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Beyond the Prom Boutique: Integrating Occupational Therapy and Vocational Skills for High School Students with Special Needs Amy Landosky, MSOT & Patricia Pelc, BScOT Click Here For The Prom Boutique Store and Website AOTA Inspire Poster Prom Boutique Retrospective Reference List for: AOTA. (2020, 08). Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process-Fourth Edition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74 (Supplement_2), 1-87. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001 National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (2021). (n.d.). Predictors of Post school Success. https://transitionta.org/effective-practices/all-predictors/ Additional Resources: Almalky, H. A. (2020, 02). Employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A literature review. Children and Youth Services Review, 109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104656 Cahill, S. M., & Beisbier, S. (2020, 06 29). Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Children and Youth Ages 5-21 Years. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4), 1-48. Carroll, T. C., Hollenbeck, J., Majeski, K., & Schwind, D. (2025, January/February). The Crucial Need for Occupational Therapy to Prioritize Postsecondary Transition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050944 Cheng, L., & Richardson, K. (2023). IEL Youth Transition Reports: Outcomes for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities (2023). Institute for Educational Leadership. Retrieved June 20, 2024, from https://iel.org/iel-youth-transition-reports-outcomes-for-youth-and-young-adults-with-disabilities-2023/ Kardos, M., & Prudhomme White, B. (2005, 03 01). The Role of the School-Based Occupational Therapist in Secondary Education Transition Planning: A Pilot Survey Study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(2), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.59.2.173 Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., & Test, D. W. (2020, 10 10). Secondary Transition Predictors of Postschool Success: An update to the Research Base. Sage Journals, 44(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2165143420959793 School-Based Occupational Therapist in Secondary Education Transition Planning: A Pilot Survey Study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(2), 173-180. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.59.2.173

Project ADULTS Project ADULTS (Accessing, Developing, and Utilizing Life Transition Skills) Program Coordinator Anne Marie Salerno, LSW Phone: 609-570-1168 Project ADULTS provides a continuum of services for young adults aimed at bridging the gap between school and adult life. Funded by the Mercer County Aging and Disability Resource Connection, Project ADULTS works with students approaching graduation from Mercer High School as well as students with disabilities referred from Mercer County public high schools. Project ADULTS staff helps young adults with disabilities and their families prepare for the transition to adult life. After graduation, Project ADULTS provides direct services such as counseling, information, referral services, and general service coordination to young adults and their families as they navigate the world of adult services. Project ADULTS also provides leadership to a countywide organization, the Mercer Area Partnership for Transition (MAP). MAP's mission is to improve the transition from school to adult life for young adults with disabilities. MAP draws its membership from the staff of Mercer County high schools, state agencies, support coordination agencies, community services providers, family members, and consumers. MAP shares information with members through regular e-blasts and quarterly meetings. MAP has partnered with other agencies to organize training sessions and provider fairs and develops resource materials for the community. Helpful Links When Planning for Your Young Adult Person-Centered Planning http://www.learningcommunity.us Person-Centered Planning & Supports (rutgers.edu) http://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/independent-community-living/person-centered.asp Transition and Adult Services http://planningforadultlife.org http://www.fscnj.org/transition-matters/ Division of Developmental Disabilities | Home (nj.gov) Career Services | Vocational Rehabilitation Services (nj.gov) Post-Secondary Education FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid https://www.collegeboard.org www.thinkcollege.net Job Corps and AmeriCorps Students - Job Corps http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista Transportation Home | NJ TRANSIT | New Jersey Transit Corporation | New Jersey TRADE Transportation | Mercer County, NJ Career Exploration https://www.onetonline.org Career Services (nj.gov) Self-Advocacy http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure Social Security and SSI https://www.ssa.gov/disability/index.htm Guardianship http://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/resources/guardianship-go-bag.html NJ Department of Human Services – Guardianship

Mercer Coordinated Transportation Services Mercer Coordinated Transportation Services provides busing and drivers to the districts within Mercer County and the surrounding areas. Transportation transportation @mcsssd.us Fax: 609-570-1173 Sindy Godby, Coordinator 609-631-2133 Christine Wells, Assistant Coordinator 609-631-2120 Sharon Michels, Secretary 609-631-2121 MCTS District Information Form Submission Mercer Coordinated Transportation Services Sindy Godby, Transportation Coordinator 609-631-2133 Christine Wells, Assistant Transportation Coordinator 609-631-2120 Sharon Michels, Transportation Secretary

ESY Hiring! We’re hiring all ESY positions (teachers, OT, PT, Speech, and assistants). Click here to apply and join our amazing team this summer!

