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Special Education

'Our Students Deserve Better': CT Education Group Calls Out McMahon Nomination 'Our Students Deserve Better': CT Education Group Calls Out McMahon Nomination
'Our Students Deserve Better': CT Education Group Calls Out McMahon Nomination The Connecticut Education Association says President-elect Donald Trump's choice to run the Department of Education is a threat to vulnerable students and local school districts.  Trump announced Tuesday, Nov. 19, that Connecticut's Linda McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of WWE, chairwoman of a Trump super PAC and think tank, and co-chair of his transition team, would head the department in his new administration. She also served as his administrator of the Small Business Administrator from 2017 through 2019 during his first term.  "The nomination of billionaire Linda McMah…
Watch: Scotch Plains Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award Watch: Scotch Plains Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award
Watch: Scotch Plains Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award Students, teachers, and community leaders gathered at a New Jersey Middle School Thursday, Nov. 14, expecting a standard visit from New Jersey Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.  But the assembly at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School took an exciting twist when Dr. Jane Foley of the Milken Educator Awards took the stage to reveal that fifth-grade teacher Emily Litz was New Jersey’s only recipient of the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award, often referred to as the "Oscars of Teaching." Along with the honor, Litz received an unrestricted $25,000 prize and made hi…
'You Will End On A Stretcher': Cheshire Teacher On Leave After Threatening Trump Voters 'You Will End On A Stretcher': Cheshire Teacher On Leave After Threatening Trump Voters
'You Will End On A Stretcher': Cheshire Teacher On Leave After Threatening Trump Voters Update: A Connecticut teacher who threatened to fight President-elect Donald Trump's voters in a viral video has resigned from the New Haven County school where she worked. Click here to read more.  Original: A Connecticut elementary school teacher was placed on temporary leave after a video of her threatening people who voted for President-Elect Donald Trump was shared on social media.  Cheshire Schools Superintendent Jeff Solan announced the decision on Monday, Nov. 11, and said the New Haven County school district is investigating the incident.  In the minute-long vi…
Rutherford's Jack Hurley Shares Favorite Memories After Being Named Superintendent Of The Year Rutherford's Jack Hurley Shares Favorite Memories After Being Named Superintendent Of The Year
Rutherford's Jack Hurley Shares Favorite Memories After Being Named Superintendent Of The Year New Jersey, meet your superintendent of the year. Rutherford Public Schools Superintendent Jack Hurley, who has spent nearly 50 years in education, was named the state's top superintendent on Monday, Oct. 28 by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators. The American Association of School Administrators will choose the National Superintendent of the Year from among the statewide winners in March. Hurley never doubted that he chose the right field. “Education is the greatest profession,” Hurley said. “We create the foundation for every occupation and help shape the future o…
Death Of Death Of 'Ultimate Hockey Mom,' Teacher In Baldwin Sparks Flood Of Support For 3 Kids Death Of Death Of 'Ultimate Hockey Mom,' Teacher In Baldwin Sparks Flood Of Support For 3 Kids
Death Of Death Of 'Ultimate Hockey Mom,' Teacher In Baldwin Sparks Flood Of Support For 3 Kids Students, colleagues, and loved ones are mourning the unexpected loss of a beloved teacher on Long Island. Michelle Cuccias-Weidenbach, of Massapequa, died at the age of 46 on Tuesday, Oct. 1, according to her obituary. While an official cause of death was not given, her uncle, Tommy Cuccias, said on Facebook that the special education teacher at the Baldwin School District “did not wake up on Tuesday.” “Although there is too many to mention that are crushed by this, I can't stop thinking about her 3 beautiful children,” Cuccias said. “There is so much more to say, but too many tears righ…
Westwood, Meet Your New Superintendent Dr. Patrick McQueeney Westwood, Meet Your New Superintendent Dr. Patrick McQueeney
Westwood, Meet Your New Superintendent Dr. Patrick McQueeney The Westwood Regional Public School District has appointed a new superintendent. Dr. Patrick McQueeney, who has been serving as the leader of Wanaque schools since 2021, will helm the Westwood Regional School District (WWRSD) come November. The move was approved at the Thursday, Sept. 26 WWRSD Board of Ed (BoE) meeting. The nine-member board voted 8-0, with one abstention, to execute a contract with McQueeney, asking him to take the lead as soon as possible, but no later than Nov. 27. His five-year contract will begin on Nov. 1. McQueeney submitted his resignation to Wanaque on Friday…
