Upcoming events.
PEC Night at Ridge Football
The Ridge High School Football Team, Cheerleaders and Marching Band will host our annual evening for Bernards PEC (Parents for Exceptional Children) on Friday, October 10th at 7pm. Organized by the Ridge Touchdown Club, the night will honor children with special needs and their families by giving them free admission to the game, free RHS Football t-shirts for the kids and free popcorn. The kids will also get a chance to meet football players, cheerleaders and band members AND they’ll have preferred seating at the game next to the band!
For those interested in meeting football players, cheerleaders and band members, please arrive at the main entrance gate at 6:30 pm.
PLEASE SIGN UP BY SEPTEMBER 12TH TO GUARANTEE YOUR CHILD A TEE-SHIRT!
Making the Future More Secure for Loved Ones
Presenter: Donald T. Brown, ChFC, ChSNC, CASL
Don Brown has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. He has been recognized as an industry leader in both personal production and management. Educating individuals and families on how to properly plan for dependents with special needs is a primary focus of Don’s practice. He has volunteered for more than 20 years with Camp Fatima of New Jersey, an all-volunteer camp for individuals with developmental challenges. Don is a graduate of Rutgers University and has earned the Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living designations.
Learn how these two pillars of special needs planning may be used to maximize resources.
Topics include: protecting government benefits, eligibility requirements, guidelines for use, funding options
Information will be presented simply and practically on how you might best provide quality of life and a lifetime of care. Participants are welcome to a resource kit and complimentary consultation.
Guardianship
Presenter: Stan Layton
Stan Layton graduated from New York Law School in 1983; worked in private practice until 1995 at which point he accepted the position of Deputy Surrogate in Somerset County where he has remained since.
The presentation is going to be a review of the court process to obtain guardianship of an adult individual, with a focus on parents with students who have recently turned, or will soon turn, 18. We will also cover what happens after a guardianship is granted.
Location: Media Center
Support Coordination
Presenter: Monique Lewis Hawkins, Director of Equal Opportunity Support Services
Time: Dec 8, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 914 4479 3722
Passcode: 821240
Transition Fair
Ridge High School will be hosting a Transition Fair on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. This will be an opportunity for service providers, agencies, and organizations to highlight the services they offer for teens and young adults with disabilities.
This event will be free and open to anyone including: students, parents, clinicians, case managers and others looking to explore transition options for their student(s).
Attendees are guaranteed a wealth of information and knowledge about post-high school options for young adults with disabilities.
Location: Old Gym
The ARC of NJ: My Student Just Turned 18. What Do I Need to Do?!
This program will give an overview of what a family should do when their loved one turns 18. We will cover topics like, DDD, guardianship, transition, college programs etc...and then discuss how to navigate through each of these systems and many more.
Presenter: Lisa Ford
Lisa Ford is the Director of The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute. Lisa’s vision for the Family Institute has resulted in the program becoming the “Go To Place” for information for families caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lisa has made it her life’s work to help families find the necessary information needed to navigate through the system. She does this by talking with families, listening to what their needs are and connecting them to the help they need. Prior to her role as Director of the Institute, Lisa worked as a Navigator for The Arc of New Jersey’s Planning for Adult Life Program which helps students with I/DD transition out of their educational entitlement and into the adult world. Before joining The Arc, Lisa taught for 17 years in both the classroom and as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher in New York. She obtained a Master of Science in Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wagner College.
Topic: My Student Just Turned 18. What Do I Need to Do!?!?
Time: Sep 16, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 991 138 6893
Passcode: thearc
PEC Movie Night
Please join us at the Hills Clubhouse to watch "Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution," on Thursday, May 1st at 7pm! While we learned about the Civil Rights Movement in school, this movie highlights the history of disability civil rights in the USA, which is often overlooked.
