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Dear Archway Friends and Family,    

It’s hard to believe we’re already passed the 4th of July. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Archway Upper School Class of 2025, the Lower School Class of 2025, and all our Creative Achievements Academy students who moved up this year. I am proud of all our graduates for successfully achieving this significant milestone. 

As students graduate from our schools, they may find themselves seamlessly integrating into our Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP). Our Advanced Abilities Day Program has been an integral part of Archway Programs for two years now, providing a bridge from academia to navigating work, daily life, and potential independence. The program will be celebrating its second anniversary during the 2nd Annual Friends and Family Summer Bash. So, please mark your calendars for July 24th and join in the celebration! Please visit the upcoming events page on our website or the Archway Facebook page for time and rain date information. 

As you are aware, the end of the fiscal year is traditionally a busy time for Archway Programs. School calendars are filled with events celebrating our students' achievements and successes. Although I am not always available to attend every special event, I genuinely enjoy seeing photos and reading stories highlighting each occasion. Although I may not be physically present, I am still actively involved. 

With our programs in mind, I would like to share some recent feedback we received regarding the Lower School and Just Kids. First, during the Lower School Spring concert, a family member approached Mark Williams, Woods System of Care Board Chair and me praising the Lower School for the tremendous impact the staff has had on their child. Secondly, two Just Kids staff members, Imani and Lamar received praise from Brian Blumenstein, Principal of Parkview Elementary School. Although he regularly receives positive feedback from school staff about both JK staff, he was especially impressed that they not only attended Parkview Schools' field day but also volunteered to help! He was so impressed by them that he wrote to Donnie Gamble, Director of the Just Kids Program, to ensure the two were recognized for their dedication to their students. These are just two examples of the many praises our staff receive each day. 

Lastly, I would like to bring to everyone’s attention a new partnership for The Woods System of Care. The Woods System of Care has partnered with RWJ Barnabas Health to establish the Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton. The Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton provides integrated primary care and behavioral health services to Woods System of Care clients and employees as well as neurodivergent individuals in the Hamilton, N.J., area.

For more information, check out the flyers here: RWJB Information Flyer | RWJB Hamilton, Who We Are 

Thank you to the entire Archway Family for your continued dedication to those we serve. You are all what makes Archway Programs such a success. 

Sincerely,   

George Richards   

CEO/CFO 

Archway Programs Recognizes Its Principals

On May 1st, across Archway Programs, we celebrated our school principals on Principal’s Day. Upper School Principal Mark Letiziano, Lower School Principal John Petsch, Cooper’s Poynt Supervisor Carly White, and Creative Achievement Academy Principal Scott Eckstein, we are truly grateful for such an exceptional group of principals and sincerely appreciate their dedication to the entire Archway community, including students, staff, parents, and guardians. 

Annual Career’s Luncheon at the Upper School 

On Thursday, May 29th, students and staff from Archway Upper School and Lower School gathered at the Upper School to celebrate the partnership between the Archway Career Center and local businesses at their 16th Annual Career Education Luncheon. Master of Ceremonies Dante Marchesani and Chance McNeill started the celebration with an introduction to the Executive Director of Education, Susan Lafferty, who welcomed the attendees. Sal Olaya, Upper School, introduced Keynote Speaker Mr. Don Lamb. 

Ms. Pam Clark, Upper School Administrative Assistant, presented the Greg Trefz Memorial Award, followed by the Janet Geiger Memorial Award given by Ms. Monica Donley, Special Education Coordinator. Ms. Dale Webber, an Upper School Teacher, and Ms. Monica Donley, who stood in for Mr. John Petsch, Lower School Principal, presented the Kris Henle-Blank Award. 

The Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented by Ms. Lisa Falkenstein and Ms. Terri Peiffer for Horticulture; Mr. Ron Reid and Ms. Collette for Culinary; Mr. Sal Olaya for Graphic Design; and Career Education Awards by Ms. Brooke Bittle and Ms. Kelly Willis. 

Upper School Principal Mr. Mark Letiziano delivered closing remarks, reminding everyone of the importance of businesses offering potential employees their first chance at employment. 

We want to acknowledge our gratitude to the following companies that gave our students that first chance: Dunkin Donuts, IHOP Restaurants, Waterford Township Public Library, Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts, Goodwill, Burlington, Fabio’s Pizza, Just Kids, Nutri-Serve, and 30 Strikes Lanes for your continued support. Your participation in our program has aided our students and our success. We appreciate all you do for our students and our community. 

