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Morris-Union Jointure Commission
Developmental Learning Centers'
Superintendent's Spotlight
January 2025
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Superintendent’s Update
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends. As we start the New Year, please know that MUJC staff look forward to working with you in 2025 and wish you, your family and friends a wonderful New Year filled with joy, health, and happiness.
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Welcome, Scott Cherry!
The MUJC warmly welcomes Scott Cherry, our new Aquatics/Recreation Program Coordinator! Scott started his position on November 18, 2024. He brings a wealth of experience with students with disabilities, including autism, and managing recreation programs for students with disabilities. Please give Scott a warm welcome!
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Spirit Day
The first Spirit day of 2025 will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Please show your spirit by wearing blue or your DLC spirit wear. You can visit our Spiritwear store and see what’s new by clicking here. Future Spirit Days for 2025 are: February 4, 2025, March 4, 2025, April 1, 2025, May 6, 2025, and June 3, 2025.
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School Safety and Climate Team Meetings
DLC – New Providence’s School Safety and Climate Team’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 8:15 a.m.
DLC - Warren’s School Safety and Climate Team’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 8:20 am. Further details can be found in our Electronic Bookbag!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activities, Week of January 21-24, 2025
DLC students will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by participating in various activities that teach about his accomplishments. Stay tuned for further details and a schedule of activities throughout the week.
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DLC - New Providence
Ring in the New Year at DLC - New Providence , January 2-9, 2025!
Get ready for a week of fun as we kick off 2025 with special activities at DLC-New Providence!
- Thursday, January 2nd: Roll out of bed and come to school in your PJs! It's Pajama Day!
- Friday, January 3rd: Lights, camera, action! Dress up as your favorite movie character on Movie Day!
- Monday, January 6th: New Year, New You!: Start 2025 by expressing yourself! Wear an outfit that shows off your unique personality and style. Whether it's your favorite color, a band t-shirt, or something sparkly. Let your clothes reflect the amazing YOU!
- Tuesday, January 7th: DLC Spirit Wear Day!: Show your school spirit by wearing our school colors with pride!
- Wednesday, January 8th: "The Future You" Day! Dream big and dress up as your future self. Will you be a doctor, an artist, an astronaut? Let your imagination run wild!
- Thursday, January 9th: Superhero Day! Calling all superheroes! Dress up as your favorite superhero and show off your superpowers!
"No Place for Hate" Project at DLC - New Providence!
Join us in celebrating our diverse community with a special project, the Diversity Quilt! During the month of January, each family will receive a quilt square to decorate, representing what makes their family unique. Once completed, these squares will be joined together to create a beautiful quilt that symbolizes our unity and commitment to inclusion. More information about this exciting project will be coming soon!
Salt Brook School
On Wednesday, January 15th, some DLC students are off on an adventure to Salt Brook School in New Providence! Students will enjoy lunch with new friends and have fun on their playground during recess. It's a great opportunity to connect with other students and experience a different school environment.
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DLC - Warren
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Thursday, January 9, is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. DLC - Warren students will be creating thank you cards to be provided to not only our Warren Police Department but also to our very own SLEO, Officer Norton!
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Brunch and Bingo at DLC-Warren: New Food Options! | |
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Starting in January, our Brunch and Bingo experience at DLC - Warren will include new food options. Parents of students in classes participating in January and thereafter should keep an eye out for a choice of brunch options incuding waffles and french toast sticks to be served with sliced strawberries, butter, maple syrup, and enjoyed with juice!
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Warren Principal/Parent Meeting - January 27
Our next Warren Principal/Parent meeting will be held on Monday, January 27, at noon in the DLC - Warren Administration Conference Room. If you cannot join us in person, we also have a virtual link - please see the flyers in EBB to access. We look forward to our upcoming discussion!
Fabulous Features at the DLCs
Climate Conversation by Kim Spurlock, Supervisor, DLC_-New Providence
Both Warren and New Providence DLCs have been actively engaged with the Climate Change and Resilience Grant. DLC Warren and New Providence students had the opportunity to participate in field trips to the Somerset County Environmental Center in November and December to learn about the American Chestnut Tree, a keystone species. During these trips, they learned about the American Chestnut Tree, its history, including the disease that destroyed billions of these trees and the significant impact climate change has had on bringing back its population.
To further enhance student learning, DLC-Warren is in the process of designing an outdoor classroom dedicated to climate-related activities. This space will allow students to engage in hands-on learning experiences and connect with the natural environment.
Meanwhile, in DLC-New Providence, efforts are underway to create a climate-resilient sensory garden. This garden will be designed to stimulate students' senses through a variety of textures, scents, sounds, sights, and even tastes. By incorporating plants that can thrive in changing climate conditions, students will be able to explore the relationship between plants and the environment.
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Tech Tips by Evan Abramson, Director of Technology and Innovation
As we begin the new year, I’d like to highlight the importance of balancing screen time with offline activities. Establishing tech-free times, such as during family meals or before bedtime, can significantly improve focus and overall well-being.
Consider incorporating activities like board games or outdoor playtime to encourage family bonding without screens. For example, you might challenge your child to a game of charades, which encourages social interaction and creativity.
