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Dear Archway Friends and Family, 

February was a short but busy month here at Archway Programs. Schools marked their 100th Day of School, and we celebrated the importance of Black History Month with exciting and informative activities across our campus. Lower School students created art projects with informative reports; staff enjoyed a BHM Potluck, encouraging all to enjoy foods with an ethnic flair. Upper School students worked diligently throughout the month to prepare BHM presentations. Their work filled the all-purpose room from end to end with displays highlighting the accomplishments and contributions made by African Americans throughout history.       

Midmonth, the Lower School held an informative Planning for Life After Graduation session for parents and guardians, and our Upper School staff and students visited the Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) campus to learn about transitioning to college life. Both events are harbingers of what is coming: the end of another school year. They seem to move progressively faster as the years go by.  

I want to slow down and look ahead at what is on the horizon for Archway. We have several important fundraisers and events coming up, one of which is our Annual Autism Walk in April. This year will be the first time Archway Schools' Creative Achievements will join us as members of the Archway Family.  

I look forward to the walk every year as it shines a light not just on Autism but also on the qualities and achievements of the many in our community thriving with a diagnosis. Early intervention and programs geared toward students' success play an essential role in the future of our students living on the spectrum. I am proud that Archway offers services and care that lead to those success stories, and I look forward to seeing that success expand to reach even more people in our community and beyond.  

Of course, our success and growth were only possible with your help. Thank you again for your role in Archway Programs' achievements and success. 

Sincerely, 

George Richards 

CEO/CFO 

Zuzu African Acrobats Visit Archway

Upper and Lower Schools enjoyed a visit from the Zuzu African Acrobats, an African Tanzanian troupe. Based on the Tanzanian culture of East Africa, the music, dance, and acrobatics have been passed down for over 2000 years. The performers face years of practice and study to perform the moves smoothly and safely, making breathtaking acrobatics look effortless. The troupe performed human pyramids, body contortion, chair balance, juggling, and intricate balancing acts not for the faint of heart. The staff and students enjoyed the display and music of African culture, acrobatics, and dance. 

RCSJ Senior Trip 

Students from the Upper School headed to college to visit the Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) campus. While there, the students enjoyed a Senior Lunch at the school’s cafeteria and learned about the many services available through the Adult Center for Transition. The college offers 3-credit courses subsidized by RCSJ, social skills, employee preparedness, and other services designed to ease them into college and employment. The students left the campus well-informed and confident in moving from school to college.

Students and Staff Celebrate the 100th Day of School

Students and staff from the Upper School dressed in either their Sunday best or their pajamas paired with their most comfy slippers. They straightened the readers hanging around their necks, grabbed their favorite walking sticks, and headed for the halls to celebrate the 100th Day of School! Silver tresses, shiny heads, and fedoras topped off their celebratory ensembles as students and staff posed for the 100th Day of School 2024, marking an important day in the school year! It was all good fun, and everyone enjoyed the special 100-themed activities throughout the day.  

National Flannel Day

Upper School students and staff wore their favorite flannel shirts in honor of National Flannel Day on February 9th. They were wearing classic red and black buffalo checks, grey and black checks, and even pink, green, and blue, but what they all had in common was the fuzzy, warm comfort you can only get from your favorite flannel.   

Minute Win It Games 

February 9th, Upper School held a special blue card and above event, Minute Win It Games. Students played games using big red solo cups, cheerios, marshmallows, and more. Classrooms competed against one another in various rounds, with Mr. Wes's students in Room 12 winning for the older students and Mr. Heiman's students in Room 13 taking the win for the younger students. The overall top winners were the students in Mr. Wes's class. Congratulations to everyone for the excellent behavior that got you to the games and a special congratulations to all our winners!   

Valentine’s Day Dance 

The Upper School students and staff celebrated Valentine's Day with a Blue Card dance event. The dance floor was packed with students and staff as they enjoyed dancing to the fabulous tunes played by Miss Julie. The special events team provided delicious treats and holiday-themed activities, ensuring everyone had a great time. Thank you to all the staff and the maintenance crew who made this special event possible for the students!  