AADP Fashion Show 

On May 8th, Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) participants dressed in their favorite fashions and put on a show! AADP held its first Spring Fashion Show, and everyone walked the red carpet like a pro. From casual wear and animal prints to glam, the participants strutted their stuff on the red carpet as friends, family, staff, and program peers cheered them on. It was a moment for everyone to shine, and they did! They all did a fantastic job showing off their fashions; we are proud of them all!  

AADP Joins in on Crafts for All Abilities 

Advanced Abilities Day Program participants attended an exciting new event at the Gloucester County Library in Greenwich called "Crafts for All Abilities." The group enjoyed creating art together with their friends, and after packing up their artistic creations, they headed to a local park for lunch. 

AADP Participants Bloom with Creativity in Sunflower Painting Collection

On June 24th, fueled by creativity and inspired by sunflowers, participants in the Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) gathered to create a collection of sunflower paintings. Participants, equipped with paints and paintbrushes, got right to work creating their vision of beautiful sunflowers. The colorful collection ranged from the bright yellow hue of the popular flower to a kaleidoscope of colors. Everyone did a fantastic job; we are proud of our blooming artists. 

ACT Fundraiser Car Wash 

On May 19th, the Archway Programs Adult Counseling and Therapy (ACT) staff and participants paid tribute to a beloved team member, Mr. Will, a program van driver. His van, number 57, was present during the “In Memory of Mr. Will Fundraiser Car Wash,” which took place at the ACT program in Sewell. Participants and staff washed cars for $5.70, a nod to Mr. Will’s van number.  

Mr. Will will be remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication to participants and staff. He will be missed, but the memories of this kind, joyful man will remain with us.  

The ACT staff will donate the proceeds to The Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation.  

Thank you to AutoZone in Clementon, NJ, for donating ProElite Concentrated Car Wash and ProElite Microfiber Multi-Purpose Towels. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. 

Upper School Donkey Steaks 

On Thursday, May 8th, the Upper School continued celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by serving delicious Donkey Steaks. The steaks were piping hot and served with fried or raw onions. For those who preferred chicken, equally tasty chicken cheese steaks were available. It was a delicious way to thank teachers and staff for their dedication and hard work!  

Mr. Ron's Annual Mother's Day Lunch Brings Smiles

Mr. Ron from the Upper School continued his tradition of preparing a special luncheon for all the moms at the school in celebration of Mother's Day. The menu, always filled with delicious selections, included fluffy homemade waffles, Chicken Lo Mein, baked macaroni and cheese, warm rolls, and delectable chocolate brownies. Thank you, Mr. Ron; we are lucky to have you, and your thoughtfulness and kindness are appreciated!  

Upper School/Cooper’s Poynt Spring Fling 

The Upper School and Cooper's Poynt students and staff celebrated their Annual Spring Fling on Thursday, May 22nd, at Adelphia's in Deptford. Dressed to impress, everyone enjoyed a delicious luncheon while dancing and showcasing their best moves on the busy dance floor. With schools closed on Friday, the lively festivities provided the perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend, leaving everyone with many happy memories. 

Congratulations, Upper School Class of 2025

Ms. Pam, the Upper School Secretary, opened the 2025 Upper School Graduation ceremony by welcoming everyone and introducing Mr. Mark, the Upper School Principal. Mr. Mark delivered an inspirational speech before 2025 graduate Mark J. presented bouquets to the most influential people during his academic career. 

Mr. Mark then presented Mark with his Upper School diploma, and Debra Goldsboro from the Lenape School District, Mark's home school, awarded him his Lenape diploma. 

Following the presentations, a delicious luncheon took place as family, friends, and staff gathered to celebrate Mark's success. 

Congratulations to the Upper School Class of 2025: Mark J. (pictured) and Aiden W. We are Archway Proud of both of you and wish you all the best for a bright and prosperous future! 

Fun Day Celebration at the Upper School

What beautiful weather for a day of fun in the sun! On June 11th, the Upper School sports field hosted the Annual Archway Fun Day, bringing together students and staff from the Upper, Lower, and Cooper's Poynt schools for a day filled with sunshine, music, and excitement. Activities included the Dunk Tank, oversized beach balls, Ladder Ball, sprinklers, water slides, and a bouncy obstacle course. The day was topped off with face painting and treats from Mister Softee. It was a thrilling day as everyone geared up for summer break! Read more here.

Check out the Fun Day 2025 Facebook Album: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZVDbnn4Y/ 

Upper School Celebrates Dads with a Special Father’s Day Luncheon!

Father’s Day, falling during the summer break, did not stop Ms. Sierra and Ms. Tiffany, Upper School paraprofessionals, from celebrating the Upper School dads! The two wonderful ladies moved the celebration earlier to ensure that the dads were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their families. The two incredible ladies cooked a delicious lunch that included eggs, chicken, kielbasa with peppers and onions, roasted potatoes, grits, and sausage gravy with biscuits. As the dads enjoyed their special meal, the murmurs of delight confirmed their appreciation for the thoughtfulness and the delicious food! Happy Father’s Day to all the Archway dads and dads everywhere! 

