Larc Graduation
WWW.LARCSCHOOL.ORG
Just The Beginning!
In her remarks to parents on graduFALL2012 VOLUME 17.2
Message From the Board
By Alessandra T. Norcross
Serving on the Larc Board of
Directors is both a privilege and a
pleasure, and I’m honored to serve on
a board with people I grew up admiring,
like Ed McDonnell. I joined the Board
just over a year ago, but I’ve considered
myself part of the Larc Family ever since
I was introduced to Larc School through
my parents. They taught me from a young
age that giving back is a priority.
Volunteering at the Cooper Norcross Run
the Bridge Event while still in college,
I helped whenever I could by hanging
posters or handing out water to runners.
‘‘
disabilities. Despite many obstacles, Larc
students, with the unwavering support
of families and the determination of the
Larc staff, are leading happy, fulfilling
lives, and living up to their potential. Larc
provides its students with many activities
that students in mainstream schools
enjoy, like prom and graduation. These
thoughtful touches are what make Larc
so special. Seeing the dedication and
commitment of the Larc staff motivated
me to become part of the Larc family. It
is that spirit of courage and perseverance
that I love about Larc.
Seeing the dedication and commitment of the Larc
staff motivated me to become part of the Larc family.
Now I serve on the Run committee, and,
last year, put on my sneaks, a numbered
bib, and ran the bridge. As fun and
exciting as it was, my passion is in the
details and committee work.
When I first walked down the halls of
Larc School, I realized that few have
any idea of what is involved in caring for
children and young adults with severe
In a world where most people turn away
from a problem or difficult situation
thinking someone else will take care of
it, I'd like to think that I try my very best
to work it out, and not take a seat on the
sidelines. I have a strong personality, and
I fight hard for things I believe in ... and I
believe in Larc School. ■
Emily, one of six Larc Preschool graduates, poses with her Mom. Emily will now join the Larc Educational Program.
ation day, Larc Preschool Teacher Gina
Gambone said, “It was truly a privilege
and an honor to not only teach your
children, but learn from them as well ...
Your children are the reason why we all
love coming to work each day. Just know
that all of the staff here at Larc believe in
your child.”
Larc Educational Program graduate Justin shares
a proud moment with his teacher, Jason Perry.
Friday morning, June 8th, six students
completed the Preschool Program and
one student graduated from the Educational Program. Families, friends, and
staff watched as the graduates marched
through the gym in their caps and gowns
to take their seat of honor on the stage.
Their teachers each took a moment to
reflect on the time they have spent with
their students. For many of them, it was
more than one year’s worth of memories,
as teachers often have students for multiple years. They spoke from the heart
about the journey they took together.
“You have taught me to always move forward towards my goals with determination, to express myself with confidence,
and that sometimes all you really need
to make an ordinary day extraordinary is
good dance music, lots of laughter, and a
few friends,” said Larc Preschool Teacher
Michele Steriti to her students during the
preschool graduation ceremony.
“Each year I am incredibly touched when
I listen to our teachers describe their
feelings about their graduating students,”
said Larc School Executive Director
Susan Weiner. “Their words reveal how
deeply they know their students in even
the smallest hint of a smile or laugh. This
closeness is at the heart of what we do
and why our students succeed.” ■
LARC SCHOOL FALL 2012 | WWW.LARCSCHOOL.ORG
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Support Group Connects Siblings of Larc Students
When the sister of a Larc student
suggested the idea of a support group
for siblings of special needs students at
Back to School night last fall, ears perked
up. Linda Magin, whose daughter, nineyear-old Alison, has been a student at
Larc since she was three, thought about
the possibilities such a group could offer.
She contacted Larc School Educational
Supervisor Kathy Chilinkas to follow up.
"Larc responded immediately, and we
found that other families were interested,"
said Ms. Magin. "We had our first meeting
in February."
“The group gives Alison’s seven-yearold sister, Samantha, and four-yearold brother, Paulie, the opportunity to
talk about their feelings, and to feel
comfortable and confident when speaking
to other children about their special needs
sister,” said Ms. Magin.
The group, which is open to all siblings
of Larc students and consists of about
12 siblings ranging in age from 4 to
17, started out meeting once a month
on a Tuesday evening to discuss their
relationships with and feelings about
having a sibling with special needs.
