January/February 2020
Parent Update from the Executive Director

Dear CTC Parents,

Since my last report in December

Happy New Year! Santa Claus participated in Holidays Shows at both campuses over the course of three days. Many families attended the shows and, along with our students, had a great time. Santa also met with each and every child one-on-one, beside the “fireplace,” with help from the #1 Elf. Every student was given a gift from CTC:
Staff and students celebrated our 70th day of school (and by extension our 70th year Anniversary) by dressing in 1970’s attire. Check out this groovy example:
During the Special Needs Dentistry Forum that was held at our Oakland campus, Dr. Laura Bejot (aka peace loving hippie) was interviewed by the magazine Dentistry Today. Unbeknownst to Laura at the time, her highly informative interview was video recorded and is now up on their website. You can find the 6 minute interview here:
Coming Soon
 
Following up on the Dentistry Forum we anticipate having a list of dentists interested in serving our students shortly. We will be sharing the information with you in multiple formats (Green Envelope & Student backpacks).
 
We are in the process of applying to offer off-site Clinic services to provide OT, PT & Speech therapy services in the community. We anticipate that these services, if approved, might be offered beginning over the summer – stay tuned! 

We are working on the second stage of construction on the Fair Lawn Campus. Work will begin in August and will be complete by September’s opening. We will be finishing the last classroom, the kitchen and punch list items from last August.
 
As always, you can contact me anytime by phone at either campus number (201-797-7440 ext. 3258 or 201-612-5677 ext. 2111) or by email at kberger@ctcacademy.org .
 
All the best,
Ken Berger, Executive Director

CTC Academy’s Disability Awareness Program

CTC Academy is proud of “Rockin’ and Rollin’ Thru Life” – a program to promote awareness about people with special needs. CTC’s Head of Therapies, Dr. Laura Bejot, and CTC graduate, Jonah Gold, have been spreading the word to help children in local elementary and middle schools have a better understanding about the lives of people who have disabilities. This educational and interactive program highlights the similarities and differences between all people – celebrating what makes us unique and familiar. As part of the presentation, they read the book, “Ricky the Rock Who Couldn’t Roll,” by Jay Miletsky – a father of one of our students at the Fair Lawn Campus. Laura and Jonah feel this book helps children understand important concepts including the many ways that we measure success! Jonah ends the presentation by sharing anecdotes about his life and talks about how his disability does not define him.
 
“Jonah Gold is one amazing person! Jonah came to Franklin Elementary School to speak to my 3 rd -6 th grade students about his life and accomplishments. His presentation with Dr. Laura Bejot made a HUGE impact on them. Thank you Jonah for sharing your story with my students.” - Mrs. Lori Cohen, Principal
 
If you know of a school or organization that would be interested in this presentation, please contact Dr. Laura Bejot   lbejot@ctcacademy.org .
Dental Health Month! By Carol Anne Chupak, Head of Health Services

February is Dental Health Month and here at CTC Academy, we recognize the importance of dental health and the impact it has on overall health. Our Speech Therapy department, at both campuses, oversees a daily tooth brushing program with our students.  

In the Fall 2019, CTC Academy hosted the first annual Special Needs Dentistry Forum. Area dentists were invited to our Oakland Campus to hear presentations from dental professionals who provide care to individuals with special needs in an effort to encourage other dental professionals to expand their practices to include those with special needs. 

This February, our Fair Lawn students will have a presentation from Dr. Sari Zimmer who will teach the students about dental health and what to expect during a visit with the dentist. Our Oakland students will have a presentation from Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures providing additional education on dental health.

If you are a parent or guardian looking for a dental provider for your child, please contact the campus Health Office. 
HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Flu season is upon us...here are a few friendly reminders to keep everyone healthy!

Flu vaccination is a NJ Department of Health REQUIREMENT for school attendance for children under the age of 5. Documentation of vaccination (or religious /medical exemption documentation) must be submitted to the campus Health Office. Please speak with a campus nurse if you have any questions.

NJ State law requires that the school be notified each day your child is going to be absent. You may email/call the Campus Health Office - Fair Lawn 201-797-7440 x 3254 - Oakland 201-612-5677 x 2411. You may also leave a message after school hours. If your child is diagnosed with a communicable illness (for example flu, strep throat, pink eye, etc) please notify the campus nurses. Medical clearance from your child’s doctor is required for re-admittance back to school.

Medical clearance is required:
·    after a contagious illness (Flu, Strep throat, pink eye etc.)
     After 5 day absence due to illness
·    after an emergency room evaluation, even if a child is not admitted to the hospital
·    potential orthopedic injury or suspected fracture
·    surgery
·    procedures including but not limited to Botox or Alcohol Blocks
·    any other health related cause as deemed by the Campus Certified School Nurse
The CTC Academy Medical Clearance form can be found on the Parent Portal. The campuses nurses can also email or fax the form. 

