It’s the end of summer, and that means beaches, barbecues, and — yes — school! A new academic year approaches, so we’re in full swing at The Phoenix Center ensuring we are more than prepared for our students’ exciting arrival in a few short weeks.
“We hold a new parents breakfast each year in early September for parents of new students,” Executive Director Julie Mower says. “We welcome them in The Phoenix Center’s conference room, introduce key staff and administration, and give each parent time to spend in the classroom to observe. All students also have a 30-day IEP (individualized education program) meeting to discuss suggested IEP changes as needed.”
But that is only the start of a parent — and student’s — acclimation process; from there we ensure students feel comfortable in a new environment and work dutifully with them to ascertain their strengths and prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
“We bring our students to their highest level of independence and assimilate them into the community as much as possible,” Mower adds. “Our transition services programs are all key in this process. Educating and including our families is also very important, so this year we are proud to officially have Laureen Protomastro, our transition coordinator, as a contact to assist with any issues that families may face post-graduation.”
But before anyone can think of life beyond The Phoenix Center, we are thrilled to welcome back our students and look forward to a busy and fulfilling September, packed with the exciting and informative events below:
September 8: Family Picnic
Join us at Kingsland Park (258 Rutgers Place in Nutley) from 11 AM–1:30 PM for snacks, conversation, and mingling. Meet our staff and other families affiliated with The Phoenix Center. In case it rains, we’ll meet at the school.
September 12: Conversation with Executive Director and Principal
Hear from Executive Director Julie Mower and Principal Kathryn Passarotti from 9:15–11:15 AM at the school to learn more about The Phoenix Center and the Parent Information Center.
September 14: New Parent Breakfast
Introduce yourself and meet fellow new parents at our complimentary breakfast on site from 8–9:15 AM.
September 24: Staff, Student, and Graduate Picture Day
Say cheese! We’ll be photographing our pupils on our annual Picture Day.
September 24–28: Book Fair
Celebrate reading all week at our book fair, held in our conference room.
September 27: Back to School Night
Take a tour of the school, meet your student’s teachers and administrators, and ask questions about The Phoenix Center. Join us 7–8:45 PM on September 27.