Woodside special education school opens

Woodside has become home to a new school that serves children with special education needs from all boroughs - the School for Language and Communication Development (SLCD).
The school was originally founded by executive director Dr. Ellenmorris Tiegerman with a location in Glen Cove. There were several factors that influenced the decision to open another division of SLCD, which is a state approved private school. Many of the students were from the boroughs and there were also more students who needed to be served.
The newest school, located on 47th Avenue in Woodside, opened its doors on September 6 this year and currently has about 48 students on its roster. The school has rolling enrollment and is projected to have 84 students by the end of the year. They are also in the process of getting approval to serve up to 144 students. Although it now teaches grades six through nine, it will eventually go all the way up to 12.
&#8220I think this is of the utmost importance,” said Sher Sparano of Benefits Advisory Service, a Forest Hills resident who serves on the school's Board of Directors. &#8220I think it's going to make a big difference in the people who live and work in Queens in the future.”
SLCD, a year-long program, offers individualized attention to students, with classes that have six students, one teacher and one teacher's assistant. Along with teaching the regular curriculum, the school offers many related services, including occupational therapy, counseling and transition planning, among others.
&#8220We try to individualize as much as possible,” said teacher Gail Giarratani.
A major component to the education program at SLCD is the development of language and communication skills.
&#8220We believe that language is the foundation for all learning,” Tiegerman said.
The school is also developing vocational training programs, and hopes to form partnerships with businesses and members of the community. Since its opening, the community has already welcomed the school.
&#8220I think we've gotten a very good response,” said Dr. Christine Radziewicz, the Director of SLCD. &#8220The community at large is very happy to have us here.”
Mary Lou Bensy, the Assistant Director/Principal, said that the overall program is very intense, with children attending 10 periods from 8:20 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. It helps to prepare them for a regent's diploma, general diploma or to get a job.
&#8220They work very hard,” Bensy said of the students.
The new Woodside school represents a blend of students and teachers from the Glen Cove school as well as completely new faces.
&#8220I think it's great being a part of a new school, especially being a first year teacher,” said teacher Johnnie Bradford.
Roy Levy, a seventh grader from Queens, attended the original school before starting at the new one this year.
&#8220I like it,” he said. &#8220It's nice, the teachers are nice.”
Classmate Katherine Infante, who lives in Brooklyn, said that the best part of the new school is the clubs it has, which includes art, a newspaper, technology and student government, among others. Sixth grader Justin Ransom added that he is most looking forward to going on field trips during the school year.
&#8220The students here are absolutely great,” said social studies teacher Robert LaForgia. &#8220They're passionate, they're happy, they're smiling. They really make this job easier for us. It's very fulfilling.”
The School for Language and Communication Development is located at 70-24 47th Avenue in Woodside. For admission information, call 516-609-2000 or visit www.slcd.org.