Letter from the Director - August 31, 2022

Dear Special Education Parents/Guardians:

We hope you are having a happy and healthy summer. As the school year begins, we wanted to send a quick update with the comings and goings in our department.

THE COMINGS and GOINGS:

Towards the end of the 21-22 school year, the district advertised for a learning disabilities teacher consultant (LDTC), as well as a speech and language pathologist (SLP), and multiple paraprofessionals. In June, the district hired Ms. Nancy Padula as the Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC).  Ms. Padula comes to us with years of experience and will predominantly be case managing students located at the high school and will also have a few students located at the middle school. While the district is still looking for a full time SLP, Ms. Megan Frutchey will be working with us until a permanent therapist can be found. Whereas, the district has had some success in hiring paraprofessionals, we are still looking to hire a few more. We will continue to post for these positions and inquire with outside vendors until the positions are filled.

We will be posting the Spotlight On Special Education dates and potential topics within the next week or so on the school's website. While the Spotlight is used to help explain the legal obligations our team must adhere to when classifying a student or providing related services, we will also be holding at least two SEPAC meetings where there will be no agenda. The purpose of these meetings will be to gather input on how we are doing and on ways in which Special Education can improve. I encourage everyone to attend and to share their experiences. 

Sincerely, 

Kevin J. O’Leary

Director of Special Services

Hackettstown School District