Meet the Teacher
Welcome to our classroom! My name is Mr. Searfoss, and I am a Special Education teacher at Albio Sires Elementary School. I am passionate about your child receiving a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, develop independence, and reach their fullest potential.
I believe that every student learns differently, and it is my responsibility to recognize each child’s individual strengths, abilities, and needs. Through consistency, positive reinforcement, and meaningful instruction, our classroom strives to celebrate progress every day.
I look forward to working together with our students and their families throughout the school year!
Contact Information
Teacher: Mr. Searfoss
Email: [email protected]
Preferred Communication: District email or ClassDojo (please reach out to join our Class Dojo!)
Families are encouraged to reach out with questions, concerns, or important updates regarding their child’s learning.
About Our Classroom
Our Kindergarten–3rd Grade Multiple Disabilities classroom provides individualized instruction and support for students with diverse learning, developmental, behavioral, and communication needs.
Instruction is adapted to meet each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and individual learning needs.
Our classroom emphasizes:
- Establishing consistent routines and expectations.
- Developing communication and social interaction skills.
- Promoting independence in daily activities.
- Strengthening academic readiness and foundational skills.
- Encouraging positive behavior and emotional regulation.
- Creating meaningful opportunities for participation and success.
Students are encouraged to participate, communicate, demonstrate kindness, follow classroom routines, and develop independence to the greatest extent possible.
We recognize that progress looks different for every child, and we celebrate each student’s individual accomplishments.
Curriculum and Instruction
Our instructional program incorporates the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), individualized IEP goals, and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies.
English Language Arts and Literacy
Students participate in activities designed to develop early literacy skills, including letter recognition, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, listening comprehension, reading readiness, and communication.
Mathematics
Instruction focuses on foundational mathematical concepts such as number recognition, counting, sorting, matching, shapes, colors, patterns, and basic problem-solving.
Science and Social Studies
Students explore age-appropriate concepts related to their environment, community, seasons, weather, living things, and everyday experiences through hands-on activities and interactive lessons.
Communication and Social Development
Students develop functional communication skills through verbal language, gestures, visual supports, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and other individualized strategies as appropriate.
Functional and Adaptive Skills
Daily instruction emphasizes independence, self-help skills, transitions, classroom routines, personal responsibility, and participation in everyday activities.
Instructional Approaches
Our classroom utilizes differentiated instruction, visual supports, modeling, repetition, hands-on learning, positive reinforcement, and individualized accommodations to support student success.
Classroom Schedule
Our classroom follows a structured daily routine designed to provide consistency, predictability, and opportunities for learning.
A typical school day includes:
- Student Arrival and Morning Routines
- Morning Meeting
- Group Instruction
- Reading and Literacy
- Phonics and Foundational Skills
- Mathematics
- Lunch and Social Skills
- Science and Social Studies
- Individualized Instruction and IEP Goal Development
- Specials, Movement, and Related Services
- Afternoon Routines and Dismissal
Daily activities and instructional times may vary based on student needs, related services, school events, and individual schedules.
Announcements and Reminders
Families are encouraged to check this page periodically for classroom updates and important school information.
General Reminders:
- Please review communications from the school and district regarding upcoming events, holidays, and schedule changes.
- Encourage consistent school attendance and punctuality.
- Please communicate any important changes that may affect your child’s school day.
- Families are encouraged to reinforce communication, independence, and daily routines at home.
Important announcements will be updated as needed throughout the school year.
Educational Resources for Families
The following educational resources offer opportunities to reinforce learning at home.
PBS KIDS
https://pbskids.org
Educational games and activities that support literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development.
Starfall
https://www.starfall.com
Interactive activities supporting early reading, phonics, and foundational literacy skills.
ABCya!
https://www.abcya.com
Educational games focusing on early academic skills, including letters, numbers, shapes, and problem-solving.
Sesame Street
https://sesameworkshop.org
Family-friendly resources supporting early childhood development, social-emotional learning, and everyday routines.
Reading Rockets
https://www.readingrockets.org
Helpful information and strategies for families supporting early literacy and reading development.
New Jersey Department of Education
https://www.nj.gov/education
Information regarding New Jersey education, learning standards, and family resources.
Working Together for Student Success
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education. I believe that strong partnerships between families and educators are essential to helping children succeed.
Together, we can create a positive learning experience that supports each child’s growth, independence, and confidence.
Mr. Searfoss
K-3 Multiple Disabilities