- South Bergen Jointure Commission
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SBJC'S NO BARRIERS PROGRAMMING
What learning strategies is the SBJC developing that challenges our students to live full and independent lives?
The SBJC has researched and implemented a new program to help students with IEPs mitigate their disabilities, which has resulted in developing learning strategies that challenge our students to live full and independent lives. This new program has dramatically increased social opportunities that reinforce life skills which promote independence. The SBJC partnered with the non-profit organization No Barriers USA and its founder, Erik Weihenmayer (first blind person to climb Mt. Everest), in formalizing a theoretical framework that engages students in exploring new activities, showing them that “what’s within them is stronger than what’s in their way.”
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Yoga & Mindfulness For All
In reviewing district data regarding the use of crisis interventions for severe behaviors, the SBJC noticed a trend in classrooms regularly implementing mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga: they had far less behavioral crises than classrooms that didn’t use these methods. The SBJC has since hired a yoga and mindfulness teacher to work with every student in the district to promote skills of self-regulation.
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3-Season Athletics
SBJC now offers after-school athletics to our high school students, including Cross Country, Bowling, Basketball, and Track & Field, with plans of joining the NJSIAA by 2024. Athletics provides our students with the chance to grow and develop leadership skills, to promote healthy living, and to enhance social/communication skills with their peers. Student participation in a sport can promote their future involvement in extracurriculars when they return to their home district.
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Bike Program
A team of physical educators, physical/occupational therapists, and administrators designed a program that incorporated bicycling into our physical education curriculum. The ultimate goal of this program is for every student to know how to ride a bike by the time they leave our district--resulting in them having the opportunity to ride alongside their neighborhood friends, or possibly being their mode of transportation for future employment.
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Hiking Leadership
SBJC worked with No Barriers to provide Hiking Leadership Training to our 18-21 year old students. Not only do these students learn wilderness survival skills, they’re responsible for passing that knowledge on to younger students in our district. In addition to this, the SBJC has a Walk-Everyday initiative where students take ten-minute daily walks in the community with their classmates.