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Gifted and Talented Complaint Process Any individual who believes that the district has not complied with the provisions in the law or administrative code related to gifted and talented services may file a complaint with the board of education. The complaint shall be submitted in writing to the board office. The chief school administrator or designee shall take the necessary actions to correct or remediate the complaint and report such actions to the board. The board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter. If the complaint is not resolved to the individual’s satisfaction or the individual is not satisfied by the written decision of the board, the individual may then file a petition of appeal of the board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with law (N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9) and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations. To file a complaint for noncompliance, please submit your complaint in writing to the Mercer County Special Services School District Board of Education. Complaints should be sent to Mr. Ryan Haimer, Director of Special Services at rhaimer@mcsssd.us Policy: 2464 - GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS

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In compliance with the Department of Education regulations, our district tested our schools' drinking water for lead. This page was updated on 02/05/2025 Results are listed below. Notification Letter Lead in Water Testing

More Information Joseph F. Cappello School JFC Programs JFC Contact HIB Information JFC Programs Preschool Disabilities Program This program is designed to meet the needs of three and four year old children with disabilities. Learning is viewed as an interactive process between the child, their staff, and a developmentally appropriate environment. The curriculum is developmentally based and focuses on the growth of the total child. Language-based interventions are infused in all activities throughout the school day. Students who participate in this program receive instruction in a self-contained classroom that provides a rich learning environment and a daily routine that allows for student success. Physical education is provided twice per week. Students are also given many opportunities for gross motor play throughout the week. The educational program provides an integrated approach to learning that utilizes support and related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling and physical education to provide a broad range of opportunities for each child. Carefully planned field trips and assemblies support the educational program. A special education teacher delivers the instruction based on the NJ State Department of Education Early Childhood Education Program Expectations: Standards of Quality, and the goals and objectives in the student's Individual Education Program (IEP). Autism Program - School Age and Preschool In this program, students with autism are taught through systematic strategies and are consistently reinforced for displaying desired behaviors. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most commonly used evidence-based approach for teaching students with autism. Using Applied Behavioral Analysis in the classroom allows the teachers to plan and implement individualized programs that meet each student's unique needs in a structured and consistent manner. A vital part of this program is the collection of daily data to measure the progression of skill development and to equip staff with the information they need to make judgments regarding programs. Social Skills instruction is incorporated into all classes in the program and is applied during community-based instruction. Instruction in the community provides a real-world opportunity to assist in the generalization of skills learned in the classrooms. Staff members engage in strategic planning for transition to more inclusive settings. The social skills curriculum focuses on the development of social skills including play, conversation, understanding nuances, body language and various sensitive topics. Multiple Disabilities Program The Multiple Disabilities (MD) Program is designed to meet the needs of students with more than one disability and provides IEP-based instruction for students by supporting different learning styles throughout the curriculum and delivery of instruction. A variety of reading and math teaching strategies assist students who have difficulty with traditional methods of teaching. A special education teacher delivers the instruction based on the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), the district curriculum, and the goals and objectives in the student's Individual Education Program (IEP). Students with severe disabilities develop increased functioning in personal skills as well as adaptive behavior. JFC provides intense therapy and classroom support for students with the most severe medical, cognitive, and physical needs.