Avid Products Donates Headphones to Students

The Upper School would like to thank Ms. Kimberly McQuaide, Education Specialist K-12 from Avid Products, for donating a dozen headphones and audio jacks to the school. She donated the headphones after discussing the benefits of headphones in the classroom with Craig Vines. Ms. McQuaide didn't miss a beat. She quickly retrieved a dozen headsets from her car and gave them to Mr. Craig. The students were appreciative and promptly put the headsets to good use. Thank you again, Ms. McQuaide, for your thoughtfulness and generosity.  

Upper School Black History Month Presentations 

On Tuesday, February 27th, in honor of Black History Month, students welcomed their classmates, staff, and the Lower School students to the Upper School gym for Black History Month Presentations. In preparation for the presentations, each of the presenting classes researched some of the many contributions of African Americans throughout history. The students shared their knowledge with the visitors using handouts, displays, and oral presentations. After viewing the presentations, all were invited to sample a delicious luncheon of American Soul Food!  

Everyone did a fantastic job with their research, displays, and presentation skills, and we are Archway Proud of them all! 

100th Day of School

Lower School students and staff marked an important milestone on February 8th, the 100th Day of School! Staff and some students dressed in their centenarian best. The Room 16 Pearl Brigade crew dusted off their walkers and loafers, fluffed their silver locks, and donned their favorite string of pearls before rolling and shuffling their way through the halls. Students made posters marking the occasion, while some wore colorful crowns or special shirts. Miss Beth's class made 100 Day Quilts, and they took a moment to share their creative creations and pose for a quick photo. Everyone joined in the fun and enjoyed the special celebration! 

Valentine's Day Dance

Wednesday, hearts, balloons, and music filled the all-purpose room at the Lower School. The Valentine’s Day Dance was in full swing, and students danced while enjoying the festive decorations, snacks, and activities.  

Students Enjoy Some Sweet Creative Fun

On Tuesday, February 20th, Lower School students from Room 11, Ms. Debbie's class, enjoyed a tasty artistic community field trip. The class visited Cluizel in West Berlin, where they all enjoyed putting their creative talents to work painting delicious chocolate characters they could later enjoy eating! What sweet, creative fun!  

Work Study Success Story

February 22nd was Lower School student Tyrese's first day of work at Burlington! He did fantastic alongside his classmate and friend, Nick. Congratulations on a great job, Tyrese and Nick! We are Archway Proud of both of you! 

Students Meet a Few Four-Legged Friends at the Animal Welfare Association

On Thursday, February 22nd, classrooms 14 and 16 from the Lower School enjoyed a memorable trip to the Animal Welfare Association (AWA) in Voorhees. The students visited with resident fur friends who are up for adoption and learned a lot about pets and their care. The students also enjoyed making a craft to take home as a special memento of the day. 

Lower School Lantern Festival

On Friday, February 24th, students from the Lower School shared Lantern Riddles in honor of Saturday’s Lantern Day, also known as the Shang Yuan Festival or the Yuan Xiao Jie Festival. The festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and the start of the new year. A favorite activity during the festivities is solving riddles written on lanterns. Although the students didn’t write their riddles on lanterns, they enjoyed solving the unique riddles and learning about the festival.  

Lower School Celebrates Black History Month

During Black History Month, Lower School students and staff honored African American community members by learning about their many accomplishments and sharing that knowledge with others. Students designed posters and created artwork to celebrate and share their achievements and contributions. The artwork was on display throughout the Lower School halls during February. One of the most notable pieces of artwork is a paper mural with the likenesses of Harriet Tubman, Barrack Obama, Russel Parks, Jesse Owens, and many others. We are incredibly proud of the students and the staff for such a fabulous display.  

Lower School Staff Serves Up a Black History Month Potluck

On Thursday, February 29th, Lower School staff enjoyed a Black History Month Potluck Luncheon. Everyone brought their favorite dishes to share with their Archway Family. The tables were overflowing with delicious selections, including Mr. Haz's Red Beans and Rice, Miss Caitlin's Collard Greens, Mr. Charles' Fried Tilapia, Mr. Steve's Oxtail Stew, Miss April's Jambalaya, and of course, Miss Simone's famous Macaroni and Cheese. Desserts, including Banana Pudding, Cheesecake, and fresh fruit, were among the many sweet endings to a delicious luncheon. 

