2024-2025 Back to School Newsletter

Dear RFH Families,

It is with excitement and anticipation that I write this letter to welcome everyone back for the 2024-25 school year! I hope that everyone found time this summer to do things that bring them joy with those they love. In Special Services, we have been busy throughout the summer getting ready for a successful school year! Detailed in the newsletter below, you will see newly hired staff, activities from our Extended School Year (ESY) Program, our Department Goals for this upcoming year, and a caregiver-involvement survey. These newsletters will be distributed quarterly, so be on the lookout throughout the year for our newsletters. We look forward to seeing the halls and learning spaces filled with our students soon!

In the meantime...enjoy the final days of summer break,

Go, Dawgs!,

Mrs. Lauren Malaney

The Special Services Department will be welcoming several new staff members for the 2024-25 school year. They have already begun their journey as each have joined us for orientation. We welcome these outstanding educators to our team!

Kerri Bress - School Nurse

Krista Honnold - Special Education Teacher

TBD - Special Education Teacher

Lorissa Voorhees - Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC)

Amy Winters - School Psychologist Maternity-Leave Replacement (September-April)

TBD - Paraprofessional

Our Extended School Year (ESY) Program 2024 was a great success! The students certainly enjoyed the wonderful hands-on experiences that our staff provided them. Thanks to a generous donation by Molzon's Farm in Lincroft, we were gardening and cooking on a daily basis. We also visited local businesses, engaged in a Reader's Theater performance, and much much more! We also enjoyed several sessions with our therapy dog, Timmy, who is always a welcomed visitor. The learning was truly tremendous!

Each year, our department focuses on specific priorities that have direct impact on student and family achievement. This year, our goals are broken down into two facets that are based on roles within the Special Education Department:

The Child Study Team: To develop a Child Study Team manual of Standard Operating Procedures for the department that aligns with the New Jersey Administrative Code

Teaching Staff: To develop, plan, and implement Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) through varied activities that meet the needs of the special education student

Parents and families are such an integral piece to our student's success. Please take a few minutes to participate in our caregiver survey by clicking on the icon. Thank you!

• August 27th: Freshman & New Student Orientation 9:00am; BOE Meeting 6:30pm
• September 3rd: First Day of School
• September 4th: Class Meetings (During School Hours)
• September 10th: BOE Meeting 6:30pm
• September 12th: Back to School Night 7:00pm*

*Presentation for Special Education Parents/Caregivers 6:00pm

• September 24th: BOE Meeting 6:30pm
• October 8th: BOE Meeting 6:30pm

Communication with your child's case manager is paramount for optimal outcomes, both academically and socially. The RFH case managers are listed below. If you are unsure of your child's case manager, please contact our Secretary, Mrs. Lindsey McCarthy at (732) 842-1597 ext 251 or via email at lmccarthy@rumsonfairhaven.org.

• Mrs. Katie McLoughlin (Social Worker)
• Mrs. Marisa Stefani (Social Worker/Transition Coordinator)
• Dr. Lorissa Voorhees (LDTC)
• Dr. Amy Winters (School Psychologist Maternity-Leave Replacement for Dr. Tiffani Kurtz)

Are you looking to learn more about the transition to adult life? Check out the following websites:

• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services DVRS

• NJ Register Ready

• Arc of Monmouth County

• Division of Developmental Disabilities DDD

Contact Information:

Email: lmalaney@rumsonfairhaven.org
Phone: (732) 842-1597 ext. 250

Twitter: @laurmalaney