CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY
AUCTION DINNER
RAISING MONIES TO BENEFIT THE STUDENTS OF THE
CAPE MAY COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR SPECIAL SERVICES

NOVEMBER 2, 2007
WILDOOD CONVENTION CENTER

Click on the two links below to see photos of the Gala

Submitted by,
Mike McCarthy, Teacher, CMCSSSD
and
John Lynch, Public Relations, Wildwood Convention Center

Gina Lanza,
Teacher of Outdoor Experiential Education and Leep Program
Department of Related Services

Dear Kreni and members of the Board of Directors,

            I attended the Foundation dinner on Friday and I was so impressed with what I experienced.  The work and dedication that went in to that affair was amazing.  It was so nicely done and there were so many fabulous items for auction and prizes.  I was truly astonished at how generous the people were who attended the affair.  I wish they could see where their money goes.  Speaking of that I must say and I’m sure that you know that the programs, services, equipment etc. that the Education Foundation purchases or supports goes directly to the students.  The mini grants are fabulous in that they give teachers incentive to create and maintain new and innovative programs that go beyond the normal academics but that have become so important in the lives of the students.  If foundation members walked the halls they would see signs of their money at work.

            I can speak for myself on this, as I have been the recipient of three awards.  The habitat garden was a tremendous success and has affected and involved almost the entire school and many staff.  Not to mention the fact that it has truly provided a new habitat for birds and butterflies.  The lessons and activities that we can have right on our school grounds are wonderful.  I actually have a 20-minute power point presentation about this garden.  If the foundation members would like to see it-just ask.  I also have received a gift of money for transportation. As you may know, it is vital for our students to have community experiences and feel confident about handling themselves at community sites.  Both the OXE and LEEP program provide this but transportation is usually the first thing to be compromised since it is so expensive.  The LEEP students do not have regular recreational opportunities since they do not usually participate in the regular rec department offerings.  Leep offers these young adults a chance to enjoy recreation with their friends in a normal setting.  I wish you could all see the joy and excitement around the school on the day of an outing or dance.  I try to take pictures as we move along.

            I hope you all realize the value of your hard work and the quality of life it has added to our students’ lives.  The teachers are so appreciative because they can attend to very real needs.

            Once again thank you for your hard work and support of all of our programs.

Sincerely, Gina Lanza

Putting our Funds to Good Use
2007-2008 School Year

TEACHER GRANT AWARDS

Wild About Wildlife
An expansion of the Wildlife Habitat Project,
Gina Lanza, Teacher of Outdoor Experiential Learning

No Couch Potatoes Here
Part of the Social Skills Program providing highly motivating activities where students can practice social skills,
Marge Krah, Teacher of Social Skills

Jump Start to College
A program to assist students with academic potential to attend ACCC,
Patty Potts, High School Guidance Counselor

DIR  FLOORTIME PARENT AND STAFF TRAINING
A program to provide on-going parent and staff training particularly for those students
on the autistic spectrum,
Elaine Craig and Cheryl Lees, Speech Therapists

Hands on Language Through Story Telling
A program connecting quality children’s literature through storytelling props to increase language development,
Andrea Cummings, Ocean Academy Teacher

A Really Big Show
A program for students to participate in and observe shows,
Eric Simonsen, Music Teacher

Use Your Ears and What’s Between Them
A program to develop a love of literature through audio books,
Amy Hufana, Media Specialist

SMOOTHIE SNACK SHACK
A program to give students the knowledge and exposure to great tasting, healthy snack choices,
Maureen Behrmann, Ocean Academy Teacher
and Carol Sieber, Speech Therapist

Wellness Through Movement
A Program to Encourage Activity Among Students, Wellness Committee represented by:
School Nurses, Helen Wallace, Angle French and Barbara Remy

Thank you, Education Foundation!