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Cinnaminson Township Public Schools

#PiratePride

November CST Newsletter

Posted Date: 11/03/25 (10:51 AM)

Cinnaminson Child Study Team

Monthly Newsletter

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Image promoting Epilepsy Awareness Month with a purple ribbon.
Epilepsy Awareness Month:
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness about  epilepsy. On Thursday, November 20th, please join the Cinnaminson Community by wearing PURPLE to bring awareness to Epilepsy. 

Epilepsy affects approximately 3.4 million people in the U.S, and 1 out of 26 people will develop epilepsy during their life. It is vital to promote the diagnosis of this condition in order to alleviate seizures and their impact, improve quality of life, and even prevent death (SUDEP—sudden unexpected death in epilepsy).

Most seizures last a few seconds or a few minutes, and can make a person feel sleepy or confused for a period of time afterward. Some people may also not remember the seizure or what happened immediately before, while others may be very alert following a seizure. This varies from person to person.

Having a seizure does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. But, if a person experiences one or many seizures for unclear reasons and is at risk for having additional seizures, they may be diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy can be developed during childhood or later in life, and for some people with epilepsy, especially those who developed it at a young age, the seizures may become less frequent or eventually go away, depending on the cause or type of epilepsy.

Special Education Medicaid Initiative

Please see the attached letter regarding the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) program. If you have already signed and returned the attached form, please disregard. There is no need to re-sign. If you have not signed in the past, please sign and return using any of the methods explained in the letter. Thank you!
Semi Consent Form

Governor's Educator of the Year:

Cinnaminson School District is again looking for Governor's Educator of the Year (GEOY) Nominations. The New Jersey Department of Education aims to recognize educators and encourage them to become champions for education and advocates for students and teachers. When a district honors its exemplary teachers and educational-services professionals, it promotes a culture that recognizes excellence, creates a sense of pride, and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.
Your voice counts! Please help us recognize our District Educational Services Professionals by submitting a nomination. All nominations are due back to me or your child’s building principal by Friday, November 14, 2025. If you would like to nominate a teacher, please return the nomination form to the respective building.  

Educational Services Professional of the Year nominees must be classified as one of the following: 

Anti-Bullying Specialist 
Athletic Trainer
Behavior Specialist
Child Study Team
Cooperative Education Coordinator
Educational Interpreter (Cued Speech, Transliteration, Oral Interpreting, Sign Language Interpreting) 
Guidance / School Counselor 
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant 
Library Media Specialist  

Mathematics Specialist/Mathematics Coach
Nurse (Instructional & Non-Instructional)
Occupational Therapist
Paraprofessional (Instructional only)
Physical Therapist
Psychologist 
Reading Specialist/Reading Coach
Social Worker 
Speech Language Specialist 
Student Assistant Coordinator
Technology Coach 
GEOY Nomination Form

Local Programs:

Below are several local programs that may be of interest to you and your family.  These programs are for your reference and are not affiliated or sponsored by Cinnaminson School District.
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network logo features a blue arch over a blue rectangle with the word SPAN.

Helpful Resources from SPAN

SPAN’s (SPAN Parent Advocacy Network) offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.  
Please click on the link for SPAN’s upcoming events with details and registration information: SPAN Parent Advocacy Network Events - 21 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Burlington County’s BLUE ENVELOPE Program to Assist Motorists with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Please see the link regarding Burlington County’s Blue Envelope Program to Assist Motorists with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Burlington County Kicks Off “Blue Envelope” Program to Assist Motorists with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children’s System of Care (CSOC) - Assistive Technology program

The Children’s System of Care (CSOC) is reopening the Assistive Technology program for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities up to age 21. CSOC has resumed accepting new Family Support Services (FSS) applications for Assistive Technology requests. Interested families may call Perform Care (1-877-652-7624) to request Assistive Technology services and complete the FSS application over the phone. For more information about CSOC’s Family Support Services programs including Assistive Technology, please visit: Family Support Services FAQ - PerformCare
Logo for NJ Department of Children & Families, featuring a family silhouette.

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Office of Education on Self-Directed Services (OESDS) provides training for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) receiving services, their families, advocates and support coordinators, as well as community partners and other stakeholders.

Please see the link for more information on in-person, virtual or webinars on the following:
Family Networking Sessions
Peer-to-Peer Networking Sessions
Education and Resources
Technical Assistance and Education
Two women look at a book together, with a library background and text about webinars.

Transition Webinar Series

Caregivers of New Jersey is offering a FREE webinar series that will help students who are nearing graduation transition into adult services with DDD. Please see the flyer for more information on the webinars and registration information.

Princeton House Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Program

Princeton House Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Program now offers in-person for children in grades 5-12.  The Children’s Program offers outpatient treatment services for children with emotional and behavioral problems that interfere with functioning at school and home. The program helps children with impulse control problems, depression, and aggressive or self-destructive behavior.  The goal of the program is: improve self-control and coping ability; express emotions in a positive way; function in healthier ways at school and home; improve self-esteem.
To learn more or make a referral: Call 888.437.1610, option 2 (outpatient) or visit princetonhouse.org/children

Chuck E. Cheese offering Sensory Sensitive Sundays

Chuck E Cheese will now open 2 hours early on the first Sunday of every month, specifically for children with Autism and other special needs with reduced lighting and noise, food and games offered, and trained and caring staff. 
Visit https://www.chuckecheese.com/cherry-hill-nj/sensory-sensitive-sundays/ for participating stores and additional information.
Chuck E. Cheese's logo features a cartoon mouse giving a thumbs up.

