Announcements

COMING SOON -- SEPTA DIVERSITY WEAR!! T-SHIRS ARE AVAILABLE IN SIZES YOUTH 
ADULT XLARGE FOR $10.00, ADULT 2X IS $11.00 AND 3x FOR $12.00.  SAMPLE 
PICTURES COMING THIS WEEEK.  IT MAKES A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT~~   

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The first coffee talk is on November 12, 2009 at the East Brunswick Public 
Library from 6:00-7:00 PM followed by the SEPTA meeting from 7:00-9:00 PM.  
The topic will be Social/Emotional Behaviors in the Classroom.  For planning 
purposes, please let us know if you will be attending the coffee talk, topic 
meetingm if you need childcare and to the social group.  We can only plan to 
have enough childcare and peer buddies for those who respond.  Thank you.  

EAST BRUNSWICK, New Jersey – September, 2009 -–The East Brunswick Public 
Library is delighted to announce the opening of “A Novel Café”.  The new café 
is open and serving up a variety of gourmet coffee and beverages, as well as 
an array of tasty breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner items.  Owners 
Barbara Drew and Lisa Schutzer have been in the food and hospitality business 
for over fifteen years.  The café is a dream come true for them .  Groups 
that 
meet in the Library’s meeting rooms are encouraged to utilize the café for 
their meeting refreshment needs.  Off-premise catering is also available.
 
The library staff and customers who have tasted the delightful menu items, 
have given the Café “two thumbs up”.  Daily specials, homemade soups and 
Panini sandwiches are just some of the favorites.  So come on by and enjoy a 
meal or snack at the wonderful new café that operates during all Library 
hours:  Monday-Thursday 9-9; Friday 9-5; Saturday 9-9; and Sunday 1-5.  For 
more information, or to arrange an off-premise event, please call (732) 353-
6056 or go to the Café website: www.anovelcafe.com
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DUE TO THE LOW RESONSE TO THE TWO SEPTA FUNDRAISERS, THE TWO SCHOOL GRANTS 
WILL BE IN THE AMOUNT OF $200.00 RATHER THAN $300 THIS YEAR.  FORMS 
ARELOCATED UNDER SEPTA FORMS AND ARE DUE NOVEMBER 20.WE ARE SORRY AND HOPE 
THAT YOU UNDERSTAND DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME IN THE COMMUNITY.
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The Library @ East Brunswick
Two Jean Walling Civic Center, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Meet The Candidates
Township Council hopefuls to appear on EBTV 
EAST BRUNSWICK, New Jersey – September, 2009 – Meet the candidates for East 
Brunswick Township Council all October on EBTV Channel 3. Community 
Information Assistant  John Saccenti will speak with Democrat Matthew Korten 
and Republican Camille Ferraro for a half-hour, focusing on the candidates’ 
backgrounds, civic involvement, and plans and aspirations for the township. 
The candidates are vying for a three-year seat on the council. Election Day 
is 
Nov. 3: watch EBTV 2009 Candidate Profiles and know who you’re voting for! 
The 
2009 Candidate Profiles will be televised on EBTV Comcast Channel 3 in 
October 
on Mondays at 7 a.m., Tuesdays at 11 p.m., Wednesdays at 9 p.m., Thursdays at 
3 p.m., and Saturdays at 5 p.m. 
For more information, please call 732-390-6767 or go to The Library’s website 
at http://www.ebpl.org and click on “News & Events.”  
-End-

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SEPTA SOCIAL GROUP OUTING
AT THE MALL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
 
This first outing for the teen social club is designed for the teens to 
interact at the mall for socialization with peer buddies on Halloween in a 
safe environment.  The option to wear a costume is up to the individual.  The 
only cost will be spending money at the parent’s discretion.  Please note 
that peer buddies are their age, and an adult will be at the mall to have 
teens meet at 10:45 and then again at 1:00.  We look forward to seeing your 
kids!
 
