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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

May is always an exciting month for Archway Programs, as it allows us to reflect on the many accomplishments we've achieved so far this year. 

This month, we celebrated School Principal’s Day, School Nurses Day, and Teacher Appreciation Week. These occasions not only highlight the importance of these roles within our Archway Community but also allow us to express our gratitude to our school and medical staff for their dedication to those we serve. Their commitment ensures that every student and client receives the care and support needed to thrive, and we couldn't do it without them. 

The Careers Luncheon, held at the Upper School, highlighted the importance of our relationship with the surrounding community and businesses. Together, we are creating opportunities for our students that they might not otherwise discover or access. The significance of the community connection and inclusion cannot be overstated. Our Careers Program is an excellent example of the positive results we can achieve when partnering with our local communities.  

With the luncheon in mind, I would like to thank Michael D. Haggerty, President and CEO of Allies, Inc., and other members of our Woods System of Care affiliates for joining us at this event. Your presence showcases the strength and endless possibilities of our diverse network of providers. Together, we have achieved a great deal, and I am excited about what we can accomplish in the future. 

I want to take a moment to express my ongoing appreciation for our incredible staff, who are the greatest asset and strength of Archway. Our administrative staff, maintenance workers, transportation team, program staff, and teachers form the backbone of our organization. Each person plays an important role in our success. Thank you all for your dedication and service. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve and their families. 

Sincerely,   

George Richards   

President/Chief Financial Officer 

Archway Celebrates School Principal's Day: Honoring Our Exceptional Leaders

On May 1st, Archway celebrated School Principal’s Day by honoring our dedicated school principals. Lower School Principal, John Petsch; Upper School Principal, Mark Letiziano; Cooper’s Poynt Principal, Carly White; Creative Achievement Academy Principal, Scott Eckstein; and Delaware Valley School Principals, Dr. James Calderone and Ronald Strauss. 

We are truly grateful for this exceptional group of principals and sincerely appreciate their dedication to the entire Archway community, including students, staff, parents, and guardians.  

Honoring Our Dedicated School Nurses on School Nurse Day!

On May 6th, we celebrated the dedication and hard work of our school nurses. School Nurse Day recognizes and honors the essential role school nurses play in promoting students' health and well-being. They are there for bumps, bruises, runny noses, and a listening ear or a hug when needed. They are not just caregivers but also advocates for our children’s health. Their compassion, expertise, and support make a world of difference in the lives of our students and their families.  

Thank you to all our Archway Programs school nurses: Kathy Wallace, Upper School Nurse; Shannon Pryor, Upper School Nurse; Lois Cunningham, Lower School Nurse; and Rebecca Reynolds, Lower School Nurse; Diane Marie Goldstein; Victoria Druding, Creative Achievement Academy, and Kathleen Rapp, ACT. We appreciate all of you today and every day!  

17^th Annual Career Education Luncheon Celebrates Student Success and Community Partnerships

On Wednesday, May 27th, the Upper School hosted the 17th Annual Career Education Luncheon, celebrating the partnership between the Archway Career Center and local businesses. The event began with Master of Ceremonies Upper School students Shaheed and Cee-Cee, who introduced Susan Lafferty, the Executive Director of Education, to welcome the attendees. Sal Olaya from the Upper School then introduced the keynote speaker, Mrs. Nadine Totino, the owner of TNT's Bangin' Grub Wagon. 

Ms. Karen Tiver presented the Greg Trefz Memorial Award, followed by Ms. Monica Donley, who presented the Janet Geiger Memorial Award. Ms. Dale Webber and Lower School Principal John Petsch 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; Ms. April Lane for Sheltered Workshop; Mr. Sal Olaya for Graphic Design; and the Career Education Awards by Ms. Brooke Bittle and Ms. Kelly Willis.  

Read More on our Archway Programs Website Here.

AADP Friends Enjoy a Perfect Day of Fun and Sunshine in the Park!

A group of friends from the Advanced Abilities Day Program enjoyed a lovely afternoon in the park. After exploring the shaded trails, they soaked up the sun while enjoying a picnic lunch. Later, before heading home, they got in some exercise using the playground equipment. It was an enjoyable day filled with fresh air and sunshine!

Participants Show Off Their Creativity with Heartfelt Mother's Day Cards 

Participants in the Advanced Abilities Day Program embraced their creativity by making special Mother's Day cards for their family members and loved ones. They did an excellent job, and the cards turned out beautiful! We are confident that the recipients were delighted to receive their wonderful creations. 

