History
The school was started eight years ago by the parents of two boys with learning disabilities, and now draws 62 children from 33 districts from as close as Caldwell to as far away as Woodbridge. The vision began with Vince and Donna Rienzi of Pine Brook, who were disenchanted with the system because their two sons with learning disabilities were falling further and further behind.
They took out a second mortgage on their house, leased space from Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell, and began their school in 1993 with three children. As risky an adventure as it was, it remarkably all fell into place," said Vince Rienzi, who still sits on the schools' 13 member Board of Directors. I called it "divine intervention" said Rienzi. In about six months' time, we found space at Notre Dame Church, we found teachers who really wanted to help children but felt limited from the structures of other schools, and we found parents who believed and trusted our dreams," said Rienzi.
Today Banyan School has 62 students, 22 professionals and 16 classrooms in a fully networked facility that offers a core curriculum and special services, a media center, gym, and an art/music/drama program. We envision our school expanding in the future, accommodating many more children who need this type of academic setting."
The new building has provided us with many new instructional opportunities for both staff and students," said Saunders. "More individualized instruction can be offered since we have more space for smaller groups. The specialists, like speech and occupational therapy, have a quieter, more conducive area for therapy services."
All teachers at the Banyan School are certified teachers of the handicapped. In addition, one learning disabilities teacher/consultant is on staff to provide assessment, consultation, and individual assistance to students and teachers.
A psychologist is available two days a week to provide assessment, supervise the social skills program, and meet with individual students and small groups.
Banyan also offers the services of a full-time speech pathologist who evaluates all students upon entering Banyan and provides individual and small group services.
The school features a Computer lab and Library/ Multimedia center.
The Banyan School was recently featured in a local Newspaper article. A Transcript of the article has been re-printed below. For a general overview of the school, visit our home page. Thanks! ---Banyan Staff
 |
Banyan tree is unique because of its root structure. Its branches send out shoots to the soil which in turn roots and become a supportive circle-of-life.
"Like its namesake, the Banyan school in Fairfield is unique in its structures. It is a place children with learning disabilities can learn". |
Banyan accomplishes these goals in a variety of ways: teachers, classroom sizes, and program. Banyan School employs 22 professionals and are certified teachers of the handicapped.
Specialists include; a learning consultant, psychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, nurse, computer instructor, and librarian.
"Differences, not disabilities".....
 |
At Banyan School we identify each child's strength and abilities, continually monitor their progress and adapt the curriculum to meet each students changing educational needs. |
Mary Jo Saunders is the Director of the Banyan School. She has been with the school since December, 1993. Mrs. Saunders has her Master's from the College of St. Elizabeth.
The student-teacher ratio is very small with a maximum ratio of 8:1. Decoding classes have a maximum ratio of 4:1, with many classes being smaller. We teach to the children's strengths not their weaknesses. Everything is done in a positive manner. We build their self-esteem by concentrating on what they can do, believing that increased self-esteem equals enhances their ability to work. Students are clustered by grading.
At the elementary level, students are grouped by grade level. Our younger class has students between K- 2. The older class includes children in grades 3, 4, and 5. In the middle school, grades 6-7-8, students are graded by homeroom and have a departmentalized program for academics.
|
