On Monday, May 21, five programs from New Jersey schools were honored for their programs aimed at special education students. The Innovations in Special Education Awards were presented for programs at Memorial Elementary School in the Howell Township school district; the Academy 360 Lower School in Verona; Northern Hills Academy, part of the Sussex County Education Services Commission; Ventnor Elementary School in Ventnor; and the New Road School of Somerset.
The awards were presented at a celebration of Special Education Week, which was May 13-19. For the 33rd consecutive year, the New Jersey School Boards Association, and ASAH, an organization of private special education schools, have so-sponsored special education week in the state.
At the program, Carolyn Marano, assistant commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), and Peggy McDonald, deputy chief at NJDOE presented a “Special Education Week” proclamation from Gov. Phil Murphy, which recognized the achievements of the state’s special education students and the work of the teachers, parents, school administrators and others who support them.