⇪Our Feature Photo⇪: Gee’s Bend Quilts
Dr. Norma Fernandez, Superintendant of Schools, Dr. Gerry Crisonino, Acting Deputy Superintendent, Megan Costigan, Special Education Supervisor, Jaime Merced, Lead Teacher
The Special EDition Newsletter is a publication from the Jersey City Public Schools’ Department of Special Education, showcasing recent student-focused events, activities, and trends across the district to keep families and educators updated.
JCBOE Professional Development Day: Empowering Staff Through Creative Modalities
On February 5, 2025, the district held a half-day Professional Development Day, featuring two impactful workshops designed to enhance the skills of our dedicated staff. The day focused on providing tools and strategies to better support students through mindfulness, art, and music therapy.
At Liberty High School, Bonnie Shultz and Emily Wooley, certified art therapists with CASP, led a workshop entitled “What’s in Your Toolbox?” This session invited participants to reflect on the unique gifts and tools they bring to the classroom. The workshop blended mindfulness with creative art-making, offering participants a chance to meditate and engage in self-expression through art. The experience allowed staff to explore personal strengths and challenges, fostering meaningful discussions about the benefits of art therapy for both students and staff. The interactive art experience left attendees with a sense of cohesion and renewed positive energy.
Meanwhile, at PS #37, Madison Indyk and Lucas McCarren, music therapists in the Special Education Department of Jersey City Public Schools, presented on the role of music therapy in supporting students. Their session, titled Attending to Students’ Needs Through Various Modalities Within Musical Interventions: Active Listening, Sensory Input, and Self Expression, delved into how music therapy can be used in diverse educational settings. The presentation covered various therapeutic techniques, including sensory instruments and strategies for regulating student behavior, as well as how active listening can help validate students' emotions. The session sparked insightful discussions, with staff members eager to learn how to integrate these techniques into their own teaching practices.
Both workshops provided valuable insights into the power of creative therapies and their role in supporting student growth and emotional well-being. The day was a resounding success, and we extend our gratitude to Bonnie, Emily, Madison, and Lucas for their contributions in facilitating these important conversations. The collaborative atmosphere of these sessions demonstrated the collective dedication of our educators to continuously improve and provide the best support for our students.
A Special Holiday Performance: A Heartfelt Thank You!
By: Andrew Donnelly, P.S. 8
P.S. 8 produced an unforgettable performance for the holiday season. The staff members at P.S. 8 express their deepest gratitude to everyone who made it possible. None of this would have come to life without the unwavering support of our incredible team.
First and foremost, a huge thank you to our administration for their continuous encouragement and guidance. A special shout-out to Mr. Marzo, our talented music teacher, who brought the music to life for the students. We're also incredibly grateful to the speech teachers in our building who supported the students in so many ways.
A big thank you to Miss Mary, our Occupational Therapist, and Miss Janet, our Physical Therapist, who work tirelessly to ensure that our students receive the support they need. Additionally, our entire Child Study Team deserves recognition for their dedication and commitment. The Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Miss Emily, the Art Therapist from C.A.S.P., have all played pivotal roles in making this event a reality. Not to forget, a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Steve, the Adaptive Physical Education Teacher from C.A.P.E., who helped in ways big and small to ensure everything went smoothly.
And of course, the biggest thanks goes to our Fantastic Students! We are incredibly proud of them, and it was an absolute joy to see them shine on stage today.
This experience truly was a labor of love. We had so much fun putting this special moment together, and it was heartwarming to share this joy with our entire school community. We care deeply for each of our students, and having the opportunity to showcase their talents made it all the more meaningful.
While Santa was a special guest, I must say he was the one who received the most from being part of something so magical. The students' smiles, their enthusiasm, and their spirit were the greatest gifts of all!
A heartfelt thank you to the following classrooms that were involved in making this moment unforgettable:
- Ms. Sabet
- Ms. Joy
- Ms. Castillo
- Ms. Webb
- Mr. Donnelly
- Ms. Cella
P.S.: Here's to many more magical moments ahead!
Gee’s Bend Quilts
By: Robert Mauriello, STARS Program McNair Academic High School
For Black History Month, Mr. Mauriello’s STARS class at McNair created Gee’s Bend quilts and learned of their significance. Gee’s Bend quilts are a unique style of quilting that originated in the 19 th century in Alabama. They were created by enslaved women originally made to keep families warm in unheated homes. The quilts were made from recycled materials such as clothing, sacks and feed sacks. The quilts are known for their bold colors, improvisational designs and the use of large and irregular shapes. The significance of the quilts is considered essential to the history of American art. They are displayed at museums around the world including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Black History Month
By: Kelly Gorman
Room 202 at P.S. 6 Jotham W. Wakeman went to our school wide Black History Month Assembly last week. The students from 202 enjoyed learning more about Black History Month. They were captivated by the songs and dances prepared by high schoolers from across the district as well as our very own students. They had so much fun!"
Dr. Seuss's Week
In the first week of March, students throughout the Jersey City Public School's celebrationed Read Across America. It is an event that conmemorates the life of Theodor Seuss Geisel-an American children's book author and cartoonist who wrote and illustrated under the pen name Dr. Seuss. As a cartoonist, he significantly impacted people's reading habits by bringing the joy of reading to millions, especially children.
During the District-wide event, elementary students appreciated readings from special guests and engaged in a range of activities, including art projects and games.
Social Skills Spotlight
By: Victoria Perez, PS 26 Grammar Teacher
The TEACH program at PS 26 is coming together for a monthly Social Skills Group to support students in developing essential social and emotional skills! This month, our focus is on emotional recognition and expression. Through engaging activities and discussions students learn to identify emotions in themselves and others, express their feelings appropriately, and build stronger connections.