Ms. Chilinskas, along with Larc School
Psychologist Kristin Nowell and Larc
Teacher Michele McCloskey, organized
the group, planning and carrying out the
meetings. This summer the Sibling Group,
coordinated by Kate Sullivan, principal
intern, will visit Larc School once a
week during the school day to interact in
planned activities with their siblings and
other Larc students.
Sibling activities are designed to elicit
feelings and discussion about their
Larc student Emily (center), with her sisters Taylor (left) and Caitlyn (right) during a Sibling Group activity.
‘‘
Larc doesn’t just want your child to succeed,
Larc wants your whole family to succeed.
special needs brother or sister and to
connect with the other siblings. Often
siblings of a child with a disability feel
isolated and have trouble communicating
their feelings. They need information,
reassurance, and coping strategies. The
purpose of this group is to provide a safe,
comfortable place for both the siblings
and parents to share their feelings with
other siblings and parents dealing with
the same challenges.
“For me, my husband, Paul, and other
parents, the group offers the opportunity
to understand what our children need to
know,” said Ms. Magin. “I’d always told my
children that God made Alison special, but
I was never specific about her syndrome.
As they mature, I am realizing that the
more information Samantha and Paulie
have about their sister’s special needs, the
more secure and confident they’ll feel.”
Siblings need age-appropriate information
and ongoing, honest communication.
These children want to know more about
their siblings’ disabilities, and they want to
know how to respond when their friends
and peers ask questions.
"We’re all absolutely grateful to Larc
School," said Ms. Magin. "Larc doesn’t
just want your child to succeed, Larc
wants your whole family to succeed.” ■
Larc Staff Members Recognized
for Excellence by Peers
Each year, ASAH, a New Jersey private school association serving the
special education community, honors individuals for excellence in the field
of special education, and commitment to their organization and community.
This year, Larc School staff members nominated their peers in the following
categories: Tish Jacques (left) for Para-Professional of the Year; Michele
Steriti (center) for Educator of the Year; and Jackie Ricketts (right) for
Related Services Professional of the Year. Congratulations! ■
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LARC SCHOOL FALL 2012 | WWW.LARCSCHOOL.ORG
friends
Larc School gratefully acknowledges these gifts from our caring friends
– individuals, foundations, corporations – whose generosity makes
it possible for Larc School to provide the very best for its students
and their families We extend our deepest gratitude to every donor.
OF LARC SCHOOL
Platinum – $10,000 to $24,999
Mr & Mrs Richard Hardenbergh
South Jersey Charitable Foundation
In Honor Of Katy Berg
In Honor Of Collin Powell
In Honor Of Gabrielle Colgan
Mr & Mrs Roger Cassi
Ms Mildred Colgan
In Honor Of Judi Silk
Gold – $2,500 to $9,999
Camden Home For Children and SPCC
Knights of Columbus, Council #3532
Knights of Columbus, New Jersey State Council
Silver – $500 to $2,499
American Legion Post #250
Mr & Mrs Michael Ciarroccki
GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Matching Gifts
Kohl’s Associates in Action
Knights of Columbus, Council #11498
Knights of Columbus, Council #13259
Mr Richard Levin
Crystal – to $499
Mr & Mrs Richard Altieri
American Legion Auxiliary of Camden
American Legion John Irvin Post 250 of Runnemede
Mr Ross Angilella
Ms Patricia Bailey
Mr & Mrs Donald Casey
Mr Charles Christi
Mr Alexander DiCarlo
Mr & Mrs Feltman
Ms Anna Fluharty
Ms Amelia Gaines
Mr & Mrs Jasper Garagozzo
Ms Joan Giordano
Ms Ruth Gubernick
Haddon Fortnightly, Evening Department
Mr & Mrs Robert Heide
Mr & Mrs John Howell
Mr Joseph Hrubash
Ms Nancy Hurrell
Knights of Columbus, Council #3512
Knights of Columbus, Council #6735
Knights of Columbus, The Pope
John Paul II Chapter
Lions Club of Gloucester City