Sudden Death Of Oakcrest High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness Sudden Death Of Oakcrest High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness
Sudden Death Of Oakcrest High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness A New Jersey community was mourning the sudden loss of a high school administrator and father of five. Andrew "AJ" Barchetto, 46, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 22, according to family members and his obituary on the Wood Funeral Home website. Barchetto was the assistant principal of Oakcrest High School, where he also served as the supervisor of special education and child study team, the school's website says. OHS Principal Michael Manning shared the following with Daily Voice: Oakcrest is coping as well as could be hoped. Mr. Barchetto was a trusted and loved administrator. He was …
Top Educators In Each Of NJ's 21 Counties Named Top Educators In Each Of NJ's 21 Counties Named
Top Educators In Each Of NJ's 21 Counties Named The New Jersey Department of Education has named the top 21 educators in the state. The department released the list of the 2024-25 New Jersey County Teachers of the Year on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  They are: Atlantic County: Carly Broomhead, Visual Arts Teacher at Emma C. Attales Middle School in the Absecon School District Bergen County: Margarita Diakos, Special Education Teacher at Ramsey High School in the Ramsey School District Burlington County: Margaret Fanourgakis, Health & Physical Education Teacher at Shawnee High School in the Lenape Regional Hi…
New Assistant Principal Named At Parker School In Greenwich New Assistant Principal Named At Parker School In Greenwich
New Assistant Principal Named At Parker School In Greenwich With the naming of a new assistant principal, an unfamiliar face will be seen in the halls of a Fairfield County school. Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced David Cheris's appointment as Parkway School's assistant principal.  Cheris will assist Principal Mary Grandville in supporting the entire Parkway community, aiding in the development and achievement of school goals and objectives while advocating on behalf of all students.  He replaces Matthew Cerruto, who was named assistant principal of Western Middle School at the end of the school year. “Mr.…
Superintendent Of NJ School District Dies Superintendent Of NJ School District Dies
Superintendent Of NJ School District Dies The Montclair Public School District is mourning the loss of its superintendent. A message posted on the district website said only that the district is mourning the passing of Dr. Jonathan Ponds. Ponds was principal to students at the Parsons Elementary School in North Brunswick from 2012 to 2015 and also served as a superintendent and principal in Moonachie. Ponds also had experience working as a special education teacher, basketball coach, vice principal, and dean of students, his bio on the Montclair Schools website said. The district's director of secondary education Damen Coope…
New Superintendent Takes Command At One Of Hudson Valley's Largest School Districts New Superintendent Takes Command At One Of Hudson Valley's Largest School Districts
New Superintendent Takes Command At One Of Hudson Valley's Largest School Districts An educator with decades of experience is following in the footsteps of her father and stepping up to lead a large Hudson Valley school district.  On Monday, July 1, Erin Meehan-Fairben officially began her position as superintendent of Putnam County's Carmel Central School District, to which she holds deeply personal ties.  A native of the area, Fairben was born in Putnam County Hospital and was raised within the Carmel community until she was around 5 years old. As a child, she used to play on the steps of Carmel's one-room schoolhouse as her father, Richard R. Meehan,…
Special Education Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student, Monmouth Prosecutor Says Special Education Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student, Monmouth Prosecutor Says
Special Education Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student, Monmouth Prosecutor Says A special education teacher in Monmouth County was accused of sexually assaulting a student, authorities said. Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 43, of Jackson Township, was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced her arrest in a news release on Saturday, June 29.  Prosecutors said Havemann-Niedrach is a teacher at Freehold Intermediate School and according to her LinkedIn profile, she teaches special education in the borough's district. He…
Special Education Teacher Accused Of Assaulting Multiple Students In Virginia: Police Special Education Teacher Accused Of Assaulting Multiple Students In Virginia: Police
