Special Education
September 21
Navigating the Medicaid Maze
7:00pm-8:00pm - Virtual
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oyt-pjoh-ijs
Or dial: (US) +1 252-524-2250 PIN: 174 647 085#
The presentation will include: different types of Medicaid that are available in New Jersey, whether parents apply for SSI when their son/daughter is 18, if it is allowable to have both private health insurance and also have Medicaid, how to continue the parent's employer's private health insurance before the young adult with IDD turns 26 and the Medicaid managed care system and the Personal Preference Program (PPP).
October 17
Intervention and Support Services RHS
Video Recording, PPT Presentation
7:00pm-8:00pm - Ridge High School PAC Lecture Hall
Presenters: Stephanie Orr, Supervisor of Special Education & Dr. Russell Lazovick, Principal of Ridge High School
This presentation will explain the support services available through the intervention and referral programs at Ridge High School.
October 25
Special Services Lunch & Learn - Introduction to the Elementary Child Study Team
12:00pm - Virtual
They will be presenting information on the CST roles and responsibilities, as well as providing information on the IEP and Special Education process.
October 25
Special Services Workshop: Work-Based Learning
7:00pm-8:00pm - Ridge High School Media Center
Presenters: Joe Flynn and Ben Donaghy
We will discuss soft skills, quality work-based learning characteristics, opportunities for students in WBL to build skills in various areas, data collection and job sites.
October 26
Setting Up Your Home for Success
7:00pm - Cedar Hill School Cafeteria
Presenter: Jessica DuBois-Heyder, MSW, LCSW
Learn how to: Engineer your home environment, establish successful morning routines and promote ongoing communication between you and your child. This event is hosted by the Bernards SEPAC.
October 31
Special Services Lunch & Learn - Introduction to the Ridge Child Study Team
12:00pm - Virtual
They will be presenting information on the transition to high school, supports, programs, resources at the high school level, standardized testing, and postsecondary planning.
November 1
Intervention and Support Services at William Annin
Video Recording, PPT Presentation
7:00pm-8:00pm - William Annin Auditorium
Presenters: Ms. Stephanie Orr - Supervisor of Special Education and Ms. Karen Hudock - Principal of William Annin Middle School
To explain the support services available through the intervention and referral programs at William Annin Middle School.
November 3
Special Services Lunch & Learn - Introduction to the William Annin Child Study Team
11:45am - Virtual
They will be presenting information regarding the referrals process, evaluations and eligibility for Special Education Services, as well as communication and resources available.
November 7
Special Services Lunch & Learn - Introduction to the Preschool Child Study Team
12:00pm - Virtual
They will be presenting information regarding the referrals process, evaluations, eligibility for Special Education Services and what to expect during IEP meetings.
November 14
Special Services Workshop: Guardianship
7:00pm-8:00pm - Ridge High School Media Center
Presenter: Stanley Layton (Deputy Surrogate)
Stan Layton graduated from New York Law School in 1983; worked in private practice until 1995 at which point he accepted the position of Deputy Surrogate in Somerset County where he has remained.
The presentation is going to be a review of the court process to obtain guardianship of an adult individual, with a focus on parents with students who have recently turned, or will soon turn, 18. We will also cover what happens after a guardianship is granted.
November 29
How K-5 Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) Building-Based Teams Support Struggling Learners
5:45pm-6:45pm - Oak Street School Auditorium
Presenters: Mr. Mike Pepitone, Asst. Principal at Mount Prospect School & Building I&RS Administrator, Mr. Tom Thorp, Asst. Principal at Oak School School & Building I&RS Administrator, Mrs. Pamela Lawrence, Asst. Principal at Liberty Corner School & Building I&RS Administrator, Ms. Sarah Tompson, Asst. Principal at Cedar Hill School & Building I&RS Administrator and Mrs. Lisa Vitale-Stanzione, Supervisor of K-5 Special Education & Intervention
This parent academy will present information on the various general education student support services available at the elementary level and Intervention & Referral Services (purpose, process, procedures, and implementation).
December 7
Special Services Workshop: Support Coordination
7:00pm-8:00pm - Ridge High School Media Center
Presenter: Melissa Soules, the owner of All Heart and Soul
Melissa has worked in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 30 years. This session will cover the DDD application process to include Medicaid eligibility. It will touch on the NJCAT, choosing a support coordinator, and the role of the support coordinator. Lastly, it will review services available under DDD and help families begin to understand the possibilities for the adult services world.
January 24
Special Services Lunch & Learn - Making the Most of Your Child's IEP Meeting
12:00pm - Virtual
January 30
Special Services Lunch & Learn - Encouraging Your Middle or High School Child to Self Advocate
12:00pm - Virtual
Video Recording, PPT Presentation
Being a self advocate is a challenging skill for middle and high school students. Come and learn what you can do as a parent to support your child as they learn how to advocate for themself. A panel of staff will be there to answer any questions including a Teacher, Child Study Team Member (CST), Student Assistance Counselor (SAC), and School Counselor.
February 1
Special Education 8th Grade Parents and Students Academic Planning Night
6:15pm-6:45pm - Ridge High School Room 402
A General Special Education Information Session from 6:15-6:45 pm in room 402 will focus on questions related to resource room, in class support, and the functional classes at Ridge. Incoming 9th graders will have the opportunity to meet with current RHS students and a high school case manager to have their questions answered as they prepare to transition from middle to high school. We will also have a second session in room 402 at 7:45 pm. In addition, an information session will also be offered for parents of the students entering the RHS CBAP (Comprehensive Behavior Analytic Program) will be held in Room 721 from 6:15-6:45 pm.
February 6
Special Services Lunch & Learn - Graphic Organizers for Writing
12:00pm - Virtual
Various K-5 graphic organizers will be presented that assist and support students when writing for a specific genre.
February 8
Making The Future More Secure for Loved Ones With Special Needs
7:00pm-8:00pm - Virtual
Gain more peace of mind regarding “What will happen when I’m gone?” by learning how to most effectively support your loved ones. Topics include: protecting government benefit eligibility, the basics of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts and writing a letter of intent. Information will be presented in a practical, plain-spoken manner, and participation is encouraged. Content is also relevant for professionals seeking basic answers to financial topics impacting those they support. Participants are welcome to a resource kit and complimentary consultation.
March 6
Special Services: Transition Fair
6:00pm-8:00pm - Ridge High School Gym
This will be an opportunity for service providers, agencies, and organizations to highlight the services they offer for teens and young adults with disabilities. This event will be free and open to anyone including students, parents, clinicians, case managers and others looking to explore transition options for their student(s). Attendees are guaranteed a wealth of information and knowledge about post-high school options for young adults with disabilities.
April 4
Transitioning to College with an IEP/504
7:00pm-8:30pm, Ridge High School PAC
An overview of the process for high school students with IEPs and 504 plans as they transition to college.
May 9
Navigating Life Together: A Parent and Adult with Disabilities Journey
7:00pm - Ridge High School Media Center
We will have first-hand account speakers coming in to discuss their lives as an adult with disabilities and the mother of an adult with disabilities. Mary Flynn and Maureen Flynn will discuss how they have navigated Mary's life of living with a disability, what the transition from high school to adult life was like, experiences of working with various service agencies, and other personal thoughts and recommendations they feel are important for all families to know.