Ocean Academy

We provide a safe school environment that motivates and challenges students to achieve their academic potential by effectively managing emotional and behavioral needs. The school has a unique ability to provide individual and family based services at the Berkeley Center as well as our Manahawkin site.
 

Student Eligibility

• Classified Students ages 8 through 19
• Catchment Areas Include: Atlantic, Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties
• Emotional and Behavioral problems impair their academic achievements

Academic Programs

• An education in accordance with New Jersey core curriculum standards
• Implementation of the student's IEP
• Small class ratios with a teacher aide in each class
• State certified teachers
• An effective behavioral management system which encourages positive and appropriate interactions and personal success
• Transitional services link students with unique opportunities for future career building and higher learning opportunities
• Thematic instructional units to promote various skills through hands-on exploration and activities
• Computer assisted instruction designed to meet individual student needs and home internet access when needed
• Life skills education provided at our off site home setting

Programs and Services

Every student enrolled in Ocean Academy is assigned a school counselor. The services provided by the counseling staff include: Individual, group and family counseling, case management and coordination of community resources, as indicated by the student's IEP. Emergency services and crisis intervention are provided for those students requiring immediate intervention throughout the day.

Students need to pass their courses to accumulate sufficient credit hours, as defined by their individual education plan (IEP), to receive a High School diploma on graduation.
 

Required Courses

Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education and Health, as specified by the student's IEP.
 

Enrichment Courses

Ocean Academy believes that the education of children is the shared responsibility of the academy, the student and the parent(s)/guardian. To ensure the best possible educational results for each child there must be effective communications between the home and school. We recognize the crucial role that parents/guardians have in shaping the character and values of their children.

By law, parents are entitled to be included in the development of their youngster's educational plan. Your involvement in our school is welcomed. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are also responsible for their youngster's punctuality, attendance, cleanliness and propriety of dress.

Our Individual Treatment Philosophy

Our philosophy is pupil centered. We believe that school is a place where:
1.) Unexplored abilities and interests are discovered and given opportunity for growth;
2.) Those already known are given encouragement; and,
3.) Every student is offered vision of new and wider fields of knowledge and experience that make all life richer and more satisfying.

Ocean Academy accepts the responsibility of coordinating the available resources of home, school and community in a mutual effort to guide every pupil's growth towards becoming a self-respecting individual who can function effectively.

Ocean Academy Staff

Dr. Charles Langan, CEO

Stephen Finkelstein, Principal

William Kaskow, Supervisor Curriculum & Instruction

Karen Senese, MD, School Psychiatrist

Judy Woodward, Administrative Assistant

Shetina Barnes, Student Assistance Counselor

Lynn Newman, Supervisor of Clinical Services

Charlene Rutledge, School Social Worker

Lisa Franciosi, School Nurse

Cathy Ables, Teacher

Claudine Arcieri, Teacher

Dave Berman, Teacher

Donna Damm, Teacher

Eileen Fedlum, Teacher

Richard Cox, Instructional Aide

Judy Crosta, Instructional Aide

Charla Godbolt, Instructional Aide

Scott Henderson, Instructional Aide

Marianne Nunn, Instructional Aide

Heather Palmieri, Instructional Aide

Carol Simonini, Instructional Aide      

Sue Mazzara, Aide/Bus Driver

Joyce Ferfecki, Occupational Therapist

Sal Maraziti, Speech Therapist