Special Education Teacher Accused Of Assaulting Multiple Students In Virginia: Police A special education teacher in Virginia has been arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting multiple students, police say. Elizabeth Yoshimi Nagagata, 62, a teacher at White Oaks Elementary School in Fairfax County, is facing charges after investigators received a referral in April regarding an educator who was caught assaulting a student at school. According to investigators from the Fairfax County Police Department, the investigation found that between September 2023 and April 2024, Nagagata allegedly assaulted three students on separate occasions. The nature of the assaults were not …
Teacher's Thumb Bitten Off At Manheim School: Police Teacher's Thumb Bitten Off At Manheim School: Police
Teacher's Thumb Bitten Off At Manheim School: Police A teacher's thumb was bitten and severed partially off after an incident involving a student of IU13 Early Childhood and Special Education Services in Manheim, both the school and police told Daily Voice.  The school where the incident took is also known as IU13 or Central Education Center which "operates on behalf of the 22 public school districts in Lancaster and Lebanon counties," according to its website.  The biting incident happened in the morning on Thursday, April 18, according to statements both the police and the school sent to Daily Voice.  The school "staff resp…
Morris County Teacher, Mom Cheryl Granito Dies After Breast Cancer Battle Morris County Teacher, Mom Cheryl Granito Dies After Breast Cancer Battle
Morris County Teacher, Mom Cheryl Granito Dies After Breast Cancer Battle Cheryl Granito, a teacher in Morris County, died on Sunday, March 10, after battling metastatic breast cancer, according to her obituary. Born in Toronto, Granito moved to Chatham and grew up in Madison, graduating from Madison High School, her obituary reads.  Graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 1998, she met her husband Mark in 2002, and the two married in 2008 before settling in Denville, according to her obituary. This is unbelievably heartbreaking 😢 💔 Cheryl was a teacher at the boys’ elementary school. She was also a Denville... Posted by Charlene Scott on&nbs…
'This Is A Tragic Day': Pastor ID'd As Woman Killed In Newburyport Crash 'This Is A Tragic Day': Pastor ID'd As Woman Killed In Newburyport Crash
'This Is A Tragic Day': Pastor ID'd As Woman Killed In Newburyport Crash A pastor who was to deliver a prayer at the State of the City Address in Newburyport in Essex County, Massachusetts, on Wednesday night, Feb. 28, has been identified as the person killed in a truck versus pedestrian crash, the city announced.  Rev. Helen Murgida, age 81, a pastor at First Religious Society's Unitarian Universalist Church in Newburyport, was struck by a Ford F-150 just after 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Green and Pleasant streets on Wednesday.  Related: Woman Hit, Killed Outside Newburyport City Hall Paramedics rushed her to Anna Jaques Hospital, wher…
Paraeducator Admits To Assaulting Non-Verbal Student During Dance Class In Maryland Paraeducator Admits To Assaulting Non-Verbal Student During Dance Class In Maryland
Paraeducator Admits To Assaulting Non-Verbal Student During Dance Class In Maryland A 65-year-old Baltimore woman has been convicted after entering an Alford Plea to second-degree assault involving students with special needs, the Howard County State's Attorney announced this week. Annette Melvina Bouldin was found guilty of second-degree assault for her involvement in an incident last September while she was a paraeducator assisting in the Academic Life Skills dance class at Mount Hebron High School An Alford Plea is a type of guilty plea in which the defendant does not admit to committing the crime but agrees that the prosecution has enough evidence to obtain a convictio…
Don't Miss NJ Teacher, Artist Competing For $1 Million On 'Survivor 46' Don't Miss NJ Teacher, Artist Competing For $1 Million On 'Survivor 46'
Don't Miss NJ Teacher, Artist Competing For $1 Million On 'Survivor 46' The Garden State is going to be well represented on the next season of "Survivor," which premieres Thursday, Feb. 28. Two contestants in the upcoming 46th season of the venerable reality show call New Jersey home- Soda Thompson, a Lake Hopatcong resident and Tiffany Nicole Ervin, a native of Franklin Township who lives in Elizabeth. Soda Thompson, 27 is a special education teacher who enjoys singing, talking walks and doing random crafts, according to a cast biography. She said she plans to play a game mirroring the 42nd season. "I can’t put into words what this experience has meant for me…
Popular Track Coach Killed In NJ Crash 'Never Gave Up On His Students' Popular Track Coach Killed In NJ Crash 'Never Gave Up On His Students'
