Parents of Exceptional Children Donate $25.6K for School Reading Program

The Parents For Exceptional Children not-for-profit group on Monday presented the Board of Education with a check for $25,660 to purchase a computerized, interactive reading program to benefit both special education and general education students.

Lisa McNey, one of the representatives from the PEC who presented the check, said the Lexia reading program is a proven computer-based interactive phonics program that would be used next year in the district's four elementary schools.

The donation also will be used to train teachers about the program at the elementary schools and at the William Annin Middle School, according to the Board of Education agenda.

Last year, the William Annin Parent-Teacher Organization raised funds to purchase the reading program for the middle school, said Lisa Vitale-Stanzione, the district's supervisor of special education for grades K-8, during an update on Monday about the district's special education program.

However, McNey said the donation from PEC will provide middle school teachers with instruction about the program they haven't yet received. McNey said Vitale-Stanzione had asked for the program as a teaching tool for students.

Next year, thanks to the PEC, "We will fill that dream for the K-5 students also," Vitale-Stanzione said during her presentation to the school board.

McNey said the money had been raised during the PEC's Precious Pearls Gala held last November at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster.

This was the second year the gala was held to benefit the district's special education program, McNey said. Last year, the PEC gifted the school district with $30,000 for a school van equipped to transport handicapped students, she said.

"We will find something each year," McNey said. She said the PEC intends to hold the gala annually, especially in the face of budget cuts. 

Bernards PEC is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for children with learning and developmental disabilities, according to the organization.

"We also strive to create an environment of understanding and acceptance for persons with disabilities within the community. We are working to close the gap between general education and special education by creating successful educational, recreational, mentoring, and community service programs," the organization announced.

 For more information about Bernards PEC, visit the organization's website.