Week 43 of #52weeksofgiving - Monarch School Touch a Truck Event - Rochester, NH
For week 43 of #52weeksofgiving, we are bringing the Monarch School of New England back into the spotlight! Michelle and Beau had a blast last week at the Touch a Truck event, culminating a week of special activities supporting the school’s vocational programming and career exploration opportunities for students.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday, the students participated in the annual Mile for Monarch. This year’s theme was career exploration and vocational programming. Students walked the school’s nature trail and participated in career and vocational activity stations on the way. They also helped raise funds for the school’s program and therapy services through pledges for the walk.
LeMay Family Goodworks was happy to sponsor the Touch a Truck event last Thursday, and Michelle even brought her monster truck for the occasion! Participants brought their vehicles so kids could learn more about their work and the vehicles they use to perform it in a hands-on, meaningful way.
Amanda Martineau, Director of Community Engagement, explained, “Individuals with disabilities are significantly underrepresented in the workforce, and MSNE has always provided instruction and opportunities so that students can graduate with a resume of skills to prepare them for meaningful work in the community.”
Thanks to the Monarch School for a fun-filled day for a fantastic cause! Read on to learn more about their special needs education and therapy programs.
About the Monarch School of New England
Starting as a volunteer-run playgroup in the late 1960s for children with disabilities, the Monarch School of New England (MSNE) has provided unlimited possibilities for students with special needs for over 45 years. At the time, few options were available for children with disabilities and their families.
Today, the school continues to design programs based on the individual needs and capabilities of each student in an effort to create an environment where they can flourish. MSNE now serves students from over 30 school districts across NH and southern ME whose needs are not being met in a public school setting. They are a member of the New Hampshire Private Special Education Association and accredited by the New Hampshire Department of Education.
MSNE helps young people between ages 5 and 22 with intellectual, physical, medical, and behavioral disabilities integrate into the mainistream of everyday life. Their mission: Supporting individuals with special needs so they can realize their greatest potential.
MSNE Special Education Programs & Services
The school’s approach combines both education and therapy, which they execute with a passionate team of teachers, program assistants, education technicians, behaviorists, school psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists. These skilled professionals work together to meet the needs of the whole person.
Academics
MSNE offers two educational placement programs:
Day Program: Students can attend the day school indefinitely. MSNE staff and the sending school district work together to determine the student’s progress and when they are ready to return to their home district.
Collaborative Team: MSNE staff work in the school districts to provide technical assistance, helping teachers and administrators optimize their special education programs.
Related Services
Students also have access to a variety of traditional and innovative therapies and services to enhance their learning experience, develop their skills, and increase their independence. Students receive services listed in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). MSNE’s unique offerings include:
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech and language therapy
Behavioral therapy
Horticultural
Therapeutic aquatics
Hippotherapy (using horseback riding to achieve therapy outcomes)
Social-emotinal learning instruction
Social skills training
Music and art
Adaptive physical education (e.g., skiing)
Vision (for visually impaired students)
Pre-Vocational & Vocational Programs
To prepare young adults with disabilities for meaningful employment and vocational opportunities after graduation, MSNE partners with local businesses to provide work-based learning for students of all ages in various career fields. Students start with jobs in school and move on to jobs in the community, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
The school encourages students to explore careers based on their interests and abilities. Work-based learning is currently offered in:
Culinary
Hospitality
Retail
Technology
Woodworking and trades
Horticultural and gardening
This ties into this year’s Mile for Monarch theme, as MSNE works to show employers the value in hiring individuals with special needs.
How You Can Help
If you are interested in supporting the Monarch School and their special needs education programs, please consider making a difference by:
Volunteering: Give some of your time each month to help out at school programs and events.
Donating Supplies: Do you have extra supplies? The school could always use certain items, so reach out to find out what they need!
Donating Funds: Local individuals and businesses can make a positive impact by donating to MSNE and sponsoring their events like the Mile for Monarch.
To learn more about how you can help out, please contact Amanda Martineau at amartineau@monarchschoolne.org or 603-332-2848. And be sure to follow MSNE on Facebook or subscribe to their quarterly newsletter to keep up with their latest events and efforts!