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SSU News! Read All About It!
TAKEN FROM
THE MADISON COURIER
Special Services Unit celebrates anniversary By PEGGY VLEREBOME, Courier Staff Writer Tuesday, October 02, 2001 The educational program for children with disabilities in Jefferson and three other counties will celebrate 33 years of service at an open house Friday. The event is open to the public. Past and current board members and employees, along with founders and directors will be honored. The open house will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kemp Hall at Madison State Hospital. That is the office of the Madison Area Educational Special Services Unit, which serves children ages 3 through 21 in Jennings, Switzerland and Scott counties in addition to Jefferson. The four-county enrollment is 2,944. The children receive the services in the schools in their local communities. There are six school corporations in the unit's service area. Reservations are needed for the reception, which is free. To make a reservation, call Lois Jackson, the unit's office manager, at 265-3448. There will be a recognition ceremony at 4:30 p.m. during the open house, when a commemorative plaque will be presented. The plaque recognizes people who were instrumental in forming the unit, former board members who served more than 10 years, former directors, and those who have had continuous service since the unit was formed in 1968. Speakers include former directors William Littlejohn, Paul Roahrig, and Susan Jacobs. Board members and what the unit calls its "forefathers" who will be recognized include Jerry Thaden, Harve Rawson, Patrick Leahey, Robert Powell and Berley Goodin. People who have died who will be remembered include Ott B. McAtee former superintendent of Madison State Hospital; Ellsworth Chandler, former superintendent of Scott County School District 1; Harold "Red" Benedict, a founder; and Franklin L. Spencer, former teacher and supervisor of special programs for the Switzerland and Southwestern Jefferson County school corporations. Richard McLeod, Matthew J. Hoffman, Curtis E. Slack and Mary Anne Trout will be recognized for more than 30 years of service to the unit. Projects made by students will be displayed, and first-and second-place prizes will be awarded after judging. There also will be displays for Special Olympics, the Large Print Production Facility and PATINS, an assistance technology.
From the OPINION Section: Special Services Unit a great asset Wednesday, October 03, 2001 There are many young people in the area who have special educational needs. OUR VIEW In some communities those youngsters fall between the cracks and never receive educational challenges. We're fortunate. The Madison Area Educational Special Services Unit provides those needs for children as young as 3 to young adults. The unit, based at Kemp Hall at the Madison State Hospital, serves clients in Jefferson Jennings, Switzerland and Scott counties. Enrollment now stands at 2,944. The children receive the services in their local schools which, no doubt, contributes to the program's success. Keeping these youngsters with special needs in their own local environment enhances the chance that they will succeed. The programs longevity - it's about to celebrate its 33rd year - is testament to the caring and dedication of those who founded the program and those who continue to serve. An open house is set for 3 p.m. Friday to recognize the program's success over the year. The event will be at Kemp Hall. It is open to the public, but reservations must be made. Call Lois Jackson at 265-3448. Administrators, past and present, will be honored at the open house. But, four individuals will receive special recognition. Richard McLeod, Matthew J. Hoffman, Curtis E. Slack and Mary Anne Trout will be honored for more than 30 years service to the unit. If you'd like to know more about the Special Services Unit make a point of attending the open house. Projects made by students will be displayed and there will be plenty of believers on hand who will be happy to toast the programs value. (Click on the newspaper below to go to The Madison Courier's web site for more stories about Madison and the surrounding area.)
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