School Highlights April 2019

In This Issue Unified Cup Basketball Tournament Burlington Township High School...... 11 There was a lot of fun had at this year’s Uni- Burnet Middle School...... 10 fied Cup Basketball Camden Street School...... 5 tournament. Eleven col- Delsea Regional High School...... 13 lege teams and six high Fountain Woods Elementary School...... 6 schools competed in Frank J. Smith Elementary School...... 8 the tournament held on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Grant Elementary School...... 11 . Gregory Elementary School...... 8 Holmdel...... 3 Division 1: Drew Univer- Lyndhurst...... 4 sity, Montclair University, RCGC, Rowan University, Stockton University and Georgian Court. Lyndhurst Unified Club Presents Spirit Week....14 Metuchen High School...... 9 Division 2: , Mercer, Rider University, Rutgers ...... 10 and TCNJ. Mount Olive High School...... 3 High School: Hamilton High West, Montgomery High, Parsippany Hills High School...... 3 New Milford High, Ridge High, Cinnaminson and Newark Pond Road Middle School...... 8 JFK/WestSide. Rutherford High School...... 2 Final results are as follows: Rowan defeated Montclair 56 to Somerville High School...... 2 48 in the Championship game in D1, TCNJ defeated Georgian Unified Cup Basketball Tournament...... 1 Court 33 to 27 in the Championship in D2 – this was TCNJ’s Union City High School...... 7 first ever Championship in program history and Montgomery ...... 12 defeated Newak JFK/WestSide 43 to 39 in the Championship in the HS division. West Morris Regional High School District...... 10 Click here for more fun photos on Flickr.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 1 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Somerville High School The Somerville High School bulletin boards throughout ing RESPECT week. Respect (SHS) Unified Bowling season the hallways. Life Skills stu- week was planned completely came to a close in March, but dents, paired with peer men- by the students and focused their Unified Club (Peer2Peer) tors, appeared on the morn- on educating peers through had a very busy month. Since ing announcements each day games and activities. April is Autism Awareness with facts and statistics about Month, many of their activi- ASD. Students and staff were The Life Skills teachers and Uni- ties were focused on educat- encouraged to participate in fied Club members began visit- ing the students at SHS about Autism Speaks’ “Light it Up ing Freshman classes to recruit Autism Spectrum Disorders Blue” campaign by changing new members and teach them (ASD) and how they can be- out traditional light bulbs for about the Inclusion Revolution, come more involved with the blue ones. Unified Sports, and how to get Life Skills students. involved. SHS students also The Unified Club was thrilled signed the “Choose to Include” The Unified Club designed to receive the new Inclusion pledge banner during their giant puzzle pieces with facts Revolution shirts from Special lunch periods, while Unified about ASD and hung them in Olympics ! They Club members explained the the lunchroom. They created distributed them to wear dur- meaning of the pledge.

Rutherford High School Unified club at pep rally.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 2 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Holmdel Mount Olive High School The students in Holmdel participated in a myriad of activities in April.

Holmdel High School and Satz Middle School: Stu- dents had their first practice for Unified Track and Field. They had a brief team meeting before prac- tice to introduce new members. After that, they went down to the track for a warm-up. Following the warm-up, the team completed a 400m run. They cooled down and then went over what the starting position looks like.

Team UNIFY High School: Students worked togeth- er to collect non perishable items to donate to the Redbank Lunch Break Food Bank. They will be drop- ping the food off and taking a tour of the facility and also learning about volunteer opportunities.

Team UNIFY Satz: Student athletes warmed up with a slow jog around the track. They then ran through drills (high knees, butt kicks, walking lunges, side leg swings) and reviewed proper running form. Next, they played the centipede game to get every- one more comfortable with running. They ended with a continuous relay game in two teams before cooling down and stretching.

