Student Support Services

FAQ

What's an I&RS Plan?

Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) is a state mandate to help children without disabilities gain additional support in the classroom when needed. The I&RS Team at our school is currently comprised of a special education teacher, a general education teacher, the school psychologist, the learning consultant, the building principal and the school counselor. Together, we meet with classroom teachers and parents (upon request) to develop strategies to help children with behavioral, social and academic needs at school. Suggested strategies are written into an I&RS Action Plan, which is revisited every few weeks. If the strategy is successful, the teacher will continue the practice or discontinue the practice as appropriate, and the plan will close. If the suggested strategies are not working, the team will revisit the plan and develop a new course of action. Plans are revisited until the strategies are successful. An I&RS Plan is not part of the special education program.

What's a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a document that provides accommodations to students with disabilities. This link from KidsHealth.org gives and excellent overview, but you may also want to consult the US Department of Education website for more details on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Our 504 Team is comprised of the same members as the I&RS Team. A 504 Plan is not part of the special education program.

Why have an Anti- bullying Specialist?

I am very proud of the stand-up behavior the students in our school display every day. They are caring to their peers and respectful to their teachers. However, student misconduct will occur, and at times it may meet the state criteria for Harassment, Initiation and Bullying (HIB).  Bullying has a very specific definition in New Jersey. You can read the full definition on the state Dept. of Education website: 

http://www.state.nj.us/education/students/safety/behavior/hib/

We take accusations of bullying very seriously. All alleged incidents of bullying will be fully investigated by the Anti- Bullying Specialist, as mandated by state law. You will be notified by the building principal or her proxy if your child is involved in an alleged HIB incident. 

Does my family qualify for homeless status?

The Federal McKinney-Vento Act protects homeless students. Students are considered homeless when they and their primary care-givers are:

• In a shelter In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation

• In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station

• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

You can learn more about the rights of homeless students here: https://nche.ed.gov/downloads/briefs/service_providers.pdf

Please contact me if you believe you may qualify.

When can my child attend the preschool program?

• Children must be at least 3 years old on or before 10/1 to be eligible to attend this year. Enrollment is on-going, by appointment only. Please contact Mrs. Smith in the Main Office for an appointment at (609)693-3131 x110. 

• PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING:               

• Original Birth Certificate (child must be at least 3 years old on or before 10/1)

• Immunization Record

• 2 Proofs of Residency (One proof must be proof of ownership i.e. tax bill, mortgage statement, homeowner insurance or a rental agreement.  Second proof may be a utility bill.)

• Custody papers, if applicable

• Please note:  the adult registering the child must be parent or legal guardian. 

• The school website, www.OTSDK6.org, will always have the most up-to-date information for families.

How can I become more involved at school?

• Join the PTO

• Volunteer in our library or a classroom

• Participate in one of our ECAC events or join our advisory board

  • What is ECAC?

    • https://www.nj.gov/education/ece/ecac/ECAC%20Role%20and%20Design.pptx