Popular Track Coach Killed In NJ Crash 'Never Gave Up On His Students' "A-M-A-Z-I-N-G" is how Timber Creek Regional High School described Shawn McHugh. The popular special education teacher and track coach died on Thursday, Jan. 18 of injuries suffered in a two-car crash in Deptford weeks prior. "Mr. McHugh was a Teacher, a Coach, a Friend and an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G part of our Timber Creek Community," the high school said on Facebook. The 51-year-old Sicklerville resident fondly nicknamed "Q" was employed by the Black Horse Pike Regional School District for 18 years.  "He was dedicated, revered and a bright friendly face," the post said. "He left an indelibl…
Fate Of $49.2 Bond — With $29M Option — For Bergen County High School Determined By Taxpayers Fate Of $49.2 Bond — With $29M Option — For Bergen County High School Determined By Taxpayers
Fate Of $49.2 Bond — With $29M Option — For Bergen County High School Determined By Taxpayers One growing Bergen County high school is proposing a $49.2 million bond that would fund new construction and renovations, two years after a $55 million proposal was shot down by voters. Becton Regional High School serves students from East Rutherford, Carlstadt, and Maywood. Residents of East Rutherford and Carlstadt will vote on the proposed bond on March 12. Maywood, who in 2020 for the first time sent 340 of its students to BRHS, will not be voting but will contribute financially through its tuition contract if the bond is approved. The new BRHS proposal is comprised of three parts, and…
Philadelphia Teacher, Levittown Mom Dies, 47 Philadelphia Teacher, Levittown Mom Dies, 47
Philadelphia Teacher, Levittown Mom Dies, 47 Nicole Larue Walsh, a longtime teacher in Philadelphia schools and a Levittown mother of three, passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 16, loved ones said in her obituary. She was 47.  A lifelong Levittown resident, Walsh graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1994 before continuing her studies at Temple University, her obit says. She earned her master's in reading development from Holy Family College, family members wrote.  Walsh was a middle school special education teacher and began working in Philadelphia schools in 2009, according to her LinkedIn. Before that, she taught …
Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle
Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle Christine Grogan, a 60-year-old Wyckoff resident, died on Sunday, Dec. 31, three years after being diagnosed with ALS. A special education teacher, Grogan worked as director of the Epic School in Paramus and for the Learners' Compass in Tenafly, according to her obituary. Grogan was devoted to helping people diagnosed with autism. Grogan was married to Christopher Grogan, a Glen Ridge police officer. The Glen Ridge Police Benevolent Association has established a fundraiser to assist with funeral costs. As of Friday, Jan. 5, more than $10,000 has been raised. On Sunday, December 31, 202…
Hudson Valley Organization Named As NYS Historic Business: Dates Back Over 75 Years Hudson Valley Organization Named As NYS Historic Business: Dates Back Over 75 Years
Hudson Valley Organization Named As NYS Historic Business: Dates Back Over 75 Years A Hudson Valley organization that dates back more than three-quarters of a century has been named a New York State Historic Business.  Green Chimneys, a nonprofit located in Putnam County at 400 Doansburg Rd. in Brewster that provides animal-assisted therapy to students, has been named the county's first New York State Historic Business following a nomination by Assemblyman Matt Slater.  The nonprofit, which was founded in 1947 by Samuel Ross Jr., provides animal-assisted therapy and educational activities for children with special needs.  It first began as th…
'Beautiful Soul': Support Swells For Long Island Student Killed In UK 'Beautiful Soul': Support Swells For Long Island Student Killed In UK
'Beautiful Soul': Support Swells For Long Island Student Killed In UK “He was on the brink of living his life fully.” Nineteen-year-old Freeport resident Sachin Hawkins was studying to be a special education teacher at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom when his life was tragically cut short. According to Humberside Police, Sachin was found with a knife wound after being stabbed on the night of Wednesday, Nov. 15. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. While his suspected killer, 24-year-old Syed Hussain-Kazi, was charged with murder and awaits a court appearance, Sachin’s friends, family, and community have been left reeling. “Sachin was…
Alexandria's Catherine Fannon Dies Unexpectedly, 27 Alexandria's Catherine Fannon Dies Unexpectedly, 27
Alexandria's Catherine Fannon Dies Unexpectedly, 27 Mary Catherine Fannon of Alexandria died on Monday, Oct. 30 in her sleep, according to her obituary. She was 27 years old. Catherine played basketball and lacrosse at West Potomac High School and went to to earn her bachelor's degree in sociology from East Carolina University, her obituary reads. She had been working as an enhanced autism teacher at Belle View Elementary School in Fairfax County, simultaneously working toward her Masters in Special Education from George Mason University. Catherine is survived by her parents, Jack and Kelly; siblings Kristen Fannon, Matthew Fannon, Jak…