Community Inclusion at the Katz JCC | Katz JCC

Community Inclusion  of the Katz JCC offers a variety of fun and engaging social and recreational programs and events throughout the year for individuals with special needs, of all ages, to build social skills, enhance self-esteem and cultivate friendships.  Whether you are looking to build creativity through art or music, a healthier mind and body through fitness and cooking, or a way to stay connected to the community – the JCC offers something for everyone!  Click the link for more information on the variety of programs and registration: About Community Inclusion at the Katz JCC

Moorestown Township Special Needs Programs

Attached is a link to possible Special Needs Programs offered by Moorestown Township such as Social Skills club (SMASH) for middle and high school students, baseball and special needs party open for all. Programs are open to non-residents. Registration is open as programs begin soon! Click the link for more information and registration: Catalog - Moorestown Parks and Rec, NJ (rec1.com)
The Moorestown Parks and Recreation logo features a tree design with the words 'All In'.

Equal Opportunity Support Services

Equal Opportunity Support Services supports your loved ones who have an intellectual / developmental disability providing assistance in meeting their emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs. Their services are rooted in the belief that individuals must be provided with the support that they deserve to grow, be independent, and have the chance to live their best life. They provide the following services: Support Coordination, Support Brokerage, Training and Transition to Adulthood. Please see the link for more information: https://www.equalopportunitysupportservices.org/

Spectrum Sports

Spectrum Sports is an inclusive sports and fitness program for individuals of all abilities. They provide exercise through various sports, games, and group fitness with three locations in southern New Jersey. Check out the website for more information:
The Spectrum Sports logo features bold black text on a white background.

Encouraging Kids Family Resource Center

Encouraging Kids Family Resource Center has open spots for their Special Needs Afterschool Program. There is a low adult-child ratio, snack, art and crafts, and indoor and outdoor fun! Transportation is also available on a limited basis. Please see their website for more information and registration information: http://www.encouragingkids.org/
A collection of sports balls, including a soccer ball, basketball, football, and baseball, on a wooden surface.

MRC Sports Unity program - Fall and winter sports registration is open!

Attached is a link to find information regarding the MRC Sports Unity Program. The program is designed to provide opportunities for athletes with special needs to participate in organized sports. Click the link for more information and registration. Sports Unity Program

Jewish Family & Children Services of Southern New Jersey Disability Services

The JFCS Disability Services Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities in Southern New Jersey. We also provide support, education, and networking opportunities for family members. JFCS develops programs and services to help clients achieve their highest potential and lead more independent and fulfilled lives. JFCS is an approved vendor of supported employment services through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), and a qualified provider of the Supports Program through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
The JFCS Disability Services Department offers various programs, such as: J-Time After-School Respite; Supported Employment; Community-Based Supports; High School Transition Services; TOPS Habilitation Program; Social, Recreational & Athletic Programs; Soups & Sweets Culinary Training Program; Project Search; Self-Hired Respite Care; STAR Program. Please see the below link for more information: https://jfcssnj.org/disability-services/

ZZ Dance is offering ZZ Jams (Kids w/ Special Needs & Abilities)

ZZ Jams offers a unique class for children with special needs and varying abilities. This class will explore the world of dance, while encouraging each specific child’s needs. Compassion, respect and love is what you’ll find in this class. The class will focus on all types of movement with a concentration on hip hop. All of our ZZ Jams students will be encouraged to perform in our showcases, but it is not required to take the class. Registration is open and first class begins on September 15th. 
ZZDance logo features a stylized dancer in blue against a black background.

Toms River Field of Dreams

Become a member of the RWJ Barnabas Health Toms River Field of Dreams at the Ocean Orthopedic Associates Complex.  Membership is FREE and is for special needs individuals and their families ONLY.  The Toms River Field of Dreams is a one-of-a-kind  3.5-acre complex specifically designed with special needs children and adults in mind.  Since its Grand Opening on April 20, 2022, the Field of Dreams has built a community of over 2,000 special needs families of all ages and abilities from all over the tri-state area, and the number keeps on growing.  Please see the link for more information and how to become a member.  https://rwjbhfieldofdreams.com/about-us/
The logo for Build Jake's Place features colorful text and surrounding figures.

Build Jake's Place

Build Jake's Place® founded Jake's Place - an all-inclusive playground which allows children and adults of all abilities to play and interact together. Jake's Place is a nationally ranked, award-winning all-inclusive playground located at Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill, NJ AND an all-new redesigned Jake’s Place in Delran, NJ. Funded by donations and built by community volunteers, the mission of Jake’s Place is to provide all-inclusive play opportunities for children and adults with special needs through advocacy, awareness building, programming, building playgrounds, and sharing our expertise with like-minded individuals and organizations. Jake's Place also offers programs, such as: Camden County NJ Miracle League and Community Service Day. To learn more about Build Jake’s Place, please visit their website: https://www.buildjakesplace.org/#buildjakesplace
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