Photo: After 30 years, this privately owned special-needs school in Rockwood Park is set to shutter at the end of June after 30 years. Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza.
Parents and teachers of special-needs students at a Rockwood Park school set to shutter in June told The Forum this week that they are concerned that the children will not find any open spots at similar area facilities for the summer session.
The 84th Street school, which is privately owned and operated, will close its doors after 30 years on June 30. It has offered the Special Kids Intervention Program and the Toddler-Infant Program for Special Education.
“It’s really a travesty for the families,” said Natalie Postelnek, who has been the director of both programs since 1987.
Postelnek said she was informed in April that the school would be ceasing operations due to funding issues.
“I felt shock, anxiety—just a very emotional reaction,” Postelnek said, adding that she has worked at the institution since it opened in 1985. “There’s a real feeling of a communal family here.”
Roughly 100 kids and about 40 staff rely on the school. Alla Vaynshinker, a mother of 4-and-a-half-year-old twins who attend the school, said she has embarked on a letter-writing campaign to try to stave off the closure.
“It’s an amazing school, I definitely want to see it continue,” said Vaynshinker. “I just really wish that other kids can get this help, because it helped my kids tremendously.”
While Vaynshinker’s twins are headed to PS 146 in the fall, she effusively sang the praises of the programs and staff that aided her children since they were merely months old.
“It’s a great team,” she said. “The teachers know what each child needs, the goals and services. And the therapists and assistants are all working together.”
Despite Vaynshinker’s efforts, Postelnek was not optimistic that any plans would change.
“There’s nothing we can do. Who loses out? The families,” she said. “There have been no transfer meetings to place these children elsewhere. Some other schools might be filled already.”
By Michael V. Cusenza michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
