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Banyan Bulletin

Parent Newsletter for Banyan High School

Banyan BulletinParent Newsletter for Banyan High School

Strong roots. Strong minds.

To educate students with learning disabilities by identifying individual strengths and abilities, continuously monitoring individual progress, and adapting the curriculum to to meet each students changing educational needs.

Principal's Pen - March Begins the State Testing Window

March is an especially stressful month for both educators and students alike! This is the month where New Jersey State Testing begins and continues through May. The dates for testing at Banyan High School are as follows:


  • NJGPA (graduation proficiency) - March 10 - 14 for Gr 11
  • NJSLA (NJ state test for ELA and math) - April 29 - May 16
  • DLM (dynamic learning maps) - April - May, dates will follow

Here are some strategies to help your adolescent with the stress of "testing time":


  • Accommodations for State Testing
  • State tests allow for students with disabilities to have testing accommodations. These testing accommodations are often similar to those that they get within the classroom. The accommodations can be planned for in IEP meetings and the actual plan.
    • Visual (or large print) aids
    • Additional time on tests
    • Verbal instructions by a test administrator
    • Use of a calculator, spelling dictionary, or word processor while taking a timed math exam or writing assignments
    • Use of assistive technology to view or type on a computer screen, such as text-to-speech software
    • Taking the test alone
    • More frequent breaks
    • Having the test read aloud to your child


    Encourage a Love of Reading

    All state tests involve understanding the questions. As a child reads, they develop vocabulary and reading comprehension. Reading also helps with critical thinking skills. There are many benefits to reading to your child even as they get older. The content can change, but it is a method to model a love of reading to your student.


    Practicing Relaxation Techniques

    Some students with special needs find themselves very anxious during a test. A memorized relaxation technique can help them calm down and be more able to focus on the test questions in a non-emotional way. It’s worth practicing this ahead of time to know how to do it when they need it during testing day. Some techniques include:

    • Progressive Muscle Relaxation – lying or sitting comfortably, tense one muscle group at a time until he feels the tension release from his body.
    • Deep Breathing – taking slow, deep breaths through your nose from a few seconds up to several minutes can help you quickly relax.
    • Meditation – Slow down your breathing by slowing counting down; it’s important not to over-think thoughts during meditation because this may make concentration difficult.


    Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

    Be sure they get to bed early the night before the test so they will be well-rested. A good amount of sleep can really help students on the day of state testing. Restful sleep is even more critical for children with ADHD and autism because they need to be fully rested to concentrate.

    If your child has trouble with falling asleep, try one of these strategies:

    • Try a relaxing routine before bed, like reading or listening to music (taking care not to choose anything that will trigger worries about the tests).
    • Their bedroom should be as dark and quiet as possible. This helps their body know it’s time for sleep.
    • Avoid eating sugary foods or drinks close to bedtime.
    • Make sure that there are no distracting electronics (or any stimuli) in the bedroom while trying to fall asleep.


    Eating Breakfast the Day of State Testing

    Eating a healthy breakfast on the day of testing is always essential. The morning meal should be high-protein and low sugar (but not empty carbs).


    Most importantly, STAY POSITIVE!

    Growing Success: LIFE Academy Student Patrick Danielson Cultivates His Future in the Horticultural Opportunity Program at CCM

    LIFE Academy student, Patrick Danielson, is participating in the Horticultural Opportunity Program at County College of Morris (CCM) every Friday for 12 weeks from February through May. The goal of this prevocational training program is to teach basic horticultural skills to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and equip them for employment in the horticultural sector such as at landscaping companies and garden centers. Patrick said, “The instructors are very nice and patient. They are teaching us how to grow and take care of many different types of plants. My favorite plants are the succulents.”


    Topics include:

    • Planting, watering and managing greenhouse plants for a typical retail sales environment

    • Demonstrating the safe use of both greenhouse and landscape tools (non-power)

    • Performing small-scale planting projects such as container gardens, houseplants, herb and vegetable plantings

    • Learning the care of outdoor plants in a landscape setting by performing the functions of pruning, dividing and seasonal maintenance Identification and control of weeds and pests

    • Selection and cutting floral crops for seasonal retail sales

    • Safety first – an overview of safety in the workplace, including use of PPE, ergonomics, and environmental awareness


    Additional details about the program and other Opportunity Programs are available at https://www.ccm.edu/programs/opportunity-programs/ You can contact Sarah Robey with any questions srobey@ccm.edu or 973-328-5189.

    Meet our Case Management Team - Trish Popadics

    Over the next few issues, we will be reintroducing our case management team to our families. They do so much to keep the communication between home and school current.


    We would like to introduce Trish Popadics.


    I am so happy to be joining the staff at Banyan High School. I have been in the field of education for nearly 40 years. I spent most of her time in New Jersey public schools serving as a school based speech and language specialist. My experience includes work with students ages 3 - 21 with a wide variety of needs. I went on to study multisensory reading instruction and attained her Orton Gillingham Teacher certification. I have studied educational leadership and hold NJDOE certification as a Supervisor.


    For the last seven years, I have served served as a Supervisor of Curriculum at a private school in Central Jersey. I look forward to bringing a wealth of experiences to my role as a Case Manager at Banyan High School.


    In my spare time, you will find me at the ocean, collecting sea glass!

    School Update: Using Student ID's

    Beginning this month, we will have the students wear their student ID badges at all times within the school buildings. This procedure helps to increase security within our two buildings, as well as help to prepare our students for the world of work. Student IDs prepare students for work by introducing them to the concept of needing a verifiable form of identification in professional settings, helping them practice presenting themselves professionally, and sometimes even providing access to work-related services or discounts, simulating real-world workplace practices where employee ID badges are often required. It teaches them the importance of readily identifying themselves in a professional environment.



