PASSE
PASSE is the acronym for Parents
Advocating Special Services in Education. It was founded in 1997 by a
group of concerned parents, whose children received special services and
accommodation under the 504 plan in the West Orange School
District. These parents saw there
was a need for a support group for parents of kids with
special needs, and where they could network among themselves.
PASSE holds approximately four
meetings a year. We sponsor guest speakers on a variety of topics, such as
IEP strategies, legal rights, behavioral issues and family
strategies of having a special needs child. We provide a support group for
families and help raise awareness within the community.
In 2001, PASSE
started a Scholarship Fund for graduating special needs children. We have raised over $20,000. This past school year, PASSE gave
six scholarships to graduating West Orange Seniors. PASSE also created an
annual “Staff Recognition Award” to acknowledge WOBOE staff
members who have gone beyond their job descriptions when it comes to our
special needs kids.
Our meetings are held in the Pleasantdale Elementary School Library, 555 Pleasant Valley Way.
For further information, please
contact PASSE president, Cynthia Hadley-Bailey at 973-731-6049.
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