New Jersey Special Education week was May 14 - 20, 2023. The theme for this year is "Creating a Better World". With this theme in mind, Banyan High School would like to share the following resolution for all of our families. This was shared with the students during last week:

WHEREAS, 234,000 children receive special education instruction in New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, more than 15,000 special needs children are enrolled in preschool and early intervention programs in New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, thousands of parents, teachers, child study team members and school administrators give generously of their time and energy to support the learning needs of special education students; and

WHEREAS, since 1985, New Jersey has proclaimed the second week in May each year as Special Education Week in New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, the theme for Special Education Week 2023 is “Creating a Better World;” and

WHEREAS, the school districts 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; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Banyan Schools recognize the students who have worked so hard and accomplished so much; and thanks their parents and educators, who have provided support to these children and continue to look for ways to improve our schools to promote the achievement of ALL students.

I am grateful to be a part of the Banyan Family of schools and love the collaborative culture shared by all the staff working together to maximize our student’s educational advancement and growth as whole learners. I have worked in the field of Education for over twenty years at every level of teaching and administration. I hold a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland, a M.A in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii Manoa, an M.A in Special Education and Certification as a Teacher of the Handicapped (TOH for grades 1-8) with a Concentration in Developmental Disability from William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. I am also highly qualified to teach Social Studies (economics, history, civics, and geography) and World Languages (Chinese) in grades 9 through 12. Finally, I hold both a

Supervisory Endorsement and a Principal Certification from William Paterson University.

I began my career in education as a one-on-one personal assistant for a student with autism (AS). Then was a general aide/ assistant for a class of AS students. From a general aide I was promoted to a head assistant working directly with a teacher to run a classroom. After completing my degree in teaching I taught as a team teacher, teacher and finally as a head teacher overseeing a group of other educators to ensure the highest standards in education for students with disabilities. During my 20+ years of teaching I have worked with and taught students with classifications of severe to mild AS, MD , ED, BD, and medically fragile students. Finally, before joining the Banyan Family, I worked as a vice principal and principal for a private special education school. I am Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I Certified at

the Wilson® Dyslexia Practitioner level and currently pursuing my WRS Level II certification. I have also completed training in a Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing program workshop.

I truly enjoy working with the students each and every day!

The Banyan Olympics will be held on Thursday, June 15th at the Wayne PAL. Students will arrive at school at the regular time and be bused to the Wayne PAL. All students will return back to Banyan High School for dismissal. The day will be filled with different activities both indoors and outdoors. Students will be divided into small groups and rotate through different stations together. Please remember to send your student with water, sunscreen, and a brown bagged lunch. We are looking forward to a great day filled with fun games, races, and competitions.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnd23vP2m4Xr4YIj6Zm272rFntRFKXlq5i_mwHW4D2nFtS_g/viewform?usp=sf_link

As we know, Prom season is quickly approaching! We would like to offer all interested students the opportunity to go to a local nail salon the morning of prom (Wednesday June 7th) to have their nails done. The salon is Sun Hair & Nails and it is within walking distance on Newark Pompton Turnpike. Staff would be accompanying them on this social adventure! They have the option of ONE of the following services:

Regular Manicure $15.00

Gel Manicure $35.00

Regular Pedicure $25.00

Gel Pedicure $50.00

Regular Mani/Pedi $40.00

Gel Mani/Pedi $60.00

If you choose for your young adult to attend, please complete the attached form below and submit NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY MAY 31st. We must let the facility prepare and unfortunately cannot add anyone last minute.

If your young adult will be attending, please send EXACT CASH PLUS TIP WITH THEM ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT in an envelope and please write on the front of the envelope: 1) the name of the student, and 2) the name of the service they would like.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoGAcNRcvIvwrhICM9B2AVcNksofsrFUsyhGVYKVC92_e-3g/viewform

Here are some important upcoming events:

• Memorial Day Extended Break - May 26 - 30
• Single Session for PD - June 2 12:15
• BHS Prom - June 7, 6:30 PM
• Senior Trip - June 14
• Banyan Olympics - June 15
• Awards Assembly - June 16
• Class of 2023 Graduation - June 21 6:30 PM