Handwashing is an important way to help stop the spread of germs. Please refer to the CDC’s recommendations https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html
THE SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT , Kim Martiak & Delmarie Alvarez

SAVE THE DATE 

March 10th: Parent/Guardian Time Out:  Self-Defense class
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (@OAK). The class is a two hour beginner self-defense class where people will learn basic strikes, blocks, etc. It will be taught by Jennifer Ambrogio Bross. Childcare will be provided.

March 27th: Family Fun Night:  Dinner and a Movie for the entire family 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (@OAK)

Click HERE for the Social Work Calendar of Events!
COMING SOON: CTC MARKET

CTC’s Oakland campus is excited to announce the upcoming opening of the ‘ CTC Market ’! The market will be run by the students in the STEP transition program and will be located in the school’s front lobby. Some of the items that will be sold include school merchandise, student-made crafts, greeting cards, fresh fruit, and other seasonal items. 

The students are already beginning to design products to be sold in the store. They plan to purchase a printing press to create CTC shirts, mugs, and other items with the CTC logo. All proceeds from sales will go toward funding the school’s first yearbook, which is currently being designed by the STEP students. Be on the lookout for the grand opening of ‘CTC Market’ coming soon!
New Year’s Resolution #1 –
Clean my wheelchair!

SEVERAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TO WASHING A WHEELCHAIR
DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

1. How do you clean wheelchair seats?
 
Vacuum the seat cushion thoroughly. For vinyl, hand wash it with a mild dish detergent and warm water. For leather, spray a solution of three-quarter vinegar, one–quarter water onto the surface and wipe clean with a rag. (Spray at least one foot away) For fabric, mix hot water, mild dish soap and cleaning soda
 
2. Can you wash cushion covers?
 
Yes. Machine Washing: Wash it on gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent. Make sure the cover is zipped closed before putting it in the washing machine or you may end up with a tangled mess. Covers should then be air-dried.
 
3. How do you disinfect a wheelchair?
 
To clean the frame, a solution of mild detergent and water is recommended. A dampened cloth with all the water wrung from it should be used. The wheelchair frame, any metal attachments, and the waterproof seat if applicable should be wiped. All surfaces, including those on the bottom, should be wiped thoroughly as well.
 
4. What can you use on the frame of a wheelchair to make it easier to clean?
 
You can use compressed air or a hair dryer to blow loose dust, leaves or twigs, in hard-to-reach areas near the battery region if applicable and other cracks in the base of the wheelchair.
 
5. How do you get rid of the smell of human urine?
 
Mix baking soda, peroxide and dish detergent.
Make a solution of baking soda, peroxide and any dish detergent of your choice. The combination of these 3 is powerful enough to drive away even the strongest of urine smells. Mix together 8 fl oz. of peroxide, with 3 tbsp. of baking soda and a few drops of dish detergent.
  
Please feel free to reach out to the Equipment Coordinator in either campus with any further questions.
Mark Your Calendars

February 1st: Sibshops 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (@FL)
Click HERE to learn more about Sibshops

February 7th: 100th Day of School Activity (@OAK)
"100 Things we love about CTC Academy”

February 11th: Mom's Time Out - Bagel Breakfast 10:00 am - 11:00 am Click HERE to RSVP for the Fair Lawn Campus!
Click HERE to RSVP for the Oakland Campus!

February 12th: Dinner Dance Committee Meeting 9:30 am (@FL)

February 12th: Education Series - Special Needs Parenting 7:00 pm (@FL)
Click HERE for more information and to RSVP!

February 13th: Dental Presentation - 9:30 am - 11:30 am (@FL) Dr. Zimmer a pediatric dentist, will be giving a fun/interactive presentation to our students regarding dental awareness.

February 14th: Valentine's Day Friendship Mixer/Dance (@FL & OAK)

February 17th & 18th: School Closed (@FL & OAK)

February 18th: Makeup Professional Development Day - FL STAFF * ONLY *

February 21st: Bubble Sensory Show (@FL)

February 21st: Colgate Dental Presentation (@OAK)

February 28th: Health Fair - High School (@OAK) More info to come!
January Happenings at CTC Academy!
Check out facebook for more photos and videos!
Our Oakland Students exhibiting their strength at the MOVE Exhibition!
Our Fair Lawn Staff and Students keeping warm in their Pajamas!
Our Fair Lawn Students having fun and getting messy!
Our Middle School Students at Oakland teaching us about "The Science of Baking" and "The Heart of Music" at the Science Fair!
Joining Us at Our Oakland Campus
Arthur Faber - Bus Driver
Evan Kelly - Instructional Assistant
Karina Ruiz - Instructional Assistant
Vasiliki Lekkas - Instructional Assistant
Sophia Dishian - Instructional Assistant
Kayla Bendul - Physical Therapist
Guess Who’s Having
A Big Birthday?!

The CTC Academy!

Celebrating 70 years of serving children and young adults with disabilities and providing support services to their families.

In honor of this momentous occasion, we are inviting all of our friends and family to join our campaign –  1,950  donors to reach the goal of  $70,000 !

Want to share with  YOUR  family and friends and set your own goal?


Be sure to share on your social media pages and help CTC Academy SOAR into our 70th year!