At the end of January, high school seniors and juniors from sic Pathways programs attended a career fair designed specifically to match their unique skills and experiences and to offer them the possibility of long-term, sustainable careers. The Fair was the first of what will be an annual event at Pathways, which has always had a strong program to help students make the transition to life after graduation. While Pathways students have had work experience and job training by the time they graduate, employment prospects are often bleak because the young people are not aware of opportunities that would offer them the possibilities of benefits, advancement and lifelong learning. The Pathway Career Fair was created to remedy that situation by bringing together students and their interests with employees who are eager to tap the students' potential and who provided career opportunities that are both realistic and substantial for the young people Pathways serves.

Over the years of developing a strong transition program, Pathways has formed an extensive network of local agencies, businesses and training programs that have worked well with out students. The fair hosted more than 15 of these organizations, including the Association Builders and Contractors of Montgomery County Teachers Federal Credit Union. Also represented were the Prince George's Community College work development program, the GAVA/GATE program, offering training and placement in computer graphics and animation, and the Explorer Program, in which students shadow working professionals in law enforcement, health care, computer technology, bio technology and tourism.

For more information on Pathways Schools go to www.pathwaysschools.org. 

Midland School

New Community Home 

In Mid-July of 2007, five men moved into Midland Adult Services' newly-constructed ranch house on Robbins Road in Branchburg Township. The men had previously lived in a two-story home in Bound Brook. Several, however, were faced with declining mobility issues and it was becoming difficult for them to remain in the home.

The Township of Branchburg donated the land to Midland School as part of an ongoing partnership to help Midland meet the changing needs of our clients and to help the Township fulfill its affordable housing obligations to the state. A great deal of planning by the architect from REDCO Engineering & Construction, as well as from Midland Adult Service staff, went into designing the house, which is totally ADA compliant. Mike Dimino of Dimino Construction completed the actual construction in a very timely manner.

For more information on Midland School go to www.mildandschool.org.

Ivymount School

Curriculum Focus: Art in Ancient Cultures

 Pineland Learning Center

Book It Reading Program

Pineland Learning Center in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, recently traveled to Pizza Hut in Vineland to redeem award certificates earned through the BOOK IT! Reading Program. As part of the program, each child is given a monthly reading goal. As the goal is met, teachers present the student with a certificate for a free, one-topping personal-size pizza at Pizza Hut.

"Our students work hard to meet their individual reading goals each month," said Lisa Lamb, Curriculum Supervisor of PLC Elementary School. we want to ensure that every student gets the chance to enjoy their reward each month." Pineland Learning Center, with campuses in Carmel and Vineland, is a private non-sectarian day school education at-risk children from kindergarten to twelfth grade from Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Cap May and Salem counties.

For more information on Pineland Learning Center go to www.pinelandschool.org.

Harbour School

More Than One Way To Learn

 At Harbour School in Annapolis, MD, teachers build intelligence in their students in many different ways. To some the idea of multiple intelligences might conjure the notion of a fractured personality akin to the story of Sybill popularized by Sally Fields in the movie from the 70's. In fact, the theory of multiple intelligences, developed in 1983, by Dr. Howard Gardner proposes something quite different. He suggested that the traditional concept of intelligence, based on I.Q. and other testing, if far too limited. Sound familiar to anyone?

Further, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for broader range of human potential in children and adults. The intelligences are:

·         Linguistic intelligence - word smart

·         Logical -mathematical intelligence - number/reasoning smart

·         Spatial intelligence - picture smart

·         Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence - body smart

·         Musical intelligence - music smart

·         Interpersonal intelligence - people smart

·         Intrapersonal intelligence - self smart

·         Naturalist intelligence - nature smart

One of the most remarkable features of the theory of multiple intelligences is how it provides eight different potential pathways to learning. If a teacher is having difficulty reaching a student in the more traditional linguistic or logical ways of instruction, the theory of multiple intelligence suggests several other ways in which the material might be presented to facilitate effective learning.

