Warnsdorfer PTA

“The love of a family is life's greatest blessing”

You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

Disability Awareness Month

SEPTA hosted their first breakfast in tribute of Disability Awareness Month at the Colonial Diner on October 18, 2009.  It was a small first, successful celebration in honor of our children.  Thanks to Abby Levitt, for her support, Luke Birardi for singing and to Elizabeth Birardi for taking pictures.  Half of the $230.00 raised will go to the Marrero family who has incurred medical expenses for their daughter, Jessica.  The other half will sponsor social programs run through SEPTA.  To date, $423.00 was raised for the Marreros from SEPTA through events and donations, $150.00 to buddy baseball.   An important lesson was learned through one child.  As the event ended, Robin Diamond, and her daughter Jillian, came in with $23.00 that Jillian set aside of her own money a little at a time to give to Jessica and a note that reads:

 Dear Jessica,

Hi.  We met in keyboard class a few years ago.  Remember me?  Any way, I hope you’ll fell well soon. 

                                                                   Jillian Diamond

P.S. I hope you can get your van.

We hope you can join us for the next Disability Awareness function in October 2010.

SEPTA TEEN SOCIAL EVENTS

SEPTA has two teen social group outings planned of cosmic bowling that includes pizza and soda at Carolier Lanes.  The dates are November 28, 2009 and January 30, 2010.  If your teenager is interested, fill out a registration form listed on the website under forms and return it to your school's PTA mailbox in an envelope and a check addressed to "SEPTA" by November 20, 2009.  For organizational and planning purposes, we can only take teens and peer buddies who pre-register.  Peer buddies in grades 6-12 are needed and are paid for through SEPTA.  We will help a teen who is in need financially to attend a program and will be held strictly confidential.  Contact SEPTA at eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com  if you are in need of assistance.  We look forward to meeting your teenager!

FAMILY DAY

Join us at SEPTA's first annual family day of cosmic bowling, pizza, and soda on December 26, 2009.  If you are interested in attending, pre-register by filling out the form found on the website under forms, and return in an envelope and a check made out to "SEPTA,” by December 11, 2009.

UPCOMING TEEN SOCIAL OUTINGS

February 15, 2010 – Young Chef’s Academy

March 5 – Sports Night at Hammarskjold

Calling all Vendors

Event:  SEPTA VENDOR NIGHT

Date:  Friday, March 12, 2010 Vendor Night

Time:  7:00-9:00 PM

Place: HammarskjoldMiddle School cafeteria

How:  Contact Audrey at 732-390-9265 or at eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com.

THE NEXT SEPTA MEETING: DECEMBER 7, 2009 –TEAM TEACHING/ FACILITATED BY TOM CREGGE & JEFF SMITH, CHURCHILL AND JENNIFER WARD & STACEY DEFALCO, CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS Friday, January 29, 2010.

PARENT-TO-PARENT - Parent to parent is a support for parents who have questions regarding the referral process, I.E.P. process or would like support.  SEPTA parents have volunteered their assistance, Training is being provided by Sharon Weber-Oleszkiewicz, Director of Special Education.  Contact information will be available once the training is complete.

THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORTING THE PIE FUNDRAISER.  THANKS TO THE DISTRICT’S GENEROSITY, AN ADDITIONAL $80.00 WAS EARNED IN AN EFFORT WITH IRWIN TO SPONSOR MARREROS.

DIVERSITYWEAR

CLICK HERE FOR A DIVESITYWEAR FORM: SEPTA Diversity Wear Sale

SEPTA IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE DIVERSITYWEAR.  ORDER FORMS ARE LISTED ON THE SEPTA WEBSITE UNDER FORMS.  PRICES ARE YOUTH LARGE – ADULT X-L $10.00, 2X$11.00 AND 3x $12.00.  QUESTIONS?  CONTACT AUDREY AT 732-390-9265 or eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com

The Buffalo’s Rock the House –

Buddy Cheer - Yet Again-our Buddy Cheerleaders set the bar and brought the Sovereign Bank Arena to it’s feet-again. Our girls had strong voices, great motions and a dance that had everyone in the stands dancing along. And the tumbling pass-not to be missed! Our girls took the Championship trophy-as expected! And in the process-showed a whole new audience what a great Division this truly is. You girls are my team that shows EVERYONE how it is done. Congratulations to Abby, Skyler, Diana, Nadine, Jessica, Olivia, Mia and Meredith for a job very well done. A sincere THANKS to the coaches-Coach Dennis-our personal good will ambassador to the cheer world, Coach Lisa, Shelly, Corey, Rose and Teri who have worked so hard with the girls.  To our demos Amanda and Alexandra for their help in keeping the girls on track and to the parents for your constant support and commitment.  St. Bart's Buddies were the FIRST team in Pop Warner-and continue to be the ones leading the way. I am so proud of what you have accomplished and am grateful that you share your talents with us all! Coach Mary

SEPTA has embraced an Adopt-A-Family the Division of Recreation.  Food and monetary donations are needed.  Contact Sandy Romonofsyby e-mail at sromanofsky@gmsgroup.com if you can help.