Friends from the Advanced Abilities Day Program Enjoy a Day of Fun at Bridgeton Zoo!

During the late days of April, a group of friends from the Advanced Abilities Day Program enjoyed a visit to Bridgeton Zoo! The group loved strolling through the zoo and watching the variety of animals that live there. The group took a break for a picnic lunch, then quickly resumed exploring the trails and watching the birds and animals. It was an exciting community outing, and everyone had a wonderful time!  

Friends from the Advanced Abilities Day Program Enjoy a Sweet Day at Rita’s!

A group of friends from the Advanced Abilities Day Program made the most of a beautiful day by going on a community outing to Rita’s for a cool, sweet treat! Everyone ordered their favorites and sat together to enjoy the delicious treats and the company of their friends. 

May Birthday Celebrations!

Happy Birthday, Tashawna!

We hope you had a spectacular birthday celebration!

Happy Birthday, Timothy!

We hope you had a wonderful celebration on your special day!

Atco, Voorhees, and Williamstown Residents Enjoy the 10th Annual Special Needs Prom!

On Saturday, May 2nd, a group of residents from our Auburn, Voorhees, and Williamstown group homes attended the 10th Annual Catholic Daughters’ Special Needs Prom at Our Lady of Peace Parish Assumption Hall in Williamstown.  

Dressed to impress and ready to socialize, the friends enjoyed an afternoon of music and dancing, complete with a delicious luncheon, dessert, and snacks.  

A special highlight of the event was the crowning of our own lovely Christina as Prom Queen! Congratulations, Christina! You looked fabulous! 

Medford Group Home Ladies Enjoy Fun-Filled Night Out at Dave and Buster's!

The lovely ladies from our Medford group home had a wonderful ladies' night out at Dave and Buster's this month! They enjoyed a delicious dinner before heading to the arcade for several rounds of exciting games, where the ladies got behind the wheel of virtual race cars and rolled the dice in a game of Yahtzee! What a night! 

Memorial Day BBQ Brings Friends Together at Medford Location

Residents from our Atco group home joined their friends in our Medford location for a Memorial Day BBQ. The group enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and more. Most importantly, they enjoyed each other's company! 

Atco Group Home Residents Delight in Ice Cream Outing at Sundaes!

Our group home residents love their tasty treats and community outings. The residents of our Atco group home enjoyed both during a visit to Sundaes in Berlin. It was the perfect day for some cold, creamy ice cream, and after selecting their favorite flavors, they enjoyed their treats outside. 

Upper School Principal Kicks Off Teacher Appreciation Week with Surprise Gifts and Treats 

Upper School Principal Mark Letiziano kicked off Teacher Appreciation Week by surprising staff with gifts as he visited each classroom on Monday. The celebration continued throughout the week, starting with donuts and Danishes. Wednesday continued the celebration with a selection of fresh fruit, including strawberries, blueberries, grapes, pineapple, apples, diced melon, and more. In addition to these treats and more, he delivered mugs featuring inspirational quotes that highlight the significant impact teachers have on their students' lives, serving as a reminder of his appreciation for their dedication and commitment. 

Archway Owls Impress in Friendly Softball Showdown Against MCSS!

Upper School students took to the field wearing their new jerseys, thanks to Mr. Sal, to compete in an exciting softball game against MCSS. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship on the field, showing enthusiasm and respect to the opposing team even when they scored. As always, we are Archway Proud of our Archway Owls on and off the field!

Mr. Ron Hosts Delightful Mother's Day Brunch for Upper School Moms

On Friday, May 8th, Mr. Ron from the Upper School welcomed all Upper School mothers to his classroom for his traditional Mother’s Day Brunch. This year’s menu featured his famous fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, string beans, meatballs, and pasta served with a choice of homemade marinara or Bolognese sauce. For dessert, guests enjoyed delicious chocolate brownies, homemade pound cake, and crispy treats. Thank you, Mr. Ron! We are fortunate to have you! As always, the meal was delicious, and your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated!

Upper School and Cooper's Poynt Celebrate Enchanted Spring Fling 2026!

Students and staff from the Upper School and Cooper's Poynt celebrated their 2026 Annual Spring Fling on May 21st at Adelphia's in Deptford. Everyone was dressed to impress, showcasing their creativity in honoring the Enchanted Forest theme. Attendees enjoyed a delicious luncheon and a fantastic selection of music, provided by D.J. Ms. Julie, the Upper School Music Therapist, along with her assistant, Mr. Eli. Participants had a great time dancing and participating in a fun limbo contest. With schools closed on Friday, this celebration was the perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend, leaving everyone with many happy memories of an unforgettable day! 