An example of this theory in practice, Mr. Levy's high school government class recently created a hand made tree to depict the different branches of local, state and federal government. Over a series of class sessions they learned the duties of the various branches of government then decorated leaves descriptive of those duties and placed them on the correct branch of the tree.

Mixing instruction, discussion, reflection, arts and concrete objects certainly hit quite a few learning pathways, but Mr. Levy didn't stop there. As a culminating  event that served to bring all this work together, he invited Baltimore County Councilman Kenneth Oliver to speak to students. Mr. Levy, like all the Harbour School teachers, build intelligence in their students in many different ways.

For more information on Harbour School to to www.harbourschool.org.

New Road Schools

Enhanced Transitional Program

The New Road School of Parlin, NJ has several components to their enhanced transitional Program; beginning with an Introduction to Careers, Community Based Instruction, New Road Square On-Campus experience and, finally, participation in the Community Volunteer Work Program. This practical learning environment guides the individual students to reach their potential, develop a positive work ethic and become a self-sufficient young adult.

Introduction to Careers addresses attainment skills, group activities and basis assessments. This introduction is followed by Community Based Instruction, where groups of four or five students are taken out into the community to observe a variety of businesses and to discuss potential job possibilities. This level provides a sampling of choices in the job field.

For more information on the New Roads School of NJ to to www.newroadschool.com.

SEARCH Day Program

Early Childhood II - Technology in the Classroom

We strive to provide our students with the means to be as independent as possible and to afford them the opportunity to express themselves, making their wants, needs, feeling and thoughts known to us, not only at school, but at home and in the community as well. By incorporating technology into our classroom we are able to make great strides in increasing independence and communication opportunities for all of our students.

Some children may use sign language, others may use PECS (picture exchange communication system), and others may use a voice output device. Initially we may be intimidated by a high-tech device, thinking only of the programming the device requires, the training needed in order to use it and teaching the child to operate it. However, we need to focus on the many benefits to come from the use of this technology. By embedding technology in our classroom we are providing invaluable opportunities for our students to communicate, interact and participate throughout the day.

http://members.aol.com/SEARCHDay.

The Foundation Schools

The Three R's

Reading The Foundation Schools is continuing efforts to im­prove the literacy of our students. Reading is critically important to academic success, and many of our students come to us reading well below grade level or can be classified as "non-readers." Graduation requirements have also recently changed, and students must now pass the High School Assessments in order to receive their diplo­mas. We have phased in a formal reading program using the SRA/McGraw Hill Corrective Reading Program, the preliminary results of which have been very successful.

In addition to the formal reading program, we have been working to improve and update the resources available in our school libraries. The schools held-their Third Annual Scho­lastic Book Fair from No­vember 5th-7th in the Largo School Gymnasium. This year's theme was "Book Fair Blizzard: Chill Out With a Good Book!"

The Foundation Elementary and Middle School took first place in fundraising for One for Books with their very creative Loose Change Competitions. The students participated enthusiastically with a pop­sicle party and extra recess time on the line, and the female staff topped the male staff in the men vs. women competition. Altogether, the book fair raised over $3,500, which truly was a landslide success in obtaining new books for the school libraries.

Reciting November was a very "buzzy" month for The Foundation High School which held a fun and educational Spelling Bee on the 20th. The Bee included 70 words taken from the vocabulary used on the High School Assessments (HSA). The students need to know these words in order to understand the HSA test questions. Ten homeroom teams, that included all of the high school students, competed in the contest. It lasted several days and more words had to be added because the students really studied in order to perform their best. There were two winning teams and each of the students received movie passes. The competition was so well-received and motivating for the students that Math and Geography Bees will be held after the students are settled back in from winter break. And Responding to the Needs of Others Finally, the Foundation School of Montgomery County encouraged their students to "Read Books to Give Books" through a Holiday Book Reading Contest. The students registered the book(s) of their choice and earned points for the number of pages they were able to read during the three week contest period.

