Cliffside Connections

Welcome to our first newsletter! This monthly publication represents our commitment to transparency, celebration, and community in special education. Through "Cliffside Connections," we aim to share the remarkable achievements, innovative learning experiences, and inspiring moments happening within our department.

Each month, you'll glimpse the incredible work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the collaborative spirit that defines our special education program. From unique classroom lessons to community-based instruction, from student projects to colleague spotlights, we're excited to bring you closer to the heart of our work.

Our goal is simple: to connect, inform, and celebrate the progress and potential of every student we serve.

Stay tuned and stay connected!

At the heart of our special education department lies a commitment to creating meaningful connections and opportunities for our students. We're strengthening family partnerships through SEPAG, our Special Education Parent Advisory Group, while simultaneously preparing students for future independence through work-based learning and community-based instruction.

This month, we're excited to launch the Unified Club, a new initiative that brings together students of all abilities, fostering understanding and friendship.

We also support students through Camp Care, a Recreation Department program offering after-school and summer enrichment experiences that support student growth and engagement.

Together, we're not just supporting our students—we're helping them discover their strengths, build confidence, and create lasting, supportive networks that extend far beyond the classroom.

SEPAG serves as a critical bridge between families and our special education department. This collaborative group brings parents and guardians together to:

• Provide input on special education policies and programs
• Share perspectives and experiences
• Offer recommendations to improve services
• Support communication between families and school administrators
• Advocate for students with special needs

By participating in SEPAG, parents become active partners in their child's educational journey, helping to shape supportive and effective learning environments.

Join us at our next SEPAG meeting in March!

For more information email: nrowe@cliffsidepark.edu

We are excited to announce the launch of our Unified Club in the Middle and High School this month. The Unified Club is an inclusive program connecting general and special education students. Our goals include:

• Creating meaningful social interactions and friendships
• Breaking down barriers around disability
• Developing leadership and empathy
• Offering engaging activities like art projects, game days, and STEM workshops

By celebrating each student's unique talents, the Unified Club helps build a school culture of acceptance and mutual understanding. Participants often develop deeper communication skills and forge connections they might not have made otherwise.

At Camp C.A.R.E., we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, connect, and have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment. Led by Giana Scerbo and Jessica Pych, our collaborative and accommodated recreational experience is specifically designed for children with special needs.

Each month, we offer engaging activities like basketball, yoga, t-ball, and more, culminating in our exciting summer camp! Beyond the physical activities, our program fosters essential social and communication skills, helping children express themselves and build confidence. With a focus on personalized care and connection, Camp C.A.R.E. is a place where every child can shine. In addition, basketball has already started! We have a diverse group of students from different grades, all learning the fundamentals of the sport while developing teamwork skills. It’s exciting to see them grow both academically and athletically as they work together on and off the court! For additional information about Camp CARE, please contact Giana Scerbo: cpcampcare@gmail.com

Our special education classrooms are vibrant spaces of discovery and growth. Students have been exploring the world through engaging community-based learning, work-based learning experiences, and interactive activities that bring education to life. From local trips that develop real-world skills to creative in-class projects that celebrate individual talents, our students are continuously expanding their knowledge, building confidence, and discovering new passions. These experiences not only support academic learning but also foster independence, social skills, and personal growth.

Mrs. Cantor's 3rd-grade class celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day through a thoughtful arts and crafts project. Students created a collaborative art piece exploring themes of unity and hope, learning about Dr. King's message of equality and community.

Mrs. Kokiadis' class embraced cultural learning through their Chinese New Year celebration, which included a hands-on life skills lesson in preparing Chinese cuisine. The students also demonstrated their environmental awareness by performing a creative skit about energy conservation as part of the PSEG Empowered Schools program. The class continues to work on engaging activities that will lead to an exciting final project.

Students in Ms. Daniele's class participated in a meaningful social-emotional activity focused on building confidence and positive relationships. The children created special "confidence bracelets" for their classmates, exchanging them while sharing affirming messages about each other's qualities, such as being caring, brave, and a good friend. This thoughtful activity encouraged students to recognize and celebrate positive attributes in their peers while strengthening classroom community.

Ms. Russo's class engaged in valuable social-emotional learning through a special unit on emotions and self-regulation. The class explored various calm-down strategies, with a highlight being the creation of personal sensory bottles. These hands-on tools were designed to help students manage difficult emotions, as Ms. Russo taught them practical techniques for using these bottles to restore calm during challenging moments.

PreK students enjoyed an enriching sensory integration experience centered around a winter theme, coordinated by classroom teachers Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Munoz in collaboration with the school's specialized service team. Students moved between specially designed activity rooms, each offering unique learning experiences tailored to different developmental areas.

The event brought together students from both ABA and self-contained classes, fostering social skills and peer interaction. Under the guidance of speech-language pathologists Ms. Weshner and Ms. Rotundo, physical therapists Ms. Colasuono and Ms. Caggiano, occupational therapists Ms. Watson and Ms. Brown, and behaviorist Ms. Garofalo, students practiced important transitioning skills while engaging with peers in new environments.