Congratulations to all our football teams on some amazing games this weekend. Our Challengers had a great day of football in Brick-cheered on by our Cheer team and we are hoping to get another game in before the season is out. A Big Buffalo THANKS to Tom Cregge, Eric Johnson and Brandon Young for coaching the team this year. MY SINCERE THANKS to our coaches, as well as Pete Ielimini, Deena Doherty, Michele and Michael Stapert for being on hand to help with the Challenger Bowl. It was a HUGE success-thanks to your support!

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories?  ~George Eliot Most Important in a Friendship?  Tolerance and Loyalty – J.R. Roling

We’re All In This Together

SEPTA included “Where Are the Parents” in the September newsletter.  The person, who wrote the story, referenced an official who asked why there weren’t more parents (of special needs kids) involved in PTA and other issues that have come up directly with our kids.  Because this view continues to be a question, SEPTA chose to circulate it again.  The value of respect and empathy towards others is what makes each of us human.  It is the dream that children with special needs can integrate with their peers and our families can work in partnership because “We’re All In This Together, Making Education Special”. 

Where are the parents?

They are at home, diapering their 15 year old son, or trying to lift their 100 lb. daughter onto the toilet.  They are spending an hour at each meal to feed a child who cannot chew, or laboriously and carefully feeding their child through a g-tube.  They are administering medications, changing catheters and switching oxygen tanks.

Where are the parents?

They are sitting, bleary eyed, and exhausted, in hospital emergency rooms, waiting for tests results to come back and wondering, "Is this the time when my child doesn't pull through?”  They are sitting patiently in hospital rooms as their child recovers from yet another surgery to lengthen hamstrings or straighten backs or repair a faulty internal organ.  They are waiting in long lines in county clinics because no insurance company will touch their child.

Where are the parents?

They are sleeping in shifts because their child won't sleep more than 2 or 3 hours a night, and must constantly be watched, lest he do himself, or another member of the family, harm.  They are sitting at home with their child because family and friends are either too intimidated or too unwilling to help with child care and the state agencies that are designed to help are suffering cut backs of their own.

Where are the parents?

They are trying to spend time with their non-disabled children, as they try to make up for the extra time and effort that is critical to keeping their disabled child alive.  They are struggling to keep a marriage together, because adversity does not always bring you closer.  They are working 2 and sometime 3 jobs in order to keep up with the extra expenses.  And sometimes they are a single parent struggling to do it all by themselves.

Where are the parents?

They are trying to survive in a society that pays lip service to helping those in need, as long as it doesn't cost them anything.  They are trying to patch their broken dreams together so that they might have some sort of normal life for their children and their families.

They are busy, trying to survive! Sue Stuyvesant 10/15/96: Permission to duplicate or distribute this document is granted with the provision that the document remains intact.  Sue passed away in October 2003.  Michelle passed away a week before she was to turn 18 in September 2005…….Submitted by Meredith Shaw

 ‘Occasionally you get frustrated at the insensitivity, or plain ignorance, of some people and the comments that they make but then you realize that it is only because the community hasn’t been educated about children with disabilities and the abilities and potential that they have. My hope is that as they grow up the community will grow up and become more accepting and I think that this will happen because of how the younger generation are so accepting of our children.’

Parent of a child with an intellectual disability, 1999

Volunteers are needed to hand out pies on Tues., November  23 & Wed., November  24 from 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM at the administration building.  Contact Audrey at 732-390-9265 or at eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com if you can help.

Wheelchairs AVAILABLE

DEAR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

KIDZDENT provides specialty pediatric and orthodontic care to children with special healthcare needs.  We treat children with Autism, ADHD, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and many other special health conditions. To further our mission to help those in need, we are able to provide - at no cost - three new adult wheelchairs and one slightly used child's wheelchair. If you, or someone you know, is in need of a wheelchair please email christine@kidzdent.com explaining the situation, and the wheelchairs will be donated to the appropriate persons.

The donations will be based on need, and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thank you for helping us to help others.  Have a great day!!

DR. CAVAN BRUNSDEN

Kidzdent Children’s Dental Care: 2455 Rt. 516 - Old Bridge, NJ08857Normal is just is a setting on your dryer-Patsy Clairmont"I

IN THE DISTRICT:

There is room on the Student Services Committee for community participation.  This committee discusses issues related to education initiatives including those for special needs, programs, and services for all students, support and interventions available and nursing/health issues.  Please email commrel@ebnet.org if interested

An Ordinary Child

I am an ordinary child,

I am sitting in an ordinary chair.

