Academy360 School In Livingston Cuts Ribbon On New Addition

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A Livingston school recently celebrated the opening of a 20,000 square foot addition that will help it provide extra services for local students with special needs.

Earlier this month, community members gathered at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new space at Academy360 Upper School in Livingston.

A program of the nonprofit Spectrum360, the expansion furthers the organization’s goal of providing increased services for individuals on the autism spectrum, administrators stated in a news release.

The new addition includes much-needed extra space for classrooms, specialist areas, sports and extracurricular activities for students and adults attending its high school and young adult program, administrators said.

Staff, families, elected officials and other stakeholders attended the Dec. 4 ceremony, which also included a tour of the new wing and refreshments catered by CulinaryAcademy360 Director Chef Mike Matthews and students.

During the ceremony Jill Hirsch, district director for U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, presented Bruce Ettinger, executive director/superintendent for Spectrum360, with a Congressional certificate congratulating the organization for its commitment to helping New Jersey students on the autism spectrum or with behavioral and related disabilities through educational and therapeutic programs.

Livingston Mayor Alfred Anthony also spoke to attendees about how Livingston continues to be a “welcoming, inclusive and diverse community.” He thanked Academy360 for “making Livingston a better town.”

Also attending the ceremony was Rosie Driscoll, outreach specialist for U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, Livingston deputy mayor Fufino "Rudy" Fernandez and Livingston town council members Shawn Klien and Michael Vieira.

• See related article: Replica 'Main Street' In Livingston Empowers Special Needs Youth

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