Ho-Ho-Kus School
About Ho-Ho-Kus
ECLC’s Ho-Ho-Kus school enrolls around 80 students with a range of special needs, primarily autism, Down syndrome and multiple disabilities. The goal is to mirror a “typical” school experience as much as possible, with a strong partnership with the nearby public school, plus activities, trips, proms and a beautiful graduation ceremony!
At the same time, students are prepared for life after graduation with a renowned Transition Program, beginning at age 14. The program begins with in-house work experiences and eventually places students into actual work places. Students learn basic jobs skills and get a taste for the type of job they might pursue as an adult.
After graduation, students have two potential paths. They can find a job with support from the Employment Specialists in ECLC’s Community Personnel Services (CPS), or they can enroll in ECLC’s PRIDE Adult Program, if appropriate, with a center in nearby Saddle Brook.
Anti-Bullying
Contact HIB Coordinator: Samantha Schatz, email at sschatz@eclcofnj.org or call (973) 601-5533
New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABR)
For questions pertaining to the ABR or regulations/requirements related to HIB, contact the Office of Student Support Services at hib@doe.nj.gov or call (609) 376-9109.
NJ DOE’s Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying (HIB) Reporting Form for SY 2023-2024
Contact Us
Principal: Vicki Lindorff
vlindorff@eclcofnj.org
(201-670-7880)
Parent’s Corner
- Virtual Remote Instruction Plan
- Printable 2025-2026 Calendar
- Special Event Days 2025-2026
- Water Testing Results
- PTO Information Page
School Newsletters
Policies & Handbook
Special Events
- 5/13- 5/17 – State Special Education Week (Ho-Ho-Kus Staff Appreciation Week)
- 5/15 – Art Show – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (Parents invited)
- 5/15 – Grandparents Day – 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- 5/17 – Heroes Assembly
- 5/24-5/28 – School Closed
- 6/6 – Parent Conferences
- 6/7 – Employer Breakfast for Work Experience – 9:15 a.m. – 10 a.m. (Parents invited)
- 6/7 – Field day for Lower and Core – 9:30 a.m.
- 6/14 – ECLC Graduation – 10 a.m. (Invited guests only)
- 6/20 – Last day of school
Newsworthy
RIPPLE EFFECT 1
Students celebrated The Ripple Effect’s 10-year anniversary in the 2024-25 school year!
RIPPLE EFFECT 2
In 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office honored the Ripple Effect program with a Be Wise Award for honoring respect to end bias.
Celebrating 10 Years of Bringing Students Together
Toss a pebble into a quiet pond, and watch the ripples cascade out on what was a calm surface. We’ve seen the same effect firsthand in a Ho-Ho-Kus school program that brings together our students with special needs and their peers in the local public school.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Ripple Effect offers our students a chance to mingle with “typical” students to create friendships and a greater understanding about the challenges faced by children with special needs.
Through The Ripple Effect, students participate together in classroom and school-wide curriculum experiences, visiting each other’s schools for Field Day, holiday shows, STEM learning, and Read Across America Day! The public school students sing at every Heroes Assembly, and ECLC students work at their school during lunch, as part of the work-readiness Seeking Knowledge for Independent Living (SKIL) program.
Last Spring, they planted and harvested vegetables in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden to mark an exciting 10-year anniversary.
This program has been blossoming from the first seed of an idea, and nourished over the years. The public school students have learned that students with disabilities may have differences, but their needs are identical to that of anyone else: to be shown kindness, respect, and absolute acceptance.
We appreciate Ho-Ho-Kus School Principal Martha Walsh, and music teacher Joan Holsten for years of friendship and support! And, hold a deep appreciation to now-retired Ho-Ho-Kus School Principal Alexis Eckert who started it all in a collaboration with our Principal Vicki Lindorff.
The Ripple Effect continues to make a difference, sending a message of inclusion and support for all.!
HEROES ASSEMBLY
Every semester, students are singled out for their successes at a special Heroes Assembly program!
Not All Super Heroes Wear Capes!
For our students with special needs, small achievements signal big success! At the end of each making period, those successes are recognized at a Ho-Ho-Kus school “Heroes Assembly,” where students take center stage.
Students enjoy the spotlight in front of their peers, staff, parents, and even case managers from the public schools who are invited to participate. This has been a schoolwide tradition for more than 20 years, said Principal Vicki Lindorff. “We want our students to experience the same type of recognition as in a public school setting. And, it’s important for the families to see their child shine!”
At the most recent Heroes Assembly in November, a group of 10 students were singled out. Each homeroom teacher called up one student to describe why they were selected. Here are a few favorite teacher quotes:
“His quiet focus and determination show just how much strength there is in listening, learning, and thinking deeply.”
“A hero doesn’t need superpowers, just dedication, kindness, and the courage to keep going.”
“He arrives at school each day with a positive attitude and inspires his classmates to do their best.”
“This student reminds us that communication and success come in many forms.”
“You don’t need superpowers to be a hero. You just need to care!”
Congratulations to all of the student heroes: Bradley, David, Eben, Jabez, Jaclara, Joshua, Lyla, Matthew, Ruby, and Stephen. These heartfelt and touching awards reflect their progress and contributions to the school at large!
Location
Address
302 North Franklin Turnpike
Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J. 07423
Principal Vicki Lindorff
E-mail: vlindorff@eclcofnj.org
Tel: (201-670-7880)