More Information Joseph F. Cappello School JFC Programs JFC Contact HIB Information JFC Contact Joseph F. Cappello School 1072 Old Trenton Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690 Tel: 609-588-8485 Fax: 609-588-8474 School Nurse 609-588-8488 or 609-588-8489 Student Absence Line 609-446-4844 Emergency Closing Information 609-588-8485; Option 9 Contact JFC Form

More Information Health Benefits Retirement Leave of Absence & FMLA Affimative Action & ADA Attendance System Frontline Basic Training Frontline Advanced Training Public School Works Safety Training Employment Opportunities Leave of Absence & FMLA Leave of Absence FMLA WH-380-E Short-Term Disability- The Standard LOA,FMLA, Leave Programs Summary If you have any questions or need assistance during this process, don’t hesitate to contact us: 609-631-2106 modeamer@mcsssd.us

About MCSSSD Our Mission Mercer County Special Services School District is committed to serving as a catalyst for providing innovative integrated programs and services. We serve individuals with significant disabilities as well as meet the specialized needs of districts and agencies. Through leadership and the collaborative efforts of staff, family, sending districts, and community, the district will equip individuals with the skills necessary to successfully function in their environment. Our History The concerns of parents and public school districts for the education of students with severe disabilities were addressed with the establishment of the Mercer County Special Services School District in November 1977. The creation of the district was due to the cooperative efforts of the Mercer County Administration, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Parent Organization, the Mercer County Education Office, public school districts of the county, and state and county agencies serving students with disabilities. Vision Statement At Mercer County Special Services School District (MCSSSD) we are committed to servicing children with special needs residing in Mercer County and the surrounding area. We provide instructional, vocational, and therapeutic programs designed for each stude nt’s unique needs, interests, and characteristics. Our programs serve preschool, primary, elementary, and secondary age populations. MCSSSD programs are designed to teach multi-disabled, autistic, and emotionally disturbed students. We also have special projects that provide services to infants, graduates, parents, and other agencies. Consistent with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, along with the continued support of the Mercer County Commissioners and MCSSSD Board of Education, our district continues to set best-practice standards in our special education programs. Our primary goal is to assure each student reaches their full potential as a productive and self-sufficient member of society through quality teaching by our dedicated teachers and staff.

Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying Information The Mercer County Special Services School District provides an educational setting that promotes student growth and fulfills the goals and objectives of the individual educational plan (IEP). Learning is best achieved in a positive and supportive environment. A quality educational program requires the combined efforts of administrators, staff, students, and parents in identifying and dealing with issues that influence learning. This group has the shared responsibility to recognize and reinforce appropriate behaviors and to establish disciplinary procedures that deal with inappropriate behaviors. Our Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student's ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe and disciplined environment. Since students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying. 2023-2024 District Scores State of NJ HIB Website School Anti-Bullying Specialist To act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in school, each school has appointed an anti-bullying specialist who will chair our school-based Student Safety Teams District Anti-Bullying Coordinator Jon Korellis jkorellis@mcsssd.us 609-631-2129 Joseph F. Cappello School Cathy Smeresky, Counselor csmeresky@mcsssd.us 609-588-8485 Mercer Elementary School Amy Felsher, Counselor afelsher@mcsssd.us 609-570-1120 Mercer High School Heidi Musick, Counselor hmusick@mcsssd.us 609-570-1164 NJ Department of Education School Climate Coordinator hib@doe.nj.gov School Safety Team Each school has a School Safety Team comprised of teachers, support staff, counselors, and parents whose duties include educating the community, including pupils, teachers, administrative staff, parents, and our community, to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils. Definition of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student that take place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus. Students are expected to treat one another with respect. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication (including telephone, cell phone, computer, or pager) that is motivated by any actual or perceived characteristic such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, a mental, physical or sensory disability, or any other distinguishing characteristics. Acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may also be a pupil exercising power and control over another pupil, either in isolated incidents (e.g., intimidation, harassment) or patterns of harassing or intimidating behavior (e.g., bullying). The school district may impose consequences for acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying that occur off school grounds such as cyber-bullying. All complaints of alleged harassment, intimidation, or bullying are to be reported to the building principal or designee. View our District Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Policies HIB 338 Form For Families HIB 338 Form for LEA Guidance for Schools HIB Anti-Bullying QA Guidance for Parents HIB

Nurses Corner Allergic Reaction Asthma Action Plan Diabetic Illness Exclusions Immunization Requirements Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations Medications Physical Form Seizure Action Plan Sports Forms The Board of Education, N.J.A.C 6A:16-2.2 requires all students new to the District to have a physical examination. The Universal Child Health Record form is to be completed by your child's physician. Physical examinations must be done no more than 365 days prior to school entry to be accepted for registration. Please make sure the date of the physical exam is specified by your physician. *Universal Child Health Record Physical Form (Universal Child Health Record) English

