Banyan Bulletin

To educate students with learning disabilities by identifying individual strengths and abilities, continuously monitoring individual progress, and adapting the curriculum to to meet each students changing educational needs.

As parent/teacher conferences approach next month, the importance of reciprocal communication to best meet the needs of our students comes to mind. Parental involvement and collaboration with teachers can make a significant difference in academic and personal growth. One essential way to foster this collaboration is through parent-teacher conferences. Lists below are some of the benefits that can be gained from conferences:

1. A Partnership for Success: Parents and Teachers

Imagine education as a journey. Your child is embarking on this journey in the classroom, guided by their teachers. But this journey isn't just for your child; it's a shared experience that involves both parents and teachers. By working together, parents and teachers can create a supportive environment where children can thrive academically and socially.

2. Understanding Your Child's Progress

Parent-teacher conferences offer a unique opportunity to gain insight into your child's progress and development. During these meetings, teachers can provide you with a comprehensive overview of your child's academic achievements, strengths, and areas where they may need extra support. This information is invaluable in helping you understand your child's learning style and their individual needs.

3. Addressing Concerns Early

One of the key benefits of parent-teacher conferences is the chance to address any concerns or questions you may have about your child's education. Teachers are there to listen, provide guidance, and collaborate with you to find solutions. Whether it's a struggling subject, behavioral issues, or any other matter, early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's success.

4. Setting Goals Together

During conferences, parents and teachers can set academic and behavioral goals for the child. These goals provide a roadmap for both home and school to work together in achieving specific milestones. When parents and teachers align their efforts toward these objectives, the child receives consistent support and encouragement, leading to greater success.

5. Open Communication is Key

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful parent-teacher partnership. Parents should feel comfortable reaching out to teachers throughout the school year, not just during formal conferences. Teachers, in turn, value and encourage open communication with parents. If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to check in on your child's progress, don't hesitate to contact the teacher. Remember, you are a team, and working together is the best way to support your child's education.

If you would like more information regarding communication please feel free to click on the link below: https://cypressvillage.iusd.org/article/power-parent-teacher-conferences-building-success-together

Parents can sign up for the conferences using the parent portal at https://www.fridayparentportal.com/Banyan

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) offers 1:1 Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) for students ages 14–21, delivered by an approved vendor—typically after school at your local library (sometimes weekends, as agency schedules allow). Services include:

1. Workplace Readiness Training

2. Career Exploration Counseling

3. Self-Advocacy Training

4. Post-Secondary Program Counseling (if appropriate)

Because Banyan already provides Work-Based Learning (WBL), DVRS generally will not duplicate WBL through Pre-ETS. However, after completing the services above, eligible students may be considered for a 150-hour paid internship with a local business or nonprofit in your county. Note: This internship does not include a Job Coach. Students must be able to self-advocate, initiate/stay on task independently, and behave professionally.

Another program funded through Pre-ETS is the Pre-College Summer Program (PCSP), a 10-day/9-night residential pre-college experience for students ages 16 to 21 with IDD at Georgian Court University and TCNJ. Students live in dorms and follow a curriculum covering Person-Centered Planning, Career Exploration, Social Thinking, and Independence/Life Skills. These programs fill quickly, so apply early:

• TCNJ: https://pcsp.tcnj.edu/

• Georgian Court: https://georgian.edu/pcsp/

Our transition department can assist you with application to the Pre-ETS services. Please feel free to reach out for assistance.

The LIFE Academy students have been practicing their functional literacy skills by reading recipes. Functional literacy allows individuals to apply basic reading, comprehension, and math skills to everyday tasks, such as following a recipe. When reading a recipe, functional literacy enables someone to identify necessary ingredients, interpret specific step-by-step instructions, and accurately measure components or time cooking durations. Mastering this practical skill fosters personal independence, builds confidence in the kitchen, and ensures safe, successful food preparation. The students put their skills to task by creating apple pie bites!

If you would like to try the recipe at home:

Ingredients

🍎🍏Large apples (green or red)

🥐Crescent roll dough

🟤Cinnamon

⚪️Sugar

🔪Kid-friendly knife

🟧Cutting board

🍕Pizza cutter

🍪Small cookie cutter (ideally a circle)

🍶Caramel sauce in a squeeze bottle

▭Baking sheet & non-stick line

🧤Oven glove

✑Spatula

Directions

🧑🏼‍🍳 Preheat the oven to 375°F.

🍏 Cut half-inch slices out of the apple & use a small cookie cutter to remove the core/seeds.

🥐 Roll out the crescent dough on a cutting board & use a pizza cutter to slice half-inch strips.

Wrap a strip of dough around each apple ring. Leave spaces or cover completely, depending on your desired look.

Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

⏲️ Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.

🆒 Let cool for 2 minutes.

✌🏼 Drizzle caramel sauce on top and enjoy!

❓ Follow up your cooking lesson with recipe comprehension

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Andrew Kaider. I am excited to join the Banyan community. Having worked as both an English teacher and a Media Specialist, this position is the perfect blend of my professional background and passion. The kind welcome from students and staff has made me feel at home right away.

Outside of education, I enjoy gardening and cooking with home-grown herbs and vegetables. I’m also a big car enthusiast with an interest in all things automotive. When I travel, I look for the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ adventure. I’ll go hiking in the mountains, explore a desert or recently experiencing the raw landscape of Iceland.

The Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) would like to welcome your family to the new school year! We are excited to collaborate with all families to enhance the experiences of our young adults at Banyan High School and/or LIFE Academy. Building partnerships among Banyan families is a vital aspect of the PTSO; each of us brings unique experiences and ideas to the table. We invite you to share your time and creativity to make a positive impact!

• Participate in and attend PTSO events. These gatherings are not only about showing support, but also about enjoying the unity of our school community. Our meetings provide an opportunity to connect with other Banyan families and become familiar with the staff. Watch for details to be sent via email about upcoming events, and get ready to be involved in something special.

• Become a part of a committee. Participating in committee activities is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow parents! We value your combined insights on how to successfully organize events.. Our students are eager to spend time with their friends, and it's essential that we collaborate to find ways to make this happen.

• Participate in (online) PTSO Meetings. Notifications for upcoming PTSO meetings, including the Zoom link, will be distributed via email. Meetings are scheduled ahead of time for our events. Your presence is encouraged to connect with other parents, share your thoughts, and engage actively.

• Become a member of the PTSO! We suggest a family contribution of $45.00 annually. These contributions help fund our educational programs and community social events. Please submit your dues via check made out to Banyan High School PTSO or through Zelle or using the QR code here or by searching for Banyan High School PTSO (as a business account) using our PTSO email: bhsptso@banyanschool.org.

We are eager to collaborate with you on the PTSO to support our young adults and improve their educational experience at Banyan. Your presence and participation are greatly appreciated, and we are excited to have you as part of our school community!

Please join us for Family Bingo on November 13 at 6 PM!

Here are some important upcoming events:

Please follow the school calendar at our website: www.banyanschool.org

• Breast Cancer Awareness - Please wear pink on Friday, October 23
• Social 4 Life - October 28th Halloween Social at BHS
• Halloween Social - October 30 during the school day
• Parent Conferences - November 2 - 4, please sign up using the Realtime parent portal. These are single session, 12:15 PM dismissal for students.
• Teacher's Convention - No School November 5 & 6
• Picture Day Make ups - November 14 during the school day
• Family Bingo - Friday, November 13 at 6 PM in St. Francis Hall

Website: www.banyanschools.org
Location: 471 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ, USA
Phone: 973 785-1919
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Banyan-School/100063632976200/