View the Spring Fling album on Facebook here: album 2026 Spring Fling.

Students Experience a Creative and Tasty Oreo Cookie Science Lesson

The students in Lower School Room 15 participated in a fun, interactive science lesson with Miss Cait, exploring the phases of the moon using Oreo cookies. After creating each phase of the moon with their cookies, everyone enjoyed a tasty treat! It was a fun lesson that ended with a tasty treat. 

Lower School Adult Life Learners Hosts Successful 'Ice Cream Hoe Down' Social!

The Lower School Adult Life Learners (ALL) hosted their second ice cream social for the school, themed "Ice Cream Hoe Down!" The ALL students played a significant role in planning the event and decorating the all-purpose room with cowboy boots, hats, and cow designs. Everyone dressed in western-themed attire, with many sporting cowboy hats. 

The ALL students practiced their communication skills while serving the visiting students. They offered two ice cream flavors, waffles, and an assortment of toppings, including Gummy Bears, M&M's, crumbled Oreo cookies, and Chips Ahoy cookies. They topped off the selections with whipped cream and even organized western-themed craft activities for everyone. The event was a delicious success, and everyone had a great time. 

Lower School Celebrates Teachers with Special Lunch from Jeremiah’s Custom Cuisine

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Lower School staff enjoyed a delightful lunch provided by Jeremiah’s Custom Cuisine Food Truck. Mr. John, the Lower School Principal, and the Archway Administration organized this special treat to honor our incredible teachers and staff. A big thank you to all the Archway teachers and staff for their hard work! Thank you to Jeremiah’s Custom Cuisine for the delicious lunch and excellent service! 

Lower School Celebrates Talents with ‘Vivid Volume’ Art and Music Showcase

Elvis and Prince were in the building for a celebration of color and sound during the Lower School Annual Art and Music Showcase, “Vivid Volume.” Students paid tribute to some of the most talented musical icons, reaching across multiple generations, entertaining family, friends, and staff with their performances. 

Surrounded by colorful art, students performed before a full house, shining brightly as their own stars. They included classics such as Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” Prince’s “Purple Rain” was a favorite among the audience, while Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” brought cheers, and Ms. Katie’s video montage set to Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” brought a few happy tears. 

Overall, the performance was beautiful, and the students did an amazing job! 

If you want to view pictures from the show, please visit the Lower School Art and Music Show 2026 album here: https://shorturl.at/RJdhq.  

Read More Here

Creative Achievement Academy Members Celebrate Success with Bowling and Fun!

Members of the Creative Achievement Academy Platinum Card enjoyed a fun afternoon of bowling and delicious food at Bowlero! The field trip was a reward for maintaining positive behavior! Great job, everyone! We are Archway Proud of all of you! 

Platinum Students Celebrate with Fun-Filled Arcade Day!

Creative Achievement Academy students who maintained their Platinum status were rewarded with a trip to the arcade for a day filled with games and exciting prizes. The students and staff also enjoyed lunch together, rounding out an exciting day! 

Great job, everyone; we are Archway Proud of all of you! 

Students Shine at Glamorous Red-Carpet Dance Celebration!

Creative Achievement elementary and middle school students had a wonderful time at a Red-Carpet-themed dance. They were all stars for the day as they showcased their fashionable red-carpet attire and displayed their dance moves. In addition to dancing, students enjoyed playing games and indulging in delicious food. Most importantly, the memories they created will last a lifetime. 

Students Enjoy a Magical Time at Masquerade Prom!

Creative Achievement High School students had a wonderful time at their masquerade-themed prom. The evening kicked off with a delicious spread that included wings, sub trays, and specialty dishes. After enjoying the food, everyone hit the dance floor, where they had a fun dance-off! The night concluded with the highly anticipated announcement of the Prom King and Queen. They also honored the members of the Prom Court, recognizing two students as Prom Prince and Princess. What a thrilling way to enjoy some of the final moments of the school year!  

Hands-On Learning: Students Create a Human-Sized Coordinate Plane in Room 108

Students in Room 108 were given points to plot. They stood at specific coordinates and made a human-sized coordinate plane, a large-scale representation of a coordinate system that is big enough for people to walk on or interact with physically. It's a great hands-on learning activity that helps students visualize and physically act out what they typically only do on paper. 

Celebrating Educators: A Week of Treats at Cooper's Poynt!