More Information Health Benefits Retirement Leave of Absence & FMLA Affimative Action & ADA Attendance System Frontline Basic Training Frontline Advanced Training Public School Works Safety Training Employment Opportunities Open Enrollment Retirement Information for MCSSSD Employees Thinking about retirement? It's never too early to begin planning. Please review the attached materials, including a helpful retirement planning timeline that outlines important steps up to eight months before your retirement date. How to Register Key Timing Reminders: Apply for retirement through the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS) at least 4-6 months before your retirement date. You cannot apply more than one year in advance. Where to Start: For details on pension tiers, retirement eligibility, and step-by-step instructions: Visit the New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits website. Log in to your MBOS account to apply and view personalized pension and health benefit information. Have Questions? Contact the New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits: Phone: (609) 292-7524 For hearing impaired: TRS 711 or (609) 292-7524 Available Resources on MBOS Explore detailed guidance on the following retirement topics: Retirement How to Apply Retirement Checklist PERS and TPAF Pension Options Disability Retirement Benefits Health Benefits Program & Medicare for Retirees Enrolling in Health Benefits as a Retiree Divorce, Dissolution of a Civil Union, and Retirement Benefits Dental Plans for Retirees Deferred Retirement Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships Beneficiary Designation

Nurses Corner Allergic Reaction Asthma Action Plan Diabetic Illness Exclusions Immunization Requirements Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations Medications Physical Form Seizure Action Plan Sports Forms BMI Student Insurance Nurses Corner Welcome to the MCSSSD Nurses Corner. You will find information related to our school health policies, the required medical forms needed for the administration of medications and required physicals, and other health-related information. Please check this site often for the latest updates. Our role as certified school nurses is to attend to the health needs and complex medical issues of our students. We strive to create a healthy and safe learning environment for all students and staff. Feel free to get in touch with your building nurses with any questions via email or phone. You can find all school nurse information below. Please contact your school nurses anytime your child will be absent from school. Thank you, Your MCSSSD Nurses Joseph Cappello School - JFC School Nurses - (609) 588-8485 Natalie Cairo, RN, BSN, CSN Office Number - (609) 588-8489 NCairo@mcsssd.us Danielle Fries, RN, BSN, CSN, CWCN Office Number - (609) 588-8488 DFries@mcsssd.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercer Elementary School - MES School Nurses - (609) 570-1120 Jacqueline Senetra, RN, BSN , CSN, MSN Office Number - (609) 570-1125 JSenetra@mcsssd.us Mary Beth Smith, RN, BSN, CSN Office Number - (609) 570-1126 MSmith@mcsssd.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercer High School - MHS School Nurses - (609) 588-8450 Molly Prader, RN, BSN Office Number - (609) 588-8466 MPrader@mcsssd.us Lauren Maurer, RN, CSN Office Number - (609) 588-8448 Lmaurer@mcsssd.us

State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture Non-Discrimination Statement English The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_emp.html or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov . Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Español El Departamentode Agriculture de los Estados Unidos (por sus siglas en ingles "USDA") prohlbe la discriminacibn contra sus clientes, empleados y solicitantes de empleo por raza, color, origen nacional, edad, discapacidad, sexo, identidad de genera, religidn, represalias y, segun corresponda, convicciones polfticas, estado civil, estado familiar o paternal, orientacidn sexual, o si los ingresos de una persona provienen en su totalidad o en parte de un programa de asistencia publica, o informaci6n genetica protegida de empleo o de cualquier programa o actividad realizada o financiada por el Departamento. (No todos los criterios prohibidos se aplicaran a todos los programas y/o actividades laborales).Si desea presentar una queja por discriminaci6n del programa de Derechos Civiles, complete el USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form(formulano de quejas por discriminaci6n del programa del USDA), que puede encontrar en internet en http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaintfiling cust.html . o en cualquier oficina del USDA, o flame al (866) 632-9992 para solicitar el formulario. Tambien puede escribir una carta con toda la informacidn solicitada en el formulario. Envlenos su formulario de queja completo o carta por correo postal a U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, por fax al (202) 690-7442 o por correo electr6nico a prooram.intakeOusda.qov. Las personas sordas, con dificultades auditivas, o con discapacidad del habla pueden contactar al USDA por medio del Federal Relay Service (Servicio federal de transmisidn) al (800) 877-8339 o (800) 845-6136 (en espaflol). El USDA es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.