Spectrum360

This March, New Jersey celebrates the power of arts education during Arts in Our Schools Month. As part of the celebration, we are highlighting our incredible arts educators—from Culinary and Film to Music and Visual Arts—to showcase the impact of art instruction in special education. The arts provide students with a powerful outlet for self-expression, build confidence, and help uncover hidden talents. Read about these amazing teachers here: https://lnkd.in/eBR4nE5e #ArtEdNJ Arts Ed NJ

Thank you, National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC), for the opportunity to share insights on the power of partnerships with colleges and universities! Our thought leaders—Dr. Danielle M. Taylor, David Diianni, and Lynn Muir—had the privilege of presenting to fellow NAPSEC members about the impact of dual enrollment programs, internships, and collaborative research. We are grateful for our strong partnerships with Essex County College, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, Seton Hall University, and more, as we work together to create meaningful opportunities for our students.

We are proud to announce that Randall Palmer, CISSP, Spectrum360's IT Coordinator, has been awarded the George Magdich Leadership Award at the annual New Jersey Educational Technology Conference. This award honors the legacy of NJECC - New Jersey Educational Computing Cooperative President Emeritus George Magdich, recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing technology in education. Magdich, an educator for over 40 years, was known for creating innovative technology programs and supporting both teachers and students. Congratulations to Randy for this well-deserved recognition and for all you do to support our students and staff!

Academy360's Upper School revived the Girls' Teen Excursion Club (TEC), connecting our young women with local mentors and fostering valuable relationships beyond the classroom. This year, in partnership with Mount St. Dominic Academy, seven Academy360 students joined twelve Mount St. Dominic students in the program, which emphasizes the power of mentorship in building confidence and meaningful connections. Read more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/epvpxdnb

We are excited to announce that we've earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the world's largest nonprofit database. This highest-level rating is awarded to organizations that openly share important information with the public, and it underscores Spectrum360’s commitment to transparency about our goals, strategies, and impact. Learn more about our achievement here: https://lnkd.in/e8TusDr6

Academy360 Upper School’s Young Adult Program has introduced a dual enrollment program with Essex County College (ECC), allowing Academy360 young adults to earn college credits while in high school. Spearheaded by FilmAcademy360 Program Director and Academy360 Teacher David Diianni, the program connects students with the broader community while preparing them for post-secondary success. Read more about this unique offering here: https://lnkd.in/een4cwPG

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Academy360 Lower School is proud to reintroduce our Girl Scouts of the USA troop! With firsthand experience in scouting and working with students with special needs, our Lower School teacher Nora Rigolosi has adapted Girl Scout resources to meet our students' unique needs. She skillfully balances activities for Brownies, Cadettes, and Juniors so that every member can meaningfully participate in cherished Girl Scout traditions. Learn more about our new troop and how your support is building community through scouting: https://lnkd.in/erdn8Qzv

When opportunity knocks, lives are transformed. That's exactly what happened when Independence360 partnered with nourish.NJ—a nonprofit with a 40-year legacy of addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty by providing fresh meals, housing, medical care, and more, free of charge. Together, we're empowering adults with autism and related challenges to learn, grow, and become key members of our community. Read the full story below. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/evDt26FK

As part of our strategic plan, we prioritized investing in our staff’s health and well-being.? We’re honored to be recognized by Cigna Healthcare with the gold level Healthy Workforce Designation for our commitment to employee well-being and vitality. #CignaHWD

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our former colleague, Patty Nelson, earlier this week. Patty was a dedicated member of Spectrum360, joining as an HR Assistant in 2002 and leading our HR department with care and commitment until her retirement in June 2023. She was not only a valued team member but also a beloved friend to many. Upon her retirement, we had the honor of profiling Patty’s incredible contributions and journey. You can read more about her story: https://lnkd.in/gm86FBwB Patty will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held on February 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Parsippany.