Student Support Services

English Speakers of Other Languages

ESOL is a program for students whose native language is NOT English. Students who are identified as non-native speakers are assessed on their English Proficiency at their grade level to determine the need for services. Children who qualify for this service receive personalized English lessons, the frequency of which depends upon the student’s proficiency in English. Students who receive services are re-assessed annually to monitor growth and evaluate the continued need for services.

Guidance

The guidance counselors, Callie Brinkman-Lilly (grades 3-5) and Ann Logan (K-2) work with teachers to assist children in becoming more independent, taking responsibility for themselves, cooperating, problem-solving, and developing a positive self-image. They will get to know all students through joining some classroom lessons and teaching guidance lessons at their assigned grade levels. During the year, they may run small groups, offer individual check-ins, or consult with teams as well.

Little Harbour works with outside agencies to provide counseling at school during school hours. Mrs. Brinkman-Lilly and Ms. Logan are the contacts to gain information about this community resource and to assist with the paperwork for intake appointments.

Reading Support

Little Harbour staff recognize the value and need for intervention services, particularly in the lower grades. Reading Specialists work alongside classroom teachers in K-5 to help reach all students in an effective way; this may include running book groups, conferencing with students or supporting FUNDATIONS double dose groups. Students at Little Harbour who are determined to be at-risk or achieving below expected benchmarks in reading may be eligible for direct and targeted reading support from the Reading Team in addition to their classroom instruction. The need for additional support in reading is determined by assessment data and teacher input. Parents whose children are receiving direct and targeted support from the reading team are provided with progress notes and recommendations along with report cards.

Intervention Supports

Little Harbour staff recognize the value and need for intervention services, particularly in the lower grades. We have two general interventions who work alongside classroom teachers in K-5 to help reach all students in an effective way; together with the classroom teachers and Reading Specialists, the interventionists will determine the best way to meet the needs of the group. While this support generally helps to support students in math, this may include math intervention groups, extension or challenge groups, writing support or classroom support during instructional time.

The need for additional support in math is determined by assessment data and teacher input. Parents whose children are receiving direct and targeted support from an interventionist are provided with progress notes and recommendations along with report cards.

Child Study Team

The Child Study Team (CST) is a resource for all staff who are concerned about a child’s growth and progress. The Child Study Team acts as a brainstorming body to help address academic, emotional, and behavioral concerns in a positive way while also reviewing data regarding student progress. Team recommendations may include instructional ideas or strategies, teacher resources or a sharing of techniques and tools. Teams are made up of grade level teachers, administration, special education staff and a reading specialist. At times, this team is a pre-referral process for special education, and may recommend a disposition meeting to consider special education evaluations.

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