This collaborative initiative demonstrated how therapeutic activities can be seamlessly integrated into engaging, theme-based learning experiences, promoting both social development and essential skills practice.

Mrs. Dritsas has brought behavior strategies to life in her class. Utilizing targeted strategies there has been an enhancement in student learning and independence. Classroom dividers create focused spaces for activities while reducing distractions. For nonverbal students, Communication Boards and Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) provide effective tools for expressing needs, with staff modeling their use during daily activities.

Time management has improved through gradual increases in attention span using timers, while visual supports like First→Then boards help students understand and complete daily tasks. Combined with appropriate rewards, these approaches have significantly improved student engagement and work completion.

Mrs. Kattoura's 5th and 6th grade students enjoyed Valentine's Day celebration filled with creative activities. The children discovered hidden numbers within hearts using special paint reveal techniques, crafted heartfelt cards, and engaged in festive games. The special day concluded with a joyful classroom party, making it a memorable Valentine's celebration for all.

In Ms. Jackson's ELA class, middle school LLD students embarked on a creative journey of self-expression. Each student carefully selected a word that held deep personal meaning and inspiration. They then transformed these words into vivid artwork, drawing pictures that captured the essence of their chosen word. Through this project, students explored language, meaning, and personal significance, turning abstract concepts into visual representations that reflect their unique perspectives and experiences.

Our high school students enjoyed an enriching visit to LifeTown Shoppes in December, where they explored a simulated city designed to reinforce practical life skills. In this supportive environment, students actively participated in various real-world scenarios - creating custom shirts, experiencing medical check-ups at the doctor's office, shopping for clothing, visiting the salon, and learning about bicycle rentals, among other engaging activities.

LifeTown Shoppes provides an innovative learning environment where students can practice and master essential life skills in a realistic setting. Through these hands-on experiences, students strengthen their understanding of daily activities while building confidence in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.

Our special education students are developing crucial real-world skills through our new culinary program. By learning to cook international dishes and participating in community-based grocery shopping, students gain practical abilities that extend far beyond the kitchen. Each week, students master cooking techniques, understand food preparation, and build independence through hands-on experiences. From selecting ingredients to preparing meals from Brazil, Italy, Japan, and Mexico, students are preparing for future self-sufficiency and community integration.

Our Work-Based Learning program provides transformative internship experiences for students. Participants gain real-world skills through diverse opportunities, including placements at Greens Do Good, a farm promoting neurodiversity in workplace employment for individuals diagnosed with autism. Students are also integrated into local businesses, developing professional skills and preparing for future independent adult life. We're excited to watch this program increase student potential and career readiness.

Speech sessions with Ms. Kim continue to be engaging and enjoyable for all students. This month, her groups celebrated Valentine's Day with special activities, creating a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their skills while having fun with their friends.

Please join us in celebrating Jackie Parent, our new Adaptive Culinary Aide! Since stepping into this role, Jackie has enriched our culinary program with her expertise and dedication. She's partnered with teachers to develop creative recipes and engaging lessons that meet our students' unique needs. Going above and beyond, Jackie recently completed and passed her ServSafe certification exam – a testament to her commitment to food safety and professional growth. Her contributions are helping make our culinary program more accessible and enjoyable for all students. Congratulations, Jackie, and thank you for your wonderful work!

"Ms. Jackie has done an amazing job all year providing our students with fun and engaging adaptive culinary lessons. She has even taught us teachers new cooking styles! I appreciate all the hard work and careful planning Ms. Jackie has done for our classes here at School #6, the middle school, & the high school."

-Mrs. Kattoura, School # 6

A special recognition goes to Ms. Munoz for her exemplary demonstration of responsive teaching. When faced with transition challenges, she skillfully empowered her students by allowing them to choose activities within their comfort level. This thoughtful approach not only supported her students' emotional needs but also helped them build confidence and self-advocacy skills. Ms. Munoz's dedication to meeting each student where they are exemplifies our commitment to individualized student support.

Creating a structured and supportive home environment can significantly enhance learning for special education students. Here are several proven strategies to implement:

Establish a Consistent Routine

Creating a predictable daily schedule helps students feel secure and understand expectations. Post a visual schedule using pictures or words, depending on your child's needs. Include regular times for meals, homework, breaks, and bedtime.

Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps

Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Help your child break down tasks into manageable chunks. For example, rather than "clean your room," try specific steps like "put toys in bin," "make bed," and "put clothes in hamper.

Maintain Open Communication

Stay in regular contact with your child's teachers and therapists. Share successful strategies and challenges, and ask for specific recommendations for home support. Keep a communication log to track progress and concerns.

Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge and celebrate both small and large achievements. Focus on effort and improvement rather than perfection. Use specific praise like "You worked hard on organizing your backpack" rather than general comments.

Remember the Power of Routine

End each day with a positive bedtime routine. Use this time to review accomplishments, prepare for tomorrow, and ensure adequate rest for the next day's learning.

By implementing these strategies consistently and adjusting them based on your child's

individual needs, you can create a supportive home environment that promotes learning & growth.