Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
Berkeley Heights Public Schools
Department of Special Services
Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2015 at 1:00 pm

Welcome – parents were reminded of the supportive nature of this committee and it’s proactive goal
to support the Special Services Department and parents of students with disabilities.

Department Update
o Special Programs – discussion of the district’s specialized programs for students with autism,
learning & language disabilities and deaf/hard of hearing students
 The Carbone Clinic – will be consulting throughout the year with our classes for students
with autism to provide support and follow-up to our work with Dr. Carbone during the
2014-2015 school year.
o SEEDS Disability Awareness – the BHEF again provided a grant for the 4th grade students at
WWS, MPS and TPH to receive a special lesson from Amy Burns of The Arc of Middlesex on the
various areas of disability/how to be respectful which included experiential learning where
students engage in activities that simulate having various disabilities.
o Preschool Curriculum Initiative – the district is exploring various preschool curriculum as an
alternative to Creative Curriculum. Mrs. Corley-Hand and Mrs. Gardner met with a specialist
from the NJDOE over the summer to discuss best practices and curricular options. The goal is
for a recommendation in the spring for the 2016-2017 school year.
o School Psychologist Melissa Mohr – GLHS/CMS – Mrs. Mohr has joined the Child Study Team to
assist in addressing the unique challenges of students with social/emotional needs.
o Autism New Jersey – Dr. Doerrbecker and Mrs. Gardner will be again presenting at the annual
Autism New Jersey Conference.
o Professional Development for Staff – training is being provided throughout this school year for
CST, related services and special education teachers in developing Present Levels of Academic
Achievement and Functional Performance and writing individualized, annual, measurable goals
and objectives.
o Community Based Learning Experiences – Mr. Morra discussed the increased businesses the
district has partnered with this school year and the variety of experiences being
offered/developed for our students at GLHS as they plan for post-secondary outcomes.

Parent Training – GLHS Media Center
o 11/11/15 - 7:00pm – School Refusal & Anxiety Based Disorders
 Melissa Mohr, District School Psychologist
o 1/20/16 - 7:00pm – Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities
 Dr. Amy Dell, Director, Center for Assistive Technology & Inclusive Education Studies,
The College of New Jersey
www.bhpsnj.org
Click “Services” drop-down
Select “Special Services”