The Basic Skills program at Anthony Wayne is designed to build confidence and promote success.  An informal and caring atmosphere encourages students to become involved in learning, as well as to assist each other.

The goals of the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math classes are to reinforce basic skills, supplement classroom instruction, and prepare for the end of the year standardized tests.

Teaching students to read has long been viewed as an educational priority. However in recent years, we have become increasingly aware that teaching students to read is not enough. It is equally important to help them learn to value reading so they will read for both enjoyment and information. Both the sixth and seventh grade reading classes read novels, short stories and non-fiction articles. While reading these stories, the class uses reading skills to comprehend, to analyze stories for content and vocabulary, and to capture the writer’s style in order to develop and expand on each student’s writing style. These materials and skills parallel the type of questions encountered on the NJ ASK standardized tests.

In both the math and reading basic skills classes, students are encouraged to take “risks”-to raise their hands, to shout out their thoughts and to work together. They are also encouraged to come in and work with us before school, after school, or during  recreation time. As basic skills teachers, we not only work with students, but we also collaborate with classroom teachers to help our students become more successful learners overall.

Mrs. Guli (Math)

Mrs. Hamecs (Reading)

Mrs. Hall (LALB)

Ms. Damelio (LALB)

Mrs. Blackson (Math)

Speech-language therapy services are available for any student at Anthony Wayne Middle School, who exhibits weaknesses in the following areas:

• articulation (speech sounds and connected speech intelligibility)
• language (comprehension and use of language, including auditory processing
• voice (vocal quality, including pitch, resonance, etc.)
• fluency (stuttering, rhthym)

The student must be referred to the speech-language specialist in written form, by a parent, guardian, teacher, etc. After the student is referred, the parent is contacted and a meeting is scheduled. At this meeting, the parent receives detailed information regarding the speech-language evaluation procedure. If an evaluation is deemed necessary, the parent gives written consent to procede with the evaluation. The speech-language specialist evaluates the student and a report is sent to the parent with the results of the testing, in addition to another meeting letter. If the results of the evaluation indicate the need for speech-language services, an Individualized Educational Program is developed with the parents.  With parental consent, the IEP is implemented.  Typically, middle school students receive speech-language therapy services once or twice weekly, in a small group setting or on an individualized basis, depending upon the student's needs.  Please feel free to contact the speech-language specialist at Anthony Wayne Middle School, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's speech-language abilities.

Child Study Team members are specialists in the area of educationally-related disabilities.  The Child Study Team consists of a School Psychologist, a School Social Worker, and a Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant. If indicated, the Child Study Team works with the School Nurse, a Speech- Language Specialist, an Occupational Therapist, and/or a Physical Therapist to best meet the needs of each individual child.

Child Study Team members are responsible for the identification, evaluation, and determination of eligibility, development and review of the individualized education program (IEP) and placement of students.

Each Child Study Team member is assigned a Case Manager for a number of students.  The Case Manager coordinates the development, monitoring, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the IEP.  The Case Manager coordinates the annual review and reevaluation process and facilitates communication between home and school.

Anthony Wayne Middle School Child Study Team Members:

Shari Lovenheim, School Psychologist

Michelle Spirock, Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant

Kristina Zambito, School Social Worker