed legged, mountain sitting, or kneeling (mermaid sitting)—helps them maintain focus and feel at ease. This practice promotes a positive learning environment by acknowledging that every child is unique and has different sensory and physical needs. Flexible seating not only reduces fidgeting but also encourages active participation, which is crucial for building social and academic skills during these foundational years.

The Value of Recall Time in the High/Scope PreSchool Curriculum

As Pre-K Collaborative Consultation Teachers, we provide push-in support to create inclusive learning opportunities for all students, with and without disabilities. Recall time is a key component of the HighScope preschool curriculum, offering children a valuable opportunity to reflect on their activities and experiences from that particular day. This structured moment encourages young learners to think critically, develop communication skills, and strengthen memory as they share what they did during work time. To ensure every student can participate successfully, we use large area cards (visual support) and adapt recall strategies to meet individual needs. This approach not only strengthens students’ memory and communication skills but also promotes inclusion practices and collaboration in our pre-k classrooms.

When a Student is Falling Behind in Reading, Time Matters

By: Danielle Dima

The Sonday System is an Orton-Gillingham based intervention program. It is a systematic, explicit, and sequential instruction program aimed to improve student reading and spelling skills. It focuses on the following: phonological awareness, phonics instruction, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

There are five components to the daily lessons that utilize multisensory learning approaches. The Sonday System has been purchased for implementation with students functioning two years below grade level. It is appropriate for all ages, skill levels, and meets the standards outlined by The National Reading Panel. It is also considered a Tier 3 intervention in our department. In the Special Education Department, we believe in quickly intervening and giving every child their best chance to succeed in and outside of school.

Fun Fridays !

By: Danielle Dima

The Department of Special Education, would like to extend this exciting opportunity to all Jersey City Public School students. All are welcome to participate in Fun Friday! The award winning Fun Friday program relaunched for 2024-2025 School Year. This is the program’s fourth consecutive year. The Department of Special Education, Jersey City Free Public Library, and Liberty Science Center, Scholastic, and Ms. Alyssa from Baby Bandstand have already teamed up for the past few extraordinary Fun Friday events. So far, we've had a total of 346 attendees and 947 participants. Our student chats have been so interactive! Once you sign up, you will receive reminders for future events that take place monthly. As always additional information can be found on X @JCPS_Special_Education and Facebook JCPS Special Education. We hope to see you there!

Student Scientists

By: Melissa Cook

Hands-on-learning means learning by doing. This type of learning is best suited for kinesthetic learners, who learn from examples. Hands-on learning is another term for experiential learning, where individuals immerse themselves in a subject to learn. Hands-on science is simply investigating the questions that matter to us by physically doing something to learn. Kids ask so many good questions and many of us learn best by touching and experimenting with real stuff, rather than just reading, watching, or listening.

Mrs. Kane’s 8th grade Science class from PS 23 recently embarked on an exciting journey into the microscopic world. Using their class microscopes, students investigated a variety of specimens, ranging from living organisms to non-living materials. The class examined bacteria, skin cells, salt crystals, nail follicles, onion root, paramecium, and nylon fibers. Each slide revealed fascinating details. Students also took notes and answered questions from the Savvas program distinguishing between living and nonliving specimens. This interactive lesson not only deepened the students’ understanding of Biology but also sparked curiosity. Science isn’t just about learning—it’s about discovering.

Special Olympics Unified Sports

By: Jaime Merced

The 24-25 Special Olympics Unified Sports Season celebrated Opening Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Practice for bowling, basketball and softball has begun and will continue throughout the school year. Track & Field is scheduled to begin January 25, 2025. Athletes and unified partners participate in practice on Saturday mornings from 10:00am until 12:00pm. Students with special needs and their general education peers develop their athletic skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, social skills and physical fitness during each practice. Bowling athletes will have their first competition on January 25th at Hudson Lanes (Nationwide Bowling Centers) 1 Garfield Avenue, Jersey City, N.J. The Warriors basketball season is scheduled to begin league play on January 19, 2025. We look forward to the season ahead and all the athletes and partners accomplishments.

What’s happening in our classrooms? Collaborative Learning!

By: Regina Dixon

Collaborative learning in the classroom refers to a teaching method where students work together in small groups to achieve a shared learning goal, actively engaging with the material by discussing, sharing ideas, and supporting each other to reach a common understanding. It emphasizes individual accountability within the group, promoting critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills alongside content acquisition.