Spectrum360 Monthly Newsletter

April 2023

Tara Hayek Named New Lower School Principal

Spectrum360 is happy to congratulate Tara Hayek on her new role as principal of Academy360 Lower School. We recently sat down with Tara to talk about her promotion from Assistant Principal and her plans for the future. [Story]

360Cares: Fostering Positivity & Inclusivity

Building an inclusive, diverse and supportive work environment is a priority at Spectrum360. The staff-run 360Cares Committee is focused on highlighting practices that broaden and increase positive climate and community. Committee members plan and implement events or observances each month highlighting the uniqueness and diversity of our organization through team-building activities and specialized communications.

Our committee is led by staff members Betsy Logerie-Hutchinson (co-chair), Cynthia Hajduk (Campus Representative - Lower School) and Tynesha Cummings (Campus Representative - Upper School) and Dr. Danielle Taylor (co-chair).

Thank you for all the work that you do!

Fore the Kids Golf Tournament

Join us on August 21 for a fun day of golf and more at the Essex County Country Club!

One of our most important fundraisers of the year, we are seeking additional sponsors for the event. Sponsorship benefits include complimentary player registrations. If you or a company you know would be interested becoming a sponsor, contact us.

Funds raised from the Fore the Kids Golf Tournament go directly toward Spectrum360's programs and services. Another way to give is by making in-kind donations: Gift baskets, gift cards, vouchers, tickets and other products are all needed for prizes in our on-site auction. To make a contribution, please contact Development Coordinator, Laura Pacelli.

Night at the Brewery

This is the last chance to sign up for our first ever event for beer lovers, to be held at the Glenbrook Brewery in Morristown NJ. There will be locally brewed beer, food, live music and awesome prizes! Register now for this fun event.

Bingo! Success

In March we hosted our first ever Bingo Night fundraiser, which raised more than $7,000 for Spectrum360 services! Over 150 people joined us, including program participants, alumni, their families and friends, staff and other community members. The event was so much fun and we are so thrilled everyone had a great time.

AUTISM ACCEPTANCE & AWARENESS MONTH

On Sunday April 2nd the New York Yankees celebrated their first World Autism Awareness Day at Yankee Stadium. As part of this special day, the Yankees donated $5 to Spectrum360 for every ticket sold through a personalized link. Almost 80 Spectrum360 staff, students and friends came to see the Yankees 6-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants, raising almost $400 for the organization!

I360 adults had a great night out at Red Bull Arena on April 15 for Autism Acceptance Night. After a few delays, Independence360 Adults carried the banner onto the field. Adults and their guests then enjoyed a fun social evening while watching the New York Red Bulls take on the Houston Dynamo FC.

THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

A long-standing partner of FilmAcademy360, the Guggenheim Museum has collaborated with FA360 on a number of projects, including the creation of testimonial videos for the Guggenheim for All toolkit and most recently a video production project for the “Museum Next” conference.

The “Guggenheim for All” initiative was developed to create a more welcoming and inclusive museum for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities, providing equitable access to its galleries and art education opportunities designed to support all learners, including visitors on the autism spectrum.

The Guggenheim assists other organizations in providing internships and employment opportunities by sharing their own experiences and best practices.

We thank the Guggenheim Museum for being such a valued partner and the support they provide our students!

Below are a few resources and events that may be of interest. Please note Spectrum360 is not directly affiliated with the organizations below. Please reach out to the organization directly if you have any questions.

ACEing for Autism is hosting Spring Sessions starting May 12. For more information or to register click here.
Learn to Skate programs are available at Montclair State University through the Monarchs organization. To learn more, click here.
PlayDate provides a space where neurodivergent children feel comfortable and supported while having fun and making new friends. Children will learn essential skills to help engage in play. For details and classes, click here.
Autism on the Seas, an international organization, has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs. For details and to book a vacation visit autismontheseas.com.
For Spectrum360 webinars and workshops, please visit Spectrum360.org/webinars-and-workshops/.
Join Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler for an in-person "A Transition to Adulthood Workshop". For more information, please view the flyer here. Register here.
Alliance 2022-2023 Parent Advocacy Series: The Alliance is again presenting a series of virtual ZOOM presentations and workshops for parents for our 2022-2023 Conference. Registration for all ZOOM Workshops is now available. Check out the the full schedule here.
Autistic children (ages 3-17) and their families join together at Somerset Hills YMCA on Saturdays for two hours of recreation (from 4 – 6 p.m.). Volunteers lead the program, and carefully guide the children through an hour of gym time and a second hour in the pool. Siblings are welcome. This program is free to the community and runs from the fall to the spring.
We’ve Got Friends, a local nonprofit organization providing free social enrichment opportunities for teenagers with special needs to form meaningful friendships through common interests. See details here.

Spectrum360 serves children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities. Spectrum360 and its programs are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

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