The participating students also wrote a short report about their reading. In December the students, accompanied by staff and Ollie, the therapy dog, took a trip to Barnes & Noble to redeem their points for books to donate to Stepping Stones Shelter, CSAAC, The ARC of Montgomery County and Twinbrook Elementary School. In all, 31 books were selected ranging from Dr. Seuss and baby books to a sports almanac and young adult fiction. Many of our won students come from financially struggling households so they were very happy to be able to do something to give back to their community.

For more information on The Foundation Schools go to www.foundationschools.org.

Little Keswick School

The Jobs Program

Here at LKS we have a number jobs students apply for. Each one provides the student with responsibilities, performance feedback, and sweetest of all, a token dollar paycheck to be used in the school store. Each student goes through an application process similar to an actual job. They have to answer questions, be interviewed and have references (one student and one staff). It’s amazing to see the students take an enormous amount of pride in their job and the responsibility therein.  It allows the student to self-check during the day, as well as, offer a tool to develop organizational skills, appropriate social skills, time management skills and money management skills.

So by now your are probably wondering “Okay, but what are these jobs?” Well, there is Horse Helper, Morning, Evening and Weekend Kitchen Helper and Support Counselor Helper. These are the most popular jobs with Kitchen Helper being the most applied for and most sought after. It also provides the most skills set training, as it is an important responsibility that relies on punctuality, appropriate verbal interactions, and attention to detail. So what if a student has to “call in?” Good question. Students are responsible for finding replacements when they are unable to fulfill their duties due to sickness, greensheet restrictions, or any other reason for them to miss their job. It is quite impressive to see a student develop the aforementioned skills by “simply” doing their job. Seeing their ownership leaves you with a strong feeling of pride. You see a high level of maturity unfold before your eyes and how the jobs program seamlessly fits into LKS behavior program’s building of character and expands their islands of competence.  

Education Symposium and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Terry Columbus, Admissions Director for the Little Keswick School, Keswick, VA, announced the LKS 11th Education Symposium will be held Thursday, October 16, 2008, 7-9pm at the V. Earl Dickinson Fine and Performing Arts Center at Piedmont Virginia Community College. This year's Symposium features national renowned speaker and author Rick Lavoie, who will lead a workshop titled "It's So Much Work to Be Your Friend" which embodies the difficulties that children with learning and emotional challenges have in finding social success.

LKS is also proud to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 2:30pm for their new academic and residential building which will be open at the beginning of the summer session July 6th. LKS is currently interviewing for several vacancies starting in the summer session.

For more information on the Little Keswick School go to www.littlekeswickschool.net.

Community High School

School Violence Awareness Week

 In November, Community High School students gathered together in a school wide assembly and listened intently as Teaneck Police Department Detective Edward Lievano presented information and case-study demonstrations that ranged across the topics of cyber­bullying, internet safety, peer pressure and student violence.

The assembly was part of the school's participation in School Violence Awareness Week that was established by the State Department of Education and in which schools were invited to participate.

Community High School's participation included the extraordinarily interesting presentation by Detective Lievano, but also designates time set aside in school health classes for discussion about each student's responsibility for his or her own actions,''' decision making, peer pressure, conflict resolution, anger management and preventing violence.

In addition, as part of the School Violence Awareness Week participation, teachers and staff at Community High School engaged in review and discussion regarding school policies and procedures for addressing violence and school crises, conflict resolution, peer mediation, crisis response and bullying prevention. How well the school plans for all these issues was part of the week long review and discussion.

Teachers and staff were also provided with a detailed listing of over sixty (60) organizations and websites of interest, with programs and publications that center on school violence and on improving the safety of schools. The list, while not intended to be an exhaustive list of violence-related resources, provides a diverse collection of support resources on this ever important topic. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of this list can call Jessica Fitzgerald at 201-862-1796 at Community High School.

For more information on Community High School go to www.communityschool.nj.org.

Benedictine School

Vocational Training Programs

The Benedictine School provides extensive vocational training programs for all students ages 14-21. each student is assigned a primary vocational coordinator who works with the student, teachers, vocational trainers and special services staff to ensure that the student's vocational skills and habits and attitudes are developed to the fullest.

