Holiday Magic Comes to Montclair, Fundraiser Supports Inclusive Education

NEWARK, N.J. (Oct. 29, 2019) - The New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) will host its annual “Holiday Magic” fundraising gala for families on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Upper Montclair Country Club, 177 Hepburn Road, Clifton, New Jersey.

The gala will celebrate NJCIE’s accomplishments in making school communities and education inclusive to all students with dignity and equality. It will also honor those who have made a difference in inclusive education for New Jersey schools, children and families. Brunch, activities for children, music and dancing will be provided. Families will have the opportunity to take a professional holiday photo.

“We want guests to learn more about what we do and how others around the state are advocating for both equity and acceptance and making it happen in their school districts,” said Fred Buglione, executive director of NJCIE. “Our organization works to ensure that the right to be included in all aspects of school and society for students with disabilities exists in all districts, that the quality of education provided to all students is of the utmost quality and that difference is accepted and celebrated.”

Proceeds will benefit NJCIE and its mission in supporting inclusive education for all students with disabilities as a fundamental civil right. The organization views inclusion as a means of creating an equitable, socially-just democratic society. 

Annually, NJCIE honors the efforts of educators and educational teams who promote or sustain effective inclusive practices in schools. This year’s honorees are Dr. Gino Priolo and the Haddonfield Public Schools, Catherine Zavacki and Anjana Iyer of Hillsborough High School.

Priolo and the Haddonfield Public Schools were recognized for their ongoing success in maintaining highly inclusive classrooms and creating a fully inclusive community. The district has fully included over 90% of its students for over a decade, utilized co-teaching models to maximize adult support in the classroom and created a collaborative learning environment where all students are included.

Zavacki and Iyer were recognized for their skill in providing high-quality collaborative instruction and advocacy for inclusive education on behalf of their students. Known as “The Twinning Teachers,” the Hillsborough High School chemistry teachers work together under the philosophy that “all students can learn” to provide a highly inclusive learning environment for their students.

Registration for the event is required. Tickets are $125 for adults, $100 for self-advocates and $50 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 years old receive free admission. A family package for two adults and two children can be purchased for $300.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.njcie.org/holiday-magic. Seating is limited.

The New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) is a federally designated 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization serving the parents and educators in the state of New Jersey. Established in 1989 by professionals and parents, the organization supports schools in creating inclusive classroom environments for children with learning disabilities. 

NJCIE is the only nonprofit organization in New Jersey with the sole focus of inclusion and provides needed expertise to schools and educators on how to include students with disabilities into school communities and classrooms with dignity and equality. The organization works to ensure children with disabilities and learning differences are welcomed as classmates, valued as learners and empowered to succeed. For more information, visit www.njcie.org. 

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