Mr & Mrs James McCafferty
Ms Maureen McMenamin
Mr & Mrs John Muscella, Jr
Mr & Mrs Edwin Ordway, Jr
Mr & Mrs Howard Page
Mr & Mrs F Robert Perry
Ms Betty Jane Ryan
Ms Mary Lou Shockley
Subaru of America Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Mr George Tomak
Verizon Foundation Matching Incentive Program
Mr & Mrs Charles Warrington
Ms Shirley Webber
Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gift Program
Mr & Mrs Christino Wijaya
Mr Fran Witt, McKernan Architects
Dr Raymond Yannuzzi
Mr & Mrs Daniel Woodward
Mr & Mrs Sean Powell
Mr & Mrs Harry Flomenberg
In Honor Of Andrew Smith
Mr Richard Raychert
In Honor Of Caleb Fothergill
Mr & Mrs James McCoy
In Honor Of Beatrice Steiner
Mr & Mrs Larry Buxbaum
In Honor Of Isaac Gold
Ms Zelda Bryen
In Honor Of Darcie Waicus
Mr Paul Waicus
In Honor Of Kimberly Hardenbergh
Mr & Mrs Ray Miller
In Honor Of Jackson Waicus
Mr Paul Waicus
In Honor Of Michael Heins
Mr George Glaesser, III
In Honor Of Susan Weiner
Mr & Mrs Edward Feldman
In Honor Of Sophia Horiates
Mr Karl Mueller
Ms Naomi Southwick
In Memory Of Sid Atlas
Mr & Mrs Harry Flomenberg
In Honor Of The Ladies of Larc
In Memory Of Fern Aune
Ms Denise Sellers
Mr & Mrs William Dodd, Sr
Mr & Mrs Donald Harker
In Honor Of Rael LaPenta
Mr Robert LaPenta
In Memory Of Gerald M Bonsall
Mr & Mrs Gerald Bonsall
In Honor Of Larc Staff, Students
and Therapists in Room 15
In Memory Of Susie Ciarroccki
Ms Susan Hyland
Mr & Mrs Kenneth Estes
Ms Kathryn Furey
Mr & Mrs J William Parker
Mr & Mrs Richard Tancredi
In Honor Of Aidan Lavender
Mr & Mrs Thomas Lavender
In Honor Of Amanda McDonnell
Dominican Sisters of Hope
Ms Sally A McDonnell
In Memory Of Daniel Dalzell
Mr & Mrs Robert Barry
Ms Elizabeth Dalzell
Mr & Mrs Douglas Naismith
Mr Fred Sheedy
Ms Mary Shusted
In Honor Of Ed McDonnell
Mr & Mrs William Mink
In Honor Of Mark Pellegrino
Ms Amanda Pellegrino
In Memory Of Melva & Lawrence Dobkin
Mr & Mrs Henry Fineman
In Honor Of Brian Popso
Mr & Mrs Herbert Schaffer, Jr
In Memory Of Michelle Fothergill
Mr & Mrs James McCoy
In Memory Of Stella Giordano
Mr Salvatore Giordano
When remembering those
you love, remember Larc
In Memory Of Evan Gordon
Mr & Mrs Marc Gordon
Make a donation to Larc School – the
perfect remembrance for all occasions:
birthdays, anniversaries, graduations,
congratulations, and condolences
Contributions may be sent to:
Larc School
1089 Creek Road
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
In Memory Of Lauren Higgins
Mr & Mrs Frank Esposito
Mr & Mrs William Wiler
In Memory Of Dolores James
Ms Denise Sellers
In Memory Of Samuel Kobran
Ms Sharon Tendler
(Envelope enclosed) or donate
online at www.larcschool.org
LARC SCHOOL FALL 2012 | WWW.LARCSCHOOL.ORG
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In Memory Of Kevin Larsen
Mr & Mrs Daniel Kelly
In Memory Of Dale Mattox
Mr & Mrs Anthony Micciche
In Memory Of Edward Murray
Ms Mary Ward
Opening
New Worlds
With iPads
In Memory Of Anthony Negro
Ms Marie Mansor
In Memory Of Bernard Popso
Ms Jennifer Bergman
Ms Celeste Mankowski
Mr Gabriel Popso
Ms Theresa Popso
Ms Shirley Webber
In Memory Of Kimberly Humphrey Pyne
Ms Rita Allen
Mr & Mrs William Armstrong
Mr & Mrs Charles Arvon
Mr & Mrs Richard Bennett
Mr & Mrs William Biancicci
Mr & Mrs Richard DeRose
Mr & Mrs F Howard Garrison, Jr
Mr & Mrs Henry Gruver
Mr Irvine Hurd, Jr
Mr & Mrs Edwin James
Mrs Millie Linett
Ms Colleen McCartney
Mr & Mrs Hunter Plog
C A Roy
St Luke's School
Mr & Mrs Doug Silber
Mr & Mrs Harold Spooner
Mr & Mrs George Wiker
In Memory Of Jim Robinson
Mr & Mrs George Hudson
In Memory Of Martin Rothstein
Ms Marie Daly
In Memory Of James Schaeffer
Dr & Mrs Samuel Citron
In Memory Of Dr Bertram Serota
Mr & Mrs Harry Flomenberg
Mr & Mrs Donald Steinberg
In Memory Of Lillian M Tancrel
Mr Jack Tancrel
In Memory Of Everett Thompson
Mrs Roxane Adams
Mr & Mrs Bruce Hitchner
Mr & Mrs Fred Sorbello
Ms Mary Sorbello
Ms Susan Weiner
Last year, iPads took the
special needs community
by storm. When the world of
“apps” exploded, it opened
new worlds for children with
disabilities and their families.