On campus vocational sites include food service, library, graphic arts, industrial training center (workshop setting) car wash, greenhouse, laundry, janitorial services and ecology/landscaping program. Some of the community-based careers that students are exposed to include manufacturing and assembly work, animal care, restaurant and food service related work, child care, and maintenance.

A new addition to our vocational program is a clerical training room, complete with a tri-fold machine that a number of students have already learned to use. Several mailing jobs have been completed, with our most recent customer stating: "I'm the one who should be thanking you and your crew for doing a fine and quick job with our mailing. It definitely went more smoothly and easily than when we had a professional mailing service do the job. So thank you all, and I will be in touch..."

 To learn more about Benedictine School go to www.benschool.com. 

St. Elizabeth School

Making a Real Connection

St. Elizabeth School was founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Baltimore (now the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi), and on our Founder's Day we honor the values of St. Francis of Assisi. Those values are compassion, community, peace, and respect for creation. Prompted by those values, Language Arts teacher Ms. Ann Marie Diegelman talked to her middle high school classes about writing letters to American Servicemen and women in Iraq. Social Studies teacher Ms. Robin Yates corresponded with her aunt, whose godson serves in the Air Force in Iraq, and he sent names of Air Force men and women who would be willing to correspond with SES students.

As a group, students and teachers brainstormed things to say in letters. Students came up with the ideas of asking about the weather, food they eat, clothes they wear and where they sleep. Some students were interested in why the troops were there, what games they liked, and what types of machinery they used. A few students actually presented their thoughts as to why they thought there was a war going on and then asked how the Air Force men and women felt about the students' conclusions. The students' letters also told about themselves, their families, our school, and the weather here in Baltimore.

The students who use assistive technology participated in the project with two software pro­grams: Writing with Symbols and Write Out Loud. Using Writing with Symbols, the students made templates; and as they typed sentences, corresponding pictures came up above the words. The students used the images to help form sentences. The Write Out Loud software program speaks as the students type the individual words they want to say. As they put a period at the end of each sentence, the computer then reads the whole sentence out loud. The student, therefore, is able to listen to hear if the words aptly express their thoughts. They printed and then cut out the prompted sentences and pasted the on paper to create their letters.

Much to the students' surprise and delight, not only did the service person­nel write letters back to them, but also sent gifts such as Iraqi coins, stamps, and an Operation Iraqi Freedom banner. Special thanks to Ms. Diegelman and Ms. Yates for mak­ing this real connection between our troops and our students possible.

For more information on St. Elizabeth School go to www.stelizabeth-school.org. 

The Children's Guild

Special Ed Teachers - Made Not Born

Special Education Teachers - Made not Born! Enter Loyola College students! In every corridor, nook and cranny of The Children's Guild's Baltimore campus you will find speech pathology interns and undergraduate interns from the Introduction to Special education course taught by Professor Dr. Elana rock and coordinated by Jack Woodward. As we encouraged our Loyola interns to think of unique ways to engage our students in learning, several students took this challenge to a higher level: "Tap Dancing 101" emerged in collaboration with the Baltimore campus music staff.

The result of this endeavor was an awesome dance routine performed to rave reviews at the annual Christmas concert. As best summed up by one of the Loyola students in her reflection paper  written on her last day at The Guild: "today was the best day. I truly shared in the reason that many people become teachers. This group of students who receive special education exceeded every expectation and proved they were capable of doing anything they put their minds to. I saw my students excel today. They weren't perfect; they were perfectly themselves. And that was the best feeling in the world."

For more information on The Children's Guild go to www.childrensguild.org.

Forbush School

Therapeutic Autism Program

The Forbush therapeutic Autism Program (TAP) has received a $3,000 grant from the Sheppard Pratt Philanthropy Office and the Grants Committee to pilot a six week therapeutic horseback riding program for nine TAP students. Therapeutic horseback riding and other horse-based activities provide strong sensory integration experiences, as well as valuable communication and social experiences for autistic students.