Child’s Name: _______________________________________________
 
Parent’s Name: _____________________________________________
                                    (PRINT)
Parent’s Consent: ____________________________________________
                             (SIGNATURE)
Telephone Number: __________________________________________
             
Cellular Number: ____________________________________________
 
E-Mail Address:_____________________________________________
              
Emergency Contact: __________________________________________
 
Allergies: _________________________________________________
SEPTA is running a holiday pie fundraiser with the Child Nutrition office.  
Fresh baked pies will be boxed and ready for pick-up in the Child Nutrition 
Office.  Orders forms should be returned by November 2nd to your school in an 
envelope marked "SEPTA". Download the order form: SEPTAPIEFUNDRAISER.pdf


August 29, 2009
Join our Facebook group

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121155709460



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Dear Friend,

Welcome back to a new school year.  As the year begins, we would like to re-
introduce you to the East Brunswick Special Education PTA (SEPTA), 
an “extension your school’s PTA“.  Listed on the back of this letter are the 
2009-2010 SEPTA meeting dates and topics, fundraiser schedule, SEPTA Social 
Group outings, Adult comedy night out and membership form.  A registration 
form for each Social group activity is listed under SEPTA FORMS on the 
website at http://teacherweb.com/NJ/FrostElementarySchool/SEPTA.  Enclosed 
in this packet you will find a committee description list and sign up form, 
and picture consent document.  An informational flyer providing SEPTA’s 
goals and mission in the community, and a recreation list offering 
activities for children of all levels of ability is available at SEPTA 
meetings, and will be accessible at back-to-school nights.  Return 
correspondence to your school’s PTA or SEPTA mailbox in an envelope 
addressed to “SEPTA” by Friday, September 25, 2009.  Families with  children 
in out-of-district placements can send forms to the administration building 
at: East Brunswick Public Schools, Special Education Department, 760 Route 
18, East Brunswick, NJ  08816:  Attention:  Special Education PTA.  We are 
interested in your ideas and encourage you to share them.  SEPTA’s topics 
are informational and educational.  Many subjects apply to families with 
children in the mainstream and special education setting.  You do not need 
to be a member to attend a meeting.  Look on the website for upcoming 
community and school programs.  Living in an increasingly growing and 
diverse community, it is our hope to have families become involved by taking 
on a committee, attending meetings, and helping to integrate families.

Each district school has a SEPTA liaison.  This representative will give a 
SEPTA report at monthly PTA meetings or through the school newsletter.  They 
will pick up correspondence on SEPTA’s behalf.  School representatives often 
cover for each other.  In order to have optimum communication in the 
schools, SEPTA is seeking a second school representative in each building.  
Many schools have a teacher liaison who communicates programs, and resources 
with building teachers and administrators.  For your convenience, enclosed 
is the SEPTA committee list including the parent and teacher liaison for 
each school.  This year a parent-to-parent group is being provided by the 
Special Education Department and SEPTA parents intended to provide 
perspective or support that may be required to parents of special education 
students or to those families new to the referral process. 

The Special Education Department, in conjunction with SEPTA, has 
scheduled “Coffee Talks”.  Different dates and times have been planned in 
order to accommodate the varied schedules of the community.  Coffee talk 
provides parents with an opportunity to stop in and meet the Director of 
Special Education and to chat about any issues.  The dates and times are as 
follows: November 12, 2009 from 6:00-7:00 PM at the East Brunswick Public 
Library, January 25, 2010  from 9:00 -11:00 AM at the  Board of Education 
Building and May 20, 2010 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Board of Education 
building  If you plan to attend please RSVP to SEPTA at 
eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com

At this time, please join us in welcoming Amy Geoffroy who will shadow all 
facets of SEPTA as President elect during the 2009-2010 school year.  Amy 
has been on committees within SEPTA, including Adopt-A-Family, Diversity 
Council and is currently the parent SEPTA liaison at Memorial Elementary 
School.  Amy is involved in the district’s efforts to provide information 
about the September 29th bond referendum to rebuild Memorial School to bring 
children back into their home schools.   Please introduce yourself to Amy at 
a SEPTA meeting, or when you see her in the community.

To find out more about SEPTA contact Eddie & Audrey Weiner via e-mail at 
eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com, by telephone at 732-390-9265, or visit the web 
page at http://teacherweb.com/NJ/FrostElementarySchool/SEPTA.  We look 
forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,
Eddie & Audrey Weiner
Special Education PTA Presidents
East Brunswick Special Education PTA (SEPTA)
2009-2010 Dates to Remember