    Additionally, having to remember to carry and present their ID can help students develop a sense of responsibility for managing their personal information and complying with organizational rules. Students will keep their ID's in homeroom in the morning and afternoon and wear them throughout the school day. Please encourage your student to wear their ID in school and take responsibility for this important piece of security information.

    It's Time To Order Our Yearbook

    The yearbook for the 2024-2025 school year is being ordered through Jostens.
    The yearbook will be hardcover and cost $30.00. Orders and payment are due by Tuesday, April 22nd. Due to the printing contract due date, orders received after April 22nd will not guarantee a yearbook.

    Please email us if you are ordering a yearbook in case there is an issue with us receiving your order form on time.


    Please return the attached yearbook form to the school with your payment. Please make checks or money orders payable to Banyan School.



    There is still time to purchase a dedication ad! Want to make it extra special for your young adult (or the graduating class)? Submit an ad to be included on the special dedication pages. The deadline for dedication ads has been extended to Friday, March 14. To participate, please fill out the attached form and send it back to school with your payment.


    Please click on the links below for the forms:

    Yearbook Order: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u9j5aw7gZwYU6LJN-I0fQrx5E2-X4qam/view?usp=sharing

    Dedication Ad: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cZ1XeiGjrFkKMaYPv-ctqKBnGRPNqXsr/view?usp=drive_link

    Classroom Spotlight: PAES Lab Employees Spread Kindness

    PAES employees recently worked on a special project to support children and teens battling cancer and serious blood disorders. With care and creativity, they assembled nearly 100 colorful goodie bags with craft supplies, games, and calming tools for the Tomorrows Children’s Fund (TCF), a non-profit organization affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center. TCF offers an array of resources and activities designed to provide young patients and their families with the best possible experience while undergoing treatment.


    Conveniently, one of Banyan’s Work-Based Learning sites, Greens Do Good, is located only a few minutes away from TCF. A small group of students who work at that location recently helped deliver the goodie bags after their shift, bringing an extra touch of warmth to our donation.


    This project would not have been possible without the collaboration of our dedicated PAES employees! Whether they took inventory, filled cellophane bags with materials, measured and cut strips of ribbon, or tied ribbon on finished goodie bags, all employees contributed in valuable ways. Throughout this process, we engaged in meaningful conversations about kindness, empathy, and teamwork, all of which are important in professional settings and beyond! Channeling PAES employees’ skills toward a common cause also strengthened our sense of community within the PAES program. As Helen Keller once said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."


    If you are interested in learning more about the Tomorrows Children’s Fund, please visit their website: tcfkid.org

    PTSO Parent Corner: Continue to Support our PTSO

    We would like to invite all of our parents to join our PTSO for Banyan High School! The PTSO hosts many events for our families, such as the upcoming Bingo, and provides events for our students. If you would like to join, please use the links below:


    Here is the link to the PTSO membership on Google Form


    PTSO are collecting dues and payment will be accepted via paypal and check/cash. Checks made payable

    To Banyan High School PTSO

    Zelle:BHSPTO@banyanschool.com

    Suggested amount $45


    Please join our amazing parent/teacher organization!

    Annual Spring Fling and Fashion Show

    Dear Families and Friends,


    The Banyan School Fashion Show is one month away and we have some important information for you. We have extended our deadline. Sponsorships, dinner reservations, model sign up, ads and auction donations will now be due by March 10th; however, the earlier you reply, the better!


    Reservations

    Tables seat up to 12 people and we are filling up fast. If there is a family you would like to sit with, please note it on your reply form, in the "note" section of the credit card order or email me with your request.


    Sponsorships

    This is how we profit from this fundraiser. The more sponsors, the better for your children.


    Ads

    Please consider taking an ad in our ad journal. It's a great way to congratulate your child or your favorite teachers. Email me your ad no later than March 10th as we have a deadline from the printer.


    50/50s

    Please check your child's backpack for your 50/50 raffle tickets. You should receive them today or tomorrow at the latest.


    Auction Items

    We are continuing to accept auction items! This year, we’ve created an Amazon Wish List. Simply click the link below, and any item you select will be shipped directly to Banyan School.

    https://a.co/2UGd679 Items $25 to $149

    https://a.co/82tzd7k Items $150 and Over

    You can also create your own basket or donate auction items and drop them off at either the Elementary School (Attention: Karen Holtzman) or the High School (Attention: Rached Moss). Please be sure to include your name with your donation so we can properly acknowledge your generosity.


    Model Sign Up

    If you haven't signed up your child to model, please do so! The link is:

    https://forms.gle/bQ1zpxz3mcT3A8xs7

    Sign up ASAP. Once you know what your child is wearing, you can go back and add the description to the Model form.


    Volunteer Sign Up

    If you haven't signed up to volunteer, please do so. We love to accept help!

    https://forms.gle/MFWsiSXFf4s9p8Jt9

    Extended School Year Plans

    Summer is right around the corner already!


    Please let us know the plans for your student for the summer by using this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfp5K246AI05PhyHi6yl367rCVUJC_sO2U_QA6sfzQSE-T6Tw/viewform?usp=dialog

    or taking a picture of the QR code below.


    We look forward to having you with us over the summer months!

    Important Upcoming Events

    Please check out our website for important upcoming events: www.banyanschool.org


    Here are some important upcoming events:


    Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead this weekend! It's Daylight Savings Time.

    Making Snowflakes in Science

    Mad Science Assembly

    Valentine Social

    Janet Seabold
    Janet is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters