As with any learning context, there are times when students require additional time and reinforcements in order to be successful academically, socially and/or emotionally. Such programs to support students are available to children at Nishuane, as in all schools throughout the district. The relevant approach is considered for any students for whom a concern arises and a need is identified. As partners in the education community, parents and guardians are consulted and informed during each phase of the process. We aim to partner with families as we seek to facilitate student growth and positive academic experiences.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports & Student Support Committee
Academic support is offered to students who are not on benchmark levels throughout the school year in English Language Arts and mathematics by implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Teachers assist children regularly as part of their differentiated instruction. If a child does not respond to this Tier I support, then the classroom teacher will provide additional targeted instruction throughout an intervention cycle. This Tier II instruction occurs in addition to regular instruction and takes place three times a week in the classroom. Tier III instruction, which is provided by a curriculum support teacher in a small group pull out setting, is available to students who need even more intensive support in a particular intervention cycle and is in addition to regular classroom instruction four to five times a week.
Nishuane also has a Student Support Committee (SSC) that develops an Action Plan containing goals, interventions, and a timeline for the plan's duration to meet the needs of individual learners. The SSC follows a multidisciplinary approach with a well-articulated system of supportive activities and services for staff who have identified student difficulties and those who will be involved in the amelioration of the identified educational concerns.
Gifted & Talented
As per a New Jersey Department of Education mandate (NJSA 18A:7A-5d), our
district will identify gifted and talented students. Gifted & Talented is the district’s approach to addressing the needs of students who are academically advanced. In Montclair, our response is guided by the principles of differentiation. At Nishuane, teachers will provide differentiation in the classroom for all students in the content areas of English Language Arts and/or math. Additional information pertaining to the Montclair Public Schools gifted and talented programming may be found at the following
link: https://www.montclair.k12.nj.us/departments/equity_curriculum_instruction/gifted__ _talented_education
English as a Second Language
Identified Multilingual Learners (MLs) receive daily English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction from a certified ESL teacher. Additionally, homeroom teachers of MLs have received training on strategies in the area of Sheltered English Instruction to make subject-area content rigorous, culturally relevant, and comprehensible for MLs.
The Child Study Team
The Child Study Team determines pupil eligibility for Special Education and related services in accordance with federal and state requirements under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and N.J.A.C. 6A:14.
Speech Therapy
The speech therapist provides services to children for articulation and language development. Sessions occur according to the student's needs.
Auditory Support Therapy
A specialist provides support services to hearing-impaired students. The therapist meets with identified children according to the students' needs.
Occupational Therapy
A certified occupational therapist works with identified students on fine motor development or other needs as identified through an evaluation.
Physical Therapy
A certified physical therapist works with classified students on gross motor development or other needs as identified through an evaluation.
School Counselor
A full-time counselor is available to provide assistance to children when they need emotional support. Students have a safe place in which to process feelings and talk. A student may see the counselor once about a particular incident or may meet over a longer period of time depending on the child’s needs. When long-term counseling becomes necessary, caregivers are notified for their input and consent. The counselor’s goal is to establish a positive relationship between school and home so students can be supported and have a wonderful school experience. The counselor also conducts lessons on social skills in classrooms, as a proactive measure toward building a kind, safe, and respectful school community. Please inform the school of changes (family, environment, etc.) that may affect your child’s physical and emotional health.
*School Counselor: Amillah Williamson (Email: [email protected]/Phone: 973- 509-4222 ext. 15715)
School Nurse (973-509-4236)
The school nurse is on duty full time at Nishuane. Caregivers will receive either a call from the nurse or a note in the child’s backpack to confirm a visit to the nurse. Caregivers or an emergency contact are also notified when a child becomes ill during the school day. According to Montclair Board of Education policy, there are specific instances such as an elevated temperature, vomiting, and skin rashes that require children to be excluded from school. A child may also be excluded based on the clinical assessment of the nurse.
Please note: in accordance with district policy, the school nurse does not administer any herbal, homeopathic, or dietary supplements.
* Please see additional helpful information from the Health Office under the section entitled Health and Wellness.
*
School Nurse: Anne Ndungu, RN (Email:
[email protected]/Phone: 973-509- 4236)
Individual Health Plans
The nurse develops Individual Health Plans (IHP) for students with documented medical conditions. If you believe that your child is in need of an IHP, please contact the nurse.
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, education, and accessibility (facilities). Section 504 prohibits discrimination against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of handicap in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals, on the basis of handicap, with respect to employment, or the benefits, services, or activities of a public entity. Under both acts, the definition on “individual with a disability” is one who: Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, walking, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks; or Has a record of such impairment; or Is regarded as having such impairment.
● Eligibility and accommodations for a 504 Plan are determined by the 504 Committee in accordance with Section
504.
● Any questions or concerns pertaining to Section 504 and/or individual 504 Plans should be directed to the administration who lead the building 504 Committee.