Special Education

  

     Each student with a disability who is a resident of Shenandoah Valley shall be provided quality education program and services that meet the student’s needs for educational, instructional, transitional, and related services. The special education program shall be designed to comply with law; conformed to district goals; and integrate programs of special education with the regular instructional program of the schools, consistent with the interest of the student with a disability and other students. 

     Under Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), a child with a disability can be defined as the following: Autism, Deaf/Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance,Hearing Impaired, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech and Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment.

     If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education screening or evaluation, services are available to you at no cost, upon written request.

Special Education Contact Information:

  

​​Michelle Zinkus, Director of Special Education

(570) 462-1957 zinkm@svbluedevils.org​​

Kelly Savakinas, Secretary to the Director of Special Education

(570) 462-1957 savak@svbluedevils.org

Lesley Matus, School Psychologist

(570) 462-2796 matul@svbluedevils.org


Elementary Special Education Teachers:


Maricia Buhl buhlm@svbluedevils.org

Karen Possessky posk@svbluedevils.org

Sheena Micklo micks@svbluedevils.org

Angela Huben hubea@svbluedevils.org

Michelle Brochyus brocm@svbluedevils.org

Jamie Barlow barlj@svbluedevils.org

Barbara Cuff cuffb@svbluedevils.org



High School Speical Education Teachers: 

Stacy Krupiewski krups@svbluedevils.org

Amanda McCloskey mccla@svbluedevils.org

Sarah Lesisko lesis@svbluedevils.org

Lori Hess hessl@svbluedevils.org 

Gloria Laudeman laudg@svbluedevils.org

Coleen McGuire mcguc@svbluedevils.org


Speech and Language Pathology: 

Dawn Wenrich wenrda@svbluedevils.org

Erica Polley polle@svbluedevils.org


Emotional Support Teachers

Kassandra Blew blewk@svbluedevils.org

Angel VanBlargan vanban@svbluedevils.org


Occupational Therapy 

Valerie Dornsife dornv@svbluedevils.org


Social Worker/Behavioral Interventionist 

Sean Lyons  lyonss@svbluedevils.org  

Joan Matta (Behavioral Interventionist) mattj@svbluedevils.org

Inclusion Classroom:

  

     There are currently four co-teaching classrooms at Shenandoah Valley Elementary School. “Co-teaching is two or more people sharing responsibility for teaching all of the students assigned to a classroom (Nevin, Thousand, & Villa, 2008).” The research indicates increased overall achievement for all students. There are many benefits of co-teaching for both students and teachers alike. For students, co- teaching develops respect for differences, opportunities for leadership and growth within the least restrictive environment, improves self- esteem, enables development of friendships, shows increased achievement test scores, etc. 

     All students have the right to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). If you would like to receive more information about co-teaching, please log on to Parent Hub.

Child Study Team:

    

     The purpose of the Child Study Team is to implement academic and behavioral interventions to meet the needs of students experiencing difficulty prior to a special education referral. When the student is showing academic or behavioral problems, the teacher will complete the Child Study Referral form. The Child Study Referral form is located in the Elementary Office. The Child Study Referral form will be turned in to the School Counselor.


Transition 101 Parent Training:

       What is Transition? What does this mean for my child with a disability?

If you have a child with a disability who is 13 - 21 years of age and would like to receive information about the transition process and transition section of an IEP, then please come join us for an informational training about transition. Parents, guardians, and family members from ANY DISTRICT may attend the following training listed on the attached flyer.


Parent Session: Find Your Child's Right Way

2019 Transition Fair Date Saver

2018-19 Webinar Series Save the Date


  

    S.N.A.P. (Special Needs Assessment Program) is a disaster preparedness tool provided by your county government. For more information visit www.scema.org Help Your Emergency Responders Help You!

Special Education Documents:

Procedural Safeguards

Annual Public Notice 2018


Announcements

  OPD Waiver Renewals Workshop  11/27/18

  Wellness Expo - Nov 10th at STC North 

College and Career Planning Resources

  

www.collegeboard.com : Register for the SAT

www.bls.gov/oco : Occupational Outlook Handbook - This is a guide to career information about hundreds of occupations!

www.onetonline.org : O Net online - Find occupations.
www.careeronestop.org
www.going2college.org
petersons.com :Find a college that's right for you!
educationplanner.org

FAFSA information : Apply for Federal Student Aid (Financial Aid)

EscholarshipsUSA : Senior Scholarship Opportunities and Essay Contests for ALL grades!   Username:  shenval   Password:  shenval  (use all lowercase letters)

Act Student : Register for the ACT

PRACTICE WEBSITES

  Use the following links to find information
     SAT - College Board
     ACT - ACT Student
     ACT  Question of the Day 


Test Guide : ASVAB Practice Tests