State rewards summer program Thursday, May 17, 2007 • By DANIEL HAUSMANN • The Express-Times GREENWICH TWP. | The school district's summertime special education program was among a dozen New Jersey schools recognized for innovation in serving special needs students. New Jersey School Board Association officials announced the award winners Monday. It's the second time in two years Summer Is Cool at Greenwich School has been recognized. "In general, our special education program has been acknowledged as a quality program," Superintendent Kevin Brennan said. During the program, participants are taught life skills through a variety of activities. The kids are taken mini-golfing or to Shop-Rite to buy groceries to make lunch, according to school special education coordinator Sarah Bilotti. "We get the kids in a social situation, something that is realistic and have them interact in a positive way," Bilotti said. First- through fifth-graders can participate at no cost to parents. The program was funded through a federal grant. The program is inclusive, matching special-needs and non-special-needs students. "One of the things we're looking at is preparing them for the real world; how to interact with peers," Bilotti said. NJSBA and the state Department of Education selected the dozen award recipients out of 62 submitted applications. Reporter Daniel Hausmann can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at dhausmann@express-times.com. © 2007 The Express-Times. Used with permission.