"Crip Camp" chronicles the journey of teenagers with disabilities and young adults who attended Camp Jened, a summer camp in the Catskills, and their subsequent activism in the disability rights movement. In essence, this is a powerful story of how a group of teenagers found their voice, their power, and their purpose at a summer camp, and how they went on to transform the lives of countless others through their activism for disability rights. The film is uplifting and heartwarming. It has won numerous awards and continues to receive high ratings by critics and mass audiences alike.
When and Where
Thursday, May 1st 2025
7 - 9pm
The Hills Highland Clubhouse
75 Hansom Road, Basking Ridge NJ
The Film
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
Rated R
1 hr 46 min
Requirements
Please RSVP as there is a capacity limit in the space
Must be 18 or older due to the R rating
Additional info
Bernards PEC will supply light snacks and beverages
Please RSVP below, and thank you!!
Family Engagement in the IEP Process: Your Rights, Your Role.
Does your child have an IEP?
Join us as we explore parental rights in special education and learn how to effectively and collaboratively advocate for your child's educational needs. Presented in partnership with NJ’s Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) -- this workshop will empower you to navigate the IEP process confidently.
ALL REGISTRANTS WILL BE EMAILED THE ZOOM LINK ON APRIL 30TH
Mother's Day Celebration
Join us for a well-deserved Mother's Day lunch where you can relax and laugh with a supportive community of moms.
We can't wait to celebrate YOU!
Mt. Prospect Movie Afternoon
Students are invited to stay after school for a movie afternoon watching Sonic the Hedgehog 3 with friends.
Transitioning to College with an IEP/504 Plan
Location: Ridge High School PAC
Co-sponsored by the School Counseling and Child Study Team members, this presentation provides an overview of important college transition information for families of students with IEPs or 504 plans. The presentation will be recorded for families who cannot attend the presentation live, and the recording will be posted on our website after the event.
Sensory Friendly Sing Along
Enjoy a rousing sing along of our favorite hits in the Teen Room! This event will be hosted karaoke style. Registration is required. For ages 14-21 and accompanying adults/caregivers.
PEC Mentor Training
Is your child interested in mentoring a peer with special needs? This specialized PEC's Mentor Training will teach mentor trainees knowledge about various disabilities and how to engage children with special needs.
Come Walk With Us!
Join us for a fun and easy family hike on March 15th and 29th at 10:00 AM! Perfect for all ability levels, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make memories together. Register now so we can send you the meeting point details!
Threads Friendship Bracelets
Join us to learn how to make friendship bracelets with Debbie Bune and Alyssa Richman! This event is for parents and children and will be held in the WAMS art room.
Saturdays in Motion Annual Dance
Saturdays in Motion (SIM) is the longest running non-public recreational program for children (ages 3-17) with autism in the United States. Autistic children (ages 3-17) and their families join together at Somerset Hills YMCA on Saturdays for two hours of recreation (from 3 – 5 p.m.). Volunteers lead the program, and carefully guide the children through an hour of gym time and a second hour in the pool. Siblings are welcome. This program is free to the community and runs from the fall to the spring.
Schedule:
3:00 - 4:00 Upstairs
4:00 - 5:00 Pools
Saturdays in Motion
Saturdays in Motion (SIM) is the longest running non-public recreational program for children (ages 3-17) with autism in the United States. Autistic children (ages 3-17) and their families join together at Somerset Hills YMCA on Saturdays for two hours of recreation (from 3 – 5 p.m.). Volunteers lead the program, and carefully guide the children through an hour of gym time and a second hour in the pool. Siblings are welcome. This program is free to the community and runs from the fall to the spring.
Schedule:
3:00 - 4:00 Upstairs
4:00 - 5:00 Pools
Come Walk With Us!
Join us for a fun and easy family hike on March 15th and 29th at 10:00 AM! Perfect for all ability levels, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make memories together. Register now so we can send you the meeting point details!
Sensory Friendly Bingo and Board Games
Join us in the library's teen space for a fun afternoon playing games like Uno, Bingo, Trouble and more! Registration is required and teens must be accompanied by an adult.