Community Resource Program Program Coordinator Krista Gerleit Phone: 609-588-8499 • Email: kgerleit@mcsssd.us The Community Resource Program provides educational and therapeutic support and assessments to local school districts in various educational and home-based settings. Community Resource Program staff members work collaboratively with local districts to ensure that students with special needs are provided with diagnostically and developmentally appropriate educational experiences. Community Resource services may include educational, psychological, and therapeutic testing, home or school-based direct services, behavioral consultation, and training. Workshop presentations are also available to address social skills training, teaching and behavior reduction strategies and techniques based on applied behavior analysis (ABA), and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). For further information, please contact The Office of the Assistant Superintendent at 609-570–1170 or the Community Resource Program coordinator at 609-588-8499. student learning student laughing staff helping a student student learning 1/4

Emergency Information All emergency schedule changes and related information will be posted on the website. Changes to the district's regular schedule may occur due to weather conditions, the loss of utilities, or other emergencies which require Mercer County Special Services Schools to be closed, opened late, or dismissed early. Emergency Closing Information: When school must be closed due to inclement weather or other emergency conditions, an announcement will be through the district's robocall system and posted on the district website. Delayed School Opening: When the opening of school is delayed, the following schedule will be followed. Two - Hour delay (announcement by 6:00 A.M.) Mercer High School - 10:00 A.M. Joseph F. Cappello - 11:00 A.M. Mercer Elementary School - 10:40 A.M. Early School Closings: When school must be closed AFTER STUDENTS HAVE ARRIVED FOR CLASS, the following schedules will be used whenever possible. Please expect delays! Mercer High School - 12:00 P.M. Joseph F. Cappello - 1:00 P.M. Mercer Elementary School - 12:15 P.M. Emergency Preparedness: Comprehensive emergency response and evacuation plans have been developed for all situations that may occur in any of our schools. Absolutely critical to this plan is the cooperation of parents and the community. The primary goal of these plans is to ensure the safety of all students.

Statewide Assessment Results New Jersey School Report Card The annual New Jersey School Report Card is required under a 1995 state law. It presents thirty-five fields of information for each school in the following categories: school environment, students, student performance indicators, staff, and district finances. The assessment results displayed on the New Jersey School Report Cards are based on the state assessment data without any NCLB conditions applied. Therefore, the assessment data in the NJ School Report Card may be different from the assessment data displayed on the NCLB Reports where there have been NCLB conditions applied to the test results. Link to - District Report Card

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Search Results 63 items found for "" Admissions | MCSSSDNJ Admissions Application for Admissions Application Procedures Mercer County Special Services School District accepts applications year-round for potential students with severe and multiple disabilities. A local school district’s Child Study Team must receive all placement applications. Please get in touch with us at admissions@mcsssd.us to discuss placement options and our different programs offered. student working on an iPad students smiling student reading student working on an iPad 1/12 Prom Boutique | MCSSSDNJ Prom Boutique! We have some exciting news that we can’t wait to share! The MHS Prom Boutique Website is Now Open for previews! ​ Click the link below to view our amazing selection of Dresses, Menswear, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories. Everything you see is FREE! The Prom Boutique will open on Tuesday, April 16th from 2-6 for MHS students only to shop with their families/friends, and then the Boutique will remain open every day until the Prom for the students to make their selections. ​ We can’t wait to see you there! View Previews and Learn More! Immunization Requirements | MCSSSDNJ Nurses Corner Allergic Reaction Asthma Action Plan Diabetic Illness Exclusions Immunization Requirements Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations Medications Physical Form Seizure Action Plan Sports Forms ​ This is a list of immunizations required for all students to attend school in New Jersey. Immunization records need to be submitted to the Health Office for review BEFORE your child can start school. ​ *Immunization Requirements English Immunization Requirements Superintendent | MCSSSDNJ Superintendent ​ Mercer County Technical Schools and Mercer County Special Services School District would like to welcome our superintendent, Matthew Carey. Matthew was born and raised in the great state of New Jersey. After his honorable service in the United States Marine Corps, he attended Stockton University. Matthew then went on to earn two master's degrees from Holy Family University. He also completed Model 4 of the NJ EXCEL Program in order to earn my school administrator certification. During the course