Support Rises For 'Loving' Mom, Special Ed Teacher From Capital Region After Brain Injury Support Rises For 'Loving' Mom, Special Ed Teacher From Capital Region After Brain Injury
Support Rises For 'Loving' Mom, Special Ed Teacher From Capital Region After Brain Injury The community is rallying around a beloved teacher and mother from the region who is recovering from a brain injury. Lindsey Dutelle, age 38, of Schenectady, suffered a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot in the lungs - in August 2023, according to a GoFundMe campaign. The incident sent the “loving” wife and mother of three young children into cardiac arrest, resulting in brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. In the weeks since, Dutelle, a special education teacher in the Scotia-Glenville Central School District, has been in the intensive care unit as medical bills pile up. “Lindsey has a v…
Teaching Assistant Charged With Abusing Student With Special Needs At Yonkers School Teaching Assistant Charged With Abusing Student With Special Needs At Yonkers School
Teaching Assistant Charged With Abusing Student With Special Needs At Yonkers School A Westchester teaching assistant has been charged with allegedly endangering the welfare of a child by pushing him to the ground. Suleiman Rabadi, age 36, of Yonkers, was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 2 in Yonkers. According to Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah, Rabadi was employed as a teaching assistant at the Biondi School, a kindergarten to 12th-grade special education school in Yonkers, when the incident took place on Thursday, March 9. During the incident, Rabadi who was overseeing a time-out period at the school, allegedly grabbed an 11-year-old student by the …
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge Sharon Governale has been battling health issues her entire life. But now she faces her toughest battle. In May, Governale underwent emergency spinal surgery after an infection traveled to her spinal cord. While the surgery was successful, her spinal column suffered severe damage, rendering her a quadriplegic. She currently uses a motorized wheelchair.  Governale has rheumatoid arthritis, has had two hip replacements and battled thyroid cancer. Her health challenges haven't stopped her from working as a preschool special education teacher for the last 18 years and having a three-year-o…
Interim Superintendent Appointed At Yonkers City School District Interim Superintendent Appointed At Yonkers City School District
Interim Superintendent Appointed At Yonkers City School District A school district in Westchester has announced who will temporarily fill the shoes of its outgoing superintendent.  Luis Rodriguez will serve as the Interim Superintendent for Yonkers Public Schools and replace outgoing Superintendent Edwin M. Quezada, who announced his retirement in April 2023.  Earlier Report - Superintendent To Retire After 25 Years With Yonkers Public Schools Rodriguez was appointed to the position during a Board of Education meeting on Wednesday night, July 19. He will begin his new role on Tuesday, Aug. 1, and serve until Wednesday, July 31, 2024, according to the s…
Longtime Jersey City Educator, Teaching Advocate Bob Cecchini Dies Longtime Jersey City Educator, Teaching Advocate Bob Cecchini Dies
Longtime Jersey City Educator, Teaching Advocate Bob Cecchini Dies Bob Cecchini, a passionate advocate for teaching and for his fellow educators, died Monday, May 29. He was 72 years old. A Jersey City native, Cecchini taught special education for 35 years, his obituary reads. His work for the teachers' union was just one area where Cecchini made his mark.  He served as union representative, grievance chairman and vice president and chief negotiator for the Jersey City Education Association, helping to negotiate teacher contracts and advocating for his co-workers, according to his obituary. Remembering Bob Cecchini, a Powerful Voice for Teachers in …
'I Thought I Was Gone For Good': VA Teacher Run Over By Own Car Faces Long Road To Recovery 'I Thought I Was Gone For Good': VA Teacher Run Over By Own Car Faces Long Road To Recovery
'I Thought I Was Gone For Good': VA Teacher Run Over By Own Car Faces Long Road To Recovery For a moment, Amanda Kicker thought her life was over. The 27-year-old Prince William County Schools special education teacher was putting air in her tires Saturday, April 29 at an Exxon station on Prince William Parkway, and didn't realize her vehicle wasn't in park. Kicker jumped in front of her car — she needed it. Otherwise, how would she get to school and see her kids?  But the vehicle overpowered Kicker, who is now recovering at Fairfax Hospital with multiple broken ribs, a broken pelvis, broken shoulder blade, knee. "After the first tire ran me over, I thought I was gone …