I just want to have fun with others,

And know that someone cares.

I go to a "special" gym class,

I don’t run as fast as my peers,

I have poor penmanship,

I don’t like loud noises or cheers.

I do not jump high in the air,

I don’t do very well on skates,

Riding a bike is difficult for me,

But I have many appealing traits.

I go to a "special" class,

Where things are done my way,

I am very intelligent,

And get mainstreamed every day.

I am good at so many things,

I am funny, witty, and gay,

My sense of humor gets me far,

I am the comedian of the day.

I am a sincere and caring friend,

My heart is big and kind,

A unique person like myself,

In this world is very hard to find.

I love to listen to music,

I like to sing and dance,

I love to read a book each day,

All I want is a chance!

I love to go horseback riding,

And love all kinds of pets,

I love to play buddy ball,

And watching the NY Jets!

I love to cheer with my team,

And all my "typical" peers,

I love to hear the crowd’s joy,

As we perform our exhibition cheers.

So when you see me on the playground,

Or walking around the hall,

Do not treat me any differently,

For a disability that makes me trip or fall

.

Please do not walk away from me,

Because I don't seem the same,

I am sure we can find a common thread,

Perhaps we can play a game.

I want to be your friend,

Please invite me over to play,

Inside I am just like you,

In so many different ways

THE SEPTA COMMUNITY

We don't know where to begin because it is so emotional for us.  SEPTA is a large part of our lives of which we have dedicated ourselves to, second to our daughter.  It is in our hearts and means more to us than words can express.   It is our objective to finish out this year and take a back seat to support our kids, schools and PTAs over the course of Diana's last 3 years of high school.  We only hope that we have touched a small portion of people's lives that have touched ours.  We have been encouraged by many dedicated volunteers and blessed with numerous friends made through SEPTA.  You are the inspiration that makes East Brunswick a better community for our families.  As we finish our sixth year as co-presidents, and welcome Amy Geoffroy, it is our hope that you will to continue your commitment to SEPTA.  Remember, is takes a community to make things happen.

20 YEARS OF BUDDY BASEBALL/REGISTRATION

It’s time to sign up for spring buddy ball!  Join us in celebrating our 20th year together.  Signups are at manager’s hall on the following dates:

Thursday, November 19  7-9pm

Saturday, November  21  9-12 noon

Thursday, December   3  7-9pm

Saturday, December   5  9-12noon

The cost is $50 and checks may be made out to EBBL.  Times are tough; and if they are especially hard on you right now call me at 732-651-6517 to talk. No child will be left out due to cost.  Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING.   

Tom Cregge

The Special Education PTA (SEPTA)

Monthly Meeting - In-Class  Support

Presented by: Jennifer Ward & Stacey DeFalco-Central Tom Cregge & Jeff Smith CHJHS

This meeting will focus on the strategies of team-teaching with in-class support presented by teachers who are model teams from our district.  All children can learn and integrate with their “typical” peers with modifications and collaboration.  Can you tell who the general or special education teacher is?  A question and answer period is available at the end of the presentation.

CHILD CARE and SOCIAL GROUP IS AVAILABLE

For planning purposes, please respond to the meeting and childcare to eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

EAST BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY, 7:00 PM

The objective of the East Brunswick Special Education PTAis 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 at: eddieweinersepta@hotmail.com.  Join us and help make a difference

Peer Buddy Club at Churchill by:  Diana Weiner

It is Thursday at ChurchillJunior High School. It is a huge building with many classrooms and crowded halls.  One of the classrooms, room 910 has a peer buddy club. In this group Mrs. Raghavan and Mrs. Catullo were the advisors.  I joined peer buddy on October 22nd 2009.  It is an after school club.  We spoke about ourselves, where we live and if we had any siblings.   We played apples to apples, a game where everyone gets to be a judge.  We read our cards out loud and then the winner gets to be a judge.    It was the first meeting for the Peer Buddy club and I had a great time. Before I got there, I was really nervous.  I felt a lot calmer when the first meeting was over.  I look forward to the next meting with the club.                                                     Another way we got to know each other was to use a white string to help say facts about each other.  hey gave us a piece of white string, we tied the white string around our finger and when we   would say something about ourselves.   Then we would unravel the string the next person in the group would go and would tell us something interesting or funny about them.                         I think it is really fun to meet with this group.  I can’t wait to see all the things we will do every other week.  It would be great to see new kids join this club. It would keep expanding and meet new kids.  I would have more confidence and fun week after week. 

One of the greatest things about being a teenager is the sharing, the closeness and the great times you have with your friends.  -"Unknown

SEPTA Webpage-http://teacherweb.com/NJ/FrostElementarySchool/SEPTA/