Cinnaminson Child Study Team
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November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness about epilepsy. On Thursday, November 19th, 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.
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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! |
Cinnaminson School District is again looking for Governor's Educator of the Year 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 13, 2026. 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
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Support Our Siblings Opportunity Scholarship will award $2,000 to a sibling of an individual with a disability to pursue something meaningful to them. The scholarship recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives of glass siblings while supporting their own interests, goals, and dreams. New Jersey residents who are in grades 9-12 who have a sibling with special needs and attend school in New Jersey. The application deadline is January 15, 2027. |
Calling all High School students! We are excited to announce that our Play Unified Soccer season is kicking off with practices beginning on September 17th and our first game on Thursday, October 1st at home against Moorestown at 3:15PM. If your child is interested in participating, please contact Ms. Finor in room E271 at finorc@cinnaminson.com.
The Play Unified campaign is a way to excite and engage young people to come out and play Unified Sports. Play Unified expresses the movement’s ambition to be recognized as an inclusive community where people with and without intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate each other’s gifts, both on and off the playing field. All are invited to come out and support our program!
Here are the upcoming home games:
Thursday, October 1 vs. Moorestown 3:15 pm
Tuesday, October 6 vs. Delran 3:15 pm
Thursday, October 29 vs. Pennsauken 3:15 pm **Senior Day
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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 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: https://www.performcarenj.org/pdf/families/family-support-services-facts.pdf
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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: Equal Opportunity Support Services
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Mom2Mom, funded by The New Jersey Department of Children and Families and Rutgers Health University Behavioral Health Care, is a peer support service to address the behavioral health challenges of caring for a special needs child. Moms with children with developmental disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, medical problems, and more can find comfort in connections. Mom2Mom offers peer support counseling, assessments, a specialized provider network, and resilience and support groups. Over 30 special-needs Mom Peer counselors are available. Call today (877) 914-6662 or see the flyers below for more information and additional resources.
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SPAN’s (SPAN Parent Advocacy Network) offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.
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Elevate Health is hosting a monthly social group for children who use AAC. The AAC Communication Club meets monthly on Saturday mornings, 9:30-10:15AM at 1015 Briggs Road, Suite 150 in Mount Laurel. Please click on the link for details and registration information
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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/
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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.
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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
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Heart of Surfing is a non-profit organization that offers free surfing and skateboarding lessons for families with Autism or other developmental disabilities. Please see the below link for several events, such as: Bounce Party, Easter Bunny Express, Sensory friendly Roller Skating, Skateboarding Day, etc.
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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/
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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. See link for more information.
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Interested in enrolling your Young Athlete and/or Unified Partner (sibling/family member to athlete without a disability) in community programming in your local area or nearby? This is an inclusive sports play program for children ages 2-7 with and without ID (Intellectual Disabilities), to develop and improve their social and gross motor skills with an introduction to sport skills.
- Attend Weekly guided sport and play sessions
- 45-minute to 1-hour sessions that meet once per week for 6-8 weeks per season or on-going throughout the season
- Group games and individual activity stations to help develop social skills, improve gross motor skills, and learn foundational sport skills
- All programs are led by trained coaches and volunteers
- Play Unified (sibling without an intellectual disability)
*To participate in Young Athletes Community programs, you must be registered as a Young Athlete with Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ).
Questions can be directed to Brianna Santoro, Young Athletes Manager at bss@sonj.org
Please click on the link to sign up and learn more:
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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, including Willingboro, Moorestown and Cherry Hill. Check out the website for more information:
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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/
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Attached is a link to find information regarding the Marlton Recreation Council (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: https://www.marltonreccouncil.org/sportsunity
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Attached is a link to possible Special Needs Programs offered by Moorestown Township such as Challenger Baseball, Social Skills club (SMASH) for middle and high school students, soccer and family game night open for all. Programs are open to non-residents. Registration is open as programs begin soon! Click the link for more information and registration.
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Our View, formerly 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://our-view.com/build-jakes-place
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Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE)
School-Based Family Resources
Policy and Procedure Resources
Community-Based Family Resources
Support Resources
Hotlines and Helplines
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