Parents were excited by the
idea of iPads when they first
Larc students enjoying the versatile iPad during a
learned of what the iPad
lesson with Larc teacher Christine Smith.
could offer their children.
Larc’s speech therapists
and teachers, in line with
technology is no longer one size fits all.
Larc’s philosophy of incorporating the
Teachers can select the appropriate
best techniques and technologies into
application for each child, specifically
the program, were eager to bring this
addressing their individual needs.
latest advancement into the classroom.
"Using the iPad in the classroom
With the help of a generous grant
has changed the way I am teaching!”
from the Camden Home for Children
said Larc Teacher Christine Smith, a
& S.P.C.C., a charitable foundation in
participant in the test program. “It has
Haddonfield, Larc School purchased
allowed me to pull up real images and
27 iPads for the classrooms. This
videos of concepts being discussed.
summer Larc began a test program
to train and prepare the teachers
on how to best utilize the iPads.
What makes the iPad so exciting to both
families and administration is that this
one device fills a number of needs that
were once served by multiple devices,
and at a fraction of the cost. It is smaller,
easier to maintain and, with its popularity
in everyday life, students find the iPads
motivating and fun to use. With the
variety of applications available and new
apps being developed every second, the
possibilities are endless. Special needs
“For example, while exploring the
Olympics in our Summer Program,
students were able to see live footage
of the torch run, witness opening
ceremonies in London, and explore
sports such as kayaking, diving, and
fencing,” said Ms. Smith. “In addition
to using the iPad for media purposes,
students love using it to work in
apps that focus on academic skills
like tracing, letter identification, and
numbers. We all love the difference
it has made in the classroom!” ■
In Memory Of Marie Warrington
Mr & Mrs Sebastian Marino
In Memory Of Ted White, Sr
Mr & Mrs Daniel Kelly
Listed above are contributions from January 1,
2012 through June 30, 2012 Please let us
know if a name was omitted, and we’ll
be sure to print it in our next issue.
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LARC SCHOOL FALL 2012 | WWW.LARCSCHOOL.ORG
Larc Thanks Staff
Members at Endof-Year Dinner
Larc Classroom Assistant Dianne
Bentliff (left) receives heartfelt
congratulations and thanks from Larc
Executive Director Susan Weiner, for
30 Years of Service to Larc School. ■
Liesl & Elizabeth Dalzell
Larc Mom Delivers Hole-In-One
At Larc’s 21st Annual “Help The
Kids” Golf Tournament Banquet
It was a great day for golf on Friday,
June 1st at the Pennsauken Country
Club, where 110 golfers competed for
top recognition. But it was Elizabeth
Dalzell, wielding a microphone instead of
a golf club, who delivered a metaphorical
hole-in-one with a moving talk at the
golf banquet that evening, drawing
cheers and tears from the 150 guests.
