Regional Learning Academy is a New Start for FRHSD Students

Some students in the Freehold Regional High School District may think of the first week of school as the beginning of just another year. But for students in the newly opened Regional Learning Academy (RLA) at , the start of the school year represents a new beginning and an unprecedented opportunity to succeed academically.

Prior to the first day of school, on the last day of August, students, parents, teachers and administrators gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Manalapan High School. The RLA has been built as an annex to the building, with three classrooms, an art room, and a gymnasium.

Nineteen students with special therapeutic needs who live in the vicinity of FRHSD will attend the program. Manalapan High School School Supervisor Carolle Moorefield introduced the staff of the RLA and presented the founding class was a special commemorative plaque which will be displayed in the center.

“We believe in you here; your success is our success,” said Superintendent Charles Sampson addressing the students. “I promise each of you that we will work to our utmost to ensure that you have a meaningful experience here at the Regional Learning Academy.”  

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Nicole P. Hazel provided an overview of the program.

“At our center is student achievement, academic progress, all in the effort of providing each student with a rich, well-rounded experience,” said Hazel. “The intent of our program is to tap into all of their strengths.”

The idea for the RLA began over a year ago when Hazel and other school administrators realized the needs of students who were going outside the district for their therapeutic needs.

“The academy has been developed to meet the emotional, social, and academic needs of our students while offering students the opportunity to be part of the comprehensive high school,” said Hazel, describing the coursework as rigorous but flexible. “We will be raising the bar, but we will be providing support along the way.”  

The RLA will work with the district’s school psychologist, Dr. Warren Chiapparelli, as well as many other professionals to ensure that students are provided the best therapy services.

Throughout this process, the district has partnered with Effective School Solutions and its founding director Dr. Alan Blau.  A therapist and innovator, Blau is the director of the Cornerstone Day Program and has worked in special education since 1965.

“This is the most exciting thing I’ve been a part of,” said Blau, “because it is breaking the glass ceiling.” He said that the partnership between a public school and a private therapeutic company is unique. The RLA is the first program of its kind in the state and is likely to serve as a model for other school districts.

“This isn’t just providing therapy. What the kids are getting here clinically are more than what most of them would get in any other private, special ed school outside the district. I have no doubt about that at all,” said Blau.

Parents will also be invited to attend twice monthly programs, because they are an integral part of the program's support system.  

“We want to make sure you get involved in clubs, teams, activities,” said Principal Jeff Simon to his new students. “Get involved; take advantage of every opportunity.” 

To raise school spirit, students from the peer leadership program greeted guests, and the audience was even treated to a special performance by the Manalapan High School Braves Marching band and heard from special alumni.  

Mayor Andrew Lucas, a 1995 graduate of Manalapan High School, was invited to the high school to say a few words.

“To the parents that are there, I can just tell you personally, you couldn’t have made a better choice by sending your kids to the RLA,” said Lucas. “They will just have a great experience with the staff and the teamwork that has been put into this academy.”

Lee Rubin was the keynote speaker at the event. Rubin is a Manalapan High School graduate and former captain of the Penn State University football team, having received a full athletic scholarship. Today, he is a motivational speaker and author of the book “Win: Simple Insights to Help You Win at the Game of Life.”

Rubin spoke to the students about chance, choice, and a challenge. “You have an open door in front of you. And you have an amazing opportunity to be a part of something that’s never been done before,” he said.

He also shared the advice his high school football coach gave to him: “Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong here.”

Brianna Kinsey of Manalapan is a student who will continue her studies this year at the RLA. When asked what the opening of this program means to her, she said, “A new beginning. Basically, being able to pass high school because I wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise.”

Donna Walker, also of Manalapan, is a parent of a student in the program and calls it “the best of both worlds.” 

“RLA means hopefully success and a very happy, wonderful future,” she said. “It seems like a very positive wonderful program. I think it has all the components my son needs without sending him out of district."

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