Emily Hellstrom
Candidate for CECD2
ABOUT ME
I am running for CECD2 again to ensure our public schools remain vibrant, thriving institutions, welcoming and educating ALL students as we reopen after this crisis.
If elected, I will continue advocating for schools to be fully funded; push for broader use of structured literacy to ensure all children can learn to read on grade level; and support families as founder and chair of the Students with Disabilities (SwD) Committee.
As a pioneer family at the newly opened Peck Slip School, I served on the SLT for two years, as VP on the PTA for one year, and as PTA president for three years. I also served as the Co-Chair of the 75 Morton Community Alliance, leading outreach and community envisioning for this new D2 middle school.
I have a long proud history of public school education, attending NJ public schools myself. I have three kids: twin boys in 7th grade, one at Clinton, the other at Windward, a special education school for children with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities and my daughter attends 4th grade at PS 343, the Peck Slip School.
In my past 4 years on the CEC, I founded the SwD Committee and since its inception two years ago, I have held monthly SwD meetings, bringing parents together in a supportive environment to foster a sense of community, share advice, and advocate, as they navigate the complex IEP process.
I write newsletters with resources and tips and organize panel discussions such as, “Supporting Your Middle-School Child with ADHD”, “Dyslexia Legislation”, and “ASD Nest in District 2”, among others.
I have spent the last 2 years advocating for early reading and writing instruction based in science, called structured literacy, proven to be the most effective way to teach all children to become skilled readers and writers.
WHAT I'M PROUD OF
SwD Newsletter
My monthly bulletin with announcements, tips, and resources for families navigating the special education process
Panel Discussions
I organized multiple presentations and roundtable discussionsfor our families, like:
"Your Budget Primer"
"A Panel on Special Education"
"Dyslexia Legislation"
Literacy Advocacy
My presentation on the Science of Literacy: What We Know About Teaching Children How to Read and Write
Followed by a resolution which passed 10-0
Equity Stance
I have voted for several resolutions actively promoting integration, equity and inclusion in District 2, in spite severe pressure to maintain the status quo.