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WHAT: Woodbridge Declares Autism Awareness Month

 WHEN: Thursday, April 21, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

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

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WOODBRIDGE – Mayor Frank G. Pelzman will commemorate National Autism Awareness Month at Matthew Jago School, 99 Glen Cove Ave. in Sewaren , Thursday, April 21, at 10:30 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 250 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003) . 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 as Special Education. 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 is a recipient of the 2004 New Jersey Governor’s School of Excellence Award for its innovative programs, parent involvement and consistent increase in student test scores as indicated by the NJ ASK testing program.