Past Events

October 25, 2007 - Transition and Career Exploration,  Mapping the Road to Independence
On October 25, 2007 The Calais School presented a day-long seminar entitled ‘Transition and Career Exploration:  Mapping the Road to Independence’, under the sponsorship of The Calais Foundation. 

This seminar outlined the importance of the integration of career exploration, life skills development, and social support systems in enhancing the transition experience for students and how this integration helps build an ongoing life structure essential for the success of our special needs students. 

The seminar was well received by 65 Calais teachers and other educators, and parents.  Topics included planning for new and continued services for Career Exploration; Life Skills; Social Support Systems; Integrating Academics and Career Exploration; and Instructional Strategies and involved organizations with expertise in providing solutions and strategies for meeting the challenges of our students.

The Keynote was delivered by Robert Haugh, the Transition Coordinator for NJ Department of Education.  He is responsible for the provision of various training and technical projects, including the ‘Dare to Dream Student Leadership’ initiative and the Post-School Outcomes Project.  He shared the podium with Michael Nevin, a computer aid with 1st Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey where he is responsible for making academic worksheets for teachers and their students, and designing and typing the breakfast and lunch menus.  His impassioned talk about the importance of self-advocacy and capabilities of those with disabilities was especially moving. 

Other presenting organizations included the County College of Morris; Employment Horizons; Community Options; Cole, Schotz, Meisal, Forman and Leonard, Attorneys; Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development; and Jespy House, Independent Residential Environment.

October 11, 2007 - Renaissance Gala, ‘07
The newly founded Calais Foundation, a non-profit corporation, hosted its first fundraising event on Thursday evening, October 11, 2007 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.  Over 200 attendees honored Thomas J. Walsh with the Foundation’s first Making a Difference Award, and Dr. Joseph M. Orlando with the first Leitner Excellence in Education Award.

Tom Walsh has a long history of interest and support for children with special needs.  The former President of Gale Construction Company, a subsidiary of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, and now a Principal with Normandy Realty Partners, LLC, he has spearheaded many projects serving this special community, including the recently completed addition to Calais School.

Dr. Orlando, the Principal of The Calais School, has dedicated over 30 years to serving students with special learning needs.  During that time, he has been a teacher, counselor, mentor, friend, coach, and leader to countless young people and colleagues both on and off the job.  As a mentor, he continues to set the bar for excellence and serve as an example for all.