Special Services: Transition Fair
Location: Ridge High School Gym
This will be an opportunity for service providers, agencies, and organizations to highlight the services they offer for teens and young adults with disabilities. This event will be free and open to anyone including: students, parents, clinicians, case managers and others looking to explore transition options for their student(s). Attendees are guaranteed a wealth of information and knowledge about post-high school options for young adults with disabilities.
Oak Street Movie Afternoon
Students are invited to stay after school for a movie afternoon watching Sonic the Hedgehog 3 with friends.
Cedar Hill Movie Afternoon
Students are invited to stay after school for a movie afternoon watching Sonic the Hedgehog 3 with friends.
Saturdays in Motion
Saturdays in Motion (SIM) is the longest running non-public recreational program for children (ages 3-17) with autism in the United States. Autistic children (ages 3-17) and their families join together at Somerset Hills YMCA on Saturdays for two hours of recreation (from 3 – 5 p.m.). Volunteers lead the program, and carefully guide the children through an hour of gym time and a second hour in the pool. Siblings are welcome. This program is free to the community and runs from the fall to the spring.
Schedule:
3:00 - 4:00 Upstairs
4:00 - 5:00 Pools
Transition to WAMS Lunch and Learn
Just in time for IEP season! If your child is transitioning to WAMS with an IEP, join Stephanie Orr for a virtual presentation explaining special education programs and opportunities available for your child.
Saturdays in Motion
Saturdays in Motion (SIM) is the longest running non-public recreational program for children (ages 3-17) with autism in the United States. Autistic children (ages 3-17) and their families join together at Somerset Hills YMCA on Saturdays for two hours of recreation (from 3 – 5 p.m.). Volunteers lead the program, and carefully guide the children through an hour of gym time and a second hour in the pool. Siblings are welcome. This program is free to the community and runs from the fall to the spring.
Schedule:
3:00 - 4:00 Upstairs
4:00 - 5:00 Pools
Winter Yoga
Winter Yoga with Mr. Tony is back! This is a very popular event, so please register soon to secure your child’s spot.
Sensory Friendly Painting
Join us for a fun painting class with friends! Please wear old clothes. This event is for teens ages 14-21, younger children cannot be accommodated. Registration is required and parents must attend, as this is not a drop-off event.
Winter Yoga
Winter Yoga with Mr. Tony is back! This is a very popular event, so please register soon to secure your child’s spot.
Accessing NJ Children’s System of Care: PerformCare
Are you navigating the complexities of mental health, behavioral challenges or developmental support for your child? Through the New Jersey Children's System of Care, learn how PerformCare can connect you with vital resources, services, and support tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Winter Yoga
Winter Yoga with Mr. Tony is back! This is a very popular event, so please register soon to secure your child’s spot.
Family Movie Afternoon
Join us for a fun family movie afternoon where we will be streaming Mufasa: The Lion King! Admission is free for PEC families and snacks are available for purchase at the theater. Please arrive at 12:40pm, as the movie starts promptly at 1:00pm. Get your tickets before they sell out!
Please note that this is not a drop off event - parents must be present.
Saturdays in Motion
Saturdays in Motion (SIM) is the longest running non-public recreational program for children (ages 3-17) with autism in the United States. Autistic children (ages 3-17) and their families join together at Somerset Hills YMCA on Saturdays for two hours of recreation (from 3 – 5 p.m.). Volunteers lead the program, and carefully guide the children through an hour of gym time and a second hour in the pool. Siblings are welcome. This program is free to the community and runs from the fall to the spring.
Schedule:
3:00 - 4:00 Upstairs
4:00 - 5:00 Pools
Winter Yoga
Winter Yoga with Mr. Tony is back! This is a very popular event, so please register soon to secure your child’s spot.
PEC Social Crafts and Games - STEM Snow and Slime
Join us for social crafts and games in January! Have fun, be social, and make slime! Space is limited, so sign up for sessions using the links below.