of his career, he has served as a special education teacher, supervisor, assistant principal, director of special services, director of student services, and most recently, as superintendent of a PreK-12 school district. ​ As an educator with over twenty years of experience, Matthew values the programs and services at MCTS and MCSSSD. He is committed to building upon past practices to ensure that current and future students have opportunities to explore their interests and find their true passions. Matthew is committed to creating a culture of mutual trust, collaboration, and teamwork to ensure the continued success of our students and school community. Matthew C. Carey 609-631-2102 superintendent@mcsssd.us Superintendent's View MES Programs | MCSSSDNJ More Information Mercer Elementary School MES Programs MES Contact HIB Information MES Programs Autism Program Students with autism are taught through systematic strategies and are consistently reinforced for displaying desired behaviors. A vital part of this program is the collection of daily IEP data to measure the progression of skill development and to equip staff with the information they need to make judgments regarding programs. Social skills instruction is incorporated into all classes in the program and is applied during community-based instruction. Instruction in the community provides a real-world opportunity to assist in the generalization of skills learned in the classrooms. Staff members engage in strategic planning for transition to more inclusive settings. The social skills curriculum focuses on the development of social skills including play, conversation, understanding nuances, body language and various sensitive topics. ​ Multiple Disabilities Program The Multiple Disabilities (MD) Program is designed to meet the needs of students with more than one disability and provides IEP-based instruction for students by supporting different learning styles throughout the curriculum and delivery of instruction. A variety of reading and math teaching strategies assist students who have difficulty with traditional methods of teaching. A special education teacher delivers the instruction based on the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), the district curriculum, and the goals and objectives in the student's Individual Education Program (IEP). Students with severe disabilities receive instruction to increase their personal skills as well as adaptive behavior, with a focus on developing the most independent level of functioning for each student. Students receive a full complement of therapy according to their IEPs including speech, occupational, and physical therapy as well as individual and group counseling. ​ Emotional Regulation Impairment Program The Emotional Regulation Impairment Program provides support for academic progress while enabling students to obtain strategies to improve social and emotional skills. Students are able to access a wide variety of services including participation in individual and small group counseling, social decision-making, and anger management groups. A behavior specialist, school social workers and behavioral assistants provide support and assistance to staff and students. School-wide behavior support systems ensure that Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) are implemented through all school and community settings. Severe Intellectual Disability Program The Severe Intellectual Disability Program provides intense therapy and classroom support for students with the most severe medical, cognitive, and physical needs. A collaborative approach is used with classroom staff and therapists working together to provide a stimulating and supportive environment for those students with significant developmental delays. The goal is to keep the students actively engaged throughout the school day using a wide array of sensory experiences and integrated techniques and strategies. Experiential Learning Throughout the school year, field trips, stem projects, and community-based instruction enhance and supplement the school-based curriculum and activities. Staff members plan assemblies which provide a hands-on approach to learning. Students and parents are encouraged to attend community activities such as Fall Festival, Autism Awareness Day Event, Block Party , Special Olympics, S.K.O.R (Special Kids Organized Recreation) and PAL programs. Parents and students participate in the Scholastic Book Fair which provides a wide variety of reading materials and educational games for students. All students learn how to function as independently as possible and can take advantage of the school's Activities of Daily Living rooms (ADL), which are modeled after a functioning kitchen. Students can practice their skills with the goal of generalizing to the home setting. Portfolio Assessment A portfolio assessment evaluation process is used at Mercer Elementary School. Each student has his/her own portfolio for academic, social and therapy assessment. Staff members evaluate students at least twice per year and keep ongoing information regarding student progress in the portfolio. The portfolio documents follow the student throughout their time at Mercer Elementary School. When the students return to their sending district or move on to Mercer High School, these documents follow them to their next teacher. Parents are invited to review the portfolios on a regular basis. When appropriate, students have been able to participate in the selection of materials included in their portfolio. Student progress reports are issued three times during the school year and once during Extended School Year. Formal parent conferences are held twice yearly, however parents can request a conference any time throughout the year. ​Social Skills Individual and small group instruction are employed depending on the needs of the student and the demands of the curriculum. Staff members engage in strategic planning for transition to more inclusive settings. Social skills development is a key component which encourages appropriate decision-making, developing independence and building responsibility. Students participate in several clubs including C.A.L.M.