Lower School Honors Teachers and Staff with Fun-Filled Staff Appreciation Week!

The Lower School celebrated Staff Appreciation Week with a series of delightful events to honor our dedicated teachers and staff. The week kicked off with Mr. John spinning the Employee Wheel of Fortune and awarding Wawa gift cards to lucky winners. A fabulous hot breakfast buffet prepared by Melissa and Said, featuring scrambled eggs, waffles, and more. The celebration continued with Jeremiah's Custom Cuisine Food Truck serving a tasty taco lunch. On Thursday, Mr. John transformed into a tropical fruit juice bartender, complete with a hula skirt and parrot, mixing up fancy fruity drinks as a fun way to express gratitude. Friday ended the special week with a delicious treat from Rita's Water Ice. Thank you to all our Archway teachers and staff for everything you do! 

Lower School Spring Show

On May 15th and 16th, music filled the corners and halls of Archway Lower School as students showcased their talents during the Lower School Annual Spring Show. This year’s theme, “The Arts in the Elements,” came to life in the school’s all-purpose room. Students sang and played instruments, delighting friends, family, and staff in attendance. 

As always, Ms. Katie and Ms. Shayla collaborated with students to create stellar performances and a gallery of artwork that complemented the theme of this year’s show. The beautiful props and set design enhanced the performances, creating an inviting atmosphere for everyone present. 

All the students did a spectacular job performing, and we are Archway Proud of each of our shining stars! 

Read More Here | View the Facebook Album Here

Congratulations, Lower School Class of 2025

The Lower School's all-purpose room was filled with family, friends, and staff to honor the Class of 2025. Six dedicated Archway students celebrated their achievements with heartfelt presentations, including Garret’s performance of "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" and a series of moving speeches. Special Awards were presented by Mr. John and the faculty, culminating in the awarding of diplomas. Mr. Donnie Gamble delivered an inspiring address, and the ceremony concluded with the graduates exiting to "Pomp & Circumstance."

Congratulations to Thomas (TJ), Garrett, Nadir, Johnathon, Tyrese, and Alexander! We are immensely proud of you and grateful to everyone who made this celebration memorable.

Read more about the event here.

View the Lower School Graduation 2025 Album here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/192QXSRVHQ/ 

Allen the Alchemist Inspires with Science

Lower School students and staff enjoyed an exciting Wacky Science Show! Allen the Alchemist shared many fascinating science-inspired magic tricks. Everyone watched in amazement as dry ice made a spoon sing, created bubbles, and inflated balloons. They witnessed a student taming metal with a wand and saw the Alchemist dissolve a witch and split a cup in half! It was a fun and informative assembly that blended a science lesson with exciting entertainment.  

Lower School Adult Life Learners Celebrate Grand Opening of Their Store

The Lower School Adult Life Learners program celebrated the Grand Opening of its Lower School Store! The store offers an excellent opportunity for students to practice their vocational skills while experiencing the operation of a small business, from product creation to inventory, sales, and more. The student workers were thrilled with the opportunity to work and enjoyed serving fresh pretzels and student-prepared “Pink Pride Punch” and “All Star Lemonade” to store patrons. They did a fabulous job, and we are Archway Proud of them!  

Congratulations, Adult Life Learners! We wish you all the best in your business venture! 

Teacher Appreciation Week Starting on May 5th during Teacher Appreciation Week at Cooper's Poynt, the staff enjoyed a variety of thoughtful treats and gestures to show gratitude for their hard work. On Day 1, they were treated to a vegetable tray, juice, fresh fruit, pastries, and bagels. Day 2 brought "survival" kits for each staff member, filled with hand sanitizer, gum, Tylenol, lotion, Chapstick, pens, chocolate, and peppermints to brighten their day. Finally, on Day 3, a delightful grazing table of sweet treats was set up to celebrate the "sweetest staff around." Thank you to all our teachers and support staff for being amazing! 

Cooper’s Poynt Celebrates National School Nurse Day

May provided an opportunity to recognize our school nurses during National School Nurse Day, which is celebrated annually on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week. Cooper’s Poynt students and staff celebrated their school nurse, Nurse V., with flowers and gifts in appreciation for her kindness and devotion to the students. Thank you, Ms. V., for attending to bumps, bruises, fevers, and upset stomachs, along with the many other ways you support our students daily! We appreciate everything you do! 

