GENERAL INFORMATION

The Student Success Center (SSC) helps all students achieve academic success by providing targeted resources and support. We assist high achievers seeking greater challenges, students who learn differently, those needing concept reinforcement, and students catching up after absences. Our educational team collaborates with students, teachers, and parents to ensure comprehensive support.

St. Rita Catholic School is committed to educating all students to the best of our ability. However, as a private institution, we do not receive state or federal funding for specialized programs or extra money to staff the SSC. We rely on partnerships with parents, outside specialists, tutors, and local school districts to provide additional support when needed.

Our approach focuses on differentiation and targeted interventions within the general education curriculum. We provide reasonable academic accommodations to help students demonstrate their learning without barriers, but we do not modify grade-level curriculum standards. All students, with and without disabilities, learn together in general education classrooms where consistent academic expectations are maintained.

This inclusive model ensures students develop the skills necessary for future academic success while receiving appropriate support to reach their full potential within our rigorous academic program.

Any student experiencing academic difficulty is eligible to receive support, consultation, screening, and referral services.  Students with diagnosed learning disorders, in particular, are encouraged to seek services and may qualify for specific academic accommodations. These students will have a formal written plan (SAP) on file that outlines their eligible accommodations. This plan is implemented and monitored by the Learning Specialist for each grade, as well as the Dean of Student Success. Please refer to the Guidelines for Psychoeducational Assessments for specific accommodations as well as the documentation requirements for consideration of any accommodations.

Please note all Accommodation Paperwork including Teacher Evaluations must go through the Student Success Center Team. Please contact Courtney Howard, Dean of the Student Success Center at choward@strita.net for any paperwork needs. 

Please allow teachers 14 school days to complete paperwork. Teachers are not required to fill out paperwork over summer break.

SSC SUPPORT TEAM CONTACT INFO:

ACCOMMODATIONS & ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Accommodations Provided:*

• Extended time on tests

•  Preferential seating

•  Reduced Penalty for Misspellings

•  Use of Word Banks

•  Access to a copy of the notes with a good-faith effort

•  Scantron exemption/hard copy of tests

•  Four-Function Calculators

•  Use of a laptop for writing assignments.

•  Testing in a separate location (when available)

*NOTE: We cannot provide a reader for tests.

Academic Support Programs Offered at St. Rita include:

•   Language Lab (CALT) second semester 1st through 4th Grade

•   Instructional Support Specialists 1st through 8th Grade 

•   ISEE Prep 7th and 8th grade optional elective

•   Support with High School Application Process

•   Executive Function Support

•   Space for private tutors, therapists, CALT, and DISD therapists

•   Specialized Middle School Schedule Accommodations for students with Therapy/ Tutoring Needs

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION PLAN (SAP)

When a student receives a diagnosis from a professional evaluator, diagnostician, or physician, the SSC team creates a Student Accommodation Plan (SAP) based on the evaluator's recommendations. This plan outlines specific accommodations and strategies for teachers working with the student.

The SSC team reviews and updates each SAP every three years, or more frequently as needed. Parents receive a copy of their child's SAP and must provide written approval before any accommodations can be implemented.

To maintain services, all students must undergo a professional reevaluation at least every three years, which aligns with federal requirements and standardized testing protocols (e.g., ERB, ISEE). While St. Rita reviews each student's individual needs, we may be unable to provide certain accommodations due to the limitations of our program structure and available resources.

OUTSIDE THERAPISTS, TUTORS, OR SERVICE PROVIDERS

All non-St. Rita employees must provide the following documentation to support our students academically. 

• Annual Background Check, Safe Environment, and Fingerprinting (Please contact Susan Sheetz at ssheetz@stritaparish.net )

• Diocesan Agreement for On-site Tutoring Services between School, Parent, and Service Provider must be completed and on file in the SSC. Please complete and send to Marjorie Lane at mlane@strita.net 

• Copy of General Liability Insurance 

Please understand space is limited during the school day and we will do our best to find a consistent location for service providers but your patience and flexibility are appreciated.