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Lego City Helps Students Build Skills

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Chapel Hill student learning with Lego®Every kid knows that you can build just about anything with Legos®. At Chapel Hill Academy, students are building confidence, joint attention, focus, negotiation skills, and problem solving. Leveraging students’ love of these colorful building bricks, this cross-curricular project has elementary students working together to create “Lego City.”

green lego block illustrationThe concept for Lego City got its start through one student’s project during “Genius Mods,” an independent study module offered to students at CHA. This spring, ten students ages 7-9 took part in the multi-week project in Maureen Dahdah’s elementary school classroom.

The project is linked to many areas of the curriculum, including math (fractions) and social studies (how government and democratic decision-making works). Students named the city “FlamEngland” – a combination of flamingo and England – to reflect their studies of Colonial America.

“Building with Legos is a multi-sensory, open-ended experience, so I was able to tailor the activity to meet the students’ unique needs. The lesson plans addressed areas of the core curriculum in a way that was fun and engaging. And because it was such a team effort, students used a toolbox of skills to build cooperation and teamwork.”
— Maureen Dahdah, CHA Teacher

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump

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Chapel Hill Academy students in the sensory hallway -special needs private schoolA new sensory hallway at Chapel Hill Academy is giving students the chance to burn off energy and learn to self-regulate so they can be ready for academic learning in the classroom. The hallway features a series of colorful, sequenced decals that guide students as they lizard walk, bunny hop, or skip through a game of hopscotch.

“The sensory path provides an opportunity for the student’s body and brain to refocus, while reducing sensory seeking behaviors and not over-stimulating the child. As children change between classes of their school day, the sensory path can be a built-in opportunity for movement and maintaining attention for any child,” said Stephanie DeVoe, an Occupational Therapist at Chapel Hill Academy.

Researchers have found that physically active students pay more attention, have faster cognitive processing speeds, and do better on standardized tests than children who are less active. Sensory exercises are particularly helpful for kids who have processing issues, stress, anxiety, and ADHD.

“When a student fidgets in class, we view that as communication. They are letting us know that they need to get up and move in order to learn,” said Stephanie. “The sensory hall helps students self regulate; it is a preventative measure to help students with energy and behavior.”

Leaders at Chapel Hill Academy thank Kirsten Hansen, and everyone at Hansen & Ryan Inc., a Totowa-based insurance company, for their generous contribution during Autism Week that made the sensory hall possible.

John Ferris with students

John Farris Named 2019 Ruth K. Newman Award Recipient

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Congratulations to John Farris, the 2019 winner of the Ruth K. Newman Award for Excellence. The award is bestowed each year by the Council of Private Schools for Children with Special Needs to recognize teaching professionals for outstanding contributions and dedication in providing educational services to children with disabilities.

A 16-year veteran educator, John came to Chapel Hill Academy as a 1:1 paraprofessional, often tasked with supporting the most difficult students. In 2014, John was named leader of the Crisis Response Team, providing support and assistance to teachers working with students with challenging behavior, and leading staff in verbal de-escalation efforts to assist students in crisis.

“John has always excelled, remaining personable, consistent, and positive in the face of emotional and mental hardship, helping his students succeed and reach personal goals,” said Diane Somers, Director.

Interest in Biology “Takes Root” Through Hydroponic Gardening

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Two male CHA students working on hydroponic garden at schoolThe students in biology classes at Chapel Hill Academy are not only learning biology, but also important life lessons as they grow and prepare their own food. Tammy Perkins, the biology teacher, received her Master Gardening certification and is bringing her passion and knowledge to her students through the new hydroponic gardening towers.

Last April, the Health Department of Lincoln Park received a grant as part of NJ Healthy Communities Network to purchase hydroponic towers. Chapel Hill Academy received two of these towers, which students helped to construct and continue to maintain. Hydroponic gardening is a form of indoor gardening where plants are grown year round without soil. The towers are an addition to the existing outdoor raised garden beds, which have supplied pumpkins, zucchini, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplants, and herbs.

“Gardening used to require an outdoor space and was limited by season and weather, but this is no longer the case. Hydroponic systems allow our students to enjoy the benefits of gardening all year and in any kind of weather,” said Ms. Perkins.

Hands-on lessons teach students the requirements of water and light for the plants, the importance of pH and macronutrients, the different parts of the plants that provide nutrition for the human body, the different types of flowers and the challenge of indoor pollination and insect control, to name a few. Gardening is experimental, so after trying to grow a number of vegetables, the students have already learned that the hydroponic towers are better for growing leafy vegetables such as kale, herbs and lettuces since they do not need to cross pollinate.

In addition to the excitement of monitoring the vegetables as they emerge and grow, the students work collectively to harvest the vegetables, follow recipes to cook them, and then finally eat them. Sometimes the vegetables are a variety the students are trying for the first time.

“It is exciting to have the opportunity to connect students with healthy food that they have grown themselves. They are socializing and sharing in this wonderful experience while learning important social skills, collaboration, healthy eating, and of course, biology. The benefits of gardening and connecting with nature are proven to reduce anxiety and negative feelings and I see it with my students,” said Ms. Perkins.

This winter, while the school’s butterfly waystation is void of swirling butterflies and the outdoor raised garden beds are covered under snow, students in Ms. Perkins’ biology classes will continue to grow nutritious food and enjoy warm meals together.

Getting Readers Ready

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Students come to Chapel Hill Academy with a range of challenges, including learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Some students struggle to make the connection between sounds and symbols, while others have trouble with comprehension. Any one of these difficulties can affect learning across all content areas. That is where Maggie Kondovski, LDT-C, Supervisor of Instruction, steps in.