SEPTA MEETINGS (HELD AT THE EAST BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY FROM 7:00-9:00 PM)
October 7, 2009 – District wide Programs  presented by: Special Education 
Supervisors;  Nicole McNamara, Susan Meklune, Ellen Murphy, 	April 12, 
2010 –Technology Services in the district, presented by Karen Warner, 
Middlesex ETTC Supervisor
November 12, 2009 – UMDNJ & District Psychologist, Rajeswarc Uthuswamy, 
Social/Emotional Functioning in school settings	May 10, 2010 – -Legislative 
Issues, presented by 
Carla Israel
December 7, 2009 –Team Teaching/Resource, Presented by Jennifer Ward & 
Stacey DeFalco - elementary and Tom Cregge & Jeff Smith- secondary 	June 
14, 2010 – Positive Behaviors in the Classroom presented by Michele 
Lockwood, NJCIE
January 6, 2010 School Nurses – The stages of puberty and teenage awareness, 
presented by school nurses Ms. Ronnie Schrierer &  Ms. Teresa Kominkiewicz
	June 18, 2010 – SEPTA board/committee dinner at Alonzo’s – Join us 
in celebrating new beginnings
February 8, 2010-How we hear, Why can't my child listen? How auditory 
processing is evaluated; How can the teachers help? What can I do at home to 
help my child?  Audiologist, Bob Disogra 	July 12, 2010 – Planning 
Meeting
March 8, 2010 Transition to Secondary Schools, presented by building 
principals: Mike Gaskel & Mark Sutor & Robert Murphy	August 9, 2010 – 
Planning Meeting

The SEPTA Social Group runs simultaneously with SEPTA meetings for 
registered members of the group.  Once a month outings are listed below.  
Registration and payment is required in advance and should be returned in an 
envelope addressed to your school’s PTA/SEPTA mailbox labeled “SEPTA Social 
Group” with a check payable to “SEPTA””.  Halloween at the mall – send 
spending money for lunch and snacks, Bowling*-$15.00 per session, cooking 
class $15.00 pp, sports night $5.00pp, Special Strides, $15.00 per session.  
Registration forms are listed on the SEPTA website at 
http://teacherweb.com/NJ/FrostElementarySchool/SEPTA.  

*October 31, 2009 - Halloween at the mall	*March 5 – Sports Night at   
Hammarskjold
*11/ 28/09,12/26/09 and  1/30/ 10 – Bowling * 	*4/25/10  and 5 /30,/10 - 
Special Strides*
*February 15, 2010 – Young Chef’s Academy - Cooking	

Quarterly newsletters are informational.  We are interested hearing from 
each of the schools, Deadlines are as follows: 
Beginning of school		Fall Edition		Winter Edition	
	Spring Edition
Friday, 9/25/2009 	Friday, 11/20/2009	Friday, 1/29/2010
	Friday, 4/23/2010

Friday, February 12, 2010 – Adult Comedy Night Out – Primetime Comedy Club & 
Theatre

SEPTA FUNDRAISERS-Flyers will be sent out closer to the dates & documents 
added on the website under FORMS.
Sunday, October 18, 2009–Sunday Breakfast 
At the Colonial Diner	Friday, March 12, 2010 Vendor Night–7:00-9:00 PM
At Hammarskjold Middle School; cafeteria
December 10, 2009 – Dine-to-Donate tba	Friday, April 23, 2010 - Dine- to-
Donate-tba
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SEPTA MEMBERSHIP FORM 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR
Parent/Guardian Name:  
Student’s Name:  
Telephone Number:
E-Mail Address
Student’s School:
Grade/Room Number:
Teacher’s Name & Room  #:
To become a member, fill out and return this form with a $6.00 check made 
out to SEPTA in an envelope marked Special Education PTA (Septa) and return 
it to your child’s school PTA or SEPTA mailbox.  Families with children who 
are out-of-district can send this form to the administration building at:  
East Brunswick Public Schools, Special Education Department, 760 Route 18, 
East Brunswick, NJ  08816, Attention: Special Education PTA (SEPTA).  Thank 
you for your support.

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EAST BRUNSWICK SPECIAL EDUCATION PTA
(SEPTA)
760 Route 18
East Brunswick, NJ  08816
Special Education Department
Attn:  SEPTA
Phone (732) 390-9265
Eddie weinersepta@hotmail.com
Welcomeletter-2009-2010
 



The objective of the East Brunswick Special Education PTA is to provide 
information to families on a variety of special education topics.  We strive 
for all students and families to make a connection within the school 
community.  The goal is to increase a sense of tolerance, acceptance and 
belonging for families throughout the district.  All children can learn, 
integrate and be included with their peers.  We welcome families of 
classified and non-classified children and all educations.  For further 
information, contact Edward or Audrey Weiner by email: 
eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com or by telephone at 732-390-9265.  Join us and 
help make a difference.
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SEPTA has the following board and committees available for the 2009-2010 
school year.  Won’t you consider becoming a part of our team!

