Life Is Complicated. Life Is Stressful. Speech-Impaired and Multiply
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BACK TO SCHOOL Speech-Impaired and Multiply-Disabled Students Receive Help and Guidance at Rock Brook School “It is hard for these stu- special education students 25 different school districts dents to do things we take in Somerset County. The in central New Jersey, in- for granted.” low student-to-teacher ratio cluding Princeton, Franklin This is what W. Glenn Fa- and the emphasis on reme- Park, West Windsor, and mous, executive director of diating language and com- Hillsboro, among others,” the Rock Brook School, wit- munication skills at an early he reports. nesses every day. age were new concepts at Multi-Sensory TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020 • 12 the time. This includes explaining Instruction In addition, occupational what you think to another “The students are sent to person, and understanding therapy was provided to work on balance and coor- us from public schools’ spe- his or her response; tossing cial education programs. In a ball or Frisbee; walking dination, which was also a new component of program- most cases, the home school from one place to another district pays tuition, if place- without fear of falling; read- ming for children with devel- opmental disabilities. ment is approved through ing a book and understand- the Individual Education LEVELS OF LEARNING: “Each of our students has his or her own unique story to tell. Most of ing the contents; and notic- Now located at 109 Or- Plan (IEP) process. Every them are multiply disabled and communication-impaired, who are trying hard, with the help of ing facial expressions and chard Road in Skillman, student has been evaluated our staff, to progress and learn,” says W. Glenn Famous, executive director of the Rock Brook gestures of other people the nonprofit private school by their previous school, in- School in Skillman. Shown are staff members enjoying a time out on the large play set in the and understanding their is approved by the New Jer- cluding by a social worker spacious playground. meaning. sey State Department of and psychologist.” Indeed, most people prac- Education and has received Once accepted at Rock autism, hearing impairment, a team, multi-focused ap- in classes according to levels tice these commonplace ac- accreditation from the CES- Brook, the students engage seizure disorders, develop- proach, and a full academic of ability, and our teacher- tivities every day without a MSA Middle States Commis- in multi-sensory instruc- mental delay, and numerous program is provided, includ- student ratio is very low, thought. But for the students sion on Elementary Schools tion, which meets the New problems such as cerebral ing technology instruction. with no more than 10 stu- at Rock Brook School, they (MSCES). Jersey Core Curriculum palsy and other physical Individual speech/language dents in a class and often present difficulties and chal- Over the years, the school Standards, and is designed disabilities. They may expe- therapy is emphasized, and fewer. The teachers are all lenges they must work hard has grown and adapted to to help students reach their rience fine and gross motor speech and language reme- trained in special education, to overcome. meet the needs of the stu- highest level of achievement difficulties, short attention diation is incorporated into and some have additional dents and the community, New Concepts in learning, and indepen- span, difficulty focusing, all phases of the curriculum. qualifications in specific dis- reports Famous, who recent- Founded in 1974, the dence in their development and behavioral problems, abilities.” ly became executive director “We are the only school school was established to of social and living skills. In among many other condi- after a long and successful in the state with a full-time Speech/language special- provide intensive education time, some students are able tions. career as principal of sev- teacher and full-time speech ists, occupational and physi- services for children aged to return to their previous eral elementary and middle Students at Rock Brook therapist in every class,” cal therapists, learning dis- 2-1/2 to 6 coping with lan- school. schools in South Brunswick. receive academic instruction points out Famous. “They ability teacher consultants, guage and sensory motor Students at Rock Brook and an array of support ser- also all have occupational board-certified behavior “We now have more than difficulties. This was the are coping with a variety vices according to their IEP. and physical therapy. Stu- analysts, and technology 50 students, from 3 years first comprehensive educa- of conditions, including All classes are taught with dents are grouped together tion program for preschool old to 21, and coming from Continued on Next Page Life is complicated. Life is stressful. For more than 52 years, Trinity Counseling Service In addition to therapy delivered by our experienced clinicians, we offer education and resources focused on mental health and has been committed to providing mental health wellness for our social media followers and on our website. access, regardless of financial resources. Below are a sample of recent popular posts. If you do not already, please follow us to receive these resources as Trinity Counseling Service well as more information about our services. 