(Caring, Accepting, Leading , Mentoring) , K.I.N.D (Kind, Inspiring, Noble, Determined) and RAKtavists ( Random Act of Kindness Activists) to give back to the community, to learn leadership skills and to mentor others. ​Related Arts & Clubs Special subject teachers provide instruction in Music, Art, Library, Health, and Physical Education. These classes provide students the opportunity to experience success in a venue that encourages cooperation and working as part of a group. Additional clubs are available for students who are interested in developing skills in gardening, music and art. We offer two gardening clubs, a pollinator club and a sensory garden club. Students in the art club participate in more extensive art projects. Projects are displayed within the school and community throughout the year, and various art contests are entered. Intramural sports is a daily option for students and encourages team building and sportsmanship. The third Wednesday of each month, students participate in a bike program. The program teaches students basic road signs and bike riding safety rules. Calming activities in the form of Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation exercises provide students with strategies for alleviating stress. A Speech club is conducted by members of the Speech Therapy department that focuses on the use of assistive technology to communicate using iPads and the application Proloquo2go. Sensory Room Mercer Elementary School hosts a dynamic and active student body with special needs ranging from physical, emotional, and behavioral areas. A Sensory room and De-escalation rooms are used to facilitate self-regulation, self-organization, relaxation, and sensory awareness in order to integrate the student back into the classroom prepared to learn. The room allows students to achieve an optimal level of arousal to be able to attend to classroom activities. Use of the Sensory room by students addresses the primary senses of sight, touch, smell, hearing, vestibular, proprioception and oral motor/taste. Creativity Studio Through partnerships with Young Audiences NJ/PA and Roxey Ballet, staff and students have the opportunity to work with artists in residence at Mercer Elementary School. Young Audiences believes that “An arts-rich education provides a child with the ability to look beyond facts and figures and creatively meet new challenges as they arise.” Young Audiences believes “the arts make learning fun, providing an environment varied and compelling enough to engage even the most reluctant learners and providing day-dreamers with a classroom as rich as their imagination.” The use of Arts infused lessons and special projects are incorporated into the student's day. Community Resource Program | MCSSSDNJ Community Resource Program ​ Program Coordinator Debra Townsend Phone: 609-570-1178 ​ The Community Resource Program provides educational and therapeutic support and assessments to local school districts in various educational and home-based settings. Community Resource Program staff members work collaboratively with local districts to ensure that students with special needs are provided with diagnostically and developmentally appropriate educational experiences. Community Resource services may include educational, psychological, and therapeutic testing, home or school based direct services, behavioral consultation and training. Workshop presentations are also available to address social skills training, teaching and behavior reduction strategies and techniques based on applied behavior analysis (ABA), and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). For further information, please contact The Office of the Assistant Superintendent at 609-570–1170 or the Community Resource Program coordinator at 609-570–1178. student learning student laughing staff helping a student student learning 1/4 Nurses Corner | MCSSSDNJ 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- Main Office Fax # (609) 588-8474 NCairo@mcsssd.us Danielle Fries, RN, BSN, CSN, CWCN Office Number - (609) 588-8488- Main Office Fax # (609) 588-8474 DFries@mcsssd.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercer Elementary School - MES School Nurses - (609) 570-1120 ​ Jacqueline Senetra, RN, BSN , CSN, MSN Office Number - (609) 570-1125- Main Office Fax # (609) 570-1132 JSenetra@mcsssd.us Mary Beth Smith, RN, BSN, CSN Office Number - (609) 570-1126 - Main Office Fax # (609) 570-1132 MSmith@mcsssd.us --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercer High School - MHS School Nurses - (609) 588-8450 ​ Karen Burke, RN, BSN, CSN Office Number - (609) 588-8466 - Main Office Fax # (609) 631-2136 Kburke@mcsssd.us Lauren Maurer, RN, CSN Office Number - (609) 588-8448 - Main Office Fax # (609) 631-2136 Lmaurer@mcsssd.us School Nutrition Program | MCSSSDNJ School Nutrition Program Children need healthy meals to learn. The Mercer County Special Services School District offers both breakfast and lunch meal options for all grade levels. Menus change monthly, see links below or on the individual school's page of our website. Students may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. Please refer to the forms below for more information. ​ Click below for the school lunch program forms. 