Back

Print this Page

Apr. 22, 2006

 WHEN: Wednesday, April 26, 10:00 a.m.

 WHERE: Matthew Jago School #28 – 99 Glen Cove Ave. in Sewaren

___________________________________________________________________________________________

WOODBRIDGE – Mayor Frank G. Pelzman will commemorate National Autism Awareness Month at Matthew Jago School, 99 Glen Cove Ave. in Sewaren , Wednesday, April 26, at 10 a.m.

¶ Matthew Jago School is the sponsor of the innovative Program for the Advancement of Children’s Education (PACE), which helps Special Education students – among them several autistic students – achieve their highest potential while receiving significant support from the dedicated PACE Parents’ Group.

¶ As many as 1.5 million Americans – children and adults – are thought to have autism today, affecting an estimated 1 in 166 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005) . Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year. At these rates, it is estimated that autism could affect 4 million Americans in the next decade.

¶ “While there is currently no cure for autism, it is well-documented that if an individual with autism receives treatment early in his or her life, that individual can make significant improvement and achieve a high degree of independence,” says Mayor Pelzman. “Under the direction of Principal Robert Patten, Matthew Jago School has become a leader in nurturing the educational potential of autistic students.”

¶ Matthew Jago School is one of the Woodbridge Township School District ’s magnet schools for Special Education, with 40% of students classified in the Special Education category. The building houses 13 self-contained Special Education classes for classified students beginning at age three.

¶ Matthew Jago School has the unique distinction of operating as a Professional Development School in affiliation with Kean University.

¶ Matthew Jago School has won numerous awards for its innovative programs, parent involvement and consistent increase in student test scores as indicated by the NJ ASK testing program. The school a recipient of the 2004 New Jersey Governor’s School of Excellence Award.

Back