Dear BCCD Students, Families, and Staff,
The last days of the year are a great chance to reflect on the laughter and tears of yesterday. The ending of a year is like closing a window. Even though it is shut, fresh light will still shine through. We should always take a moment to reflect and look back, but only for an instant, because new possibilities are just over the horizon awaiting us in a new year. If 2024 was challenging, give yourself grace and remember if the only thing you did was “Get through it” then that is good enough.
Throughout 2024 our students have worked toward their personal goals with the guidance of our outstanding certificated staff and assistance from our caring paraprofessionals. All of our students not only worked tirelessly on their academics and life skills, but they also participated in singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, and making beautiful art through a therapeutic lens. Our related services providers (Physical therapists, Occupational therapists, Speech, Music and Art therapist) work throughout the year to provide individualized attention to our students' growing needs. Our students utilize our sensory gym and sensory room as a place of sanctuary and comfort. Additionally, they have and will attend many field trips throughout the year such as the Liberty Science Center, Legoland, pumpkin picking at Abma Farms and Lifetown in Livingston NJ. Throughout the year we have assisted parents/guardians by taking students for haircuts as some of our students have aversions to this typical life event. Our 18–21-year-old program remains focused on relevant job skills with potential employment opportunities upon graduation. As always, they are assisted by our skilled job coaches both on the job site and in the school building. Currently we have approximately 12 students working at 20 different community venues throughout our surrounding area. The office staff, custodians and administration workday to day to keep our school vibrant, clean and welcoming to all students, their families, and staff.
Our student population has grown significantly over the past few years and to meet those demands we have increased our staff as well. BCCD remains committed to serving our expanding student population by hiring and retaining qualified staff members to be key contributors to our BCCD programs. Amongst our growing BCCD family we are happy to announce that a new board of trustee’s member will begin with us in the new year. Colleen Tambuscio brings years of teaching and board of education experience as well as her many years of groundbreaking work with curriculum and course work in the area of holocaust and genocide education. We look forward to working with her on behalf of our extraordinary students.
It is with a grateful heart that the Board of Trustees and I wish all our students, families, and staff a healthy, happy holiday season.
Let this new year bring wisdom, inspiration, and joy.
Kindly,
Trecia Donnelly
President of the Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees:
Rosann Boylan
Tony Orsini
Susan Aufiero- Peters
Kevin Feeley
Richard Lilgeberg
Colleen Tambuscio
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