Dear WRA Families & Supporters,
Love is in the air as we wrap up month two of 2025! Our dedicated students at The Work Readiness Academy continue to work on both their individual and collective journeys towards independence, achieving personal goals, and active community engagement. This month has been filled with vibrant classroom activities, collaborative projects, and the shared spirit of growth that defines our school community. Later in the newsletter you will hear (and see) more about learning this month, as well as some some special activities centered around practicing appropriate social skills; including our annual trip to Linden Lanes and the 1st ever WRA "Mocktail" Party!
February reminds us to stop and appreciate those individuals in our lives that hold special places in our hearts. We have taken the time this month to acknowledge how important friendship is, learning positive ways to express our feelings and show our admiration for our family and friends that support and encourage us to become the best version of ourselves. We have worked hard to learn the value that love can add to our lives, not just for ourselves, but for the world around us. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
This powerful reminder continues to inspire us as we work together to create a community rooted in kindness, friendship, understanding, acceptance, and unity.
Coming up in March...our next Parent Workshop focusing on Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making. More details below including information about how to register for this virtual event.
Some other important dates to pass along...
Barring any further snow or emergency closing days, the last day for each of our programs will be: Wednesday, June 18th for Project SEARCH and Thursday, June 19th for the Work Readiness Academy.
The dates have also been released for this summer's Extended School Year Program at the WRA. The program will begin on Monday June 30th and run through Friday, August 8th. We will be closed on Friday, July 4th. ESY Hours are 9am to 2pm daily. ESY eligibility is subject to district approval and is typically available to those students who have previously attended and have as a service in their IEP.
In next month's newsletter we will be sharing finalized dates for our graduation and end of year recognition ceremonies for both programs. Stay tuned.
Please enjoy the rest of this month's newsletter and as always, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at jbornstein@ucesc.org or rricher@ucesc.org if you have any questions or want to discuss your child's program. We can also be reached at (908) 633-2704.
Josh Bornstein, Director
Rachel Richer, Supervisor of Instruction
UCESC Work Readiness Academy
New Attendance Reporting Email!
In the event that your child will be absent, arriving late, or picked up early, please send us an email at AttendanceWRA@ucesc.org. You may also call our main number at (908) 633-2704. If it is before 8am, please leave a message.
Project Search
Jourdan Spencer, WRA Teacher
Project Search program at Overlook Medical Center
Marguerite Bennett, Teaching Assistant
Current position at UCESC?
I am a Teaching Assistant at the WRA working with young adults at various internships out in the community.
How long have you worked at UCESC?
I am completing my eighth year with The Work Readiness Academy.
What do you love most about your job?
The best part of this experience is watching the transformation of each student from one year to the next. During this time they not only gain valuable transferable work skills, but also become more engaged and confident. They learn to use their voice and unique talents to forge meaningful relationships with their peers and effect positive changes in themselves and others. When they graduate, they definitely are not the same people who walked through our doors on day one!
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to play games and cards with my family as we are very competitive and I like to win! I enjoy visiting the Poconos a few times a year and in the summer, relaxing at the beach, my favorite place in the world.
What is one thing that would surprise people about you?
One thing that might surprise someone to know about me is that a few years back I was an extra in a short movie that was shown at film festivals around the country. My name is in the credits!
The Project SEARCH Program at Overlook Medical Center is now in its 9th year.
Applications for the Class of 2026 (cohort begins in the Fall of 2025) are actively being accepted and interviews scheduled. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between November 1st and May 15th.
We are offering virtual information sessions and tours for prospective students, families, or referring school district staff. Please email us at projectsearch@ucesc.org to schedule.
For more information about Project SEARCH, or to access the application for the Class of 2026, please visit our newly update website at:
https://www.atlantichealth.org/professionals/residencies-fellowships/project-search
Why do we have a special month to celebrate Black Americans?
Celebrating Black History Month is a time to pause and remember stories of the historic leaders in the black community and commemorate their achievements. We focus and learn about the narratives of many famous African Americans in history because of the impact they have made in this country. Honoring Black History teaches people of every race about the diverse story of this nation.
As we embrace February, it isn’t just the month of love and chocolate, but also a time to focus on a different kind of sweetness—our smiles. February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month, with a crucial mission to promote the importance of a healthy oral care routine from a young age. This month-long national health observance brings together dental professionals, healthcare providers, and parents to ensure our little ones (and our "big" young adults) have the brightest, healthiest smiles.
Students in Jodi Klimko's classroom learned about Dental Health Awareness via a science experiment. Students soaked eggs in Coca Cola overnight. They made predictions about what might happen to the eggs and then took them out for inspection the next day. They learned that the soda discolored the eggs to a brown color, however when brushed with toothpaste and a toothbrush - the discoloration faded. Discussion around how and when to brush teeth, along with a flossing lesson took place as well. Students were able to practice with 3 different floss options. Finally, the class made some connections to making healthy choices for drinks and concluded that drinking water is best for our bodies and our teeth.
K-Pop Meets Anime: A Fusion of Beats, Battles, and Beauty!
A group of passionate students at WRA have successfully launched a new club centered around their love for K-pop and anime. The K-pop and Anime Club, which meets every Friday, was created through the students’ initiative and collaboration with school staff. The club provides a space for students to bond over their shared interests, listen to music, watch videos, and deepen their understanding of K-pop and anime culture.
The idea for the club came from two students who approached staff with a request to form a space dedicated to K-pop and anime. With support from faculty and administration, the students were able to bring their vision to life, and the club has quickly gained popularity among others.
Each Friday, the club gathers to enjoy a variety of K-pop songs and anime music. Students not only listen to their favorite tunes but also engage in thoughtful discussions and reflections. As part of the club’s activities, members fill out music appreciation forms, where they record the name of the song, the songwriter, the meaning behind the song, and the reason they chose it to share with the group. These forms encourage members to dive deeper into the music and better understand the artistry behind their favorite songs.
The club’s founders are thrilled with the support they have received from both students and staff. With its welcoming atmosphere and focus on cultural appreciation, the K-pop and Anime Club has quickly become a hit among students, offering a unique space for self-expression and community.
About the Work Readiness Academy
The Work Readiness Academy serves students ages 18-21 with disabilities and provides a comprehensive employment training experience that incorporates both classroom-based instruction and community-based work-learning experiences. While in the training classroom, students work cooperatively with similar aged peers to learn critical skills related to employment and socialization. Students also work on career exploration and planning, including the development of a person-centered, post-secondary vision and plan with clear goals and action steps. Program staff remain on-site during the internships to provide and fade support and assistance as needed. Students also participate in field trips focused on career discovery, independent living skills, recreation and independent travel training.
For more information or to make a student referral, please email Rachel Richer at rricher@ucesc.org
Email: jbornstein@ucesc.org
Website: https://www.ucesc.org/schools/the_work_readiness_academy
Location: 970 Suburban Road, Union, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-633-2704