2024-25 ENGLISH Application Instructions Pricing and LTP Packet Report Meal Application Sharing Information Form School Nutrition - Opt Out 2024-25 ESPAÑOL Instrucciones de aplicación Informe de precios y paquetes LTP Solicitud de comida Formulario para compartir información ​Nutrición escolar - Opt-out Lunch Menus JFC JFC - 04-24 Menu MES MES - 04-24 Menu MHS MHS - 04-24 Menu MCTS Secondary School 04-24 Menu Newsletter 04-24 GUIDE TO TRANSLATED APPLICATIONS Application Instructions NJDA Summer EBT - Free or Reduced Lunch English Version Versión Inglesa Student Lunch Accounts – Payschools MCSSSD now offers the online payment for School Meals – please follow the link for more information and access to the site for online enrollment.” Mercer County Special Services School uses Payschools as our student account provider. This easy-to-use program will allow parents to add money to their student's lunch accounts and view their activity and account balances. Below please find parent guides for setting up an account or navigating within Payschools . To contact the school cafeteria with questions, please email our Food Service Manager, Ms. Camille Gadiare at camille.gadiare@sodexo.com . Payschools Parents Guide Guía para padres de escuelas de pago SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS USDA Summer Food Service Program - Free Summer Meals! Breakfast After the Bell 23-24 Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) E-EBT Replacement Card Board Policy 8500 - Meal Charges Negative Balance Procedures School Nutrition Survey Special Child Health Services | MCSSSDNJ Special Child Health Services ​ Unit Coordinator Susan Danch Phone: 609-631-6594 Special Child Health Services (SCHS) assists in the provision of coordinated and comprehensive services for children ages birth- 21 years old with special healthcare needs or developmental disabilities. Case Managers collaborate with families to develop a plan to address the child's medical, developmental, rehabilitative, educational, and economic needs. SCHS Case Managers support families in obtaining needed services and resources through linkages with various community-based programs. Examples of services we frequently help parents connect with are Social Security, Medicaid, Early Intervention, Children’s System of Care (PerformCare), and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) and many others. Case Managers work with parents to help link children with services and then monitor how well the services are meeting the child’s needs. Parents can call Case Managers when questions arise or if the child’s needs change as they grow. Case Management services are free of charge and confidential for Mercer County residents. The Special Child Health Services Case Management unit at Mercer Special Services School District is one of 21 county-based Case Management units in NJ. SCHS is funded in part through the NJ Department of Health and Mercer County Department of Human Services in cooperation with Mercer County Special Services School District. Additional information and SCHS contacts in other counties be found at www.nj.gov/health/fhs/sch . Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations | MCSSSDNJ Nurses Corner Allergic Reaction Asthma Action Plan Diabetic Illness Exclusions Immunization Requirements Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations Medications Physical Form Seizure Action Plan Sports Forms ​ If your child: has been seen by a doctor for a medical procedure, surgery, or injury, a doctor’s note will be required to return to school. The note needs to include dates of absence/s and any restrictions. ​ requires medical equipment (crutches, boot, splint, or ace bandage) related to an injury, and a doctor’s note is needed. has been absent from school for 5 days or more, a doctor’s note will be required when returning to school. Injury, Surgery, and Hospitalization Allergic Reaction | MCSSSDNJ Nurses Corner Allergic Reaction Asthma Action Plan Diabetic Illness Exclusions Immunization Requirements Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations Medications Physical Form Seizure Action Plan Sports Forms ​ This form is to be completed by the healthcare provider when a student requires emergency medication for an allergic reaction and/or this form is to be completed by the parent/guardian indicating whether or not the student is capable of self-administering emergency medication. This form also has a section for parents/guardians to authorize a trained designee to administer emergency medication in the absence of the school nurse. Parents, please sign the form. ​ *Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan Allergic Reaction - Parent Authorization English Spanish Checklist Project Adults | MCSSSDNJ 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 Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next

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