353 Nassau Street, Princeton www.trinitycounseling.org Instagram @trinitycounselingservice Twitter @TCSPrinceton T: 609-924-0060 Facebook @TrinityCounselingService LinkedIn company/trinity-counseling-service 13 • TOWN13 TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020 Back to School focused classes, counseling a Parent Relief Program for a half-day, two days a week Continued from Previous Page and play therapy groups, weekly art and music ac- — a gift to the parents.” consultants are all available. tivities, physical education, Important Insights In addition, a nurse is on site and individualized behavior “Beyond offering a great Now Enrolling! at all times. management plans are part service to our students and Positive Interaction of the overall student pro- parents, our camp experi- gram. Instruction is offered in ence provided us with im- In Person Preschool Classes for Ages 2-6 Years four programs: preschool, Exercise in a spacious portant insights into how ages 3 to 5; elementary, K outdoor setting is available, we can re-open this Sep- • COVID ready: enhanced cleaning protocols, through sixth grade; middle, with a large play set, swings, tember,” continues Famous. use of PPE and social distancing in place and a basketball court, also seventh, and eighth; and “And the best news is that • Small class sizes - average 5-6 students suitable for bike riding. In- we were able to make it high school, grades nine • Affordable monthly tuition rates and up and post-grad, ages teraction with parents is fre- through without a single in- 14 to 21. quent, with visits, updates, stance of anyone becoming • Monday - Friday staggered schedules 8am-5pm and discussions. Each program provides infected with the virus. • Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Daily appropriate curriculum for COVID-19 has been a “Students really look for- • Bilingual Staff students’ age and level of crucial factor in how Rock ward to coming to school. ability. Persisting with tasks, Brook has functioned in There is comfort in routine ability to follow directions, recent months. Virtual pro- and structure, and the focus Spaces are limited. working with a group, posi- grams have been in place is to get back to where we Call (609) 921-8606 today to schedule a tour! tive interaction with adults since March, and now the were before the virus, and and other children are all hope is to open on site in regain what we have lost.” emphasized along with the late September. “The vi- Famous looks forward to For more information contact: academic focus on English/ rus has been an absolute Rock Brook being able to [email protected] language arts, mathematics, struggle, a tremendous chal- continue its important work writing, science and social lenge,” says Famous. “What in making a positive differ- www.princetonnurseryschool.org studies. we hope to do now is to have ence in the students’ lives. “I a virtual program for two In addition, the high love the challenge and prob- or three weeks, and then lem-solving of this work, school/post graduate pro- welcome students back to gram offers opportunities and being with people who school safely with a shorter are unique and different. for students to work in jobs day, and of course, following outside the school. Its mis- all the safety precautions. “I love the kids, families, sion is to help students at- and the staff and their dedi- Boys! Girls! Actually, all of the virus is- tain the skills and knowl- sues present a teaching op- cation. I really want to tip edge necessary to become portunity, with the masks, my hat to our staff because independent and successful hand washing, temperature they continually go above Sing with us! in society through communi- taking, etc. and beyond. Our teach- ty-based experiences. ers use patience and com- SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION NOW. “We did have a shortened passion as they work with NEW SESSIONS START SOON. Students have worked in summer camp this past July, a number of different situa- kids who are struggling to Westrick Music Academy programs will begin virtually as part of our Extended Year communicate. People who tions, including for such em- Program, and this provided in the fall, with choristers meeting weekly via zoom for ployers as Princeton Center choose to work with these choir and musicianship training. We have an exciting our students with many students have the patience, Health & Yoga, SAVE — A chances to socialize, exer- lineup of virtual performances and events, and will Friend to Homeless Ani- positivity, and motivation cise, learn new skills, and to help the kids go forward.