Executive Board
Recording Secretary

Committees
School Grants & Gifts-
Special Events Coordinator -
Nominating Committee

SEPTA Parent Representatives
EBHS Central and Chittick

TEACHER LIAISONS
Churchill, East Brunswick High School and Memorial
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We are excited to announce that "The Peer Buddy Club" is extending 
opportunities to join to the entire Hammarskjold community.  This pilot 
began last year and the kids had a wonderful time interacting and forming 
friendships. The club is underway now that we have settled into our new 
surroundings. The purpose of this club is to help special needs and general 
education students develop friendships through different structured social 
activities. This club is a combined effort between SEPTA and Hammarskjold. 
The two entities have workedsuccessfully on many inclusion efforts, 
volunteerism, clubs, and through the excellence committee. We hope you will 
take advantage of this opportunity to help us integrate our children 
successfully. It is only with the combined help of families. teachers and 
administration that we can help these kinds of programs to succeed. On 
behalf of SEPTA, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. 
Gaskell, Hammarskjold Principal, and teachers Mr.Swayze, Mrs. Katzen and 
Mrs. Amendola for their time and effort in planning this program and helping 
our children develop socially . We encourage you to utilize this wonderful 
opportunity for your children. Please see Mr.Gaskell's letter under FORMS 
for more information regarding The Peer Buddy Group. Thank you.
> 
Audrey & Eddie Weiner
East Brunswick Special Education PTA
(SEPTA)
732-390-9265
eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com
http://teacherweb.com/NJ/FrostElementarySchool/SEPTA/

(See Mr. Gaskell, Principal of HMSletter on FORMS page)
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Learning Disabilities Association Conference info is available on the FORMS 
page
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EAST BRUNSWICK SPECIAL EDUCATION PTA
(SEPTA) SOCIAL GROUP

The East Brunswick SEPTA social group is being designed to help teenagers 
with mild to moderate classifications interact and develop friendships.  In 
piloting the program, activities will include board games in the library’s 
teen lounge, movies, arts and crafts running at the same time with SEPTA 
meetings at the East Brunswick Public Library. Snacks will be provided by 
SEPTA at the cafe to finish off the evening.   There will be experienced 
older students to provide structure and direction.  Once the program is 
developed, the group will expand it’s outings in the community including 
bowling, movies, ice cream socials and other social events.  This program is 
intended for young adults with special neds in age and disability.  If you 
are interested in having your adolescent participate in this program, fill 
out the registration form below and return it to your child’s school PTA or 
SEPTA mailbox in an envelope addressed to SEPTA.   Out-of-district families 
can send forms to the administration building located at:  East Brunswick 
Public Schools,  Student Services Department, 760 Route 18, East Brunswick, 
New Jersey  08816,  Attention:  East Brunswick Special Education PTA 
(SEPTA).  Registration can be found under SEPTA FORMS.




Your family can make a difference.
UMDNJ’s Medical  Student Seminar on
 Family Centered Care & Developmental Disabilities
	

Since 1989, this seminar has taught 3rd year medical students about:

•	the needs of children with developmental disabilities
•	the impact of having a child with a disability on the family, and 
•	how doctors can best support our families. 

The seminar combines classroom instruction and group discussion with visits 
to 
families in their homes. Faculty includes physicians, professionals in the 
field of developmental disabilities and a parent of a child with a 
disability. 
The project has impacted the lives of hundreds of medical students (who are 
now practicing physicians) through the help of families like yours. 

Whether families host one time per year or as often as it is convenient for 
them, they all report getting great satisfaction from sharing their stories 
and medical experiences with the medical students. The opportunity to teach 
what not to do by giving examples of what TO do, or the chance to share good 
experiences you’ve had by passing them on to a future doctor does not come 
along too often. Plus, we hope doctors will stop categorizing our kids by 
diagnosis and learn to view them as individuals with their own strengths when 
they meet them at home.

Families participating in our project:

•	Have a child with a developmental disability
•	Live within 30 minutes of New Brunswick in rush hour
•	Participate in an Orientation
•	Host two or three medical students for a visit and dinner in their 
home

For more info on the seminar and how to participate, please contact:

Kathy Gabry    •    (201) 998-9427    •    specialk38@aol.com

This project is run jointly by The Boggs Center—University Affiliated Program 
(UAP) of NJ and the Department of Pediatrics of The University of Medicine & 
Dentistry of NJ (UMDNJ)—Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.  The UAP is part 
of a national network of centers that share a common mission to improve the 
lives of people with developmental disabilities and support their integration 
into the community.