Ms. Dalzell serves on the Golf
Tournament Committee and lends a
generous hand during the tournament’s
events. Her personal story, as the
mother of Larc student Liesl, was
the subject of her moving talk. ■
Larc School Sincerely Thanks
the Sponsors of the 21st Annual
“Help the Kids” Golf Tournament
Elizabeth Dalzell shares
her personal story
(adapted for the Larc Newsletter from Ms. Dalzell’s Golf Banquet remarks)
My 18-year-old daughter, Liesl,
attended three special education schools
previous to joining Larc. I hoped Larc
would be different, that Liesl would be
better served. As the first few weeks
passed, I crossed my fingers … sat by the
phone … waited … and prayed. The phone
never rang. I uncrossed my fingers—my
prayers had been answered. I observed
‘‘
arms and hearts, my daughter lives a
joyful life filled with meaning and purpose.
Never have I seen such true compassion
as I’ve witnessed at Larc School. Each
student is treated with respect, while
encouraged to challenge themselves to
the best of their abilities. The atmosphere
at Larc is always upbeat, energetic, and
electric, regardless of the task at hand.
I observed an amazing transformation, like watching
a butterfly slowly break through its cocoon – my
daughter was flourishing. Friends and family
members had never seen her so happy and content.
an amazing transformation, like watching
a butterfly slowly break through its
cocoon—my daughter was flourishing.
Friends and family members had never
seen her so happy and content.
As the parent of a Larc student, I’m
grateful for all that Larc has freely given
my child. Certainly her studies, activities
and therapies are well noted, but it’s the
other piece I’m speaking of—the glee in
her eye, the smile on her face, the spring
in her step, the joy in her heart. Over three
years ago, when Liesl first joined Larc,
these things were missing from her life.
Now, because Larc accepts her for who
she is, and greets her daily with open
thank you
To see the angelic faces of the children
served, to hear their giggles, laughter,
and cheers of joy warms my soul over and
over.
The comfort of being part of the Larc
family is priceless. Knowing my loved one
is always safe, happy, and learning to the
best of her capabilities brings me great
peace. It is Larc staff members who make
the difference. What they unconditionally
give on a daily basis is truly remarkable.
Being a part of the Larc family is one
of the greatest gifts a parent of a
handicapped child could ever receive. ■
Presenting Sponsor
Hardenbergh Insurance Group
Platinum Sponsor
Brown & Brown
Domenica Foundation
The Flomenberg Family
Larc School Parent Group
UBCJA Eastern Division
Gold Sponsor
Comcast-Spectator Foundation
Dietz & Watson
HGK Asset Management, Inc.
Holman Enterprises
NJ Carpenter Contractor Trust
NJ Carpenters Apprentice Training
& Educational Fund
PSE&G
Subaru of America, Inc.
Whitesell Construction Co. Inc.
Silver Sponsor
A&J Bar & Janitorial Supplies
All Risk, Inc
EJ Adams Construction
Madden & Madden, PA
System Solutions Inc
The Barclay Group
Bronze Sponsor
Creran Funeral Homes
Remington & Venick Engineers
Karen & Paul Scotto
Waicus Family
The Yucaipa Companies
Tee Sponsor
Alloy Silverstein Group
Brookfield Schools
John & Marie Clark
Cozen O'Connor
D’Orazio Foods, Inc
Gardner Funeral Home of
Runnemede & Bellmawr
Garrison Architects
Jack & Maureen Higgins
HollyDELL School
Monroe Township FOP Lodge 125
Pennsauken Spine & Rehab
Dr Robert Perin, MDPA
LARC SCHOOL FALL 2012 | WWW.LARCSCHOOL.ORG
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Nonprofit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bellmawr, N. J.
Permit No. 440
1089 Creek Road
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Susan Weiner
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Edward McDonnell, Chairperson
Carol Parker-Elbert, Vice Chairperson
Patricia Egan Jones, Treasurer
Geri Spencer, Secretary
Reginald Beckett
Charles Higgins
James J. Madden, Esq
Alessandra T. Norcross
Pepe Piperno
James Rhodes
Sheila Dyan, Editor
United Way Member Agency E.O.E.
calendar
The ESY Summer Olympics
… Larc-style. Larc students
James (left) and Kyle
(right), dressed to represent
the country of Greece, carry
torches through the hallways
during the Extended
School Year Program.
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LARC SCHOOL FALL 2012 | WWW.LARCSCHOOL.ORG
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Young Lawyer Committee Lobster
Bake To Benefit Larc School
Sunday, November 4, 2012
2012 Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge
Presented by AmeriHealth New Jersey
Friday, June 7, 2013
22nd Annual “Help the Kids”
Golf Tournament
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