We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month to continue working on social communication, relationship-building, and practical skill development in a fun and supportive environment. We’re excited to see our students grow and thrive together!
Recognizing the Critical Role of School Psychologists
From November 11 to 15, 2024, Jersey City Public Schools will joined the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) in celebrating National School Psychology Week. The week was dedicated to raising awareness of the vital role school psychologists play in supporting the emotional, social, and academic well-being of students. It also highlights the various services they provide to help create safe, supportive learning environments.
As part of this special week, Jersey City’s school psychologists were invited to participate in a heartwarming community initiative—Blankets of Hope—which serves as a meaningful way to give back to our neighbors in need.
Blankets of Hope for the York Street Project
Our school psychologists have come together to support the York Street Project, a local shelter that provides assistance to homeless women and children. For this activity, school psychologists are creating cozy blankets, each accompanied by a personal letter of hope for the recipients. These blankets will not only provide warmth but will also serve as a source of comfort and encouragement to those experiencing hardship.
This initiative reflects the compassion and commitment our school psychologists have for supporting the well-being of individuals both inside and outside of the classroom. By engaging in this activity, they continue to embody the principles of care, empathy, and service that are core to their work.
Why School Psychologists Matter
School psychologists are instrumental in fostering a positive, inclusive school climate. They work closely with students, families, and educators to address academic challenges, mental health concerns, and behavioral issues. Their dedication helps ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed academically and emotionally. The Blankets of Hope project is just one example of how school psychologists extend their support beyond school walls to help strengthen our community.
We are proud of the outstanding contributions of our school psychologists and encourage everyone to take a moment this week to recognize their hard work and commitment to improving the lives of students and families in our community.
Jersey City Public Schools’ Preschool Special Education Program - Professional Development Highlights
As we embark on the new school year, the Jersey City Public Schools Preschool Special Education Program is excited to share the professional development opportunities that have been made available to support our district preschool teachers and contracted child care providers. These sessions are designed to deepen the knowledge and strengthen the skills needed to meet the diverse needs of our preschool students, helping to ensure they receive a strong foundation as they begin their educational journey.
This year, we began with a series of recorded and in-person training opportunities focused on a variety of key topics, including:
- Managing Challenging Behavior: This session provided teachers with strategies to handle challenging behaviors in a positive, proactive manner. It emphasized understanding the underlying causes of behavior and developing individualized, effective interventions that promote positive student outcomes.
- Effective Toileting Training Procedures: Focused on helping students gain independence in toileting, this session covered best practices for supporting children in this developmental milestone. The training emphasized creating a positive and supportive environment that promotes learning and growth in this essential life skill.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): This training addressed how to foster emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills in young learners. Participants learned strategies to help students navigate their emotions, build relationships, and develop the foundational skills necessary for school readiness and long-term success.
In addition, we were pleased to offer an in-person training session led by our Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), specifically for all preschool special education teachers. This focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing valuable insights into evidence-based interventions, individualized support strategies, and how to create an inclusive, supportive learning environment for children with autism. Teachers left the session equipped with tools to better support students with ASD and ensure a welcoming classroom experience for all.
We are incredibly proud of the commitment our preschool educators have shown toward professional growth. By continuing to invest in their development, we ensure that our youngest learners receive the best possible start. Thank you to all of our teachers and child care providers for your dedication to the success and well-being of our students!
As always, we are looking forward to another successful year of growth, learning, and collaboration in the Preschool Special Education Program.
For a link to prerecorded Professional Development sessions for preschool teachers, please reach out to Carol Sisterhen at csisterhen@jcboe.org.
Freshman STARS class at Dickinson High School
The Freshman STARS class entered a Crayola Sweepstakes during Crayola Creativity Week and won $500 worth of Crayola art materials and a Celestron telescope! Our class participated every day in different guided art videos led by celebrity authors and Crayola. 10B learned about life lessons, change & collaboration, abstract thinking, confidence, and creativity!
Teaching Gratitude: Behavioral Disabilities Students Giving Back Through Operation Gratitude
In our Behavioral Disabilities Program, fostering social-emotional skills goes hand in hand with academic learning. One of the core values we emphasize is gratitude—a vital component in building a positive outlook and emotional resilience. This month, we are excited to highlight a project that combines gratitude with giving back: our students’ participation in Operation Gratitude, a nationwide effort to support our nation’s heroes.
Operation Gratitude sends care packages to Deployed Troops, Recruit Graduates, Veterans, Wounded Heroes, and First Responders. Each package includes handwritten letters, and this year, our students are contributing their heartfelt messages.
Through this project, students are learning more than just the importance of giving thanks; they’re also developing critical skills. Writing these letters encourages them to reflect on their own lives and recognize the sacrifices others make to ensure our safety and freedom. It’s a valuable exercise in empathy, self-expression, and community connection.
Teachers and CLM staff are guiding students through the process by facilitating discussions about gratitude, modeling letter-writing techniques, and helping students channel their thoughts into words. These conversations are not only meaningful but also serve as opportunities to practice coping skills, enhance emotional regulation, and foster positive behaviors.
Our students have expressed pride and excitement about their participation. For many, it is their first time being part of something with such a wide-reaching impact. Their letters, filled with heartfelt messages of encouragement and appreciation, will serve as reminders to our heroes that their efforts do not go unnoticed.
As educators, it’s a joy to see our students learn the value of community and the power of a kind gesture. This experience shows them that no matter their challenges, they can make a difference in the world.
We are proud of our students and grateful for the opportunity to support such an incredible cause. Thank you to all staff members who have contributed to making this project possible. Together, we are helping our students grow as individuals and members of their community.