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Transition Talk
Transition Toolkit
The New Jersey Transition Toolkit is designed to assist school staff and students with disabilities and their families in their efforts to prepare students for entry into a successful adult life after high school. The work to prepare students for a successful adult life that is done by school staff, students, family members, agency staff, and others is referred to as “transition planning” and “transition services” since students are transitioning from school to adult life.
One of the key elements of successful transition planning is the collaboration that is needed among all the individuals and entities who are involved in preparing the student to be a successful adult. Lack of collaboration in the transition planning/Individualized Education Program (IEP) process can be a significant contributing factor to students not experiencing positive post-school outcomes. Every member of the IEP team, including the student and parents, school and agency staff and others, should work together in a collaborative manner so that students and their parents will feel ownership of the IEP. Each member of the IEP team takes responsibility for implementing specific transition services included in the IEP. Supports and services needed by the student are both available and received by the student when needed and the student has the best chance to experience success upon exiting high school.
Another key component of successful transition planning is that it is a long-term, multi-year planning process. When students and their IEP team first become engaged in the transition planning process, the student is typically 14 years old or younger. Even though IEPs are reviewed and updated at least once every year, the planning for the student’s future requires IEP teams to take a multi-year approach when developing IEPs that include transition planning. This toolkit contains many resources that can be used to promote positive post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. Hopefully, you will find the answers to your questions and the help that you need with securing successful transitions to adult life. If you need further assistance with any transition related matter, please contact:
Bill Freeman, State Coordinator of Secondary Transition
Phone: 609-376-3734
Email: Bill.Freeman@doe.nj.gov
or
Jo-Ann Johnson, Education Program Development Specialist
Phone: 609-376-3433
Email: JoAnn.Johnson@doe.nj.gov
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Governors’ Educator of the Year Award
Congratulations to the DLC staff members selected for the 2024 – 2025 Governor’s Educator of the Year Program! This celebratory program honors our exceptional educators and educational services professionals.
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DLC – New Providence recipients are Colleen Fachet, teacher of students with disabilities, and Felicia Debonis, speech language specialist. Ms. Fachet demonstrates exceptional dedication as a teacher, fostering individualized learning with creativity, organization, and a calm, professional demeanor, making her an invaluable asset to her students and colleagues alike. Her strong rapport with students, families, and staff highlights her commitment to excellence in education.
Ms. DeBonis excels as a speech language specialist, providing highly effective, personalized support that meets students’ unique needs while building strong family partnerships. Her professionalism, creativity, and dedication to student success make her a standout contributor to the school community. Congratulations! We are grateful to have Colleen and Felicia as part of our team at the DLC - New Providence!
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DLC – Warren recipients are Matt MacDougall, teacher of students with disabilities, and Don Ludwig, physical therapist. Mr. MacDougall and Mr. Ludwig have both served the students at our DLCs for over two decades. We are so appreciative of their support of our program throughout that time and the countless students for whom they have made a positive impact. Congratulations to Matt and Don for earning this award! We are lucky to have Matt and Don as part of our team! | |
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Exemplary Educator of the Year | |
Congratulations to Lisa Arnoa, teacher of students with disabilities, who received the 2024 Exemplary Educator of the Year award through the New Jersey Department of Education. This award is given to a select number of educators who have exhibited strong knowledge and skills and have a clear vision for quality teaching and learning. Lisa has profoundly impacted students with special needs and their families through her unwavering commitment to education. Known for her exceptional leadership and ability to support both students and faculty, Lisa has been instrumental in guiding new staff and fostering a collaborative environment. Her dedication and influence inspire others, making DLC a stronger and more supportive community. Congratulations!
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Winter Weather
With the winter months ahead of us, a reminder about our inclement weather procedures. You will receive a telephone call and/or text message via School Messenger and an email by 6:30 a.m. if the DLC is closed due to inclement weather or if there is a 2 hour delayed opening. If we have an early dismissal at 12:45 p.m., you will receive a telephone call or text via School Messenger by 11:00 a.m. The DLC notifies all bus companies of our closings, delayed openings, and early dismissals. Please rely on the information provided to you by the MUJC via School Messenger, our website at www.mujc.org, or social media to determine if the MUJC has delayed opening or early dismissal. Please do not rely on information provided by your child’s bus driver. Each year several students are transported to the DLC when school has been delayed or closed because information was incorrectly provided by the bus driver to the parents. This results in much confusion for the families and potentially hazardous road conditions for the child. Always rely on the information the MUJC provides to you.
Please ensure that you have updated your contact information (home telephone number, cell telephone number, and email address) if there have been any changes. This can be done via the MUJC website (www.mujc.org) by clicking on the “Parent” tab at the top. Our school closings and delays are also displayed prominently on our website, Facebook, and Instagram as well as on the voicemail message at the MUJC Central Office number, which is 908-464-7625, or at the telephone numbers of the Developmental Learning Center sites (DLC – New Providence: 908-508-1345; DLC – Warren: 908-762-5600) as well as NBC News Channel 4.
Reminder
DLC schools and MUJC offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Thanks for reading the Superintendent’s Spotlight and supporting our MUJC programs and services.
Superintendent of Schools
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