Special Services
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Special Education Services provide specially-designed instruction and support for students having a diagnosed disability that substantially interferes with their ability to benefit from the general education program. Federal and state guidelines determine which students are eligible for services. If you have concerns that your child (ages birth to 21) is delayed in any area and might need special education support, the Anacortes School District special education program staff is available to discuss your concerns and assist in referring your child for assessment.
Maggie Thompson Director, Student Support Services ....................................... 293-1216
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Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandates the Anacortes School District to provide free and appropriate public education to each student with a disability, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled, as defined by Section 504, be identified and provided with appropriate services, including special modifications and Accommodations in an educational setting.
Students may be considered disabled under Section 504 even though they do not require services as specified in the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). If you have questions regarding eligibility, services, and or your rights under Section 504, please contact the school principal or the Director of Special Services.
Maggie ThompsonDir. Student Support Svcs...................................293-1216
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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 mandates the Anacortes School District to provide students with disabilities, who are in need of specially-designed instruction, with a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment in accordance with state and federal laws. To the maximum extent possible, a least restrictive environment means the district will educate children with disabilities with children who are not disabled.
Special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment will occur only under special circumstances. That is, when the nature or severity of the child’s disability, even with the use of supplementary aids and support services, cannot be achieved satisfactorily in a regular classroom.
Designing an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed by the IEP team and implemented for students requiring specially-designed instruction. Members of the IEP team include: 1) the parent(s) of a child with a disability; 2) at least one regular education teacher, if the child participates in the general classroom environment; 3) at least one special education teacher, or where appropriate, at least one special education provider of such child; 4) a representative of the district who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results. (i.e.
counselor, school psychologist, etc.) In addition, at the discretion of the parent or the school district; 5) other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child may be part of the IEP team. Also, whenever appropriate, the child with a disability will be provided service as outlined in the individual education plan (IEP).
This information is provided as information only and is not intended to represent parent/student rights. For a complete copy of procedural safeguards and student
and parent rights, please contact:
Sue Matto, Student Support Services Office ......293-1218
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Early Childhood
Educational Screening/Pre-School
The Anacortes School District offers free screening for children birth through twenty-one years of age in order to locate, evaluate and identify children with a suspected disability, regardless of the severity of their disability.
Children referred for screening must reside within the boundaries of the district and not currently be served by special education and related services. Screenings for preschool children, birth through age 5, are conducted by a qualified educational team and are scheduled on a quarterly basis or more frequently as needed. Parents who are interested in having their child, birth through age 6, screened should call Special Services at the district office.
Concerns regarding gross and fine motor coordination, speech and language
development, learning, self-help skills, or social emotional adjustment deficits are common reasons for referral. In addition, children with specific congenital syndromes and/or health conditions, which might have a significant impact upon a child’s educational progress, should be referred.
Children who perform significantly below expectations for their age on the screening may be scheduled for further assessment and observation in order to determine possible eligibility for special education services. Others may be scheduled for individual assessments or referred to outside agencies for
appropriate services. Children who meet state and federal guidelines will be offered special education services. Children who attend a private school at the parents’ choice may still be eligible for some special education services.
Maggie Thompson Director, Student Support Services........................293-1216 or
Kevin Schwartz, Principal, Whitney Early Childhood Learning Center...293-9536
Rosie Noble, Family Resource Coordinator ............................................293-9536
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Kindergarten Round-up
Kindergarten Roundup is a spring enrollment process for students entering kindergarten in the fall. Student records are started at this time with data from physical and academic assessments.
Kindergarten Roundup will be held Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, 2009.
Kevin Schwartz, Principal,Whitney Early Childhood Learning Center.............293-9536
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Title I is a federally-funded program designed to provide academic enrichment
activities to help students in the areas of math and reading. Children are eligible for service based on academic need.
Learning Assistance Program (LAP) is a state-funded program designed to provide enhanced academic opportunities for students identified as potentially ‘at-risk’ of academic failure. Eligibility is based on academic need.
Title I/LAP support is available for children grades 1-12 focusing on the academic areas of reading and math. Eligibility is based on the needs of the student as identified by an evaluation following teacher referral. If you feel your child is not performing in the average range academically, please contact your child’s principal or teacher to have your child screened for Title I or LAP academic support.
Kevin Schwartz, Title I/LAP Program Director..........................................293-9536
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ELL support is available for students with a primary language other than English and who need assistance in learning English. The goal of the program is to provide quality instruction for students not yet proficient in English so that they may meet age appropriate standards for grade promotion and graduation. The program is designed to develop and assist your child in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.
Support is designed to meet each student’s academic needs and increase school performance. The Anacortes School District provides a Content-based (teacher modifies his/her instruction that is presented in English only) program with additional support provided by the district’s English Language Learner Teacher.
Maggie Thompson, ELL Program Director ......................................................293-1216 or
Shannon Gilbert, ELL Program Coordinator……………………………..293-3149 ext 647
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As part of the McKinney-Vento Act the Anacortes School District has a liaison to help ensure that students who are designated as homeless have consistency in their education. Educators are also trained on the McKinney-Vento Act and about homelessness.
Maggie Thompson, Homeless Liaison .........................................................293-1216
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School Nurse
The school district employs a registered nurse (R.N.) and two licensed practical nurses (L.P.N) who conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings, make sure immunizations records are current, facilitate individual planning for students with special health needs, and serve as a liaison between the school, family, and physician. Visit the Health Web Page for more information.
Rosie Noble, School District Nurse…….…………………..................................293-9536
Immunizations
State law (WAC 180-38) requires that all students, including birth to three and preschool, receive immunizations prior to school admissions. Parents must complete and sign the State Certificate of Immunization Status Form.
For a complete chart of required immunizations: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/documents/vacreqschool08.pdf
All exemptions require a physician’s signature and the signature of the parent or guardian. Unimmunized students will be excluded from school if a disease outbreak occurs.
If you have any questions regarding immunization requirements, please contact your primary care physician, or:
Skagit County Health Department......................336-9477
or
Rosie Noble, School District NurseVoice mail ext. 452 ..................................293-9536
Health Care Coverage for Kids
Students up to age 19 are eligible for medical coverage. Coverage may include preventive care, doctor and dental visits, hospital care, glasses, prescriptions and more. For more information, or to receive an application, please call your child’s school or the school nurse.
Rosie Noble, School District Nurse Voice mail ext. 452 ......................................293-9536
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Volunteer Coordination
The Volunteer Services office recruits parents and community members to serve in volunteer capacities to assist staff and students in a variety of roles before, during and after school including, but not limited to: tutoring individual students, tutoring small groups, classroom assistants, assist with special projects, clerical/administrative duties, committee participation, etc. Visit the Volunteer Coordination Web Page for more information.
Jayne Branch, Volunteer Coordinator ..............................................293-1234
Community Resource Development
Anacortes schools have a long tradition of parent and community volunteer involvement, citizen participation and continuing support through levy endorsements and bond issues. Each of the six schools has active PTA’s (Parent/Teacher Associations) and Site Councils consisting of parents, community, and school representatives. Visit the Community Resource Development Web Page for more information.
Jayne Branch, Volunteer Coordinator ..............................................293-1234
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