Special Services
Health Screenings Update: According to Pennsylvania education law, height and weight measurements shall be conducted at least once annually and preferably twice annually. Every effort shall be made to determine the pattern of growth for each child so that his or her weight can be interpreted in light of his or her own growth pattern rather than those of his or her classmates. Recently, the Department of Health aligned their Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile categories with those established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Most BMI screenings at Clarion-Limestone have already been done, reflecting the previous BMI-for-age percentile categories. When reading your child's report, please use the updated BMI-for-age percentile categories:
BMI less than 5th percentile - underweight
BMI between 5th and 85th percentiles - healthy weight
BMI between 85th and 95th percentiles - overweight
BMI equal to or greater than 95th percentile - obese
The Clarion-Limestone Elementary School has a Schoolwide Title Program. Please contact Mrs. Robin Cumpston, /Federal Programs Coordinator (rcumpston@clasd.net) if you would like additional information about this progra
After 4 Tutoring
The Clarion-Limestone Elementary School offers an after-school tutoring program for students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. Please contact Mrs. Meghan Ferraro, School Psychologist/Federal Programs Coordinator (mferraro@clasd.net), or Mrs. Bethany Bertoni, After 4 Program Coordinator (bbertoni@clasd.net), if you would like additional information about this program.
Intramurals
Intramural programs are offered after school throughout the school year for students in grades 4, 5 and 6. Programs include activities such as bicycle rides, scavenger hunts, zumba, and sports. Students are required to pay a fee of $5 per year to participate, and an additional fee if the program requires entry. To sign up, download the form under the Forms & Documents tab and return to the office. For more information, please contact the program coordinator, Mrs. Johnston, at the school.
Gifted Programs
Action is for students who have the potential to function at a superior level of performance. Students are grouped with other gifted students in a small group setting two and one half- hours per week. The team follows a child study process when you have concerns about your child’s education, which may lead to a referral for special education services or gifted programming. First, please contact the child’s teacher(s) to discuss your concerns. If your child is having difficulty, they may be referred to the Child Study Team (CST) at the elementary level. This team works together to provide interventions, adaptations, and assistance to enable the student to make adequate academic progress. The Child Study Team reviews these interventions to determine whether additional information and /or an evaluation is needed. The Child Study Team process ensures that each student is educated in the least restricted environment.
The information collected and reviewed consists of work samples, standardized exam results, curriculum based assessment, performance based assessment, Accelerated Reader, current grades, and a description of adaptations made by the teacher or teachers. For gifted referrals, a teacher “input form” and a description of gifted characteristics observed is also reviewed. After reviewing the information, the Child Study Team meets to determine whether further assessment is warranted.
It is imperative to remember that prior to an evaluation for special education services, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education (22.PA Code Chapters 14 and 432) Standards and Regulations for Special Education Programs and Services mandates that interventions or adaptations be provided and the results documented prior to conducting a formal evaluation for special education services.
For gifted education services, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education (22.PA Code Chapter 16) Standards and Regulations require that a child have an IQ score of 130 or higher on a standardized intelligence test, and/ or multiple criteria. This includes: achievement and test scores, acquisition and retention rates, demonstrated achievement, performance or expertise in one or more academic areas and higher level thinking skills. Academic creativity, leadership skills, academic interest areas, communication skills, and expertise in technology can be evaluated. The student must also demonstrate the need for individualized instruction. If you have any questions about the referral process, please contact the principal.