Student Assistance
If you find that you are having difficulty in school with academics or personal issues, there are people in the high school who can help:
School Counselor
School Counselors are certified educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. They are vital members of the education team and maximize student success by helping them realize their educational strengths and apply academic achievement strategies. School counselors guide students in making realistic post-secondary plans (higher education, work force, and military) and help students achieve success with their personal and social development.
School Psychologist
The school psychologist acts as a consultant-advocate for students in a wide variety of educational and social adjustment domains. In addition, this individual may act as a resource and provide information on community specialists, agencies and available programs. Students who wish to utilize the service of the school psychologist may make an appointment in the school psychologist’s office or through the Counseling Office. Parents, teachers and others may also request that the psychologist have contact with a particular student.
Student Assistance Counselor
The Student Assistance Counselor supports students and families by providing counseling, education, and referral services related to: mental health, substance abuse, healthy relationships, transition/adjustment, divorce and separation, grief and loss and self-harm and suicide. Students may make appointments in the School Counseling Office to see the Student Assistance Counselor who is also available to students in crisis. Students are also encouraged to refer peers to the Student Assistance Counselor, which can be done confidentially.
For additional Mental Health Support Services, please click here
Health Services
An experienced health staff consisting of a school physician, school nurse and health office assistant, is available to students. A physical appraisal is required for all tenth grade students. In addition, students competing in athletics or seeking working papers must receive a physical examination by a physician. Students who have specific concerns about any aspect of their physical health are encouraged to meet with a member of the health services staff.
Academic Intervention Services
English
Academic intervention services in English are offered through this remedial lab. Students who have failed the Common Core English Regents Exam are required to take the lab until they achieve success on the Regents exam. Students who are in danger of failing the Common Core English Regents Exam are also scheduled for this lab in order to better prepare for this test.
Global History
This remedial lab offers academic intervention services to students who have not yet passed the New York Regents Examination in Global History. Also, students who may require additional development of social studies skills may be placed in this lab as preparation for the state assessment. Course content and test taking skills are emphasized.
Math
This lab will offer academic intervention services to two groups of students who will meet on separate rotations. The first group (Course #943R) are those students who have not yet taken or have not yet passed the New York State Common Core Algebra Regents examination and who will take the exam in January. The second group (Course #943A) are those students whose scores on the Eighth Grade state math assessment and/or teacher recommendation have indicated that they may require additional support in mastering the material in Algebra. Ninth graders enrolled in Algebra who are new to the district may also be scheduled for this lab. Students in this lab will prepare for the June Common Core Algebra Regents exam. Students in either lab will meet every other rotation.
Remedial Reading
A reading specialist is available to work with students who require assistance. Performance below the district standardized test reference point or the NYS ELA reference point and/or teacher recommendation qualify a student for services. Such services are offered on a group basis. In order to help the greatest number of students, the reading specialist works closely with the English Department which emphasizes reading skills as a major part of the English curriculum.
Science
This remediation period is provided to assist students in meeting the graduation requirements in science. The State Education Department mandates this remediation for students who score below the state performance level on the 8th grade science assessment or the Living Environment Regents Exam.
United States History
This remedial lab offers academic intervention services to students who have not yet passed the New York State Regents examination in United States History. Also, students who may require additional development of social studies skills may be placed in this lab as preparation for the state assessment. Course content and test taking skills are emphasized.
English as a New Language (ENL)
Students identified as English Language Learners (ELLs) are expected to achieve the same standards- based goals established by the Board of Regents for all students. In accordance with the Commissioner’s Regulation Part 154, ELLS who score below specified levels on the NYSITELL or NYSESLAT exam shall receive language proficiency and academic support services based on designated units of study and provided through integrated instruction in content area courses and stand-alone ENL classes.
Specialized Student Support Program
For students who may be experiencing academic/social challenges, may be eligible for our TASC Program. Please contact the School Counseling Office for more information.
Speech/Language Therapy
Qualified students who wish help in improving their speech may take advantage of this service. Meeting on a regular basis with a speech/language therapist provides the opportunity to gain in self-confidence and to correct any problems which make it difficult for the student to communicate clearly with others.
Special Education
Special Education is available to students with disabilities upon completion of an appropriate evaluation, program visitation by parent, student and staff, consultation with parents, approval by the building Pupil Service Team, the District Committee on Special Education, the Board of Education and the parents. Based on the educational needs of the student, the following options are available: Resource Room (RR), Special Class (SPCL) and Consultant Teacher Services (CT). The Resource Room program is for students who participate in mainstream classes and require academic support in the areas of reading, math and/or language arts. Special Class is for students who require core academic instruction within a special educational setting. SPCL students have access to our elective offerings. CT support is provided to students who are mainstreamed 100% of the day that require support from a special education teacher, but who do not need a special education program.
Confidentiality of Records
A cumulative record (K-12) for each student enrolled at Shaker High School is maintained by the Counseling Department subject to specified Board of Education Policy and approved administrative regulations. Students, by appointment with their counselors, are entitled to receive an interpretation of all information contained in their records. Parents, or persons in parental roles, are also authorized to review, by appointment, their child’s record as well and receive an interpretation of it from appropriate school personnel. However, no third party including peace officers, lawyers, or agents shall be permitted access to information contained in any student’s record without the expressed written permission of the person in a parental relationship to the student or the written permission of a student eighteen years or older.