Student Support Services

There are a variety of support programs available for elementary students to help them achieve their potential as successful learners.  Teachers may make referrals to the principal when they believe that a student may benefit from one of our support programs.  Parents may also make referrals for a support program for their child by contacting the elementary office.  The following programs are available in the elementary school: 

 

Guidance Programs	Mrs. Brittany Jury,  School Counselor
Special Education Services	Mr. Joseph Gorham, Special Education Supervisor

 

Guidance Programs 

Short-term counseling sessions:  

one to one, usually relating to a specific concern that affects the student’s academic progress.  Typical range of meetings is one to five sessions of fifteen to thirty minutes in length. Parents will be given referrals to local agencies if their child has a need for more intensive counseling.

 

Support groups:
All students of WVES are invited to participate in the in-school groups (H.U.G.S.- Helping Us Grow Strong).  These groups are open to everyone and participation does not indicate a problem.  The groups will meet approximately 6-8 times, and they will serve to provide children with support.  In addition, the participants learn that other children are experiencing similar feelings and circumstances. We will work with the classroom teachers to ensure that the students will not be missing instructional time.  Groups will be held throughout the school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mrs. Shimock.  We look forward to working with your child. Groups being offered this year are as follows:

 1.  SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS: This group is designed for children who are having difficulty making and keeping friends, sharing and caring, having respect for others and cooperating.  We will also address issues and feelings associated with peer relations, such as jealousy, teasing, problem-solving and accepting consequences.

 2.  CHANGING FAMILIES GROUPS: Addressing the needs of children whose parents are recently separated, divorced, or remarried.  We will discuss feelings and concerns, and will work on coping and adapting skills.

 3.  ANGER MANAGEMENT/SELF-CONTROL GROUPS: This group is designed for children who have a difficult time managing their anger or having self-control over their emotions.  They will be introduced to anger management techniques and strategies for expressing their feelings in appropriate ways.

 4.  HUGS DISCUSSION GROUPS:  This group is designed to give children an opportunity for small group discussion. The topics will be generated by the children with a focus on peer, academic, or school issues and current events.  The goal is to allow children to explore their thoughts/concerns around these topics in a supportive environment with their peers.

 5.  STRESS/ANXIETY GROUPS: This group addresses the needs of children who place too many demands on themselves or for those who are excessively worried about day-to-day events.  We will discuss what stress does to the body, how to ease up without changing our standards, and how to relax.

 6. WALKING CLUB GROUPS: This group is designed for all children who would like to learn more about the benefits of physical exercise.  We will discuss the importance of daily exercise and good eating habits, and will go on a brisk walk around school grounds when we meet.

 

Developmental Programs:
These programs are presented four to six times a year to various grade levels.  Programs are of an informational nature, from thirty to forty minutes in length, depending upon grade level.  Topics include: following rules, making friends, who am I?, coping with stress, anger management, growing up and liking it, firearm safety, drug and alcohol prevention, career awareness, conflict resolution, and problem solving.  

 

Big Viking/ Little Viking:
Elementary students who may need more support/attention in an informal non-therapeutic setting are referred by teachers or staff to be included in the Big Viking / Little Viking program.  Students in 11th and 12th grade who volunteer time during their activity program are assigned to one or two students to meet one day every other week .  Activities include games, crafts, legos, or computer time.

 

Crisis Management:
Whenever there is a crisis, either affecting the school as a whole, or a student as an individual, services are offered and/or organized through the guidance services office under the direction of Mrs. Elizabeth Shimock.

 

 

Special Education Programs

The following special education programs are available in our building to students who have met the state requirements for eligibility.  Specialists, including a school psychologist, offer testing for eligibility for these programs in our school.

 

Speech and Language class:   for students who have delays in speech or language or who have articulation difficulties (pronouncing letters/sounds correctly). 

 

Itinerant learning support:   for those students who need minimal learning support, a special education teacher meets with them once or twice a week to assist with study skills and academic assistance. 

 

Part-time learning support:   there are several of these classes in our school.  Students attend these classes for subjects where they need substantial modifications to the regular curriculum in order to meet with success. 

 

Gifted program:   Eligibility is determined by student achievement on tests given by the school psychologist.  Standardized test scores and grades are also examined.  A variety of enrichment programs are offered, based on student interest.