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
Jaime Houseknecht housej@svbluedevils.org
Angela Huben hubea@svbluedevils.org
Michelle Brochyus brocm@svbluedevils.org
Ashley Palubinsky palua@svbluedevils.org
Barbara Cuff cuffb@svbluedevils.org
High School Special Education Teachers:
Amanda Zulkowski 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 Stewart blewk@svbluedevils.org
Angel VanBlargan vanban@svbluedevils.org
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher:
Lisa Reidler reidl@svbluedevils.org
Autistic Support Teacher:
Melissa Troutman troum@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.
Helpful Hints/Parent Trainings
Find Your Right Way - Informational session provided by Schuylkill Intermediate 29
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!
The Brain: Basic Anatomy, Brain Injuries and Return to Learn Protocol Training
Special Education Documents:
Important Websites
Council for Exceptional Children
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
Schuylkill County Intermediate Unit #29
Apply for OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) Services
Pennsylvania Secondary Transition Guide
Schuylkill Technology Center (STC) applications
Sign Up for the Selected Service 18 years and older
Voter Registration
Right to Education Taskforce
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