The pilot session began in March with nine students from Forbush School at Hunt Valley participating. The program will be implemented in partnership with Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Glen Arm, MD. Mrs. Joan Twining, owner/director of Rose of Sharon, is a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) certified therapeutic riding instructor, as well as an MSDE certified Special education Teacher. The nine students who have been selected to participate in the pilot program have already made an initial "getting to now you" visit to 'Roses' where they met Ms. Joan, Ms. Karen, Izzy Midnight and Merlin. Mrs. Twining and Kathi Witt (curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Coordinator for Forbush School at HV) will work together to develop a data-based system to monitor student progress in a variety of modalities. Lessons will also address each student's IEP goals.

For more information on Forbush School go to www.sheppardpratt.org.

Gateway School

Public-Private Partnership With Baltimore Public Schools

Gateway School, a program of The Hearing and Speech Agency, is pleased to announce a public/private partnership with the Baltimore City Public School System. This new partnership will provide parents of preschool students who are deaf or hard of hearing with the option of an auditory-oral approach to education for their children. The goal of the partnership is to optimize the speaking and listening skills of students who are deaf and hard of hearing and prepare them for Kindergarten in a general education setting.

For more information on Gateway School go to www.hasa.org.

Hannah More School

Electronics Recycling Drive

On the first Saturday in December the Hannah More School held its first electronics recycling drive in conjunction with e-EndUSA, an electronics recycling company based in Frederick, MD. The event raised more than $1,200 for the school's computer lab and 10,000 pounds of unwanted electronics were collected. In November students took a field trip to e-EndUSA to learn more about the disposal of computers and related equipment. To view a video of the students' field trip visit the school web site. 

Hannah More School horticulture students created more than 25 centerpieces for the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities annual awards luncheon, which was held in Timonium in October. The centerpieces were created using seasonal flowers and colors and featured festive paper leaves. The colorful paper leaves were then attached to twigs and placed in the middle of each centerpiece. Each leaf contained an inspiring quote related to living with a disability.

To learn more about Hannah More School to to www.hannahmore.org.

Brookfield Schools

Brookfield Elementary Goes Green

Using lesson plans and activity instruction provided by the EPA and the NJ DEP, the staff at Brookfield Elementary School will be encouraged to incorporate environmental awareness into the curriculum already in place in their classrooms. Science, reading and language arts provided excellent tie-ins for these ideas.

Our first experience putting this into practice as a group was in October of 2007 at our first annual Outdoor Education Day. Our students learned about point source and non-point source pollution using an interactive model called an "Enviorscape." This hands-on activity gave them the opportunity to see just how their own actions can affect the environment. Perhaps the most exciting part of becoming green is the transformation of our schoolyard into a certified wildlife habitat, following guidelines listed by the National Wildlife Federation.

The basic idea is to practice sustainable gardening techniques such as eliminating chemical pesticides/fertilizers, conserving water and planting native species. By providing the four basic components of "habitat" (food, water, cover, place to raise young), we will have a garden teaming with singing birds, colorful butterflies, beautiful plants and water features that attract wildlife.

We will also be working with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and the local Watershed Association, helping to clean up the waterways close to our school. This is just one example of bringing the students into volunteerism and community service with things that are fun and just a natural part of who we are.

To find out more about Brookfield Schools go to www.brookfieldschools.org.  

Make Sure to Check Out the NAPSEC Blog

Gary Fitzherbert, NAPSEC’s President, has instituted a NAPSEC BLOG on our website. This BLOG is created to start an intellectual  discussion within the membership. All articles, discoveries, and issues will be discussed within the parameters of how they will impact the future of special education. Click here to get started     www.napsec.org/BLOG.html

 Respond to Gary at gfitzher@devereux.org

NAPSEC Going Back to South Seas In 2009

NAPSEC will be returning to the newly rebuilt and renovated South Seas Plantation for its 2009 annual conference. Take a minute to check out the new and improved resort by going to www.southseas.com.

Return to NAPSEC's Main Page www.napsec.org