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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

We have had a challenging couple of months, with frigid temperatures and excessive snow and ice. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all our staff for being here through it all. I especially want to thank and recognize our residential home workers for pulling extra shifts to cover coworkers who were unable to make it to work due to the storm. I appreciate each of you for going the extra mile to be here for those we serve.

I want to offer a special thanks to our maintenance department for their hard work in keeping our paths clear for all of us, our students, and program participants. It was a continuous effort, and I truly appreciate the maintenance team's diligence. I hope the worst of the winter weather is behind us, but, as always, we know our maintenance team will continue to keep us safe and accessible.  

Over the past month, a video team from Woods System of Care (WSOC) visited several Archway Programs locations and observed a few of our programs. Their goal was to capture a video of the important work we do for those we serve. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who welcomed them and invited them to capture their daily routines and program highlights. I encourage you all to check out the new WSOC website, which will be available soon, to view the results of their efforts.  

Thank you all for your commitment to our mission and for the positive impact you make in the lives of those we serve. We remain a successful program because of your hard work and dedication, and I am proud of the difference we make in our community. 

Sincerely,   

George Richards   

President/Chief Financial Officer 

Group Home Friends Enjoy Dinner Out Together

The Medford and Atco group home residents got together for a tasty community outing. The friends enjoyed a delicious dinner at Applebee's, one of their favorite restaurants, where they shared good food and good company!

Advanced Abilities Day Program Friends Create Birdfeeders for Winter Wildlife

Advanced Abilities Day Program friends kicked off the new year with one of their favorite community outings, “Crafts for All Abilities” at the Greenwich County Library. The group made adorable and functional bird feeders from pine cones, coconut oil, and birdseed. They appreciated that their fun craft would not only look. lovely hanging from a tree, but they would provide food for our feathered friends during the cold winter days.  

Friends Get Fit Together at Spectrum Sports: A Day of Fun and Fitness!

No New Year’s resolution is needed to have a great time exercising with friends. A group of friends from the Advanced Abilities Day Program got their bodies moving during a community outing to Spectrum Sports. The friends played a few games, including an exciting obstacle course, and they worked out together during a group fitness class. It was a wonderful outing that emphasized physical fitness and provided a fun way to incorporate movement into their day. 

Upper School Blue Card Students Celebrate with Fun-Filled Hockey Game!

Upper School Blue Card Students celebrated their winning behavior with a Student vs. Student hockey game! While they all played to win, the students enjoyed the game more than anything and didn’t worry so much about the score. Great job, everyone, for your continued outstanding efforts. We are Archway Proud of all of you!   

Upper School Students Blast Off on an Exciting Space Adventure with Starlab! 

On January 15th, Upper School students and staff enjoyed an exciting, immersive space adventure with Starlab, a portable astronomy station and lesson. Students experienced an informative and engaging lesson on meteorology and astronomy. Thank you, Starlab, for bringing us such a thrilling adventure.

Room 16 Celebrates Sweet 16 with Pizza Party and Festivities!

Lower School students in Room 16 enjoyed an exciting milestone birthday party for a classmate. One of the young ladies in the class celebrated her Sweet 16 on January 8th, and the mom of our “Sweet 16 Queen for a Day” wanted to share the birthday celebration with her Archway Family. She treated the class to a pizza party complete with cupcakes, ice cream, and a balloon artist! Everyone enjoyed the festivities and the goodies! Happy Birthday to our “Sweet 16 Queen for the Day!”  

Thank you to the Queen’s mom for sharing the day with everyone! 

Lower School Celebrates Winter Spirit Week with Fun and Festive Themes!

Lower School students and staff kicked off Winter Spirit Week with "Hair Don't Care Day," encouraging fun and wacky hairstyles. Day 2, "Toasty Tuesday," featured cozy attire like sweaters and pajamas to keep warm. On "Whimsical Wednesday," everyone wore colorful hats and scarves to celebrate. For "Thanks and Kindness Thursday," brightly colored, kindness-themed shirts were the highlight. "Festive Friday" wrapped up the week with a cozy pajama day, complete with movies, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere to end the week on a high note.

Lower School Students Shine in National School Choice Week Dance Challenge!

On Friday, January 30th, Lower School students and staff joined the National School Choice Week Dance Challenge. Everyone worked hard to learn the choreographed dance to prepare for the big day! When the music was cued up, and everyone had their dancing shoes on, they danced their hearts out to "Can't Stop Us Now" by Pitbull and Zach Brown. They looked fabulous, and we are Archway Proud of every one of our students and staff! 

Creative Achievement Academy Students Shine During Show-and-Tell Day!

On Friday, January 16th, Creative Achievement Academy students gathered for a show-and-tell. One student brought his Roblox handmade creation to life. One talented young lady brought her sketchbook and shared her work; two students brought their favorite necklaces, and another shared his interesting robot!

It was a fantastic show-and-tell day that encouraged positive interaction and experience sharing among classmates!  

Cooper’s Poynt Students Create Colorful Sculptures in Art Class!  

Cooper’s Poynt students got creative during art class with Ms. Shayla. They used a glue gun, a box of crayons, and a piece of cork to construct colorful art sculptures! Students began their works of art on a piece of cork and slowly glued crayon upon crayon until their unique masterpieces emerged. Everyone enjoyed the activity, and their colorful sculptures looked fantastic! Great job, everyone! 

Early Learning Students and Staff Rock Wacky Hairstyles for Winter Spirit Week!

Early Learning students and staff participated in the Winter Spirit Week with “Hair Don’t Care Day.” The group shared a photo of everyone showing off their wacky and creative hairstyles for the occasion! 

Exciting January Activities at Just Kids: From Painting Sessions to Valentine's Day Bears! 

In January 2026, Just Kids at Dr. Albert M. Bean Elementary School held a morning painting session on the 8th, followed by a craft day and penguin-making at Jaggard Just Kids on the 9th. On the 12th, Dr. Bean celebrated completing a flower craft during Lego time, while Beeler made Valentine bears. Jaggard crafted paper-chain polar bears on the 15th, and Beeler enjoyed sand-art Valentine crafts. The 16th featured "Crafting and Puzzles" at Dr. Bean, and Beeler students climbed the gym rope wall. The month included a chess tournament and snow globe activities at Beeler. A fun Puzzle Friday took place on the 23rd, and by the 29th, Just Kids Merchantville had created hand puppets. The month concluded with Just Kids Penn Beach winning the snow globe contest and Jaggard making Valentine's Day bears. Whew! Our Just Kids participants sure stay busy!

Take a Moment to Enjoy an Archway Programs Refresher

How well have you kept up with what goes on at Archway Programs? You can test your knowledge on some of the recent happenings by sharpening your virtual pencil and completing the Archway Programs Refresher Crossword Puzzle. As with our other puzzles, you can complete the puzzle online or print it. A word bank is also included just in case you need a little help. Good luck!

Welcome to the Archway Family!

We are proud to welcome new employees to the Archway Family as our organization expands, allowing us to help more families throughout the community. Please help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the Archway Family!

If you have news or information you would like to see in the next issue of The Bridge, please contact Kelly by phone: 856.767.5757 ext. 242 or by email: kelly.jones@archwayprograms.org.