William R. Satz School: Planned a Spring bake sale Parsippany Hills High School and decided what everyone would bring. They Parsippany Hills High School has three made posters and flyers to hang around the school. student athletes who are very new to They also planned activities for their last two meet- Unified Track and are participating in ings (bake sale, Karaoke, just dance and kickball and the shot put. Their Unified partners are ice cream party). The also played ”Finish my sen- all participating in field events. How- tence” game and ate snacks. ever, since their athletes have started to participate, the general education Indian Hill School: Practiced warm-ups, stretch- peers who participate in the shot put, ing. They did a 1/2 mile jog around track and team have taken their athletes under their building games. wings. The inclusiveness that is seen at Village Elementary School: Ran relay races with every practice seems to be very seam- stacking cups, hurdles and relay races with batons. less and effortless.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 3 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Lyndhurst This month, the Lyndhurst Uni- fied Club continued their two monthly Tuesday meetings after school from 2:50 to 3:50. They also had a kickball and basketball tournament where students from Memorial, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt School met at Jeffer- son School Field for this exciting event. Students had a great time competing against each school. At the end of the month, the entire district participated in Uni- fied Club Week of Respect. During that week, each day had its own theme: Motivational Monday – Dress as a favorite superhero. Students are asked who will you become? Tourist Tuesday – Dress up as a tourist, ready to vacation. Stu- dents are encouraged to wear hats, cargos, and floral shirts. Workout Wednesday – Wear exer- cise clothing and sneakers. Uni- fied Club members lead a school wide minute of active time each period. We are Lyndhurst Thursday – Wear school colors which are blue and gold. This day all Unified Club members in Lyndhurst meet at the high school field for an Ulti- mate Game Day. Flashback Friday – Dress up in your favorite decade. During this week, Unified Club works to put together a video about Inclusion and Unified Club. See page 14 to see how Lynd- hurst promoted their Unified Club Spirit Week.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 4 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Camden Street School April was a busy month of inclusion for Camden Camden Street has a regular monthly dance in Street School. However, month to month, at collaboration with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Camden Street, they find that inclusion is not Dancers from the troupe visit Camden Street something they have to strive to achieve – they’re School to work with inclusive groups of students, already doing it quite naturally in so many classes guiding and teaching them effective dance tech- and activities. Read on for some examples. niques and movements. The groups of participat- ing students are inclusive, learning and dancing in Camden Street chess champions won their 6th each and every class. straight Newark Public School District Chess Title In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, one of in the Landsburger Chess Tournament. Their the inclusive activities was done in collaboration team competed against more than 80 students with Home Depot. Employees from Home Depot from the Newark school district. They had a col- brought hammers and other tools for the students lective record of 43 wins with just 19 losses. Out to learn how to use them effectively. Students of the team’s 14 members, 3 are special needs worked with Home Depot to help organize the students. One of these special needs students event, and assisted them with setup and cleanup. placed third in this chess competition. All of the students, both special needs and non-spe- cial needs, picked up some very useful DIY skills. In an art contest for 2-D and 3-D projects with the theme of black history and influential black In addition, Every “Specials” teachers (dance, leaders and people, one of the special needs stu- music, instrumental music, art, and STEM classes) dents, who is very talented in art, won first prize. has at least one inclusive class every day.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 5 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Fountain Woods Elementary School Each week, on the Fountain Woods Elementary what it might be like to have a disability. They School morning video newscast, their students played goal ball (which is a game that students share facts about disabilities and how to treat who have visual impairments play), they practiced people with disabilities. This was started in March a skit that was shown on the morning newscast and continued throughout April to tie in Respect about acceptance, and the students made post- week, disABILITY month and Autism Awareness ers to educate other students. The students Month. They included the character challenge enjoyed their time together and learned about of caring and on April 2nd dressed in BLUE for acceptance and inclusion. Every student in the AWARENESS. Many posters were displayed in the school colored a pinwheel and they were then school as well. displayed as part of Awareness Month.

The Fountain Woods Elementary School Aware- On April 10th, the 4th grade class joined their ness Club met six times after school. They talked self-contained class and played games to review about different types of disabilities, read books, ABCs in Sign Language. It was a great opportu- watched videos and simulated different disabili- nity for social interactions between all students ties so that the students would truly understand and also a great way to practice.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 6 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Union City High School After finishing up their Unified ability Awareness Fair. At the get prepared. The team did Basketball season in March, fair, they were able to recruit an amazing job at Penn Relays Union City High School was some new members, as well as and had a great time seeing invited to one last competition speak to many parents about some familiar faces from the in April. They were given the their program. previous years. opportunity of playing at the WWE/Unified Sports Basket- The Union City High School They closed out April with one ball exhibition game. The team Unified soccer and basketball of their favorite events. For had a great time meeting Su- teams continued to practice the third year in a row, a group perstar wrestlers and playing indoors through the winter of the club members went to Unified basketball. and spring. The start of April the Autism Awareness Game meant that they would be at Red Bull Arena. They love On Friday, April 5th, their competing at Penn Relays going to this game and this club leaders created a poster once again, so their Unified year was an amazing time. exhibit for the Union City Dis- Track team worked hard to

Office of Special Education Programs Page 7 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Frank J. Smith Elementary School This April, Frank J. Smith El- in the garden near the front ond grade play! Each year, ementary School welcomed entrance of the school for all this inclusive play is run by spring by getting their Be to see. the theater director. Stu- A Pal team outdoors when- dents practiced diligently and The Be A Pal gym class met ever possible. The team got learned songs that are original this month and played a together to help out with to the play. The play spread fun game with plastic eggs. their school-wide “Kind- the inclusive message “It Takes Students worked with their ness Rocks!” project, where a Rainbow” to emphasize that partners to develop strategies students painted and drew differences are what make the while having a good laugh. positive messages on small world so beautiful. Naturally, Lunch Bunch (small groups rocks they brought from the play featured all of the sec- that meet during lunch to do home. Students discussed ond graders, with and without an activity with the counselor) what words and symbols special needs. Students had a featured some of their Pals, that they wanted to repre- great time learning about each too. The small group of girls sent their school’s message. other’s talents. It is always a made secret friendship brace- Some ideas that rocked were treat to watch the finished lets for one another. “UMatter,” FJS Rocks, BEE product and see the entire Kind, Empathy, and more. Another exciting event at second grade on stage in such Students placed finish rocks Frank J. Smith was their sec- a unified, seamless way.