Cooper’s Poynt Visits the Aquarium

Students and staff from Cooper’s Poynt enjoyed an underwater adventure at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. They got to experience what it’s like swimming with the fish, cozying up to a hippo, and making friends with sea turtles and penguins. It was a fantastic wet and wild learning adventure, and everyone enjoyed their time under the sea!

Cooper's Poynt Students Enjoy National Pizza Day

Friday, February 9th, students and staff from Cooper’s Poynt enjoyed delicious cheesy pizza for lunch in honor of National Pizza Day! Of course, they rounded out the deliciousness with a healthy salad, fresh fruit, and other yummy nutritious selections.  

Just Kids Pizza My Heart  

On Monday, February 12th, Just Kids Francis E. Donnelly students got busy with glue, paper plates, and colorful construction paper. They created adorable “Pizza My Heart” crafts to take home. Great job, everyone! They look spectacular!   

Just Kids Beeler Elementary Students Take Flight

Just Kids Beeler Elementary worked for two days on a runway to fly their USA President's Day airplanes. Click the image above or click here to watch the planes in action on the Just Kids Facebook page.

Washington Township Police Department Visits AADP

On February 5th, Archway Advanced Abilities Day Program (AADP) participants received a visit from the Washington Township Police Department (Gloucester County), New Jersey. The police officers engaged with the individuals about their role in the community, ways to make it safe, and what to do in emergencies. The group found the visit interesting and enjoyable. Thank you, Officer Egizi, Officer Nelson, and Officer Watson. We appreciate you sharing critical safety information and helpful tips with our clients.  

AADP Participants Deliver Meals on Wheels 

Participants from the Archway Advanced Abilities Day Program spread cheer today as they delivered healthy, nutritious meals to seniors in Salem County for Salem County Meals on Wheels. The smiles on everyone's faces indicated that the group enjoyed visiting the seniors as much as they enjoyed the visit. 

ACT Participants Get a Lesson In Making Choices

CHOICES is a consumer-driven program for smokers with mental illness in New Jersey. This week, ACT participants benefited from speakers who are consumers and former smokers. Their goal is to increase awareness of the importance of addressing tobacco use and to create a strong peer support network that encourages mental health care and positive, healthy lifestyle changes. They shared the information using an interactive and informative presentation that kept everyone engaged and well-informed.

ACT Participants Enjoy a Valentine's Day Lunch

Pink and red were the colors of the day as clients from the Archway ACT (Adult Counseling and Therapy) Program enjoyed a special Valentine's Day lunch outing at Friendly's Restaurant. 

ACT Participants Enjoy a Visit from a Couple of Furry Friends

Tuesday, February 21st, was Pet Appreciation Day at Archway Adult Counseling and Therapy (ACT). Brandy, a charming and friendly Beagle mix, and Rexy, a fluffy teddy bear of a Goldendoodle dog, visited with the ACT clients, making quick friends with everyone in attendance. The clients and dogs had a wonderful time together, and the clients learned about dogs and their routines. It was both an enjoyable and educational visit. 

AADP Helps Out at the Flower Shop

You might recognize one of these gentlemen if you were among the lucky recipients of a lovely arrangement or bouquet from Blue Violet Flowers and Gifts on Valentine's Day. Obed and Dillon (Eagles jacket) helped at the flower shop make special Valentine's Day deliveries in the area. Both young men are participants in our Advanced Abilities Day Program and volunteered their time today to make everyone's Valentine's Day brighter. Thank you, Obed and Dillon! You both did a fantastic job!

Welcome to the Archway Family!

We are proud to welcome new employees to the Archway Family as our organization expands, allowing us to help more families throughout the community. Please help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the Archway Family!

If you have news or information you would like to see in the next issue of The Bridge, please contact Kelly by phone: 856.767.5757 ext. 242 or by email: kelly.jones@archwayprograms.org.