Principal Tom Connolly recognized the graduates:
Aarav Roshan is a “numbers wizard” with an “I can do it” spirit. Amy Enriquez was lauded for her singing and positive demeanor. And, Mason Kucharski was recognized for his athletic abilities, especially in basketball.
The Montgomery Township Police Department (MTPD) is partnering with Montgomery Special Education PTA and the Rock Brook School, a private non-profit school for multiply-disabled children in Skillman, to make traffic stops safer for Autistic drivers.
The purpose of the Blue Envelope Program is to improve the interaction between drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and police officers on traffic stops. The goal is to create a positive, safe outcomes for everyone involved.
Police Chief Silvio Bet said the MTPD is committed to improving community relations, education, and awareness.
“It’s about building mutual understanding and adapting traditional procedures to accommodate the needs of all community members,” Bet said.
Please join us on October 20, 2024, at the beautiful Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater, New Jersey as we celebrate 50 years of excellence!
Please click on the invitation to learn more about the 50th Anniversary Celebration
By Thomas Connolly
Students at Rock Brook School in Skillman, New Jersey were treated to a special visit from the Montgomery Township Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Squad 47. At 10:00 am on March 20, our local first responders visited the students and staff to share what they do each and every day. In front of the school, two ambulances and one EMS SUV were available for the students to see and explore. Throughout the morning, groups of students had the opportunity to meet the team of first responders, see how they care for patients, and see some specific equipment and tools used by these professionals.
By Thomas Connolly
In February, Rock Brook students were invited to watch The Pingry School’s high school production of Into the Woods, a musical that takes traditional storybook characters like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and many others in an epic fairytale about wishes, family, and the choices we make. Following the 90-minute musical, The Pingry School and Rock Brook School students enjoyed lunch together.
By Thomas ConnollyStudents at Rock Brook School were thrilled to welcome police officers from the Montgomery Township Police Department to their classrooms.
On a mid-December morning, three officers arrived at Rock Brook School for a friendly visit. This included Officer Carlucci, Officer Connell, and Officer Davis. The police officers spent time with the students discussing their role in the community, equipment used by the officers, and overall safety. In preparation for the visit, a social story was created by Natalie Stewart, Coordinator of Students Interventions, and then shared with the teaching staff to share with the students. Social stories are narratives made to increase students’ familiarity, knowledge, help students understand social norms, and improve communication as it relates to specific situations.
By Thomas Connolly
Students at Rock Brook School in Skillman, New Jersey had a special visit from the Montgomery Township Fire Department No.2.
On a cool Monday morning in November, Engine 46-8 arrived at Rock Brook School as students and staff eagerly waited. As the truck parked in front of the school, five firefighters exited the vehicle, including Bob Maslanka, Phil Adams, Dan Labos, John Bolen, and Aiden Dugan. Throughout the morning, groups of students had the opportunity to meet the firefighters, learn about fire safety, and see some specific equipment and tools used by these professionals. In addition, the students were able to touch the truck and get an up-close look inside the truck.
By Thomas Connolly, Principal
Students at Rock Brook School in Skillman had the opportunity to meet and interact with some furry friends last school year and are looking forward to continuing this wonderful program in the 2023-2024 school year.
Spearheaded by Bob Hegedus, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, The Attitudes in Reverse (AIR) Therapy Dog program has proven to support our students, staff, and community regarding social and emotional well-being. Bob Hegedus stated, “Therapy dogs have been providing assistance to people for well over 100 years. The support that the dogs have provided began with individuals in nursing homes, retirement communities and medical facilities. In recent years therapy dogs have begun to spend time in schools to help students with learning disabilities. Tricia Baker, who established the Attitudes in Reverse (AIR) Therapy Dog program in 2010 reported in a news article that it wasn’t until about 30 years ago that scientists began to conduct studies about dogs and the effects that they had on humans. They knew that dogs made people feel better, but they didn’t understand the physiological impact on the body. They soon realized that contact with a dog releases “feel good brain chemicals” that promote a sense of well-being and improves the overall mental and physical health of an individual. Tricia Baker added that the AIR Dogs Therapy program makes the most of these scientific facts in helping to create a safe, friendly and secure environment.
Throughout the course of the year, students and staff had opportunities to meet with two dogs for up to an hour. Some of the special therapy dogs who visited the school included Alice, McKenly, and Nomie. Each month, classes would gather and students and staff had the chance to learn about the dog as shared by the dog handler. They would discuss the breed of the dog, age, and daily activities the dog would participate in. The dog handler would then provide numerous opportunities for the students to pet and sit next to the dog, while other students observed the positive interactions. At the conclusion of the session, the students were provided with a picture of the dog including interesting facts about the dog such as birthday and favorite foods.
The primary focus of AIR is to promote messages of understanding, empathy, and kindness towards others. In addition, there are many potential benefits of having therapy dogs in school. This includes:
Thomas Connolly, Principal of Rock Brook School, shared, “This program has been such a positive experience for our school community. We are looking forward to continuing this incredible program for our students and staff.” Additionally, Thomas Connolly stated, “Seeing our students interact, communicate, and smile while they are with the therapy dogs is absolutely wonderful.”
Rock Brook School is a private, non-profit school for communication impaired and multiply disabled children, ages 3 through 21. Located in Skillman, Rock Brook School is approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education and is recognized as a School of Excellence by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (MSCES). Currently, the school serves over 50 students from 25 school districts in New Jersey.
By Thomas Connolly, Principal
Rock Brook School celebrated its two graduates, Lauren Libou and Dominick Natoli, on a beautiful sunny morning, Thursday, June 16. The commencement took place at the school in a ceremony under a large tent which was decorated with balloons, banners, and personalized messages for this special event. It was wonderful to have over 50 guests join us for this celebration which included parents, families, staff, and students.
The graduation began with a welcome message from Mr. Glenn Famous, Executive Director, followed by a procession of our graduates. Principal Thomas Connolly addressed the graduates stating, “Each and every day you brought your very best, a strong work ethic, and a friendly smile that went from ear to ear. We enjoyed learning along with you every day and you inspired us by your many contributions to our school. Today you have crossed the finish line!”
By Thomas Connolly, Principal
The students and staff at Rock Brook School participated in The Great Kindness Challenge February 6 through February 10, 2023, which is a positive and uplifting national program that creates a culture of kindness in schools and communities. Throughout the week, students learned, witnessed, and practiced kindness with those around them. Rock Brook School had a creative menu of school-wide activities that were ready to go for the students and staff.
The Great Kindness Challenge was launched by three California schools in 2012 to promote connections, inclusion, and compassion. Across the nation and around the world, the annual program has grown each year in participation.