May 13-19 is Special Education Week in New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie has proclaimed May 13-19 as Special Education Week in New Jersey.

Special Education Week recognizes the achievements of the state's 232,000 students with special needs and the commitment of their parents and teachers.

The New Jersey School Boards Association and ASAH, a non-profit organization representing private schools serving students with disabilities, have sponsored Special Education Week since 1985. This year's theme is "Charting the Course for Excellence in Education."

"The public school districts and the private schools of New Jersey make a major contribution to the public welfare by preparing thousands of exceptional persons to participate as citizens of this state and as members of society," states the governor's resolution.

The governor further called upon "all residents to recognize the achievements of New Jersey's special education students and the outstanding contributions made by board members, schools and agencies for the disabled and their parents to move toward quality education for the exceptional residents of our state."

"We appreciate the governor's recognition of the important work that is occurring in special education programs in schools throughout New Jersey," said Marie S. Bilik, NJSBA executive director.

On Friday, ten New Jersey schools will be recognized for creative special education programming through the Innovations in Special Education Awards.  A special event will be held in Princeton in conjunction with Special Education Week in New Jersey. The May 18th awards program is sponsored NJSBA and ASAH.

Recognized programs include –

• Boonton Town Public Schools, T.A.G., Teen Advocacy Group
• Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission, Energy Cubs
• Morris County School of Technology, S.E.A.L.S., Students Empowered for Advocacy and Leadership Skills
• North Warren Regional School District, Patriot Pup Biscuits
• P.G. Chambers School, Cedar Knolls, Virtual Tours
• Sayreville Public Schools, We Care
• The Children's Institute, Verona, Using Google Apps to Create a School Store
• The Phoenix Center, Nutley, Stretching Our Fitness Goals into the Community
• Warren Hills Regional School District, Middle School Students with Exceptionalities Discovering Citizenship through Personal Inquiry and Experience
• Washington Township Schools (Morris County), Copy Cat Kids