Gregory Elementary School Pond Road Middle School Pond Road Middle School Play Unified club had a fun party at their meeting on April 30th. Everyone brought in different deserts and played Pictionary together. Afterwards they danced in the gym. They really en- joyed this meeting: sitting back, having snacks and chit chat- ting with each other about their day.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 8 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Metuchen High School Metuchen Unified PE and Club had a great month this April. They started off with “Choose to Include” Week. What a great way to continue the Unified spirit in their school community!

Office of Special Education Programs Page 9 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

West Morris Regional High School District April saw Mendham Unified begin their first particular student has been involved in the track season. Having just finished an excit- club since the start, and has participated in a ing basketball season, students were excited few practices at the start of each season, his to be competing again and to be back with anxiety made full participation within the team their friends. As the third season of their year, something rather nerve racking for him. Dur- students in their Unified program already have ing track; however, the culture within the team created an impressive inclusive community. took over and the student was swept into the Although many students are running track for team right from day one. This group is a well the first time, their team was poised to start oiled machine in terms of inclusion. This stu- the season strong. dent has attended each practice and is prepar- ing to run in his first meet, since participating As a testament to the community created in meaningful competition was a goal for the within Unified, track and field saw the inclu- end of his high school career. Unified sports in sion of many new members on their roster. For the West Morris Regional High School District one particular student, participating in Unified continues to provide extremely meaningful sports was one of his goals this year. While this experiences to students of all abilities.

Moorestown High School Burnet Middle School In April, Burnet Middle School was busy preparing for their respect week, finishing their video and training for their Special Olympics Track event.

Every Wednesday, they had a buddy lunch where the students played games and socialized.

Every Monday they practiced after school. They competed in a Special Olympics track event at on April 27th and won six gold medals. Students are still practicing for Track and Burnet will host a district-wide track event on May 17th.

Burnet was very busy with end of year activities and feel they have had another successful Unified year!

Office of Special Education Programs Page 10 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Burlington Township High School Grant Elementary Burlington Township High School had Club meetings on April 4 School and 16 to plan for a Spring Social night in June. They selected a theme and made decorations. In addition, they painted rocks for #BurlingtonRocks. The Club also had a barbecue at Green Acres Park. They played volleyball, ladderball and bocce and hid the painted rocks.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 11 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Voorhees High School Voorhees Unified Club won (VHS) Unified Club hosted had an Autism Awareness the Hunterdon County nomi- an Autism Awareness Booth Chocolate Sale. nation for the NJ State Board outside the cafeteria for the of Education Student Recog- school to learn more about On April 16, Ben Hartranft nition Program and is invited Autism. The booth consisted and family came to Voorhees to attend the NJ State Board of facts, candy guessing game, High School to speak about Meeting on Wednesday, May information cards, and oppor- their journey with Autism. The 15th, 2019 at Mercer County tunity to purchase a sticker to school and community were Vo-Tech. On Monday, April wear a hat in school. In ad- invited to join them in cel- 8th, the County Superinten- dition, staff paid $5 to wear ebrating this story of success, dent officially presented the jeans four days in April, and advocacy, and awareness. award to the Voorhees High staff and students paid $1 to Also in April, The Unified Club School Unified program. get a sticker to wear a hat on attended the school play “Big April 18th. All proceeds were Fish.” The Students bought For Autism Awareness Month donated to the Autism Speaks the Voorhees High School tickets with peers and went to Foundation. In addition, they see the play as a group.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 12 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Delsea Regional High School April was a great month for the Delsea Regional High School Unified Program. They had two major events. The first was disabilities aware- ness week. During this week, the student body signed posters in the cafeteria to pledge for inclusion! They made ribbons and sold them to staff and students to wear. The school came to- gether wearing “inclusion revolution” and “soup of the day – inclusion” shirts in order to spread awareness. Delsea had a staff jeans day to raise money. They did a light it up blue day for Autism awareness as well. This week was full of positiv- ity and spreading awareness across the school about the benefits of inclusion. It was an amaz- ing week!

April is also their prime month for Unified Track and Field. They had weekly practices and a few dual meets, but their biggest day was their Delsea Invitational Unified Track and Field meet held on Wednesday, April 24th! Schools from across South Jersey attended. It was a beauti- ful day filled with lots of fun, friendships and awards. That evening, their students were a part of the Juried Art Show in the HS. They had a Unified Arts table that consisted of projects created by special education students with the help of their Unified partners and regular edu- cation students.

Also, some of their seniors went on Senior trip to Disney World. The special education stu- dents were included in all events and activities throughout the four days. It was certainly an amazing month.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 13 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights April 2019

Lyndhurst Unified Club Presents Spirit Week

Office of Special Education Programs Page 14 U.S. Department of Education