Special Services Team

 

GUIDANCE HIGHLIGHTS

 

            The opening of school appeared to be an easy transition for most students. They seemed eager to return and begin a new school year.  In a matter of a few weeks, students have their schedules and lockers down pat.  Guidance is always available to help in your child’s transition.  We have begun to touch base with many students and will continue to send passes throughout the school year.  In addition to seeing students individually, a number of transition and “new student” groups are up and running.  A student survey will be conducted to determine student interests and needs for other groups.  These groups are facilitated by our support staff.

            Please note that beginning with this year, Connecticut Mastery Tests will now be administered in the Spring.  The window of testing is March 1st through March 28th.  In addition, both seventh and eighth graders will be taking the test. 

            Remember that we value your input.  It is our belief that in working together as a team, we will help your child to reach his or her potential.  Linda Raskin, 7th grade counselor, can be reached at 392-3203.  Bobbie Miller, 8th grade counselor, can be reached at 392-3206.   We look forward to working with both you and your child.

 

READING

 

Help is always available if your child is struggling with reading.  Barbara Ceneri assists seventh and eighth grade students in the Reading Center with reading comprehension and decoding.  Jennifer Bshara works in the Reading Center as well, and she visits seventh and eighth grade classrooms to provide further reading comprehension strategies to all students school-wide.  One of our main goals is to better prepare your child to take the Connecticut Mastery Test in March.  As we prepare for this test, we also hope to encourage your child to apply reading comprehension and test-taking strategies in all of their subject areas.

The following are some suggestions to promote reading growth in your child:

  • Encourage daily reading
  • Set a good example by reading for enjoyment
  • Read the same book as your child and discuss it
  • Visit your local library regularly

Please do not hesitate to contact us at 392-2130 if you have any concerns or questions.

SUPPORT STAFF

School Psychologist 

Linda DeCesare, School Psychologist, is a member of the Student Assistance Team, Student Study Team, Crisis Resource Team, Functional Behavior Team, and Planning and Placement Team at both Amity Middle School Orange and the High School. Her services include individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, parent/teacher consultations, and psychological evaluations for students grades seven through twelve. The student support groups include topics such as: divorce, social skills, adolescent issues, and taking responsibility. She is active in various student projects and team activities on topics such as Multiple Intelligences and Character Development. She has presented student workshops and class presentations on the topics of stress, disabilities, and respect. For staff, she has facilitated trainings on a variety of adolescent and special education issues.

Outreach Counselor

Noreen Julian, Outreach Counselor, works with middle school students and their families at both Bethany and Orange Campuses. Her services include individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, consultations, and community support. Ms. Julian is a member of the Student Study Team, Character Education Committee, Crisis Intervention Team, and Functional Behavioral Intervention Team at each school. She presents student workshops, classroom presentations, in-service training for staff and parent workshops.  As a liaison to the community, she is a member of the Orange Drug and Alcohol Action Committee, the BOWA Collaborative, and the Woodbridge Youth Advisory Committee.

Web News

Want to find information about adolescent development, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, substance abuse, family issues, or disciplining your teen? Check out the brand new web page, “Resources for Parents and Teachers” at http://www.amityregion5.org. Click on the Support Services button to gain access to books, articles and websites covering a wide range of topics.

SPECIAL EDUCATION – RESOURCE ROOMS

 

            Special Education supports students with a variety of learning differences in and out of the classroom.  Our goal is to meet individual student needs that have been identified by our support team.  Nancy Hughes services students in grade 8.  The paraprofessionals who work with her are Paula Vallie and Mario Friello.  Vicki Fielosh supports seventh grade students along with paraprofessionals Joyce Cap and Myriam Fernandez. 

This month support services will kick off a “Harry Potter read-a-long.”  Students will have the opportunity to sign up to read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire during their flex period.  Upon completing the book, we are planning a field trip to see the movie that will be released this November. 

 

 

V.O.C.A.L. CLASSROOM

 

The V.O.C.A.L program was created four years ago in the Amity school system. The class services special needs students by including them in academic classes, accessing the community, and teaching pre-vocational skills, Integra, and activities of daily living and socialization skills.

We are a very busy group. Shopping for our student run business requires us to travel to Costco once a week. You may have seen us swimming at the High Plans Community Center on Thursday afternoons or eating lunch at the Olive Garden practicing our reading, math and language skills.

Andrea Kennedy and Lynn Edwards are co-advisors to Student Council. All of the students in the V.O.C.A.L. class are members. Since completing our 1st fundraiser of the year, a food drive to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, we are off to a running start!   Our next event will be the Halloween party scheduled for October 21st.   Student Council meets after school on Thursday afternoons.

 

Fabulous Friends is another club the classroom sponsors.  Everyone is encouraged to join the club at some point during the year. We plan parties and special activities for a group of children from A.C.E.S. on a bi-monthly basis.   The club will meet once a month on Tuesdays; some of our events will include a Thanksgiving dinner, Valentines party, and mini- field day.

If you or your child has any questions about the classroom or opportunities to join our clubs, please contact me at 392-2121.