Ms. Carly, Cooper’s Poynt Principal, treated teachers and social workers all week for Teacher & Social Worker Appreciation Week. Each day featured a special treat, starting with a delicious and nutritious Yogurt Bar on Monday. The yogurt bar featured orange juice, fresh strawberries, grapes, blueberries, and bananas. Fresh granola added a little crunch to their morning treat!  

On Tuesday, staff enjoyed a healthy and delicious salad bar. Wednesday featured a Walking Taco Bar, offering a variety of tasty toppings. Thursday’s highlight was a Sandwich Bar offering a selection of breads, meats, and toppings. The week concluded on Friday with a Candy Bar filled with an assortment of sweet treats! 

Cooper’s Poynt Students Soar with Creative Paper Airplane Lesson!

Cooper’s Poynt students took learning to new heights during an exciting Paper Airplane Lesson. Students explored creativity, problem-solving, measurement, and teamwork as they designed and tested their own paper airplanes. From distance challenges to flight experiments, learning was hands-on, engaging, and full of fun!  

 It’s amazing to watch students discover that even a simple sheet of paper can turn into an exciting learning experience.  

May Highlights: 
Just Kids Programs Celebrate Creativity and Fun

In May, the Just Kids programs offered a range of creative and engaging activities for children. Beeler Just Kids celebrated Mother’s Day on May 7th with card-making and enjoyed projects such as marshmallow launchers and water-painting bear paws. Jaggard Just Kids created a giant paper chain, balloon squishies, and a summer countdown, and had a visit from former counselor Ms. Katelin.  

Merchantville Just Kids engaged in creative activities such as designing paper purses and rocket launchers while appreciating Pacific Islander music. The Fun Day on May 21st at Van Zant Elementary was a highlight, and activities concluded with a Shape BINGO game and slime experiment at Just Kids Atco Elementary on May 29th. Overall, it was a month filled with memorable and inventive projects. Everyone is excited to see what new adventures await them in June!

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!

Photo credit: Cathy Miller

Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. honored its Board of Trustees president David Molinaro and his wife Lucia at the organization’s Blue Denim Ball gala on April 24 at the Belvidere Manor in Belvidere, NJ. From left are Abilities Mission Engagement Specialist Bert Baron, Abilities CEO Cynthia B. Wildermuth, Lucia Molinaro, David Molinaro, and Elaina Walsh.

Blue Denim Ball helps Abilities raise $71,000

Gala honors contributions of David and Lucia Molinaro and Richard Cotton

WASHINGTON, NJ – May 8, 2026 – With more than 180 supporters, staff, and friends on hand, Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. honored David and Lucia Molinaro and Richard Cotton for their ongoing contributions to the organization at its Blue Denim Ball on April 24 at the Belvidere Manor in Belvidere, NJ.

The event raised more than $71,000, which will be used to help fund further expansion of the vital services Abilities provides for individuals with disabilities.

Mr. Molinaro, president of Abilities’ Board of Trustees, and his wife Lucia were recognized for more than 12 years of service, providing strategic financial and fundraising support. Mr. Cotton was cited for his many contributions to the local community, including Abilities’ residential program at the Village at Hawk Pointe.



“This was a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation to our honorees for their service,” said Abilities CEO Cynthia B. Wildermuth. “We’re thankful for all of the support that we receive and especially acknowledge our Platinum Patch sponsors, the Rotary Club of Washington and Woods System of Care. It truly makes a difference as we continue our mission to inspire people with disabilities to achieve their life goals.”

Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its Mount Olive PossAbilities Thrift Boutique, located at 7 Naughright Road, Hackettstown, NJ, on May 19, 2026. Among the guests for the ribbon cutting ceremony were Mount Olive Township Mayor Joe Nicastro, Assemblyman John DiMaio (R-23^rd District), Michelle Zychowski representing Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (R-7^th District), Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce President Patricia Singer, New Jersey Association of Community Providers Director of Operations Colleen Klepser, Abilities’ Board President David Molinaro, Woods System of Care Board Chairman Mark Williams, and Woods System of Care Senior Director of System Communications Lisa Giannascoli. PossAbilities Thrift Boutiques offer quality resale merchandise at affordable prices, while providing vocational training, career exploration, employment, and volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities. Individuals gain experience and learn valuable skills such as customer service, donation processing, point of sale, pricing, and display set-up in a retail setting. PossAbilities Thrift Boutiques are also located in Phillipsburg and Flemington.

Additional photos can be found by clicking here.

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.