50 Years of Special Education Support in New Jersey!
On Friday, August 9th Harbor School of Eatontown, New Jersey celebrated their 50th anniversary with the premiere of “A Story About a Harbor” produced by GV CERV Communications. Over the span of several months of planning, filming, and coordination with a variety of staff, students and community locations, the 21-minute film premiered. Opening with a beautiful scene of what the Jersey Shore has to offer from its shorelines and harbors, the film’s theme was a perfect fit!
A packed audience of parents, students, special education professionals from various districts, and community leaders got together to pay honor to the dedication of the staff and support professionals who have made Harbor School what it is since 1969. The event opened with a welcome address by Anne Gunteski, Principal since 1993. In addition, the students, faculty, and guests were honored to have the attendance of Anthony Talerico, Jr- Mayor of Eatontown; Eric Houghtaling, NJ Legislature Assemblyman, 11th District and Dr. Kim Buxenbaum, NJ Department of Education. Assemblyman Houghtaling presented Harbor School with a resolution congratulating them on their 50 years of excellence in providing special education services and pays tribute to their efforts here on behalf of the students and families.
A Brief History about Harbor School
Due to the frustration of families in the Monmouth County area, Harbor School was started by parents mainly from Ocean Township in 1969. They began with a few small classrooms in what is known as the prestigious and beautiful Tower Hill church of Red Bank New Jersey. Over the years, the student population needs, and size required the school to relocate to Eatontown, NJ.
The catalyst of this was a result of V. Jean Stack, who at one time was the acting director at the Tower Hill location. Jean then struck a partnership of friendship and professionalism with Ruth H. Reinhard, who at that time was the special education coordinator for all of Monmouth county. Over dinner with their spouses back in the 1970s, the history of what Harbor School became changed from that point forward.
As the need for comprehensive support for special education grew, Harbor School was right there as vanguards paving the way to further its mission. Over the decades, Harbor School built a track record of not only helping the students but also the families.
Upon the conclusion of the film, the celebration continued with lunch from Panera Bread, followed by a cake-cutting by Brian Dorgan, Supervisor of Instruction. The event continued with music performances by Harbor School students and a finale on stage with the Harbor School Cheerleaders performing their signature song “The Harbor Anthem.” The event concluded with closing remarks by V. Jean Stack and Ruth H. Reinhard.
Harbor School knows how to celebrate, and the future looks even brighter.
Harbor School a private special education school in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Our mission at Harbor School is to help all of our special needs students with learning, social, language, behavioral, and other disabilities. Our highly skilled staff are committed daily to helping each student reach their full potential.
We would be more than happy to discuss your child's specific needs and challenges, so please call us at 732.544.9394, or request a tour at Harbor School in Eatontown, NJ. We are located just minutes off of the Garden State Parkway at exit 105 and conveniently located off of Route 35 and Route 36 in Monmouth County, NJ.
Erik Glazner,
Principal-Harbor School, Eatontown, NJ