Female CHA middle school student working on reading with a female teacherThe Remedial Reading Program at Chapel Hill Academy supports students in all grades, but specifically targets those students in grades 2-6. Ms. Kondovski conducts informal assessments several times a year, observes in the classroom, and consults with parents, teachers and counselors to identify students who might need extra support. “Together we choose a path,” she said.

Different approaches work for different students. When teaching students to read phonetically, educators create materials using Explode the Code®, a program rooted in Orton-Gillingham®. For students whose challenges are in the areas of memorization and visual discrimination, they might use the Edmark Reading Program®. Both programs are evidence-based, structured, and sequenced.

But it is not the program alone that makes the difference. “The challenge is studying the student to make a determination as to which direction best suits their specific learning needs and style,” Ms. Kondovski said.

Ms. Kondovski recalled a 3rd grader who struggled with both behavior and reading. For a full month, they met every day, just building rapport. “We didn’t discuss reading at all. I got to know him: his favorite ice cream flavor, who was in his family, and what shows he watched. That made all the difference. When I began addressing the reading, he trusted me,” she said.

Over time, she increased the reading instruction, using a phonetic approach and activities that would engage him. “We worked together every day for two years; he became a more fluent reader and developed confidence,” she said.

Under Ms. Kondovski’s instructional leadership, teachers at Chapel Hill Academy learn to alter workbooks into games to engage the students, while providing materials that are multi-sensory.

“Our students need instruction that is systematic, repetitive, and presented in varied forms. Our teachers take the time to discover what motivates each student and to develop games based on their interests. The methods and materials have changed throughout the years, but the approaches remain the same: develop a rapport and provide materials and instruction that are unique to each student,” she concluded.

Reaching New Levels: A New Behavior Support System Engages Students

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This fall, high school students at Chapel Hill Academy were introduced to a new incentive system, allowing them to earn privileges and access to special events.

CHA student working with a teacher on his individualized behavioral planThe new system works with the current BASE system. Based on the number of points they earn each week, students receive credits in their “account.”

Through the new “levels” system, students earn credits they can use to purchase access to food, trips to local restaurants, recreational trips like bowling and billiards, and even the option to eat lunch in the homeroom, where there is a quiet, comfortable social setting. The total number of credits earned for the year is also tracked. At certain intervals, new status levels are achieved. These levels may include privileges that do not need to be purchased. “By far the most popular privilege comes with earning Gold status, unlocking music and gaming sites for their Chromebooks,” added Somers. The new system affords students increased chances for social interactions, including an upcoming trip to historic Asbury Park.

“The new system of levels has our students more engaged and involved in earning their points on a daily basis,” added Mr. Somers, who has been with the school for 15 years. “They often ask about the number of points they need to earn their next credit or how close they are to earning an upgraded status. They are also very involved in selecting new privileges they would like to earn,” he concluded.

Future Ready: Cisco Certification

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Two Chapel Hill Academy male students working with a server rack and giving thumbs up hand signalsAs the global economy shifts to focus on technology, students need technical skills that bring opportunities for high-value jobs. Chapel Hill Academy is preparing students through its partnership with Cisco Networking Academy.

Michael Padula, an educator at CHA, introduced Cisco Networking Academy four years ago. The program fosters the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed for careers in networking and communications.

“The classes and certifications make sure students have the capability to support Cisco-made products and have the skills to troubleshoot different kinds of technology problems,” said Mr. Padula. “Once a student earns certification, they can put it on their resumes, and that helps them in getting and working in IT-related jobs,” he concluded.

Students who take and pass IT Essentials are ready for an entry-level IT position. They have working knowledge of how computers and mobile devices operate; can identify common security threats and vulnerabilities like malware, phishing, spoofing, and social engineering; and can apply skills and procedures to install, configure, and, troubleshoot computers, mobile devices, and software. More advanced courses prepare students with skills they need to manage networks and data.

“The program helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving,” added Mr. Padula.

The internationally-recognized training program is now taught in more than 10,400 schools in 180 countries. Chapel Hill Academy is one of only three state-approved private special education schools in New Jersey to offer this program. “We want our students to have options for high-value jobs, as well as college, so our transition services reflect coursework to get them ready for whatever they choose,” said Diane Somers, Director.

Where Are They Now?

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We are proud of every one of our graduates!

  • Brian Kanefsky (2018) is a freshman at Seton Hall University where he is starring as Antonio in the University’s Fall production of Shakespeare’s comedy, Twelfth Night.
  • Aiden Pidgeon (2016) is a junior at Dickinson College where he is currently ranked #1 in his class of 545. A science writer, he is studying Astronomy and Physics and is the president of the Astronomy Club. Aiden attended an internship at Vassar College’s Undergrad Research Summer Institute in Astronomy and Physics. This past summer, he was employed as a guide at the campus planetarium.
  • Matt Mullins (2015) is attending William Paterson State University, where he is president of the Pioneer Amateur Radio Club, an organization interested in amateur radio. Matt was among 9 students selected to travel to Puerto Rico last winter to help restore the island’s hurricane-ravaged community radio station. Matt also serves as a student ambassador for WPU.

Other graduates have gone on to jobs, volunteer work and have continued their education at Rowan University, Iona College, Highpoint University, Bergen Community College, Lincoln Tech, County College of Morris, and Bergen County Vocational School.

If you are a graduate of CHA and want to let us know what is happening in your life, please write to us at info@chapelhillacademy.net.