Collier School--Raising the Bar for Remote Learning

Since 1977, Collier Youth Services, a non-profit organization that empowers at-risk youth, has been providing state of the art educational services for youth with disabilities whose needs cannot be met within their school district. When COVID-19 thrust Collier School into the world of remote learning, the staff took it to a new, unprecedented level. Delivering education to 227 students from 76 school districts throughout New Jersey who have unique special education needs is different from what many other schools have been asked to do.

Like many schools, COVID-19 brought Collier School into the world of virtual education that includes Zoom meetings and Google Classrooms. Within 48 hours, Collier distributed over 65 Chromebooks and 12 hotspots to students who did not have access to one at home. Virtual classes began on March 16th and students did not miss a beat! Teachers thought of everything--using Zoom to conduct choir practice, utilizing Google Classroom to create a “homeroom” where students can listen to the morning announcements and chit chat with their friends before the start of their school day, and having guest lecturers moderate the class. Collier School is also utilizing IXL, Kahn, FlipGrid, everyday speech, and typing.com.

What has set Collier School apart from other schools is their ability to continue all of the therapeutic and academic supports making the well-being of their students a priority during these challenging times. For many of Collier’s youth, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were making progress both emotionally and academically, which was the case with Michael, a current Junior at Collier High School. Michael came to Collier last summer with school avoidance and difficulty fitting into his previous school. When he finally started, his motivation, positivity, and openness began to soar. So it is quite understandable that his parents were worried when they were notified that Collier would be switching to remote learning.

“Michael had been moving forward in his high school education and development. It has been wonderful to hear him speak positively about his school experience and watch him remain engaged and productive,” Mr. and Mrs. Smith stated. “It was with trepidation that we faced the prospect of the school closing in response to COVID-19. We knew that the momentum could be lost and regression was an unfortunate possibility,” they continued.

Luckily, Collier School had everything in place. A computer was sent to the Smith’s home so that their son could attend virtual classes, weekly counseling, and Michael’s individualized tutoring sessions even continued.

"These are very unsettling times for everyone,” Cindy D’Arcy, Assistant Executive Director of Education said. She continues, “the supports we offer the students are just as critical so counseling, related services, medication management, support groups, tutoring, wellness checks are all happening remotely and regularly. Supporting the emotional well-being of our students is a priority so that they can remain mentally healthy and able to learn."

“We have not ceased to be amazed by the support demonstrated by the faculty of Collier. During this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, our son continues to be given the opportunity to meet his learning goals and his potential. The social worker and staff have risen to the occasion by providing the tools needed to meet this challenge. Our son completes his work with a look of achievement and increased self-esteem that comes with mastering hard work. It is heartwarming for us to know that our son is cared about and given every chance to succeed,” Mr. and Mrs. Smith said beaming of their son’s progress.

These uncertain times are certainly anxiety-producing for anyone, let alone this particular population, but through the consistency of Collier School's services and staff, they are ensuring that all of their students are on the path to another successful school year.
(Full Disclosure: Names of the student and their family have been changed to protect their identity.)

About Collier Youth Services
Collier Youth Services has been providing at-risk youth a chance to grow toward their potential in an environment that promotes belonging, dignity, and hope through Collier School, Collier Residential Program, and Kateri Day Camp. Collier School is a state-approved, private, non-profit high school and middle school for students with disabilities whose needs cannot be met within the public school. The school's departmentalized academic program prepares students for admission into four-year colleges, community colleges, and technical/vocational schools, and full-time employment. Collier's strong counseling component combines individual as well as group therapy that encourages and supports social and emotional growth for all students. For more information, visit www.collieryouthservices.org.