|
News - NEW BEGINNINGS FACULTY PARTICIPATE IN POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
FAIRFIELD, NJ (February 29, 2008)—Faculty and staff at New Beginnings, a school providing programs to children diagnosed on the autism spectrum, participated in the 15th Annual Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics of New Jersey. Eightfaculty members from New Beginnings took part in the icy plunge into the Atlantic with 2,500 others from throughout the state. This single-day event in Seaside Heights has raised more than $5 million over the past 14 years through pledges collected by participants and donations from sponsors.
"Many of our staff has participated in this event in the past but it was great to get a team together this year," said supervising teacher and participant, Michael Farrelly. "It has taken a while to thaw out from the frigid water but we are happy to have helped an event that raised nearly $500,000 for the Special Olympics of New Jersey."
The New Beginnings plunge team raised over $3,000 for the event including $1,000 in donations from a New Beginnings family, Amy and Dean Goldberg and friends. The 13 member New Beginnings team included 8 school staffers:
- Sally Bell, Teacher
- Melissa Bradford, Gym Assistant
- Melissa Capra, Teacher
- Bill Colligan, Teacher
|
- Michael Farrelly, Spvr Teacher
- Rachel Herrington, Program Spvr
- Brian Jacobson, Assistant
- Christine Tarbox, Social Worker
|
Other supporters that participated with the New Beginnings team are:
- Nancy Fleming
- Robert Herrington
- Tom Jaeger
|
- Brian Rusignuolo
- Shira Stanecki
|
"Our staff is always willing to try exciting new things to support a great cause," said New Beginnings Principal, Lisa De Flora. "The funds raised from this event support an organization that many of our students aspire to be a part of in the future."
New Beginnings is a member of the Gramon Family of Schools. The Gramon School, serving adolescents and young adults with special needs, was founded in 1939. Continuing the tradition of excellence, New Beginnings is dedicated to working with autistic children using a variety of techniques and resources aimed at helping individuals reach their potential and live productively—increasing social, educational and employment opportunities through integration into all aspects of community life. New Beginnings’ unique approach derives from research and best practices in addressing those deficits particular to the autism spectrum.
|
back
|
|