Cooper’s Poynt Students and Staff Visit the Philadelphia Zoo & Fort Mifflin 

Despite the drizzly weather, blue and gold cardholder students from Cooper’s Poynt visited the Philadelphia Zoo as a reward for their continued good behavior. Everyone enjoyed looking at and learning about the various animals and their habitats. They also enjoyed posing with the eco-friendly 900-pound Gorilla Sculpture made from car hoods! Another favorite photo op included the 21-foot-high giraffe “ZOOtopiaries.” It was an enjoyable visit for all, even though they had to dodge a few raindrops.  

While the younger students made their way through the Philadelphia Zoo, the older group of equally well-behaved Cooper’s Poynt blue and gold cardholders made their way through Fort Mifflin. The students and staff enjoyed a walking history lesson as they toured the grounds of the historic fort and former military post. The group enjoyed a tour of the barracks and learned a bit about the life of a soldier during various periods. Overall, it was an informative and enjoyable trip for students and staff. 

Just Kids Program Staff Celebrates a Night Out!

On May 14th, 2025, Just Kids celebrated and recognized their staff during their Just Kids Night Out! The event celebrates the staff's hard work that makes the program successful.  

This year, Sonya Swint's Program of the Year went to Just Kids Park Elementary School in Stratford, NJ, and the Bobbie Cross Employee of the Year went to Beeler Elementary School Supervisor Kevin. 

Congratulations to the award recipients, and thank you to the entire Just Kids staff for their hard work and dedication to making their program successful. 

Students and Staff Celebrate the End of the School Year

CAA students, staff, and families joined together to celebrate the end of the 2024-2025 school year. All guests could join in on the waterslide, the obstacle course, and the best part, FOOD! It was hot outside, but tents, chairs, and fans made the day bearable. Fresh, ice-cold lemonade and cookies were served for dessert. We are thankful that the CAA family and students' families were able to get together and have a great time!  

CAA Students Celebrate Honor Roll Achievements!

On June 10th, Creative Achievement Academy (CAA) students were given honor roll certificates for their hard work and dedication. The student had to earn all As and Bs on their marking period three report card to receive these certificates. Congratulations, CAA students! We are Archway Proud of all of you!

CAA Celebrates Students' Milestones with Moving-Up Ceremony and Graduation  

Creative Achievement Academy (CAA) hosted a moving-up ceremony for students moving from 8th to 9th grade. They also celebrated their sole 12th-grade graduation. All the students worked hard in preparation for the special day. Their families joined the excitement of moving up. A delicious brunch followed the ceremony, with a marble cake for dessert! Congratulations to our students. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special occasion! 

Horticulture Students Create Event Centerpieces

Under the direction of Miss Lisa and Miss Terry, students from the Ground Up horticulture classes designed the beautiful centerpieces for the Archway Annual Careers Luncheon, which was hosted at the Upper School on May 29, 2025.

As always, they did a lovely job! Thank you for your great work, students!

Voorhees Ladies Whale Watching 

The ladies from our Voorhees Group Home were out and about again! The group went on an exciting whale and dolphin-watching adventure in Cape May. They enjoyed being on the boat and exploring the water, and they caught a few glimpses of dolphins, making the trip even more thrilling. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!  

Voorhees Group Home Residents Visit Farm 

The lovely ladies from our Voorhees group home were out and about again! Their latest adventure took them to Saddle Hill Farm, where they enjoyed a tour of the farm and one-on-one time with some of the residents! The ladies had a fabulous time and enjoyed interacting with horses, chickens, and other farm friends. 

Voorhees Group Home Hosts Summer Cookout Celebration

Residents of the Voorhees group home hosted a summer cookout. The event featured delicious food, games, and a birthday cake to celebrate those with June birthdays. Guests included residents from all Archway Group homes, friends, and family. 

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!

Abilities celebrates the opening of its new residential program

Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. celebrated the opening of its innovative new residential program at The Village at Hawk Pointe with a ribbon cutting and open house on May 28, 2025.

Located at 200 Limestone Boulevard, Washington, NJ, the state-of-the-art program is designed to provide comprehensive, personalized services for up to 16 individuals with disabilities who may have a range of medical and mobility needs. With convenient access to Abilities’ day programs and lift-equipped transportation services, The Village at Hawk Pointe will provide both community-based and in-home support services.

“We’re targeting a mid-summer date to have residents occupy the first apartment. We’re currently in the process of furnishing all four apartments and hiring full-time and part-time residential direct support professionals.”

-Abilities CEO Cynthia B. Wildermuth.

The ribbon cutting was attended by New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean (R-7th District), State Senator Douglas Steinhardt (R-23rd District), State Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R-23rd District), and Paul S. Aronsohn, NJ Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, as well as other legislators and community partners.

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.